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History of Seneca The Seneca post office was established in 1895 and the city was named by postmistress Minnie Southworth for her brother-in-law, prominent Portland judge Seneca Smith. The area was historically settled and used by the Paiute Indians, early homesteaders and trappers moved into Bear Valley in the late 1800's, but Seneca only began growing in earnest in 1929 when it became the northern terminus of the now-vacated Oregon and Northwestern Railroad, owned by the Edward Hines Lumber Company, which came up from Burns to the south. That time marked the beginning of large-scale shipping of Ponderosa Pine logs to the Hines sawmill in Hines from Seneca and the surrounding Malheur National Forest. The Seneca School was established in 1932. The company established a planing mill and railroad shops in Seneca, and it became, in spirit, a company town, although in reality it was not: the company did not own either the property or the buildings.[1] When Hines came to the area they made a promise to the Chamber of Commerce: “We will never enter into commerce other than the manufacture of lumber.” While this was legally true in practice is was only almost true. The development of Seneca was done by a corporation known as "The Seneca Company." This was headed by Edward W. Barnes. It was Barns who bought the town site to its current location, which was originally part of the Lincoln Ranch. The people that lived in Seneca had to buy their houses from the builder; they were not provided by Hines. This arrangement was similar to that of the town of Hines. The lumber company brought in a large developer from the South to build the town of Seneca, although Mrs. Hines had a hand in picking the design of the various styles for the original homes. The development of the town of Hines is well documented, Seneca less so. In 1940 Seneca's population was 275. Logging in the area began to decline in the 1970's, and the Hines Company ceased operations of its lumber mills and railroad in 1984. The town was incorporated as a city in 1970 as lumber company control began to wane. According to the 1980 census, Seneca's population was 285. The 2015 Census stated the population was 193. [1] http://www.senecakids.org/SenecaProject/Seneca-MoreInfo.html

2018 Council Members Mayor of Seneca Andrea Officer City Council Members Barbara Northington "I have worked as a Registered Nurse for 43 years and am now retired. I have been a homeowner and resident of Seneca for over 8 years. I am heavily involved in the Seneca "No Way" Community Garden. I love the rural lifestyle, where every individual is a person. I have many hobbies and love the outdoors; including birding and golfing regularly at the Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course here in town. Chuck White Matt Wenick Melvin Herburger Elections City Council is comprised of a group of five individuals who are elected to City Council by the citizens of Seneca. The Council seats are rotated every four years on offset years. Every two years either two or three Council members run for office. For example: Andrea Combs, Bill Williams, and Sue Holliday were voted in and accepted to the council as of January of 2015 and will retain their membership until 2018. Brad Smith and Melissa Pettyjohn were voted in and accepted to the Council in January of 2017 and will retain their membership until 2020. Once voted in and a full board is reached, at the first meeting in January (the new year), the Council Members vote who among them is to be the Mayor, and that individual holds that position for the next two years. Meeting Minutes City Government

Seneca School The Seneca School, Grant Union School District #3, was established in 1932. Over the years it has had many interested people working diligently to keep the School alive in good repair. One such group, The Seneca School Foundation, was established with the intent of being able to facilitate the upkeep and repairs that were so desperately needed so that the School can remain open and safe for it's staff and students. While it was successful in achieving some of it's goals, most of it's funding for major projects was part of a county-wide school bond initiative in 2000 that was voted down by Grant County citizens. Since then, the Foundation was established and there have been many financial contributions in various forms made by local citizens and organizations, and some funds provided by Grant Union School District for emergency need repairs. As with any older facility, more funding is always needed to help keep the buildings and curriculum up to current standards. One of the Schools major upgrades was the New Windows Project. Between 2009 and 2012, there was funding, from private citizens and partial grant funding from the school district, to replace all of the basement floor level windows in March of 2013. Click here to see the photos. One of the greatest achievements by the Seneca School staff and students has been the Seneca School History Project. While this Project has many parts and pieces, one of the most impressive is the School Mural. This project was started in 1985 and was contributed to by several local Artists-in-Residence and by the entire school, all classes and teaching staff taking part. While I could write more, pictures have more value and tell the tale better. Click the link below to see for yourself. The Seneca School History Project The Seneca School Foundation The Seneca School Foundation, Inc. (TSSF) was founded in May of 2002 and later that year was registered with the State of Oregon as a nonprofit corporation, organized with the intent to assist the Seneca School in overcoming the budgetary challenges it now faces. In November 2003, the Federal Internal Revenue Service acknowledged the Foundation as an organization meeting the requirements of IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) and granted it tax exempt status under IRS Code Section 501(a). Its mission is to assist in the maintenance and growth of the Seneca School and to enhance the quality of the programs it provides as an institution of K-8 education and life-long learning. Its goal is to physically restore, enhance, and indefinitely preserve the Seneca School as an institution of traditional, well-grounded education, providing its students with a center for year-round learning and activities and a source of real-world knowledge and experience by linking the Seneca Kids of yesterday with the Seneca Kids of today. Link to SenecaKids.org Link to Seneca School

