There’s something inherently charming about an old general store. Much like trains, general stores are a connection to a bygone time that’s intriguing and romantic. In Oregon, Butteville Store is a charming general store that offers a portal to another time and place. Established in 1863, the historic Butteville Store is the oldest continually operating store in the Beaver State. Visiting this historic general store in Oregon really is like stepping back in time.
Back in 1863, Butteville was a bustling little town on the Willamette River, surrounded by bucolic Beaver State farmland.
Little Mountain 5/Wikipedia
The Butteville Store opened as a general mercantile in 1863, and has stood the test of time for the last 158 years as a community shop, deli, and gathering place.
Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr
The history of this area is well-preserved and absolutely fascinating. Champoeg State Park is a living history museum full of sites and places that offer a glimpse into life in 19th century Oregon.
Rick Obst/Flickr
In the case of the Butteville Store, it’s heartwarming to see how history lives on.
Daniel Payne/Google Local
Both a general store and a museum, inside you’ll discover displays and photographs telling of Oregon’s pioneer days.
Yvonne Chen/Google Local
For example, this survey by R. V. Short in 1859 shows how the town was mapped out 150+ years ago.
Kingofthedead/Wikimedia Commons
But it’s not all plaques and history lessons here; you’ll find a large selection of penny candy sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and take you back to your childhood!
Travis Rees/Google Local
In addition to selling wares, trinkets, and snacks, the Butteville Store has a deli counter where you can order a sandwich or ice cream.
Bronte LaVallierie/Google Local (We definitely recommend ordering a hand-dipped ice cream cone!)
But it’s not just the inside of the general store that’s a time warp; a large outdoor porch with chairs and benches invites customers to sit and stay awhile – something we all forget to do in today’s fast-paced modern world.
Daniel Payne/Google Local
General stores used to serve as a town center; a place for gathering and enjoying community.
Tanya Wellman/Google Butteville Store continues to promote these old-fashioned ideals and values, hosting events and live music as a way to bring people together. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Have you visited the historic Butteville Store in Oregon before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! Learn more about this charming place at the Butteville Store website or Facebook page.
Little Mountain 5/Wikipedia
Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr
Rick Obst/Flickr
Daniel Payne/Google Local
Yvonne Chen/Google Local
Kingofthedead/Wikimedia Commons
Travis Rees/Google Local
Bronte LaVallierie/Google Local
(We definitely recommend ordering a hand-dipped ice cream cone!)
Tanya Wellman/Google
Butteville Store continues to promote these old-fashioned ideals and values, hosting events and live music as a way to bring people together. And that’s a beautiful thing.
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Address: Butteville General Store, 10767 Butte St NE, Aurora, OR 97002, USA
