Portland, Oregon, is a city amidst a torrent of revival. Undoubtedly, the city has been dealt some setbacks since the pandemic, one of those being a large number of unhoused individuals. While I did see evidence of this on my visit, I could also see the strides being taken to address it and it did not affect my visit in any way.
Located in the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Portland is once again seeing change and growth. With a lovely walkable downtown, loads of exciting attractions, and abundant natural beauty, Portland is a place to put on your “visit soon” list. The city is returning to the thriving atmosphere of just a few years ago.
Natural Beauty in the City
During my short, recent visit—with a friend from the local area helping me navigate—I was able to experience a small portion of this interesting metropolis. The Oregon Zoo was a lovely morning’s visit. Its dedication to the animals who make their home here is impressive. The Portland Japanese Garden was a brilliant display of nature’s beauty and a small example of Japanese culture. Zen was my mantra as I walked through this lovely area of Portland.
While not in full bloom at the time of my visit, the International Test Rose Garden was bursting with promises of things to come. Its acres of different rose varieties will be dazzling in the summer months with hundreds of blooms. The Grotto was an unexpected, spectacular place showcasing inclusion, peace, spirituality, and tranquility. In any of these places, it’s hard to imagine you remain within the confines of a city.
Stepping Back in Time in Portland
If you have a penchant for history, as I do, the next is a definite must-see. Surrounded by the beauty of Forest Park, Pittock Mansion is in the West Hills region of Portland. The magnificent mansion, a prime example of French Renaissance architecture, was built using Tenino sandstone and sits on 46 acres. It offers panoramic views of the city at its feet. The National Register of Historic Places added Pittock Mansion to its list in 1974.
Built as his “mansion on the hill,” Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana Burton Pittock began construction in 1912 and moved into their home in 1914. Sadly, the couple could only enjoy their home for a few years before their deaths, but their extended family lived here until 1958. Damaged by the forces of nature through the years and in a dilapidated state, the Pittock Mansion Society lovingly restored the home. It opened to the public as a historic house museum in 1965.
The Society, a nonprofit organization, plays a crucial role in the stewardship of this lovely facility. Its mission is to maintain the mansion’s allure to visitors and instill respect and recognition of Pittock’s contribution to the Portland area.
Who were Henry and Georgiana Pittock?
Henry Pittock was born in London but grew up in Pittsburgh. He was an adventurer and, in his late teens, headed west on the Oregon Trail. Georgiana left Missouri with her family and headed west as well. When they arrived in what is now Portland, it was a frontier town striving to become an industrial city known for its trade.
Henry worked as a typesetter at The Oregonian in the highly competitive newspaper publishing industry. Shortly after the couple were married, Henry was given ownership of the paper instead of the back wages owed to him. Henry transformed The Oregonian into a successful newspaper through years of hard work. Even in today’s highly digitalized media world, The Oregonian is still in print and a well-respected enterprise in Portland.
While making his mark in the publishing industry, Henry was also an astute businessman in other fields. He increased the family’s wealth through real estate, banking, ranching, mining, railroads, and steamboats. He was also an avid outdoorsman, being in one of the first groups to climb Mount Hood.
Georgiana was a philanthropist who was involved in many charities and cultural organizations. One of her passions was gardening, which is evident today on the mansion’s grounds. Through their hard work, community service, and pride in their home, the Pittock family became established in the history of Portland and its growth and success.
The Magnificent View of Portland, Oregon
My friend had previously visited the mansion and prepared me for what to expect. But in reality, nothing can prepare you for the captivating views you encounter as you approach the house. In fact, before even touring the home, I insisted on soaking in the view.
Sprawled at my feet was the city of Portland. The Cascade Mountains are in the distance. Mount Hood is a prominent feature, staring you in the face. On a clear day, I’m told you can see five peaks in this range from the grounds of Pittock Mansion: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson.
The view was so overwhelming that I found myself lost in the moment, imagining the history and stories that these mountains have witnessed over the years.
The Beauty of Pittock Mansion
The home is a masterpiece of architectural design, oval in shape with wings on each side. There are 23 rooms, each with its own unique charm and purpose. The spectacular library, music room, Turkish smoking room, sewing room, parlor, and five large bedrooms are a testament to the grandeur of the mansion.
As I walked through, I was captivated by the curved wooden floors and the oval rooms, a unique feature of the home. Despite its ornate design, the mansion also includes some genuinely modern features like an elevator, central heating, and a refrigerator room, to name a few. These amenities were quite a feat at the time, showcasing the mansion’s innovative design.
One feature of the house that captivated me was the Grand Staircase. Its impressive marble stairs and carved wooden rails recalled antebellum homes in the South. The staircase leads to the upper levels of the house, mainly the bedrooms for various family members and guests. The entire home tour is fantastic.
The Gate Lodge at Pittock Mansion
As its name suggests, The Gate Lodge is near the original gated roadway leading up to the mansion. Visitors can tour this Italianate-style home with four floors connected by a central staircase. While only some floors are open to touring, my friend and I were lucky enough to have a docent here willing to share great information.
The family’s chauffeur and his family originally occupied The Gate Lodge. Later, the estate steward and his wife and young daughter lived here. Once they left in the 1950s, the Lodge became run down, much like the main house.
Thankfully, the Pittock Mansion Society has also restored this building. With help from Marjorie Skene – who was once the young daughter mentioned above — the Gate Lodge now looks like it did while she lived there. Marjorie advised on such things as period colors, furniture, and fabrics. She and her family donated some original items for the home. While not as grand as the mansion, it’s worth a walk-through during your visit.
The Grounds of Pittock Mansion
While some might think only of visiting the mansion itself, I encourage all who visit to enjoy Pittock Mansion’s full spectrum of features. The beauty of the gardens, the meandering paths, and the views cannot be understated. The gardens reflect Georgiana’s avid interest in gardening. There are numerous plantings of magnolias, lilacs, dogwoods, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and Georgiana’s favorite – roses.
Standing a thousand feet above the city, Pittock Mansion likely has one of the best views around Portland. During our visit, on a beautiful early spring day, a number of people were sitting on benches or spreading out on their blankets on the lawn, simply absorbing the beauty of this view.
The Pittock Mansion Society takes great pride in its work. Each year, the grounds host a multitude of events and exhibits showcasing Portland history. If you are a visitor, take in the beauty of this incredible place. If you are local to the area, I encourage you to take advantage of the gem you have in your backyard. Not everyone has something this spectacular so close at hand.
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