Events Grant County Shooting Sports Club Seneca Range The next shoot is a Fun and Games Trap Shoot Saturday February 15 starting at 0930. Coffee and goodies available. Forecast is for another 2 to 6 inches over the next 2 days ending by this Friday February 7 at 10am. So I was going to go up to the range to remove snow on both traps and the immediate parking area with my snow blower and or ATV like we did in December. Appreciate any one to help. Want to stay ahead of the storms. Events Seneca Oyster- LESS Classic Postponed until later date The Seneca Oyster Classic has been postponed. We will post the re-scheduled date soon. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. The Ball Shack Specialty - Meatball Sandwich Facebook- The Ball Shack 101 Barnes Ave 541-620-8863 Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course Public Golf Course/Pasture Golf Hwy 395 S 541-542-2161 The Timbers Inn & RV Lodging and RV Park 306 Barnes Ave (Hwy 395 S) 541-620-2551 Bear Valley Stores Mini-Mart and Gas Station 209 Barnes Ave (Hwy 395 S) 541-542-9309 Seneca Post Office 112 Barnes Ave. 541-542-2232 Seneca Elementary School 101 Park Ave 541-542-2542 Seneca School Website Seneca Range (Grant County Shooting & Sports Club) Seasonal Shooting Range The "No-Way" Seneca Community Gardens Community Garden Seneca Community Garden View of the Garden from the 1st Street (16 road). Seneca Community Garden The first tomato, a Roma tomato, of the year! Seneca Community Garden The Smiths tending the Garden. Lots of weeding to do. Show More In 2009 Master Gardener and resident Suzanne Findlay became instrumental in bringing the idea of a community garden to Seneca. By enlisting the help of a group of residents along with City officials, local ranchers, 4H and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indians, this incredible asset was born. Today, work continues at the “No-Way” Seneca Community Garden. The harsh climate makes the conditions for gardening here in Seneca quite challenging, hence its name. This year there are no fees and the garden is open to all who are brave of heart and interested in digging, planting, weeding and, when the time comes, harvesting. Eight of the nine beds have been tilled and have started to sprout lettuce, peas, potatoes, cucumbers, onions, and radishes with starts of broccoli, cabbage, and squash planted. Bed #5 is dedicated to children interested in learning to grow their own food. On most days there will be an adult at the garden in the morning hours for children to come by and play in the dirt. Everyone is welcome to visit the garden during daylight hours. You can sit a spell or stroll around the beds and watch nature produce its bounty. Special recognition goes to Dale and Vicki McCormick and Jerry Smith for weed eating around the beds and to Barb Northington and Dale McCormick for tilling the garden beds. The No-Way Seneca Community Garden Philosophy: Provide adequate garden space for city residents. Pool gardening knowledge and encourage new gardeners to grow food. Share harvest with others. We are interested in acquiring a small garden shed if anyone has one to donate. Please call Suzie Hood for information. 541-575-9101 Garden Manager

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Archive Agendas & Minutes 2017 Jan July Feb Aug March Sept April Oct May Nov June Dec 2015 Jan July Feb Aug March Sept April Oct May Nov June Dec 2016 Jan July Feb Aug March Sept April Oct May Nov June Dec 2014 Jan July Feb Aug March Sept April Oct May Nov June Dec Special Meetings & Public Hearings Dec Dec

