Bryson, J. R., House
242 NW 7th St., Corvallis, ORThe John Rodell Bryson House built c. 1882, is significant for its historic associations with the early economic and political growth of Corvallis, county seat of Benton County, Oregon. It is generally held to be the most imposing of the few examples of the Italian Bracketted Style remaining in Benton County, and its fine detail and craftsmanship are noteworthy.
J.R. Bryson was born in 1853, the son of Matthew Bryson who emigrated to Brownsville, Oregon from Pennsylvania in 1851. Bryson attended Corvallis College and graduated in 1874. In 1876 he was admitted to the bar and he set up his practice in Corvallis. In February 1881, Bryson purchased Block 16 of the County Addition to Marysville (Corvallis) from Thomas J. and Mary E. Conner. The architect for the structure that was subsequently built is as yet unknown. An entry in Bryson's books indicates that the probable carpenter for the structure was Joseph Emerick, the carpenter for several other Italianate structures in Benton County.
J.R. Bryson was "a public-spirited citizen...closely identified with (Corvallis') growth and development..." between 1876 and 1896. He was involved in the political, educational, judicial, and economic growth of Corvallis during this time. His first public position was his appointment as city recorder in 1879, and from 1880 to 1882 he served two terms as mayor of Corvallis. During this time he was directly involved in the passing of several significant city ordinances including an ordinance preventing the disposal of rubbish on roads or alleyways (1879), an ordinance requiring city prisoners to work on civic improvements during their imprisonment (1880), and the licensing of liquor outlets (1881). Also during this period, Bryson was involved in giving access to Corvallis to the Western Oregon Railroad (1879), allowing Albert Ray to construct the American Speaking Telephone in Corvallis (1880), and passing the ordinance to erect the Corvallis Water Works for the benefit of the citizens. Between 1882 and 1886, Bryson also served as county judge for Benton County, a term marked by "a businesslike and satisfactory administration, " Following his term as county judge, Bryson "firmly refused many earnest requests to accept political offices..." although his "...quietly expressed opinion carried great weight."
Educationally, J.R. Bryson was closely associated with his alma mater, Corvallis College, which by this time had become Oregon Agricultural College and would later become Oregon State University. Following his term as county judge, Bryson became secretary of the building committee for Oregon Agricultural College. As secretary, Bryson was instrumental in the construction of many buildings including Benton Hall, the oldest building on the Oregon State University campus:
Judicially, Bryson was "a lawyer of high rank and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice" marked by a "scrupulous integrity and sound judgment." The height of Bryson's legal career came in 1896 when, along with Judge McFadden of Corvallis, he represented Bonner and Hammond before the Oregon Supreme Court in their attempt to purchase the defunct Oregon Pacific Railroad Company for a nominal $100,000. The Railroad countered by claiming an attempt to defraud was made because the railroad had a face value of many times that amount. The Supreme Court ruled that because over four years had elapsed with no successful offer from the public, and because the railroad had a responsibility to its creditors, the railroad had to be sold to the highest bidder. This court case set a national legal precedent; insured the continuation of the railroad, which was "regarded as a most fortunate circumstance to the citizens of the Willamette Valley," and catapulted Bryson into statewide fame.
Bryson also was involved with the economic atmosphere in Corvallis as the lawyer for the Hamilton, Job, and Company Bank. This locally owned and administered bank failed on June 18, 1893, as a result of a national and local recession. J.R. Bryson represented the bank as a legal council even though he himself had been a heavy speculator in the bank. Bryson was in large part responsible for soothing public sentiment. In spite of the hostile interests involved, Bryson "discharged that trust...to the eminent satisfaction of every creditor and debtor,...(which was) a monument to his business capacity and integrity." Bryson was so respected in Corvallis that, following his death in 1897 at the age of 43, "all the business houses were closed and flags on public buildings floated at half mast." The house stayed in Bryson family ownership until it was sold as a private residence in 1906.
In 1912, the house was purchased as a chapter house by Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. The only significant renovations came at this time and grew out of the sorority's need for room. During this period the house also briefly served as the storage place for the first cooperative store in Corvallis, a fraternity/sorority cooperative. This cooperative later was expanded and moved in 1919 to the Old Managers Cooperative Market building. In 1920 the house became an independently owned apartment house, and it has continued to be operated as such to the present day.
