SVFD Spaghetti Feed 2012

Fall in Sumpter means falling leaves, cooler temps, and lots of pasta at the Sumpter Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Spaghetti Feed.  Judging by all the smiles and laughter, this year’s spaghetti feed was another great success!

The SVFD Auxiliary would like to give thanks to all the friends, neighbors, and guests who helped the Auxiliary raise over $1,000.00!  Thanks to the overwhelming support, and hard work of  Auxiliary volunteers, including the help of some cheery firefighters, after expenses, the Auxiliary will be able to give the Fire Department nearly $800.00!

The spirit of volunteerism was evident among all the smiles and laughter.  Everyone seemed to have a good time.

Here are just a few of our favorite photos from the spaghetti feed……..

To see more photos of the 2012 spaghetti feed visit: facebook.com/exploresumpter

See you next year!

A Great Big Sesquicentennial Thanks…….

The Sesquicentennial Committee would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who made The Sumpter Sesquicentennial Gala Weekend so much fun……!

 

The Sumpter Municipal Museum would like to thank the Antique Appraisers for coming again, and whose hard work made the 2012 Sumpter Museum Antique Fair another success:

 

Amy Giandomenico of Prairie City Antiques, Jan & Judy Jefferies of Ky-Yo-Te Antiques of John Day, Leo Page of Windfall Antiques of Baker City, and Frank Bishop of De Je Vu Antiques of Baker City.

 

And of course, thanks to the Sumpter Valley Museum Association volunteers for their hard work in arranging the Antique Fair!

 

We would also like to thank Mr. Gary Dielman of The Baker County Library for his interesting slide show presentation of “Sumpter Before the Fire.”

 

A big thanks to members of the Eastern Oregon Regional Theater for their presentation of “Thar’s Gold in Them Thar Teeth” which, judging by all the hearty laughter, was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. It being an outdoor performance added a bit of spice as the villainous Dr. D.K. Molar took on the SVRR Heisler No. 3′s tugboat whistle and stage hands grappled with sudden gusts of wind. Only one set flat threatened to blow over however, and heroine Flossie Daily’s hat stayed put, except when her hero, Dr. Phil De Tooth, wanted it off.

 

A very warm thank you goes to Lorraine Wells for her spinning demonstrations that were greatly appreciated by both organizers and visitors. Lorraine set up her beautiful spinning wheel in the front room of the house that served as the Dredge Superintendent’s home during the 1913-1924 years of gold dredging in Sumpter Valley. We would also like to thank Oregon State Parks & Recreation Dept. for allowing us to use the State Heritage Area for our activities;  which included croquet on the back lawn. We want to be sure to thank State Park Ranger Miranda Krane for her assistance in arranging our use of the property.

 

The day came to a delicious close with a Pancake Supper at the Schoolhouse Community Center. And we would like to send special thank you to Friends of Sumpter Valley Community (the reorganized Breakfast Club) for their work in hosting about 50 people with good food and relaxed conversation.

 

Now that we have thanked everyone….we would like to remind you that the final Sesquicentennial event will be held on Oct 13^th and 14th. This will be the Sesquicentennial Finale!   The SVRR Fall Foliage/Photographer Train is running both days, and the Superintendent’s House will be the site of a photo exhibit highlighting things to do and see in the Greater Sumpter Valley and Mt Ireland area. To have your photos included, please contact LeAnne Woolf….

 

PO Box 99, Sumpter, 97877  ~  541-894-2303 ~  leannemywo@aol.com

 

Photos must be able to stand on their own, be it on heavy cardstock, in matting, on foam board, or otherwise stiffened. If you wish to offer a photo for sale, you are welcome to include a business card with your exhibit. Captions are requested.

 

Ideas for photo subjects: birds, mountains, weather, wildlife, wildflowers, hiking, biking, ATV riding, snowmobiling, etc. Ideally photos were taken (or will be taken) within 20 miles of Sumpter.

What a great time………….!  

We want to be sure to thank everyone who volunteered their time to make this a great event….but we especially want to thank our Sesquicentennial Chairperson who really put her heart into this grand event  ~ LeAnne Woolf ~  We all thank her for the time and energy which she has been investing in Sumpter all summer!

Thanks LeAnne!

Sumpter Sesquicentennial

“Sumpter Clown Band” Photo courtesy of Baker County Library Historic Photo Archive

Okay…so we’re using that big word again…..but it really only means Sumpter is 150 years old this year! We got the party started at Music in The Meadow in Aug. (see photos here)  and now we are continuing the party next Sat – Sept 15th.  Everyone is invited ! Check out what we’ve got planned…….

Fri, Sep 14th ~  SVFD Auxiliary Bingo at the Schoolhouse Community Center, pot up to $421

Sat Sep 15th ~ Sesquicentennial Gala and Antiques Appraisal Fair          (activities center around the museum and Dredge Superintendent’s House area…..except where otherwise noted… bring a picnic basket and blanket or eat locally!

9 a.m……. Sumpter Municipal Museum opens for appraisals (Only $5 per item!)

