History… As far as we know.
(Alleged) Drunken Murderous Hog Farmer
The history of Half Moon Bar Lodge is about as clean as dirt. From using dynamite on rapids and alleged murder, the property’s history wasn’t always pretty. But finding out each piece of the past is a rewarding part of owning such a special place and essential to becoming better stewards of the land. We’ve also met some amazing people along the way.
From the moment we purchased the lodge, people have climbed the stairs to tell their river tales. Archeologists have come by to verify 8 pit houses on the property and confirmed Native Americans lived on the river shelf. The fertile soil and river supported a small community for generations.
Neighbors, descendants of neighbors, and knowledgeable river folk paddled up with more pieces related to the development of the lodge. The first post-miner development began in 1920 with homesteader and hog farmer Andy Huggins, who built a small cabin. From there, each new owner added, expanded, or further enhanced the small footprint of the cabin to what you will experience today. While we might not agree with each decision, we embrace the past, and view it as an honor to be part of the history and community of the Rogue River.
Yes, we have more than one grave on-site. No, we won’t tell you where unless you stop by.
*Historical Timeline, As Far As We Know*
10,000 - 12,000 years ago: Ancestors of the Hokan-speaking Shasta first arrived in the Rogue River Valley and maintained a continuous presence until the point of contact.
10,000 - 1,500 years ago: The second group to settle in the Rogue Valley was composed of ancestors of the Takelma.
1,500 years ago: Last to arrive were Athabaskan-speaking groups.
Mid-1800s: Miners began searching for gold in the Rogue River Valley.
1920: The property was homesteaded by Andy Huggins, who lived here until his death.
1951 - 1964: After our favorite drunken murderous hog farmer passed, the property changed hands a couple of times. We might not know the exact dates, but we do know that Merle and Vivian Johnson sold the property to Bill and Bette Norfleet.
1964 - 1979: Bill and Bette Norfleet were particularly important in the legal documentation of the lodge. In anticipation of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968, the Norfleet family expanded the foodprint from a small cabin to the current lodge.
1979 - 1989: Mark Gordon Minnis owned and loved the property with all his heart.
1989 - 2002: Three prominent businessmen purchased the lodge and utilized their connections and companies to further develop Half Moon Bar. One was a South Coast Lumber Company manager who brought lumber in by helicopter to build the side cabins. Another founded Rogue Jet Boatworks built the hull for the current Half Moon Bar Jetboat.
2002: The property was purchased by Cathy and John Shleining, who currently own Paradise Lodge.
2005ish - 2019: After using Half Moon Bar for group activities and day trips, Cathy and John determined it was too much work to maintain while also operating Paradise Lodge. Half Moon Bar Lodge sat unoccupied and unused for over a decade.
2019: Brothers Mike and Ben Ross purchase the lodge and begin the renovation (see the next section for renovation details).
2021: First guests stay at Half Moon Bar Lodge. Mike and Ben hired two full-time chefs for the most delicious meals you could imagine while on a river trip.
2021: Partnerships formed with Jerry Jet Boats and Rafting Tour Operators like ROW Adventures, Ouzel Outfitters, Orange Torpedo Tours, Western River Expeditions, and more.
2022 - Foreseeable Future: Keep working on the lodge to be the most sustainable it can be, serve delectable meals from the garden, and welcome guests from all over the world. We’ll also continue to be a place where boaters, pilots, adventurers, and hikers have found refuge, peace, and companionship.
Jennie, a Rogue River Takelma woman, who crafted the dress worn in this iconic Peter Britt portrait