Moorhouse Photo Collection: Part 1

1/27/25 18 Comments

Authored & Curated By

M.J.G.

Exploring the photographs of Lee Moorhouse (1850–1926), a prominent 19th-century photographer, U.S. Indian agent, and businessman based in Pendleton, Oregon. Moorhouse is best known for his extensive documentation of Native American life in the Pacific Northwest, but his work also extends to capturing homes, buildings, and landscapes of the era. These images provide valuable insights into domestic and architectural styles, as well as community life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This study will focus on three of Moorhouse’s photographs: two homes and one interior, each unrelated to the others. By examining these images, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and stylistic elements of the period.

Little is known about the homes and people featured in this collection of photographs. Any additional insights or knowledge would be greatly appreciated and can be shared in the comments below.

This striking home is painted in a vibrant polychrome paint scheme. While it lacks a front porch, it features an enclosed vestibule. Vestibules are particularly effective at reducing drafts by creating a double-door barrier, adding both functionality and charm to the home’s design.

It’s likely that the residents of this home are posing on the lawn for the photograph. In the background, plants can be seen on the porch, neatly arranged in barrels, adding a touch of greenery to the scene.

This remarkable box bay window offers a glimpse into the interior window treatments of the home. Bright lace curtains, a popular feature of the era, are clearly visible. Even more intriguing is a close-up view of patterned roller shades, which appear stenciled or painted. These shades are noticeably darker than the lace curtains, suggesting they were designed in a color other than white. These window shades came in a wide variety of colors and patterns, adding both practicality and decorative flair to the interiors of the time.

Window shades on spring rollers were an affordable option and were available in a wide range of colors and decorative designs.

Take a closer look at the gable and intricate carvings, crowned by a prominent roof finial. Roof finials were a striking feature of 19th-century homes, though they are largely absent in modern architecture. Notice the lower sashes of the windows, which are fitted with screens—a practical addition for the time.

Also visible is an old wooden gutter system, complete with an ornate end piece that adds to the home’s charm. Two wires run along the exterior of the house—any guesses as to their purpose?

The top of the porch is adorned with attractive sawed fancies, adding a decorative touch to the home’s exterior. The downspout is particularly unique, featuring a simple yet decorative corner splash guard. The corner also appears to be fitted with a tall spike finial, further enhancing the home’s ornate details.

What makes this era so fascinating is the emphasis on decorative elements, a focus that seems to have been lost in modern architecture. Another noteworthy feature is the brackets, which are painted in alternating colors, adding even more character to the design.

A closer look reveals the large finial topping the left side of the roof, adding a striking finishing touch to the home’s architectural details.

The family has gathered to pose on the front veranda of their modest home. What’s particularly interesting is the connection between the front porch and the side wing porch, which is linked by a piped railing. This addition appears to be an afterthought, creating a functional yet somewhat unconventional connection between the two areas.

The family poses for the photograph, with the little girl holding her doll, adding a charming touch to the scene.

That child’s toy baby carriage sits nearby, complete with another doll, while this close-up reveals the rudimentary design of the railing.

Lighter-colored working shutters frame the windows, while a view of the tops of the porch posts adds another layer of detail to the home’s exterior.

The two rockers were likely a favorite spot for the family to enjoy the hot summer days or unwind after a long day. The late 1890s and early 1900s saw a trend of tying bows and fabric like this to chairs like you see here on the rocker to the right.

A Chinese lantern, hanging on a wire, may have provided some light at night. This area could be the kitchen wing of the house, based on the curtains visible in the window. Notably, the shutters appear to be lighter than the body of the house, creating a subtle contrast in the overall design.

An interesting situation is occurring with the lower step here.

This piece of furniture, situated in the corner of the room, is filled with vases, cups, and photos. The decorating scheme may appear haphazard, but it is typical of the late 1890s and early 1900s. In this photo, you can also notice the simple wood trim on the wall.

A Weber piano, littered with papers, vases, urns, and a Japanese fan palm, shows signs of being well-used.

A portière drapery is draped over an oversized pole, with a floral-painted tambourine hanging from the left side of the door, creating an intriguing decorating scheme. Who is the nun depicted on the wall in two locations? Also, notice the metal chain curtain tieback holding the drapery in place.

A close-up view of the wallpaper frieze reveals that there is no picture rail in this room, and the picture is instead hung from a large pin in the wall.

The Lee Moorhouse Collection Chapters:
The Moorhouse Collection: Part 1
The Moorhouse Collection: Part 2
The Moorhouse Collection: Part 3

18 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Civility is expected. This site is devoted to historic architecture and the stories it carries, so please keep discussions within those walls. Comments are overseen by both readers and automated moderation. If you spot a remark that crosses the line, click the red flag in the upper right corner of the comment.

Political commentary of any kind is strictly forbidden.

By commenting, you are agreeing that you have read and will follow the comment policy.
[Click here to review the full comment policy.] Updated 7/21/26.

Old House Dreams does not represent this property. All listing details should be independently verified.

A collection of historic homes for those who dream...