GOVERNORS’ PORTRAITS

Inspiring future leaders

WHAT’S IN YOUR ATTIC?

The Capitol Foundation is searching for missing pieces of Oregon’s past

The Capitol Foundation is asking for your help tracking down formal artwork portraying former Oregon governors. Many oil paintings of territorial and state governors were lost when the previous capitol burned in 1935, but we know that some were saved and others might exist. They may be in private homes, schools, universities, museums, businesses, courthouses or public buildings.

Of particular interest are portraits formerly displayed in our Capitol and the stories of how the artwork made its way to its new location. The Capitol Foundation wants to log the artwork’s existence but does not want reclaim the portraits. The location of artwork in private residences will remain private. If you have information about the location of the gubernatorial portraits listed below or other formal artwork that portrays an Oregon governor, please contact us.

Missing portraits of former Oregon governors:

1. Abernethy, George, July 14, 1845–Mar. 3, 1849.
2. Benson, Frank W., March 1, 1909–June 17, 1910.
3. Bowerman, Jay, June 17, 1910–Jan. 11, 1911.
4. Chadwick, Stephen Fowler, Feb. 1, 1877–Sept. 11, 1878.
5. Chamberlain, George Earle Stephen, Jan. 15, 1903–March 1, 1909.
6. Curry, George L., Aug. 1, 1854–Mar. 3, 1859, and May 19, 1853, to
   Dec. 2, 1853 (Acting).
7. Gaines, John P., Aug. 18, 1850–May 16, 1853.
8. Gibbs, Addison C., Sept. 10, 1862–Sept. 12, 1866.
9. Grover, Lafayette (Gov.), Sept. 14, 1870 – Feb. 1, 1877.
10. Hall, John Hubert, Oct. 30, 1947–Jan. 10, 1949.
11. Holmes, Robert Denison, Jan. 14, 1957–Jan. 12, 1959.
12. Lane, Joseph, Mar. 3, 1849–June 18, 1850, and May 16, 1853, to
    May 19, 1853 (Acting).
13. * McKay, James Douglas, Jan. 10, 1949–Dec. 27, 1952.*
14. Moody, Zenas Ferry, Sept. 13, 1882–Jan. 12, 1887.
15. Norblad, Albin Walter, Dec. 21, 1929–Jan. 12, 1931.
16. Olcott, Ben, March 3, 1919–Jan. 8, 1923.
17. Patterson, Paul Linton, Dec. 27, 1952–Feb. 1, 1956.
18. Patterson, Isaac Lee, Jan. 10, 1927–Dec. 21, 1929.
19. Pennoyer, Sylvester, Jan. 12, 1887–Jan. 14, 1895.
20. Pierce, Walter Marcus, Jan. 8, 1923–Jan. 10, 1927.
21. Pritchette, Kintzing, June 18, 1850–Aug. 18, 1850.
22. Smith, Elmo Everett, Feb. 1, 1956–Jan. 14, 1957.
23. Snell, Earl Wilcox, Jan. 11, 1943–Oct. 30, 1947.
24. * Sprague, Charles Arthur, Jan. 9, 1939–Jan. 11, 1943.*
25. Thayer, William Wallace, Sept. 11, 1878–Sept. 13, 1882.
26. Whiteaker, John, March 3, 1859–Sept. 10, 1862.
27. Woods, George Lemuel, Sept. 12, 1866–Sept. 14, 1870.

* The Capitol Foundation is currently pursuing a possible lead.

Capitol Foundation’s Governors’ Portrait Search is making the news!

• Wanted: 27 Oregon governors’ portraits
  By Claire Withycombe, Statesman Journal, Sept. 22, 2022
• Elleda Wilson: What’s in your attic?
  By Elleda Wilson, The Daily Astorian, Sept. 22, 2022
• In One Ear: What’s in your attic?
  By Elleda Wilson, The Astorian, Sept. 22, 2022
• Wanted: 27 portraits of Oregon governors
  By Leonard Parker, LocalToday, Sept. 22, 2022
• What’s In Your Attic?
  Salem Business Journal, Sept. 21, 2022
• What’s In Your Attic?
  Willamette Living Magazine, Sept. 16, 2022
• My search for a portrait of my great-great-grandfather
  By Claire Withycombe, Statesman Journal, November 28, 2021
• The Missing Oregon Portraits
  By Carl Fisher, Oregon APIC Chapter, November 29, 2021

OREGON STATE ARCHIVES HOSTING GOVERNOR’S PORTRAITS EXHIBIT

Source: The Gateway newsletter, August 2022

When critical, life-saving construction closed the central, historic portion of the Capitol in July, art in the area was relocated for preservation. But visitors don’t need to wait for the project to conclude in 2025 to view select governors’ portraits.

In an effort to keep some of the impacted artwork available for public viewing, our Capitol History Gateway partners at Oregon State Archives graciously offered to host a temporary exhibit featuring the portraits of Governors Roberts, Kitzhaber, and Kulongoski and the bust statue of Governor Hatfield in their Administrative Suite while the Capitol is under construction.

Exhibit entry is free. The Administrative Suite, located at 800 Summer St. N.E., is accessible by appointment only, so call 503-373-0701 or send an email before you visit.

After serving their tenures, Oregon’s Governors will often commission a public portrait (or, in the case of Governor Hatfield, a bust) to display in the Capitol. This exhibit is an excellent way for you to continue to experience the Capitol’s rich history and artwork. We hope you’ll check it out!

ARTWORK CONNECTS OREGONIANS TO OUR SHARED HISTORY

Gubernatorial portraits portray leaders who held Oregon’s top office

Whether you’re a student, history buff, art enthusiast, or visiting from out of state, this artwork provides an opportunity to learn about the shared heritage and history of Oregonians.

The Oregon State Capitol Foundation is committed to preserving our Capitol and making its history accessible to Oregonians and all who visit our state.

GOVERNORS OF THE STATE OF OREGON

21st Century

20th Century

VICTOR ATIYEH (R)

1979-1987

ROBERT D. HOLMES (D)

1957-1959

JOHN HUBERT HALL (R)

1947-1949

JULIUS MEIER (I)

1931-1935

BEN W. OLCOTT (R)

1919-1923

FRANK W. BENSON (R)

1909-1910

19th Century

ZENAS FERRY MOODY (R)

1882-1887

GEORGE LEMUEL WOODS (R)

1866-1870

GOVERNORS OF THE TERRITORY OF OREGON

JOSEPH LANE (D)

1853

PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT

FIRST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1843-1844

ENGAGE OREGONIANS IN OUR DEMOCRACY

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The Capitol Foundation transforms your tax-deductible donations into varied and abundant learning experiences about our Capitol and the processes and persons within it that are crucial to our collective everyday lives. Click an image below to learn more about some of the exciting projects made possible thanks to your generosity!