Oregon, Ohio

Oregon is a city in Lucas County, Ohio, United States. It is an industrial suburb of Toledo, located on Lake Erie, just east of the city. Oregon is known for refineries, power plants, and industry that border the western and northern horizon and bolster its economy. The population was 20,291 at the 2010 census.

This article is about the city near Toledo. For the Dayton neighborhood, see Oregon Historic District.

Oregon, Ohio
City
Nickname(s): 
Oregon
Motto(s): 
"City of Opportunity" & “On the Bay”
Location in Lucas County and the state of Ohio.
Coordinates: 41°38′57″N 83°27′41″W
CountryUnited States
StateOhio
CountyLucas
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • MayorMike Sefarian
Area
 • Total28.90 sq mi (74.84 km2)
 • Land28.52 sq mi (73.87 km2)
 • Water0.38 sq mi (0.98 km2)
Elevation600 ft (183 m)
Population
 • Total20,291
 • Estimate 
(2019)[3]
20,055
 • Density703.19/sq mi (271.51/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
43605, 43616, 43618
Area code(s)419/567
FIPS code39-58730[4]
GNIS feature ID1049043[2]
Websitehttps://www.ci.oregon.oh.us/ https://www.oregonohio.org/

History

Oregon was once part of the Great Black Swamp. The swamp area was rich with oak, hickory, ash, walnut, elm and maple trees. This led to the establishment of numerous sawmills and settlements. The harvested forests created rich farmland, but the area remained swampy and there was a need for storm drainage. Major ditches were constructed, usually along roadways that followed the path of old Indian trails. These ditches continue to provide storm drainage today, carrying storm water into Maumee Bay.

"The town was named Oregon by Pierre M. Irving, a nephew of Washington Irving, author of the popular book Astoria. This book attracted considerable interest in John Jacob Astor's trading lands which were located in what is now the city of Oregon. The story, however, is an account of Astor's fur trading in the territory of Oregon; but since the nephew was representing Astor's interest in fur trading east of the Maumee River, he succeeded in having the town named Oregon. In 1838, Mr. Irving, accompanied by his wife, went to New York expecting to remain there for the summer; but for some reason he never returned." Quoted in the "History of Oregon and Jerusalem" book, authored by Josephine Fassett.

The first government was Oregon Township, formed in 1838. The land was surveyed and there were public sales for settlements. The area that was the township, is now the City of Oregon, which is bounded on the west by the City of Toledo, the North by Maumee Bay/Lake Erie, on the east by Jerusalem Township (Lucas County) and on the South by the City of Northwood (Wood County). In 1856 the township took ownership of two cemeteries which remain owned by the City today.

The 1800's and 1900's saw the development of an extensive rail system. The Port of Toledo began operations on the south bank of the Maumee River in the early 1800's and developed port operations on the Maumee Bay in Oregon in 1955. These operations continue in the Northwest area of the City.

Because of the water, rail, and surface transportation access available in the city, two major refineries, British Petroleum (BP) and Sun Marketing opened in Oregon around the turn of the century. These two refineries have historically been two of the City's largest employers..

The northwestern end of the city grew as an industrial center with a coal powered electrical generating facility and several chemical plants. Pipelines were laid to carry petroleum products to and from the port facilities and other regions. Buckeye Pipeline has the largest pipeline distribution system in Oregon.

As industrialization continued, commercial and residential growth followed. Generally, urban growth continued eastward from Interstate 280 - one of the nation's first Interstates. Recently, residential growth has also occurred south of Maumee Bay in the waterfront areas and with perimeter development in the more rural areas.

In 1954 Oregon Township trustees sought to zone the area. At about the same time, City of Toledo officials sought to annex the northwest industrial area of Oregon Township. The annexation failed, and in 1957 there was an election for Oregon to become an incorporated city. The vote was 3,660 in favor and 2,925 opposed. A key issue in incorporation was to have Oregon own and operate a water and a wastewater plant.

