Clarence E. Mershon, East of the Sandy: The Columbia River Highway

Sam Hill envisioned an "observatory from which the view both up and down the Columbia River could be viewed in silent communication with the infinite."

Lancaster stated: "As a finale, it has been determined to erect at Crown Point where the roadway encircles the top of the great rock that stands sheer seven hundred and twenty five feet above the broad Columbia, a beautiful memorial building which will occupy the center of the circle and serve as an Isle of Safety to all the visitors who wish to look on that matchless scene. While this building is primarily a vista house arranged for the comfort of visitors, it is in reality a memorial building to the memory of the pioneers of Oregon country as pioneer home builders. The President and Governors of all the states will be asked to be present when the great Columbia River Highway is formally dedicated early in June of 1916."

The Vista House, a reinforced concrete and stone-faced, octagonal structure designed by Portland architect Edgar M. Lazarus, is a fitting tribute to the pioneers it memorializes. Lazarus wrote: "The silent dignities of the pavilion with its outline against the sky will recall the ancient and mystic Thor's Crown (for) which the point was originally named."

Now a State Park, the Vista House is managed by the non-profit 'Friends of Vista House' in cooperation with the Parks Department as an interpretive site and gift shop for visitors during the summer months.

Lancaster credited Osman Royal for donating land in this area to Multnomah County. The East Multnomah Pioneer Association history credits Lorens M. Lund for donating the land upon which Vista House was actually built (see "Historical Note," Pioneer History, 1982 Supplement, p. 80). In actuality, both donated land at Crown Point to Multnomah County.

"The Highway Commission originally allocated a sum of $12,000 for the development of a shelter on the location. John Yeon, the project roadmaster, felt this sum was far to little to construct a proper structure. So without state approval, Yeon authorized $100,000 towards the project. This extravagant gesture on Yeon's part so infuriated Commissioner Holman that Yeon was fired. Edgar M. Lazarus, a Portland architect, was commissioned to design the rest stop and observatory atop Thor's Point. Lazarus wrote that 'the pavilion with its outline against the sky will recall the ancient and mystic Thor's Crown for which the point was originally named.'"

Oregon State Archives: A 1940 Journey Across Oregon

Winding along the forested mountainside the highway reaches CROWN POINT, 167.3 m. [West of Hwy. 730 Junction]. (50 alt., 800 pop.), 725 feet above the river on an overhanging rocky promontory. The highway makes a wide curve, in the center of which is the VISTA HOUSE. This impressive stone structure, a modern adaptation of the English Tudor style of architecture, modified to conform to the character and topography of the landscape, was built at a cost of $100,000. The foundation about the base of the Vista House is laid in Italian style dry masonry, no mortar having been used. Men were imported from Italy to work here and elsewhere along the highway. The windswept height, once known as THOR'S CROWN, commands a view of the river east and west for many miles.

Inside the Vista House is a bronze tablet recording the explorations of Lieut. William Broughton of Vancouver's expedition, who came up the Columbia River in 1792.

Chester H. Armstrong, "History of the Oregon State Parks: 1917-1963" (1965)

The distinctive, picturesque, old Vista House at Crown Point was built in 1916 with funds supplied by the County, augmented by small donations from many school children and other interested parties. The building project was completed through the efforts of Samuel Lancaster, John B. Yeon, Marshall Dana and others. The Vista House has won the esteem of the thousands of people who visit it each year. Many have written to tell of their appreciation of the spectacular, panoramic views of the Columbia River and the canyon as viewed from the vantage point of the majestic, old Vista House.

A bronze plaque was installed in the Vista House in 1929 by the Trail Seekers Council to honor Lieutenant W. R. Broughton of Captain Vancouver's Expedition and the naming of Mt. Hood on October 30, 1792. Also, the Daughters of the American Revolution was given permission in December, 1940, to erect a plaque in the Vista House to the memory of Madam Dorion, who, with her husband, acted as Indian guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition at the beginning of the 19th century.

In 1918, while the property was still under the jurisdiction of Multnomah County and the city of Portland, a concession was started in the Vista House. Such items as tobacco, cigars, candy, gum, etc., were sold to the traveling public. This convenience was continued after the property was acquired by the state. The concessionaire was responsible for the maintenance of the building. This was an unsatisfactory arrangement as income to the state was no greater than the cost of the janitorial service and employment of the overseer.

Because of the badly run-down condition of the building in 1942, a contract was given to Jud Beardsley for extensive repairs to the Vista House. The job, Contract 2508, was completed in October, 1942. Installation of a heating plant was completed in 1955 at a cost of $7,178.39, which eliminated the moisture problem in the building.

The Highway Commission chose to advertise in 1947 for a new concessionaire. As a result of bids received February 3, 1947, the concession was let to the Multnomah Falls Gift Shop, the highest bidder. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Flaucher, owners of the Gift Shop, were to pay 10-1/2 % of gross take from sales at the concession and furnish the janitorial work and such necessary supplies. This arrangement resulted in $7,551.27 being paid for the year 1947. Revenue decreased each successive year. Due to this condition, permission was given the concessionaire to close the Vista House during the months of January and February of each year beginning in 1952. These were two months of slow business, due to little travel on the highway, and they were costly months for heating the building. The concessionaire was permitted to reduce his payments to the state by $250 to cover the cost of fuel, commencing the winter of 1954-55.

This lease arrangement was continued by the Flauchers until 1961, when they sold their contract. The purchaser, Kyle Smith, continued under the contract with no change in the terms.

A suit contesting the right of the state to lease the Vista House for a concession was filed in 1957 by M. R. and Janice M. Moore, owners of a similar business located on adjoining property. The Court found in favor of the state.

Robert W. Hadlow, Columbia River Highway Historic District, National Historic Landmark Nomination

CB1. Building: Crown Point Vista House HABS No. OR-163

HAER No. OR-36-D

Location: HMP 23.9

Date: 1918

Designer: Edgar M. Lazarus, Portland

Builder: Multnomah County

Owner: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

This octagonal building was constructed of reinforced concrete covered with a sandstone masonry veneer. Much of the interior is covered in Alaskan marble. The building was designed as a public comfort station and memorial to Oregon pioneers. A noteworthy example of architecture influenced by the Jugendstil, or German new art movement, the design includes a visitor gallery, a roof top balcony, and basement rest rooms. It was listed in the NR in 1974.

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Vista House Restoration Completed in 2006

The interior and exterior restoration of Vista House is complete. Improvements included interior restoration, new interpretive exhibits, a site and building security system, ADA accessible improvements and a building fund for future needs. The project included full accessibility for people with disabilities: disabled parking spaces, a ramp for access to the rotunda and a lift that provides access to the downstairs from the rotunda.

Past and Present Views Along the Columbia River Highway

Ben Carscallen ,January 18, 2020

On May 5th, 2018 I recreated the original dedication photo Cross & Dimmitt shot of the Vista House on May 5th, 1918. The timing of the photo is incorrect since theirs was shot in the evening. I couldn’t get the timing right since they kicked the public out, and kept people who were specifically invited to the private event. The second photo is of the original 48 star American flag that was raised at the dedication in 1918, 100 years later it hung inside Vista House for a brief time in 2018.

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