ehistory.html

The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., May 12, 1916, page 1

EARLY HISTORY OF TROUT LAKE IS SUBJECT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD CLUB

Trout Lake, Wash., May 10 -- The program of the Neighborhood Club was one of the most interesting and instructive of many enjoyed by that organization. It was a surprise to many that such a large number of those present were so interested in history of the state, county and community. At roll call, many bits of information concerning the early days of this county were given. Mrs. E.C. Cole told of when the soldiers of Fort Dalles, in Oregon, cut oak wood for the big fireplaces in the buildings at fort Dalles, from the hills in Klickitat county, north of The Dalles. Mrs. Landis told of the early schools while Mrs. Prouty told of the legacy left the schools of the county by the late Mr. Brown. The school children of the county are planning to erect a monument to the memory of their benefactor. Mrs. Cutting spoke of the early county commissioners and their efforts in working for the new county organized so long ago. Nearly every member present gave some bit of history concerning the county. During the session Mrs. Rose Sickafoose told of the first schools of Trout Lake. She said the very first school was taught in a small log cabin on the place once owned by John Bernegger and later by J.M.F. Filloon. The few pupils were taught by Miss Sarah Stevens, conducting the educational beginning in Trout Lake for 6 weeks. The pupils were Joe Aerni, Miss Lizzie Aerni, now Mrs. Jack Schmid, Miss Bertha Aerni and Carrie Eckert. A three months term was taught later when a school building of logs was built at what is now called the "Billings Corner." A man by the name of Maxwell was the pedagogue who taught the young idea at the seat of learning. Four of the Aerni children, William and Mary Stadleman and Carrie Eckert were the pupils. That school was taught two years before the building was moved to the location where the two story modern school now in use is located. Later the old building, which was then in good condition was moved to the lower district and used for a time when it was supplanted by the new frame building now in use and where Miss Moseley is the efficient instructor. The first settlers in Trout Lake valley were Peter Stoller and family who homesteaded the place now occupied by the Guler Hotel. Mr. Stoller is remembered by those who came here early for the excellent fishing to have been a most accommodating host and tourists found it a pleasure to make the old log dwelling their home while in this locality. They were welcome to anything on the place as long as they did not abuse the privilege. J.M. Filloon, now a resident of this valley, remembers well his first visit here in 1883 when the Stollers were living here and the good meals set before him and J.M. Lewark of Goldendale, served by Mrs. Stoller and daughter and the hospitality of the hostesses lingers with him as a most pleasing memory. Mr. Filloon says that there was no roads leading to Trout Lake then and he came over the hills by way of a trail from Glenwood. All of the Stollers filed on homesteads in this vicinity. A daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stoller met her death here by a tree falling on her. This was a sad circumstance to the family and their sorrow was intensified by reason of their isolation from friends and relatives. In those days there were no bridges over either Trout Creek or the White Salmon and everyone coming into the valley had to ford the streams. The Indians forded the White Salmon near the present "Boze Bridge" and Trout Creek just above the crossing near Rosenthal's place of business. And white folk could cross in the same places when on horseback but with a wagon usually crossed the creek on the west side of the Wagnitz place. The Indians in the early days camped all the way from the Pearson farm to the Lake and fishing was no sport at all as they were so plentiful. One could almost dip them up, getting a full net each time. Game of all sorts was plentiful. Deer were known to come right down to the houses, so unafraid were they. The Ice Caves were known to the soldiers at Old Fort Dalles in the early 50's and they came here for ice conveying it to the fort by packhorses. The ice was then and is still of a very solid keeping quality and this was the nearest "ice factory" for the fortification at The Dalles. The ice was conveyed over a trail leading from Trout Lake Valley to The Dalles crossing the Klickitat River near Lyle and thence over the Columbia hills. There were no roads at that time. It was about the late 80's or in the early 90's that the Lava Cave was discovered and entered by means of a rope, making the invasion of the darksome chambers dangerous and to say the least, "creepy." While now they are easy of access by means of a well built stairway. Mt. Adams in the early days, was reached by way of Glenwood, over the Bird Creek Ridge. The church spirit was not given much attention in the early days although the people here were God-fearing and God-loving. They worshipped the Creator by their own firesides and were too busy making a living for the physical body until later when the present church was constructed. The church is in the best condition, spiritually and financially, under the charge of Reverend Evan Landis and Mrs. Landis, that it has enjoyed since it organization. A paper was read before the Club on the early days of Trout Lake which is to be published soon for the benefit of the readers of this paper throughout the county. An article was also read on Early Days in Klickitat County.