Editor’s note: This is Part II of an ongoing series examining the “Orchards” era of the early 1900s in the southern Willamette Valley. The Chronicle is proud to publish the first excerpts of Pat Edwards’ new book, “Picking the Orchard Clean.”

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Chronicle photographer Bradley Cook crosses off another bucket list item – seeing Buddy Guy perform at Austin City Limits.

Editor’s note: Since my arrival in Creswell four years ago, I’ve heard several versions of the town’s “Fruitlands” era and the man who deserved credit or responsibility for it. Was A.C. Bohrnstedt a misunderstood Dudley Do-Right? Or was he a super salesman who donned the cloak of Snidely Whiplash when needed while still winning the trust and allegiance of influential men? When the question was put to Pat Edwards, local historian and author – as well as a weekly contributor to The Chronicle – she was intrigued. So intrigued that the simple request to write a story or two on the topic for the newspaper has turned into a book. The Chronicle is proud to publish the first excerpts of that book, focusing on the “orchards” era of the early 1900s in the southern Willamette Valley.