Otis Orchards
Settlers William and Johanna Pringle homesteaded in Eastern Spokane County in 1883, near a railroad stop called Otis. In 1903, Mark Mendenhall and Laughlin MacLean contracted to use a drainage ditch to bring water from Newman Lake to Otis, which they promoted in Chicago, a major hub for apple auctions, with pamphlets titled “Irrigation is King.” The name was changed to Otis Orchards.
Section:Then & Now
Image One
Courtesy the Northwest Room, Spokane Public Library
Image Two
Jesse Tinsley
| The Spokesman-Review