Preservation Award Winners Recognized At City Commission Meeting (Photo) -05/16/24
May marks Historic Preservation Month, making it the perfect time for Oregon City to recognize those who go through extraordinary efforts to preserve and protect the city’s legacy. Those efforts were recognized during the May 15 City Commission meeting, where the 2024 recipients of the Ruth McBride Powers award were named.
Nominations come from the Historic Review Board to applaud the efforts of residents, business owners or others who dedicate themselves to preserving and restoring the city’s historic structures. This year two awards were given, a testament to the city’s dedication to preserving its history.
Accepting the first award was Todd Iselin of Iselin Architects. Responsible for the designs that garnered multiple Ruth Powers awards for building owners over the years, Iselin Architects’ work and efforts at maintaining the City’s historic character can be seen throughout the community.
“When people come to Oregon City they get to see the real deal. They don’t see something that has been redone or is fake looking or trying to look old. They see what’s already here, and we just try to enhance it,” said Mayor Denyse McGriff when presenting the award.
The other honors were for the Ely Store restoration. The building’s significance stems from both it’s age and its connection to the Ely brothers, for which the nearby Elyville Neighborhood is named. Located at 1019 7th Street, the Ely Store opened in 1905. Originally owned by brothers Duane and George Ely, the building served as a grocery store for several decades. The Ely Store has since undergone multiple changes, but this latest restoration brings it back in line with its original style. Owner Vicky Gackle accepted that award.
The award is named after Ruth McBride Powers. Born in Michigan in 1903, Powers eventually became an Oregon resident and an ardent supporter of maintaining the City’s history. She is credited with saving more historic structures in Oregon City and the surrounding area than anyone else, including the historic Ermatinger House and the Rose Farm.
