The Collins-Downing house, in downtown Salem, Marion County, Oregon. This 1992 photograph shows its present (2004) location at 1340 Chemeketa Street. It was built in 1890 by George Collins (1834-1913), successful contractor and brick manufacturer, who later served as Warden of the Oregon State Penitentiary and then as Superintendent of Prisons for the State of Oregon. In 1895 the house was purchased by Robert E. Downing, whose listings in Polk's directories through the years changed from insurance agent to capitalist to farmer. For many years the home at 245 Church Street NE was the only large, well maintained residence remaining in the downtown business district. The house displays distinctive Eastlake/Queen Anne architectural details such as bay windows; varied siding designs; multi-gabled roof; and finely detailed porch, balcony supports and railings. Following the 1980s deaths of Hazel Downing Isbell and her husband, Leonard M. Isbell, their home was moved from its original location opposite the Statesman-Journal Building to Chemeketa Street. The exterior was restored; the interior remodeled into professional offices and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
DATE
1992
SUBJECTS
Salem, Oregon; Marion County; Salem City Hall; Victorian architecture; Eastlake architecture; Queen Anne architecture; Church Street; Chemeketa Street, National Register of Historic Places; Collins, George; Downing, Robert E; Isbell, Hazel Downing; Isbell; Leonard M..
Special Collections
