1884

1884.

Writing about agriculture in the Springfield region in 1884, Walling states that there were scores of splendid farms that produced vast quantities of grain, hay and fruit. There is more wealth among the farmers of this district than can be found in any other portion of Lane County. The domains are usually well fenced, with either excellent rails or good boards and posts; few of them contain over 640 acres and not many have less than 160 acres… there is not an acre of valley land in Springfield precinct unoccupied and little, if any, hill land, which has not been pre-empted… Many excellent horses are raised in this portion of the valley, also many fine cattle and swine, while the ranches among the hills are stocked with a superior breed of sheep (Walling 1884:306).