View source for Winlock, Washington

{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Winlock, Washington
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    = 
<!-- Images --------------->
|image_skyline            = 
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = 
|image_flag               = 
|image_seal               = 
<!-- Maps ----------------->
|image_map                = Lewis_County_Washington_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Winlock_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Winlock, Washington
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             = 
<!-- Location ------------->
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Washington|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis]]
<!-- Government ----------->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Brandon Svenson
|leader_title1            = 
|leader_name1             = 
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1871
|established_title1       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date1        = February 28, 1883
|named_for                = General William Winlock Miller
<!-- Area ----------------->
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2024">{{cite web|title=2024 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2024_Gazetteer/2024_gaz_place_53.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=May 16, 2025}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 8.76
|area_land_km2            = 8.76
|area_water_km2           = 0.00
|area_total_sq_mi         = 3.38
|area_land_sq_mi          = 3.38
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.00
|area_water_percent       = 0.0
<!-- Population ----------->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 2515
|pop_est_as_of            = 2024
|pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2024"/>
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_total         = 1472
|population_density_km2   = 743.86
|population_density_sq_mi = 1926.59
<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific (PST)]]
|utc_offset               = –8
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = –7
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_m              = 109
|elevation_ft             = 358
|coordinates              = {{Coord|46.490681|-122.918391|region:US-WA_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
|postal_code              = 98596
|area_code                = [[Area code 360|360]] and [[Area code 564|564]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 53-79275
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 2412283<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2412283}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://cityofwinlock.com/|cityofwinlock.com}}
|footnotes                = 
}}

'''Winlock''' ({{IPAc-en|w|ɪ|n|l|ə|k}}) is a city in [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis County]], Washington, United States. The population was 1,472 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]],<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Winlock_city,_Washington?g=160XX00US5379275 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 16, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> and was estimated to be 2,515 in 2024.<ref name="USCensusEst2024"/> It was named after territorial army general, William Winlock Miller,<ref name=majors>{{Cite book|last=Majors |first=Harry M. |title=Exploring Washington |publisher=Van Winkle Publishing Co |year=1975 |page=120 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CoWrPQAACAAJ |isbn=978-0-918664-00-6}}</ref><ref name=hale>{{Cite book|last=Hale |first=Janet |title=Winlock, Washington Territory (Thesis) |publisher=Linfield College |year=1948 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WinlockHistory.pdf}}</ref> who briefly resided there. Winlock is mostly famous for having the World's Largest Egg,<ref>[http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/4033 "World's Largest Egg"]. Roadside America. Retrieved January 16, 2012.</ref> reflecting its former status as a major producer of [[Egg as food|eggs]]. Early in its history, Winlock attracted many immigrants from [[Finland]], [[Germany]], and [[Sweden]].

==History==
===Origin===
Winlock began as a [[Northern Pacific Railway|Northern Pacific Railroad]] construction camp called Wheeler's Camp in c. 1871. The railroad was then in the process of extending its line from [[Kalama, Washington|Kalama]] to [[Tacoma, Washington]]. Dr. C. C. Pagett, an early resident, donated the land for the townsite. In 1873, he named it for General William Winlock Miller of [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]], a man of some renown in the area. Miller had promised to give a [[school bell]] to the town if it were to be named after him. The town was incorporated on February 28, 1883.<ref name=hale/>

===Early economy===
[[Lumbering]] was the initial economic driver. A number of [[sawmill]]s were established beginning in the late 1800s. In the late 1920s there were four mills in operation, employing 350 men and producing over 30 million board feet of fir lumber annually.<ref name=":0">Advertising pamphlet, Winlock Commercial Club, c1928</ref>

