New Oregon, New York facts for kids
New Oregon is a small village, also called a hamlet. It is located in the town of North Collins. This area is in the southern part of Erie County, in New York, United States. A creek called the South Branch Eighteen Mile Creek runs through the hamlet.
A Look Back: New Oregon's History
In 1860, about 357 people lived in New Oregon. Most of them were farmers. The government counted everyone in a survey called the Federal Census. This survey showed what jobs people had.
Some of the jobs included a Saw Mill Sawyer, who cut wood. There was also a School Master, who taught children. Other jobs were Butcher, Grocer, Shoemaker, Blacksmith, and Seaman. The land and buildings in New Oregon were worth a lot of money back then.
The Catholic Church in New Oregon
In the 1850s, people in New Oregon who were Catholic had to travel far. The closest church was in East Eden, which was more than 7 miles away. This was a long trip, especially without cars!
So, the Catholics in New Oregon decided they wanted their own church. They used an old wooden building that had a dirt floor. A priest from East Eden would come to lead services there. The very first Mass was held on January 1, 1858. They named their new church Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception.
In 1866, the church bought the old New Oregon Methodist Church building. They added more parts to it. A history book from 1944 said that many people helped build the church. They worked hard without being paid.
In 2006, the Saint Mary Parish joined with two other churches. They formed a new church called Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Langford. The New Oregon church then closed its doors. In 2007, the church buildings were bought and turned into a place called the Marienthal Inn.
New Oregon's Post Office
New Oregon had its own post office for many years. It was open from 1854 until 1903. This is where people would send and receive their mail.
In 1883, there was a special mail route. It went from Collins Center, through Morton's Corners, and Woodward's Hollow, all the way to New Oregon.
