Our Hometown- Athena, Oregon
Athena is nestled at the foothills of the beautiful Blue Mountains, among the rolling wheat fields of eastern Oregon. Formerly Centerville, Athena is located midway between Pendleton, Oregon to the south, and Walla Walla, Washington to the north. Settled in the wild west of 1878, Athena is known for its friendly people, historic buildings, and Scottish roots. Our town's heritage events include the Athena Caledonian Games in July, and Hodaka Days each June.
The origin of the name Athena has historically been attributed to the local school superintendent at the time, D.W. Jarvis. However, it is perhaps more likely that the name is derived from a word in the Umatilla Indian language- “Atina”- meaning “the in-between place”.
“Athena, in Umatilla County, is a small agricultural town situated on historical transportation routes: the route of the Oregon Trail, which went to the Whitman mission (1841 to 1847); the wagon road between Umatilla and Walla Walla, Washington (late 1860s); and the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company railroad (after 1883). Today, the town is on Oregon Highway 11.
The first non-Indian who lived in the area was Darwin A. Richards, who settled on 200 acres near Wildhorse Creek in 1866. Richards operated a stagecoach station and a private postal service known as Richards Station. Others began settling in the area, and Richards laid out a four-block townsite that he named Bellview.
In 1878, Thomas J. Kirk platted a larger town that he named Centerville because it was halfway between Pendleton and Walla Walla. The first post office was established at Centerville in October 1878. A decade later, the name was changed because there were towns named Centerville in western Oregon and in Washington. D.W. Jarvis, the school superintendent, suggested the name Athena for the Greek goddess of counsel, war, arts, and industries. The new name was adopted in May 1889.”
-Written by Susan Badger Doyle, OregonEncyclopia.com
Only In Athena…
Athena Caledonian Games (1903)
Athena's heritage event is the Athena Caledonian Games, occurring the second weekend in July each year. The town's early Scottish settlers brought their traditions with them, founding the Umatilla County Caledonian Society in 1903. The tradition continues today at the same Athena City Park, and includes traditional Scottish music, dancers, sheep dogs, and of course, competitive sport. Athletes come from around the country to compete in these feats of strength. Learn more about this heritage event at www.athenacaledonian.org.
Athena Press newspaper (March 6, 1903):
CALEDONIANS WILL HOLD
PICNIC FOR TWO DAYS
Place to be Determined
Though Athena is Favored.
The Umatilla County Caledonian Society met on Saturday evening pursuant to a call of President A. M. Gillis, for the purpose of electing officers for the ensuing year, and transaction of such other business proper to come before the society. It was decided by unanimous vote of the members present to hold a two days' picnic the latter part of May, the place to be determined later, however, those voicing their sentiments in the matter were favorable to Athena, and it will depend largely on the support tendered by the citizens of the town as to whether Athena secures the picnic or not. No pains or expense will be spared to make it a “howling” success.
Officers were elected as follows: President, A B. McEwen; vice-presidents, Alex McRae, Pendleton; John McEwen, Milton; Horace Walker, Helix;. Robt. Jamieson, Weston; Malcolm Mclntyre, Adams. Treas., Chas. McLean; secretary, A. W. Botkin. The next meeting will be held at the town hall on Saturday evening, March 14th. All members of the society and Scotchmen are requested to be present.
Hodaka Motorcycles and Pacific Basin Trading Co.
(1964-1978)
History unique to Athena also includes Hodaka motorcycles- which were manufactured here in Athena from 1964 to 1978. Local farmers were shipping wheat to Japan, and instead of shipping the empty containers back, they filled them with parts to build the bikes. The Pacific Basin Trading Company (PABATCO) was the worldwide distributor of these “dirt bikes” and a loyal group of enthusiasts gather each June to swap parts and stories about their beloved Hodakas. More at the Hodaka Club's site HodakaDays.org.
F.W. Murnau's Film- “City Girl” (1930)
In 1928, the “wheatfields and hills of Umatilla County” in the Athena area became a location for the film “City Girl”, directed by F.W. Murnau. Starring Charles Farrell and Mary Duncan, the silent film features the landscape and wheat fields around the Thornhollow area, as well as an interesting glimpse of farming at that time with mule teams. Several area residents played supporting roles in the movie- including operating the harvester machine. The film was originally titled, “Our Daily Bread”.
Actor Mary Duncan worked on the movie in the summer of 1928, and remained in the area after filming wrapped. Her horseback riding skills attracted local attention and she became queen of the Pendleton Round-Up a month later. “The people out here are perfectly marvelous,” Duncan told a reporter for the La Grande Observer. “I wish you would convey for me how glorious my time in Oregon has been.” Find out a little more about Mary Duncan and the Pendleton Round-Up here.
The Gem Theatre marks Athena's place on the Northwest Film Trail. Check out the City Girl mural on the east exterior wall of the theatre.
The Gem Theatre
The historic Gem Theatre is an undertaking 20 years in the making. Built in 1901, this beautifully restored theatre is now the crown jewel of Athena's historic Main Street. Learn more about this massive volunteer project at www.gemtheatre.org.
The history of the Gem Theatre building is entwined with the adjacent Historic Stahl Building. Discover more Main Street history here.
