Research Report

4785 Salem-Dallas Hwy | Isaac L. Patterson – Agnes Schucking Home

Agnes Schucking Home, 1957 [Exterior view] Oregon Historic Photograph Collection ID 7615, Salem Public Library

Isaac L. Patterson Home, 2021 [Exterior view], Polk County Appraiser Office

Property Description

Twp 7S, Range 4W, Section 25

Tax Lot #1900

Summary

This home is the third oldest remaining structure in the historic town of Cincinnati/Eola and dates to 1858. It stands on Tax Lot #1900 to the west of the town proper. It was built by James L. Gwin, one of Eola’s early schoolteachers, on property purchased by town founder Joshua Shaw. In 1883 it was purchased by the Putnam brothers, William P. and Winfrey N., and the acreage developed as a hop farm. Then in 1895, the Putnam brothers sold to the Salem mercantile firm of Andrew N. Gilbert and Isaac L. Patterson. Gilbert and Patterson utilized the property to supply their own trade in meat and produce and renamed it the Eola Hop and Livestock Farm. The home itself was occupied by their onsite farm managers. The first being John Brophy, then William Patterson, brother to Isaac.

Andrew Gilbert, the senior partner was an important figure in Oregon politics in addition to his mercantile/agricultural interests. At various points in his life he served as postmaster of Salem, superintendent of the Oregon penitentiary, ten terms as Salem city treasurer, and four sessions in the Oregon legislature representing Marion County. He married Estelle McCully, Oregon pioneer and daughter of David McCully, Salem merchant and contributing founder of the People’s Transportation Company which operated steamboats on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.

Isaac L. Patterson was a young man fresh off the farm who took a clerk position in Gilbert’s store, saved and worked his way up to a full partnership. He also followed Gilbert’s footsteps into politics when he served two terms in the state legislature in the 1890s, the youngest member elected at that point in Oregon’s history. An appointment as customs collector in Portland took him from Salem from 1901 to 1915 though his Salem-based business and agricultural interests remained. In 1918 he was again elected to the state legislature, he and wife Mary Patterson returned to Eola and took physical possession of the home. Following two terms in the legislature he was elected the 18th governor of Oregon. The Eola home became the governor’s official residence. During his Eola years Patterson was an active farmer and orchardist who took special interest in the development of Crawford peaches, Stark’s apples, and seed corn. He died while in office, December 1929 at his Eola home. Following his death his widow sold the home and share of the property to Gilbert’s daughter Agnes Schucking and her husband. Mary Woodworth served as state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, under her tenure many important Oregon historic monuments were built and dedicated including the Pioneer Mother’s Cabin at Champoeg.

The daughter of Andrew and Estelle Gilbert, Agnes Schucking was the first acknowledged Cherry Fair queen of Salem, in 1903, a role and celebrity that she would parlay throughout her life as a Salem businesswoman. Her husband Bernard Schucking was a hops dealer, and as her father retired from active participation in the Gilbert-Patterson farm they stepped into a more active role. They moved to the home and property after the death of Governor Patterson. She was also active in local politics, gardening clubs, the highway improvement association, and other community events.

In 1938 she built a gift shop next door to the home called Eola Acres. The store and business evolved into a highly profitable floral shop known for an annual Holiday House tradition in which both the home and store were decorated for Christmas and opened to the public. She adopted two employees Robert and Helene. Agnes died in 1957 and was followed by her adopted son Bob a month later. Daughter Helene continued to live in the home and run the business until 1996.

The home and property was purchased in 2020 by Jim and Myrna Gulick.

Report prepared 4 Aug 2022 by Kaylyn F. Mabey, Willamette Heritage Center. Permission must be obtained by author prior to use or reproduction of this report in any form.

Timeline

1846  Joshua (Hannah) Shaw arrive in Polk County and set up homesteading  
1852  Joshua (Hannah) Shaw File Donation Land Claim 

Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records https://glorecords.blm.gov  

Genealogical Forum of Oregon  
1858 – Jan 5  James L. Gwin purchases 100 acres from Shaw for the sum of $2015 and builds a home 

Polk County Deed Book B, p. 453-454, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1861 – Dec  Devastating flood 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 9 Dec 1861, p. 2, Newspapers.com  
1864-1871  Gwin buys additional property to increase acreage 

Polk County Deed Books, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1879-1883  Gwin moves family to Monmouth, retains some property in Eola 

Pacific Christian Messenger (Monmouth, OR) 19 Sep 1879, p. 8, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  

Christian Herald (Portland, OR) 1 Sep 1882, p. 16 and 19 Oct 1883, p. 16, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  
1883 – May 5  Willie Putnam’s fine hop yard  

