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.
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.
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 downtown, 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
According to the Deschutes Historical Museum, "The Bend Logo, the name BEND in a circle, was created 100 years ago as the signature trademark of the Bend Emblem Club. The Emblem was the original logo of William D. Cheney’s Bend Park Company, a development endeavor to help further Bend’s growth. On the night of January 4, 1913, during a party hosted at the home of Bend’s mayor and Bend Bulletin publisher, George Putnam, the Bend Emblem Club was officially created. In attendance were Clyde McKay and James Overturf, as well as many of Bend’s other prominent citizens. The Emblem Club members swore an oath to promote and display the logo until a time when the town of Bend reached a population of 100,000. Visitors and residents can still view remnants of this oath in the windows of many of the historical buildings around town. The Bend Emblem Club officially disbanded in 1924."
The Downtown Bend Logo
In 2018, The Downtown Bend Business Association's Board of Directors hired Chad DeWile to create a logo that captured the essence of the emblem club's logo, spirit, and vision. The logo to the right was created, and it was designed to carry Downtown Bend into the future for another 100 years as the heart of the Bend community.
This logo is special and unique to Downtown Bend. While it uses elements of the original Bend logo, that you can find in many places in and around Bend, this logo specifically represents Downtown Bend, the heart of the city.
Downtown Bend was established in 1903, and the City of Bend incorporated in 1905. We salute all of those original brave entrepreneurs who built Downtown, and allowed for a City to be established. Downtown Bend truly is the seed from which all of Bend has grown.
This logo is special and unique to Downtown Bend. While it uses elements of the original Bend logo, that you can find in many places in and around Bend, this logo specifically represents Downtown Bend, the heart of the city.
Downtown Bend was established in 1903, and the City of Bend incorporated in 1905. We salute all of those original brave entrepreneurs who built Downtown, and allowed for a City to be established. Downtown Bend truly is the seed from which all of Bend has grown.
Designing & Celebrating the New Downtown Bend Logo
More on the Original Emblem Club
A Note from the ED
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.
"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.
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."
- We will be the leaders for community – creating a hub where all people are welcome.
- We will be the leaders in culture and arts
- We will be the leaders in historic preservation
- We will be the leaders in entrepreneurship and innovation
- We will continue to be the civic hub for our city
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."
Photos of our Downtown History
Downtown Bend is the heart of Bend, Oregon. With 100-year old buildings and a rich fabric of events, award-winning restaurants, and unique boutiques & galleries - Downtown Bend is the place to be. Originally founded in 1903, you can walk the exact streets and shop in the same buildings that Bend residents and visitor have been enjoying for over 100 years.