Welcome to Bear Valley Meadows! Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course was built in 1996 by the City and Community of Seneca and was designed by Lee Brune. The course is what is considered a "pasture-style" course with long fairways situated along the Silvies' River at almost 5,000 ft. Several websites have featured information about the Golf Course, feel free to check out the links below. The Golf Course is overseen by a volunteer Golf Committee. Bear Valley Meadows is a seasonal course, only open from May through October. This course has 9 holes and 3550 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. While it seems that the Course gets many visitors throughout the long summers, few have left us ratings or feedback. We'd love to hear from you about your experience in our "neck of the woods". Click on the contact tab above or leave feedback on the website links below. Thank You for Visiting! Golf Course Details Details: Holes: 9 Designed by: Lee Brune Public/Private: Public Year opened: 1996 Golf Season: Open: 5/01 Closed: 10/01 Guest Policy: Open Tee times welcomed: No Fairways: Bent Grass Greens: Bent Grass Course Policies: Metal spikes allowed: No Dress code: Casual Credit cards accepted: No Green fees: Annual Membership Dues Family: $150 Singles: $100 Under 18: $20 Out of County: Family: $40 Single: $30 Daily Green Fees: Nine Holes: $7 All Day: $12 Facilities: Pro in house: No Driving range: Yes Rental clubs: No Rental carts: No Honor Box: As there is no attendant to the Course (except for special events). The Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course works on an honor system. There is an Honor Box for Green Fees. IMG_1793 IMG_1831 IMG_1785 IMG_1810 IMG_1807 IMG_1848 IMG_1821 IMG_1823 IMG_1786 IMG_1846 IMG_1693 IMG_1709 IMG_1680 IMG_1739 IMG_1716 IMG_1741 IMG_1728 IMG_1774 IMG_1764 IMG_1756 IMG_1870 IMG_1878 IMG_1857 IMG_1820 2016 Oyster Feed 2016 Oyster Feed 2016 Oyster Feed 2016 Oyster Feed 2016 Oyster Feed 2015 Oyster Feed 2015 Oyster Feed 2014 Oyster Feed Oyster Feed 2 2014 Oyster Feed 2014 Oyster Feed 2012 Oyster Feed 2008 Oyster Feed 2012 Oyster Feed 2012 Oyster Feed 2012 Oyster Feed 2012 Oyster Feed 2012 Oyster Feed 2012 Oyster Feed Oyster Feed The Annual Seneca Oyster Feed draws people from all over Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, not to mention all of the locals. Oysters are picked up fresh from the coast and trucked to Seneca the day before the event. The event is the 3rd Saturday in May, rain or shine. The proceeds from the event go toward maintenance and improvements of the Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course. Photos Courtesy of Meaghan Leigh Photography the Blue Mountain Eagle. Click the photo to be directed to the Article. Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course is located on Highway 395 in Seneca, Oregon. This is an indigenous course. Pay your green fees in the white box by the first tee and pick up a play card and map of the course. A ball field fence stands to the right of the first tee. The view north is of the Strawberry Mountain Range. Players turn westward for the second hole. When playing the second hole, a Helicopter Landing Pad offers the possibility for some wild bounces between the fairway and the rough beyond. These first two holes serve as the entrance to the heart and soul of the course which is hole number three. At the third hole you see the Silvies' River for the first time. You tee off over the river and drive through a narrow gap of willow thickets. While the thickets don't look like much of a hazard from the distance, up close they are dense, impenetrable jungles of willow whips and sharp, brittle punji-sticks which welcome golf balls into their lair along with the intemperate golfer's club. At the ninth hole, you tee off over the Silvies' River for the final time, then cross the river. You will say to yourself, there are no fairway bunkers, there are no large trees looming, but the shrub willow thickets will have you begging for both by the end of the day. OregonGolf.com VisitEasternOregon.com TravelOregon.com 12 Valley Way, Seneca, Oregon 97873 (541) 542-2161

