Sprague River, Oregon

Sprague River is an unincorporated community in southwestern Klamath County, Oregon, United States. It is located northeast of Klamath Falls along the Sprague River, from which it takes its name. The population of Sprague River is estimated to be 365 persons.Fact|date=February 2007

History

The Sprague River post office was established September 14, 1923, with Benjamin E. Wolford as the first postmaster.cite book
last = McArthur
first = Lewis A.
authorlink = Lewis A. McArthur
coauthors = Lewis L. McArthur
title = Oregon Geographic Names
origyear = 1928
edition = Seventh Edition
year = 2003
publisher = Oregon Historical Society Press
location = Portland, Oregon
id = ISBN 0-97595-277-1
pages = ]

Demographics

(Per http://www.97639.net)

Sprague River, OR (97639)

Population

365

Avg Household Income: $26,328

Per Capita Income: $11,181

Avg House Value: $87,100

Population Breakdown by Education

Less than 9th grade education: 10

Between 9th and 12th grade education: 79

High School education: 100

Some College education: 57

Hold an Associates Degree: 10

Hold Bachelors Degree: 28

Hold Professional Degree: 0

Weather

Sprague River is considered high mountain desert. Generally, the local area receives less than 10 inches of rainfall per year with much of the moisture coming in the form of winter snow and ice.

Summers are warm to hot, and very dry during the day, and cool in the evening. Summer frosts have been know to occur as late at mid-July, and begin again as early as late-August making sometypes of gardening quite difficult, especially without greenhouse facilities.

Spring and Fall are generally mild during the day, and often quite cold at night with regularovernight frosts. Most rainfall in the area occurs during these times of year.

Winters are cold with moderate to significant snowfall and begin in October and November and extendoften well into April. Winter melt-off creates muddy conditions on the areas many unpaved roadsand driveways. Most consider four-wheel drive vehicles essential for safe winter travel.

Economy & Recreation

Economy

Sprague River has two small grocery/general merchandise stores, a second hand store, a gas station, a restaurant, and a flea market. The local community does not include significant employment opportunities. Most working residents are either self-employed, or commute to jobs in Klamath Falls or Chiloquin.

Recreation

The surrounding area has great fishing and hunting opportunities. The beautiful Sprague River, which runs right through town, holds fish including the Klamath's famed redbands. The town borders the Winema National Forest, which is considered by some to be a "sportsman's paradise". The local area is particularly well known for fly fishing and bow hunting.. Crater Lake National Park is less that one hour away by automobile, and is a popular tourist attraction.

Emergency, medical and police

Ambulance

A volunteer ambulance provides service to the community.

Doctors

Currently the closest full time medical facilities are located in nearby Chiloquin, OR.Free clinic medical services have been available in the area a few days per month depending on demand and availability.

Fire Department

Sprague River Volunteer Fire Department provides emergency fire response to local residents.

Police

Police patrol and 911 police response is provided by the Klamath County Sheriffs Department.

Education, churches, library, community center

chools

The Sprague River School was closed in 1964 after a fire caused severe structural damage. No new school has been built or opened in Sprague River since that time. Elementary and high school students in the area are bussed to schools in Chiloquin and Bonanza. Many students are home schooled in this area.

Higher education is available in neighboring Klamath Falls, Or at Klamath Community College (a two-year community college), and Oregon Institute of Technology.

Churches

Three church fellowships meet in Sprague River: Sprague River Friends Community Church, , and The Calvary Chapel. Other churches, such as Roman Catholic, Methodist, Assembly of God, And Latter Day Saints (among many others), are located in nearby communities of Bly, Bonanza, and Chiloquin.

Library

During the 1990s, a Sprague River branch of the Klamath County Library system was established. The library provides local service three days per week and includes high-speed wireless internet access, and two computers with internet that can be reserved by community members on an hourly basis.

Community Center

In 1986, The Sprague River Community Center was opened in the downtown area. The community center hosts a variety of community events and clubs including church services, meeting for organizations such as the Lions and Lioness Clubs & Sprague River Homemakers, and much more. The community center also is made available for rent for private events of various sorts.

References

External links

* [http://www.spragueriveroregon.com Sprague River Online] (commercial community site)