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Around 1882-1883 the Union Pacific Railroad started construction of a branch line between
Pendleton and Walla Walla along Wild Horse Creek. After laying track for about 14 miles,
construction was halted while engineers and surveyors decided how to cross Dry Creek Canyon
between Weston and Milton-Freewater further northeast. As it was late summer, a few shacks
were thrown up for the railroad crew to winter over while waiting for a solution to the problem.
The shacks were located on the farms of John F. Adams and Mrs. M. Hol[d]man along Wild Horse
Creek. The track problem was not resolved for about two years. It was then determined
that the railroad would follow up Wild Horse to Centerville (present-day Athena), cross
Pine Creek about a mile below Weston, and pass near Blue Mountain Station.
The railroad ran until the late 1940's until it was torn out in the 1980's.
[Train tressle picture]
The Adams Real Estate Association, formed in 1883 was started with the
following people: John F. Adams, President; P.A. Worthington, Secretary
and Treasurer; H.C. Adams, C.F. Bulfinch, I.E. Saling, I.T. Reese and
J.T. Redman. The area was then plotted and named "Adams" as it was considered
that John F. Adams was the first citizen.
The area borders on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and is surrounded
by splendid farming country. The principal crops are wheat and barley.
The first postmaster, who was also the first druggist, was W.H. McCoy,
who was shortly succeeded by Ingwall Hanson. Mr. Hanson, known far and
wide as "Cheap Charlie," ran the first confectionery, tobacco and gent’s
furnishing store.
The first general merchandise store was run by Reese & Redman. They built
the building on the southwest corner of Main and Centers streets and in
the fall of 1884 erected the fireproof brick now occupied by the Adams
Store and Café. [Adams Store 1993 and 2001, the
Adams Band Mural]
The first saloons in town were run by I.D. Ferguson, R.M. Grasty, S.P.
Whitley, commonly known as "Doc," and J.H. Wilson. The first livery and
feed stable was built and run by R.M. O’Brian. Samuel Calvert opened the
first meat market. I.P. Howell erected and ran the Hotel Oregon for a
number of years. Dr. G.W. King first undertook the care of the health
of the people of the new town. C.A. Barrett was the pioneer hardware dealer
but was shortly succeeded by the Holdman Brothers. H.C. Wheeler was the
pioneer barber and stayed in Adams until the boom of Post Falls, Washington,
enticed him to move on.
A party by the name of McIntyre started the first blacksmith shop but was very soon succeeded
by J.T. Lieuallen, who early became identified with the city and the family has remained in
the Adams area, sharing all the ups and downs; taking things as they come, always ready to do
whatever seems to be in the best interests of the city.
Early in the spring of 1884, D.Sills began the manufacture of brick. For
a time he had more orders than he could fill. The brick buildings erected
by L.M. Simpson on the southwest corner of Main and Wade (City Hall and
Library) and the fireproof building of Reese & Redman (Adams Store and
Café) and the residence on the northwest corner of Morrison and Preston
streets (Keith Wilkes) were built from this kiln, besides several large
buildings in Pendleton and other places.
Adams has always been a great wheat center. W.J. Snodgrass of La Grande,
erected a warehouse the first season, as did Reese and Redman. All the
room in both warehouses being filled the first year and a large quantity
piled on the outside. Thos. S. Fletcher was the first man to start a steam
chop mill.
J.L. Hodges, carpenter and contractor in the early days, endeavored to furnish a cheaper power
by utilizing our native breezes, but failed to make it pay.
As the bodily health of man was looked after in the early days, so the
spiritual needs were also taken into consideration. Accordingly the Episcopalians
put up a building on the south side of Center Street. The first pastor
was W.E. Potwine of Weston. The M.E. church followed with a church edifice
on the south side of Wade Street. The Baptist church followed a little
later.
The public school building was erected in the fall of 1883.
The town has had it ups and downs. At its first flood tide in 1885, Sept.
18, the Adams Times began its career under the pilotage of M. Armstrong.
The town was not yet in such a settled condition as to support a paper
and after a short and varied existence, it died on May 22, 1886 to became
a memory. Later, on Nov. 8, 1901, the Adams Advance began its existence
and was in operation for a few short years before it also became a memory.
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City Council: the Mayor and five elected Council members meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 190 N. Main, [the old IOOF building].
Adams City Hall 566-9380
City Fax 566-2077
Library 566-3038
Fire Department: Adams is part of the East Umatilla County Rural Fire District which is
staffed by volunteer firemen.