The City of Oregon adopted their Charter in 1958. The new city adopted a slogan of "City of Opportunity." In the mid 1980's, the city added Oregon on the Bay to the City of Opportunity. In 1959 voters approved an "earnings tax" now known as the municipal income tax. The water plant was constructed in 1964 and currently over 90% of the land in Oregon is serviced with waterlines. Plans for an estimated $17.9 million in improvements to the water plant continued in 1998. The original water plant was paid for by a combination of local and federal funds. The City also has a wastewater treatment plant, constructed in 1977, with local and federal funds, which can process up to eight million gallons per day. In 1997 a major upgrade to the wastewater plant was completed. Approximately one-third of the land in the City is serviced by sanitary sewer lines. The City's water and wastewater operations also service portions of Jerusalem Township, northern Wood County and northwest Ottawa County.[5]

The first Marco's Pizza was established in Oregon in 1978.[6]

City officials
Office Name[7] Party
Mayor Michael J. Seferian Independent
City Administrator Michael J. Beazley
Council President Dennis Walendzak Democrat
Councilman James S. Seaman Democrat
Councilman Terry Reeves Democrat
Councilman Marvin Dabish Independent
Councilman Tim Zale Republican
Councilman Steve Hornyak Republican
Councilwoman Kathleen Pollauf Republican
Chief of Police Brandon Begin
Fire Chief Dennis Hartman
Director of Public Service Paul Roman, P.E.
Finance Director Darlynn Huntermark

Geography

Oregon is located at 41°38′57″N 83°27′41″W (41.649094, -83.461514).[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.04 square miles (98.52 km2), of which 29.98 square miles (77.65 km2) is land and 8.06 square miles (20.88 km2) is water.[9]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
196013,319—
197016,56324.4%
198018,68212.8%
199018,334−1.9%
200019,3555.6%
201020,2914.8%
2019 (est.)20,055[3]−1.2%
Sources:[4][10][11]

2010 census

As of the census[12] of 2010, there were 20,291 people, 8,196 households, and 5,555 families residing in the city. The population density was 676.8 inhabitants per square mile (261.3/km2). There were 8,759 housing units at an average density of 292.2 per square mile (112.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% White, 1.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 2.2% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.5% of the population.

There were 8,196 households, of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.2% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 42.3 years. 22.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.7% were from 25 to 44; 28.9% were from 45 to 64; and 17.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 19,355 people, 7,708 households, and 5,318 families residing in the city. The population density was 658.8 people per square mile (254.4/km2). There were 8,025 housing units at an average density of 273.2 per square mile (105.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.91% White, 1.00% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.72% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.76% of the population.

There were 7,708 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,777, and the median income for a family was $57,156. Males had a median income of $42,631 versus $28,897 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,619. About 3.4% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

Attractions

Perhaps the most well-known attraction in Oregon is the Sundance Drive-In, one of the last in the region. Pearson Park, within the city limits, and Maumee Bay State Park, located in neighboring Jerusalem Township, have preserved or re-created sections of the original Black Swamp topography and forest. The state park also offers a waterfront resort off Lake Erie, and features a links golf course that has held numerous U.S. Open local qualifiers. Its location at the confluence of major migration routes brings birdwatchers and hunters to nearby shoreland areas. Boating and fishing on Lake Erie are popular pursuits. The city sponsors an extensive softball and baseball recreation program. The annual ethnic German American festival draws over 30,000 people each year. [13] [14] [15]

Fire Department

The city of Oregon is a growing community and is the second largest city in Lucas County with approximately 20,000 citizens, covering 30 square miles. The city has mutual aid pacts with all Lucas County and Ottawa County Fire Departments. The Oregon Fire Department was organized in 1937 and has been growing ever since. The City provides a part-time Fire Department with three modern fire stations. Station 1 is located at 5002 Seaman Rd., Station 2 is located at 1102 S. Wheeling, and Station 3 is located at 4421 Bayshore Road. The Fire Administration office is located behind Number 1 Station on Seaman Road. In 2006, the Oregon Fire Department answered 209 fire calls and 1791 rescue calls.

