This series highlights locations in Skagit County. These communities were formed in the early 1870's remaining up until the 1920's. Many of the names still appear on maps. A few have buildings remaining in use today. These communities and many others can be found on https:/www.skagitcounty.net/Maps/iMap/?mapjs=hist
Avon was founded as a temperance town. Originally, Avon thrived as an important trading center along the Skagit River. In 1883, A.H.Skaling platted the town, established a Post Office and advertised for settlers. Because of its river access, Avon soon had a shingle mill, boat builder and several stores. The opening of a farm implement company and stage line to connect travelers and supplies allowed the town to quickly add a restaurant, hotel, barber shop and two milliners. It even spawned a newspaper for a brief period called the Avon Record.
During the 1890's the river bank eroded, requiring all buildings to be moved. As roads improved the river traffic declined, siphoning the farmers’ trade away from the Avon docks, toward Burlington and Mount Vernon. The Avon School merged with Mount Vernon. Only the grocery store and Methodist Church remained as community services. By 1920 Avon settled into the pleasant residential village that remains today.
The red barn located across from the cache location was old school gymnasium.
The cache was placed with permission of the business owner. Who, also corrected my pronunciation. The A is pronounced the same as in apple, not as the Avon cosmetics company.
Much of this information was provided by the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner.
Congratulations GrammaJoi on a very quick FTF (19 minutes after publication)