History
Indian Legend
According to Indian legend “Quincy Flats” was once a lake. Glacial floods deposited thousands of cubic yards of volcanic soil. The arid land of this region was used solely for cattle and horse ranges in the late 1800’s by Lord Thomas Blythe, a Scottish nobleman.
The Railroad
In 1892, Jim Hill, known as the Empire Builder, built the Great Northern Railroad, which opened the area to settlers. The first railroad camp was located at Trinidad, while Quincy had only a short siding, and the word “Quincy” was a sign on a post. (The story is that Jim Hill’s daughter named our town, sight unseen, from a list of names given to her by her father). The original Quincy was located north of the railroad tracks where Joe Clay staked out the first homestead in 1900.
The Dream of Water & Quincy Prosperity
The later business district was incorporated in 1907. Hundreds of pioneer families sought out the rich Quincy soil, and there was one great universal dream among them, which challenged and inspired all--the dream of bringing water to the Quincy Valley. Groups sought a way to bring irrigation waters to their rich soil. Many number of plans and surveys were made, but they came to an impasse when financing was considered. In 1920 and 1921, when a severe drought caused statewide crop failures and wells went dry, many gave up their dreams and left the Valley. In 1933, the federal government supported the 30-year-old dream of water, but it wasn’t until 1951 when the first trickle of water became a flowing canal, bringing them the present day prosperity.
Benefit of Irrigation
Irrigation increased the variety of crops produced by the fertile soils. Potatoes and beans replaced wheat as staple crops and soon sugar beets became another cash crop.
Food Processing Industry
In 1965, Erroll Brown and Percy Kelly established the first food processing plant in the Valley. The french fry plant was purchased by Lamb-Weston in 1966 and has since undergone both expansion and ownership changes. Quincy Valley farmers continue to support a large food processing industry, as many processors outside the area contract with local farmers for
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Sweet corn
In addition, both National Frozen Foods Corp. and NORPAC Foods, Inc. (formally Quincy Foods, LLC) process fresh frozen vegetables locally.
Agricultural & Population Growth
The growth in agricultural activity, had led to a growth in population and a diversification of that population. Estimates indicated the 1990 population of the Quincy area to be at 6,523. The City’s 1990 census was 3,734, which included 1,398 people of Hispanic Origin. There is also a large migrant population that spends part of the year in Quincy that was not included in the census. The 2000 census put the City’s population at 5,044.
Population
For current population information please visit U.S. Census Bureau.
Economic Stability
As economic conditions stabilized, and hardships lessened, community groups organized to further improve conditions. Various fraternal and service groups have made many significant contributions to the community over the past 85 years, particularly since the 1950s.
Community Contribution
The Masonic Lodge was chartered in 1907 and is the oldest continuous organization in Quincy, along with the Order of Eastern Star. The Quincy Women's Club was formed some years later and had its own hall which served as a meeting place, library and weekend dance hall. Old-timers can recall many festive occasions at the Women's Club Hall. The Quincy Grange was another organization, which provided social and community service functions. The Chamber of Commerce was organized in about 1946 and a few years later
- Activities Booster Club
- Hospital Auxiliary
- Kiwanis
- Lion's Club
- Moose Lodge
- Rotary Club
- Sigma Beta Phi sorority
To name several of the groups which have served the area.
Credits to Community
The City of Quincy derived from its history a vision for its future. The spirit of community, ingenuity, and the courage to dream, will sustain the citizens of Quincy through the future as it did in the past. The City wishes to thank all those who have given of their time and energy to make Quincy what it is today.
City Location & Attractions
The City of Quincy is conveniently located in Central Washington with close proximity to winter and summer activities. The area provides for:
- Boating and water skiing
- Concerts
- Hunting and fishing
- Snow skiing
The Gorge at George brings a variety of people through the Quincy Valley. The second Saturday in September is the annual Farmer Consumer Awareness Day which educates consumers on the farm to market process.