Polk County Itemizer (Dallas, OR), 5 May 1883, p 3, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  

Putnam boasts a fine hop yard, new fence, new gates and other improvements. [land leased from Gwin prior to purchase]  
1883 – Nov 6  Brothers William P. and Winfrey N. Putnam purchase 50 acres (with home) from Gwin for the sum of $2500 

Polk County Deed Book 16, p. 9, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1890 – Feb 3-5  Devastating flood  

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 8 Feb 1890 p. 4, Newspapers.com  

Destroyed all but one Eola warehouse and changed the main channel of the Willamette leaving many Eola property owners with land in the adjacent county of Marion  
1892 – Sep 30  Best hop yield 

Weekly Oregon Statesman and Pacific Agriculturist (Salem, OR), 30 Sep 1892, p. 11, Newspapers.com  

Probably the best hop yield in Marion or Polk county was that of Putnam Bros., of Eola. Their yard embraced twenty-five acres, and they have about 45,000 pounds of hops….They are confident they can make a success now of the business – if the prices will only remain high enough to make it profitable.  
1893 – Sep 1  Putnam Bros. to commence picking hops 

Polk County Itemizer (Dallas, OR), 1 Sep 1893, p 2, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  

Putnam Bros will commence picking in about two weeks. They have fifty acres and will need about 150 pickers…. Mrs. Southwick will keep a boarding house for hop pickers and Wilson Putnam will furnish the groceries.  
1895 – Dec 21  Andrew N. Gilbert and Isaac L. Patterson (Gilbert-Patterson) purchase the Putnam Brothers 50 acres (with home) to create Eola Hop and Livestock Farm for the sum of $5000 

Polk County Deed Book 30, p. 180-181, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1900 – April 10  Gilbert-Patterson purchase 150 acres from James L. Gwin for the sum of $2313 

Polk County Deed Book 34, p. 479-480, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1900 – Jun 27  1900 Census records the occupants of the home as Henry B. and Cassie Brophy  
1903 – Nov 25  Henry B. Brophy purchases 1/3 interest in the Eola Hop and Livestock Farm for the sum of $1682.50 (moves into the home and takes over farm management) 

Polk County Deed Book 38, p 425-426, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1904 – Mar 24  Farming partnership – Patterson, Gilbert & Brophy 

The Plaindealer (Roseburg, OR), 24 Mar 1904, p 4, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  
1904 – May/June 

 

 Telephone Line reaches Eola [Pacific States Telephone & Telegraph Company] 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 21 May 1904, p. 6, Newspapers.com  

The farm telephone line running along rural free delivery route No. 2 up the river on the Polk County side, through the town of Eola will increase the number of farm telephones on that route by ten or a dozen, to start with, placing that many more people in talking communication with the Salem office. 
1907 – Jul 23  Henry Brophy, business manager of Eola Hop & Livestock Co. 

Polk County Observer (Monmouth, OR), 23 Jul 1907, p 1, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  

Mr. Brophy is an up-to-date, progressive man, and has for several years successfully conducted the 60-acre hop yard at Eola, as well as two stock farms, one at Eola and one at Lincoln. Among his blooded Hereford cattle and his registered Angora goats, many animals are found which have repeatedly taken prizes at the State Fair.  
1909 – June 

 

 Grading and trestles near Eola finished in May, rail line completed to Willamette River bank in June (bridge across to Salem would not be finished until 1913) 

Capital Journal (Salem, OR), 29 May 1909 p. 8, Newspapers.com  
1910 – May 4/5  1910 Census records the occupants of the home as Henry B. and Cassie Brophy, along with hired hand George Brunk  
1911 – Aug 11  William Patterson, brother of Isaac L. purchases Brophy’s 1/3 share in the Eola Hop & Livestock Farm for the sum of $10,000 (moves into the home and renovation takes place) 

Polk County Deed Book 55, p. 178-180, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1911 – Aug 15  Polk County Observer (Monmouth, OR), 15 Aug 1911, p 3, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  

It was announced yesterday that I.L. Patterson and his brother William Patterson had purchased the interests of A.N. Gilbert and H.B. Brophy in the Eola Hop and Livestock Farm. The ranch, which is located near Eola, consists of 800 acres. Mr. Brophy who has had charge of the ranch for several years, will remain in charge for a couple of months more and then William Patterson will take charge.  
1911 – Aug 31  Carpenters working on Patterson house 

Polk County Itemizer (Dallas, OR), 31 Aug 1911, p 8, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  