You will receive a ticket for each item you submit for appraisal so you may claim your item later….show your ticket to receive 10% off a ride on the SVRY!

9 a.m……..Family games begin in backyard of Dredge Superintendent’s House (croquet, bean bag toss, ladder golf)

9 a.m…….. photo station with intermittent sightings of petting zoo

10 a.m……. Masons and Eastern Star Open House at Masonic Lodge         Columbia and Granite, light refreshments ~ celebrating over 108 years in Sumpter!

11 a.m……. Trail Tenders arrive from Oregon Trail Interpretive Center     don’t be shy about talking with them...they love to talk history!   (ask about Stephen Meek and the Lost Wagon Train and how a blue bucket led to gold becoming Baker County’s earliest industry)

11 a.m……. Spinning demonstration, questions welcome

1 p.m……. Spinning demonstration, questions welcome

2 p.m………. Eastern Oregon Regional Theater presents “Thar’s Gold in Them Thar Teeth”  ~ on the front porch of the Superintendent’s House

4 p.m……….Gary Dielman presents “Sumpter Before the Fire” in the museum ~ (free admission) games and appraisals close;

5 p.m ~ 8 p.m………Pancake Supper at Sumpter Schoolhouse Community Center     475 N. Mill St.  just North of the Stage Stop Gas Station…..pancakes, sausage or ham, fruit, juices and coffee, donations welcome.  presented by the Friends of Sumpter Valley Community

6 p.m……….Costume Contest at Sumpter Schoolhouse Community Center    475 N. Mill St.  just North of the Stage Stop Gas Station…..old-fashioned dress, best beard, etc.

Admission to all the fun is by donation only….just look for the donation container on the photo station.  For more information, please call 541894-2303

See you at the party!

It’s Party Time in Sumpter!

Volunteers, led by LeAnne Woolf, owner of Soda Mountain Pet Supplies, have been busy for several months planning for perhaps the biggest birthday bash Sumpter has seen in 150 years – or at least since anyone can remember!  There’s going to be more fun and excitement than when they first discovered gold back in 1862!  For those of you who can pronounce it…..we are about to celebrate the Sumpter Sesquicentennial!  The official kickoff for the celebration will be with Music in The Meadows on August 17th & 18th up at the Sumpter Grounds.  Here is a sharpened list of all the fun activiites updated as of today click here.   If you have any questions, give LeAnne a call at:  541-894-2303

 See the fun from last year at Facebook.com/exploresumpter

 See you at the  party! 

Sumpter Valley Dredge Heritage Days

Sumpter Valley Dredge photo courtesy of Baker County Library Historic Photos

Whether you’re a history buff, had a family member who worked on the Dredge, would like to listen to past dredge workers tell of their working days on the “boat” or you would just like to share an old-fashioned picnic with neighbors and friends celebrating the historic heritage of the Sumpter Valley Dredge…….you don’t want to miss this year’s Heritage Days ~  July 21st, 2012 ~ at the Sumpter Valley Dredge, sponsored by Friends of The Dredge.     Everyone is invited!

The fun gets started at 11 am….feel free to bring your favorite side dish to share!

For more information, call:  541-894-2341

Read the Sumpter Valley Dredge Heritage Days Flyer here.

Stay up to date with events planned at the Sumpter Valley Dredge at:  sumpterdredge.wordpress.com

Sumpter Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Community Breakfast

Community Center at the Sumpter Schoolhouse

The Community Center bell will be ringing again this weekend!

We were just treated to a wonderful get-together by Sumpter Friends on July 4th….and it was so successful in bringing residents together to share their love for Sumpter ( Sumpter Friends ) that the Sumpter Volunteer Fire Department already wants to do it again! The SVFD Auxiliary will be hosting a Community Breakfast on Saturday, July 14th, from 8-10 am, at the Sumpter Schoolhouse. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a fresh hot breakfast, served by volunteers from our Fire Dept. and Auxiliary. Social hour will be from 7 – 8 am – hot coffee and juice will be served…breakfast will then be served from 8 – 10 am.

 Cost is by donation only…..

A door prize will be awarded to one lucky person - will it be you?

Money raised at the Community Breakfast will benefit the Sumpter Volunteer Fire Department.    For more information, please call 541-894-2377.

In addition to all the food, fun and fellowship, the SVFD will be selling raffle tickets at $1.00 each*, for a chance at a brand new Metal Fire Ring.  The Fire Ring will be given away to the lucky ticket holder on Sunday, during the Labor Day Flea Market, at the SVFD Hot Dog Stand….just look for the fire engine!  The Fire Ring will be on display at the Sumpter Municipal Museum………where raffle tickets can also be purchased. The SVFD would like to thank Grandpa’s Creations for making the fire ring available for the raffle!  For more info, or to purchase tickets, call 541-894-2358

Bring your friends and neighbors!

*tickets were originally going to be $5.00 each, but it has been decided to drop the price to $1.00 so people can buy even more chances at winning!

Sumpter Dog Show

Sumpter is celebrating it’s Sesquicentenial this year….and just one of the many events planned to commemorate this historic event is a dog show during the Sumpter Flea Market on Sunday, July 1st, at 3 pm.

