Watts House Pioneer Museum

Watts house in early 1900's Located at 52432 SE First Street Scappoose, Oregon, the Watts House was designed and built by James Grant Watts for his winsome wife Rose Arizona Ewing Watts and their three children (Ray, Hazel and Helen) in 1902. James Loring was born in 1904, the same year Ray died (age 13). It has been at the center of the Scappoose community ever since.

During 1921, Scappoose citizens met in the Watts house to plan the first city charter and elect the first official governing body. Plans for the first library, bank, cafeteria and the building of the first 12 year school house were made in this home. The first election was held here and James G. Watts was elected as the first mayor of Scappoose.

When fire destroyed much of the town in 1930, the Watts family generously opened their home's parlor to house the town's library which had also burned. J.G. Watts family The library resided in the Watts home until the town was able to add a new one in the 1950's when the firehall (located on Columbia Ave.) was built.

In 1969, the house was sold to the city with the provision that it would be maintained and become a museum. Starting in 1974, the City of Scappoose used the main floor of the house for City Hall with a children's museum in the basement and a small collection of artifacts in two of the upstairs rooms.

The house and land was placed on the National Historic Register in 1976. In 1997, the present day firehall was built and the old building converted into the current Police Station and City Hall. The house was then turned over to the members of the Scappoose Historical Society for use as a museum.

Today, the Scappoose Historical Society has restored much of the home's original style (including the original wood floors and light fixtures) and provides for the operation of the museum. Current day Watts House Museum Currently, the museum is open for events and tours throughout the year.

Some of the interesting articles on display include pieces from the historical heritage of Scappoose, such as the shawl belonging to Elizabeth M. Watts, wooden yokes used on the oxen teams, a portion of the first wooden water line and a child's cradle. During the tour, you'll enjoy seeing an entire household of historical items from the late 1800's to the mid 1900's. Historic artifacts on display Displays vary throughout the year and with three floors in the museum there is plenty to see.

Come tour the museum. Regular tour hours are 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays. Special Holiday tour hours begin December 1 and run through January 3. For group or private tours, throughout the year, please contact the Scappoose Historical Society for an appointment.Map to Watts Pioneer Museum

A small gift shop is also now located in the upper portion of the museum for visitors to purchase items. There is no entrance fee to the museum, but all donations are greatly appreciated and go towards the efforts of the Scappoose Historical Society to finish the restoration of this historically significant house.

Help us in our efforts through a charitable, tax-deductible donation. You can now donate online through PayPal (no account required) by clicking on the Donation button below!



	Watts House Pioneer Museum Located at 52432 SE First Street Scappoose, Oregon, the Watts House was designed and built by James Grant Watts for his winsome wife Rose Arizona Ewing Watts and their three children (Ray, Hazel and Helen) in 1902. James Loring was born in 1904, the same year Ray died (age 13). It has been at the center of the Scappoose community ever since. During 1921, Scappoose citizens met in the Watts house to plan the first city charter and elect the first official governing body. Plans for the first library, bank, cafeteria and the building of the first 12 year school house were made in this home. The first election was held here and James G. Watts was elected as the first mayor of Scappoose. When fire destroyed much of the town in 1930, the Watts family generously opened their home's parlor to house the town's library which had also burned. The library resided in the Watts home until the town was able to add a new one in the 1950's when the firehall (located on Columbia Ave.) was built. In 1969, the house was sold to the city with the provision that it would be maintained and become a museum. Starting in 1974, the City of Scappoose used the main floor of the house for City Hall with a children's museum in the basement and a small collection of artifacts in two of the upstairs rooms. The house and land was placed on the National Historic Register in 1976. In 1997, the present day firehall was built and the old building converted into the current Police Station and City Hall. The house was then turned over to the members of the Scappoose Historical Society for use as a museum. Today, the Scappoose Historical Society has restored much of the home's original style (including the original wood floors and light fixtures) and provides for the operation of the museum. Currently, the museum is open for events and tours throughout the year. Some of the interesting articles on display include pieces from the historical heritage of Scappoose, such as the shawl belonging to Elizabeth M. Watts, wooden yokes used on the oxen teams, a portion of the first wooden water line and a child's cradle. During the tour, you'll enjoy seeing an entire household of historical items from the late 1800's to the mid 1900's. Displays vary throughout the year and with three floors in the museum there is plenty to see. Come tour the museum. Regular tour hours are 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays. Special Holiday tour hours begin December 1 and run through January 3. For group or private tours, throughout the year, please contact the Scappoose Historical Society for an appointment.Map to Watts Pioneer Museum A small gift shop is also now located in the upper portion of the museum for visitors to purchase items. There is no entrance fee to the museum, but all donations are greatly appreciated and go towards the efforts of the Scappoose Historical Society to finish the restoration of this historically significant house. Help us in our efforts through a charitable, tax-deductible donation. You can now donate online through PayPal (no account required) by clicking on the Donation button below!