News & Events
Bethel Colony Spring Market
Join us in Historic Downtown Bethel for the Bethel Colony Spring Market April 15-16, 2023 Admission $2 Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 10am-3pm FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES! • Artisans • Antique Vendors • Craftsmen • Flea Market Tables • Vintage Finds • Home Decor •...
2023 Colony Events
Follow our Facebook page for details about upcoming events in 2023. Here are a few: March 5 - Annual Meeting April 15-16 - Bethel Spring Market June 11-16 - Youth Fiddle Camp (limited registration) August 26 - Wildlife & Outdoor Expo September 30-October 1 -...
Bethel Colony 2023 Market Dates Announced
Join us in Historic Downtown Bethel in 2023 for these Bethel Colony Spring and Fall Markets... April 15-16 and September 30-October 1, 2023 ____________________ Admission $2 Artisans Antique Vendors Craftsmen Flea Market Tables Vintage Finds Home Decor Collectibles...
Our History
Membership was about 650 in 1855 when Keil, fearing Bethel too subject to outside influence, led a group west and established Aurora Colony in Oregon. Their expedition over the Oregon Trail is unique for it was conducted as a funeral cortege. Keil’s son, Willie, died before he realized his father’s promise to lead the group and was carried instead in the head wagon in a metal box, alcohol-filled. After six months and over 2000 miles, he was buried at Willapa, Washington.
Keil never returned to Bethel, directing affairs there by letter. When the colonies disbanded, 1879-1881, they held property in common valued at $109,806. Bethel supplied $64,328 of this and owned 4267 acres.