Albany Monteith Historic District
The Monteith Historic District in Albany, Oregon is a historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The listing includes several buildings, including Alfred Dawson House, which also had its separate NRHP designation for it alone.
The Monteith District is located on the west side of downtown Albany and was named after Walter and Thomas Monteith. The founders arrived in Oregon from New York, completing their first house here when it served as only one more frame home for all those who came before us – but not anymore. You can see this historical landmark today at the museum, which has been authentically restored to show what life might have felt like during pioneer times.
The Monteith District is home to several churches. One such building, originally the United Presbyterian Church but now known as “Whitespires,” stands at Washington and Fifth where it was built in 1891 with stained glass windows that are noted both for their beauty as well disharmony created by different styles vying against one another-a symbolizing how people can sometimes struggle when trying not just settle on what they like or prefer instead wanting everything all at once.
The Monteith family built and owned the Magnolia Flouring Mills along this river in 1851. With the operation of their first-ever boat on an upper Willamette River route, Multnomah arrived at Albany, increasing shipping potential for the manufacturing industry and farming aspects.
The Monteith Historic District is a historic district designated to be on the National Register of Historic Places. This period covers 1849-1945, which includes all buildings constructed between those years showing how much growth and development there has been in Albany during these 100 years. The Monteith District has been expanded to include 78 properties on the southwest corner of its original boundary. These buildings date back as early as the 1900s and include some mid-20th century homes.
The architecture in this area is as diverse and interesting as the people there. From Federalist style homes to Craftsman styles with Classical Revivals, Gothic Fractives or Italianate features, one can find everything. There’s also a variety within those categories: one might choose an eclectic hybrid like Eastlake combines influences drawn primarily from bungalows and cottages alongside colonial revisions, for example, while another may prefer something more typical such as a rural vernacular design which incorporates elements compatible between different eras.
The Monteith Historic District is a wonderful place to explore for those interested in local history. The various buildings within this historic neighborhood offer plenty of versatility. One building in particular – the Monteith House at 518 Second Avenue- stands out as being both unique and restored so it can be enjoyed by visitors today.