Morehouse Collection: Part 4

3/7/25 41 Comments

Authored & Curated By

M.J.G.

Ezra Meeker & His Journey

Ezra Meeker (1830–1928) was an American pioneer, entrepreneur, and historian best known for his efforts to commemorate the Oregon Trail. He traveled west with his family in 1852 along the trail, eventually settling in Washington Territory. Meeker became a successful hop farmer but later dedicated much of his life to preserving the history of westward expansion.

In his later years, he retraced the Oregon Trail multiple times—by ox-drawn wagon, automobile, and even airplane—to mark its route and raise awareness of its historical significance. His advocacy led to the placement of numerous monuments along the trail. He was sometimes called the "Champion of the Oregon Trail" and remained active in preservation efforts until his death at the age of 97.

Let's see where Lee Moorhouse captures his moments for his 1906 – Trail Retracement with Ox-Drawn Wagon

A portrait of Ezra Meeker taken in the yard of Lee Moorhouse.

Ezra and his team of oxen arrive in villages, drawing the attention of gathered crowds.

It is always fascinating to zoom in, not just to observe the buildings but also the crowds coming together. You can almost hear the voices, the laughter, and the excitement filling the air.

Families and friends gather around the famous wagon, climbing inside to capture photos together.

This child is desperately trying to climb up or make their way down. That roof hardly looks sturdy enough for one person, let alone the many standing on it.

Another view of the same location captures the joyful crowd eagerly gathering around the carriage.

Ezra and his team pause for a photo with this household, who all stepped outside to capture the moment.

This couple, possibly the homeowners, brought their Victorian settee out to the sidewalk for the photo. True to the style, the couch features two contrasting fabrics and a base adorned with heavy fringe.

Ezra and his travel companion stand in front of the home.

The little girls and the two ladies glance toward the wagon while also posing for the photo.

A closer look at the architecture of this modest single-story home highlights its intricate wood details.

This young man said to be Ezra’s son were traveled with Ezra on his journey and appears in many of the photographs.

A view of the homes on the hill.

As Ezra and his team enter the town center of Pendleton, Oregon, they begin to draw crowds in front of the Hotel St. George building.

The Sanborn Map of this hotel.

The building was developed in four distinct phases between 1900 and 1937. In 1900, it consisted of two floors. In 1903, a third floor was added along with an eastward expansion. By 1927, floors 2 through 4 were rebuilt, added to, and transformed into an art deco structure.

Another view of Ezra and his oxen in front of the famous hotel. The brick features two distinct colors, and by 1910, the conical tower had been truncated.

The speckled effect on the building is intriguing.

Another view of the rounded corner room.

A view of the stained glass window in the bar area.

Ezra’s dog joined him on his travels, seen here lounging under the carriage.

Shifting to a different street in front of various businesses provides more views of Pendleton’s center.

Another view of a different area in the center of Pendleton, with Ezra and the shopkeepers and staff standing outside for another photo opportunity.

It would be fascinating to get an inside look at these upstairs tenements or offices.

Ezra stands in front of the Pendleton Courthouse.

A view of the Courthouse as shown on the 1890s map.

A closer look at the courthouse details reveals the year 1888 proudly stamped at the top.

The beautiful clock tower shows signs of wear on the clock faces.

The contrast between the muddy road and the beautiful building is striking.

The people on the porch provide a sense of scale, highlighting how massive this building was.

They stop in front of the home we visited in a previous chapter. If you look closely, the dog is sitting under the wagon once again.

It is mentioned that he hired William Mardon as driver and cook (who remained with him for three years) after previous assistants refused a pay cut. Thanks to JKleeb.

Excited to pose for the picture, this lady and her child are possibly Ezra’s son’s wife and child.

Thanks to Beav for posting additional information on this in the comments section below.

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

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