Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate
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The main house of the estate in 2011.
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 Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Location | 8005 SW Grabhorn Road, Beaverton, Oregon |
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| Area | 14.197 acres (5.745 ha) |
| Built | 1880 |
| Architect | Root & Hoose |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002327 |
| Added to NRHP | November 28, 1978 |
The Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate is a special historic property. It is located near Beaverton, Oregon, in the United States. This estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. The main house on the property was built starting in 1912. It was first intended to be a summer home.
Today, the entire 68-acre estate belongs to the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD). The estate has eight buildings. These include the large main home and an older farmhouse built in 1880.
Contents
History of the Jenkins Estate
How the Estate Began
Ralph and Belle Jenkins bought this property in 1912. They paid $7,000 for it. They wanted it to be their summer home. Belle was the daughter of John C. Ainsworth. He helped start the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. Ralph used to be a teacher.
The Jenkins family started building a large estate that year. They wanted a place to escape from the city. The main home was designed like an English hunting lodge. It took three years to finish. Besides the main house, there was also the original farmhouse.
What Was on the Estate?
The estate had many other cool features. It included excellent facilities for horse riding. There were also beautiful gardens. You could find a greenhouse and an ornamental pool. There was even a tea house. Other buildings included a carriage house and a water tower.
Changes Over Time
Ralph Jenkins passed away in the 1950s. Belle died in 1963. Burt Muir inherited the property. He later sold it to developers. They planned to build a retirement community there. However, their project failed. This was because there wasn't enough water or sewer access. So, the developers put the estate up for sale again.
The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District bought the Jenkins estate in 1976. They paid $525,000 for it. In 1978, the estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was named the Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate.
Restoration and New Uses
In 1982, the Tualatin Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society started helping. They worked with THPRD to restore the rhododendron garden. The park district restored the whole property in 1989. This cost $178,000.
In the 1980s, Camp Rivendale was created. This camp is for adults and children with disabilities. Later, THPRD decided to let another company manage events at the estate. This was because of operating losses. In 2013, Elephants Delicatessen was chosen. They now manage events at what they call the Jenkins Estate.
Exploring the Jenkins Estate Today
Size and Buildings
The Jenkins Estate covers 68 acres of land. About 28 acres of this land are beautiful gardens. There are several buildings on the property. These include the main house, a stable, and a carriage house. You can also find a greenhouse, a tea house, and a water tower. There is a pump house and the old farmhouse too.
The main house is quite large, about 14,550 square feet. It is shaped like an "L" and has a full basement.
What Happens There Now?
The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District rents out the buildings. People use them for business meetings, weddings, and other special events.
One special part of the estate is the Herb Garden. It was created in 1985. The Oregon School of the Blind helped with this project. The garden has a Braille Garden section. This part is planted with fragrant herbs. This allows visitors to experience the garden through touch and smell.
