From Stagecoach Stopover to Oard's Gallery: A Family Business Rooted in Grit

The Oard story in Harney County isn't just about a legendary record raid (though that's
undeniably a juicy tale). It's a multi-generational saga of resilience, hard work, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the high desert

George Oard: The Original Trailblazer

Our tale starts with George Oard, a man as rugged as the juniper trees dotting the landscape. While the exact details might be shrouded in the haze of campfire stories, there's no doubt George was a pioneer. Whether legend or truth, the record raid cemented his place in Harney County lore. But George wasn't just a swashbuckling rogue. He saw the potential in a dusty stagecoach stop established by a fellow named Buchanan. He envisioned more than just a place to rest weary horses and thirsty travelers.

Building a Legacy: From Gas Pumps to Gems

George, along with his wife, took over the stagecoach stop and transformed it into a true oasis for those traversing the unforgiving terrain. Imagine weary travelers pulling in, greeted by the sight of a welcoming building, a place to refuel their bellies and their vehicles (well, horses back then!). This marked the humble beginnings of what would become a Harney County landmark Oard's Gallery.

Jimmy and Clara Oard: Stewards of Service

The Oard family spirit continued with Jimmy, George's son, and his wife Clara. They not only
continued to run the stagecoach stop (which eventually morphed into a gas station as automobiles became the new mode of transportation), but they also expanded their business
acumen. In Drewsey, another Harney County town, they established an automotive and
blacksmithing shop, showcasing their mechanical know-how and entrepreneurial spirit.

  • Adapting to the Times: A Family on the Move

    Life in Harney County, as we've seen, wasn't always predictable. World War II brought a national gas shortage, making it difficult for Jimmy and Clara to keep their Drewsey shop afloat. So, they did what resourceful Oards do: they adapted. They relocated to Crane, another Harney County town, where Jimmy secured a job as the high school janitor, a testament to his willingness to do whatever it took to provide for his family.

  • Sheila Oard: Carrying the Torch

    The Oard legacy continues to this day with Sheila Oard, a woman who embodies the spirit of her pioneering ancestors. When Jimmy retired, they returned to the original stagecoach stop location in Buchanan. Sheila, with her keen business sense and appreciation for the history embedded in the walls, transformed it into Oard's Gallery as we know it today.

More Than Just a Store: A Community Hub

Oard's Gallery is a testament to the Oard family's ability to evolve with the times. It's no longer just a gas station; it's a mini-mart stocked with essentials, a haven for art and jewelry lovers (thanks to Sheila's passion!), and even a free museum where visitors can delve into Harney County's rich past. Sheila, ever mindful of the role the stop played in earlier times, ensures locals
don't have to travel long distances for basic necessities.

The Oards are woven into the fabric of Harney County. Their story reflects the challenges and triumphs of the region, proving that with grit, determination, and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit, one family can leave a lasting mark on a place they call home.