Page two of two of Pacific City History.
To read page one, go here
A hotel was built around 1895 called the Sea
View and later named the Edmundes Hotel. Visitors from the Willamette
Valley stayed at the hotel and nearby campgrounds. There was a fishing
dock, recreation hall (Dance Hall), and store along the river at the foot
of Ferry Road where a hand operated ferry would shuttle pedestrians, wagons,
buckboards, and eventually autos across the river to the ocean beach. A
wooden plank road was built down Ferry Street to keep the autos from becoming
stuck in the sand.
Kelp ore was discovered in 1904 by Thomas Brooten
(pronounced Brahton) who built a large compound to which patients from
all over the US (and some foreign countries) came for the healing properties
of the ore. The resort was later turned over to his son H.H. Brooten
who ran the business for many years. The sick would bathe in special baths,
apply it directly to the skin, or take it by mouth. There appeared
to be redeeming properties to the ore and it was used by many as a last
resort to heal their ailment. This helped put the area on the map (literally).
The famous Brooten Kelp Ore Resort flourished until it's peak during the
1920s when an outbreak of tuberculosis eventually closed the enterprise.
Because of confusion with another Ocean Park
in Washington, the name was changed in 1909 to Pacific City and a Post
Office was established. By 1910, a school was built attended by about
12 children the first year. A weekly publication called the "The
Pacific City Lookout" publicized the the ecstasy of living at the new resort
area. The town prospered and grew with many new businesses being established
to accommodate the growing number of visitors as well as the permanent
residents.
In 1926, with the once plentiful salmon population
dwindling, there was an outcry by non-commercial fishermen to stop the
unmanaged harvest. A state law was passed to close the bay and it's
tributaries to commercial fishing (still in effect today). This action
was instrumental in developing Pacific City's famous Dory Fleet who would
launch their double ended fishing boats off the beach into the surf.
Although in use during the early 1900's, the dories came into their own
now. Entering the open sea was dangerous when crossing the bar at
the mouth of the Nestucca Bay, so these hearty souls would battle the surf
to gain access to the salmon off shore. Pacific City is one of only
a couple dory surf launches on the west coast even today. The first
dories were launched into the surf by horses as well as motor vehicles.
During the 60's and 70's, the dory fleet numbered well into the several
hundreds whose catch were bought by several fish buying stations.
With larger commercial fishing vessels eventually supplying the demand
for salmon, the Dory Fleet has slowly dwindled to only a few today.
However, there are many of the old dories still being launched by recreational
fishermen keeping the tradition very much alive.
Pacific City prospered during the 20's through
good promotion being the closest and easiest access to the ocean from the
Willamette Valley. The Airport was built which attracted numerous
aviators and barnstormers. However, other roads were eventually opened
to the coast, and with the depression of the 30's (coupled with the new
fishing restrictions) the town suffered. However, the town recovered
somewhat as Brooten Road was built during the 30's allowing easier access
from the newly developing highway. A bridge was built across the
Big Nestucca for pedestrians and autos to reach the beach. The bridge
was designed and constructed so the planks could be removed during the
winter runoff preventing the bridge from being washed away. This
bridge has been replaced a couple of times over the years. Then,
during the 50's, the CCC crews were enlisted to plant Holland Grass on
the dunes thus stabilizing them for building homes. The State of
Oregon took over the operation of the airport and improved it substantially
attracting new interest. So many people moved to Pacific City from
the McMinnville area, they referred to their hillside homes as McMinnville
Heights. In 1960, the road to the sandlake junction was completed
making yet another avenue to travel and attracting yet more tourism.
By now, Pacific City had established itself as a vacation destination and
perfect get-a-way from what had become a busy Portland and Willamette Valley.
The annual salmon and steelhead run still bring sports fishermen from all
over the State (and the US for that matter). And, as it was over
a hundred years ago, the pristine beach is still irresistible for family
fun.
Many old timers in town, along with some long
time visitors, claim Pacific City has changed alot during the last 40 years.
However, compared to other coastal towns, it remains a relatively undeveloped
quaint village and has retained everything that originally attracted early
settlers and visitors. Pacific City is still unincorporated and has
no mayor or city council. Bordered on three sides by BLM land, and
the Pacific Ocean on the forth, further development of the area will be
greatly restricted.
Progress is slower today than it was a hundred
years ago....
Pacific City has a long history and a bright
future....
Historical Photos Page 1 Historical Photos Page 2
Historical Dory Photos
Want more history? Check out
Pacific City Library History
