The history of Lake Oswego is contained in our physical surroundings. The tangible link to the past reminds us of where we come from, where we live, and what makes this place we call home unique. You can't build authenticity. You can't build something and call it the "Lake Oswego Style" and not have it be a cheap imitation of the real thing - real dollars not withstanding. There is no substitute for the original.
The question before Lake Oswegans is how much do we value our authenticity and identity? What makes this place unique and gives it the "character" we love? The Carman House, still in its original setting is something that cannot be rebuilt.
But the conflict of public wants and private property rights compels society to compensate the owner of a valued piece of land. Whatever entity holds the property in trust for the public and for the future, it needs to be saved now. Read the article in the Lake Oswego Review to learn about this piece of history and how you might help save it. And thank Mary Colver and her team for her work on behalf of the whole community.
Before I forget - as an ardent admirer of modern architecture, I urge everyone to take note of the fine examples of modern architecture around us. Lake Oswego experienced an increase in population and building in the post-war years when prominent architects were called upon to design homes and commercial buildings in town. Newer pieces of our history should be acknowledged before they too are overrun by the "Lake Oswego Style."
Preservationists vs developers
Lake Oswego Review, December 12, 2013
"It was built in 1855," said Marylou Colver, founder of the preservation society. "It was built before Oregon became a state. It is the last physical link with our pioneer roots in Lake Oswego."
The house was built by original Lake Oswego pioneers Waters Carman and his good friend Charles W. Bryant. In 1850, Carman was one of the signers of the original land claim document of Albert Alonzo Durham, marking the real beginning of what became Lake Oswego. In 1853, Carman made more history when he and his bride were married in Durham's home. It was the first marriage ceremony ever held in Oswego.
The hearing on the Carman House will take place during a city council meeting starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lake Oswego City Hall, located at 380 A Ave.
Thank you so for sharing this story with your readers. As some may be aware the Lake Oswego City Council voted, in a tentative decision, to de-list the Carman House from the Landmark Designation List, thereby, paving the way for it's demolition.
ReplyDeleteThe Lake Oswego Preservation Society has sought for more than two years the opportunity to sit down with the owners/heirs and seek a solution which would preserve the oldest dwelling in Lake Oswego. Regrettably, to date, we have been re-buffed.
We have not yet surrendered in our effort to save the Carman House. Please stay tuned. Your help may be critical.
I liked what Councilor Hughes said on Tuesday night. If there is a group of people who want to preserve this property, they should try to organize an effort to fund a foundation that can purchase it - a "Friends of Carmen House" group. Personal property rights must be upheld. A private property owner cannot be expected to hold onto a property for the good of everyone else at their own expense - that sounds just wrong. On the other hand, I can picture the Carmen House as a mini Luscher Farm with classes, gardens, events, etc. I heard the owners of the property would give such a group a good deal on the place. I hope that this is the final outcome - it would be sad to see this place turn into just another block of houses.
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