Troutdale Historical Society
Our mission at the Troutdale Historical Society is to gather, preserve and make available material relating to the history of the community of Troutdale, the Sandy River, the Columbia River Gorge and nearby areas. We are committed to stimulating interest in, and knowledge of, our past.
This year marks the 101st anniversary of the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway, and we continue to educate visitors at our King of Roads exhibit describing the construction, destruction and rebuilding of the Columbia River Gorge scenic route.
Our programs in 2017 focus on local landmarks, buildings and sites in our community that tell the story of Troutdale, beginning in January with a look at Sweetbrier Farm, Cedar School and the Troutdale Methodist Episcopal Church. In April we offer a visual tour of local landmarks inviting guests to supply information about the sites, and in October we gather the students of Troutdale, Fairview and Wilkes elementary schools to remember their old school buildings, which will soon be replaced. Annually we host a festive Christmas open house in the historic Harlow House, a September tour, a cemetery tour and eleven months of the year, on the last Tuesday of the month, excepting December, we co-host fascinating history programs at McMenamins Edgefield.
To keep up with us, become a member. We now have two ways to join. Print out and complete our membership application or sign up through our online store. You will receive a quarterly newsletter, updates on other activities, reduction in membership cost with the Oregon Historical Society, a 10% discount to our Barn Store, and even a part in running our museums. We have room for volunteers to learn and grow in historical work.
This year marks the 101st anniversary of the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway, and we continue to educate visitors at our King of Roads exhibit describing the construction, destruction and rebuilding of the Columbia River Gorge scenic route.
Our programs in 2017 focus on local landmarks, buildings and sites in our community that tell the story of Troutdale, beginning in January with a look at Sweetbrier Farm, Cedar School and the Troutdale Methodist Episcopal Church. In April we offer a visual tour of local landmarks inviting guests to supply information about the sites, and in October we gather the students of Troutdale, Fairview and Wilkes elementary schools to remember their old school buildings, which will soon be replaced. Annually we host a festive Christmas open house in the historic Harlow House, a September tour, a cemetery tour and eleven months of the year, on the last Tuesday of the month, excepting December, we co-host fascinating history programs at McMenamins Edgefield.
To keep up with us, become a member. We now have two ways to join. Print out and complete our membership application or sign up through our online store. You will receive a quarterly newsletter, updates on other activities, reduction in membership cost with the Oregon Historical Society, a 10% discount to our Barn Store, and even a part in running our museums. We have room for volunteers to learn and grow in historical work.
Visionary Park and the Devoted Passion Monument
Visionary Park complete with the Devoted Passion Monument, May 24, 2017.
To commemorate the 100th Anniversary (June 2016) of the opening of the Columbia Highway, Rip Caswell sculpted a monument of Sam Hill & Sam Lancaster to pay tribute to their vision and passion in the building of the Columbia River Highway. The first planned scenic highway opened June 7, 1916. It created the opportunity for everyone to experience and enjoy the majestic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. This highway became a 73 mile link between Troutdale, Oregon and The Dalles, Oregon. It winds its way through the towns of Troutdale, Corbett, Dodson, Warrendale, Cascade Locks, Wyeth, Hood River, Mosier, and ends at The Dalles. As you travel along the highway, you experience magnificent vistas and many waterfalls. Viewpoints, such as, the Portland Women's Forum, Crown Point Vista House, and Multnomah Falls offer panoramic views of the Columbia Gorge. The highway gives access to abundant hiking and biking trails in the natural setting of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Visit the Barn Exhibit Hall - King of Roads Exhibit and learn about the struggles, hardships, and triumphs of building the Columbia River Highway.
Visit the Barn Exhibit Hall - King of Roads Exhibit and learn about the struggles, hardships, and triumphs of building the Columbia River Highway.
 Rip Caswell, sculptor of Devoted Passion, June 2016
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Monument work-in-process of Sam Hill & Sam Lancaster Devoted Passion pre-cast - December 2015.
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Models for Sam Lancaster & Sam Hill monument
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The Winding Road, March 6th 2017, Oregon Business article by Erin J. Bernard
For more information and those Columbia Gorge lovers, bikers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, here's a great article in the Seattle Times! View of the Columbia River Gorge and the Vista House on Crown Point looking west from the Portland Women's Forum View Point.
Our Museums
We maintain three museums, the Harlow House farmhouse built in 1900; the 1907 Depot Rail Museum complete with caboose; and a Barn Exhibit Hall now showing our Historic Columbia River Highway exhibit. The museums educate the immediate community and visitors about the history of Troutdale and surrounding areas with rotating exhibits illustrating our unique and colorful history.
Thank you for supporting Oregon History
Abigail Scott Duniway casts a vote in Portland, 1914, OHS Library, Neg. Oreg 4601
On May 17, 2016, Multnomah County said “YES” to Oregon history and passed the Oregon Historical Society levy (Measure 26-174) with 70% approval. This allows all Multnomah County Residents free admission to the Historical Society museums in Multnomah County.
SHOP = DONATE
Shop at these participating stores and they will donate a percentage to the Troutdale Historical Society.
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Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
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