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From
earliest times the major obstacle to travel between the
Rogue Valley of southern Oregon and Shasta Valley of northern
California has been the ridge of mountains called the "Siskiyou's."
The name comes form the Indian word for "broom tailed horse."
Legend has it that the first white man the Indians met in
this area was riding a horse with its tail cut off square
like a broom. The white man asked the Indians for the name
of the Mountains, but misunderstood their reply. He thought
they were naming the mountains when actually they were talking
about his horse's tail. The name "Siskiyou" endured. The
lowest and shortest passage over these mountains is a few
miles west of a 1,000-foot tall rock pillar protruding above
the mid point of the ridge. Known as "Pilot Rock," this
landmark aided Indians and immigrants, as well as today's
travelers, to locate the best place to cross the mountains.
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The
discovery of gold in both Rogue and Shasta valleys
in the 1840’s and 50’s brought more people over
this crossing and soon there was a community known
as the village of "Siskiyou." The peak growth of
this village occurred during the construction of
a railroad line 3 over the mountains in 1887.
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A train tunnel, dug near the summit beginning at
the southeast corner of the village, will be forever
famous as the site of the last great rain robbery.
Three D’Atremont brothers jumped on the train as
it was slowly ascending the steep grade north of
the entrance to the tunnel. Four men were killed
leading authorities to one of the most extensive
manhunts in U.S. history. The brother‘s were ultimately
captured, tried, and sentenced to life in prison.
The Siskiyou population began to diminish and finally
lost its post office status in 1920.
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As
a young man growing up in the Rogue Valley, Don Callahan dreamed
of owning a lodge in the Siskiyou Mountains. Managing a flock
of sheep and owning little else, that dream seemed far away. In
1944 a piece of property midway up the mountain on Highway 99
became available. Don sold the sheep and bought the land. After
service in World War II, with the help of friends, a pick and
shovel, he chiseled out a building site from the solid rock of
the hillside. In 1947 he built a wood and stone building which
he named “Callahan’s Siskiyou Lodge.” The dining room, with eight
stools and five tables, opened initially catering to local residents
who enjoyed the rustic lodge and its alpine setting. Soon interstate
travelers began to appreciate the lodge as well. Anyone who ever
traveled "Old 99" can still recall that well known spot. |
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Don
married Nilde Cervell an immigrant from Italy, in 1951. She brought
the great Italian dishes to Callahan’s which are still famous
today. Soon guests were standing in line! In April 1964, the original
Callahan site was condemned for the new Interstate 5 right of
way. Not wanting to be out of business, Don bought a larger piece
of land a short distance up the highway below the summit of the
Siskiyou's and reopened in July of 1965. The site is actually
a part of the old village of Siskiyou. |
Callahan's
is known throughout the West as an exceptional place to
stop for great food, good drinks and good company. It is
now being patronized by the fourth generation of original
customers. Few restaurants enjoy such extensive acclaim.
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| Ron
Bergquist, who had remodeled Nilde’s kitchen in 1960, and
his wife, Donna, purchased Callahan's on January 2, 1996.
Ron brings to the enterprise his extensive experience in
developing restaurants and hotels. He was raised in the
Rogue Valley. Donna, a native of Texas, brings many years
of experience in marketing, promotion and advertising. They
believe their combined skills will assure the future success
and development of the “Callahan” tradition. |
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The
new "Callahan Family," Ron and Donna along with daughter,
Anna, welcome you, and are happy to share the occasion that
brings you to dine. Please sign our guest book when you
visit, and be a part of a tradition, a "warehouse of memories."
The old family recipes are still being used, and the train
still goes through the tunnel! |
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