Endangered Places 2011 generously sponsored by:
Ermatinger House
Statistics
- Built: c.1845
- Architect: Unknown
- Designation: National Register of Historic Places
- Significance: One of oldest houses in the state, unique federal style, Coin toss house
- Current Status: So structurally compromised that without immediate intervention, the house could fall in on itself. A structural report has been prepared and needed work identified.
History
When it comes to Oregon history, it doesn't get much more significant than the Ermatinger House.
In 1845, Francis Ermatinger built for himself a federal style residence in what is now downtown Oregon City. Ermatinger was a powerful and influential figure in early Oregon history, serving as a chief trader for the Hudson's Bay Company, and holding public office in the Oregon Provisional Government in 1845.
Although located in Oregon City, the Ermatinger House holds a special place in Portlander's hearts. It was in the left parlor that the famous coin toss occurred between Francis Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy during a dinner party held in 1845. The two were arguing about whether the town to be built on their land claim (then called The Clearing) should be incorporated as “Boston” or “Portland.” Pettygrove won two out of three tosses, resulting in the city of Portland, Oregon.
News and Updates
February 2, 2011:
Architect hired to prepare
rehabilitation plans for building
November 28, 2011:
$25,000 in grants awarded by National Trust for Historic Preservation and State Historic Preservation Office.
November 21, 2011:
RFP issued for Architectural
Plans and Engineering Specifications for the Rehabilitation of the House
November 5, 2011:
Considerable funding still needed to begin sensitive rehabilitation of structure. HPLO assisting City of Oregon City with grant
applications.
History continued...
The house was moved in 1910 and again in 1989 to its current location. It is owned by the City and has been used as a house museum for over two decades. In the 1980s, preservationist Ruth McBride Powers helped finance a restoration of the house, but since then the whole building has shifted. It is currently off limits to the public. The windows, which were recently repaired, have not been reinstalled for fear that the continued shifting of the house might affect the windows or even bring down the entire house. The City of Oregon City wants our help. This house deserves broad support—and maybe even a coin or two.