Agriculture developed in the early 1900s with the impetus on the raising of poultry and the production of eggs.<ref name="AOTMA">{{cite news|last1=Banel |first1=Feliks |title=All Over The Map: A half-dozen half-baked facts about the iconic giant Winlock Egg |url=https://mynorthwest.com/3207687/all-over-the-map-half-dozen-facts-giant-winlock-egg/?fbclid=IwAR11bS7iVixWfC8s2qarCFUI0vdI0TzJuxI-z5OU3iREpFNrbTz7ygT_eiY |access-date=November 22, 2023 |work=KIRO News Radio (Seattle) |date=October 29, 2021}}</ref> A branch of the Washington Cooperative Egg & Poultry Association located in the town constructed a large building in the north end of town, near the railroad tracks, around 1920. It housed grain storage bins and poultry processing facilities. The building remains standing today. Several hatcheries were located in the town. More than 750,000 baby chicks were produced during the 1928 season.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Washington Co-op building Winlock WA c1930.jpg|thumb|Washington Co-op building in Winlock WA c1930.]]
In 1922 it was noted in a local newspaper that the only American city that produced more eggs than Winlock was [[Petaluma, California]]. In a single weekend in 1923, Winlock shipped 38,400 dozen eggs to [[New York state]]. Winlock at that time was touted as the "Egg and Poultry Capital of the World".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egg Farming in Washington |url=https://www.historylink.org/file/21048 |access-date=April 4, 2022 |website=www.historylink.org}}</ref>

===21st century===
A fire in Winlock's downtown area consumed the city's historic Warne's Drug Store building in late 2022. The structure was built in 1911 but burned down the following year. Rebuilt soon thereafter, the building housed the now-defunct Winlock News and Winlock Phone Company, as well as other various businesses for the next century. At the time of loss, the location was used as a hostel for six years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Emily |title=City of Winlock Intends to Tear Down Fire-Damaged Historic Building by End of the Week |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/city-of-winlock-intends-to-tear-down-fire-damaged-historic-building-by-end-of-the-week,303797 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 16, 2022}}</ref>
 
An annexation proposal by the city to incorporate Winlock's urban growth area (UGA) was dismissed in 2023 by the Lewis County Supreme Court over a combination of protests from residents in the UGA and the questions of statutory and filing periods and connected legal authority.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Emily |title=Judge Dismisses Winlock's Petition to Enforce Annexation |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/judge-dismisses-winlocks-petition-to-enforce-annexation,317542 |access-date=June 19, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 17, 2023}}</ref> The UGA, formed from a county contract in 2006, is recorded as containing {{convert|1,335|acre}} with a population of 335 residents. A citizen-led petition for the proposal to be reviewed by the Washington State Boundary Review Board for Lewis County exceeded the minimum voting requirements and a subsequent unanimous approval of the annexation by the board occurred in August of that year. The annexation was adopted by a majority vote of the Winlock city council that autumn.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=1,355-acre expansion of Winlock approved by review board |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/1355-acre-expansion-of-winlock-approved-by-review-board,323499 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 9, 2023}}</ref><ref name="FAWMS">{{cite news |last1=Roland |first1=Mitchell |title=Following annexation, Winlock mayor says the city 'kept our promise' |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/following-annexation-winlock-mayor-says-the-city-kept-our-promise,370411 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 16, 2024}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|3.381|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|3.381|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.000|sqmi}} (0.00%) is water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2024"/> The city grew an additional {{convert|1,355|acre|sqmi|1}} after the 2023 UGA annexation.<ref name="FAWMS"/>

Olequa Creek, a main tributary of the [[Cowlitz River]], runs through the center of town from north to south.

The eastern edge of the [[Willapa Hills]] lie to the west. To the east are relatively flat [[prairie]]s. A notable landmark about four miles west of town is Sam Henry Mountain, elevation {{convert|1492|ft}}, named for an early section superintendent of the [[Northern Pacific Railroad]].<ref name=hale/> [[Mount St. Helens|Mt. St. Helens]], about {{convert|40|mi|km|spell=in}} to the east can be seen from viewpoints around the area. In May 1980, Winlock was covered with about {{convert|1|in|cm|spell=in}} of volcanic ash from the second major eruption of this peak one week after the cataclysmic eruption of May 18.

