#Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company

[rabbitcruiser]

Bend, OR (No. 5)

Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company was a lumber products company with large sawmills and significant land holdings in Minnesota, Florida, British Columbia, and Central Oregon. The company was formed in 1901 with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Beginning in 1915, its main lumber production facility was in Bend, Oregon. For many years, its Bend sawmill was one of the largest lumber producers in the world. In 1969, the company created Brooks Resources to broaden its business base beyond timber production. Brooks-Scanlon's Bend sawmill was closed in 1994. Today, Brooks Resources is the only vestige of the company that is still in business.

Source: Wikipedia

[oldmilldistrict]

Old Mill District

Old Mill District: Bend, Oregon’s Premier Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Destination

The Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon, is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment hub nestled along the Deschutes River. Once home to one of the largest sawmill operations in the world, this historic area has been transformed into a lively mixed-use district featuring boutiques, restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing riverside stroll, a night out, or an outdoor adventure, the Old Mill District offers something for everyone.

A Brief History

The Old Mill District’s history dates back to the early 1900s, when it was the site of two competing lumber mills—the Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company and Shevlin-Hixon Company. These mills fueled Bend’s economy for decades, producing lumber that helped build cities across the U.S.

After the decline of the timber industry in the 1980s, the area was revitalized into a modern commercial and cultural destination, while still preserving its historic roots. Today, the iconic mill smokestacks stand as a reminder of Bend’s logging past.

Things to Do in the Old Mill District

1. Shopping: A Unique Retail Experience

The Old Mill District is home to a variety of local boutiques, national retailers, and outdoor gear stores. Some popular shopping spots include:

REI – Outdoor enthusiasts can stock up on top-quality gear.

Vanilla Urban Threads – Trendy fashion boutique with curated styles.

Lush – Handmade bath and beauty products.

Confluence Fly Shop – A must-visit for fishing enthusiasts.

Saks Outdoor – Stylish and functional outdoor apparel.

2. Dining: Riverside Restaurants and Cafés

Whether you’re craving casual bites or fine dining, the Old Mill District offers a range of delicious options:

Greg’s Grill – Classic American dishes with riverfront views.

Anthony’s at the Old Mill – Fresh seafood and Northwest-inspired cuisine.

Pastini – Authentic Italian pasta dishes made from scratch.

Boxwood Kitchen – Seasonal, farm-to-table dining experience.

Hola! – Mexican-Peruvian fusion with creative cocktails.

3. Craft Breweries & Wine Bars

Bend is famous for its craft beer scene, and the Old Mill District is home to several top-notch options:

Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room – A must-visit for craft beer lovers.

Va Piano Vineyards Tasting Room – Relax with a glass of Washington wine.

Atlas Cider Co. – Specializing in locally made craft ciders.

4. Outdoor Activities Along the Deschutes River

The Deschutes River Trail runs through the Old Mill District, offering numerous outdoor activities:

Walking & Biking – Paved and gravel paths perfect for a scenic stroll or bike ride.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Rent equipment from local outfitters and explore the calm waters.

Floating the River – One of Bend’s favorite summer activities, with shuttle services available.

Wildlife Viewing – Keep an eye out for otters, herons, bald eagles, and deer along the riverbanks.

5. Arts & Culture

The Old Mill District is a thriving arts and culture scene with public art installations and galleries, including:

Tumalo Art Co. – A cooperative gallery featuring local artists.

Outdoor Murals & Sculptures – Various art pieces throughout the district reflecting Bend’s history and creativity.

6. Live Entertainment & Events

The Hayden Homes Amphitheater, located within the Old Mill District, hosts concerts and events year-round, attracting big-name artists and local performers. Past headliners include Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, and Brandi Carlile.

Seasonal events include:

Bend Brewfest – Showcasing regional craft breweries.

Winterfest – A celebration of winter sports, ice sculptures, and live music.

Summer Outdoor Movie Nights – Family-friendly films shown under the stars.

Best Time to Visit

The Old Mill District is a year-round destination, but here’s what each season offers:

Spring: Ideal for riverside walks and shopping.

Summer: Perfect for floating the river, outdoor dining, and concerts.

