Oregon State University. Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station was established under the provisions of the federal Hatch Act of 1887. Agricultural experimentation began at Oregon Agricultural College in 1888. In 1901 the first branch station was established at Union, in northeast Oregon, to address issues pertaining to the agriculture in that part of the state. Branch stations were subsequently established throughout Oregon.

From the description of Agricultural Experiment Station records, 1889-2002 (bulk 1889-1985). (Eugene Public Library). WorldCat record id: 52448569

For several years in the mid-1970s through mid-1980s, the Experiment Station had a separate Communications staff that produced films and television public service announcements about Station projects. David Arthur (Dave) King, producer of most of the films in this collection, was Assistant Editor for Radio and Television from 1976 until 1987, when he became Experiment Station Electronic Media Coordinator for the office of Agricultural Communications.

From the description of Experiment Station Communications films, 1974-1984. (Eugene Public Library). WorldCat record id: 54434343

From the guide to the Experiment Station Communications Films, 1974-1984, (Oregon State University University Archives)

The John Jacob Astor Experiment Station was established in 1913 at a site four miles southeast of Astoria in Clatsop County to conduct agricultural research under coastal conditions, specifically to investigate and demonstrate agricultural possibilities of reclaiming and utilizing tidelands and logged-off lands. The Northrup Creek Grazing Experiment was begun in 1936 on the site of one of the Tillamook forest fires to study the seeding, fertilizing, grazing, and management of logged-off and burned-over timberlands and the effects of grazing on reforestation. The project continued until the early 1950s. The John Jacob Astor Station was closed in 1972.

From the description of Agricultural Experiment Station photographic collection, ca. 1900-1988 (bulk 1930-1970). (Eugene Public Library). WorldCat record id: 54517776

The Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station was established under the provisions of the federal Hatch Act of 1887, which provided grants of $15,000 to each U.S. state and territory for experimentation in the "principles and applications of agricultural science." Agricultural experimentation began at Oregon Agricultural College in 1888 under Edgar Grimm, the Station's first director, and in 1889 state legislation was approved formally establishing the Experiment Station. That year, the Station published its first bulletin and the college farm was increased from 35 acres to 155 acres. Between 1889 and 1899, the Station published 58 bulletins and circulares on a variety of topics, many in response to farmers' questions.

By 1900, the success of the Station resulted in an expansion of programs and facilities. Farmers' institutes, begun in 1888, were continued and eventually helped lead to the establishment of the Oregon Extension Service in 1911. In 1900 cooperative work was begun with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and in 1906 the first demonstration train traveled the Willamette and Valley Columbia Basin. In 1901 the first Branch Station was established at Union, in northeast Oregon, to address issues pertaining to the agriculture in that part of the state. Over the next few years, Branch Stations were established throughout Oregon, at Hermiston & Moro (1909); Harney & Talent (1911); Hood River (1912); and Astoria (1913). Subsequently, Stations were established at Pendleton (1927); Medford (1931); Squaw Butte (1935); Klamath Falls (1937); Oregon City (1939); Powell Butte & Ontario (1947); Aurora (1957); and Newport (1989). The Oregon City and Astoria Branch Stations were closed in 1964 and 1973. Several other Branch Stations have been combined to form Research & Extension Centers.

Major achievements of the Station's first 50 years included a successful way to remove spray residues from fruit; introduction of new grain varieties; new methods for storing and marketing Oregon pears; control of various livestock diseases; development of the modern maraschino cherry; and poultry breeding for egg production. Since WWII, major research efforts have focused on improved crop varieties, mechanical harvesting techniques, replacements for petrochemicals, use of rangelands, and environmental issues, such as field burning.

Edgar Grimm served as first Station Director from 1888 until 1890. From 1890 to 1907, the college president served as Director, and included Benjamin L. Arnold, 1890-1892; John M. Bloss, 1892-1896; H.B. Miller, 1896-1897; Thomas M. Gatch, 1897-1907; and William J. Kerr, 1907. James Withycombe served as Director from 1908 to 1914. From 1914 through 1965, the Dean of the School of Agriculture served as Director, including A.B. Cordley, 1914-1920; James T. Jardine, 1920- 1931; William A. Schoenfeld, 1931-1950; and F.E. Price, 1950-1965. Since 1965, Station Directors have been assistant deans in the school, and have included G. Burton Wood, 1966-1975; John R. Davis, 1975-1985; Robert E. Witters (acting), 1985-1986; Steven L. Davis (acting), 1987; and Thayne Dutson, 1987-.

From the guide to the Agricultural Experiment Station Records, 1889-2002, 1889-1985, (Oregon State University Libraries University Archives)