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1900= 655
|1910= 1140
|1920= 832
|1930= 864
|1940= 861
|1950= 878
|1960= 808
|1970= 890
|1980= 1052
|1990= 1027
|2000= 1166
|2010= 1339
|2020= 1472
|estyear=2024
|estimate=2515
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|title=Decennial Census of Population and Housing |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |website=www.census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref><br>2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
}}

As of the 2023 [[American Community Survey]], there are 631 estimated households in Winlock with an average of 3.08 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $68,750. Approximately 17.6% of the city's population lives at or below the [[Poverty in the United States|poverty line]]. Winlock has an estimated 59.2% employment rate, with 15.2% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 91.7% holding a high school diploma.<ref name="QF">{{Cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Winlock city, Washington |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/winlockcitywashington/PST045224 |access-date=May 16, 2025 |website=www.census.gov |language=en}}</ref>

The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (83.2%), Spanish (14.2%), Indo-European (2.1%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.5%), and Other (0.0%).

The median age in the city was 33.8 years.

{| class="wikitable"
|+<big>Winlock, Washington – racial and ethnic composition</big><br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
! Race / ethnicity <small>(''NH = non-Hispanic'')</small>
! Pop. 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Winlock city, Washington|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALSF12000.P004?g=160XX00US5379275|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref>
! Pop. 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Winlock city, Washington|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US5379275&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref>
! {{partial|Pop. 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Winlock city, Washington|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US5379275&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref>
! % 2000
! % 2010
! {{partial|% 2020}}
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
| 1,014
| 1,085
| style='background: #ffffe6; |1,062
| 86.96%
| 81.03%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |72.15%
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
| 2
| 8
| style='background: #ffffe6; |13
| 0.17%
| 0.60%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |0.88%
|-
| [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
| 8
| 14
| style='background: #ffffe6; |24
| 0.69%
| 1.05%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |1.63%
|-
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
| 9
| 8
| style='background: #ffffe6; |4
| 0.77%
| 0.60%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |0.27%
|-
| [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
| 0
| 4
| style='background: #ffffe6; |9
| 0.00%
| 0.30%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |0.61%
|-
| [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
| 0
| 0
| style='background: #ffffe6; |6
| 0.00%
| 0.00%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |0.41%
|-
| [[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or multiracial]] (NH)
| 33
| 44
| style='background: #ffffe6; |130
| 2.83%
| 3.29%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |8.83%
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
| 100
| 176
| style='background: #ffffe6; |224
| 8.58%
| 13.14%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |15.22%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''1,166'''
|'''1,339'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''1,472'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

===2020 census===
As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 1,472 people, 523 households, and 351 families residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Winlock%20city,%20Washington%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=May 16, 2025 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> The [[population density]] was {{convert|0.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 565 housing units at an average density of {{convert|0.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 75.48% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.88% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 2.04% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.27% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.61% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 6.39% from some other races and 14.33% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] people of any race were 15.22% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How many people live in Winlock city, Washington |url=https://data.usatoday.com/census/total-population/total-population-change/winlock-city-washington/160-5379275/ |access-date=May 16, 2025 |publisher=USA Today}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]], there were 1,339 people, 475 households, and 327 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1038.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 535 housing units at an average density of {{convert|414.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 84.69% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.67% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.57% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.60% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.30% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 8.36% from some other races and 3.81% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] people of any race were 13.14% of the population.

There were 475 households, of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.2% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.26.

The median age in the city was 34 years. 30.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 12.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.2% male and 48.8% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 1,166 people, 420 households, and 286 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1073.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 462 housing units at an average density of {{convert|425.4|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 88.25% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.17% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.77% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.77% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.00% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 6.17% from some other races and 3.86% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] people of any race were 8.58% of the population.

In terms of ancestry, 22.1% were of [[germans|German]], 18.4% [[english people|English]], 12.2% [[United States|American]] and 7.3% [[irish people|Irish]].

There were 420 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.38.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,000, and the median income for a family was $38,875. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $20,547 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $13,269. About 13.4% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the [[Poverty threshold|poverty line]], including 30.4% of those under age 18 and 16.7% of those age 65 or over.

