Spray

Date of visit: May 29, 2011
Population: 160 (2010 Census)

You might think that Spray is named because of a nearby waterfall or river rapid. But it’s actually named after John Fremont Spray, who settled in the area in the late 1800s. In 1898 he built a horse-drawn ferry to cross the John Day River. In 1900 he purchased a piece of land known as Hogan Bottom, along the John Day River. He also purchased the land where the town of Spray would eventually be established.

The town was platted in 1900 and he built a store, hotel, dance hall, and saloon. When the post office opened he was the first postmaster. He was evidently a tireless advocate for settling the area, inducing people to move to Spray. Today Spray is a little town a long way from anywhere, best known for the annual rodeo held on Memorial Day weekend, which is also the weekend I happened to be visiting. I didn’t check out the rodeo, though.

Welcome to Spray

Spray Pioneer Museum
The Spray Pioneer Museum is in an old church and just happened to be open the day I was visiting!

Spray Post Office
Spray Post Office

Union High School
Union High School

Pretty church
Assembly of God Church

For Sale
Someone had painted a grin on the bumper of this truck.

Map of Spray

Oregon Towns Project