From the Twisp Chamber of Commerce:
The Methow Valley literally has its roots in Twisp, whose origins stretch back to two short-lived gold booms in 1858 and 1880. But it wasn't until August 5, 1897, that Henry C. Glover established Gloversville (now Twisp) as the first recorded town plat in the Methow.
Five months later, on January 22, 1898, Twisp was officially a name on the map, just nine years after Washington Territory became the 42nd state.
The word Twisp is a modification of the native-American word, "T-wapsp", which means "yellow Jacket", and "Twistsp", which means "sound of the buzzing wasp". The sunflower capital of the state and the eastern gateway to the North Cascades National Park, Twisp was largely dependent upon logging until the mid-1980s. In 1941, Otto Wagner established the Twisp-Wagner Lumber Company in Twisp, which eventually employed 400 people. Today, the principal industries include lumber, cattle ranching, agriculture, and tourism.
One of the most influential natural events to occur in Twisp was the flood of 1948, which caused more than $4 million in damages and completely destroyed three state highway bridges as well as extensively damaging six others. Another significant natural event which forever changed the Methow Valley was the great freeze of 1968, when temperatures were recorded at 50¼F below 0. That freeze killed many of the Valley's orchards, most of which were never re-planted.
Other significant dates in the history of Twisp are:
1903 - Joshua Risley opens the Twisp Opera House.
1911 - The eight-room Twisp High School, now the Community Center, is built with bricks made locally from red clay found on the hillside near the Loup Loup Highway Junction of Hwy. 20 and 153.
1911 - The Methow Valley attempts to form its own county with Twisp as the county seat, but the legislative bill never makes it out of committee.
1941 - An addition is made to the Twisp High School.
1972 - The North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) is completed, connecting the Methow Valley to the west side of the state. Tourism becomes a major industry for Twisp and the neighboring towns in the Methow.
July 4, 1997 - Twisp celebrated its centennial birthday.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Winthrop's History
From the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce:
For 9000 years Native Americans lived along the banks of the Methow, Twisp and Chewuch rivers, digging camas root, picking berries, fishing and hunting. The first white men to visit the valley were trappers in the 1800's.
But it was in 1883 when the lure of gold brought the first permanent white settlers, three of which were James Ramsey, Ben Pearrygin and Guy Waring. Waring stopped at the forks of the Chewuch and Methow rivers in 1891 where he and his family settled into the "Castle" (now the Shafer Museum).
Although Waring is the acclaimed founding father, the town is named after Theodore Winthrop, a Yale graduate, adventurer/traveler and gifted 19th century author. The town was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1893. Waring's original Duck Brand Saloon (considered the best run saloon in the country by numerous church publications) was built in 1891.
It survived the fire and is now Winthrop's Town Hall. Waring's "Methow Trading Company" operated for 49 years beginning in 1897.
Owen Wister, Waring's Harvard roommate, wrote The Virginian, American's first western novel, after honey-mooning in Winthrop.
In 1972, when State Highway 20 was nearing completion over the North Cascades, several business people began planning for travelers passing through the town. Mrs. Kathryn Wagner and her husband Otto came up with the idea of a western restoration. All of the local merchants pitched in financially and Mrs. Wagner paid the balance for the reconstruction, painting and new signs.
The architect and designer was Robert Jorgenson of Leavenworth, Washington who wanted "to make the design as authentic as possible in order to preserve the spirit of the valley". The original signs were created by Chet Endrezzi.
Cattle drives, medicine shows, pack trains and the mystique of the old west are still part of the Methow Valley experience. Almost completely surrounded by National Forest, State Game Range and Wilderness areas, Winthrop and the upper Methow Valley beckons adventurers of all kinds.
For 9000 years Native Americans lived along the banks of the Methow, Twisp and Chewuch rivers, digging camas root, picking berries, fishing and hunting. The first white men to visit the valley were trappers in the 1800's.
But it was in 1883 when the lure of gold brought the first permanent white settlers, three of which were James Ramsey, Ben Pearrygin and Guy Waring. Waring stopped at the forks of the Chewuch and Methow rivers in 1891 where he and his family settled into the "Castle" (now the Shafer Museum).
Although Waring is the acclaimed founding father, the town is named after Theodore Winthrop, a Yale graduate, adventurer/traveler and gifted 19th century author. The town was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1893. Waring's original Duck Brand Saloon (considered the best run saloon in the country by numerous church publications) was built in 1891.
It survived the fire and is now Winthrop's Town Hall. Waring's "Methow Trading Company" operated for 49 years beginning in 1897.
Owen Wister, Waring's Harvard roommate, wrote The Virginian, American's first western novel, after honey-mooning in Winthrop.
In 1972, when State Highway 20 was nearing completion over the North Cascades, several business people began planning for travelers passing through the town. Mrs. Kathryn Wagner and her husband Otto came up with the idea of a western restoration. All of the local merchants pitched in financially and Mrs. Wagner paid the balance for the reconstruction, painting and new signs.
The architect and designer was Robert Jorgenson of Leavenworth, Washington who wanted "to make the design as authentic as possible in order to preserve the spirit of the valley". The original signs were created by Chet Endrezzi.
Cattle drives, medicine shows, pack trains and the mystique of the old west are still part of the Methow Valley experience. Almost completely surrounded by National Forest, State Game Range and Wilderness areas, Winthrop and the upper Methow Valley beckons adventurers of all kinds.
Friday, December 26, 2008
First-Time Buyers
As you are searching for your new home or property, please remember that I can suggest relevant properties, provide leads and help you gather pertinent information on the properties you may have questions about, no matter who they are currently listed with. If you will keep me updated on the properties that are of interest to you, I will be happy to do the homework for you.
My "First-Time Buyer" pick for December. Enjoy!
My "First-Time Buyer" pick for December. Enjoy!
...
As I entered the home below, it reminded me of the tree house you dreamed about having as a kid. No, it's not in a tree, but has many, many levels to it and it is set in a beautifully treed lot. Even the bathroom is on a separate level on its own. It will be sold furnished (sweet!), and the entry way is perfect for several mountain bikes, skis, or backpacking gear. This is a first-time home owners Methow dream come true!
As I entered the home below, it reminded me of the tree house you dreamed about having as a kid. No, it's not in a tree, but has many, many levels to it and it is set in a beautifully treed lot. Even the bathroom is on a separate level on its own. It will be sold furnished (sweet!), and the entry way is perfect for several mountain bikes, skis, or backpacking gear. This is a first-time home owners Methow dream come true!
Mazama - Perfect for first-time buyer, this rustic four season cedar furnished cabin is ideal for that weekend retreat, and is located on a nicely treed setting. It is situated close to Lost River and has quick and easy access to National Forest hiking trails. Home has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. The private community of Lost River features a landing strip for small aircraft and property owner's use. Community water system and snow clearing. List Price: $142,500.00, Sq Ft: 504, Lot Size .69 Acres, NWMLS #: 28054038, www.cbwin.com/listings.html
Inquiries please call 509-996-2121 or 800-321-4482 and ask for Linda.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
First Snow
The first snow of the season fell yesterday! Where I live, in between Mazama and Winthrop, we now have 3-4 inches on the ground. This morning I walked through the new snow out to the Methow River and took the pictures below. Enjoy!
A Close-up of the Ying Yang Symbol.
Wild rose hips after the first snow.
Do you see the Ying-Yang symbol that shows up every winter on Lucky Jim (above)?
.
A Close-up of the Ying Yang Symbol.
Wild rose hips after the first snow. 
A snowshoe hare had been out earlier in the morning enjoying the winter’s first snow too.
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