Rosedale, Oregon facts for kids

Rosedale is a small, unincorporated community located in Marion County, Oregon, United States. It sits just south of the city of Salem, nestled within the beautiful Salem Hills. Rosedale is considered part of the larger Salem area, which is a region where many towns and cities are connected.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, like a mayor or a city council. Instead, it's usually governed by the county it's in. Rosedale is a good example of this, as Marion County manages its services.

Rosedale's Early Days

Rosedale has a history that stretches back over a century. The community even had its own post office, which operated from 1892 until 1901. This shows that Rosedale was a busy little place where people lived and worked.

A Farming Past

In the early 1900s, Rosedale was a very important area for growing prunes. Prunes are dried plums, and they were a big crop in Oregon back then. Farmers worked hard in their orchards, harvesting these fruits.

Life in Rosedale's Center

The heart of Rosedale was once located around the intersection of Sunnyside Road SE and Delany Road SE. This area used to have several important businesses that served the community. There was a gas station for cars, a post office for mail, and a grocery store where people could buy food and supplies. There was even a "feed, seed, and livery stable," which was a place where farmers could buy animal feed and seeds for their crops, and where horses could be kept or rented.

Rosedale Elementary School

For many years, Rosedale had its own school, Rosedale Elementary School. It opened its doors in 1893, teaching generations of local children. The school was located at 6974 Bates Road in Salem. Sadly, after more than a century of service, the school closed in 2012.

Rosedale Today

Today, Rosedale looks a bit different from its prune-growing past. While it's still a rural area, many of the old farms have been replaced by homes. You'll also find beautiful vineyards, where grapes are grown for wine, and fields of Christmas trees.

Community Landmarks

Even though many of the old businesses are gone, Rosedale still has some important community landmarks. A church and a cemetery, both founded in 1896, are still active. They are located at 452 Hylo Road SE and continue to serve the community.