314 Washington Street

FRANK BUSCH HOUSE -- Statement of Significance: In 1889, R. Jewell Troybridge sold lots 7 and 8 to Bell Potter. In 1891, Bell and Robert Potter sold both lots to Emma Potter and others. Lydia A. Wells and her husband sell both lots to Frank Busch in 1901. The house was built on part of lot 7, most likely one of fourteen houses built by Frank Busch in and around the McLoughlin District. Mr. Busch was a prominent local businessman, founder of Busch Furniture in downtown Oregon City. In 1905, Frank and wife, Annie, sold part of lot 7, with the house, and part of lot 8 to O.F. Higdale. Higdale sold the lot 7 portion in 1918 to Mary Eggimann. Mary sold to Villiam Bogymska in 1923 who in turn sold the property in 3 months later to L.C. Clayton. The Claytons retained the property for over 10 years before selling to Thomas and Mollie McClatchie in 1935. Ten years later, the widow McClatchie sold to L.A. and Ruth Wievesiek. The Wievesieks sold in 1952 to Chester and Bessie Madsall. By 1953, the house had become an apartment house with 4 units.

This 1-1/2 story house sits under a front gable roof with a shed dormer on the south side. The shed and gable roofs feature enclosed eaves above wide rake and frieze boards, and the gable ends have decorative spindle work ornamentation. The house is primarily clad with drop siding finished with cornerboards, but the gable ends are clad with fishscale shingles. A recessed porch is located at the southwest corner of the house, and now contains three doors to the house's rental units. A modern post supports the upper floor at the corner of the porch, and a simple railing has been added. The house rests on a board formed concrete foundation with three light hopper windows, and a full water table provides a transition to the drop siding. The windows are all 1/1 double-hung wood sashes, appearing in pairs and singly throughout the house. The windows typically feature plain board trim with projecting hood moldings and narrow sills. A brick chimney is centrally located in the house, which also features a rectangular bay on the north side.

This property is a locally designated historic site located within the McLoughlin Conservation District. Contact ocplanning@orcity.org for more information.