Fogelbo, home of Ross Fogelquist

Fogelbo rear

Fogelbo interior

Fogelbo interior from loft

This lovely home at 8740 SW Oleson Road is nestled on a couple acres of mature trees, shrubs and flowers. It is called Fogelbo (bird nest) which is derived from the family name of Fogelquist. Henry Steiner built the home in the late 1930s and it was purchased by the Fogelquists in 1952. Steiner worked on Timberline Lodge and built other well-known Steiner cabins on Mt. Hood.

Fogelbo has become the center of Swedish and Scandinavian culture and activities. The New Sweden Cultural Heritage Soceity is next door. The blue and yellow Swedish flag flies on the front flagpole. Washington County designated Fogelbo as a historical site in 1978.  Fogelbo has hosted hundreds of events over the years and thousands of people have enjoyed the home and hospitality and learned something about the Swedish culture.

Read more about Ross Fogelquist and his home Fogelbo.

By Elaine Shreve, 2013, photos by Stan Houseman

2020 update: Fogelbo, a Steiner log house, is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places by The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service.

From the 2020-Aug Nordic Northwest Press Release – Fogelbo added to National Register of Historic Places (PDF):

Fogelbo, a Steiner log house, is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places by The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service.

Portland, OR – Fogelbo, a Steiner log home, was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places by The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service on Tuesday, July 21st. Fogelbo (which translates to “bird’s nest” in Swedish) is located on 8740 SW Oleson Road in Southwest Portland on the Nordic Northwest Campus. The National Register is the  official list of America’s historic places and it is part of a program to support efforts in the identification, evaluation, and protection of the nation’s historic and archaeological resources.

Fogelbo was constructed with hand tools and materials from Mt. Hood in 1938 by Henry and John Steiner. Henry Steiner was one of the chief craftsmen who built Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, Oregon. His son, John Steiner, was a stonemason and craftsman in his own right. Timberline Lodge is a National Historic Landmark also on the National Register of Historic Places. Henry Steiner built over one hundred log cabins, mostly in the vicinity of Mt. Hood. These homes have been featured in many magazines, newspapers, and documentaries. Eighty Steiner cabins are still in use today. Fogelbo is the only home recognized on the National Register of Historical Places, a rare Washington County example of the Oregon Log House Style of architecture.

Jessie and Charles Fogelquist, parents of Ross Fogelquist, purchased the home in 1952. Over the years, the property has hosted numerous Scandinavian, German, and Austrian cultural celebrations and events. Fogelbo also holds one of the largest private collection of Scandinavian antiques and historical artifacts in the United States. The home and two-acre property were gifted to Nordic Northwest and sit adjacent to Nordia House, the cultural center of Nordic Northwest.

Ross Fogelquist, the former Honorary Swedish vice-consul of Oregon, has resided in the home since 1952. Fogelquist is an essential member of the Portland Swedish-American community and has founded and led several clubs, organizations and societies. The king of Sweden, Karl Gustaf, proclaimed Ross Fogelquist a Knight of the Order of the Polar Star in 1985 in recognition of the many contributions he has made to the Nordic community and culture in the state of Oregon.

“I’m extremely pleased with the recognition of this home, knowing that it will serve future generations who come to observe the craftsmanship of Henry Steiner and his son, John.”

– Ross Fogelquist

“It is no easy task to have a structure listed on the National Register for historically significant places, so I am deeply pleased that such an honor finally applies to the Fogelquist House. My work to list the Fogelbo House began in the fall of 2018. The State Historic Preservation Office has rigorous requirements, and after several revisions and help from Laila Simon, Bob Evenson, Lloyd Musser, and of course, Ross Fogelquist, I received on July 21, 2020, this news from Robert Olguin, National Register Program Coordinator: ‘Great news! Fogelbo was listed in the National Register of Historic Places! We will be sending formal correspondence in the next couple of weeks.’”

– Greg Jacob

Nordic Northwest is a nonprofit organization focused on the five Nordic nations: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The mission of Nordic Northwest is to preserve, communicate and celebrate Nordic culture, heritage and innovation.

For more information: http://www.nordicnorthwest.org

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Ole-Bolle the Troll lifting the roof to peek in

Ole-Bolle the Troll

Ole-Bolle side view

Ole-Bolle behind

Ole-Bolle and his toes

Ole-Bolle the Troll was constructed behind F0gelbo in September, 2023. The trolls were created by Danish artist and environmentalist Thomas Dambo. The trolls are constructed with volunteer help using recycled wood pallets.