Carpenters are working on the Patterson house, where the Brophy’s lived. William Patterson and wife will live there and superintend the farm.  
1913 – Jan 17  Big Farm at Eola 

Independence Monitor (Independence, OR), 17 Jan 1913, p 6, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon) [see newspaper section for full text]  
1914 – Jan 14  William Patterson retires, his 1/3 share is purchased by Gilbert-Patterson for the sum of $10 

Polk County Deed Book 59, p. 233-234, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1914 – 25 Apr  Isaac L. & Mary Patterson move into the home (renamed Eola-on-the-Hills) 

Capital Journal (Salem, OR), 25 Apr 1914, p 3, Newspapers.com  

Mrs. and Mrs. Isaac L. Patterson, former Salem residents, but for the past few years living in Portland, have arrived to make their home on their farm near Eola.  
1914 – Sep 13  Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 13 Sep 1914, p 11, Newspapers.com 

Dr. and Mrs. John F. Beaumont, of Portland, were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Lee Patterson at their home, “Eola-on-the-Hills,” near Salem, a few days last week.   
1915 – Sep 14  First Peach Stand 

Polk County Observer (Monmouth, OR), 14 Sep 1915, p 2, Historic Oregon Newspapers (University of Oregon)  
1919  Salem-Dallas Highway paved to Brunk’s Corner 
1920 – Jan 19  1920 Census records the occupants of the home as Isaac L. and Mary Patterson 
1923 – Jul 14  Death of Andrew N. Gilbert, partner in Gilbert-Patterson (his share of property reverts to wife Estelle) 

Death Certificate, Oregon State Archives 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 15 Jul 1923, p 5, Newspapers.com  
1925 – Dec 2  Electric power completed thru Eola 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 2 Dec 1925, p 7, Newspapers.com 

A line from Salem into Polk county up the west bank of the Willamette River has been completed by the Portland Electric Power company. The line goes as far as the residence of Senator Ike Patterson at Eola.  
1928 – Oct 12  Roth Grocery Apple Contract (5 years running) 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 12 Oct 1928, p 9, Newspapers.com 
1929 – Dec 21   Death of Isaac L. Patterson 

Death Certificate, Oregon State Archives 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 22 Dec 1929, p 1, Newspapers.com  
1930 – Apr 29  1930 Census records the occupant of the home as Mary Patterson  
1930 – Oct 30  Agnes & B.O. Schucking, daughter of Andrew N. & Estelle Gilbert, purchase the Patterson share of property (including home) for the sum of $20,000 

Polk County Deed Book 91, p. 416-419, Polk County Assessor’s Office 
1930 – Aug 15  Home undergoes extensive alterations and improvements prior to Estelle Gilbert and the Schuckings taking possession (renamed Eola Acres) 

Capital Journal (Salem, OR), 15 Aug 1930, p 9, Newspapers.com  
1933 – Jul 14  Death of Estelle McCully Gilbert 

Death Certificate, Oregon State Archives 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 15 Jul 1933, p 1, Newspapers.com   
1938 – Dec 22  Agnes Schucking builds the Oak Tree Shop next door to the property (later renamed Eola Acres Florist) 

Capital Journal (Salem, OR), 22 Dec 1938, p 13, Newspapers.com   

New Oak Tree Shop! Is now open for business at Eola Acres. It is different. You will find gold and silvered leaves for center pieces, Christmas wreaths, greens. Mistletoe, potted plants, apples and farm products.  
1940  – Mar 28  Home and property featured in Oregon tourism film (Kathryn Gunnell) 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 28 Mar 1940, p 5, Newspapers.com 

McNary to Show Pictures – Three sets of natural colored motion pictures of Oregon will be shown when Senator Charles L. McNary formally entertains in Washington, D.C. next week. The pictures, taken by Miss Kathryn L. Gunnell of Salem, show spring and summer flowers at Eola Acres, scenes at Fircone, McNary’s boyhood home, and general scenic attractions in the state. 
1940 – Apr 4  1940 Census records the occupants of the home as Bernard O. and Agnes Schucking, along with maid Helene E. Schultz 
1940 – Jul 27  Death of Bernard Otto Schucking 

Death Certificate, Oregon State Archives 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 24 Jul 1940, p 2, Newspapers.com  
1950 – May 23 

 

 1950 Census records the occupants of the home as Agnes Schucking, hired hand Robert L. Owens, and floral worker Helene E. Schultz   
1950 – Dec 2  First Holiday House held (in home and gift shop) 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 2 Dec 1950, p 3, Newspapers.com 

Open House…at Eola Acres beginning Sunday, December 3 and every day until Christmas…the interested public is invited to view the decorated shop and home of Mrs. B.O. Schucking between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day…Different types of decorated trees will be featured adorned with imported ornaments…there will be garlands, swags, wreaths, table decorations…and for children there are candy houses, special ornaments and holiday party favors.  
1950-1951  Downstairs of the home remodeled and redecorated 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 13 Mar 1957, p 16, Newspapers.com 

The living downstairs part of the Schucking home was remodeled and redecorated. The porch across the front of the house was enclosed and taken into the living room, with pillars placed between it and the original part of the living room for support. The porch to the east and opening off the living room was glassed-in to shield it from the wind and rain. 