==Arts and culture==
===Festivals and events===
The first Winlock Egg Days Festival was held in 1921 after a paved road (now [[Washington State Route 505|State Route 505]]) was completed between the town and the extinct community of Cowlitz. Known at first as the "Poultry and Egg Day", the annual event incorporates the city's poultry history and a local resident is honored as a festival marshal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roland |first1=Mitchell |title=Winlock Egg Days Festival gets cracking Friday through Sunday |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-egg-days-festival-gets-cracking-friday-through-sunday,341923 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 12, 2024}}</ref>

Since 2000, the city has hosted an annual Winlock Pickersfest (formerly known as the Winlock Bluesgrass Festival)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Kathy |title=Pickin' and Grinnin' |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/pickin-and-grinnin,189253? |access-date=January 10, 2023 |work=The Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) |date=June 4, 2009}}</ref> at Winolequa Park. The festival focuses on the use of stringed instruments, particularly the banjo, and are incorporated into various musical genres including [[Americana (music)|Americana]], bluegrass, and jazz. The three-day event is usually held on the first weekend of August.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Winlock Pickersfest Returns for 20th Year |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-pickersfest-returns-for-20th-year,298072? |access-date=January 10, 2023 |work=The Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) |date=August 8, 2022}}</ref>

===Groups and organizations===
Winlock is home to the Hope [[National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry|Grange]] (No. 155). It was established on March 18, 1904 in [[Evaline, Washington|Evaline]], beginning with 19 members.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Evaline School celebrates 140th anniversary alongside Hope Grange's 120th in Winlock |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/evaline-school-celebrates-140th-anniversary-alongside-hope-granges-120th-in-winlock,340654 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 20, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hope Grange Is at Evaline |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1953/06-06/page-83 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=June 6, 1953 |page=23C}}</ref>

===Historic buildings and sites===
Situated near Olequa Creek in a residential area west of the downtown core is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church which was built in 1908. It was closed in 2014 due to financial concerns. The church was reopened as a parish of the Saint George Byzantine Catholic Church of Olympia in November 2024 after a foundation formed by local residents purchased the building that summer with the intention to remodel, repair, and preserve the historic church.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roland |first1=Mitchell |title=Worshipers return to historic Winlock church |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/worshipers-return-to-historic-winlock-church,368821 |access-date=December 2, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 18, 2024}}</ref>

====Winlock Egg====
[[Image:WinlockEgg.jpg|upright|thumb|World's Largest Egg]]

'''The Winlock Egg''' was listed as the world's largest egg by [[Ripley's Believe It or Not!]] in 1989. The current structure is the fourth reincarnation of the original egg.

The first egg was built for a celebration of the opening of the Pacific Highway Bridge over the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon. The idea of an egg came from John G. Lawrence, the manager of the newly formed egg and poultry co-op as a way to represent the growing industry centered in Winlock in the 1920s.<ref name="AOTMA"/> During that time farmers in Winlock were shipping as much as a quarter million cases of eggs to market a year.<ref name="WTHUMB"/>

The first egg was made of an egg shaped wood frame stretched with canvas and painted white. It was mounted onto a truck as part of a parade of floats and vehicles that traveled from Olympia, Washington to [[Salem, Oregon]] on October 23, 1923, to celebrate the expansion of trade between Washington and Oregon through the railroad. After the parade, the egg was placed on a platform near the train depot, and has since remained a source of local pride.<ref name="AOTMA"/>

