[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 98 (Wednesday, July 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AURORA COLONY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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                           HON. KURT SCHRADER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2013

  Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Aurora Colony 
Historical Society on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The Aurora 
Colony Historical Society, through its wonderful Old Aurora Colony 
Museum, has dedicated itself to preserving the memory, architecture, 
and treasures of Oregon's unique Aurora Colony since 1963.
   The Aurora Colony's unique history predates Oregon's statehood. This 
communal Christian society was established in 1856 by a group of German 
and Swiss followers of Dr. Wilhelm Keil. Dr. Keil's vision of a utopian 
society produced this bustling community that became well known for its 
craftsman built furniture, fine textiles, and Old World traditions.
   54 families and nearly 600 people would eventually live and work 
communally to support the Aurora Colony. The agricultural skills and 
manufacturing prowess of the colonists allowed the colony to flourish 
for nearly 30 years on the banks of Oregon's Pudding River. The 
community of Aurora still bears the name of Dr. Keil's oldest daughter 
today.
   Descendants of the Aurora Colonists organized a celebration in 1956 
to mark the Colony's centennial and to celebrate the community's 
uncommon history. From this celebration came a desire to preserve the 
history of the Colony and its remaining artifacts and architecture. The 
Aurora Colony Historical Society was founded in 1963 and set out on a 
mission of preservation that survives today--50 years later.
   Today the Aurora Colony Historical Society's Old Aurora Colony 
Museum welcomes tourists, students, researchers, and others to explore 
its extensive grounds and exhibits. The complex of five preserved 
buildings offers revolving exhibits, Colony artifacts, and a historical 
archive of residents' letters and other written documents. The Old 
Aurora Colony Museum has become an invaluable resource in preserving an 
important period in Oregon's history. Indeed, Oregon's history books 
and today's Aurora would both be incomplete were it not for the 
essential work of the Aurora Colony Historical Society.
   With a strong sense of its history and an eye toward the future, I 
am confident that the Aurora Colony Historical society will continue to 
thrive for at least another 50 years.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be the representative of the fine 
community of Aurora, Oregon. I congratulate the Aurora Colony 
Historical Society on its 50th anniversary, and I look forward to 
sharing in the celebration.

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