Emergency: 911
Fire Department 566-3210
Fire Chief 566-2311
Local Fire Chief 566-9186
Police:
Emergency: 911
County Sheriff: 278-6290
State Police: 276-2121
Ambulance:
Emergency: 911
Athena/Weston 566-3813
Pendleton 276-1442
Water Department: Well water is provided by the City. Water use is regulated and charges include base rate plus charge for usage over the base. All new residents should contact City hall regarding water use regulations and charges. No new or altered connections may be made to the system without contact the Water Department.
Electricity: Provided by Pacific Power and Light, 1-888-221-7070
Telephone: Operated by Qwest. For billing and service information,
call 1-800-244-1111
Internet Access: The Adams area is serviced by several local, as well as national, Internet Service Providers. Check the yellow pages for a current list of providers.
Garbage: Picked up Thursday mornings by Humbert Refuse and Recycling Inc. of Milton-Freewater. 1-541-938-4188. They also operate a landfill west of Athena. Call for seasonal hours.
Television: Cable service is available through Charter Communications in Pendleton: 276-2821.
Postal Service: A full-service post office is located at 230 Old Highway 11. Mail is delivered to rented post office boxes. Current postmaster is Mardell Oertwich. Hours are 8:00am-11:00am and 1:00pm-5:00pm five days a week. Mail is delivered on Saturday, but the counter is not open. Adams has the ZIP Code of 97810. The Post Office phone number is 566-2689.
Newspapers: Several newspapers are available. Home delivery is provided by the East Oregonian from Pendleton, 276-2211; and the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, 1-509-525-3300. The Oregonian has a vending machine at the Post Office. USA Today and Agri-Times are available by mail.
Free copies of the Adams American Newsletter are available to be picked up at the post office, store, library and City Hall.
Adams Store and Café: Marilyn Lieuallan and Barbara Beamer purchased the Adams Store
& Cafe in 2001, and finished the renovation begun by previous owners. The faded lettering on
the front was revitalized and awnings were added, as well as an up-to-date commercial kitchen.
The cafe serves breakfast from 6:30 am to 11:00, and lunch from 11:00 - 2:00. The store features
canned goods and basic commodities, including dairy and produce.
Zoning: Adams has a zoning code for Residential, Commericial, Industrial, Agricultural, Historic and Flood Plain use. Before making any structural changes, additions, new contruction, changes in use, or keeping of livestock, etc., contact City Hall for applicable regulations.
Right of Way: Alleys and Rights of Ways must be kept clear of obstructions. Citizens are responsible for the care of the Right of Way and/or Alley adjoining their property. These areas should be kept clear and mowed.
Park: Situated in the center of town is the Adams City Park, including a lighted tennis court, play equipment, an area for playing basketball, and picnic tables. Public restrooms are across the street in a cinderblock building that is open from March through October, closed after curfew.
Curfew: The city curfew hours are from 10 pm -6 am.
Voting: Voting is by mail. contact Umatilla County Election Department to register: 278-6254.
Byrnes Oil is a commercial card-loc gas station located in the downtown section.
The Adams Ladies Club has been in existence since about 1906. The
group promotes activities for the enjoyment and advancement of the community
and encourages community spirit. We welcome all interested women to join
us in our efforts. The Ladies Club meets the 2nd Thursday at 1:30 pm in
the Ladies Club Parlor on Main Street [pic], starting in October and ending
in May. December meeting is the third Thursday to prepare for the Christmas
program. Dues are only $1.00, but donations are accepted. Women who cannot
attend daytime meetings are welcome to join and participate in evening
or weekend activities. Some of the activities have included Halloween
of Harvest party in October, Community Thanksgiving Potluck in November,
Community Christmas program in December, Arts and Craft Show in February,
Easter Egg Hunt at Easter time, and Adams Day in April, in conjunction
with the Little League Opening Day. Watch the post office bulletin board
and the Adams Store window for announcements of community activities.
The Adams Community Church as we know it today, began in April of 1980. The building housing the sanctuary dates back to what was known as the Adams Community Sunday School, which was dedicated in April, 1952. The Friendship Center, adjoining the church, was dedicated in April 1987.
The church is interdenominational Christian. No one denominational creed or doctrine is emphasized. There is no formal membership required for participation.
Worship services are conducted each Sunday morning at 9:00 am. Communion is offered monthly, usually the firs Sunday of the month. Children are normally present in the sanctuary during the early part of the service, then are dismissed to their Sunday School classes. Children’s stories are provided by various members of the congregation, special musical presentations are an occasional treat. child care is provided as needed with a babysitter for children under the age of 4.
Following the worship service all are invited to the Friendship Center for fellowship and refreshments. Members take turns furnishing the refreshments.
Serving the Adams Community Church currently is the Reverend Rod Harwood.[link to newsletter archives]
The church board consists of 5 members. A new member is elected each February for a 6-year term with one member retiring.
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