About The Balch Hotel
The Balch Hotel
The Balch Hotel was built in 1907 by Charles P. Balch, a local rancher, and druggist who owned approximately 1,600 acres adjoining Dufur. The bricks used were made on his ranch.
The hotel opened on January 17, 1908. Rooms cost $0.50 to $1.25, touting hot and cold water in every room, electric lights, and steam heat. The 18-inch thick brick walls continue to keep the building cool during the hot Dufur summers.
The lore is that the Balch family brought the safe that you can see in the parlor from their home in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Original fire hoses remain hanging in the hallway (now disconnected) and the old electric meter is in its original location on the second floor. Remainders of the hotel communication system remain in each room, though no longer reach the front desk. (Use your cell phone instead!)
When electricity came to Dufur Valley, two places had this technology: the Balch Hotel and what is now Sunshine Mill. Each business had 12 hours. The mill during 12 hours of daytime, and then the Balch at night.