Laurel, Oregon

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: [unknown]
Surname/tag: Oregon

In 1872, the Mulloy family settled the area that is now Laurel where previously the Atfalati Indians had lived. Laurel received its name in the spring of 1879 when a number of citizens in the surrounding area met at the Union Schoolhouse, which was located a quarter mile east of the crossroads, to petition for a post office. C. W. Williams, who then lived on what was later the Mainland place, suggested the name of Laurel and there being many trees in the vicinity that they thought were Laurel trees, the name seemed appropriate and was accepted. (Later it was discovered that those were Madrone trees and not Laurel trees.)

In May 1879, the Laurel post office was established with Alfred Mulloy, Sr. as postmaster. Initially mail was delivered once per week. In 1881 deliveries increased to twice per week. The population was 150 people in 1880, but dropped to 29 in the 1900 census. The post office was closed in 1935. Presently Laurel is an unincorporated community with no defined boundaries or population statistics of its own.

The community of Laurel is located between Newberg and Hillsboro, in the southern part of the Tualatin Valley in the foothills of the Chehalem Mountains. It maintains its agricultural heritage, although more and more houses have been built.

Laurel is served by the Hillsboro School District through Hillsboro High School, South Meadows Middle School and Farmington View Elementary School.

Notable places in the community include:

• The century-old Laurel Valley Store building, which is in the process of being turned into a restaurant
• Laurel Community Church which was founded in 1892
• The Laurel Hall which is home to the Laurel Valley School of Dance
• Mt. Olive Cemetery of Laurel
• The old school building which is now apartments
• Laurel Foods