News & Events
Christmas in Bethel 2022
The colonists observed many "fete" days such as Easter, Christmas, New Years, harvest feasts, Independence Day and others with music, singing, dancing and visiting. On these occasions tables were loaded with all the good things the German kitchen and cellar could...
Fall Market – October 1-2, 2022
Join us in Historic Downtown Bethel in 2022 for the Bethel Colony Fall Market... October 1-2, 2022 ____________________ Admission $2 Artisans • Antique Vendors • Craftsmen • Flea Market Tables • Vintage Finds • Home Decor • Collectibles • Furniture and...
Adult Fiddle Camp 2022
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 – Saturday, October 15, 2022Bethel, Missouri Adult fiddle camp allows fiddlers age 18 and over to study with master fiddlers to learn new tunes, build a network of fiddler friends, and/or perfect technique. For more information or to...
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.
