OLDEST CITY STILL
HAS CHARM
OLD OREGON CITY IS STILL THRIVING AFTER 157 YEARS
BY MEGAN MCCOY
On Feb. 14, Oregon, the state m any o f us call
home, turned 157 years old. As time goes on, the
state has gotten more recognition for its beauty
and generally relaxed atmosphere. As a result,
Oregon was the most moved-to state in 2015 and
many people are looking for everything the state
has to offer. There are hidden gems everywhere,
including the hom etown of one of Clackamas
Community College’s campuses, Oregon City.
Being the first city in the state, Oregon City
holds the state’s treasure chest of history with
historic landmarks around nearly every comer.
Downtown, just about 10-15 minutes away from
CCC’ s cam pus, lies the oldest barber shop in
Oregon. Depot Barber Shop has been in business
since 1918, about 98 years. A1 Kelley is the current
shop owner and is still cutting hair after 20 years
at the shop.
Kelley said that the current location isn’t the
original. In 1930, the shop had to move locations
after the original shop burned down in a fire,
but the new location is still alive and seems to
be thriving.
Phil Johnson got his first haircut from Kelley
at Depot Barber Shop recently on Feb. 9.
“ I decided to com e in after gettin g a high
recommendation,” Johnson said.
Right across the street from Depot Barber
Shop is another one of Oregon City’ s historic
landmarks. The Oregon City Municipal Elevator
has been around for about 61 years and is still
giving free rides on Monday through Saturday
from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 11
a.m. to 7 p.m.
A t the top o f the elevator and across the
street is City Hall where anyone can find more
information and recommendations of places in
the area to visit.
“ I suggest checking out the historic hom es,”
said Katie Riggs, the city recorder.
Oregon City has many vintage homes in the
Canemah Historic District and the McLoughlin
Historic District. Anyone can tour the McLoughlin
House for free on Saturdays and Sundays from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through guided tours starting
at the B arclay House right next door. Riggs
also mentioned that the McLoughlin house is
currently closed for the winter season but will
reopen in the spring.
W ith history bursting from every nook and
cranny in Oregon City, it’s no wonder there is
such a rise in popularity to move to here. Happy
belated birthday Oregon, you seem to just get
better with time.
Cars pass over the rebuilt Oregon City bridge in old town.
The train passes in front of the Oregon City Municipal Elevator.
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