Athena, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Athena
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City
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| Motto(s):
"A Great Place to Live"
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Location in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Umatilla |
| Incorporated | 1904 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.55 sq mi (1.42 km2) |
| • Land | 0.55 sq mi (1.42 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,719 ft (524 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,209 |
| • Density | 2,202.19/sq mi (850.92/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (Pacific) |
| ZIP code |
97813
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| Area code(s) | 541 |
| FIPS code | 41-03200 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2409746 |
| Website | cityofathena.com |
Athena is a small city in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States. In 2020, about 1,209 people lived there. It is part of the Hermiston-Pendleton Micropolitan Statistical Area, which means it's connected to nearby towns for jobs and services.
Contents
History of Athena
Athena was first called Centerville. It was located about halfway between Pendleton, Oregon, and Walla Walla, Washington. However, there was a problem: Oregon already had another Centerville, and so did the state of Washington! This caused a lot of confusion.
In 1889, local government officials decided to change the name. They asked D. W. Jarvis, the principal of the Centerville school, for ideas. He suggested "Athena," named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and war. Everyone liked the name, and it stuck!
The first post office in Centerville opened on October 11, 1878. William T. Cook was the first postmaster. The post office name officially changed to Athena on May 16, 1889.
Scottish Heritage
Many early settlers in Athena were from Scotland. They brought their love for Scottish customs and music with them. Before World War I, Athena had a group called the Caledonian Society. They held a yearly picnic with Scottish dancing and bagpipes.
In the 1950s, Weston-McEwen High School in Athena brought back these traditions. They started a Scots dance group and a pipe band. This band has performed all over the United States. They have even traveled to Scotland and England to play!
Athena also appeared in a movie! The 1930 film "City Girl," starring Charles Farrell and Mary Duncan, was filmed there.
The city of Athena is proud of its Scottish roots. It works hard to keep this history and culture alive. Every July, Athena hosts the Caledonian Games. This event features Scottish food, a picnic, and many traditional Scottish games. Athletes compete in events based on old farm skills, celebrating their heritage.
Geography and Climate
Athena covers about 0.57 square miles (1.42 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the city limits.
Climate in Athena
Athena has a "warm-summer Mediterranean climate." This means it usually has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Population of Athena
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 495 | — | |
| 1900 | 703 | 42.0% | |
| 1910 | 586 | −16.6% | |
| 1920 | 621 | 6.0% | |
| 1930 | 504 | −18.8% | |
| 1940 | 513 | 1.8% | |
| 1950 | 750 | 46.2% | |
| 1960 | 950 | 26.7% | |
| 1970 | 872 | −8.2% | |
| 1980 | 965 | 10.7% | |
| 1990 | 997 | 3.3% | |
| 2000 | 1,221 | 22.5% | |
| 2010 | 1,126 | −7.8% | |
| 2020 | 1,209 | 7.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 Census Information
In 2010, the city of Athena had 1,126 people living in 446 households. About 325 of these were families. The population density was about 1,975 people per square mile.
Most residents (91.4%) were White. There were also people who identified as African American, Native American, and Asian. About 4.5% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 33.6% of households had children under 18. Many households (56.1%) were married couples living together. The average household had 2.52 people. The average family had 2.91 people.
The average age in Athena was 41.6 years old. About 25% of residents were under 18. About 16.3% were 65 years or older. The city had slightly more females (52.0%) than males (48.0%).
Education in Athena
Students in Athena attend schools within the Athena Weston School District.
Industry in Athena
Athena was once home to the design of Hodaka motorcycles. These motorcycles were designed by the Pacific Basin Trading Company (PABATCO) in Athena, but built in Japan. Hodaka motorcycles are now seen as classic American vintage bikes.
Athena still celebrates its connection to Hodaka motorcycles. Former PABATCO employees, collectors, and current Hodaka owners often meet in Athena every year. These gatherings include swap meets, bike shows, and motorcycle races.
See also
In Spanish: Athena (Oregón) para niños
