This enterprising city is situated in the southwestern part of the county, only two miles from the county line on the Willamette river, and is justly the head of navigation. It is also on the line of the O. & C. R. R., twenty five miles south of Albany, one hundred and six miles south of Portland and ninety-four miles north of Roseburg. The town site was surveyed in the spring of 1852, and the first house built in the spring of 1853 by D. and A. A. McCully, who occupied it as a general merchandise store. During the winter of 1853-'4 Scott and d'Armond established a saloon, and soon after this L. Fleischner and James R. Ripperton started another store. The present population of Harrisburg numbers nearly 500. City election was held December 6, 1881, at which 107 votes were cast.
One great drawback to the city is its entire lack of water power for manufacturing purposes. This evil could be easily remedied however, by digging a canal and bringing water from the McKenzie river, a distance of about twelve miles. There is a fall of 87 feet, and scarcely any intervening obstructions to overcome in the digging of such a canal. A canal or ditch of this kind would provide unsurpassed water power for the town and give a new impetus to every branch of business and would constantly increase in importance and usefulness. Business men seem anxious for it, and the only thing lacking seems to be a leader, and the capital would undoubtedly soon be placed in sight.
Schools
Harrisburg is justly proud of her schools. In 1876 the citizens built a large and commodious public school building known as the Academy, in which school is now kept nine months in the year. Prof. T. Martin is principal. The daily attendance averages about 60 pupils. An excellent private school is taught by Prof. S. S. Train, who is ably assisted by his wife, Mrs. M. J. Train. The daily attendance at this school averages about 60.
Churches
The M. E. Church South has a building but no regular minister. Rev. T. L. Sails occupies the pulpit on the second Sunday of each month.
The Christian Church has a building but no regular minister.
Societies
Covenant lodge No. 12, 1.O.O.F. --Meets in Odd Fellow's Hall every Friday evening.
Harrisburg Encampment No. 8, 1.O.O.F.--Meets in Odd Fellow's Hall first and third Wednesday of each month.
Thurston Lodge No. 28, A.F. & A.M. --Meets in Masonic Hall, Saturday of or next preceding full moon.
Harrisburg Lodge No. 13, R.A.M.-Meets in Masonic Hall, Wednesday of or next preceding the full moon.
Samaritan Lodge No. 316, 1.O.G.T. --Meets every Saturday evening in Grange Hall.
The Odd Follows Lodge is in good standing, and will soon commence the erection of a new building, the up-stairs of which will be used as a Hall, and the lower story will be rented to business firms.
CITY OFFICERS OF HARRISBURG
Mayor G. W. ISHAM
Recorder JAMES RILEY
Marshal F. J. ANDERSON
Treasurer G. W. BRANDENBURG
Councilmen—W. LAWRENCE, D. McCLAIN, F. ROACH, L. STITES, W. F. MENDENHALL, SAM. MAY.
HARRISBURG BUSINESS DIRECTORY
|
BLACKSMITHS— |
LIVERY STABLE |
|
Morris & Cox |
J. F. Waters |
|
BILLIARD SALOON— |
MEAT MARKET— |
|
Williams & Henderson |
Fuller & Hyde |
|
CABINET MAKER— |
MILLINER— |
|
H. Reams |
Mrs. A. E. Farrier |
|
CARRIAGE FACTORY— |
NOTARY PUBLIC— |
|
Scott & Funk |
James Riley |
|
DRESSMAKER— |
PAINTER— |
| Mrs. A. E. Farrier | Lon. Windom |
| DRUGGISTS— | PHOTOGRAPHER— |
| R. Rampy | J. G. Crawford |
| H. McCartney | |
| GENERAL MERCHANDISE— | PHYSICIANS— |
| A. Wachenhimer | J. F. Hendricks |
| May & Senders | W. F. Menhanhall |
| GROCERY STORE— | J. F. Davis |
| A. Hirschberg | SADDLER— |
| GRIST MILL— | T. O. Butler |
| Hiram Smith | SHOE MAKER— |
| HARDWARE STORE— | G. W. Isham |
| Bramwell & Hay | STOVES AND TINWARE— |
| HOTEL— | O. P. Thompkins |
| J. F. Hendricks | TANNERY— |
| JEWELER— | T. Q. Butler |
| D. W. Brandenburg |