Silverton has been and remains a hotbed of activity, perhaps as much as any locale per capita in Oregon. This begs the question, “Why”? Having lived in this beautiful little town in Northeast Marion County since 1962 let me answer in a way unfamiliar to you. Of course you have heard about The Silver Grille, regarded as one of Oregon’s finest restaurants, and the charming historic downtown. You might even know about Bobby, the Wonder Dog. People have “discovered” us on Realtor.com, in Sunset magazine, or hearing about the soon-to-be world class Oregon Gardens. They come from Portland, Newberg, Seattle, Monterrey, San Diego, and just about everywhere else. But it takes time to fully understand Silverton, what keeps us here and what attracts newcomers. One look one drive around town and most people are hooked. But here is why this quaint little place, regarded as Oregon’s nicest small town, is such a gem in the Oregon crown.
Maybe it is the fact that community hospitals are going belly up all over the country, but Silverton’s is incredible. Great nurses, wonderful doctors, most specialties, beautiful facilities, an outstandingly supportive Hospital Auxiliary, a birthing wing that brings in people from all over the Willamette Valley, and two of Oregon’s best administrators, Bill Winters and Gary Pulsipher. Perfect reasons to “shop local”. Sorry, forgot one small detail! It was also selected as one of the country’s top 100 Hospitals and, get this, OF ANY SIZE! If you must be sick, why not here?
Perhaps it has to do with the fact that out of millions of towns across the world, Santa Claus chose to live here. The Silverton Santa? He is the real deal. Check him out next Christmas at the tree-lighting ceremony. You will start to believe all over again. That Mrs. Claus is a looker, too.
There is an inherent charm driving over the Main Street Bridge, watching Vince Till water huge, colorful, donated flower baskets in his overalls. I’ve never seen him chewing on a piece of straw and saying, “Aw, shucks”, but it could happen. Mr. Everything. Genuinely nice man. Gives and gives. Or watching the group, Silverton Together in action, serving the kids and families, all families, well for years, through grants, education, Community Connectors, and linking people to both services and other people. Nice touch. Nice group.
Then there is Jan Bothum, inarguably one of the best, most talented, and dedicated teachers you will ever know. You see her car parked in front of the elementary school at 6 a.m. every school morning, meticulously preparing the day for her first grade class. Always consistent, always trying something new, always adapting to the needs of each new class and each child within those classes, even as being a public educator gets harder and harder. She might sleep in an extra ten minutes on weekends, but sometime on Saturday or Sunday, you will see her car at the school. Count on it. Count on her. Count on SAT scores being among the best in this state because of a wonderful group of teachers, administrators, staff, and kids. Nice parents, too. Hard-working and involved.
Maybe it’s the Palace Theater, with the largest screen in the valley showing newly released films for way less than the impersonal, price-gouging urban conglomerates. Stu Rasmussen is out front, taking tickets and probably dressed like the current movie’s heroine or hero, whichever suits him that night. He doesn’t make much money at the Palace, pocket change really. But when asked why he keeps it going, Stu will tell you “the town needs a movie theater for people, and especially kids to enjoy.”Then there is Mack’s Place, about 100 years-old serving cold beer, hot food, and real hot music rarely found in little towns. The place to meet, dance, party, and just hang. Nice deck on the creek. Great historic building. May have been a brothel. Clark Gable probably had a beer there during his logging days. What a story it could tell.
Penny meters? Yeah, right. No, wait. Really. We have penny meters. They made national news shows. Once they break, they can’t get repaired, but they keep hangin’ on for dear life. A penny gets you 12 minutes of parking and something to do with those little copper rascals.
Ken Hector’s the Mayor. Has served about 38 terms. Actually, probably not that many, but a bunch because he is good. Very good, and very smart. Actually listens thoughtfully, answers respectfully, be they Republican, Democrat, Independent, or visiting dignitary. Does his homework, answers a lot of calls. Kisses a lot of babies and says yes to virtually every conceivable ribbon-cutting, but loves this town like he loves golf, his wife, and those frustrating OSU Beavers.
Hey, maybe it’s just taking a drive down Coolidge Street with its charming, historic homes and the famous Snow White house, just before you drive into Coolidge McClaine Park, chock-full of tall oaks, cool shade, Silver Creek gurgling nearby, and the sounds of Homer Davenport Days past and present.
Take a stroll past the Stone Buddha gift shop and Chan’s Restaurant. Gotta love it – the signs, “Entering Silverton’s China Town” and a scant 20 feet further down the sidewalk, “Leaving Silverton’s China Town.” Might want to check out Chan’s $3.75 lunch. Nice.
Look all around town and you will see the work of some of the best artists in the Northwest. Check out Donna Mattson’s art – whoa!
Maybe you just want to argue about all those “newcomers” over coffee at the Town House Restaurant, where people have been sparring over politics, one-way streets, taxes, and whether biscuits and gravy should be counted on as one of the main food groups. More traffic? Yes. Better tax base to complete the new high school? Absolutely. Need another signal? Definitely, since we have just one.
What a piece of Americana, just 15 minutes away from Salem and a scant 50 minutes from downtown Portland when your job requires a commute or your “culture craving” isn’t satisfied locally. Talk about livin’ the good life.
Written by Dixon Bledsoe and published in the Salem Business Journal, January 2006.