LoneRock Oregon Ghost Town

Gypsy Heart

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Nov 29, 2005
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Lonerock has been called so for many years. The town is located on Lone Creek, about 15 miles northeast of Kinzua, and was named for a large rock standing about 100 feet high and 60 feet in diameter in the central part of the community. Lone Creek takes its name from the same source. The town of Lonerock was founded in 1881 by Albert Henshaw and Robert G. Robinson, and was platted in 1882 by Robinson. (Oregon Geographic Names 1992, p. 518)
The post office was established November 8, 1875 as Lone Rock, the style used by the platters. Robinson served as first postmaster. The style was changed to Lonerock on October 4, 1894, and the office closed to Condon on June 21, 1963. (Oregon Post Offices 1847-1982, p. 61)
Once the trading center for surrounding ranches, Lonerock now is virtually deserted. Only a few families live in this once thriving community 20 miles southwest of Condon. (Sunset Oregon Travel Guide 1987, p. 102)
Early settlers came to Lonerock Valley in 1871. The town was the first in the county to be incorporated in 1882. The post office was established in 1875 and the school was the first in the county in 1875, although two other schools were also established that year - Schott school and Lower Edick school. The town gets its name from a huge rock in the middle of the valley near Lonerock Creek.. The Lonerock church is located next to this rock. The jail is still standing and was built in 1891.

The first school was started in 1875 with 16 pupils. Mrs. Thomas Ward was the teacher, holding classes in their smokehouse. The benches would seat four students and were made from logs split in half, sitting on a dirt floor. In one account, two sisters took turns teaching; they were Martha Hogan and the other's last name was Parenti. This building was several miles east of Lonerock near the cemetery. The second Lonerock school was a two story building built around 1888. All twelve grades were taught here at one time. The last high school graduation was held around 1932. The school was closed around 1960 and the children were bussed to Condon.

The Lonerock Methodist Church, built in 1898, has recently been renovated and is worth touring.

Lonerock, village (1990 pop. 11), Gilliam co., N Oregon, 24 mi/39 km SW of Heppner, on Lone Rock Creek; 45°05'N 119°52'W. Part of Umatilla Natl. Forest to S.
 

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