Linn County Parks & Recreation

History – Built for John and Elizabeth Moyer in 1881

A tour of the Moyer House, built in 1881, will reveal an Italianate Villa style home with incredible artwork on the ceiling, carved finials, murals above bay windows, and painted transoms. John And Elizabeth Moyer were an influential couple in Brownsville and after their family was raised they decided to build a beautiful home that fit their social standing.  This 3,000 square foot home only has two bedrooms, but it has a front parlor, a music room, a ladies Parlor, a dining room and a large kitchen.  All designed with entertaining in mind.   No effort was spared in the decoration; with ceilings extensively stenciled, stenciling on the crown moldings, original paintings on the glass transoms and over the bay windows.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of many volunteers, the rooms have been restored to as near original condition as possible.  Careful detective work was done to remove layers and layers of paint that uncovered the stenciling. Door and window trim was removed to find remnants of wallpaper that was then reproduced and hung. Muslin was pulled off the ceilings to reveal the beautiful stencils.  This is a unique and important home in the history of Oregon architecture.

Years and years of hard work  and fundraising have returned this special home to it’s former glory and it is available for tours every Saturday, the first tour starts at 12:00 pm and the last one leaves at 3:00 pm. During the summer the first tour leaves at 2:00 and the last at 4:00.  Purchase tickets at the Linn County Historical Museum and meet your guide there.

Adults $5.00 and $1.00 for children under 12.

To arrange for a group or school tour call the Museum at 541-466-3390