Frank Silas Doernbecher House

Born in Kewaksum, Wisconsin in 1861, Frank Silas Doernbecher, born to Silas Doernbecher, a German political exile, spent his first 27 years learning about the furniture industry from his father. After moving to Tacoma, Washington, Doernbecher established the Doernbecher Furniture Company. In 1900, Doernbecher set his sights on a rapidly growing city along the Willamette River named Portland where he would take his business and become a leader in his industry.[6][7]

Frank Doernbecher died in 1921 at the age of 59 in Portland. As a final act of goodwill, he portioned off a quarter of his estate to be donated to the City of Portland to continue his work in growing the city after his death. His two children, Edward and Ada Doernbecher, decided to give the money to the University of Oregon Medical School on Marquam Hill (now Oregon Health and Science University) to create the first dedicated children's hospital in Oregon. The Doernbecher Memorial Hospital for Children opened in 1926 and has been serving the children of Portland, Oregon, and the nation ever since.[6][7]

The Frank Silas Doernbecher House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 14, 1978. The Tudor Revival mansion is located in the Irvington neighborhood in Portland, which is lined with maple trees has a park-like setting that was the custom during the 20th century in that area. The home is rectangular and was built with a front porch, porte-cochère and several bays and projections. The walls are made of cedar shingles, and the gable ends are made with stucco. Other notable features include brick chimney stacks, leaded window panes, and a pointed window arch. The Doernbecher House is also known for its wood paneling and hand-carved decoration throughout. The house was registered in 1978 because of the significance of the entrepreneur who built it. It was occupied by the children and grandchildren of Frank Doernbecher until it was sold in 1976. it continues to be a private residence. The house has since had its utilities updated but maintains its architectural significance.[8]