A little history...
Onion Creek was settled by farmers and loggers in the late 1800's. At that time you would have to travel a long dirt road from the county seat in Colville to the town of Standard (the original name of Onion Creek.)
The original Onion Creek store was built in the late 1970's when a new group of pioneers settled the area. These people set out to build their own log homes and live off the land, a kind of green movement. There is a recent influx of younger folk settling here, seeking a healthy environment in which to live and raise their families. The community is now home to roughly 300 residents. Several relatives of the families that settled here are still living in the area today. There are no signs of the town of Standard anymore. Onion Creek School and Onion Creek General Store are the remaining 'businesses' in Onion Creek, but the pioneer spirit is alive and well.
There are many gardeners in Onion Creek producing garlic, tomatoes, and onions as their most popular crops.
Years ago, Onion Creek became notorious when a strain of marijuana grown in the area was featured in High Times Magazine. The reputation lived on, and helicopters flew every summer, looking for plants. Perhaps those settlers of the 1970's were just ahead of their time, considering Washington State's legal marijuana laws. You might even find Onion Creek branded products at your local cannabis shop.
There are lots of artistic and creative people who live here, too. Two "reality" TV shows were filmed in Onion Creek. Check out The Boonies shown on NatGeo and The Woodsmen from the history channel. Although like many "reality shows", reenactments are sometimes exaggerated, it is true that there are still people building their own homes, powering with solar, living green and living off the grid.
The original Onion Creek store was built in the late 1970's when a new group of pioneers settled the area. These people set out to build their own log homes and live off the land, a kind of green movement. There is a recent influx of younger folk settling here, seeking a healthy environment in which to live and raise their families. The community is now home to roughly 300 residents. Several relatives of the families that settled here are still living in the area today. There are no signs of the town of Standard anymore. Onion Creek School and Onion Creek General Store are the remaining 'businesses' in Onion Creek, but the pioneer spirit is alive and well.
There are many gardeners in Onion Creek producing garlic, tomatoes, and onions as their most popular crops.
Years ago, Onion Creek became notorious when a strain of marijuana grown in the area was featured in High Times Magazine. The reputation lived on, and helicopters flew every summer, looking for plants. Perhaps those settlers of the 1970's were just ahead of their time, considering Washington State's legal marijuana laws. You might even find Onion Creek branded products at your local cannabis shop.
There are lots of artistic and creative people who live here, too. Two "reality" TV shows were filmed in Onion Creek. Check out The Boonies shown on NatGeo and The Woodsmen from the history channel. Although like many "reality shows", reenactments are sometimes exaggerated, it is true that there are still people building their own homes, powering with solar, living green and living off the grid.
Community spirit is strong in Onion Creek. Local volunteers built a playground and basketball court in the park next to the store. Many residents turn out for the two Bargain Fairs held during the year. Each Christmas season, caring community members fill handmade holiday stockings and give one to every child in Onion Creek from babies to High School seniors. holiday . The Northport Food Bank receives generous donations from the people who live here in addition to the donations from the store. Onion Creek school has several volunteers who offer their time and skills. If you are walking on Onion Creek road, someone will likely stop to see if you need a ride. While driving you will be surely be greeted with a wave.
Onion Creek School is an award winning school with students from preschool through eighth grade. Class sizes are small and personal attention is given to every child. Students have unique opportunities such as cross country skiing lessons and a school garden. Some classes are still held in the original 1917 school building. In the year 2015, the school celebrated its 100th year. Current and former students and staff attended the centennial celebration. You will find no finer educational experience than that shared by the students at Onion Creek. You can find a connection to ONION CREEK SCHOOL on Facebook, too. |
You can read the history of Onion Creek School, written by Liv Stecker, as published in the Silverado Express by clicking on the photo below:
Onion Creek School's 100 Year Anniversary Celebration
was held on June 27th, 2015. |
