Alvin T. Smith House

The Alvin T. Smith House features two stories with classical columns, symmetrical shapes, and wooden pegs connecting rough-hewn logs throughout the structure.

Built in 1854 by carpenter Alvin T. Smith, who settled on a 643-acre farm in the Tualatin Plains, becoming one of Forest Grove's first permanent settlers.

The structure represents early European settlement patterns in Oregon, combining architectural elements from the East Coast with local building materials and techniques.

Located at 686 South Elm Street, the house includes a basement that settlers used for food storage and preservation during winter months.

The Friends of Historic Forest Grove purchased and restored the property in 2005, removing an abandoned methamphetamine laboratory from the basement.

Location: Forest Grove

Inception: 1854

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Floors above the ground: 2

Address: 686 South Elm Street

GPS coordinates: 45.50417,-123.10389

Latest update: September 23, 2025 14:25