Francis Ermatinger House
When it comes to Oregon history, it doesn't get much more significant than the Ermatinger House. In 1845, Francis Ermatinger built for himself a federal style residence in what is now downtown Oregon City. Ermatinger was a powerful and influential figure in early Oregon history, serving as a chief trader for the Hudson's Bay Company, and holding public office in the Oregon Provisional Government in 1845. Although located in nearby Oregon City, the Ermatinger House holds a special place in Portland's heart. It was in the left parlor that a famous coin toss occurred resulting in the city of Portland, Oregon (Boston, Oregon, lost the flip). The house was moved in 1910 and again in 1989 to its current location. It is owned by the City and has been used as a house museum for over two decades. Since the early 2000s, the whole building has shifted and is currently off limits to the public. The windows, which were recently repaired, have not been reinstalled for fear that the continued shifting of the house might affect the windows or even bring down the entire house. Today, the City is in the process of applying for grants and gaining public support for the house with the hope of seeing it rehabilitated in late 2012/early 2013.
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