Coming up at the Philip Foster Farm:

Pioneer Dinner and Barn Dance

Saturday, August 28th, 2010, 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Have a rip-roarin’ time trying Oregon’s state dance: the square dance! Learn traditional dances, listen to live folk music, bid in our silent auction, and enjoy a pioneer dinner. Hum along to the tunes of local folk band Heartstring’s Duo while you eat, and then join the Country Cut-Ups Square Dance Club as they demonstrate traditional square dances before dancing the night away with the Heartland Country Band.

Welcome!

Philip Foster, one of Oregon's earliest pioneers, was a leader in the establishment of Oregon. His farm and home in Eagle Creek played an important part in the history of the Barlow Road, which followed the south side of Mt. Hood as an alternative to the treacherous Columbia River route. Either option held great danger: navigate the river's swift currents and rapids, or risk the steep slopes and early winter snows in the mountains. Foster helped fund, build and operate the Barlow Road at various times between 1848 and 1865, guiding thousands of covered wagons into the Willamette Valley.

Foster took a 640 acre donation land claim at Eagle Creek in the late 1840's. The Philip Foster place was a welcome sight for pioneers coming down that one last hill into the Willamette Valley and the start of a new life in the new land.

Today Philip and Mary Foster's Farm still plays host to thousands. From April through October schoolchildren engage in activities that were part of the daily life of Oregon's earliest settlers. Summer fun and events for the general public kick off on Saturdays in May and end in December with A Country Christmas. Tours of the farm and hands-on pioneer activities are available for the whole family all summer. Click here to download and print our brochure.

Celebrate with us!
Our beautiful historic site is available to everyone for picnics, weddings, reunions, private parties and other celebrations and events. Ask us!!