This building on Farmington Road was in operation until the 1970s

Beaverton Milling, built in 1910

Around 1910, German immigrant Albert Muessig and his sons built a flour mill at the intersection of Front St. (now Farmington Road) and what is now Cedar Hills Blvd. Initially steam-operated, Beaverton Milling soon upgraded to electric motors to grind flour and feed. His son Otto sold “No. 1 Wood” from their adjacent wood yard, visible at the left side of the photo. They expanded soon after, adding “a big assortment of choice groceries” in a building north of the railroad tracks, operating both until 1917 when a new business came to town.

Pacific Potato Starch Factory: In early 1918, the Pacific Potato Starch Factory opened to great promise after nearly a year of delays caused by lack of railcars, problems obtaining construction materials and equipment, and World War I federal restrictions. Employing slightly more than a dozen men and purchasing produce from about 100 local farmers, it processed 250 bushels of potatoes daily to produce one ton of starch that was used for commercial, industrial, and home purposes. Three years later, the company shuttered operations, beset by a host of problems.

Beaverton Feed and Produce: For the following few years Beaverton Feed and Produce operated in the renovated building, giving way to another profitable economic force. The increasing presence of an industry that began in the late 19th century, canneries in the fertile Tualatin Valley and throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho became apparent as fruits, vegetables, and chickens were purchased from local orchardists and farmers, processed, and shipped regionally. Nearby operations were in Garden Home, Hillsboro and Sherwood.

Barem Packers: The old mill was once again refurbished and equipped with the latest machinery when a new berry processing facility began in 1939. During World War II, its successor canned fruitcakes at Christmas to send overseas. The last occupant was Barem Packers in the 1960s.

By the early 1970s, the building was demolished.

By Ann Koppy. For more info, visit us at www.historyofbeaverton.org, email info@historyofbeaverton.org.