Downtown Bend
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Downtown Bend History

The name Bend was derived from "Farewell Bend", the designation used by early pioneers to refer to the location along the Deschutes River where the town was eventually platted, one of the few fordable points along the river.

Until the winter of 1824, the Bend area was known only to Native Americans who hunted and fished there. Then pioneers heading farther west passed through the area and forded the Deschutes River at Farewell Bend.
Downtown Bend, est. 1903
​Constructed in May 1901, the Pilot Butte Development Company's little plant was the first commercial sawmill in Bend.  By 1903 a small community had developed, with Downtown Bend touting a Post Office, Bank, shops and an Inn - and a town was born, our town, Downtown Bend.  In 1904, a city was incorporated by a general vote of the community's 300 residents. On January 4, 1905, the city held its first official meeting as an incorporated municipality, appointing A. H. Goodwillie as the first mayor. The settlement was originally called "Farewell Bend", which was later shortened to "Bend" by the U.S. Postal Service.


The Bend Emblem Club

A note from the Downtown Bend Executive Director:

"​I love the story of the emblem club because it speaks to vision, dedication and teamwork.  These three things are key to the recipe of success.  Downtown Bend was established in 1903 by a few brave entrepreneurs.  The same streets that we all walk daily were walked by similar folks running small businesses 100 years ago.  Because of these brave entrepreneurs, a town was established in 1903.  Because a town was established, it paved the way for a City to incorporate.  Downtown Bend has been taking a leadership role for our entire City for over 100 years.  Our vision for the next 100 years is to continue that leadership.
​We vow to continue to be leaders in our community. 
  1. We will be the leaders for community – creating a hub where all people are welcome.
  2. We will be the leaders in culture and arts
  3. We will be the leaders in historic preservation
  4. We will be the leaders in entrepreneurship and innovation
  5. We will continue to be the civic hub for our city
And in this world that is fast losing its connection to the necessity of experience for a full-bodied life – we will provide a space to touch your products before you buy them, to talk to the chef who made your food, to learn about product you are purchasing – from someone who has dedicated their life to providing that product, to feel the magic of a street decorated with Christmas lights, to  walk a street covered in flowers with your friends and family – to duck into a shop where you’ve seen something in the window that you absolutely fell in love with on sight. 
 
I ask you do join us.  Dedicate yourself to this vision of a thriving DT and commit to joining us in the team work that is necessary to create this vision." 
 - Mindy Aisling, Executive Director, Downtown Bend Business Association

Photos of our Downtown History

Picture
The Big "Blue" snow of December 1919 on Wall Street in Downtown Bend

1910-Aune-Hotel-and-Bend-Hardware-taken-from-middle-of-126-Minnesota-looking-east
1910, Aune Hotel and Bend Hardware taken from middle of 126 Minnesota, looking East

Picture
1972, Aerial of Downtown Bend

Picture
1983, 916 NW Wall Street

Picture
Merry Christmas from the soon to be opened Tower Theater 1940.

Picture
Bond Street in Downtown Bend

Picture
 ​1960, From the second floor of 916 Wall looking NW up Wall Street

Picture
Wall Street looking North, with the Liberty Theatre on the left.

Picture
Busy Bond Street, 1920's


​Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA)

Our mission is to improve the economic vitality by enhancing the experience, image and lifestyle of Downtown Bend. .
© COPYRIGHT 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
916 NW Wall Street in Downtown Bend, Oregon
Downtownbend@gmail.com
​541-788-3628
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  • Home
  • Downtown Online
    • Online Dining
    • Online Shopping >
      • Update your listing
    • Individual Gift Cards
  • Downtown Businesses
    • Business Directory
    • Eat & Drink >
      • Bend Marketplace | Dining
    • Shopping >
      • Bend Marketplace | Shopping
    • Lodging
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Beauty Services
    • Civic Services
    • Services
    • Downtown Dollars >
      • Downtown Dollars | Digital
      • Downtown Dollars | Paper
  • Downtown Blog
  • The DBBA
    • DBBA Board & Staff >
      • Board Membership
      • DBBA Reports, Minutes & Agendas
      • The EID >
        • EID Map
        • 2021 EID Renewal
    • DBBA Volunteer Opportunities
    • DBBA Member Portal >
      • DBBA | New Business Setup
      • DBBA | Member Update
      • DBBA | Service Request
      • DBBA | Marketing Request
      • DBBA | Member Connect
      • DBBA | Anonymous Feedback
      • DBBA | DT Dollars for businesses >
        • Downtown Dollars Reseller Order Form
      • DBBA | COBLA Internships
      • DBBA | Payment Portal
  • Info Hub
    • Downtown Advertising >
      • Directory Kiosks
      • Banner Program
      • Cigarette Waste Recycling Program
    • Downtown History
    • Downtown Parking
    • Downtown Sidewalk Vendor Information
    • The Bend Pledge
    • Friends of Downtown Bend
  • Contact Us