read: 542 / emailed: 0 / share: email
October 06, 2011
Linn County's rural history comes to life
Thompson's Mills
One mile east of Shedd on Boston Mill Drive, just west of I-5 south of Albany, Thompson's Mills is a unique reminder of Oregon rural life over the past 150 years. It is the oldest water-powered grain mill in the state; its system of waterways, dams, control gates, ditches and dikes moved water from the Calapooia River to the mill head gates since 1858. A water right that predates statehood produced the water flow that ran the milling machines. Pioneer families came with their grain crops and left with the flour that would keep them through the coming year. The site also includes a Queen Anne-style residence.
Visitors to the mill today will see antique milling machinery, hand-hewn timbers and mortise-and-tenon construction. Interpretive exhibits. The mill race and tail race are open to fishing.
The mill is open daily for tours by Oregon State Parks rangers or hosts. Due to changes in the water supply for the mill, it is not operational during fire season. For more on the mill, visit www.bostonmill.org or www.oregonstateparks.org/park_256.php or call (541) 491-3611.
Rock Hill School
The Rock Hill School is a restored typical one-room schoolhouse of the early 20th century located on the winding, country Rock Hill Drive, approximately 4 1/2 miles south of Lebanon. The current structure is the fifth school building to occupy the site, continuing a tradition dating back to 1853. It is open to tours by arrangement and each September the Rock Hill School Foundation holds an open house to which the public is invited. For more information call (541) 451-3027.
Shedd Museum
At 29990 First St. Pioneer Shedd family; community memorabilia, including Civil War and Oregon Trail items and fine collectibles. Open by appointment. (541) 369-2317, (541) 491-3707 or (541) 491-3730.