Architecturally, the structure is understood to be Benton County's grandest extant Italian Bracketted home. Historic views of the Bryson home confirm the elegance of the structure and the quality of craftsmanship that went into its construction. The addition over the east porch could be removed to return the east facade to its original appearance. The decorated frieze and brackets, the coupled-column porch, the ceiling medallion, the interior wood blinds, and the free-standing staircase are among the outstanding features that remain wholly intact.
Presently, there is an option on the Bryson home (now an apartment house) held by the Women's Institute of Financial Education (WIFE). This recently-formed corporation dedicated to the financial education of women and their families is attempting to obtain nonprofit, corporate tax exemption. The executive director of WIFE, Judith Headington, is one of the present owners of the Bryson home as an apartment house. It is her wish to secure National Register certification as well as nonprofit status and open the Bryson home to the public as the home office of the Women's Institute.
Local significance of the building:
J.R. Bryson was born in 1853, the son of Matthew Bryson who emigrated to Brownsville, Oregon from Pennsylvania in 1851. Bryson attended Corvallis College and graduated in 1874. In 1876 he was admitted to the bar and he set up his practice in Corvallis. In February 1881, Bryson purchased Block 16 of the County Addition to Marysville (Corvallis) from Thomas J. and Mary E. Conner. The architect for the structure that was subsequently built is as yet unknown. An entry in Bryson's books indicates that the probable carpenter for the structure was Joseph Emerick, the carpenter for several other Italianate structures in Benton County.
J.R. Bryson was "a public-spirited citizen...closely identified with (Corvallis') growth and development..." between 1876 and 1896. He was involved in the political, educational, judicial, and economic growth of Corvallis during this time. His first public position was his appointment as city recorder in 1879, and from 1880 to 1882 he served two terms as mayor of Corvallis. During this time he was directly involved in the passing of several significant city ordinances including an ordinance preventing the disposal of rubbish on roads or alleyways (1879), an ordinance requiring city prisoners to work on civic improvements during their imprisonment (1880), and the licensing of liquor outlets (1881). Also during this period, Bryson was involved in giving access to Corvallis to the Western Oregon Railroad (1879), allowing Albert Ray to construct the American Speaking Telephone in Corvallis (1880), and passing the ordinance to erect the Corvallis Water Works for the benefit of the citizens. Between 1882 and 1886, Bryson also served as county judge for Benton County, a term marked by "a businesslike and satisfactory administration, " Following his term as county judge, Bryson "firmly refused many earnest requests to accept political offices..." although his "...quietly expressed opinion carried great weight."
Educationally, J.R. Bryson was closely associated with his alma mater, Corvallis College, which by this time had become Oregon Agricultural College and would later become Oregon State University. Following his term as county judge, Bryson became secretary of the building committee for Oregon Agricultural College. As secretary, Bryson was instrumental in the construction of many buildings including Benton Hall, the oldest building on the Oregon State University campus:
Judicially, Bryson was "a lawyer of high rank and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice" marked by a "scrupulous integrity and sound judgment." The height of Bryson's legal career came in 1896 when, along with Judge McFadden of Corvallis, he represented Bonner and Hammond before the Oregon Supreme Court in their attempt to purchase the defunct Oregon Pacific Railroad Company for a nominal $100,000. The Railroad countered by claiming an attempt to defraud was made because the railroad had a face value of many times that amount. The Supreme Court ruled that because over four years had elapsed with no successful offer from the public, and because the railroad had a responsibility to its creditors, the railroad had to be sold to the highest bidder. This court case set a national legal precedent; insured the continuation of the railroad, which was "regarded as a most fortunate circumstance to the citizens of the Willamette Valley," and catapulted Bryson into statewide fame.
Bryson also was involved with the economic atmosphere in Corvallis as the lawyer for the Hamilton, Job, and Company Bank. This locally owned and administered bank failed on June 18, 1893, as a result of a national and local recession. J.R. Bryson represented the bank as a legal council even though he himself had been a heavy speculator in the bank. Bryson was in large part responsible for soothing public sentiment. In spite of the hostile interests involved, Bryson "discharged that trust...to the eminent satisfaction of every creditor and debtor,...(which was) a monument to his business capacity and integrity." Bryson was so respected in Corvallis that, following his death in 1897 at the age of 43, "all the business houses were closed and flags on public buildings floated at half mast." The house stayed in Bryson family ownership until it was sold as a private residence in 1906.
In 1912, the house was purchased as a chapter house by Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. The only significant renovations came at this time and grew out of the sorority's need for room. During this period the house also briefly served as the storage place for the first cooperative store in Corvallis, a fraternity/sorority cooperative. This cooperative later was expanded and moved in 1919 to the Old Managers Cooperative Market building. In 1920 the house became an independently owned apartment house, and it has continued to be operated as such to the present day.
