Gopher Valley facts for kids

Gopher Valley is a beautiful valley located in Yamhill County, Oregon, in the United States. It's a place with a rich history. A small community called Gopher, Oregon used to exist within this valley. It even had its own post office for a few years, from 1899 to 1905.

Where is Gopher Valley?

Gopher Valley is found on the hills north of Oregon Route 18. It's about two miles (3 km) east of the town of Sheridan. The valley starts at about 200 feet (61 m) high at its south end. It then rises to over 2,000 feet (610 m) at the top of the hills. This area includes good farmland and forests. The Gopher Valley covers about 20 square miles (52 km2). A stream called Deer Creek flows through the valley. It eventually reaches the South Yamhill River.

A Look at Gopher Valley's Past

Early Settlers and Land Claims

The first settlers arrived in Gopher Valley around 1850. This was about seven years after people started settling in the nearby Yamhill Valley. Many of these early "Gopherites" claimed large pieces of land, often 640 acres (2.6 km2). Later settlers could only claim half that amount. This was because of changes to the Donation Land Claim Act after 1850. Some of the first families included Stephen Hussey, Joseph Pearson, and William Toney.

How Gopher Valley Got Its Name

An old map from 1851 called this area "Gopher Hole." Some people tried to change the name to Lebanon Valley. However, the settlers were already used to "Gopher." Plus, there was already a town called Lebanon in another county. People have wondered if the name came from the valley's shape. But it's unlikely, as there were no airplanes or detailed maps back then to see its shape from above.

Schools in the Valley

The first school in Gopher Valley was built around the middle of the valley. In the 1880s, it was called Lebanon Valley School District 36. But local newspapers often called it the Gopher Valley school. Another school, District 42, was also started around the same time. It was first known as Fremont, then later as McKinley school. A third school, Ryan’s Mill (District 82), opened in 1894. It was later called Osman School and then Deer Creek School. Sadly, at least two of these schools burned down. By 1949, all three school districts had joined together with the Sheridan school district.

The Gopher Post Office

Edward H. Taylor was the only postmaster for the Gopher community. He was appointed in 1895. People would pick up their mail at his house, which was about six miles (10 km) from Sheridan. He later moved the post office to a small room in the Hussey home. A window and slots were cut into the wall for mail. People received mail several times a week. The post office officially closed in 1905.

Timber Industry and Community Life

The timber industry grew a lot in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many lumber mills were built in Gopher Valley. Some of the first were Ryan’s Mill and Stowe’s Mill. Later, Thomson’s Mill was built, and a road was named after it. Most of these mills were in the northern part of the valley. At one time, logs were even floated down the valley in a special channel to a sawmill.

One memorable person from the valley was Red Snyder. He started working at Stowe’s Mill around 1908 or 1910. Red lived in the valley for most of his life, except for serving in World War I. He loved to share stories about the people and events in the valley. Red even remembered seeing many deer and elk running through the valley in the mid-1930s. They were trying to escape the big Tillamook Burn forest fires.

Pioneer Cemeteries

There are at least two old pioneer cemeteries in Gopher Valley. One is on the Agee family's land, and the other is on the Hussey family's land. The Agee Cemetery is larger, covering about an acre. It's near Deer Creek, past the paved road. Isaac Agee and his wife Cordilla are buried there. The Hussey Cemetery is across the road, near the end of the pavement. Nathan Hussey and two of his daughters are buried there.

Daily Life for Early Settlers

Most of the first male settlers were farmers. This meant they also had to be blacksmiths. They made and fixed their own farm tools. Their first homes were simple cabins, and all their furniture was handmade. Women often made clothes at home using spinning wheels. Sometimes, they even had looms. Men's clothing was often made from animal hides. The main goals for these pioneers were to raise their families and find food.

Electricity came to the upper part of the valley in the early 1940s. Even in the 1960s, the community would still gather for potluck meals on summer Sundays.

Images for kids

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  Mist rising above Gopher Valley.