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Questions? Concerns? Just Want to Talk? City of Seneca 106 A Avenue PO Box 208 Seneca, OR 97873 Phone: 541.542.2161 Fax: 877.688.0015 Email: admin@senecaoregon.com Your message was sent successfully! Send Links to Grant County and Local Cities Grant County Chamber of Commerce Prairie City City of John Day City of Long Creek Grant County Historical Museum Harney County Chamber of Commerce City of Burns Harney County Harney County Historical Museum Crystal Crane Hot Springs John Day Fossil Beds The Painted Hills Silvies Valley Ranch Malheur National Forest

Photograph courtesy of Rick Fienberg / TravelQuest International / Wilderness Travel Thank You All for Visiting!!! To all of you who either got to stay overnight with us or just visited on the day of the Eclipse, the City of Seneca Thanks You. We all had a great time and we hope you enjoyed your stay in our "neck of the woods". If you have any pictures of the event or of your stay that you'd like to share, feel free to email them and they will be posted here. Thank You, Again.

Newsletters Newsletters are currently only printed on the back of each monthly utility bill and attached to emailed utility bills. Copies of any previous newsletters can be requested at any time if they're not found here. Current Newsletter Seneca's newsletter 2023 January Febuary march april may june July August September October November Dec 2018 Jan July Feb Aug March Sept April Oct May Nov June Dec 2017 Jan July Feb Aug March Sept April Nov May Dec June 2016 Jan July Feb Sept March Oct May Dec June 2015 Oct Aug July June April Jan 2014 Dec Oct July June May

Welcome to the City of Seneca, Oregon! Nestled in Bear Valley at nearly 5000' and surrounded by mountains, we have some of the best views in Oregon! The Wigwam At the 2016 Oyster Feed Seneca_2 Seneca, looking north from the south of town. Some of the many small buildings you see in the foreground were originally bachelor bunk houses at Camp 1. When Camp 1 was no longer in use the buildings were brought to Seneca and made into houses. Sometimes two small buildings were put together to make a larger family house. Some, if not all, of these small buildings were built at the Herrick mill site outside of Burns. Seneca Logo 2017 Logo designed by Eloise Boren at E R Printing & Graphics, The Wigwam At the 2016 Oyster Feed 1/25 Notices Forms About Us - The City of Seneca sits nestled in high Bear Valley near the base of the Blue Mountain Range. Sitting at almost 5000 ft, Seneca is known for its record low temperatures (-54 degrees!) throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring months. This small community of less than 200 people has great pride in its town and relishes the remote and personal feel that Seneca offers it's residents. At any given time of the year, there are groups of children riding bikes and playing throughout the town - so we ask that you slow down, watch for children, and enjoy your visit to our beautiful valley. The Seneca post office was established in 1895 and the city named by postmistress Minnie Southworth for her brother-in-law, prominent Portland judge Seneca Smith. While early homesteaders moved into the valley in the late 1800's, Seneca only began growing in 1929 when it became the northern terminus of the now-vacated Oregon and Northwestern Railroad , owned by the Edward Hines Lumber Company , which extended south to Burns. That time marked the beginning of large-scale shipping of Ponderosa Pine logs to the Hines sawmill in Hines from Seneca and the surrounding National Forest. The company established a planing mill and railroad shops in Seneca, and it became essentially a company town. In 1940 Seneca's population was 275. Logging in the area began to decline in the 1970's, and the Hines company ceased operations of its lumber mills and railroad in 1984. The town was incorporated as a city on August 6, 1970 as lumber company control began to wane. Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course presents: The 2021 Seneca Oyster-LESS Classic Postponed Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 regulations, not again this year. Let's hope 2022 is the BEST Oyster Classic yet! What's Going On?! CLICK HERE to see current notices. Amenities Click to see what Seneca has available for you! Oyster Feed Click to find out about the Annual Oyster Feed (May 15th, 2021) which raises money for the Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course. Latest Projects Wastewater System Improvements The City of Seneca was awarded the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the State of Oregon for the 2014 Wastewater Facility Plan. Fall of 2019 Winter 2020 Forms Utility Services Utility Agreement Service On/Off Trash Only (Non-Res) General Use City Hall Building Rental Business License Burn Permit Public Records Request To view a list of Fees click here . Forms