Winlock became the first incorporated city in the county in 1873, as the railroad began service. A construction camp, called Lee’s Camp, was named for the contractor and located on site.
Winlock’s Egg Days celebration may not settle the age-old question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, but the annual event does feature a parade and free egg salad sandwiches. Photo by The Chronicle.
Dr. C.C. Pagett and Jack Nealy acquired land on either side of the Northern Pacific line that make up the present town, with the rail line still running through the center.
Pagett’s friend General Winlock W. Miller, from Olympia, offered a nice bell for the church or schoolhouse if the town would be named Winlock, which it was officially entitled on Feb. 2, 1872.
By 1910 the town’s population was equal to that of Chehalis, but by 1920 it had dropped back to about 850 resident, where it stayed for decades. As of the 2000 census, the town had about 1,200 residents.
Embracing its egg-rich history, the city of Winlock has placed several 400-pound rooster scultptures in various locations around town. Photo by The Chronicle.
The town was once known as a major producer of eggs. A testament to that industry can be seen while driving through town, where a pillar and tiny park surround the World’s Largest Egg.
Following in the egg tradition, the town plays host to Egg Days each summer. This year’s event, set for June 21 and 22, will mark 70 years of community celebration.
On the slate are a parade, carnival rides, live music, a horse show, a fun run, an all-school reunion, a pancake breakfast and free lunch of (what else?) egg salad sandwiches.