RUDOLPH AND AUGUSTA SEILER HOUSE -- Statement of Significance: Rudolph and August Seiler purchased two lots in 1895 and built their house shortly thereafter. Mr. Seiler was a German emigrant who worked in the Oregon City mills. A relative, Florence Seiler, also lived with the couple and was added to the house title some years later. In 1944, the property was sold to Edward and Erma Bouls, who resold it four years later. The new owners were Albert and Helen Blaske, who continued to occupy the house until its sale to Eric Blaske in 1968.
This Queen Anne style house occupies a large double lot at the corner of Madison and 3rd Street. It has a steep gable roof with rake boards and a molding trim. The exterior surface material is a channel siding with corner boards. Vertical siding is used for the skirting around the house. The water table and cap still exist but have begun to deteriorate. Most of the windows are 1/1 double-hung surrounded by a simple board trim and many have fixed metal storm windows. Decorative features on this house include chamfered corners with pendants (not originals), fancy porch brackets, and a spindle rail in the gable. The house has an L-shaped plan and sits on a post and beam foundation. The property is surrounded by a picket fence. In the northwest corner of the backyard is a small outbuilding that has wood drop siding, corner boards, and an old metal roof ridge. There is also a large apple tree in the yard. The 1982 survey notes that the single-story porches and single-story gabled wing are additions. If this is true, they appear to be very early additions.
This property is a locally designated historic site located within the McLoughlin Conservation District. Contact ocplanning@orcity.org for more information.
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