Buckner Orchard Centennial Kick-off
Friday, October 8, 7-9 PM Golden West Lodge Stehekin
Join us at this drop-in open house featuring historic photos, letters and reminiscences, artifacts, Olive's applesauce cake and beverages, and more as we kick-off a celebration of the first 100 years of the Buckner Orchard.
History Note
The property that now comprises the Buckner Orchard was homesteaded in 1889 by Bill Buzzard. After clearing about an acre of land, Mr. Buzzard built a log cabin, which is still standing today, and planted a large garden. He also cut many of the large trees on the homestead and sold them to mills downlake or as firewood for the steamers.
In November of 1910, Bill struck a deal with William Van Buckner to sell the homestead for $5,000.00 or $50.00 a month for the rest of his life. Bill took the monthly payments, "knowing his weaknesses - gambling and moderately heavy drinking, which in combination might be fatal to his $5,000.00".
When Bill died in 1919, having received $4,950.00 of the agreed-to price of $5,000.00, With the remaining $50.00, Van bought a fine polished granite gravestone to grace Bill's grave in the Chelan Cemetery.
In April of 1911, the Buckner's arrived in Stehekin with fairly elaborate plans to develop what they always called Rainbow Ranch. Apples were their focus and the first thing needed was water. The hand-dug ditch still carries irrigation water to the orchard today.
And, thus, began 100 years of the Buckner Orchard as a jewel and source of community pride in the Stehekin Valley.
Friday, October 8, 7-9 PM Golden West Lodge Stehekin
Join us at this drop-in open house featuring historic photos, letters and reminiscences, artifacts, Olive's applesauce cake and beverages, and more as we kick-off a celebration of the first 100 years of the Buckner Orchard.
History Note
The property that now comprises the Buckner Orchard was homesteaded in 1889 by Bill Buzzard. After clearing about an acre of land, Mr. Buzzard built a log cabin, which is still standing today, and planted a large garden. He also cut many of the large trees on the homestead and sold them to mills downlake or as firewood for the steamers.
In November of 1910, Bill struck a deal with William Van Buckner to sell the homestead for $5,000.00 or $50.00 a month for the rest of his life. Bill took the monthly payments, "knowing his weaknesses - gambling and moderately heavy drinking, which in combination might be fatal to his $5,000.00".
When Bill died in 1919, having received $4,950.00 of the agreed-to price of $5,000.00, With the remaining $50.00, Van bought a fine polished granite gravestone to grace Bill's grave in the Chelan Cemetery.
In April of 1911, the Buckner's arrived in Stehekin with fairly elaborate plans to develop what they always called Rainbow Ranch. Apples were their focus and the first thing needed was water. The hand-dug ditch still carries irrigation water to the orchard today.
And, thus, began 100 years of the Buckner Orchard as a jewel and source of community pride in the Stehekin Valley.
