Philip Foster Farm Historic Site on the Barlow Road/Oregon Trail — Local services in Oregon

The Philip Foster Farm National Historic Site is well worth the trip to Eagle Creek. It is a short and very scenic and beautiful drive from Portland. It is only 6 miles south of Hwy. 26, which is the main highway to Mt. Hood, so it would make a great stop on the way to or from the mountain. This farm was the last stop on the Oregon Trail before the pioneers made it to their destination, Oregon City. There is a beautiful mural on the side of the barn as you drive up that depicts the pioneers camping in the mountains. Philip Foster was an early settler from Maine who arrived in 1843 with his family via ship. He spent time in Oregon City running a store and a mill before he received his Donation Land Claim at Eagle Creek. Structures at the farm represent his son Egbert's home, his daughter Lucy's home and the general store. They are furnished with period decor and beautifully restored. There is also a granary, barn, cabins where the settlers stayed on their journey, gardens, an apple orchard, and their newest attraction, a logging mill. They have many events throughout the year, and invite school tours to enjoy the living history on...

The history of the farm was amazing; however, two of the volunteers stood out as very rude. One of the ladies, when explaining the old school, said, "This is a real school and how they teach in real schools." She said this in such a tone to two full groups of homeschooled students.

Then the blacksmith, Guy, told students to "zip it," and when the students had questions, he said, "Ugh, you again!" One of the students was my son. When my son began to speak (my son has a speech impediment), the blacksmith rolled his eyes and said "and we are done with that" and pointed at my son. My son ended up shutting down and began to punch himself. The blacksmith good now hopefully that helps you stop talking.

Not only was this gentlemen rude but he didnt have any patience to explain or tell them what...

It’s a fascinating place. There is a lot to see, learn, and do. I attended as a chaperone for my child’s field trip. Most of the workers were really kind, very patient and great with the kids. We loved the lovely woman in the school house! However, there were several who were quite grumpy and passive aggressively scolded the kids when they asked questions so they could rush through their presentation. “You guys were 1/2 hour late so if you aren’t quiet I’m not going to be able to get through this tour for you!” A variation of this phrase was grunted or yelled several times. More professional attitude would be to address this to the school organizers, not the kids who are literally so excited to see your farm. It definitely bummed the chaperones out to see them so annoyed to interact...