visit Stayton

History of Stayton

Stayton is named after Drury Smith Stayton, one of the town's first settlers, who built a sawmill here in 1870. Historical accounts indicate that Mr. Stayton wanted to name the town "Florence," in honor of his daughter, but the name was already taken (for post office purposes) by a town on the Oregon coast. Instead, Mr. Stayton named one of the first platted streets for his daughter (which is the cross street for Tuff Shark Records, we are at the corner of Third/Florence).

The original portion of Stayton was platted by Drury Stayton in 1872 and the city was later legally incorporated in 1891. Sources note Stayton’s population in 1897 was 300. Just over one hundred years later, in 2000, the population had grown to 6,816. The latest state estimate, at mid-2007, has the number at 7,765 and growing.

Stayton’s attraction for early-day entrepreneurs was the availability of cheap and plentiful water to generate power. Mr. Stayton’s sawmill was preceded by a wool carding mill. Other water-powered mills included a cabinet factory, a flour mill, a sash and door factory and an excelsior mill. Excelsior was a type of fine wood shaving used for upholstery padding, packing material and other things.

Through the early 20th century, Stayton transitioned to more of an agricultural town, becoming known as the “bean capital of the valley” and featuring a “Bean Festival” each summer. The Stayton Canning Co. Cooperative was established in about 1924 and its processing plant, was largest single employer in Stayton until it closed in 2019.

Deidrich Building (Home of Tuff Shark Records)

The Deidrich Building was built in 1912. 193 - 195 N 3rd Avenue, was supervised and designed by owner Peter Deidrich, this building was constructed of cement building stone (concrete block). The double storefronts were first occupied by Deidrich Hardware Store and a saloon called 'The Bureau Bar'. Upstairs across the front of the building were offices for a dentist, the Stayton Town Recorder and a Justice of the Peace, while the Deidrich family home and another apartment were to the west. In 1913, Deidrich opened Stayton’s first auto dealership, selling Ford motorcars in the south store. He added a rear entrance, off Florence Street, in 1939 to accommodate a liquor store, which operated there until 1967. The Deidrich Building is one of Stayton’s most significant historic assets and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. When you come into Tuff Shark Records, look at our floors! You will see the original measurement marks from the hardware store.

visit Stayton

History of Stayton

Deidrich Building (Home of Tuff Shark Records)

What To Do While You Are Here

When you come and visit Stayton, we have so much to offer. We have a great selection of restaurants, shops, services and parks.

GREAT EATS & DRINKS

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

HEALTH & SELF CARE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ENTERTAINMENT

TRADESMEN

OTHER

Article Sources

visit Stayton

History of Stayton

Deidrich Building (Home of Tuff Shark Records)

What To Do While You Are Here

When you come and visit Stayton, we have so much to offer. We have a great selection of restaurants, shops, services and parks.

GREAT EATS & DRINKS

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

HEALTH & SELF CARE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ENTERTAINMENT

TRADESMEN

OTHER

Article Sources

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