More Sightseeing October 16, 2013

Rockaway Beach, Oregon High 63 Low 39

 

The high today was supposed to be 63, but I don’t think it got that warm. There was a little wind, so that may be why I felt cold all day. While we were out walking in the RV Park, we came upon this little guy, sunning himself on a rock. I got a couple of pictures, which I admit aren't that clear, but I guess I got too close, because he ran away and hid. Cindy says I must be having Alaska withdrawals if I have to include this picture of wildlife, but it is the only wildlife I saw today.

I guess, because of the wind, the day wasn't quite as hazy as yesterday.

 This afternoon we went to the old town of Wheeler, which is only a couple of miles from us, just to see some of the sights there. There is a train parked there, which we found out runs on Saturday and Sunday in the month of October, for two trips toward Tillamook.

 History

The city of Wheeler with the commanding view of the Nehalem Bay has some of the most interesting pre-Oregon history beginning with Frances Drake repairing his ship in the summer of 1579 and the wreck of a 1700′s Spanish Galleon.  In 1856, the first survey of the town was made by the US Geological Survey team.

It is not uncommon to find references in early documents to Edward and Nancy Gervais.  Edward was the grandson of Coboway, the Chief of the Chinook tribe at the time of Lewis and Clark.  Nancy Gervais was the last full- blooded Nehalem Native American.

The village was founded as a mill town in 1910 by lumberman Coleman H. (“C.H.”) Wheeler, for whom it is named. Wheeler operated a saw mill called the Wheeler Lumber Company which he founded in 1912. Wheeler died about 1920.

The success of the town was, in part, due to the railroad – mainly freight trains hauling lumber products from mills in Wheeler. By 1981, the Port of Tillamook Bay was operating the line from Tillamook to Wheeler and still does, providing short “Fun Run” trains from Garibaldi to Wheeler and the Nehalem Bay Winery in Mohler, as well as full- and half-day runs into the Salmonberry Canyon in the summer (BBQ train) and fall (Fall Foliage Runs in September, October and November).

In 1920, the Rinehart Arthritis Clinic opened in Wheeler and became quite well known. Now a general practice clinic serving the Nehalem Bay Area, the Rinehard Clinic is still a vital asset to Wheeler and the surrounding villages and is headed by Dr. Harry Rinehart, a third generation descendant of the founding Rinehart.

During the 70′s, an economic downturn resulted in the closing of many large employing businesses in the area, and Wheeler’s economy suffered as a result. In the early 1990′s, residents of the area decided to revitalize their town. The Wheeler Business Association was organized and began to attract new employers and visitors. Wheeler changed into a vital, interesting place to live, work, pursue the arts and come for a visit.

 I thought the picture of all the fishing boats at the dock was interesting.

 

 I also got this picture of one of the pictures in the train station, which shows how Wheeler looked in 1913, and the same picture in 2013. Most of the buildings are still standing today. I liked the old cars from 1913.

 The town has several Antique Shops, and Cindy got a picture from the Antique Mall and also a picture of a quilt on the wall.

    

We spent part of the day getting ready to move tomorrow. We will stay here until noon, when we’re required to leave, because we can’t check into the next Park till 3:00 and we only have about an hour and a half drive.

Thanks for visiting.