Newberg’s Presidential Site is Unique in Pacific Northwest

Many locals know that the name Herbert Hoover is seen around Newberg more often than you might expect. That’s not because of an arbitrary fondness for the 31st president but because Hoover lived in Newberg as a young boy. After losing both of his parents by the age of nine, Hoover, or Bert, as he was known, moved to Newberg to live with aunt and uncle Laura and John Minthorn. The Minthorns were some of the first teachers at Friends Pacific Academy, the precursor to George Fox University. They lived in Newberg with their three daughters and nephew from 1885 to 1888.

Today the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum is the only presidential site in the Pacific Northwest — a true Oregon tourist attraction — that enables people to see what Newberg’s life was like in the 1880s. The house features period furniture and some original artifacts, including Hoover’s bedroom furniture. You can tour the entire home and garden and it is sure to make a fascinating, historical addition to any Newberg trip.