In 1842, this Federal style house was built by the Methodist Mission, during their move from their first location in the Willamette Valley. The house was moved to the present Willamette Heritage Center on Mill Street from its original location north of Mill Creek at the intersection of Liberty/Broadway Street.
Jason Lee’s second wife, the former Lucy Thompson, gave birth to a daughter in this house in that year. Like his first wife, Anna Maria Pittman, the birth cost the mother her life. Shortly afterward, Jason Lee returned to New York to gain support for his contested leadership of the mission. He died before he could return to Oregon.Other early missionary residents of the house were the Parrish family, the Raymonds and the Judsons. After the Methodist church closed the mission, private ownership of this house included that of Judge Reuben Boise.  Many earlier photographs are found here.
(SESNA)