2014 Edition
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I was out to Shaniko, Oregon in
2011,
2012,
2013,
2014,
2014 and
2014.
GETTING THERE: I-84 to The Dalles. SR 197 to Maupin (there's one gas station here).
Bakeoven Road to Shaniko. SR 218 South to Antelope. Back up 218 to Shaniko.
SR 97 to Biggs Junction.
It was a gorgeous Fall day. Chilly starting out but got toasty warm by the time
we got to Boyd, Oregon. Not many more warm, clear dry bluebird days left in 2014.
First stop was at the Ghost Town of Boyd, Oregon where we did a scouting mission
last year.
Boyd was a town in Wasco County, Oregon, United States, disincorporated in 1955,
and now vacant except for a few abandoned homes, weathered outbuildings, and a
derelict wooden grain elevator surrounded by the wheat fields, which still produce
the grain that used to fill it. The site of the former settlement is 9.5 miles
(15.3 km) southeast of The Dalles, on the east side of U.S. Route 197 from which
it is visible at a distance.
During the western migration, settlers traversing the Barlow Road would have
passed through or near Boyd as early as 1847, but the earliest recorded community
was established over a decade later, when gold was discovered near John Day in 1861,
and a larger strike the next year in Canyon City, Oregon.
The spot near the banks of Fifteenmile Creek that would become the community of Boyd
was already a stagecoach stop, with an inn, Eleven Mile House. The area became a
busy one when as many as 150 miners, 200 pack animals, and ten to twelve freight
wagons left The Dalles for Canyon City every day. Freight wagon and pack team
traffic brought the need for wayfarer accommodations, a blacksmith, wheelwrights
and livery stables, so a community developed around Eleven Mile House. It also
served the growing number of homesteaders farming in the immediate vicinity.
In 1863, a schoolhouse was built on Fifteenmile Creek east of Boyd. The school
building was also used for religious services. The community continued to grow.
A flour mill was built, ultimately purchased by a T.P. Boyd and his four sons,
after whom the town was to be named. The U.S. Government granted a post office
under that name, which was located in the general store.
The community still increasing in size, a town plat was drawn in 1895, several
businesses sprang up, and a Methodist church established, sharing a pastor with
the congregation in Dufur, Oregon. The Boyd school became District #21.
The Great Southern Railroad began passing directly through town in 1905 and
carrying passengers, freight, mail and wheat, and Boyd thrived until the 1923
construction of The Dalles - California Highway, now U.S. Route 197, bypassed
the town. The following years were difficult for the little town. The Great
Depression took its toll on local business, already suffering from low wheat
prices and decreasing numbers of travelers whom those businesses served. The
convenience of trips to nearby Dufur and The Dalles made merchant services in
Boyd superfluous. The Post office was closed in 1952.
Here's pictures of our visit to the Boyd, Oregon
Star #23 Rebekah Lodge Community Cemetery in 2014.
Here's even pictures of our visit to the Boyd, Oregon
Star #23 Rebekah Lodge Community Cemetery in 2014.
Pictures of past rides to Boyd:
2014
2013
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