Tour the Flavel House Museum, which was originally the home of Captain George Flavel. Starting as a hard-working river pilot, Flavel invested his earnings in Astoria real estate and grew quite wealthy. Upon retirement he had this elegant Queen Anne-style home built for himself and his wife Mary Christina Boelling and their two daughters.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home was a mansion when it was completed in 1885. It still seems very large, even by modern standards. It is 11,600 square feet (1,080 square meters) in area, spread over two and a half floors, with a four-story octagonal tower. Gaze at the house from the street, taking in the pretty park-like setting and the carriage house beyond the main building.
Step inside to see the fine details of construction. Douglas fir from San Francisco and Portland was fashioned to look like woodwork made of mahogany or burl rosewood. The house’s six fireplaces have imported tiles. Gas lighting and indoor plumbing added luxuries of the period.
As you walk around the first floor, imagine being invited for a social event in the dining room, parlor or living room. All these spaces have Victorian furniture and tall ceilings.
Climb to the second floor, which has five bedrooms and a central copper bathtub. Note the stairs leading up to the tower from where Captain Flavel enjoyed views of his beloved river.
The Clatsop County Historical Society operates the museum. Purchase tickets in the carriage house and ask for discounts for children and seniors. View a short video at the museum gift shop here and take a self-guided tour. Join one of the special Victorian teas on Mother’s Day or before and after Christmas.
Find the Flavel House Museum in central Astoria. Drive here or walk a few blocks inland from the Astoria Riverfront Trolley.
While in the area, cross the street to visit the Oregon Film Museum, filled with memorabilia of The Goonies and other movies filmed in Astoria and across Oregon.
