Known as the Austin-Lenon House and Charlie Horse Ranch, the main structure was originally built around 1890 as a Stage Coach and pack train stop over and later finished in 1928 where it was used as a timber lodge for the local loggers who had a camp just up the river.  It even sports its own dance hall, all honed from the local timber.  Today, it is pretty much all fixed up to its past glory and grandeur.

As a historical house, the country did a survey on it some years ago.  This saved us a lot of work in tracking down the original owners.  The following text is directly from the survey.

HISTORIC BACKGROUND SUBJECT PROPERTY OWNERSHIP According to county records Willard W. Austin purchased the subject property in 1896 from Seth Austin. Willard Austin sold the property in 1901 to W.O. Dickerson. Dickerson retained ownership until 1920, when he sold to I. Masonek. Masonek and his wife sold the property in 1922 to the Northwestern Trust Company, which sold in 1926 to Charles E. Lenon. Lenon and his wife sold the property the following year to W.O. and Idella Dickerson. In 1928 C.D. Dickerson and his wife are listed selling the property to Birdie Dickerson, who retained ownership until 1931. From 1931 until 1933 Gladys E. Thompson held the title to the property. Earl Skinner was identified as the owner from 1933 through the 1940s. HISTORICAL INFORMATION No biographical information is currently known regarding Willard W. Austin, C.D. Dickerson, Birdie Dickerson or I. Masonek. Due to the prevalence of the surname Lenon and Thompson, the biographical information on the owner of the subject property cannot be verified at this time. W.O. and Idella Dickerson are believed to have inhabited the subject property from the late 1920s through the historic period (or after World War II). Despite the deed transactions, the Dickerson's are recorded as residents in this vicinity at least through 1936. They are listed in county tax assessment records as owners of 131 acres at that time. According to a 1936 directory Earl Skinner owned 7 acres (T6/R3/S3) assessed at $40. According to the previous owner, Ronald Waters, the house was used as a boarding house or stage stop during the period when the Dickey Prairie Road was a thoroughfare to central Oregon. Longtime area residents recall that loggers boarded at the house during the early to mid-20th century

ARCHITECTURAL PHYSICAL INFORMATION Is believed that the subject house was built in two phases; the house exhibits two different styles of architecture. According to the current owners, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith, a portion of the house is constructed with primitive techniques.  In addition newspapers dating to 1890 have been found within the building. It is possible that the Dickersons significantly remodeled the house. Several features of the house are commonly associated with the Craftsman-Bungalow style of architecture, a style which was popular in Clackamas County from 1905 through the 1930s. These Craftsman features include the deep eaves, purlins and braces and exposed rafters. Dormers, such as the pair of gabled wall dormers seen on the facade, are also common to the type. Proponents of the Craftsman-Bungalow style were often staunch advocates of the back-to-nature movement. Architectural features which allowed natural light and ventilation to penetrate the living space was particularly attractive. The dormers are a treatment used for this very purpose. The commodious front porch is another related feature. Here, the inhabitants could take in fresh air from an outside room. "Honest architecture" was another tenet of the Bungalow builders. This philosophy is illustrated by the purlins and braces and exposed rafters which show the structure of the building. Since the historic period the house has been altered. Most noticeable is the extension to the rear elevation. The American Legion, who occupied the building in the mid-20th century, added a large room to the back of the building. The son of the current owner recalls attending musical events held in the rear portion of the building. Several noteworthy landscape features contribute to the historic character of the subject property including mature deciduous and coniferous trees and several rock walls and gardens. SIGNIFICANCE The Austin-Lenon House is significant as an example of the Craftsman Bungalow style. The house is one of nineteen Craftsman/Bungalow style dwellings, dating from the Motor Age (1914-1940) listed on the Clackamas County Cultural Resource Inventory for the Yoder/Marquam South County study area. The subject property is additionally significant as a resource associated with the transportation and commercial history of Clackamas County.