Between 1912-1917, the Oregon Home Builders company built more than 125 homes, mostly on Portland’s east side. Several of these houses are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The company was unique among homebuilders of the era because it catered to both ends of the economic spectrum: large, ornate, custom-designed homes for the wealthy, and simple, affordable, yet thoughtfully designed bungalows for those just entering the housing market. Join local historian Doug Decker for an inside look at the intriguing rise and fall of the Oregon Home Builders company and its legacy of Portland’s historic houses.
Doug Decker is a published author for the Oregon Encyclopedia and serves on its editorial board. He is Vice President of the Oregon Geographic Names Board, serves on the board of Restore Oregon and is past chair of the Forest History Society. Doug volunteers for the Architectural Heritage Center and other groups, leading walks and programs about local history and is a part-time faculty member at Portland State University’s Mark O. Hatfield School of Government.
With expertise in urban and rural Oregon, Doug’s public history research may be best known through his blog, Alameda Old House History and the dozens of studies, lectures, and tours he’s led of Portland neighborhoods and buildings, and of forested lands across Oregon. He’s lived in Northeast Portland for more than 30 years where he is actively involved in researching and sharing insights about homes, businesses, and neighborhoods for clients. He also writes history columns for local newspapers and makes public presentations to share his research.