Saturday, 13 September, 2014
Cannon Beach Cottage Tour
a benefit for the Cannon Beach History Center
We had a long walk to the next cottage. As always in Cannon Beach, charming sights abounded.
The walking route took us along the narrow shouldered lane uphill on Hemlock Street. Now me, hobbling with my cane and with cars going by and a drop off on one side, was probably the only one in the world acrophobic and car phobic enough to be scared.
However, I survived the walk both ways. Allan was with me on the way back and told me quite comfortingly that if I fell down the slope it would be into brambles and not all the way down. It was quite, quite a long and uphill and downdale walk and I was glad I had brought my cane.

Allan says “I stayed above the highway on a ‘shortcut’ with this double decked house facing Haystack rock…”
I was walking alone as Allan left the previous house after me, and as I finally neared the destination, older folks leaving the property said to me, “It’s worth it!” I realized that with my cane, I am now bonded to the older folks. I guess I am one of them! They were so right, the destination was well worth the long, hilly walk in both directions.
West-Bouvy Cabin
from the programme: Originally built in 1913 for Oregon governor Oswald West, this is one of the most historic homes on the tour. The property sits on a basaltic precipice with a breathtaking view of the ocean. The rectangular, one story Adirondack style log cabin is 40 by 48 feet and sits 80 feet above sea level. The Wests sold their retreat in 1926, where it was sold to a Dr Harry Bouvy and his wife Gladys in 1936 and later passed down to their descendants. In late May of 1991, the homeowners had made plans with the Oregon State Preservation Office to nominate the home on the National Register of Historic Places. It wasn’t until May 30, 1991, a 16-year old arsonist set the home ablaze and 55 years of family history had gone up in smoke. Following the fire, the home was reconstructed in its exact location.
As you can see, the home has a second story; I’m not sure if that was added later.
I stood in the queue on the west side porch having a delightful chat with the docent. He said interior photos were just fine, and so did the owner, who was inside. We were even allowed to wear our shoes in the house despite the very fine wood floors. The docent told me that the house had been recreated by sifting through the ashes to find the original footprint, and also had been recreated from photographs. (I did not think to ask if the second story was original or added later.)
The name of the young arsonist is a mystery; because of his age, the records were sealed. I can only wonder why? why? why? I found this good article about the rebuilding (although when I look at it, the colours are very odd and hard to read). Here is another, and easier to read, article.
As we made the long walk back to the next cottage, I told older folks who were walking toward me and looking rather hot and tired in the 84 degree weather, “It’s worth it.”
What is the tour date for 2015?
LikeLike
I just got a postcard from the history center saying Sept 12th and 13th, with tickets available for purchase starting July 1.
LikeLike
It may be 2-1/2 years since this post went up, but I just discovered it. I so admired the West-Bouvy house as a little girl. Curiosity got the better of me after years of gazing up at it from the beach. When I was about eight and after making sure no one was there, I HAD to walk over and look through the windows. Stunning home. I knew a little about its history from my dad. My grandfather and uncle owned the property immediately to the south. Our summer cabin didn’t fair too well over the years slowly giving way way toward the beach. I’m so happy to learn this remarkable home was rebuilt true to it’s original plans, design and materials.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading and for commenting with some interesting CB personal history.
LikeLike
I remember a tree swing in the yard, between the wood shed and the house-or am I thinking of the teeter-totter? *before the 1991 fire and subsequent restoration ?
LikeLike
Very interesting. We were glad to be able to tour this lovely place.
LikeLike