But the old Oregon Electric Railway substation dominates the town's main street. A sign says the substation is the future site of the Donald Historical Society, an effort pushed by Greg and Kathleen Collins, owners of the Donald Cafe. With a population of 630, Donald is such a small town that everyone walks to the corner post office on Main Street to collect their mail. Two tiny grocery stores offer snacks, but most shopping is done in Salem or Wilsonville, where the movie theater and an arcade are also located. Students attend North Marion High School and participate in 4-H and Future Farmers of America clubs.
Volunteers man the fire department.
Among them is Wilco Farms, the largest grass seed processor in the Willamette Valley. Dozens of cottage industries operate out of homes. And despite a growth boundary imposed by the Land Conservation and Development Commission to limit building, conversations with Donald-area residents often start with how much growth they have seen in the town. Parker, whose run for mayor consisted of getting 13 signatures on a petition, used to operate a nursery from her home and back acre. She keeps a menagerie of cats, dogs, rabbits and a pond of koi in her backyard.