Click the icons on the map to take a tour of the City of Lake Oswego, 1910

1. Ferdinand Schwaper House - Vernacular Style - circa 1895
Most dwellings constructed in Oswego at the time of this house were in the Vernacular Style with Gothic Revival characteristics. Note the common components evident in this house: the steeply pitched gabled roof; the rectangular shape arranged in an L-shaped plan; the horizontal lapped siding finished with corner and rake boards; and the double-hung sash windows.

2. Charles Didzun House - English Cottage Style - circa 1930
This house is a fine example of the English Cottage Style with such characteristic features as the multi-gable roof; massive, mock half-timbering; metal. multi-light casement windows; and plank door and iron knocker with window grill. The boxwood hedge which lines the front walkway enhances the home's English Cottage features. Charles "Peanuts" Didzun owned Oswego's first service station and automobile dealership, where he sold Model T Fords.

3. Gustav Rosentreter House - Colonial Revival Style Bungalow - circa 1925
This house is believed to have been originally constructed on the southeast corner of "C" Avenue and First and then moved to this location in 1965. The house has the characteristic massing of a Craftsman Style Bungalow including the low-pitched gable roof and deep eaves. The house's architectural ornamentation, however, is commonly associated with the Colonial Revival Style. Note the pedimented cornice, reminiscent of a classical Greek temple, and the cornice embellished by a denticulated frieze and rakeboard, which are characteristically Colonial features.

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4. Dawn Redwood Tree
This is an unusual redwood tree. As you can note from the lack of foliage, this variety of redwood is deciduous unlike most of the Northwest's redwoods.

5. Marion Platts House - Vernacular Style- circa 1900
Many Oswego houses, such as this one constructed around the turn of the century, are stylistically related to the Gothic Revival Style, which is characterized by steeply pitched gable roofs that cover rectangular volumes arranged in a T or L plan. They are also clad with horizontal lapped siding and finished with corner and rake boards. Double hung sash windows were common also.

6. Vose House - Vernacular Style- circa 1898
This house is a twin to the house at 344 "D" Avenue. The two were originally built side by side; however, this house was moved to its present location sometime before 1906. This house has many characteristics associated with the late 19th century, such as corner and rake boards on the gable and a watertable molding. Landscape features, including the large birch tree in the front yard, enhance the historic character of the house.

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7. Clifford R. Johnson Barn - Vernacular Style- circa 1910
This barn was originally part of a farm complex that covered most of the block between Fourth and Fifth streets. Many old and gnarled fruit trees, probably associated with the farm, remain in the area. The structure was used as a horse barn by Clifford "Happy" Johnson, an early postal carrier, who was the first person to use a mail delivery wagon in Oswego. The barn is typical of early 20th century barns usually located in more populated areas. The board and batten siding -- such as on this building -- has been used on outbuildings and dwellings alike since the first overland pioneers arrived in the Oregon Territory.

8. John F. Conway House - Vernacular Style- circa 1892
Despite major additions, the Conway House is a very good example of the Vernacular Style. Constructed in the 1890's by John Conway, the house originally was a simple, rectangular shape capped with a gable roof. The house has a distinctive hipped front porch with Tuscan columns.

9. Brown-Vose House
The Brown-Vose House is a well-preserved example of late 19th century eclectic architecture. Although of simple design, the house exhibits characteristics of the Gothic Revival Style. A steeply pitched gable roof, horizontal lapped-siding finished with corner and rake boards, and double-hung sash windows with modest molding are standard features of this style. Note the elaborate front and side porch details -- turned posts, jig sawn brackets and decorative frieze.

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10. Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Gothic Style- circa 1890
The Catholic Church owned this building until 1950 when its congregation built Our Lady of the Lake church and moved to A Avenue. Although the Sacred Heart Catholic church building no longer serves any religious denomination and is today a private residence, it is believed to be the oldest standing church structure in Lake Oswego. This fine example of Gothic Revival Style showcases such characteristic features as the steeply pitched gable roof and pointed-arch windows. The entrance with the paired paneled doors and pointed-arch transom is sheltered by a gabled porch cover supported by stout beveled posts and brackets. The decorated panel above the door is an additional ornamental element. The original bell tower/steeple blew off the church during the 1962 Columbus Day Storm. 

11. Sacred Heart School - Craftsman Style Bungalow - circa 1925
This property was first purchased in 1892 by the Society of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary from the Oregon Iron and Steel Company. This building is an excellent example of a Craftsman Style Bungalow. The low-pitched gable roof and deep eaves give the house a ground-hugging quality, a hallmark of the Craftsman Style. The river-rock porch piers and chimney are distinctive features of this house. Before the present-day school at Our Lady of the Lake was built, this building served as the Catholic School for Oswego children.

12. Griffy House - Prairie Style - circa 1920
This is a very good as well as rare example of the Prairie Style. Its rectangular plan and truncated hip roof with deep eaves are similar to the Prairie Style Carnegie libraries that were constructed in several communities throughout the greater Portland area in the early decades of the 20th century. The windows of the Griffy House are unusual and appear to be simplified renditions of the type promoted by Frank Lloyd Wright, who created the style. The windows are composed of paired casements below multi-light transoms.

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13. Anna S. Warren House - Craftsman Style Bungalow - circa 1912
This house is an especially fine example of a Craftsman Bungalow, with many features associated with this style. The low-pitched gable roof has deep eaves and exposed rafters. The decorative scroll-cut horizontal roof supports and braces that support the wide overhang are characteristic Craftsman features. The full-width recessed porch has a dentil course molding above the lintel.

14. Sugar Maple Tree
Thought to be over 100 years old, this tree is considered by many residents to be a community treasure.

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