A stunning example of Italianate architecture, the exterior of the John C. Moyer House features delicate jigsaw corner boards, decorative boards, massive eave brackets, elaborate trims and heavily bracketed cornices.  The look of stone is created with smooth-matched wood siding on the front and sides of the house.   The elegant interior boasts 12 ft. ceilings, white Italian marble fireplaces, carved walnut banisters and medallions made of wood constructed to hold light fixtures.  Many of the walls and ceilings were decorated with elaborate paintings of floral designs and landscapes.  Atop the house sits a cupola.

 

After the Moyers passed away, the house went through several different owners.  For a time during the 1930s and 1940s, the Moyer House was used as apartments and fell into general disrepair.  Then in 1963, the Moyer House was acquired by the Linn County Historical Society for $750.00.  After a complete renovation, the John C. Moyer House is now enjoying its new life as a Museum operated by the Linn County Historical Society.

For more information contact:

Clement R. Ogilby
Building Preservation & Relocation Specialist
8316 N. Lombard St. PMB #405
Portland, OR  97203
503-572-5323
ogilby@oldhouseworld.com

 

C.R. OGILBY & CO./ General Contractors

Building Preservation & Relocation Specialists

John C. Moyer House

During the 1880s, John C. and Elizabeth Brown Moyer were some of Brownsville's most prominent citizens.  John was a successful carpenter and owned Moyer’s Planing Mill and Elizabeth was daughter of the town’s founder.  It is no surprise, then that the construction of their new home was featured in a locale newspaper with a headline proclaiming: “Mr. Moyer is completing one of the most architecturally arranged residences of the state.”