YOU'RE SHARING RON & MARTHA'S GOLDEN YEARS
MARYHILL MUSEUM
With apologies to the many fine people of Biggs Junction, Oregon and ranchers, farmers and others who reside in the area, I have to say that the Maryhill Museum is in the middle of nowhere. It resides on a barren Washington hillside overlooking the Columbia River and the hamlet of Biggs Junction on the Oregon shore. This imposing structure was built by diplomat and entrepreneur Sam Hill as the cornerstone of a 6,000 acre ranch he purchased in 1907. Construction was begun in 1914, using steel I-beams, steel studs and reinforced poured concrete. Sam Hill said "I expect this house to be here for a thousand years after I am gone." However, a community he planned did not materialize, so he converted it to a museum in 1926. (This was REALLY in the middle of nowhere in 1926!) His close friend, the Queen of Roumainia dedicated it. The museum opened to the public in 1940. Sam Hill also built the nearby Stonhenge Memorial, the Peace Arch between the US and Canada at Blaine Washington, and was instrumental in constructing the Historic Columbia Highway, using macadam asphault paving which he and an associate developed. The Museum has many fine exhibits from the Roumanian monarchy, as well as an eclectic mix of other art works. The Museum's location is near what has become a major highway intersection: east-west Interstate I-84 and north-south US 97. If you travel this way, the Museum is a "must see" attraction.