In 2014, the Pittock Mansion turned 100. The old mansion in the West Hills has become one of Portland's iconic landmarks. The legacy of the home and its occupants reflect an identity Oregonians continue to embrace a century later.
Henry Pittock may be best known as the long-time publisher of the Oregonian. But did you know that he also was part of the first documented party to climb Mount Hood? And that he, along with a few partners, started the first paper mill in the Northwest?
In the slideshow below, check out a few facts that might surprise you:
Pittock Mansion, circa 1914, around the year it was completed: The 23-room French Renaissance-Style Chateau served as an original residence for Henry and Georgianna Pittock. It's in the West Hills.
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
A young Henry Pittock : The young English immigrant, Henry Pittock, had big dreams. He and his brother Robert left Pittsburgh with an emigrant party heading west on the Oregon trail. He was 19 years old. He arrived in Portland two years later, as he later recounted “barefooted and penniless.” He was looking for work, but he wasn’t desperate. Pittock turned down a job as an assistant bartender at the Columbia Hotel. Instead, Pittock took a job at the Weekly Oregonian, where he also slept on a cot for a few years.
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
Henry and Georgianna Pittock's wedding photo: Things Henry Pittock achieved by the age of 25: He married 15-year-old Georgiana Pittock, the daughter of a well-known building contractor. He was part of the first documented party to climb Mount Hood. And he became the owner of the Weekly Oregonian.
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
A middle-aged Henry Pittock: Henry and a few business partners opened the first paper mill in the Northwest.
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
Henry in climbing gear: Henry Pittock climbed Mount Hood three more times in his life. One of the trips also doubled as the founding trip of the Mazamas, the iconic Oregon mountaineering organization.
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
The most "old school cool" photo of all time?: Henry Pittock (center) with the Mazamas
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
Henry Pittock was also an avid cyclist: He founded the Oregon Road Club (pictured). He was also known for his long treks. At 68 years old, he cycled on a one-speed bike from Portland to visit his daughter in Camas.
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
Georgiana Pittock was an avid philanthropist: She devoted attention and funds to many charities, especially those dedicated to families and women. In 1888, she set up a tent in her yard with her friends to exhibit roses. This event served as the catalyst in forming the Portland Rose Society. The members later started Portland's Rose Festival and Parade.
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
A few rose parade girls
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
The Pittock Mansion under construction: The mansion was designed by the famous Oregon-native architect Edward Foulkes. He also designed the Oakland Tribune Tower, from which Harry Houdini famously escaped in 1923, dangling upside down in a straight jacket.
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
Inside the mansion: Pittock Mansion music room, 1914
Courtesy of the Pittock Mansion Society
A flyer to save the mansion: Henry and Georgiana lived in the mansion for a short period of time. Georgiana died in 1918, and Henry died a year later. The Pittock family continued living in the home until 1958, but once they decided they wanted to move they realized it was hard to sell. In 1962, the mansion was severely damaged by the Columbus Day Storm. The mansion was on the verge of being torn down, but Portland citizens rose to fund the repairs and establish the property as a historical landmark.
