Many who are familiar with Aurora, Oregon have come to know about Aurora through our long history of wonderful antique stores.
Here’s an insightful video celebrating Aurora’s antique heritage. Enjoy!
Aurora, Oregon’s Forgotten Hero
Most people don’t know that Aurora, Oregon has a hero in its midst. This Memorial Day, we remember one forgotten, heroic man from a town where history is held close.
Most people don’t know that Aurora, Oregon has a hero in its midst.
This Memorial Day, we remember one forgotten, heroic man from a town where history is held close.
That veteran is Fred Ehlen, buried in Aurora’s tiny Keil Cemetery. Fred’s surname is pronounced differently, depending on whom you ask — some say “Eel-en,” others “Ellen.” But how his name is said matters far less than his sacrifice.
World War I ended in November, 1918. That same month, newspaper reports reveal 19 year old Fred Ehlen was killed after fighting in France. Fred was gassed and wounded multiple times before he died.
Fred had a direct connection to Aurora’s earliest history. He was the only son of his mother Aurora Keil Ehlen, who was the last surviving granddaughter of Aurora founder Dr. Wilhelm Keil. Dr. Keil established the Aurora colony in 1856, three years before Oregon became a state. Aurora’s Ehlen Road still carries his family name.
Fred rests in Keil Cemetery. Sometimes called the Old Colony Cemetery or Keil Family Cemetery, it sits quietly off little-used Cole Road near the western edge of town. With only about two dozen marked graves, the cemetery is largely unknown. Established in 1856, the same year as the colony itself, the cemetery sits on private property and can only be reached by crossing private land — one reason so few people know it exists.
Buried not far from Fred Ehlen is Dr. Wilhelm Keil, along with members of his family, including his daughter Aurora, for whom the town was named. She died in 1862 at just thirteen years old to smallpox.
There are no Memorial Day parades in Aurora, Oregon. Remembrance here is quieter and reflective.
This Memorial Day, we honor World War I veteran Fred Ehlen, who made the Supreme Sacrifice for his country — and whose story we remember.
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6 Alarming Things Homebuyers Don’t Know About Aurora, Oregon
Thinking about buying a home in Aurora, Oregon? There are 6 alarming things most Aurora, Oregon homebuyers never find out, until it’s too late. Watch this helpful video before you buy any Aurora, Oregon property!
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Aurora, Oregon’s Attractive Keil Park Neighborhood
Check out this short and insightful video below about the desirable Keil Park neighborhood in Aurora, Oregon.
Named in honor of Aurora, Oregon’s founder, Dr. Wilhelm Keil, Aurora’s Keil Park neighborhood is tidy and well kept, even on ‘garbage days.’ Keil Park is located on Aurora’s south side and was developed by builder Georgi Cam, with land purchased years ago from the Van Lieu family.
This desirable, low traffic neighborhood is one of Aurora, Oregon’s most popular and features attractive landscaping, plus an extra convenient location, within easy walking distance both to Aurora’s post office and also the Aurora City Park. Developer Georgi Cam’s reputation of high quality construction, with custom features and excellent craftsmanship are on full display here are Aurora, Oregon’s Keil Park neighborhood.
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7 Facts You May Not Know About Aurora, Oregon
Given Aurora, Oregon’s lengthy history, there are some interesting facts about this unique town you may not know. Here are seven interesting ‘info nuggets’ about Aurora, Oregon.
Fact #1. Aurora is older than the state of Oregon!
The Aurora Colony was founded in 1856, roughly 3 years before Oregon’s founding in 1859.
Fact #2. Aurora Has A ‘Secret’ Cemetery
One of Aurora, Oregon’s best-kept secrets is among its most historic. There are numerous cemeteries in Aurora, nearby Butteville and Champoeg. Yet the one with the biggest connection to Aurora is tiny Keil Cemetery, situated off a graveled, little-used lane called Cole Road near Aurora’s west side. Founder Wilhelm Keil is buried here, as are his family members. Especially noteworthy is the burial site of Dr. Keil’s daughter Aurora, the town’s namesake. The cemetery is less known because access requires crossing private property.
Fact #3. Aurora Has A Long Culinary History
Aurora has good modern day restaurants, plus an exceptional history of fine dining. Ben Holladay, president of the Oregon & California Railroad, worked out an arrangement with Aurora’s founder, Dr. Wilhelm Keil to feed train passengers at Aurora with the settlement’s renowned cuisine. The food was so good in Aurora that travelers and train workers would bypass eating at other railroad stops, making a point to dine in Aurora.
Fact #4. Aurora, Oregon Is An Aviation Powerhouse
The Aurora State Airport is Oregon’s third busiest. Yet given its relatively small size, some might call the Aurora Airport a ‘mighty midget.’ Originally constructed during WWII as a military support airbase to Portland, the Aurora Airport is now a vital economic hub with vibrant businesses, including two helicopter heavyweights, Columbia Helicopters and Helicopter Transport Services.
Fact #5. Aurora, Oregon’s Unique Geography
Aurora is a town, but also encompasses a far larger country setting, too. Greater Aurora is located virtually equidistant between the major metro areas of Portland & Salem. Aurora’s 97002 zip code also straddles of both Clackamas & Marion Counties. So depending on your specific location, this means two completely different school systems (Canby & North Marion) and property tax systems (Marion & Clackamas Counties).
Fact #6. Aurora Colony Days
Aurora’s Colony Days is a multiple day celebration of Aurora pageantry held every August. Features include a parade, marketplace, concerts, beer garden and even a 5k run/walk. It’s a family-friendly environment with something for everyone.
Fact #7. Yes, There Are Antiques, Too
Among Aurora’s commonly known, modern-day ‘claims-to-fame’ is its antique heritage. In fact, to many, antiques have long been Aurora’s main attraction. Given its small town charm and pedestrian friendly design, weekends are especially popular for many to visit downtown Aurora, Oregon.
Are you interested in buying or selling an Aurora, Oregon home? Call or text your Aurora real estate specialist, Realtor Roy Widing with Certified Realty for a free consultation at 971-258-4822.