In the re-decorating, the living room and dining room were both finished in bleached hemlock and accenting this is the white trim on the casings and woodwork. [see newspaper section for full text] 
1953 – Dec 21  Agnes formally adopts adult employees Robert “Bob” Owens and Helene Schultz. The home is renovated again. 

Oregon Statesman (Salem, OR), 21 Dec 1953, p 6, Newspapers.com 

It will be an extra special Merry Christmas at Eola Acres this year…for Mrs. Bernard O. Schucking has legally adopted Bob Owens and Helene Schultz…they will now be officially known as Robert Leland Schucking and Helene F. Schucking…Helene has been with Mrs. Schucking for 17 years and Bob for eight years…On Christmas Day Mrs. Schucking will entertain at dinner at her country home in honor of her two children Miss Elizabeth Lord and Miss Edith Schryver, longtime family friends.  
1969 – Oct 5  Death of Agnes Gilbert Schucking 

Death Certificate, Oregon State Archives 

Capital Journal (Salem, OR), 6 Oct 1969, p 16, Newspapers.com   
1969 – Nov 6  Death of Robert Leland [Owens] Schucking 

Death Certificate, Oregon State Archives 

Capital Journal (Salem, OR), 7 Nov 1969, p 3, Newspapers.com   
1972 – 1973  Upper portion of property sold to developer Daniel & Pamela Bunn, Forest Heights subdivision created 

Polk County Deed Book 32, p. 725, Polk County Assessor’s Office 

Polk County Deed Book 50, p. 288, Polk County Assessor’s Office 

Polk County Deed Book 52, p.463 Polk County Assessor’s Office  
1996  Helene remains in the home and runs the business until 1996   
1999 – Dec 10  Helene Schucking interest converted to HES Living Trust managed by Wilhelmina Johnston 

Polk County Deed Book 390, p. 1478, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
2000 – Jan 9  Death of Helene Schucking 

Death Certificate, Polk County Deed Book 390, p. 1478 Polk County Assessor’s Office 
2001 – May 5  Living Trust converted to Eola Acres LLC administered by Cynthia A. Ross 

Polk County Deed Book 390, p. 1478, Polk County Assessor’s Office  
2022 – Apr 7  Property purchased by J&M Rental Properties (Jim & Myrna Gulick) 

Polk County Assessor’s Office 

 

Historic Images

References

General Land Office Records 

  • Bureau of Land Management. “Land Patent Search.” Database and images. General Land Office Records. https://glorecords.blm.gov : 2022. 
  • Bureau of Land Management. “Survey Plats and Field Notes.” Database and images. General Land Office Records. https://glorecords.blm.gov : 2022. 

Donation Land Claim Records  

Maps 

  • Metsker Maps (1929). Metsker’s map of Polk County, Oregon [map]. (scale 2in=1 mile) Tacoma, WA: Metsker Maps 
  • Metsker Maps (1942). Metsker’s map of Polk County, Oregon [map]. (scale 2in=1 mile) Tacoma, WA: Metsker Maps 
  • Metsker Maps (1962). Metsker’s map of Polk County, Oregon [map]. (scale 2in=1 mile) Tacoma, WA: Metsker Maps 

GIS / Land Records 

Census Records     

  • Oregon. Polk County. 1880-1950 state census, population schedule. Ancestry.com   

City Directories 

  • U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line], Salem, OR. Ancestry.com 

Biographical Records 

  • “Gwin, James L.,” History of the Willamette Valley, Lang, Herbert O. Portland, Oregon, Himes & Lang, 1885, p. 716  
  • “Gilbert, Andrew Nathaniel,” History of the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Clark, Robert Carlton. Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1927, v. 2, p. 406-08. 
  • “Gilbert, Andrew Nathaniel,” Republican League Register, a record of the Republican party in the state of Oregon. Portland, Oregon, The Register Publishing Co., 1896, p. 214 
  • “Patterson, Isaac L,” Republican League Register, a record of the Republican party in the state of Oregon. Portland, Oregon, The Register Publishing Co., 1896, p. 258 
  • “Gilbert, Andrew Nathaniel, McCully, Estelle, Gilbert, Agnes, Schucking, Bernard O.,” The Descendants of Samuel McCully of Early Nova Scotia, Canada, Wilbur, Sanford R. and Wilbur, Sally Harris, Symbiosis Books, Gresham, Oregon, 2014, p. 49-51, 101-103. 
  • Early Oregonians Database Index [1800-1860], Oregon State Archives, Salem, Oregon. https://secure.sos.state.or.us/prs/personProfileSearch.do : 2022 

