Old+Stage+Coach+Stop

Old Stage Coach Stop, c.1858-1865 2117 A Street //Forest Grove Inventory of Cultural Resources// (1985)

"__ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION__ This is a two story classical revival residence constructed in 1865. It is T-shaped in plan with a gable roof of composition shingle, with boxed eaves, partial returns and a wide frieze. One red brick chimney is visible in the north gable. The building is sided with shiplap except for the rear section of the second story which is covered with board and batten. Some of the original doors remain. Windows are 4/4 and 6/6 double hung sash. A three-sided bay of 6/6 double hung sash is on the west facade. A shed roof on the west facade is supported by square wooden posts.

The rear (east facade) of the building has had several attachments. The 1 1/2 story attachment appears to be the oldest. The rest of the additions are fairly new; one is used as a laundry room and the carport is in the far east addition.

__CONTEXTUAL DESCRIPTION__ This residence is located on the east side of "A" Street in a residential neighborhood. It is one block from a commercial area of Forest Grove. The house is surrounded by well-tended grounds. Large walnut, maple and holly trees are on the property. This home is next door to the Russell House, a historic Queen Anne style residence.

__HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION__ The original owner of this residence is not known at this time. The house was built in 1865 and was known as "The Stagecoach Inn" by local residents of Forest Grove. The current owners, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Waldorf, have owned the building for 20 years. They bought the house from the Bishops. The building was modified into two apartments for rental purposes when the Waldorfs purchased it. The Waldorfs have continued to rent out the property.

According to local informants, the house has changed ownership several times since its construction. An attorney named Mr. Dyke, about whom we have been unable to find information at this time, lived in the house for many years previous to the Bishops' occupancy. Washington County Tax records show Emily Anderson as the owner of the property from 1901-1911.

Through the historical information on the "Old Stagecoach Stop" is sparse, it remains a significant resource in the Cit of Forest Grove. It is one of the older residences in the City, built in the Classical Revival style, of which few buildings in Oregon have survived. In addition to being used as a residence, the building was an overnight stop for the stage coach in the 1860s. It is in good condition and has retained its original integrity."

See also Stephen and Parthena McMillen Blank Houseby City of Forest Grove.