6 Facts You May Not Know About Aurora, Oregon

On February 18, 2019February 19, 2019 By Roy WidingIn 97002, Aurora Colony, Aurora Colony Days Parade, Aurora Oregon, Aurora Oregon Airport, Aurora Oregon Business, Aurora Oregon History, Aurora Oregon News, Aurora Oregon Tourism, Keil CemeteryLeave a comment

Given Aurora, Oregon’s lengthy history, there are some unique facts about this unique town you may not know. Here are half a dozen interesting ‘info nuggets’ about Aurora, Oregon.

Fact #1. 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 it’s located on private property.

Fact #2. Aurora’s Record of Fine Dining
Aurora has both good modern day restaurants, plus an exceptional culinary history. 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 even train workers would bypass eating at other railroad stops, making a point to dine in Aurora.

Aurora Oregon

Fact #3. 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 #4. Aurora, Oregon’s Unique Geography
Aurora includes both a town, but also encompasses a far larger rural setting, too. Greater Aurora is located virtually equidistant between the major metro areas of Portland & Salem, Oregon. Aurora’s 97002 zip code also lies astraddle of both Clackamas & Marion Counties. So depending on your specific location, this means two completely different sets of schools (Canby & North Marion) and property tax systems (Marion & Clackamas Counties).

Fact #5. 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 #6. 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? Contact our Aurora, Oregon sponsor, Certified Realty for a free consultation at 503-682-1083 or use the convenient form below.

Aurora Colony Days Arrives!

On August 12, 2016August 12, 2016 By Roy WidingIn 97002, Aurora Colony, Aurora Colony Days ParadeLeave a comment

Aurora Colony Days has officially begun. This year we celebrate the 160th year of Aurora, Oregon’s founding.

Aurora Oregon

There are many events happening around Aurora, including a parade, 5k run/walk, concert in the park, family friendly beer garden, Old Colony Museum living history exhibits, plus much more.

For a complete list of events occurring throughout Aurora, Oregon this weekend, please visit the Aurora Colony Days website here.

Aurora, Oregon Gets National Attention

On October 21, 2014October 21, 2014 By Roy WidingIn 100 Strong, 97002, Aurora Colony, Aurora Oregon, Aurora Oregon Activities, Aurora Oregon HistoryLeave a comment

What’s being called the ‘100 Strong’ program is rooted in the history of Aurora, Oregon, an early colony committed to the concept of helping others.

Aurora was founded on the working example of “love your neighbor as yourself,” and that success drives the ‘100 Strong’ program today. It is now a goal to bring the program to communities all around Oregon. TV host Doug Llewelyn formerly of “The People’s Court” fame interviews two key participants in Aurora Oregon’s ‘100 Strong’ campaign.

Is Aurora, Oregon A Speedtrap?

On September 22, 2014September 22, 2014 By Roy WidingIn 97002, Aurora Colony, Aurora Oregon, Aurora Oregon Business, Aurora Oregon News, Aurora Oregon Police, Aurora Oregon Public Safety, Aurora Oregon Speedtrap, Aurora Oregon TrafficLeave a comment

Some consider Aurora, Oregon to be a speedtrap. Here’s one post from a website on the topic:

The entire city of Aurora, Oregon is a trap – just sneeze the wrong way and you’ll get busted. It’s a one horse town with small town minds. Very dangerous place to drive through. Doesn’t matter if it’s 99E thru town or the side streets like Airport Rd – you’ll get a ticket for your right front tire not inflated correctly! Not worth the headache – try and use Hwy 551 to avoid the city.

Interestingly, this link to a recent report on monthly patrol statistics shows just 7 traffic stops in one month.

Such divergence on this issue suggests that reality may be somewhere between these differing views.

Some contend Aurora’s limited public safety resources may be put to better use than catching speeders. Others suggest that even if Aurora is a speedtrap, it’s good if that keeps people safer. So please take our poll below. Do you consider Aurora, Oregon a speedtrap?