THE CAMERON HOUSE
It is believed the first structure on this site was built in the
early 1960s, with the two "wings" being added in 1870.
E.G. Reiman was the first recorded owner, who bought the
property for $525, which suggests a home was located
here. In 1890 this historic home sold for $1000 to Mary
Krause whose deceased husband owned the "OREGON
SENTINEL" newspaper. She later married Theodoric
CAMERON on March 3, 1892. Mr. Cameron was an early
settler of Jackson County, who arrived with his brother in
1852. In 1872 Cameron helped finance the development of
the STERLING mine, which proved quite productive, and
he also developed other mines. He operated a general
merchandise store serving the community. He was active
in state politics having been elected STATE
REPRESENTATIVE in 1885 and again in 1890 and then
STATE SENATOR in 1896. Mr. Cameron died in 1914.
The house was owned and occupied by the Albert Hackert
family from approximately 1950 to 2000. Mr,. Hackert was
a former MAYOR of Jacksonville and also served as
POLICE CHIEF and city COUNCILMAN.
The home is currently being restored by its new owners,
who found, it had been altered little since its original
construction in 1870. During restoration, the current
owners discovered wallpapered ceilings and vertical barn
board walls covered with newspaper written in German
and cheesecloth-backed decorative wallpaper.
The home also has a most unique 12'v13' "root cellar"
with HAND HEWN STONES for the floor and stairway. If
stones could talk, they would have quite a story to tell.
(all attempts have been made for historical accuracy)
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