Friday, August 29, 2014

The County Poor Farm

Hello, thanks for stopping by.  Yesterday I met my friend Shirley at McMenamin's Edgefield so we could have lunch together before headed to Multnomah Falls to volunteer for the afternoon.  I love the history of this place, it was built as the County Poor Farm in 1911.  For more history, click HERE.


We dined in the Black Rabbit in the main building.  This place is really quite amazing.. it was slated to be torn down several years ago and the local historical society rose in arms against the plan and saved it.. but for what future?  Enter the McMenamin brothers who bought it and restored it and have turned it into a world class destination resort.  They have gardeners who have made the place like a garden of Eden, plus there is a vineyard out front dripping in grapes.  They have an outdoor stage for concerts, a brewery and winery, it's amazing.


We had a bit of a wait for our lunch to arrive and while we chatted, Shirley gave me this set of brushes that she found at her friend's garage sale.  Wasn't that sweet?


The pub is called the Power Station, I guess the power to run the poor farm building was generated here.  


This pretty succulent was HUGE and on long stalks.  Just one of the interesting plants in the gardens.  They even grow their own vegetables that they serve in the restaurants on the property.


As I walked back to my car I passed the glass blower's shop where I like to buy a glass pumpkin or 2 each year.  I was in a hurry so could not buy one today, but I will go back soon.


I'm not sure how the glass blowers work in there in the summer, it was *HOT*.


We had a wonderful afternoon visiting with visitors to Multnomah Falls coming from far and wide around the world.  I didn't take a photo of the Falls this day, but on our way home I pulled over at my favorite spot to appreciate the Columbia River and we got this shot.


It's a swimming day.. then a nice unplanned weekend ahead.  I hope it stays dry because I want to do a little project.. more on that later if it comes to fruition.  I hope you have a wonderful, happy weekend ahead!  
((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

18 comments:

  1. What a place!!!!!! I must go there too when I come to Oregon!!
    XO Kris

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  2. How wonderful that the place was able to be saved. It looks so pretty and historic.

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  3. How wonderful that the county building was able to be saved. It looks very pretty and historic.

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  4. I would LOVE it there! It always makes me very happy when people save, restore and then use historical buildings :)
    Have a good Labor Day weekend!
    Blessings, Aimee

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  5. That looks like a neat place to have lunch and walk around. Wish I could go to the glass blower's place with you. I'd love to see what they have. A pumpkin sounds perfect. We love our autumn decorations, don't we? Not to mention the temps!! I can't wait. It's still really hot here, but at least it's cooled off to the 90s now for high temps. I WILL see that Columbia River with my own eyes soon!

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  6. It is hard to imagine it as a Poor Farm....I will have to check the link. Glad you had a nice lunch, and yes, it was very sweet of Shirley to give you the brushes. You are loved!!! :-)

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  7. McMenamins is one of the places we always wanted to visit, any one of the McMenamins, but we never made it. Hopefully Dennis and I will stop on one of our trips through Portland on the way to the coast. Mandy got here last night and the house officially closed this morning. Yay! We're having fun with Piper but I have to admit I'm missing the lake. :-). Have a wonderful weekend.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  8. All looks like great fun, Teresa! So very sweet of your friend to think of you. I'm sure you can put the brushes to great use. I love glass blowing, so much fun to watch and purchase! Have a great weekend. xoRobin

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  9. Your Sparkle On The Columbia photo is stunning!

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  10. Isn't it wonderful that old buildings like that, with a ton of history, are saved by people who can afford to restore and refurbish the beauty and salvage a landmark for others to enjoy. So much around here is lost due to progress. In the town where I grew up a lot of the historical buildings are deemed just too expensive to maintain. Personally I don't think they should have left them get in such a state where they couldn't afford the upkeep. The paint brushes was a thoughtful gift for someone who loves to paint. Wish you would have had time to take us into the glass shop. Have a great weekend.
    (((HUGS))) Susanne :)

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  11. A really fab place Teresa, it's wonderful when these historic places are not only saved but put to use for the next generations.Enjoy your weekend x

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  12. Awsome post Teresa...I do love visiting you often ☺ I have succulents and they have grown heaps, one of the few things that do lol Going to see my son tomorrow xoxo

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  13. What an amazing place to visit, fantastic that it was saved. Have a great weekend.

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  14. What a lovely place! I so loved seeing all your pictures. Thank you. Wishing you a most lovely day sweet friend. ((hugs))

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  15. I'm glad the Mc Brothers saved the building and turned it into a wonderful destination. I much prefer that the history of a town be preserved. Gives it so much more character. Have a great weekend. Tammy

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  16. I love your Falls posts. It is a warm humid, then breeze cloudy, then bright blue sky day here in Chicao.

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  17. I am so glad that they save that place. BEAUTIFUL! It must have been such a treat to visit there. That succulent is huge! Pretty colors! Is there any where near you that isn't beautiful? I love the shot of the river.

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  18. A very interesting post, I am always happy when historic places are saved and put to a new good use like this. It looks like a lovely place for a visit, with plenty to see. Thank you for the lovely photos, Teresa. Wishing you a happy week ahead.
    Helen xox

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