Bickleton, Washington

Last updated

Bickleton, Washington
Bickletonwa.JPG
The Bluebird Tavern in Bickleton
Klickitat County Washington Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Bickleton Highlighted.svg
Location of Bickleton in Klickitat County, Washington
Coordinates: 45°59′43″N120°19′28″W / 45.99528°N 120.32444°W / 45.99528; -120.32444
Country United States
State Washington
County Klickitat
Area
  Total4.7 sq mi (12.1 km2)
  Land4.7 sq mi (12.1 km2)
  Water0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
3,018 ft (920 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total92
  Density20/sq mi (7.6/km2)
Time zone UTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
  Summer (DST) UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP code
99322
Area code 509
FIPS code 53-05980 [1]
GNIS feature ID1512007 [2]

Bickleton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. Bickleton was first settled by Charles N. Bickle and established in 1879. The population was 92 at the 2020 census, [3] up from 88 at the 2010 census. [1]

Contents

History

Bickleton was first settled by Charles N. Bickle, who established a trading post and livery stable at the site. He also served as the area's first postmaster. In 1879, the town was named after Bickle. [4] [5] The town's economy was initially based largely on cattle ranching and wheat farming. [6] A series of fires in 1937 and 1947 destroyed many of the town's original buildings. [4]

The oldest surviving building in Bickleton is the Bluebird Inn, a tavern which first opened in 1882. It is billed as the oldest functioning tavern in the state, although it has changed ownership numerous times and operated under different names throughout its history. [note 1] The tavern includes a 1903 Brunswick pool table, which is still used by regulars. [4]

The town has held an annual picnic and rodeo continuously since 1910. The festival also features a 1905 Herschell-Spillman carousel, which the town purchased from Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon, in 1928. [4] [7]

Bluebirds

A shed outside of Bickleton proudly showing the bluebird connection Lonely Blue Bird shed.JPG
A shed outside of Bickleton proudly showing the bluebird connection

Bickleton is known as the bluebird capital of the world. [8] In the 1960s, Jess and Elva Brinkerhoff were picnicking in this small town after coming from nearby Richland and put a can in a tree for some birds. It became a local fad, and now there are thousands of birdhouses purposely built to house bluebirds.

Both the mountain bluebird and the western bluebird nest in Bickleton. Maintaining the houses by cleaning old nests is a major task for the local residents. It is funded by profits from bluebird souvenirs sold to tourists at Whitmore's Whoop-n-Holler Ranch Museum.

Geography

Bickleton is in northeastern Klickitat County, south of the Horse Heaven Hills and the Yakama Indian Reservation. It is 66 miles (106 km) west of Kennewick and 22 miles (35 km) north of the Columbia River at Roosevelt.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Bickleton CDP has a total area of 4.7 square miles (12.1 km2), all of it land. [1]

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Bickleton has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps. [9]

Climate data for Bickleton, Washington (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1928–2018)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)66
(19)
65
(18)
70
(21)
85
(29)
92
(33)
108
(42)
102
(39)
102
(39)
97
(36)
87
(31)
71
(22)
65
(18)
108
(42)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)35.1
(1.7)
38.5
(3.6)
46.0
(7.8)
52.8
(11.6)
62.2
(16.8)
69.7
(20.9)
80.7
(27.1)
80.0
(26.7)
70.7
(21.5)
56.4
(13.6)
42.4
(5.8)
33.7
(0.9)
55.7
(13.2)
Daily mean °F (°C)29.8
(−1.2)
32.2
(0.1)
38.2
(3.4)
43.5
(6.4)
51.6
(10.9)
57.9
(14.4)
67.2
(19.6)
67.0
(19.4)
59.0
(15.0)
46.6
(8.1)
35.8
(2.1)
28.5
(−1.9)
46.4
(8.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)24.4
(−4.2)
26.0
(−3.3)
30.3
(−0.9)
34.2
(1.2)
41.0
(5.0)
46.1
(7.8)
53.8
(12.1)
54.0
(12.2)
47.3
(8.5)
36.9
(2.7)
29.1
(−1.6)
23.3
(−4.8)
37.2
(2.9)
Record low °F (°C)−13
(−25)
−12
(−24)
1
(−17)
15
(−9)
20
(−7)
27
(−3)
30
(−1)
30
(−1)
27
(−3)
8
(−13)
−12
(−24)
−17
(−27)
−17
(−27)
Average precipitation inches (mm)2.01
(51)
1.64
(42)
1.51
(38)
1.03
(26)
1.33
(34)
0.82
(21)
0.25
(6.4)
0.35
(8.9)
0.44
(11)
1.00
(25)
2.12
(54)
2.52
(64)
15.02
(382)
Average snowfall inches (cm)8.1
(21)
5.1
(13)
1.5
(3.8)
0.6
(1.5)
0.6
(1.5)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.2
(0.51)
2.4
(6.1)
12.1
(31)
30.6
(78)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)10.28.68.77.06.14.12.02.01.96.59.311.077.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)3.43.21.60.20.10.00.00.00.00.21.85.516.0
Source: NOAA [10] [11]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
2000 113
2010 88−22.1%
2020 924.5%
US Decennial Census[ citation needed ]

As of the census [12] of 2000, there were 113 people, 49 households, and 31 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 8.8 people per square mile (3.4/km2). There were 65 housing units at an average density of 5.0/sq mi (1.9/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.92% White, 2.65% Native American, 2.65% Pacific Islander, 1.77% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.19% of the population.

There were 49 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.7% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $34,500, and the median income for a family was $48,125. Males had a median income of $42,500 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,580. There were 20.0% of families and 20.2% of the population living below the poverty line, including 36.1% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Notes

  1. The Brick Tavern in Roslyn claims the title of the oldest continuously operating tavern in the state of Washington, opening in 1889 and operating under a single name since 1898. The Bluebird Inn, according to its owners, is the state's oldest functioning tavern, having first opened in 1882; however, it has operated under numerous names and has not been continuously licensed to operate since its founding.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Klickitat County, Washington</span> County in Washington, United States

Klickitat County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,735. The county seat and largest city is Goldendale. The county is named after the Klickitat tribe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desert Aire, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Desert Aire is a census-designated place (CDP) in Grant County, Washington, United States. Desert Aire's elevation is 560 ft (170 m). The population was 1,626 at the 2010 census, up from 1,124 at the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brinnon, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Brinnon is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. The population was 907 at the 2020 census. The community is named for Ewell P. Brinnon, who in 1860 took a donation land claim at the mouth of the Duckabush River. Its known landmarks include Dosewallips State Park and Black Point Marina. Camp Parsons, founded in 1919 and the oldest Boy Scout camp west of the Mississippi River, sits just outside the north end of the CDP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Easton, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Easton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Kittitas County, Washington, United States. The population was 478 at the 2010 census. Easton is the annual site of the start/finish line for the Cascade Crest 100-mile ultra-running race.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Centerville, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Centerville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. Settled in 1877 by Albert J. Brown, the population was 94 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dallesport, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Dallesport is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,328 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Klickitat, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Klickitat is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. The population was 320 at the 2020 census. Once the site of a lumber mill, it is now primarily a bedroom community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyle, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Lyle is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. The population was 518 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maryhill, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Maryhill is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. The population was 55 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roosevelt, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Roosevelt is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. The population was 152 at the 2020 census. The Roosevelt Regional Landfill, one of the largest landfills in the United States, is located at Roosevelt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trout Lake, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Trout Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. The population was 672 at the 2020 census. The town is notable for its organic dairy and herb farms, and as an access point to Mount Adams and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gleed, Washington</span> CDP in Washington, United States

Gleed is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,873 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naches, Washington</span> Town in Washington, United States

Naches is a town in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,084 at the 2020 census. The town is located along the Naches River west of Yakima near the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Satus, Washington</span> CDP in Washington, United States

Satus is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yakima County, Washington, United States, located on the eastern corner of the Yakama Indian Reservation. The population was 746 at the 2000 census. It is southwest from the Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge. The community was not recognized in the 2010 census. The area was first settled and established as a post office location in 1890.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Selah, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Selah is a city in Yakima County, Washington, United States. It is north of Yakima and part of its metropolitan area. The city's population was 8,153 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summitview, Washington</span> CDP in Washington, United States

Summitview is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,066 at the 2020 census, a dramatic increase of 967 from the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terrace Heights, Washington</span> CDP in Washington, United States

Terrace Heights is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 9,244 at the 2020 census. It is essentially a suburb of the city of Yakima.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Valley, Washington</span> CDP in Washington, United States

West Valley is a former census-designated place (CDP) in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The area has been annexed by the city of Yakima. The population was 10,433 at the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Swan, Washington</span> CDP in Washington, United States

White Swan is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 789 at the 2020 census.

Hollins is a census-designated place (CDP) in Botetourt and Roanoke County, Virginia, United States. Hollins covers much of the area known locally as "North County". The population was 15,574 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area. The area is also the home of Hollins University in addition to four properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Black Horse Tavern-Bellvue Hotel and Office, Harshbarger House, the Hollins College Quadrangle, and Old Tombstone.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Bickleton CDP, Washington". American FactFinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  2. "Bickleton". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  3. "Bickleton CDP, Washington - Census Bureau Profile". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Seven, Richard (May 27, 2001). "Bluebirds & Bloodlines". Pacific Northwest Magazine. The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on June 8, 2001. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  5. Majors, Harry M. (1975). Exploring Washington. Van Winkle Publishing Co. p. 154. ISBN   978-0-918664-00-6.
  6. Hammon, Amanda (March 28, 2004). "Bickleton's a Place Where Everybody Knows Your Name". Yakima Herald-Republic. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  7. Janovich, Adriana (June 8, 2006). "Carousing at the old carousel in Bickleton". Yakima Herald-Republic. Archived from the original on September 16, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  8. Geranios, Nicholas K. (October 23, 1988). "Nearly Over the Rainbow: Tiny Town Keeps House for Bluebirds". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  9. Climate Summary for Bickleton, Washington
  10. "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  11. "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  12. "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 31, 2008.