Pittock Mansion Tour - Part Four

Georgiana's Bedroom

Born around 1845, Georgiana spent her early childhood in Missouri and Iowa.  In 1854, her family crossed the Oregon Trail.  Her father was an architect and owner of a flour mill, a ferry, a bookstore, and a sheep ranch.  Georgiana attended the Portland Academy and Female Seminary.  She was almost 16 when she married 26-year-old Henry Pittock.  They had at least eight children, six living to adulthood, and 18 grandchildren.

Georgiana cared for her family and community.  In 1861, the printers of The Oregonian published thanks to Georgiana for bringing them a "mammoth" peach pie.  Society pages also mention her serving as chaperone to her daughters on country drives.  A gifted fundraiser, Georgiana worked tirelessly for her favorite charities.  She also helped found The Portland Rose Society, holding their first rose show at her downtown home in 1889.

Video of Georgiana's Bedroom

This was Georgiana Pittock's bedroom.  In 1914, it was typical for wealthy people to have a suite with separate bedrooms for husband and wife.  But this room does not look as it did when the Pittocks lived here.  Instead, it features Classical Revival (1840s) style furniture that belonged to Portland's Couch family, contemporaries of the Pittocks.  Couch items include the portrait of Captain John Couch, the bed, the armchair, and the portable writing desk.

The Sewing Room

Georgiana Pittock belonged to the Unitarian Church Ladies Sewing Society.  Sewing and embroidery were everyday activities for Georgiana and her women friends.  In the 19th century, girls made display pieces, called samplers, to demonstrate their embroidery skills.  The samplers on display were handed down through Portland's Couch, Flanders, and Corbett families.  The wallpaper in this room is a reproduction of the original.  The Rococo Revival (1850s) furniture is more formal than the oak rockers and armchair that Georgiana kept in the room.

Such a pleasant space to sew and have tea in that day.

Beautiful views and that old sewing machine and table!

Video of the sewing room.

Henry Pittock's bedroom

Henry's Closet

Henry's bathroom

I mean, come on!  This view and these windows from your bathroom!  Epic!

Born in London, England around 1834, Henry Pittock grew up in Pittsburgh, PA.  He emigrated west on the Oregon Trail in 1853, after reading exciting accounts written by river explorers and missionaries.  Arriving in Portland "barefoot and without a cent", he found work at The Weekly Oregonian newspaper.  He slept at the office, saved his earnings, and invested in Portland property.  In 1860, he married Georgiana Burton.  They had at least eight children, six surviving into adulthood.  That year, Henry also took ownership of The Oregonian in return for back owed wages, starting the career for which he was best known.  

Videos of Henry's closet and bathroom