Regular readers of the Philomath News may notice a few of the history-related columns that I compile and publish on a weekly basis.
Just last week, I brought back the From the Past column that I had been putting together for years. And then there is the Mount Union Stories series that has been running since the beginning of this news site — thanks to a sponsorship from the Mount Union Cemetery Association. As such, I spend a fair amount of time looking through old newspapers to gather material.
Although Philomath was not incorporated as a city until 1882, the community had been around since 1867 with the founding of Philomath College. With my interest in history, I thought it might be interesting to see if I could find the first five mentions of “Philomath” in old Oregon news pages (at least the ones that I can access online).
Following are the search results:
1. “New College” (Oct. 28, 1865)
The Albany Democrat’s edition of Oct. 28, 1865, included a one-paragraph story about a new college in the vicinity.
“The members of the religious denomination of United Brethren in Oregon propose to erect and found a College on Mary’s river, five miles from Corvallis, the ensuing summer, to be called “Philomath College.” The Gazette says over $18,000 are already subscribed for that purpose. The building is to be of brick, sixty by one hundred feet, and two stories.”
Note: This Albany Democrat item references a story on the same topic that appeared in the Corvallis Gazette (that newspaper’s October 1865 archives were not available for this search).
2. “Philomath” (Dec. 22, 1865)
Later the same year, the Salem-based Oregon Statesman had a short article on Philomath College. The following short item appeared in its Christmas 1865 edition:
“This new town near Corvallis has already assumed a substantial basis. The Gazette says that lots in the new town sold very rapidly at good prices, at the late sale.”
Note: Again, this story references the Corvallis Gazette (and again, those 1865 issues are not available to me).
3. “New Town” (Aug. 4, 1866)
The following letter to the editor signed by “Observer” was dated Aug. 1, 1866 and appeared in the Corvallis Gazette’s edition of Aug. 4, 1866:
“Being at the new and enterprising town of Philomath, situated on Mary’s river, about six miles west of Corvallis, one day last week, I found quite a business place; there were two buildings raised that day — one a blacksmith shop, the other is for a planing machine, sash and door factory, etc. The engine is on the ground, with all the necessary apparatus for doing business, in a workman-like manner, and will be ready to commence operations in a few days.
“The work on the college building is progressing. Several teams are engaged in hauling material; the foundation is being laid of large rock, loaded and unloaded by machinery. The enterprising firm of Elliott & Wilson are rushing their contract for furnishing the brick for the building; the smoke of one kiln curls in the air, already; and the work of moulding and setting the brick for another, goes on; they employ fourteen men. There are twenty to thirty men engaged in the construction of this institution of learning.
“We noticed several large piles of lumber, scattered in different places about the grounds and, upon inquiry, found that several houses will go up the present season; there are now four families living in this new town, and about twice as many more are making improvements, with the intention of settling there this fall as soon as the school shall commence its first term. We say success to this enterprise.”
4. “Accident (Aug. 11, 1866)
The next story I came across actually does not mention the college but an unfortunate (and painful-sounding) accident involving a man who fell on a scythe — which was a hand tool used back in the day to mow grass, harvest crops, etc.
“Mr. Milton Howell, residing near Philomath, on last Saturday afternoon, received a frightful wound in the right groin, by being thrown from a load of hay upon a scythe. Drs. Lee and Sharples were called, sewed up the wound, and the man was doing well at last accounts.”
5. “Fourth of July” (May 4, 1867)
Finally, a search provided the following item in the Corvallis Gazette’s edition of May 4, 1867:
“It is time the people were beginning to think of the “glorious Fourth.” We are informed that Prof. Geo. P. Newell, of extensive musical notoriety, is preparing to give a grand Floral concert at, or near Philomath, in this county, on the coming anniversary of our National Independence. Can’t we have a rousing time, in old Benton county? Who’ll be the first to suggest how and where?”
(Brad Fuqua is publisher/editor of the Philomath News. He can be reached at News@PhilomathNews.com).