Before the Thomson Brothers built their sawmill in 1929, the area was known as Beaver Dam. Beaver Dam, named for real dams on Beaver Creek, is where my mother, Alta Sanderlin, was born in 1918.
Her grandparents–Floyd Levi and Alabama Long–bought a few hundred acres in the area around 1895. They had moved west from Kentucky by train in 1888. After Beaver Dam School District #80 got underway, the Longs enrolled their children and became very involved. Hilda Long Smith and Ella Long were among the Long clan who taught there. My mother Alta Smith Sanderlin went to all eight years of her schooling there, and her Aunt Hilda was her teacher!
The road that used to lead to the area was called Deer Creek Road. It’s now Thomson Mill Road. I call the area Beaver Dam/Thomsons’ Mill since the mill was a late-comer.
I was surprised to see “Eva Bassett” among the teachers at Beaver Dam School. I think she was my great grandfather’s sister. My grandfather was William Bassett, the owner of what became the Nash ranch. I remember “Aunt Eva” as a senile old woman who for several years was in the care of my grandmother, Ethel Nash, William Bassett’s daughter. I don’t believe Eva Bassett ever married.
Tom, You’re probably right about Eva, though I’m having some problems pinning her down. I find an Eva Bassett living in Portland for several years, mainly on 645 Leo St. Will let you know if/when I find more about her. — Cliff