The first egg was covered with plaster and measured {{convert|12|ft|m|1}} long, with a maximum diameter of {{convert|8|ft|m|1}}. After 20 years in the elements, the {{convert|2,000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} egg had deteriorated and was replaced by a [[plastic]] version made by a new company to the area, the Johnny Simpson's Plastic Company. This version lasted until 1958 when it fell from its rotted platform and cracked. A [[fiberglass]] replacement was made but not installed until 1965. Weighing in at {{convert|1,500|lb|kg}}, the fiberglass egg was {{convert|15|ft|m|1}} in length<ref name="AOTMA"/> but there were concerns that it was shaped too much like a football.<ref name="WTHUMB">{{cite web |author1=Rita Cipalla |title=Winlock - Thumbnail History |url=https://www.historylink.org/file/21286 |publisher=HistoryLink |access-date=November 22, 2023 |date=August 9, 2021}}</ref> The community created a fenced park, Vern Zander Memorial Park, around the attraction and the egg was labeled with a sign denoting it as the world's largest egg.<ref name="AOTMA"/><ref name="WTHUMB"/>

Another fiberglass replacement egg was installed in 1991. The new {{convert|1,200|lb|kg|abbr=on}} sculpture was part of the Winlock Egg Day Parade before it was placed in the Vern Zander Memorial Park on top of a {{convert|10|ft|m|1}} steel support. The egg, in the 21st century, has been painted to reflect certain interests or events, including being depicted as a red, white, and blue American flag after the [[9/11 attacks]] and decorated with the [[Seattle Seahawks]] logo in the 2010s.<ref name="AOTMA"/><ref name="WTHUMB"/>

==Parks and recreation==
The city is home to Winolequa Park, Winlock's largest public park. Also known as Winolequa Memorial Park, it began by community volunteer effort in the 1960s and 1970s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Winlock kicks off playground fund-raiser |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-kicks-off-playground-fund-raiser,218196? |access-date=January 10, 2023 |work=The Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) |date=September 25, 2006}}</ref>

Since 2018, community groups and volunteers install the Winlock Memorial Christmas Tree at Vern Zander Memorial Park during the year end holiday season. {{As of|2024}}, approximately 450 ornaments containing a collection of the names of Winlock residents who have died are hung on the tree as to honor "those who are gone but will never be forgotten".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Winlock woman continues memorial Christmas tree tradition, honoring residents who have died |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-woman-continues-memorial-christmas-tree-tradition-honoring-residents-who-have-died,370132 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 11, 2024}}</ref>

Winlock was the planned site for the Southwest Washington Regional Equestrian Center. Also known as the REQ Center, formal planning began in 2006 and the horse arena was to have a seating capacity of over 7,000 people and was estimated to cost between $50&nbsp;million and $80&nbsp;million. The equestrian center was projected to present a variety of professional horse and rodeo competitions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lewis County horse arena gallops ahead of Sonics, NASCAR |url=https://komonews.com/news/local/lewis-county-horse-arena-gallops-ahead-of-sonics-nascar-11-20-2015# |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=KOMO 4 News (Seattle, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |date=March 25, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Lobbying For Horse Arena Continues |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/lobbying-for-horse-arena-continues,215689 |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 18, 2006}}</ref> An official site was chosen in 2008<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olson |first1=Erik |title=Winlock site selected as new proposed home for equestrian center |url=https://tdn.com/business/local/winlock-site-selected-as-new-proposed-home-for-equestrian-center/article_f5517826-1cff-5e2c-9558-474429216bb5.html |access-date=25 September 2023 |work=The Daily News (Longview, Washington) |date=September 10, 2008}}</ref> but the center's placement in Winlock was cancelled that same year after a project manager and a developer were fined after pleading guilty to illegally filling approximately {{convert|100|acre|ha}} of wetlands at the location.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Tuyl |first1=Aaron |title=Horse Arena Site Selection On Hold Following EPA, Ecology Penalties |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/horse-arena-site-selection-on-hold-following-epa-ecology-penalties,199719 |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 10, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Southwest Washington Developer Pleads Guilty To Illegally Filling Wetlands |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/waw/press/2010/sep/smith.html |website=The United States Attorney's Office - Western District of Washington |access-date=25 September 2023 |date=September 20, 2010 |quote=Press Release}}</ref> In 2009, the arena was proposed to be moved to [[Napavine, Washington#Parks and recreation|Napavine]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olson |first1=Erik |title=Lewis County considering Napavine site for equestrian center |url=https://tdn.com/business/local/lewis-county-considering-napavine-site-for-equestrian-center/article_b6bf8a69-cc26-541c-b47a-77457b9a5f04.html |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=The Daily News (Longview, Washington) |date=October 16, 2009}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
===Politics===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; font-size:95%;"
|+ Presidential Elections Results
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
! Year
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Third Party (United States)|Third parties]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2020 United States presidential election in Washington (state)|2020]]'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis County 2020 Election |url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20201103/lewis/precincts-60513.html |website=Results.Vote.WA |access-date=July 20, 2021}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''61.28%''' ''394''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|34.68% ''223''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.11% ''20''
|- 
|}