Architecturally, the structure is understood to be Benton County's grandest extant Italian Bracketted home. Historic views of the Bryson home confirm the elegance of the structure and the quality of craftsmanship that went into its construction. The addition over the east porch could be removed to return the east facade to its original appearance. The decorated frieze and brackets, the coupled-column porch, the ceiling medallion, the interior wood blinds, and the free-standing staircase are among the outstanding features that remain wholly intact.
Presently, there is an option on the Bryson home (now an apartment house) held by the Women's Institute of Financial Education (WIFE). This recently-formed corporation dedicated to the financial education of women and their families is attempting to obtain nonprofit, corporate tax exemption. The executive director of WIFE, Judith Headington, is one of the present owners of the Bryson home as an apartment house. It is her wish to secure National Register certification as well as nonprofit status and open the Bryson home to the public as the home office of the Women's Institute.
Industry; Politics/government; Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Oregon was the first state in the United States to legalize physician-assisted suicide. In 1994, Oregon voters passed the Death with Dignity Act, which allows terminally ill patients to obtain a prescription for a lethal dose of medication to end their lives.
About Benton County
Benton County Timeline
Benton County, Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, has a rich and diverse history spanning thousands of years. The area originally belonged to various Native American tribes, including the Kalapuya and the Wewa. They thrived on the abundant natural resources, using the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
The first recorded European contact with the region occurred in the 18th century when explorers and fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company ventured inland. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that significant settlement took place. In 1847, a group of emigrants led by Elijah Bristow arrived in what is now Benton County, establishing Oregon's first non-Native American settlement.
During this period, the Oregon Territory was expanding rapidly, attracting more settlers seeking opportunities for land and a better life. Benton County was officially established on December 23, 1847, and named in honor of Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton, known for his support of westward expansion. The county's population grew steadily, especially with the completion of the Oregon Pacific Railroad in 1880, connecting the area to the rest of the state.
Benton County has undergone significant economic and social transformation throughout its history. Agriculture, particularly timber production and farming, played a vital role in the county's development. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the growth of various crops, including wheat, oats, and strawberries. In the mid-20th century, Oregon State University (formerly Oregon Agricultural College) in Corvallis became a major driving force behind the county's economy, as its research and educational programs contributed to technological innovation and industrial diversification.
Today, Benton County continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic community. With a focus on sustainability, the county embraces its agricultural heritage while also being a hub for technology and innovation. Home to a diverse population and renowned educational institutions, Benton County remains a place where history, nature, and progress intersect.
The first recorded European contact with the region occurred in the 18th century when explorers and fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company ventured inland. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that significant settlement took place. In 1847, a group of emigrants led by Elijah Bristow arrived in what is now Benton County, establishing Oregon's first non-Native American settlement.
During this period, the Oregon Territory was expanding rapidly, attracting more settlers seeking opportunities for land and a better life. Benton County was officially established on December 23, 1847, and named in honor of Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton, known for his support of westward expansion. The county's population grew steadily, especially with the completion of the Oregon Pacific Railroad in 1880, connecting the area to the rest of the state.
Benton County has undergone significant economic and social transformation throughout its history. Agriculture, particularly timber production and farming, played a vital role in the county's development. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the growth of various crops, including wheat, oats, and strawberries. In the mid-20th century, Oregon State University (formerly Oregon Agricultural College) in Corvallis became a major driving force behind the county's economy, as its research and educational programs contributed to technological innovation and industrial diversification.
Today, Benton County continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic community. With a focus on sustainability, the county embraces its agricultural heritage while also being a hub for technology and innovation. Home to a diverse population and renowned educational institutions, Benton County remains a place where history, nature, and progress intersect.
Benton County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Benton County, Oregon.
- 1847: The Oregon territorial government creates Benton County.
- 1851: Philomath College, now known as Oregon State University, is established.
- 1862: Corvallis becomes the county seat.
- 1893: The first electric power plant in the county is built in Corvallis.
- 1908: The William Jasper Kerr Research Center, now part of Oregon State University, is founded in Corvallis.
- 1922: The first county library is established in Monroe.
- 1943: Camp Adair, a World War II military training camp, is established near Corvallis.
- 1952: The Greenberry Store, the oldest continually operating store in Oregon, is established in Philomath.
- 2007: The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo celebrates its 60th anniversary.
- 2011: The county commemorates its 150th anniversary with various events and activities.