If you have read articles of mine in the past, then you know that Spalding Mill is always popping up (a reference to “The Library Mural”.) Spalding Mill, the only mill in Grants Pass, opened in 1906. It was run by brothers Elmer and Eldon Spalding. Spalding & Son was incorporated in the 1940s. According to a 1998 article by Mail Tribune, “The company specializes in large timber custom orders.” Spalding Mill had to shut down in 1998 due to lumber shortages and poor market conditions. For such a simple business, it is seemingly impossible to avoid discussion of it. Perhaps this is because of how rooted it is in Grants Pass history. The mill no longer exists– it was recently demolished– but it will likely stay an influential part of Grants Pass history.

Named after General U.S. Grant, Grants Pass’ history is centered around trains. The railroad tracks run through the downtown portion of Grants Pass. If one were to have gone to elementary school here, then they may remember going on field trips where the bus would have to pass through the tracks. It was always of utmost importance that everyone was dead silent as the bus went over the tracks. According to WDBO, Orlando’s news and talk radio, “laws in all 50 states require bus drivers to not only come to a full stop at all railroad crossings but they’re required to open their front door and driver side window to LISTEN in addition to look for oncoming trains.” This was because of an accident in Utah where a bus driver did not look across the train tracks; that led to the bus being t-boned by an 82-car freight train. You can find the Grants Pass tracks making an appearance in many family and senior photos. I remember the track from always falling over it on Saturdays. Speaking of Saturdays, let’s talk about the… 

Fort Vannoy Farm is located on Lower River Road, but its farmstand is on Upper River Road. After Walter Senior and his wife moved to Grants Pass, the farm began in the 1920s. Currently, the farm stands with 63 years of experience. According to Fort Vannoy Farms, “Operations of Fort Vannoy Farms are managed by Bob and Barbara Crouse.” It is most known for its Halloween festivities and involvement with the Growers Market. In general, Fort Vannoy Farm has been involved with this community. The people at Fort Vannoy are always so kind. Many Grants Passians have such fond memories surrounding their pumpkin patch. Next Halloween, get lost in the corn maze with a worthy, warty pumpkin.