One hundred volunteer part-time firefighters are led by a full-time Chief, full-time Assistant Fire Chief who also serves as the Chief of Fire Prevention, and three part-time District Fire Chiefs. The Fire department also employs a full-time secretary and a full-time Training Officer. The part-time firefighters' response time is a result of them living in every neighborhood in the city and responding from home, work, or leisure through a paging system. Many times they are able to control a fire in its infancy, preventing it from getting out of control.[16]

Fire vehicles

Fire equipment includes five engines, two aerial trucks, two brush trucks, five ambulances and other auxiliary equipment including two boats used for water rescues on Lake Erie and residential ponds. The Oregon Fire Department also utilizes the Thermal Imaging Camera. This camera permits a firefighter to locate victims in the smoke charged atmosphere of a fire. The camera also allows the user to quickly locate the area of the fire that may be between walls, which leads to early extinguishment and stops the spread of fire.[17]

Police Department

The Oregon Police Division employs 46 sworn and 14 civilian employees. The Department covers an area of approximately 20,000 residents spanning an area of 30 square miles along the Lake Erie shoreline.

The Oregon Police Division is a progressive police agency. It was established by Ordinance in 1958 and, at the time, was to consist of 12 sworn officers and 7 radio communication operators. In its history, the police division has grown to 46 officers supported by 10 dispatchers and an additional 5 non-sworn personnel. In February 2011, the police division completed an upgrade to the dispatch center. Oregon Dispatchers not only dispatch for the police division, but are also responsible for the Oregon and Jerusalem Twp. Fire Depts. In addition, the dispatchers handle after hours emergency calls for the Street Division and the Water Department.

As a medium-sized police agency, each officer is assisted in developing a wide range of skills. As is the case with all agencies, the road patrol division makes up the largest part of the police force. The patrol division is supported by the special services division, which consists of a six-officer detective bureau, police records, and the dispatch center.

In addition, the Oregon Police Division has partnered with the Oregon Board of Education in recognizing the importance of the youth. As a result, three Oregon Officers are assigned to the school system full-time as School Resources Officers (SRO's) and a combination SRO/DARE Officer. These Officers are teaching drug and violence prevention and are accessible to our younger residents. Oregon Officers participate in many other part-time positions in and around the City of Oregon. These would include the DEA Task Force, U.S. Marshal Service's Violent Fugitive Task Force, The Northern Border Initiative (NBI) on Lake Erie, The FBI Cyber Crime Task Force, The Special Response Team, and numerous other on and off duty projects.[18]

Education

Oregon Public Schools are part of the Oregon City School District. There are three elementary schools, one intermediate school, one junior high school, and one high school in the district. Clay High School offers students career and technology education which leads students into a better career paths and immediate employment after high school.[19]

Oregon has a public library located on Dustin Road, a branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.[20]

References
  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  2. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  3. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  4. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  5. "Oregon City History". City of Oregon Ohio. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  6. "Marco's Pizza turns 40". Toledo Blade. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  7. "City of Oregon, Ohio | Lucas County". www.oregonohio.org.
  8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  9. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  10. "Number of Inhabitants: Ohio" (PDF). 18th Census of the United States. U.S. Census Bureau. 1960. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  11. "Ohio: Population and Housing Unit Counts" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  13. "Great Eastern Theatres". www.greateasterntheatres.com.
  14. Click Rain, Inc (July 4, 2019). "A Great Ohio Lodges Property". Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center.
  15. "Pearson". Metroparks Toledo.
  16. "Fire | City of Oregon, Ohio". www.oregonohio.org.
  17. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved July 5, 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. "Police | City of Oregon, Ohio". www.oregonohio.org.
  19. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 25, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  20. "Hours & Locations". Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.