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, the Butteville General 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.
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.
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.
In the case of the Butteville Store, it's heartwarming to see how history lives on.
Both a general store *and* a museum, inside you'll discover displays and photographs telling of Oregon's pioneer days.
For example, this survey by R. V. Short in 1859 shows how the town was mapped out 150+ years ago.
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!
In addition to selling wares, trinkets, and snacks, the Butteville Store has a deli counter where you can order a sandwich or ice cream.
(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.
General stores used to serve as a town center; a place for gathering and enjoying community.
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.
We hope you've enjoyed these Butteville General Store photos. The Butteville General Store reviews are raving about it! Have you visited the historic Butteville General Store in Oregon before? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience in the comments! Get recent updates about this charming place on the Historic Butteville Store Facebook page. While you're staying in Aurora, check out some of the wonderful antique stores in this lovely town:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/tiny-town-antiques-aurora-or/
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