4 Old-Timey General Stores In Oregon
Oregon is about as far west as you can get in the United States, and the state has a strong old-timey Western vibe, owed in large part to the Oregon Trail. Oregon’s long-standing general stores act as time capsules, allowing us to step inside and picture life in the past. These highlighted locations each have their own tale and continue to stand tall, adding to their stories as the future unfolds. Some remain practically unchanged from 150 years ago, while others have evolved to guarantee they may be enjoyed for future generations. Let’s take a look at some of the old-time general stores that everyone should visit while in Oregon.
Historic Butteville Store
The Historic Butteville Store in Aurora retains its general store appearance today. This is a wonderful thing because it is Oregon’s longest continuously operating retailer. The location goes back to 1851. By 1870, it had developed to include a whiskey distillery behind the thriving general shop. The alcohol business was successful for the store, and it soon expanded to include a bar selling local Weinhard beer where the patio now stands.
Throughout its existence, the store has featured several proprietors and items, such as grain, tobacco, and fuel. It was once a neighborhood leisure facility, and it now serves sandwiches, cold drinks, and locally made ice cream, as well as camper necessities. Since 2009, the Parks and Recreation Department has owned and conserved it as part of Champoeg State Park.
Kam Wah Chung & Co
Kam Wah Chung & Co. may be the most unusual entry on this list of vintage stores. It primarily focuses on the lives and prosperity of Chinese immigrants in Oregon. Kam Wah Chung, which translates to “Golden Chinese Outpost,” was established in 1865 as a trading post in John Day, Oregon. The majority of its customers were Chinese immigrants from adjacent cities who were drawn to the area by the East Oregon gold rush seeking labor opportunities. Immigrants Ing “Doc” Hay and Lung On purchased the building’s lease in 1887, and the structure later became a shelter for immigrants, a herbal medical office and store, and even a Chinese temple for a period.
Doc” Hay’s herbal medicine practice grew until it became well-known beyond Oregon. Lung On remained a successful businessman, opening the first car dealership in Eastern Oregon. During its peak, the store offered supplies and dry items to both immigrants and locals, especially miners. The location has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Today, it serves as a museum and state park, commemorating a unique era in Oregon and Chinese-American history. The museum houses thousands of historical relics, including items still on display from the time, as well as the biggest collection of Chinese documents in the United States.
N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store
The N.P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store sounds exactly like the kind of old-timey place that transports you into the past. It was built in 1909 in Bend, Oregon, by Nicholas Paul Smith. It quickly became a prominent staple of downtown Bend. It was not only the first store in the area, but the location conveniently served the stagecoaches that passed through town. Smith ran the store, and his family lived on the floor above. The original hardware store closed in 1930; from there, Smith transitioned to selling gasoline. The pumps he eventually installed were the first in town.
Although Smith died in 1955, his daughter, Marjorie, continued to live in the house into the 1980s. The building is still the oldest standing wooden structure in Bend and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, the bottom floor still serves as a commercial space selling home supplies, decor, and gifts, and it retains much of its original appearance.
The McKenzie General Store
The McKenzie General Store, located near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, was originally erected in 1932. The business is located on the McKenzie River, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area and Oregon’s natural splendor. The store has always been a location where residents thrive and visitors are welcomed. Throughout its history, the location has served as a food shop and a post office. The store’s gorgeous location and step-back-in-time ambiance make locals happy every time they see it, bringing back memories of their initial visit.
Tourists will find the area an excellent place to stop and fill up on supplies before embarking on one of the surrounding outdoor excursions, like as the 26.5-mile McKenzie River Trail, which is ideal for bikers. In 2016, three local “river families” banded together with the objective of renovating the general store location. Since then, it’s been a location to buy organic and local goods, drink local craft beer or wine, or sit down at the Obsidian Grill Restaurant for a wonderful meal before or after an adventure. The on-site restaurant serves only locally produced food, including Oregon-raised meat, and they regularly have live music.
In Summary
These general stores highlight many facets of Oregon’s history, such as historical frontier life and the early Chinese immigrant community. Today, they continue to serve Oregon’s residents and visitors as community hubs, historical memorials, and modern manifestations of their retail beginnings. Whether you’re seeking for Oregon history, a taste of local ice cream, or a cool brew, these distinctive old-timey establishments are worth a visit.