The “Union Block” in downtown Newberg as seen in 1909 and NOW

The Union Block in Newberg, Oregon, is a historic area with a rich past. Here’s a brief overview of its history:

• Indigenous History: Before the settlement by immigrants and trappers, the Newberg area, known as Che’halem, was inhabited by over 14,000 indigenous Kalapuya people. They were hunters and gatherers, living on the prairies in the summers and on the forest edges in the winters¹.

• Hoover-Minthorn House: The Hoover-Minthorn House, built in 1881 by Jesse Edwards, is the first residence built and still standing in Newberg. It was the home of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, from 1885 to 1889. Today, it serves as a museum open to the public¹.

• Historic Survey: A historic survey project was conducted to document Newberg’s historic downtown buildings. This project included a digital mapping of the downtown with overlays identifying historic land use, structures, events, and artifacts. The survey looked at 112 buildings overall and aimed to determine which buildings could be eligible for national historic designation².

• Newberg’s Name: In 1869, Newberg was named by its first postmaster, Sebastian Brutscher, after his Bavarian hometown of Newburgh³.

The Union Block’s history is intertwined with the development of Newberg and reflects the broader historical trends of the region, including the transition from indigenous lands to a settled community, and the establishment of significant buildings that have stood the test of time. If you’re interested in learning more, local historical societies and museums can provide a wealth of information on this fascinating topic.