Newberg, Oregon

Newberg is located about 25 miles southwest of Portland on US Highway 99W on the northeast side
of Yamhill County. Although situated in the direction of the metropolitan area's greatest growth, it remains buffered from such growth by forests and farmlands.

Mountains surrounding the community and the broad Willamette River create a natural bowl and a feeling of separation cherished by most of Newberg's citizens. To Newberg's east are the Cascade Mountains with skiing and hiking, and to the west lies the Pacific Coast with many beautiful beaches. Countless rivers and forests are within easy driving distance, offering boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Several golf courses are located in the county.

Portland, with all of its cultural attractions, is just 45 minutes away. The relaxed pace and friendly people solidify the impression of a community interested in and concerned about its history, charm and values.

Population:
Click here to see population numbers from the latest census for Newberg and other Oregon cities.

Facts, Climate and Temperature:
Elevation: 175 feet
Precipitation: 42 inches/year
Growing Season: 174 days/year
High Temperature (avg.) 65º
Low Temperature (avg.) 39º

History:
The area called Champoeg, seven miles southeast of Newberg, was settled first by Hudson Bay Company trappers. Even before Newberg had much activity, Champoeg was the site of the formation of the Oregon provisional government (1843). An influx of pioneers subsequently found the Newberg area attractive and began clearing land for farming. In 1869, the first postmaster, Sebastian Brutscher, named the town of Newberg after his Bavarian hometown of Newburgh. In the 1870's, William Hobson, a zealous Quaker minister from Iowa, visited Oregon. After determining that the rainfall, temperature and agricultural productivity was suitable, he settled in Chehalem Valley and began preaching. He attracted a sizeable number of Quakers to the valley, mainly from Indiana and Iowa. In 1884, the Quakers started building Pacific Academy (now George Fox University) and a year later Dr. Henry Minthorn assumed the position of superintendent of the Academy. In the same year (1885), Herbert Hoover, at the age of 9, came to live with the Minthorns, his aunt and uncle. Hoover's parents had died a few years before and Newberg was to become the boyhood home of the 31st president for the next five years. Records show that in 1887 the population of the Newberg area had grown to 200 persons. Newberg became incorporated as a town in 1889 and as a city in 1893. All this activity was documented by the Newberg Graphic which began in 1888. Newberg's early history was marked by gradual growth and continues that pattern today.

Transportation:
The Newberg area is served by Greyhound Bus Lines, Sportsman Airpark (a privately owned airport), McMinnville Municipal Airport, and is within one hour driving time to Portland International Airport. Freight service is provided by Willamette Pacific Railroad. Local public transportation options also exist for the Newberg-area traveler. Chehalem Valley Senior Citizens Council operates four separate bus programs, all of which are wheelchair accessible. They are the Town Flyer (hourly bus service for the public), Dial-A-Ride (curb-to-curb service for seniors and the handicapped), Link (morning, afternoon and evening service from McMinnville to Sherwood connecting with Tri-Met) and the Link Express (from Newberg to Hillsboro through Gaston, connecting with MAX Light Rail, one time each morning and evening). Ride information may be obtained Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 503-538-7433. Private taxi and limousine service is also available from local providers.

Media:
The Newberg Graphic newspaper is published twice weekly (Wednesday and Saturday) with a circulation of approximately 5,500. Radio station KLYC-AM serves Yamhill County and KFOX-FM transmits from the George Fox University campus. AT&T Broadband provides local access broadcasts.

Health care:
Providence Newberg Hospital health services to the community. With over 100 affiliated physicians and nearly 400 employees, Providence serves the area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Providence Newberg Hospital has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment including MRI, spiral CT, nuclear medicine and cardiac ultrasound equipment heralded as the finest in the Northwest.

Parks And Recreation:
Through the Chehalem Park and Recreation District, Newberg has many recreational opportunities and facilities. There are individual and family opportunities available including swimming, athletics, crafts, arts, drama, dance, music, clubs, tours, self-enrichment, educational & fitness programs, camps and special events. The facilities are located in 11 parks situated in and around Dundee and Newberg. Found in various parks are playgrounds, tennis courts, softball fields, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, walking paths, nature trails, covered picnic shelters, picnic tables, soccer fields, barbecue grills, public restrooms, volleyball courts, meeting rooms, kitchens, table tennis and more. One of the most beautiful state parks, Champoeg State Heritage Area, is seven miles southeast of Newberg. Rich in history, Champoeg also offers nature and recreation at its finest. The park provides camping with all the amenities, picnic sites, open fields, an amphitheater, and bike and hiking trails along the Willamette River. Champoeg's past is preserved in several buildings and historical sites.

Education:
Newberg Public Schools are committed to educating all students to achieve their full potential as competent, self-assured citizens in a rapidly changing world. Newberg public schools serve students from Newberg, Dundee and parts of rural Yamhill, Washington and Clackamas Counties. Over 4,900 students attend school in five K-5 elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Technology is an integral part of each school.

George Fox University, founded in Newberg in 1891, serves more than 2,600 students, including 1,500 on its main campus. The University also has a Portland Center (which includes a seminary) and classes in Portland, Salem and Boise, Idaho. George Fox offers 40 undergraduate majors (including a degree-completion program) and 12 graduate degrees. U.S. News & World Report for 13 years has named George Fox one of America's best colleges. The Newberg Public Library serves the residents of the Chehalem Valley from a historic Carnegie Library that has been updated and enlarged for the 21st Century. Along with 75,000 books, audio tapes, video tapes, compact discs and periodicals, there is an on-line reference center and public Internet workstations. Through its partnership with other libraries in Polk, Yamhill and Marion counties, over one million items are available to area residents as well as access to materials throughout the entire United States.

Industry, Agriculture And Tourism:
The Newberg area is home to an increasing number of manufacturing businesses. A-dec Inc. and SP Newsprint Inc. are the region's largest employers with 900 and 350 employees respectively. Yamhill County boasts a rich, varied agricultural economy, producing 167 varieties of crops. The region grows 90 percent of the nation's hazelnuts (filberts). Other principal products include wheat, poultry, dairy, a variety of fruits, livestock, wine grapes, vegetables, tree and plant nurseries, legume and grass seed. The area's wineries are among the finest in the state and have achieved world attention for their pinot noir varieties. Parks, boating, biking, hunting, fishing, athletic events, winery tours and tasting, historic walking tours, the Hoover-Minthorn House, theater and concerts, art galleries and special events all bring tourists to the Newberg area. Highway 99W provides the main artery from Portland to Oregon beaches.