Winlock is recognized as being majority [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] and [[Conservatism|conservative]].{{cn|date=April 2025}}

===Government===
The city council for Winlock consists of 5 [[at-large]], non-partisan<ref>{{cite web |title=Winlock Municipal Code |url=https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Winlock/#!/Winlock02/Winlock0225.html#2.25.090 |website=Code Publishing |access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref> members. The mayor, elected by the citizens of the city, also functions as Winlock's [[chief administrative officer]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Winlock Elected Officials |url=https://cityofwinlock.com/index.php/city-council/ |website=City of Winlock |access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>

==Education==
===Sports===
[[Winlock High School]]'s football team won Class B state titles in 1955, 1958, and 1959.<ref>{{cite news |last1=VanTuyl |first1=Aaron |title=Winlock Title Teams Reuniting Saturday |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-title-teams-reuniting-saturday,185907? |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 25, 2009}}</ref> Since the 1920s, a senior player is chosen annually to receive the Otis Roundtree Award, named for a local resident who played for the [[Washington Huskies football|Washington Huskies]] in the 1890s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collucci |first1=Paula |title=Football Tradition Still Kicking After 80 Years |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/football-tradition-still-kicking-after-80-years,194958? |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 1, 2008}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
[[Washington State Route 505|State Route 505]] begins in Winlock and runs east to [[Interstate 5 in Washington|Interstate 5]] and beyond to the town of [[Toledo, Washington|Toledo]]. [[Washington State Route 603|State Route 603]], a former state highway, continues north from Winlock to intersect with [[Washington State Route 6|State Route 6]] near [[Chehalis, Washington|Chehalis]].<ref>{{cite WSDOT map |year=2014 |accessdate=April 6, 2025}}</ref>

The [[BNSF Railway]]'s [[Seattle Subdivision]], a double track railroad, runs through the middle of the town. [[Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific]] and [[Amtrak]] trains also use these tracks. The nearest Amtrak station is [[Centralia station (Washington)|Centralia]].{{cn|date=April 2025}}

Winlock began constructing a [[fiber optic]] expansion of a regional [[broadband]] project in 2023. The initiative is led by a grant of $23.5 million from the Washington State Broadband Office with an additional $2.3 million from a regional communications company. Once completed, the broadband system will be owned by Lewis County. The venture was originally planned to be completed in 2024, but forecasted out to late 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Winlock Internet Expansion Enters Engineering Phase |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-internet-expansion-enters-engineering-phase,318314 |access-date=June 19, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Roland |first1=Mitchell |title=Broadband expansion to 2,300 homes, businesses in Winlock area breaks ground |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/broadband-expansion-to-2300-homes-businesses-in-winlock-breaks-ground,327327? |access-date=November 15, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 13, 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.winlockwa.govoffice2.com/vertical/Sites/%7B131FF39D-640A-4A04-8D6F-F1B120929459%7D/uploads/%7BAF9467A8-11F6-435F-B3B2-5C830CF7957E%7D.PDF A History of Winlock, Washington]
* [https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ASF9ULO9hJY3ZGdmOWc5Z183ZGR6c3ZzY3g&hl=en History of Winlock and vicinity]
* [https://discoverlewiscounty.com/outdoor-adventures/winolequa-park Winolequa Park]

{{Lewis County, Washington}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Cities in Lewis County, Washington]]