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| Philomath Chamber Board Members | |||||
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Welcome to Philomath
The distinctive silhouette of Mary's Peak, the tallest in the Coast Range, greets visitors entering Philomath from the east on Philomath Boulevard (Highways 20/34). The mountain, crested with snow nearly year round, is a spectacular sight. Continuing along the highway, as it becomes Main Street, natural beauty, forests and mountains, surrounds the town, provides the elegant setting for the historic City of Philomath. Its 4,000 citizens, are an energetic group of individuals with a strong belief in the value of community involvement, and a spirit of Northwest vitality to support that involvement. |
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Incorporated in 1882, the City of Philomath is located in Benton County, where Mary's River leaves the Coast Range, at an elevation of 280 feet above sea level. While the name, "Philomath" (pronounced "fill-o-math"), is difficult on the tongue, the name is derived from two Greek words meaning "lover of learning" or "scholar". |
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Carved from the Mountain Wilderness
Philomath College was established in 1867, on eight acres in Benton County. As settlers arrived they began developing the town around the college site, carving it out of the mountain wilderness. The college's name suited these first citizens' ideals, and so the town was named Philomath. |
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Today, little remains of the original college. Its outlying buildings long ago gave way to time's ravages. However, the red brick of the center section still stands. It has been carefully restored to its original state. Presently, the building houses the Benton County Historical Museum, which serves as an archive and display facility for items of historical significance to Benton County; as well as an exhibit space for contemporary art. A biennial "Quilt County" event, sponsored by the museum, attracts visitors from all over the Northwest. The museum, with its distinctive bell tower, is a well-known Philomath landmark.
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Roots in the logging industry
Located five miles west of Corvallis and Oregon State University, residents proudly describe Philomath as a community whose citizens value a strong work ethic, education, and community involvement. They deeply recognize and are proud of the historic roots of Philomath logging industry. These characteristics grew from the lumber industry, on which Philomath flourished in the 1880's and with the accessibility of water power became a major mill center in Oregon. |
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Culture is Alive and Very Well
Today, Philomath is in a state of metamorphosis. It is poised to become an entrepreneur-based community, made up of citizens working in the fields of technology, the arts, retail, and many more innovative endeavors. From the days of pioneer life, settlers knew they could not live close to the coast and not hunger for education and cultural gifts. The Philomath spirit yearns for it today as it did in the 1880's when they considered culture as completion of the inner being. The stimulating sights and sounds of cultural activities signal the future of Philomath, both in the town and in the many opportunities offered just five miles away at Oregon State University and in the City of Corvallis. |
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Philomath, the Gateway to the Getaway!
The rural Oregon environment of Philomath, with its wonderful temperate climate, provides residents and visitors an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities right in Philomath. With three parks plus local school facilities, there are places for all kinds of activities, including swimming, tennis, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and skateboarding. In addition, there are over sixty miles of bike paths connecting Philomath with Corvallis and other areas. |
| The city's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and the Coastal and Cascade mountain ranges, makes it a gateway to these destinations. Whether you choose to take Highway 34 to Waldport, or Highway 20 to Newport, from Philomath, either route is less than an hour's length. However, you will find it difficult to make the trip in that time, as there are many tempting scenic stops along both these winding roads; charming towns, and enticing wayside shops, as well as plenty of chances to savor the "Catch of the Day". Residents and visitors enjoy freshwater fishing, rafting and kayaking in the many surrounding rivers. Backpacking, mountaineering, skiing, and bike touring are just a few of the reasons to head for the mountains. | |
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Philomath Schools, Our Path to the Future As Philomath settlers considered education the way to their future, today we also consider our school system to be a commitment to the future of Philomath. We recognize students in our community are products of their total environment. Philomath residents and the school district agree that we must extend our personal commitment, and promote positive attitudes toward the education of our youth. If you are considering relocating in Philomath, the quality of the school system will be very important to your family. The citizens are very proud of their school system and the opportunities it provides. The Philomath School District has developed an effective educational program to ensure our youth are well educated and prepared for academic and vocational careers in a wide range of diversified cultures, while encouraging them to also be vital, contributing citizens of the Philomath community. The Philomath School District recognizes the art of education depends on keeping up with change and new ideas in curriculum. In order to meet the challenge, the district regularly evaluates and modifies its current teaching curricula or replaces them with innovative programs to meet the needs of students and faculty. |
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The Philomath School District has consistently been awarded superior report cards by the State of Oregon. Our school staff works to instill healthy learning habits and attitudes, while stressing strong skills in the academic studies. In middle school, personal, vocational and cultural classes are added to the basic curriculum. The high school continues to build on the sound foundation provided by the elementary and middle schools. In addition, comprehensive classes in student elective areas, such as language, horticulture, forestry, business, etc., are offered to provide the tools needed to become a successful adult and a contributing Philomath citizen.
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Brief Philomath Facts
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Five miles west of Corvallis 4,000 55 degrees 38 inches 279 Ft. Philomath Family Medicine Five (5) Two (2) Twelve (12) in the area Police, Fire, Emergency services. Community Library Four (4) Philomath High School Philomath Middle School Philomath Elementary School Clemens Primary School 12th and Applegate |
