Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 26.djvu/409

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Blaine, Tillamook County. Blaine is on the Nestucca River. It was named by the first postmaster, William Smith, for James G. Blaine (1830-1893), at one time republican candidate for the presidency of the United States. Mr. Smith was appointed postmaster of Blaine in 1892 by John Wanamaker.

Blalock, Gilliam County. Blalock was named for Dr. Nelson G. Blalock, a pioneer citizen of Walla Walla and a veteran of the Civil War. He had ambitions of developing an extensive horticultural establishment along the Columbia River in the neighborhood of Blalock Island. He died in Walla Walla March 14, 1913, aged 77 years. Blalock has an elevation of 216 feet.

Blitzen, Harney County. This post office was named for the Donner Und Blitzen River which flows nearby. The river was named during the Snake War of 1864, when troops under the command of Colonel George B. Currey crossed it during a thunder storm, and gave to it the German name for thunder and lightning.

Blodgett, Benton County. Said to have been named for a pioneer settler, William Blodgett. The post office was established under the name of Emrick on April 3, 1888, with James A. Wood first postmaster. The name was changed to Blodgett on May 8 of the same year.

Bloucher, Hood River County. This is a station on the Mt. Hood Railroad west of Odell. It was named for H. E. Bloucher, a local resident.

Blow, Wasco County. This small lake is near the summit of the Cascade Range just northeast of Olallie Butte. It was so named because it occupies a "blow hole" or small crater-like depression.

Blowout Lakes, Linn County. These lakes are on Blowout Creek, south of Detroit. They were so named because of a great landslide nearby resembling a blowout of the mountain side.