Four Mennonite Women in Traditional Dress - circa 1915

These women are part of the Mennonite community that was first established in the Willamette Valley in about 1880, with their initial members moving from the midwest. Often compared to the Amish, they are traditional in their dress, and the women are known for their distinctive bonnets.

Their attraction to Oregon was similar to many other tight-knit religious groups, as well as the general public. The Willamette Valley is a great place to establish smaller farms that can be maintained with traditional practices.

Today the group is known for Mennonite Village - a senior care & retirement facility located in Albany. You can learn more about their history at the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Historical Society, located outside of Hubbard.

-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.