Francis Ermatinger House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Francis Ermatinger House
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 Location in Oregon City OR
Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Location | 619 6th St. Oregon City, Oregon |
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| Built | c. 1843 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001099 |
| Added to NRHP | 1977 |
The Francis Ermatinger House is a very old and important building in Oregon City, Oregon. It was built way back in 1843 by a man named Francis Ermatinger. This makes it the oldest house in Clackamas County! Today, it's a museum where you can learn about its history. In 1977, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as a special historical site.
Contents
The House's History
Early Days and Design
The Ermatinger House was built in a style called Greek Revival. This style was popular a long time ago and often looks like ancient Greek temples. When it was first built, the house stood near the Willamette River, close to the amazing Willamette Falls in downtown Oregon City.
Francis Ermatinger, the man who built the house, worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. This was a very big company that traded furs and other goods. Even after the company stopped its main work in Oregon City in 1845, Francis Ermatinger decided to stay.
Moving the House
This historic house has been moved two times! The first time was in 1910. It was moved to the corner of 11th and Center streets. Then, in 1986, it was moved again to where it stands today. Its current spot is at the corner of 6th and John Adams streets. It's right next to another museum called the Stevens Crawford House.
The Famous Coin Toss
Naming Portland
One of the most exciting stories connected to the Ermatinger House involves a famous coin toss! It might have happened in the house's left parlor during a dinner party in 1845. Two important men, Francis Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy, were arguing. They were trying to decide what to name the town they were planning to build on their land.
Lovejoy wanted to name the town Boston, after his hometown in Massachusetts. But Pettygrove wanted to name it Portland, after his hometown in Maine. To settle the argument, they decided to flip a coin! Pettygrove won two out of three tosses. Because of that coin toss, the city we know today became Portland, Oregon.
Where Did It Happen?
People agree that the coin toss happened in an Oregon City home in 1845. However, exactly whose home it was isn't completely clear. There are different stories! Some say it happened in one of their own houses. Others suggest it was in the home of A.E. Wilson.
Many believe it happened at Francis Ermatinger's house. He was known for being very welcoming. His house had a nice dining room, a parlor, and a new kitchen. Even though we can't be 100% sure, the Ermatinger House is the only one left from that early time. This makes it a great place to celebrate the naming of Portland in 1845.
Visiting the Museum
For a while, the house was closed because it needed repairs. Moving it twice had made it a bit unstable. In 2011, it was closed to the public. But good news! The City of Oregon City Parks and Recreation Department re-opened the house on July 7, 2018. Now, you can take guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays to explore this amazing piece of history.
See also
- List of the oldest buildings in Oregon
- List of Oregon's Most Endangered Places
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Clackamas County, Oregon
