Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

A Journey Through Time: The Uncharted Charm of Unity, Oregon

Nestled in the vast expanses of Oregon, the town of Unity stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of small-town America, its history woven into the fabric of the rugged landscape that surrounds it. Unlike many towns that dot the American West, Unity’s beginnings are somewhat shrouded in mystery, its inception never officially recorded on the maps of yesteryear. It was in the late 1800s that this little community began to take shape, quietly emerging amid the whispers of history, its stories untold and its landmarks uncharted.

The Founding of Unity: A Mysterious Beginning

The official incorporation of Unity in 1972 marked a new chapter for this modest town, which at the time was home to a mere 115 residents. Larry Stratton, stepping into the role of mayor, found himself at the helm of a town that was, in many ways, a reflection of the pioneering spirit that defined the region. The 1970s painted a picture of a community bound by its shared resources – a general store, service station, post office, motel, café and lounge, school, forest service offices, community hall, fire station, and the private homes that dotted the landscape, each structure a piece of the town’s collective history.

The Postal Path: Unity’s Lifeline

Though incorporated in 1972, the roots of Unity stretch back even further, to 1890, when it was said to be named by Mrs. George Tietreau. By 1891, the first post office was established, marking the beginning of a postal service that would become the lifeline of the community. The journey of mail into Unity was a testament to the town’s resilience and ingenuity. From Baker to Whitney on the Sumpter Valley Railroad, and then by stagecoach into Unity, the mail was delivered by dedicated stagecoach drivers, Lew Tureman and Orrin Munn. Over the years, the postmaster’s baton was passed through the hands of several residents, each contributing to the fabric of Unity’s story, until Mrs. George (JoAnne) Hardy took up the role following Mrs. DeMastus’s retirement in 1978.

The shifting locations of the post office, from Mr. Houck’s home to its permanent site built in 1966, mirror the evolving nature of Unity. Similarly, the general store, initially owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Payton, changed hands several times, each owner adding their layer to its history. Notably, Mrs. Kear, during her tenure with the store, also operated a hotel in what would later become Larry Stratton’s home, illustrating the interconnected lives of Unity’s residents.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

Unity’s Economic and Social Pillars

The Heart of Commerce: General Store and Mill

The Ellingson Mill, Unity’s largest mill, symbolizes the town’s industrial past, operating from 1939 until its relocation in 1972. Meanwhile, the formation of a volunteer fire department in 1985 highlights the communal spirit that has always been the town’s backbone, with ten active members continuing to serve the community.

Building Together: Schools and Community Hall

The construction of Unity’s infrastructure, from the school to the community hall and numerous homes, was a collective endeavor, supported by volunteers and donations from residents like Mr. Munn and Lou Elliott. This community effort underscores the town’s foundation on mutual aid and shared purpose.

The Legacy of the Land: Ranches and Mines

As travelers ventured across the Oregon Trail, the area’s ranches became vital stops for trade and resupply, linking Unity to the broader narrative of American expansion and exploration. The town’s mining history, with gold bricks once transported to Baker and several mines dotting the landscape, adds a layer of intrigue and testament to the region’s rich natural resources.

Unity, Oregon, emerges from the pages of history as a microcosm of the American spirit, a place where the echoes of the past meet the realities of the present. Its story is a reminder of the resilience, community, and ingenuity that define the small towns scattered across the American West, each with its own unique tale of survival and adaptation.

My Journey to Unity, Oregon

In the summer of 2016, my travels took an unexpected detour through Unity, Oregon, on my quest toward the picturesque Oregon coast. It was there, amidst the tranquil silence of this secluded town, that my attention was captured by the forlorn sight of an abandoned fuel station. Compelled by the allure of its desolation, I paused to capture the scene with my camera. As I meandered through the remnants of the past, my presence piqued the curiosity of an elderly local, who approached with a query about my intentions. I shared with him my passion for photography, my fascination with the stories etched into the fabric of historic towns and the haunting beauty of places left behind by time.

The initial sight of his shirt, stained with what was unmistakably blood, sent a ripple of unease through me, igniting a flicker of apprehension reminiscent of scenes from a thriller where the unsuspecting wanderer stumbles upon a foreboding secret. Yet, as we delved into conversation, my apprehensions were quickly dispelled. He enlightened me about the residents of Unity, a community where traditions of self-sufficiency endure, where people raise their own livestock to nourish their neighbors and themselves. This revelation cast a new light on the scene before me, transforming my unease into admiration for the enduring spirit of this close-knit community.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

Our dialogue ventured beyond the superficial, unfolding into a deep dive into Unity’s rich tapestry of history and the collective memory of its inhabitants. The older gentleman, with his wealth of knowledge and warmth, became one of the more memorable individuals I’ve encountered in my explorations. His willingness to share not only stories, but also a moment in time, allowing me to capture his likeness in a photograph, was a testament to the genuine hospitality and openness that characterizes the heart of Unity.

This encounter, far from being a mere footnote in my journey, underscored the profound beauty in the unexpected detours of life. It was a vivid reminder that beyond the abandoned facades and silent echoes of the past lie stories of resilience, community, and the unbreakable human spirit, waiting to be discovered and told.