Mirror Pond History

Canoeists paddle Mirror Pond in Bend circa 1910. Outdoor enthusiasts might be surprised that parts of a landmark like the pond could be privately owned, but laws that allow the public to play in rivers don't prevent land underneath the water from being owned.Courtesy Deschutes County Historical Society
Courtesy Des Chutes Historical Museum

Mirror Pond is born

“Bend will have electric lights in the near future. A. M. Drake has fully decided to put in a dam and power plant and will supply the town with the long desired electric system,” the Bend Bulletin reported in 1910. The decision was made to dam the river and bring power to Bend. Later in the year the paper gave us: “A remarkably beautiful pond will result from the dam’s completion, which, situated directly beside the town, will add a notable feature to Bend’s list of attractions.”

Saturday last (July 30, 1910) witnessed the launching of Herbert Allen’s new craft, the “Elf,” upon the waters of the Deschutes.
Saturday last (July 30, 1910) witnessed the launching of Herbert Allen’s new craft, the “Elf,” upon the waters of the Deschutes.