1870

The Corvallis Opera House is built by means of public subscription. It is the first public meeting place in town and considered one of the finest in the West. It draws many famous actors and actresses.

1870

Corvallis' population reaches 1,200.

Feb. 1870

In February 1870, the farmers of Benton County hold a mass meeting and unanimously agree to organize a Farmers' Club.

April 4, 1870

The Corvallis Brewery burns. Although firemen fight to save it, the building is a total loss. Fortunately, the building, located on the riverbank, was not close to other buildings, so no other structures were involved. It is reported that while the building and distillery apparatus were insured, it was not sufficient to cover the damage.

1871

Alsea Post Office is established.

1871

The Corvallis City Council passes an ordinance declaring all gambling illegal on Sunday. Additional ordinances prohibit the use of houses or other places for opium use, and ban nude bathing in any river, lake, slough, or creek within the corporate limits of Corvallis.

1872

The Henkle Sawmill four miles west of Philomath on the South Fork of the Marys River is destroyed by fire. It is rebuilt and has a capacity to produce about 10,000 feet of lumber per day, chiefly fir timber. It finds a ready market in the local area.

June 18, 1872

George Wrenn organizes the first fire company - Young American Engine Company.

March 29, 1873

At 1:30 a.m. the City Hotel in Corvallis is reduced to ashes. The fire spread so rapidly that occupants only manage to escape in their night clothes. John Murray, age 60, in Corvallis to visit his son-in-law, dies in the fire.

1874

Teachers are required to pass standardized tests, but no college training is required. Teachers who want to upgrade their teaching certificates must attend normal school. A life certificate, the highest available, requires two years of normal school and a passing grade on a state examination.

Feb. 2, 1874

Starrs Point Post Office is moved to Monroe.

1875

The Corvallis City Hall burns and most records are destroyed, including the school records.

1875

The Corvallis Flour Mill is located about a quarter of a mile south of Corvallis, Oregon. The 40-by-50-foot building is 3 stories high, and it has a manufacturing capacity of 100 barrels of flour in 24 hours. In 1877, it was purchased by H.H. Fischer.

1875

Pitman's Sash and Door Factory is built on the banks of the Willamette River at the corner of First and Jefferson Streets in Corvallis, Oregon. It manufactures doors, sash, blinds, brackets, etc.

1875

A flood reroutes the main channel of the Willamette River and Booneville land is left high and dry.

March 5, 1875

The Alsea portion of the Indian Reservation is closed, and the Indians are sent to Siletz. Their former residence is thrown open for Euro American settlement.

June 16, 1876

Joseph Avery, one of the founders of Corvallis, dies at the age of 59. He is buried in Crystal Lake Cemetery.

May 17, 1877

Construction of what was to become the Oregon Pacific Railroad begins. The line went from Corvallis to Yaquina City, just east of Newport.

1878

The Hawkins' Saw Mill is erected in 1878 by David Enos, located about one mile west of Philomath, Oregon. It has a capacity of about 6,000 feet of lumber per day, which is manufactured chiefly from red and yellow fir. Four workmen are employed.

1879

Rickard Post Office (discontinued 1880) is established 2 miles east of Bruce, Oregon. Today this is part of William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge.