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Cheney Mayors

Cheney is a city of 9,470 population. Its history goes back to 1879 when the first settler, his wife and child pitched a tent on the site approximately where the EWU Administration building now stands. The gently sloping hills were heavily timbered and the solitude unbroken.

Pioneers looking for a likely place to settle always were on the alert for plenty of water; so, too, was the railroad. The future site of Cheney provided this commodity as well as timber for building. A profuse flow of spring water in a grove of willows influenced the location of a section division and town near the right-of-way.

The route of the Northern Pacific R.R. had been surveyed and the townsite platted much earlier than 1880 when the roadbed was actually graded, assuring observers trains would be coming through this location. Phenominal growth occurred that year when an influx of pioneers eager to invest in a number of enterprises moved into this new settlement. Shelters of rough lumber were hastily built to protect their merchandise and services such as stores, blacksmith shops, hotels, restaurants and even a bank. A printing press turned out the latest news standing under a pine tree on Main Street where it remained for several months, printing the goings-on, gossip and advertising of this bustling little city until the owner-editor could find a building for his equipment. It took a lot to discourage those hardy pioneers! Tents or "box houses" usually consisting of one room served as temporary shelter for families.

An interesting note worthy of mention is the fact the little town underwent four successive changes in name within a short time: Section 13, then Depot Springs because of the water; Billings, who was President of the Northern Pacific Railroad and finally the name "Cheney" for one of the directors to the N.P.R.R. In recognition of this signal honor the wealthy gentleman gave a donation of $10,000.00 to the town to establish an educational facility to become known as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy. The railroad gave 8 acres of land on which it was to be built. Like the town itself, the Academy grew in enrollment and structure and has gone through four changes in name to the present Eastern Washington University.

The railroad brought improved means of transportation to the area but it was the ingenuity and adventurous spirit of the pioneers which resulted in the rapid progress of those early years. In 1890 the first creamery in the State of Washington was in operation in Cheney utilizing milk from farm herds within a radius of 12 miles or more for processing. Owners Martin and Hubbard hired a master butter maker, Frederick Reuter, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Dairy Department to take over the management of the plant and make the butter. The F.M. Martin Grain and Milling Company was started in the early 1890's, rebuilt and enlarged at later times. In 1903 Fred Reuter opened his own cheese factory also purchasing milk from area farmers. This cheese soon earned the reputation of being the best in the Northwest. 4,000 pounds of milk a day was processed into cream cheese of such excellent quality it took first place at the Washington State Fair in Yakima the first time it was entered into competition.

All has not been rosy. The loss of the County seat to Spokane Falls in 1885 left scars which were a long time healing. Time after time disaster struck the little town. Three major fires destroyed the business district during the first formative years. Time after time the town bounced back. It was evident frame buildings must be replaced with more fire-resistant material. Enterprising men saw the great opportunity for making and selling brick. At one time three brickyards were in operation here. Only one survived by turning out a superior product. Gradually brick structures replaced the wooden ones so prone to fire. The Cheney Brick Co. became such a reputable firm they furnished their product not only for rebuilding of Cheney but was so highly regarded they were contracted to ship 50,000 (bricks) for the interior finish in State buildings in Moscow, Idaho. Cheney is proud of the old landmarks still standing made of local brick. The first was erected in 1883 and was recently vacated after having been used as the Cheney branch of the Spokane County Public Library system for a number of years. The majestic old 1904 IOOF Lodge hall stands guard on the corner of Cheney-Spangle Road and First St. The Interurban train depot on the corner of Second and College bears mute testimony of what was once the main method of commuting between the two neighboring cities from circa 1907 to nearly 1924. The rails for the electrically powered line were laid along Second St.

Volumes have been written on the history of the City of Cheney and surrounding communities. To avoid repetition of previous writings, the reader will instead find pertinent bits of historic information woven through the biographies of the twenty-seven mayors following this brief synopsis.

On this 106th year of its existence Cheney has grown from a typical frontier town to a well-organized city. It has expanded its boundaries from the old downtown core to encompass an additional shopping center near the northern city limits. Cheney Plaza offers shops of every description for the convenience of customers, supplying merchandise and services at prices competitive with those in neighboring Spokane.

The campus of EWU is a far cry from the little Benjamin P. Cheney Academy, with spacious beautifully landscaped grounds and large, more recently constructed buildings offering a wide field of academic courses to students from all over the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Perhaps prejudice influences those of us who live here, but to us Cheney is the jewel of the Inland Empire, offering security and educational opportunities to young families. Peaceful surroundings, easily reached shopping facilities and friendly contacts make this an ideal place, especially for the many senior citizens who call this home.

Ellen Proctor
1988 (updated 2004)

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