Christmas Parlor Tour Pictures ~ 12/10/11

The Christmas Parlor Tour here in beautiful Oregon City, Oregon was a total success yesterday. I told the story of our historic home to many visitors, and it was a delightful day. Following are some pictures that I took just before the tour began. I had tremendous assistance from the splendid re-enactment of Marge Harding, a marvelous seamstress and actress who knows her history. I am so sorry that I never got a picture of lovely Marge in her 1880's garb. Thank you so much Marge.

"The c. 1888 Judge Harvey Cross House was constructed at another location and moved to this site sometime between 1911 and 1925. Cross was a prominent local and state politician and community leader. He was one of the founders of the Mount Hood and Barlow Road Company, which operated the Barlow Road after 1882, and with partners formed the Gladstone Real Estate Association which led to the establishment of the city of Gladstone. In 1890, Cross represented Clackamas and Marion Counties in the Oregon State Senate, and he also served as a county judge. In 1894, he co-founded the Willamette Valley Chautauqua Association and  helped establish it as the third largest permanent Chautauqua camp in the United States. The house was moved to this site during the ownership of Edwin G. and Gertrude Roberts who purchased the property in 1910, but continued to live at 1003 9th Street until at least 1916. By the early 1930's, Gertrude Roberts occupied this house and continued to do so until the mid - 1950's. Roberts was joined in by Joseph F. Davis, a teacher at Oregon City High School, and his wife Mary in 1953. Five years later, the house was deeded to the couple, who remained in the house until 1972. This property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. "

Harvey Cross selected the name of Gladstone, for a nearby developing town, because he admired Prime Minister William E. Gladstone of England. Harvey Cross and his family moved to Gladstone after they sold this property in 1910.

When the Cross family resided in this Italianate home, it looked like the following picture which includes the Cross family. See the baby in the window. I'm guessing a maid, a neighbor or another relative is propping the little one up.

Because it was the teens to the twenties when it was moved, the new owners modernized it with a new big Craftsman era styled front porch. The National Historic Register says it will remain this way and is never to be turned back. I'm fine with it though, because I love my big porch!

I am using this older picture, because of the pretty snow, which we do not have at present.

The picture below in the parlor is of my early Oregon, hanging corner cupboard that is standing above a Nativity Scene. 

From the parlor is a picture of the dining room, with the table set for a feast.

 A close up of two of my dolls who dwell in the dining room.

A peek into the kitchen through the dining room. One day this kitchen will be restored to a true Victorian one. It was last toyed with in the 1960's. The pink countertop and one of the first Kitchen Aid dishwashers is the true indicator. It is still a very good dishwasher!

~ Dining room into the parlor ~

A little etagere decorated with a more primitive bent.

Front door and porch. Oops on that wayward garland to the right!

Shot of kitchen showing door to dining room.

Shot of kitchen stove area, and I do not see one Christmas decoration there! Oh well.

~ Kitchen windows and counter top ~

~ The Parlor ~

 My Christmas tree is a Victorian Pencil Tree which I have had for many years. I live in the land o' Christmas trees, but I always choose my little faux one. I do have lots of fresh greenery here and there, but no tree thrills me like my slender, understated pencil tree.