Fall: Fewer crowds and beautiful autumn foliage along the Deschutes River.

Winter: Cozy indoor dining, holiday shopping, and festive events like Winterfest.

Tips for Visiting the Old Mill District

Arrive Early for Events – Concerts and festivals can get crowded, so plan ahead.

Park Smart – Free parking is available, but it fills up quickly on weekends.

Dress for the Weather – Outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round, but the high desert climate can change rapidly.

Explore Beyond the Shops – Take advantage of the river trail, public art, and live music venues.

Conclusion

The Old Mill District is a must-visit destination in Bend, Oregon, blending history, culture, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure in one scenic location. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing afternoon by the Deschutes River, exploring local boutiques, savoring craft beer and fine dining, or attending a live concert, the Old Mill District offers something for every traveler.

Next time you’re in Bend, be sure to experience the charm and excitement of the Old Mill District!

Here is another local business to support

520 SW Powerhouse Dr #624, Bend, OR 97702, United States

Visit this next site

[airmanisr]

Brooks-Scanlon 1, 2-6-2 by Steve Sloan Via Flickr: Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company 1, a 2-6-2, is at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA, on a rainy morning, Monday, July 8, 2019. Reportedly Brooks-Scanlon Corporation 1 was built in 1914 by Baldwin as a 2-6-2, builders number 41649 for the Carpenter-O'Brien Lumber Company. The Carpenter-O'Brien Lumber Company was aquired by the Brooks-Scanlon Corporation. This locomotive changed hands several times ending up in the late 1950's at the Lee Tidewater Cypress company.

[rabbitcruiser]

Bend, OR (No. 6)

The Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company was formed in 1901 with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The founding partners were Michael J. Scanlon, Anson S. Brooks, Dwight F. Brooks, Lester R. Brooks, and Henry E. Gipson. The firm was originally capitalized with $500,000. The partners later increased their capital investment to $1,750,000.

Brooks-Scanlon’s first lumber production facility was located in Scanlon, Minnesota, a new company town located on the St. Louis River south of Cloquet, Minnesota. A month after the company was formed, construction of a large sawmill began. The Scanlon mill opened late in 1901, ready for winter production. The mill processed approximately 600,000 board feet (1,400 m3) per day.

The company quickly expanded its acquisition of standing timber to feed its mill operation. By 1903, the Cloquet sawmill was cutting 100,000,000 board feet (240,000 m3) of lumber per year. At the same time, the company was expanding its railroad logging operations.

Eventually, local timber resources became scarce and the company began looking for new timber resources outside Minnesota. The Brooks-Scanlon sawmill in Scanlon closed in 1909, after cutting 700,000,000 board feet (1,700,000 m3) of timber. That completely exhausted the supply of standing timber in the area around the mill. The company announced that the mill would be disassembled and shipped west.

Source: Wikipedia

[rabbitcruiser]

Bend, OR (No. 4)

The Old Mill District formerly housed two competing lumber mills. In 1916 the Shevlin-Hixon Lumber Company built a mill on the west bank of the Deschutes River and Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company built the "Mill A" complex on the east bank. For the next 78 years, the mills dominated Bend's economy, pumping money and business into the town. At their peak, the companies were two of the largest pine sawmills in the world, running around the clock, employing more than 2,000 workers each and turning out more than 500 million board feet of lumber a year.

The influx of mill workers ballooned the town's population. It jumped from 536 in 1910 to 5,414 in 1920, and by 1930, the city's population was 8,821.

After more than 20 years of non-stop logging, the forests in Central Oregon were becoming depleted. In 1937, the Bend Chamber of Commerce warned of economic disaster unless the mills started sustainable forestry. The mills ignored these warnings and continued producing at full capacity. By 1950, the forests' depletion led to the decline of Oregon's logging industry.

Brooks-Scanlon bought the Shevlin-Hixon mill in 1950 and closed it just four months later. The Brooks-Scanlon Mill A closed in 1983.

After the mills shut down, the site fell into ruin until William Smith Properties purchased the land in 1993 now known as the Old Mill District. Mill B continued to produce small amounts of lumber until 1993 when it also closed.

Source: Wikipedia