Neppel: The Early Years, 1911-1938

Orchard and vineyard, early 1900's, Moses Lake, Washington.
Photo courtesy of Adam East Museum and Art Center.

The early settlers of Neppel, predecessor to the town of Moses Lake, recognized that water held the key to the community's survival.

In 1911 the Brumder family of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, established the Grant County Realty Company to sell land around the lake to potential dairy farmers. They hoped to establish a town with an economy based on cheese production. But conflicts over water rights developed, and their plans fell apart. Nevertheless, the community of Neppel persisted, and the Milwaukee Railroad extended its line there in 1912.

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