Newspapers 

  • “Valuable Real Estate for Sale,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 16 Feb 1858, p. 3 
  • Gwin move to Monmouth, Pacific Christian Messenger, Monmouth, OR, 19 Sep 1879, p. 8 
  • Br. Gwin of Eola, has rented his town property, Christian Herald, Portland, OR, 1 Sep 1882, p. 16 
  • Gwin move to Monmouth for children to attend school, Christian Herald, Portland, OR, 19 Oct 1883, p. 16 
  • “Gilbert & Patterson – A Brief History of this Enterprising Firm,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 1 Jan 1887, p. 6 
  • “The Beardsley Case Brings a Large Crowd, State Witnesses Examined,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 14 Jun 1889, p. 10 
  • “Gilbert & Patterson – A House that by Fair Dealing Has Won an Enviable Reputation,” Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 31 Dec 1890, p. 2 
  • “Best Hop Yield” [Putnam Bros. hop yard], Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 30 Sep 1892, p. 11 
  • “Condition of Hop Crop,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 11 Sep 1900, p. 5 
  • Gwin to Gilbert, Patterson & Brophy (land sale), Independence Enterprise, Independence, OR, 5 Mar 1903, p. 7 
  • “Money in Goats – H.B. Brophy,” The Plaindealer, Roseburg, OR, 24 Mar 1904, p. 4 
  • “Over in Old Polk,” Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 20 Jul 1905, p. 3 
  • “The Hills West of Salem,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 26 Jul 1907, p. 2 
  • Henry Brophy business manager of Eola Hop & Livestock, Polk County Observer, Monmouth, OR, 23 July 1907, p. 1 
  • “Buy Polk Ranch,” Polk County Observer, Monmouth, OR, 15 Aug 1911, p. 3 
  • “Large Ranch Sold,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 11 Aug 1911, p. 5 
  • Carpenters at work on Patterson House, Polk County Itemizer, Dallas, OR, 31 Aug 1911, p. 8 
  • H.B. Brophy to W.H. Patterson (land sale), Polk County Observer, Monmouth, OR, 15 Aug 1911, p. 3 
  • “Big Farm at Eola,” Independence Monitor, Independence, OR, 17 Jan 1913, p. 6 
  • Brophy now owns Gibson hop yard, Independence Monitor, Independence, OR, 28 Feb 1913, p. 1 
  • “Some Demand for Hens – Eola Firm Seeking to Contract 1000 Chickens for Laying Purposes,” Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 28 Feb 1914, p. 5 
  • “Salem Denied Privilege – Ike L. Patterson Prefers Eola to Capital City,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 5 Dec 1926, p. 1 
  • “Schuckings’ Buy I.L. Patterson Farm and Home at Eola,” Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 15 Aug 1930, p. 1 
  • “McNary to Show Pictures,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 28 Mar 1940, p. 5 
  • “Homes Feature Family Treasures,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 13 Mar 1955, p. 15 
  • “House of 1st Citizen Old, Has Charm,” Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 13 Mar 1957, p. 16 
  • “Century Dwellings Line Highway,” Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 21 Apr 1959, p. 15 
  • “Holiday House is Featured in Publication,” Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 11 Oct 1960, p. 6 

Obituaries 

  • “Gun Discharged, Brophy is Dead,” Henry Benjamin Brophy, Obituary, Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 14 Dec 1915, p. 6 
  • Andrew N. Gilbert, Obituary, Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR 15 July 1923, p. 5 
  • Gov. I.L. Patterson, Obituary, Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, OR, 23 Dec 1929, p. 1 
  • Estelle M. Gilbert, Obituary, Oregon Statesman, Salem, OR, 15 July 1933, p. 2 
  • B.O. Schucking Dies at Home “Eola Acres,” Obituary, Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 27 Jul 1940, p. 10 
  • William Patterson, Obituary, Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 13 Apr 1940, p. 10 
  • Agnes G. Schucking, Obituary, Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 6 Oct 1969, p. 16 
  • Robert L. Schucking, Obituary, Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 7 Nov 1969, p. 3