15831 Harley Avenue

KNUTE TOLLEFSON HOUSE c.1893 -- Statement of Significance: Knute Tollefson is believed to be the original owner of the subject property, which he purchased in 1893. The next recorded transaction was between Martin Tollefson and Betsy Tollefson, who were both presumably relatives. In 1918 Betsy Tollefson sold the property to Ed Sobezinski. Two years later he sold to Lulu B. Sheldon. In 1935 Daisy Smith, as the administrator of Lulu Sheldon estate, sold the house to Charles A. Smith who held it for two years before selling to E.L. and Catherine Walters. According to the current owner, the subject house was built by an old sea captain. No documentation has substantiated this information. Martin Tollefson was identified as a servant living in Astoria in 1900. Martin was born in Norway in 1873. Lulu Belle Crandon Sheldon was born in Ohio in 1857. She came to Park Place via Kansas and Salem. At the break of World War I Mrs. Sheldon and husband, Dr. Rufus Sheldon, came to Portland where he worked in the shipyards. Following the war they purchased the subject property. Mrs. Sheldon was a recognized artist who taught art in Salem and Oregon City. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. 

The house is an excellent example of a late 19th century eclectic style dwelling. it is composed of several perpendicular volumes covered with wide, dropped siding and finished with corner boards, rake boards and water table molding. The house is embellished with decorative elements on every face, including a cut-away window bay with decorative casements and inscribed spandrels; turned gable-end ornament inscribed with a sunburst pattern; a sunburst motif at the second level porch; carved porch posts; cannonball corner blocks; and leaded glass. Porch balustrades are missing or replaced; however, pieces of the original members are located under the porch deck on the north elevation. In addition to the house there is a garage, which appears to date from the historic period. It is in poor condition. Landscape features, including mature deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as ornamental shrubs, contribute to the historic character of the dwelling.