Pendleton in Umatilla County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

DeSpain Block

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

1. DeSpain Block Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1887, this is another building built and owned by Jeremiah DeSpain, early Pendleton settler, which was later added onto by E.J. Murphy. This building's second story remains much as it looked when it was constructed. Originally, the second floor housed the Knights of Columbus Hall and was latter converted to offices. Many early day lawyers began in offices located in this building and the Judd Block next door. the twin Eastern half of the building, which E.J. Murphy had built, was demolished in the 1950's to make way for Mr. Raley's modern building design. The modern section was originally designed to be a five story building, but was only completed to the second floor. The more modern section was very innovative for the time in Pendleton. The roof of the building held a pond of water which was used to help air-condition the building. Thus the Raley Building was one of the first office buildings in Pendleton to offer central air conditioning. The Main Street Cowboys who widely promote the Pendleton Round-Up occupy the second story.

Erected by City of Pendleton.

Topics. This historical marker is

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listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings.

Location. 45° 40.376′ N, 118° 47.22′ W. Marker is in Pendleton, Oregon, in Umatilla County. It is on Southeast Court Avenue near Southeast 1st Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pendleton OR 97801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Oregon.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Judd Block (within shouting distance of this marker); R.F. Renn Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Peoples Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Club Cigar Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Clarence T. Burke (within shouting distance of this marker); State Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Milarkey Building

DeSpain Block and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

2. DeSpain Block and Marker

The marker is to the left of the entrance on the right.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Sundown (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pendleton.

More about this marker. The business address of this building is 29 Southeast 1st Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 667 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.