The Gentle House Story
On a crisp February day in 1911
Thomas Gentle, his wife, Carrie, and their four sons and daughter arrived by train in Oregon from Wisconsin on a crisp February day in 1911. Thomas had just accepted the position as head of the campus elementary training school at Oregon Normal School, now Western Oregon University. He brought with him some rather innovative training ideas that he acquired while studying in Germany, and little did he know that someday the elementary teacher education program at this small college in Oregon would become nationally famous due in part to his contributions.
The farmhouse that the family purchased on North Monmouth Avenue was part of an original land grant to the Butler Family, early settlers in Monmouth. Historians report the house was built around 1880 by the son of J.B.V. Butler for his family of eleven children. After changing hands several times, it was purchased by the Gentle Family in 1914 and remained in the family until the daughter, Catharine, donated it to the WOU Foundation in 1981 to be used by the college and community for genteel entertaining.
Today, the renovated home still retains its 19th century grace and charm.
The Renovation
Renovating the 1880s Gentle House structure to its current functional but refined antique condition has been an ongoing project of the WOU Foundation. Progress has been achieved with the help of many individuals and civic groups who have donated money and time.
On the first floor, the major emphasis has been to revitalize paint, wallpaper and floor coverings while remaining true to the taste of the early 1920s. The small parlor retains much of its original furniture and wallpaper. The large living room and dining room have been totally renovated with new paint and wallpaper, although they contain the original carpeting and a few pieces of period furniture. The kitchen has a new floor and the old wood stove has been restored to its place of distinction.
The second floor is used primarily as a museum of the times, the community, the college and the Gentle family. The Thomas Gentle study and Catharine's bedroom have been restored by members of the Gentle family with many mementos of Thomas Gentle and his daughter.
Outside, the picturesque gazebo, donated by the Monmouth Garden Club, enhances the beautiful grounds. Group tours of the museum are available by appointment; please call 503-838-8673 or e-mail gentlehouse@wou.edu.