Events and Services

Historic Gentle House is more than an event center—it’s a cherished garden and community landmark, deeply rooted in both tradition and connection to the university and surrounding community.

Our Vision

We are committed to:

• Honoring the Gentle family’s legacy by maintaining the house as a welcoming gathering space.
• Helping you create joyful, unique, and unforgettable event experiences.

Pricing for Weddings and Events

We offer flexible pricing options to suit your needs:

• Weddings: Starting at $1,000 for full-day access, including use of the garden, event center, kitchen, and indoor and outdoor spaces. 
• 4-Hour Rental: Starting at $250 for a 4-hour rental, including meeting spaces, kitchen, and indoor and outdoor spaces.
• All-Day Rental: Starting at $500 for all-day rentals, including indoor and outdoor spaces. Events must conclude by 11:00 PM.

Custom packages are available upon request. Contact us to discuss your event needs!

Support Gentle House

Your contributions help us preserve this historic treasure and keep its legacy alive. Make a Donation.

Plan Your Visit

For more information or to schedule a free tour, please contact us:
Email: conferences@wou.edu | Phone: 503-838-8658

Gallery

Gazebo Garden: This little stretch of lawn is great for cake cutting and is a wonderful place for photographs. Seats 50-100.Note: Estimated seating with physical distancing: 9-17.

Inside Space Includes: Conference Room, Catering Kitchen, Restrooms, 2 Large Rooms (generally used for changing), and more. Call us today for more detailed information regarding the available spaces and their possible uses.

The Gentle Family Story

Historic Gentle House was built in approximately 1880. In 1914, it was purchased along with a 160-acre farm by the renowned college educator Thomas H. Gentle and his wife, Carrie. Here they raised their five children. He taught for 30 years and operated a 40-cow Jersey dairy. His daughter Catharine Gentle and his youngest sons Maurice  and Ermine followed in their father’s footsteps and became teachers. After the death of her parents, Catharine maintained ownership of the home until 1981 when she donated the home to the Western Foundation.

Many of the items that now furnish the home belonged to the Gentle’s. Others were donated by Gentle family friends. The Monmouth Garden Club donated the gazebo and the College Alumni donated the backyard pavilion used for dances and concerts.

In 1991 the new wing of the home comprising of a conference room, catering kitchen, and public restrooms was added. This structure replaced a summer kitchen and apartment the Gentle’s often rented to college students. This new addition allows the Western Foundation to share the Gentle’s legacy with the public and is used frequently for genteel entertaining such as, weddings, baby showers, birthdays, Western Oregon University club, and much more.