FRUIT MERCHANTS OF HELLS CANYON Big Bar has long been used by Native Americans as a winter campsite when Archibald Ritchie arrived in the late 1880's. He and John Eckles farmed the 25 acres from where you stand to the rivers edge. Archie and John became well known for their 500 tree orchard growing a variety of fruits and nuts as well as vegetables, hay and grains. The fresh produce was welcome sight to the miners who worked a long journey, to get fruit to can for their families. Archie passed on the 1906 and John in 1912. On this hill the tow old friends lie side by side looking over the river they called home. I few of the orchard trees remain in majestic silence for us to enjoy. In the spring white blossoms drift over the grasses like a dusting of snow. a sweet memorial to the Fruit Merchants of Hells Canyon. BIG BAR Big Bar was settled in the 1890's and the land was used for farming and fruit growing. The fruit and vegetables were carried by pack horses to the Seven Devils mining area. The produce was exceptional Quality and was highly prized by the miners. John Eckels and Arthur Ritchie, who are buried here, first settled and farmed the land Mr. Eckles won top prizes in the trans Mississippi Fair at Omaha, Nebraska in 1898 for his fruit. Most of Big Bar is now flooded by water backed up from the Hells Canyon Dam. Both signs By Payette National Forest images can bee seen below.