Newell Pioneer Village facts for kids
The Newell Pioneer Village is a special place in Champoeg, Oregon, USA. It includes the Newell House Museum, also known as the Robert Newell House. This historic house was built in 1852 by a person named Robert Newell, who was an important politician in Oregon's early days. In 1952, a group called the Oregon State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, bought the house. They carefully rebuilt it, and it opened as a museum in 1959.
Contents
The Historic Newell House
The Newell House is quite special because it was the only house in Champoeg that survived the Great Flood of 1861. This huge flood destroyed most of the town, making the survival of Dr. Newell's home a remarkable event. It stands as a reminder of the challenges early settlers faced.
Exploring the Museum Village
The Newell Pioneer Village is more than just one house; it's a whole museum complex that shows what life was like in the 1800s.
Inside the Museum House
Inside the Newell House, you can see furniture and decorations from the 19th century. There are beautiful quilts and other textiles made by hand. You can also find old firearms and fancy gowns. These gowns were worn by the wives of Oregon's Governors at their special inauguration parties. The museum also displays blankets made by West Coast Native American groups. You can even see some of Robert Newell's special items from his Masonic group, along with old spinning equipment and looms used to make cloth.
Other Buildings in the Village
The village has other historic buildings that were moved there to create a complete picture of pioneer life.
- Old Jail and Schoolhouse: In 1959, an old jail from 1849 and a schoolhouse from 1858 were moved to the property from a nearby town called Butteville. The schoolhouse shows what a classroom looked like back then and even includes the teacher's living area.
- Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin Museum: More recently, in 2013, the Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin Museum was also moved to the village. It was carefully restored and reopened for visitors in 2015.
Gardens and Operation
The complex also features a lovely garden. It is part of the larger Champoeg State Heritage Area. The Oregon State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, still manages and runs the entire village. You can visit the Newell Pioneer Village from March through October each year.
