Oregon’s Oldest Business, Est. 1849

Van Dusen Companies is the oldest business in the State of Oregon, tracing its roots back to 1849 when Adam & Caroline Van Dusen established a general store in downtown Astoria.

The family is grateful to the Chinook Nation for the warm welcome the newcomers received all those years ago.

Welcomed by the Local Tribes

The Van Dusen family owes its 175-year legacy in this area to the compassion of those who came before them and prides itself on paying this debt of gratitude forward to future generations. The family fully supports the quest of the Chinook Nation to restore its recognized status by the United States Federal Government.

Caroline Van Dusen’s diary recounts the kindness of Chief Walluska, who rescued the family from the snowy winter of 1848 and their makeshift homestead in the area now known as Lewis & Clark. Chief Walluska ferried them in his canoe across Youngs Bay to safety and the empty house built by the survivors is the shipwreck Shark, one of only two frame houses at that time. Without this selfless act, the Van Dusens may not have survived that year let alone the century to follow.

The Van Dusen Family of Today

Today, the Van Dusen family is led by Willis L. Van Dusen, who served on Astoria’s City Council for 30 years, including 24 years as Mayor of Astoria. He is joined by his children, Willis Jr. and Trudy, who share his vision and passion for Astoria and the surrounding community.

The Van Dusen family has not only been successful in various industries, such as soft drink bottling, hospitality, and over 100 years in insurance (ending in 1977), but also gives back to the community in time & treasure in hopes of preserving the heritage and unique character of Astoria for the future.

Historic Preservation & Economic Development

  • 01 Van Dusen Beverages, Inc., the local Aquafina, Pepsi-Cola and Dr Pepper bottler since 1947, serving Clatsop and Columbia Counties and supporting local youth with Aquafina donations at all five local school districts. Contact Van Dusen Beverages here.

  • 02 Van Dusen Mercantile, a historic landmark that spans half a city block and serves as a local merchant mall, featuring local artists, collectors and makers of all kinds.

  • 03 Van Dusen House, built by the Van Dusen Family in 1884, this Victorian Mansion was sold in the 1940s and re-purchased in 2021. After nine months of intensive restoration and historic preservation, the property opened to the public as a Vacation Rental.

  • 04 Van Dusen Inn, purchased in 2024, this 1888 Queen Anne Victorian was in need of significant foundation repair and the Carriage House was unusable. The property now offers a gorgeous event space on the main floor and workforce housing in the suites on the upper floors.

  • 05 Van Dusen Pier, a waterfront property purchased in 2023 that features a marina, and is being renovated into a waterfront event space.

  • 06 Van Dusen Uppertown Apartments, a 1923 Italianate former Speakeasy (with the police records to prove it!) that still houses a barbershop in a space that was built for that purpose, as well as providing Workforce housing for Astoria’s workforce healthcare providers.