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City of Columbia City 1840 Second Street, PO Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018 (503) 397-4010 |
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City Hall, Columbia City: 1840 Second Street, P.O. Box 189, Columbia City, OR
97018. Telephone: (503) 397-4010 Facsimile:
(503) 366-2870 E-mail Address: colcity@columbia-city.org.
Population: The population of the City of Columbia City was estimated to be 1,990 in July 2009.
Climate: Columbia City has a temperate climate with dry, moderately warm summers and wet, mild winters. Average annual precipitation in the County is slightly less than 50 inches. Prevailing winds up and down the Columbia River provide some circulation in local air sheds and assist in dilution of air pollutants. Snow or freezing weather is rare, and 100° F. is seldom reached in the summer.
History: Columbia City’s location on the bank of the "Mighty Columbia River" made it a link in development of River transportation. The steamboat navigation was started on the Columbia River by the building of the combination sail and steam sidewheel ship "Beaver" launched in 1834 at London, England, for the Columbia and Willamette River traffic by the Hudson Bay Company. On its first voyage up the Columbia River to where it was to be based at Fort Vancouver, it would have gone by the sight that is now Columbia City. All that was here then was an Indian fishing village, which they called "Cumahi." There is no way to tell how it was spelled for the Indians did not have a written language.
Steam
navigation continued to aid in the River development. The Caples Brothers of
Columbia City owned and operated the Sternwheeler "Metlako" and ran
it on a passenger and freight schedule from Portland to Woodland, Washington,
and waypoints. The Graham Brothers owned and operated the Sternwheeler
"Ottawa" out of early Columbia City. Later the Caples Brothers owned
and operated the steam-powered propeller-driven "Victor." The
three-foot diameter four-blade propeller of the "Victor" is now on
display at the Caples
House Museum.
The McVey house was built in 1871 as a store with a residence on the second story. By 1891 the building was also used as the Post Office. This was the only boat landing in the City, and River traffic stopped to pick up passengers and refuel—many of the River-going vessels burned wood for power. This house is a historic landmark and still stands at 2040 The Strand.
The Caples House was built in 1870 by Doctor
Charles Caples, a doctor in the area. The house was presented to the Daughters
of the American Revolution in 1959 and is open to the public. The facility
consists of the Main Museum (which is the original house), the Carriage House
(which has been converted into a Costume house and Children’s Attic with old
dolls and toys), a Country Store, a Pioneer Tool Shed, and the Knapp Social
Center (which contains an assembly room, kitchen, library, and caretakers'
living quarters). A brochure is available explaining their tour hours and
rental fees.
During
World War I the Sommarstrom Brothers built a shipyard with four ways - to build
four ships at once - in the South part of Columbia City where River Club Estates
is now located. They hired a large crew and built wood ships for the U.S.
Government. When the war ended, the ship contracts were cancelled.
Government: The City of Columbia City received its charter in 1926. The City has a Mayor and four Council Members. The City has a seven-member Planning Commission with a Comprehensive Plan and Development Code. The City Hall and Police Department are located at 1840 Second Street and next to the City’s Community Hall. The Public Works Office and Shops are on the corner of Second Place and "J" Street. The Columbia City Community Library is located across from City Hall at 205 “I” Street.
Commerce and Industry: There is a convenience store and gas station at "A" Street and Highway 30. The Port of St. Helens owns the only industrial property in the City and has one of the few deep-water docks along the River. The site is also served by Western Pacific Railroad and the Columbia River Highway.
Schools: Children in the 6th grade attend Columbia City Grade School. Other
students attend schools in St. Helens, two miles away. The Grade School is one
of three grade schools in the St. Helens School District.
Churches: There is one church located in Columbia City- the Foursquare Gospel Church - (503) 397-0069.
Library: The Columbia City Community Library is open on Mondays 10 AM - 2 PM, Wednesdays 4 PM - 8 PM, Thursdays 2 PM – 6 PM and Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM. The Library is located at 205 "I" Street, and the phone number for the Library is (503) 366-8020. You can e-mail them at cclibrary@opusnet.com.
Housing: There are approximately 702 single-family dwellings, 53 manufactured homes, and 24 duplex units within the City. There are four multiple-family units providing another 16 housing units.
Communications: Cable television is available in Columbia City from Comcast - 1-888-824-2864. There is no local television station, however. There is also a post office located on the corner of Second and "I" Streets. Two newspapers and a radio station are located nearby.
Recreation: The geographic location of the City provides a natural environment for the enjoyment of outdoor activities. The marinas in the area, as well as the County parks, provide some recreational opportunities. Harvard Park features playground equipment, and the school grounds also offer a playground for use by the public. Jim Bundy Memorial Park is heavily wooded and features a beautiful display of trillium from April through June. Datis Park is located on the Riverfront, and Carolyn King Park is a viewpoint park. There are also two small privately owned parks open to the public within the City. Click here for more information about our Parks. The City owns a Community Hall, which can be rented for athletic or social activities. The Caples House Museum and Knapp Social Center offer opportunities for entertainment and rental use. Columbia City Sports and Recreation Club, a membership organization, provides a weightlifting room, racquetball court, a swimming pool, a hot tub, sauna, complete aerobics, cardiovascular machines, and a basketball court. The Columbia River offers some of the finest fishing in the State, and many residents are quite active in this outdoor sport. Sailing and wind surfing have become increasingly popular for both sailors and viewers alike. Many residents consider their view of the River and the River traffic one of the most appealing features of the City.
Special Events: The Columbia City
Celebration is held annually on the first Saturday following Labor
Day Weekend each September. This city-wide fund-raising event
features a community breakfast, raffle, and other entertainment.
Fleet Day is celebrated in June with the military ships traveling up the Columbia River and past the City on their way to Portland for the annual Rose Festival celebration. The DAR hosts a hotdog luncheon as a fundraiser.
The City is a good place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks set off from Sand Island across from the Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens.
The second Saturday in December brings the arrival of the Christmas ships. Private boats decorated with lights motor by the City for everyone to enjoy.
Transportation: Columbia County Rider provides general public transportation. Call (503) 366-0159 for route information or to purchase tickets and monthly passes.
Bike Paths: A designated bike path begins at the northwest City limits and follows along the top of the bank of McBride Creek to Highway 30. It then extends south along Highway 30, crosses east to the River and runs south to the end of Fourth Street. From there it leads through a scenic, wooded area to the City of St. Helens (Rutherford Road Parkway). It passes Dalton Lake, which is located between Rutherford Road Parkway and the Columbia River.
Fire and Police Protection: The Columbia River Fire and Rescue offers fire protection to the City and has a substation located along Highway 30 near "G" Street. A Forestry Department office is located in the City near the intersection of Highway 30 and "E" Street. The City's Police Department recently hired it’s first full-time Police Chief and is currently staffed by a part-time Police Sergeant, three paid part-time Police Officers, and one volunteer Reserve Officer. In addition, the City is served by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department and the Oregon State Police.
Medical Facilities: Doctors’ offices are located in nearby St. Helens, two miles away.
Services: Residents of Columbia City are served by Hudson Garbage Service - (503) 397-1534. Columbia River PUD - (503) 397-1844 serves the City’s residents with electricity. Qwest provides telephone service - 1 (800) 244-1111. Northwest Natural Gas provides gas - 1 (800) 422-4012. Comcast serves the City with cable television 1 (888) 824-8264. Water and sewer services are provided by the City - (503) 397-4010.
Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 for emergencies: fire, police, and ambulance services. Call C-Com at (503) 397-1521 for non-emergency matters or for water and sewer or animal control issues.