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Herman Blaser House - Currently a Private Residence

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

An English Tudor house design was unusual for the town of Troutdale when it was built in 1932. Herman Blaser built this house near the Sandy River and across the street from James L. Cook's garage. To amuse friends and tourists, he kept a pen of tame deer. Now the house is nestled amongst newer homes intended to echo its design.

Images

Blaser House, 2017

Building, Plant, Window, Sky

Herman Blaser House, 1948

Photo taken during the 1948 flood.

Herman Blaser, date unknown

Smile, Standing, Coat, Black-and-white

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

Herman Blaser arrived in Troutdale around 1900. He lived as a boarder at Fred and Minnie Harlow's house for many years. He became a successful merchant and berry shipper as owner of Blaser Fruit Company. He went into business with the Harlow's creating the company, Harlow Blaser Harlow. They had varied businesses under this name - a hotel, general merchandise, warehouse and storage.

He was involved in the community through his membership in the Troutdale Parent-Teacher Association and served as mayor of Troutdale from 1933 - 1940. He never married.

In 1948 Troutdale was inundated by flood waters. The water came within 10 feet of his home, miraculously saving his house from water damage that plagued many of the other homes and businesses.

Sources

Nesbit, Sharon. It Could Have Been Carpdale. Pediment, 2007.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Troutdale Historical Society

Troutdale Historical Society

Additional Information