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National Preservation Month Celebrated

at the Brown House & Deepwood

Stayton’s elegant Queen Anne Victorian Brown House will be open for free tours in recognition of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2008 National Preservation Month, “This Place Matters”, on Saturday, May 17th between 10 and 2 o’clock.  The Brown House, Stayton’s only residence on the National Register of Historic Places, is under restoration by the Santiam Heritage Foundation.  The house is located at the corner of First Avenue and High Street.  Refreshments will be served.

On May 10th, Salem’s Historic Deepwood Estate will hold a free open house between the hours of 11 and 4 o’clock.  Also on the same day, in recognition of National Preservation Month, Deepwood is sponsoring a tour of historic homes in Salem.  Tickets are $20.00 and are available by contacting Deepwood at 503.363.1835.  Advance tickets purchased by May 1st receive a $5 discount.  A map of participating homes will be provided with ticket purchase.

 

The Santiam Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed by dedicated community volunteers who are committed to this mission:

Honoring our heritage, preserving our history and revitalizing our downtown.

Our first project is the purchase and renovation of the

C.E. Brown House.  We have purchased the house and property on the corner of First Avenue and High Street in Stayton from the Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company.

We are writing grants, conducting a direct mail campaign, hosting events, and calling on potential donors to raise funds for restoration of the house.

Santiam Heritage Foundation Board:

President: Jacqulin Kirby

Vice President: Bob Pendleton

Secretary/Treasurer: Carol Zolkoske

At Large:

Tracy Jones

Vanessa Riley

Lee Lau

Don Porter

Glenn Hilton

Colleen Graff

Alan Kingsley

Sarah Welch

 

 

The Charles and Martha Brown House is one of Stayton's genuine historical treasures. When the house was completed in 1903, this former county landmark was said to be "one of the finest residences" in Marion County. Today, the house has fallen into disrepair, and our goal is to restore the house and make it a community resource along the lines of Deepwood and the Bush House in Salem. Our hope is that it will foster one or more community purposes: a visitors' information center, a venue for historical displays, recitals, art exhibitions, possibly office space for non-profit community organizations, a community meeting place. But, in any case, it might serve as a beacon to show that not only can we preserve the best of our past, but in doing so we can also create an important legacy for future generations.

2007 Accomplishments Progress on the Brown House Restoration is moving forward.  Because of its complex construction and rare architectural details, the project requires careful attention to unusual 1903 construction methods and materials, and to modern building codes. For example, the original stacked shale foundation, found under several historic Stayton houses, was carefully repaired in kind, but the west wing roof had to be engineered and built to meet Marion County Building Code standards. Skilled restoration carpenters and millwrights continue to restore and replicate the original one-of-a-kind moldings and Victorian trim, double-hung windows, paneled doors and architectural details which were milled at the Brown family sawmill. The most visible phase of the restoration project, the elaborate wraparound porch, is nearing completion.  This phase required a new, very complicated section to be built between two original sections of the porch.  This new section was a riot of angles and not only had to meet up exactly with the two original ends; it had to be built to accept some of the original architectural elements.  It also had to be built at exact elevations so the standing gutter will flow appropriately, which meant that new 6x6 turned columns had to be of varying heights to replicate missing originals.   Replacement 7/8’’ decking, new framing and architectural millwork are now complete.  Repair has begun on the master bedroom roof framing, which is stylistically an extension of the porch.  Replacement window frames and sash are completed and will be installed soon so the house can be heated for the first time since 1998. Restoration of the deteriorated north bay window and porch will be completed this summer. Grants Received in 2007 Marion Cultural Development Corporation Oregon Cultural Trust The Bridges Foundation State Historic Preservation Office Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company The Kinsman Foundation

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