The Master Bedroom of the Robert Newell House

The Robert Newell House

Robert Newell built this home in 1852.  By 1952, when it was acquired by the Oregon State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (OSSDAR), the structure was ravaged by age and neglect.  The east wing, comprising the dining room and kitchen with the large room upstairs, had collapsed.  The OSSDAR totally rebuilt, restored, and furnished the structure as a Museum in time for the 1959 Oregon Centennial.

Many architectural details were preserved, including several of the original pioneer windows, as seen to the left, that still have their original glass.

          The furnishings were selected from the belongings of many Oregon pioneer families.  The downstairs is furnished similar to the original home.  The upstairs displays a number of unique collections including quilts, textiles, and handcrafts;  antique firearms;  gowns worn by the wives of Oregon’s Governors at their inaugural ball; Indian handcrafts; and Robert Newell’s Masonic paraphernalia.   It also displays  spinning equipment and looms from that period.  The 1849 Jail and the  1858 Schoolhouse from Butteville located out front were moved there in 1959.

Some things to see at the Newell House:

w Six rooms decorated in the Federal, American
        Empire Renaissance Revival, and Rococo Revival styles

w Inaugural gowns of wives of Oregon governors - the      
       oldest from 1851

w   19th Century quilts and woven coverlets

w    Over 100 West Coast Indian baskets

        
       The guest room at Newell House

Butteville School House

Butteville school house, a pre-Civil War building, is an example of the federal style of architecture which was used until about 1830 in the East. It is of the same era as Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. Marcella Rawe reports in a paper that:        "There were several disastrous fires over the years and frequent floods. The worst flood came in 1861 when Champoeg was among the towns swept away by the river, and Butteville residents were picked off their roofs by rescuing steamboats. But, like Robert Newell's house which stood high enough on a hill to escape the water, the Butteville schoolhouse also escaped."

The building has a foyer and two rooms.  One side of the building is the classroom and the other side is living quarters for the teacher.

Some of the unique features at the Newell Schoolhouse include:

It is estimated that, except for the chimney and the asphalt shingles, 90% of the building material is original.

Butteville Jail

A surprisingly stout building, the Butteville Jail was originally located on the same property as the Butteville School near the Butteville Landing.   The two buildings were donated and moved to this site at the same time, shortly before the opening of the Newell House Museum in 1959.

Newell Museum Shop

A selection of items available for purchase at Newell House during the summer season, or by order anytime of the year.

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An excellent source of information about Robert Newell is George Guy Delamarter's biography, The Career of Robert Newell Oregon Pioneer.  It is available at Newell House, the Champoeg Visitor Center, the Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin, and at Vista House in the Columbia Gorge for  $17.95.

Gardens and Grounds

          The Newell House complex includes the three primary buildings, several auxiliary structures, many paths, walkways and lawn area, all overlooking hundreds of acres of the State Park of the Champoeg Heritage Area.  The generous parking area is removed from the quiet atmosphere of the museum complex leaving many opportunities for large or small group functions.
 

         The gardens surrounding the 1850’s home, which include a heritage rose garden and perennial beds, are edged by the Butteville Academy, one room school house, Butteville Jail and a small orchard, providing a wonderful step back in time for a perfect wedding or reception.  The brick walkway provides a lovely setting for the bride’s walk down the aisle.

Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin

          Just a short way from Newell House Museum is the Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin located within the Champoeg State Heritage Area next to the Willamette River.  Be sure to include a stop there when you visit Newell House Museum. 

For more photos and information click here.