There has been lots of activity on the genealogy research into the previous owners of our house.

To recap. The builder of our house was named Benjamin Brumwell. He built dozens of homes in Portland up until the 1950s or 1960s. His granddaughter, Birdie Etchison, came to visit our house a few months ago. She had some interesting stories and history about the builder and his wife, Birdie Brumwell (her namesake).

Benjamin and Birdie were married in 1909. She was strikingly beautiful.

In his early days of general contracting, he built a grand home for their family on Foster Road, which still stands, although operates as a business.

Here is a photo of the house, with Birdie’s grandparents, the Drakes, posing stoically outside.

Here’s the same house now via Google Maps. Its went through some tough times since 1909.

Benjamin and Birdie pose outside their home. Benjamin had crazy hair!

Birdie Brumwell’s story is tragic as she died young in 1923 from Tuberculosis after having a number of children, 2 of which preceded her in death. Her granddaughter told me about the day she died. The family held some sort of faith healing tent meeting in their backyard on one of the hottest days of the year.

Here are some other photos:

Birdie is on the left along with Benjamin’s sisters. This photo also shows Benjamin Brumwell’s brother, Albertus, and his wife, Rose. Albertus also helped on the building site.

Lastly, this is a fun photo of their son, Clifford Brumwell, in a wagon pulled by goats!

2 Responses to “Portland Builder Chronicles: The Brumwells”

1. Adam says:

   August 23, 2010 at 8:33 pm

   This is really cool that you know the history and also having photos. I will have to venture on a quest to find the history of my home. Hopefully, I will somehow be able to find out who the origional owners were. I also love your before and after pics of Benjamin and Birdie’s home. Cool stuff!!
2. Lianna says:

   February 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm

   I have thoroughly enjoyed your information and all the fir refinishing details! We have just purchased a 100 yr old Craftsman in Washington with many of the architectural details you have in your home. Thank you for your excellent blog!
   I too was fascinated with our homes history and it’s previous owner’s.
   Do you realize how much you look like the first owner Birdie? My breath caught in my throat when I first saw the picture you posted of her…after seeing you in many of your remodel photos it was quite shocking!
   What a great adventure you and your husband are having.
   All the best!