This Oregon Electric substation, constructed in 1906–1907, was abandoned for its original purpose in 1912 when the line changed from 600-volt operation to 1200-volt operation. Its electrical equipment was transferred to the Moffatt substation to enhance its capabilities. The building was then used as a freight depot.
Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) E-1904, dated July 20, 1928, says this about Donald: “purchase additional right-of-way, move agent’s cottage and warehouse, and build new 50 foot by 126 foot warehouse.” Note how the dimensions of this new warehouse match the inventory below.
The substation at Donald under construction in 1906.
The substation at Donald under construction in 1906.
A January 1936 inventory of the line notes:
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Donald – M.P. 28.9
Concrete sub-station. Used as freight depot. Hop warehouse, 50 x 126. Good condition. Hop warehouse, 40 x 50. Fair condition. Agent’s cottage. Fair condition. Passing track, length 1299 feet. 70#. Team track, length 940 ft. 70#, 60#. Tile spur, length 382 ft. 60#. Not used. (Should be taken up.) Brickyard spur, length 455 ft. 60#.
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The Hoskins Brick and Tile spur was taken up in March 1938, and the agent’s cottage was retired in September 1939. The large warehouse was extended by another 83 feet in July 1941, making it 233 feet long (slightly longer than it currently is).
In July 1959, it is noted that “three warehouses” are to be sold to the Donald Farmers’ Co-op. Perhaps the old substation, which had long been used as a freight depot, was included in this sale? The smaller warehouse seems to have been demolished between 2007 and 2013, but the substation, large warehouse and passing track remain to this day.
See also the entry in the “Remnants” section of the site: Donald Substation (Oregon Electric)
