Starkey, Oregon facts for kids

Starkey is a small, unincorporated community located in Union County, Oregon, in the United States. It's found about 26 miles southwest of the city of La Grande. You can find Starkey nestled in the Blue Mountains, about two miles south of Oregon Route 244.

Discovering Starkey

Starkey is a quiet place today, but it has an interesting history tied to the early days of Oregon. It's a great example of how small towns can grow and change over time, often because of the industries around them.

A Look Back in Time

The story of Starkey began in 1879 when a post office was opened there. The community was named after John Starkey, who was the very first postmaster. He had settled in the area during the 1870s. Interestingly, the first name suggested for the town was Daleyville, but that idea was not chosen. The post office served the community for many years before it finally closed its doors in 1935.

Logging and Growth

For a while, Starkey was a busy place because it was the main office, or "headquarters," for the Mount Emily Lumber Company. This company was very important for logging in the region.

In 1919, only about 50 people lived in Starkey. By 1931, the population had grown a little to 75 residents. The town saw a big jump in its population around 1940. This happened because of a "portable logging operation," which meant logging equipment and workers could move easily to different areas. This brought many more people to Starkey.

However, the town's boom didn't last forever. By 1955, the Valsetz Lumber Company took over the townsite. This meant the town's buildings and land were sold off or taken apart.

Starkey Today

Even though much of its past has changed, Starkey still exists today. You can find a store there, which serves the local area. There is also a cemetery, which is a quiet reminder of the people who lived and worked in Starkey throughout its history.