Old Mill District

So today I decided to take a drive through the Old Mill District so that you can see some of what its like. Yup a lot of shopping if you like that, and no I didn't do any as I don't like to shop, leaving that up to you when you come.

History of the Old Mill District:
I borrowed this information for your reading pleasure so hope no one minds

The City of Bend graces the Banks of the Deschutes River, which is draped like a silver ribbon between the Cascade Mountain Range and the high desert plateaus of Oregon's central interior.

Originally a small mill town, Bend has emerged as a full service city, the largest city in Central Oregon and Oregon's fastest growing.

Drake Park's Mirror Pond, Bend, Oregon

Timber Sawmills Defined Bend Oregon's Early Development

Around the turn of the 20th century, trappers, ranchers, and loggers carved out a living near the town that eventually became the Deschutes County Seat. Then as now, Bend is the commercial, retail, and service center for a region that nearly stretches from the Washington State line to the California border. With the arrival of a rail line to Bend in 1911, lumber and agricultural products could be economically shipped to outside markets.

By the 1920's three mills operated by Shevlin-Hixon and two operated by Brooks-Scanlon dominated the local economy and brought significant population and employment growth. By the 1950's, timber resources began to show signs of strain, when Shevlin-Hixon closed all three mills and sold its Central Oregon holdings to Brooks-Scanlon. In an effort to better utilize the declining supply of wood fiber, timber companies diversified into moldings, particleboard and plywood manufacturing during the 1960s and 70s.

The Old Mill District in Bend Oregon Today

The Mill Quarter is on the same property where Brooks Scanlon operated their plant. Several historic buildings have been renovated and provide a workplace for a variety of businesses.

In the early 1980's the community hit an economic low point with nearly a quarter of the workforce unemployed. About this time community leaders pursued tourism development as an additional leg to its economic foundation and as a tool for broader diversification efforts. Success of this strategy has been felt through the 1990s as the community attracted new investment in nearly all sectors, and through a solid "critical mass" of quality amenities for both residents and visitors, has also built an industry presence in computer software and hardware, medical equipment, aerospace, and recreation equipment manufacturing.

Regal Cinemas 16 check here for show times




I saw this as we were driving by and just took a photo not realizing what it really was till I downloaded the photos so Here is the link to the Working Wonders Children Museum . I had never heard of it before. So if you have small kids and coming to the area it may be something to check out, check there scheduleing to see what they have planned.



So I hope you enjoyed the ride down some of the streets and i know you will make your own photos if you ever get here. And be sure to Click on all photos for better viewing

Well another day in beautiful Central Oregon till next time