Treasurer Wheeler helps to mark centennial of Wheeler, the coastal town founded by his great-grandfather
By Oregon State Treasurer
A century ago, lumberman Coleman H. Wheeler founded a town alongside the Nehalem Bay on the northern Oregon Coast.
The city of Wheeler was then home to the Wheeler Lumber Company sawmill and also fish-packing plants, and a newly competed railroad helped connect wood and seafood to markets inland.
Today, the mill and food processors are gone. Now the idyllic village, population 415, invites visitors to browse colorful storefronts perched along U.S. Highway 101 and the bayfront. The community bills itself as “the little town with the million-dollar view.”
This month, the city of Wheeler is marking its 100th anniversary and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler, the great-grandson of the town’s founder, joined with Mayor Stevie Burden, local historian Eunice Massie and community members to help celebrate.
At a community picnic Saturday, he helped cut the ribbon for a new historical photo display at the Norm Laknes Station, an open-air railway platform overlooking the Nehalem Bay.
“The community of Wheeler holds a special place in my heart and in my family’s history, and I was honored to be included in the centennial celebration,” Treasurer Wheeler said.
Wheeler is located in Tillamook County. You can learn more at http://ci.wheeler.or.us
Ted Wheeler is Oregon’s 28th State Treasurer, and served previously as the elected chairman of Multnomah County. The State Treasury protects public assets and saves Oregonians money through its investment, banking, and debt management functions. The State Treasury also promotes public outreach and education to help Oregonians learn strategies to save money, invest for education and make smart financial choices.
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