Soda Mountain Pet Supplies is sponsoring the event, and owner, LeAnne Woolf, will be judging.  There is no cost to enter your furry friend in this fun event.

The fun gets started at 3 pm down at the Soda Mountain Pet Supplies Store at 152 W. Auburn St.

In keeping with Sumpter’s 150th Anniversary theme, categories will be as follows:

150 dog-months (20-24 mos)
150 lbs (give or take)
150 oz (8-12#)
150 cm (59″ tip of nose to tip of tail)
150 mm (6″ tip to tip or ground to top of shoulder)
Fastest Wag in the West
Longest Beard.

Each entry gets a raffle ticket toward a gift certificate from Soda Mountain Pet Supplies…….and winners of each category get commemorative tags to add to their collars.

LeAnne Woolf owner of Soda Mountain Pet Supplies

No registration or entry fee.

Crowd applause determines winner in most categories.

For more information, call 541-894-2213 or visit www.sodamountain.org

Visit Soda Mountain Pet Supplies on facebook

Fathers Day – Sumpter Style!

It was great to see so many mothers enjoying their special day in Sumpter last month….but now it’s time to celebrate Dad! Yep….time for a little “me” time for dear old Dad!  Does your Dad happen to have an ATV? Then just maybe, he would enjoy a day on the Sumpter ATV Trails.  Is there a chance your Dad likes trains?  Check out the Father’s Day Special at the  Sumpter Valley Railroad.  What about museums? Does you Dad like history? Bring him into the Sumpter Museum…..we bet he’d like all the historic photos and displays!  Does your Dad like rusty old metal by chance?  Bring him down to the Cracker Creek Museum of Mining to see all the historic mining equipment on display there!  Is there a chance that all this action will make your Dad hungry?  In addition to all the fun on his special day, you can take Dad out for a dinner at the Scoop and Steamer or the Elkhorn restaurants.  Both restaurants are having Father’s Day Dinner Specials on Sunday!   With all this fun waiting for your Dad in Sumpter this weekend……….we would like to recommend that you skip the tie this year…….

Happy Mother’s Day!

How special is your Mom?

We don’t want to sound pushy or anything, but just in case you need to think about it….would you mind if we make a suggestion?  How about bringing your Mom to Sumpter to celebrate her day?

Start off this wonderful day with a drive along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway.  Upon your  arrival in Sumpter….treat your Mom to a scrumptious Mother’s Day Brunch at the Scoop-N-Steamer Restaurant.  To help digest your breakfast, take a short walk past the SVRY Train Depot, to enjoy a free tour of the historic Sumpter Valley Dredge. 

Don’t worry there’s more……..

Does your Mom like bird watching? Follow one of the many nature trails that surround the Dredge and enjoy the abundant birds and other wildife in the State Park.  After a quick visit to the Friends of The Dredge Interpretive Store, take a “step back in time” with a visit to the Sumpter Municipal Museum, where she will see many interpretive displays, mining artifacts, and historical photos.

Hold on…there’s still more……

Now you can join your Mom as she spends the rest of her special day exploring our historic town with a visit to the Bank of Sumpter Vault next to City Hall.  Now, if all this exploring makes your mom hungry…just take her down to the Elkhorn Cafe and Saloon for a special Mother’s Day Dinner.

Whew…..what a day!

If you don’t think your Mom would enjoy a day in Sumpter….don’t worry, like we said earlier, we don’t want to be pushy…besides, that card and flowers would probably be enough again this year…..

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Sumpter!

Rock Drilling Contest in Sumpter, Oregon about 1903
courtesy of Baker County Library Digital Photo Archive

Sumpter, Oregon is an Historic Town….any visit to this small town will take you “back in time.” Sumpter first made history when Gold was discovered here back in 1862, then again when a fire destroyed most of Sumpter in 1917. Now, in 2012, Sumpter is making history again by turning 150 years old!  To celebrate our Sesquicentennial, there will be events throughout the year-all over town.  For a complete schedule of summer and fall events, visit here. A group of volunteers have come together to form a Sesquicensillial Committee and have been working hard all winter making plans. The committee was brought together by City Council Member, and local business owner, LeAnne Woolf, who says,  ”Sumpter is so much more than a collection of buildings, and I want to do all I can to share a little something of that.” The Sesquicentennial Committee has been planning some fun events through the summer and fall, such as an Antiques Fair, Gold Panning, Wine Tasting…as well as a watermelon eating contest, dog show, tug of war contest, rooster crowing contest, historical photo presentation….and much more! Sesquicentennial events will be mixed in with Sumpter Flea Markets all Summer and Music in the Meadows in the fall. Stay tuned here and at our Facebook page:  facebook.com/exploresumpter as plans are finalized.  For more information regarding the Sesquicentennial Committe, send an email to:  LeAnneMyWo@aol.com     The next meeting will be Thursday, May 3rd at 2 pm at the Sumpter Community Center (schoolhouse). Everyone is welcome to join us – bring your ideas!