Coburg: A town rich in tradition and deep in history

Coburg is a small town located 5 miles north of Eugene/Springfield. It was founded in 1847 by pioneers, Johnny Diamond and Jacob Spores, who settled by the banks of the McKenzie River. Our early pioneers were very enterprizing. On Spores second day here, he strapped two canoes together and started a ferry crossing business in his front yard. Later Spores started a sash mill by floating logs down river to his business. In 1881 the railroad came to Coburg, allowing our harvest excess of timber, wheat, corn and livestock to be shipped to large markets. This allowed other products that could not be raised locally or traded for, such as coffee, tea, oranges, bananas, etc could be imported to Coburg. By the turn of the century Coburg's population was over 1200, with three mills running around the clock and an entire main street filled with of spinoff industries. Coburg had welcomed a butcher, baker, dry goods store, apothocary, funeral home, Grange Hall, IOOF Hall, laundry, pool hall, barber shop and multiple churches. And many of these buildings are still here. Coburg earned a National Historic District title in 1986. The district boasts 187 sites and structures and one object. Lots to explore. And if you want to know what happened to the mills and downtown core, you will have to come and take the guided walking tour of historic Coburg!

Yes, we are a town rich in history, and a place where businesses not only flourish, but serve as a living piece of history. Our historic buildings have been preserved by the business owners who reside and run their businesses from them. Residents are also proud of our quaint country life and enjoy sharing this town with visitors In fact, Coburg hosts several local events each year, inviting folks from all over Oregon to our Scarecrow Festival, summer time Concerts in the Park and popular local markets! The Coburg Antique and Vintage Fair, started in 1987, brings in upwards of 20,000 people in to Coburg. This one day street fair is known world wide and brings both vendors and shoppers from 27 countries! We do enjoy sharing Coburg with our many visitors.

Thank you to Coburg community leader, Mary Guldager for this lovely written history of Coburg.