Historic Gentle House
For more information please contact the Conferences & Event Services Coordinator at conferences@wou.edu or 503-838-8658
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.
Support Gentle House
Your contributions help us preserve this historic treasure and keep its legacy alive. Make a Donation.
Gallery
These are just a few examples of how events have been set up in the past.
Outdoor Spaces
West Lawn: Our largest lawn is located at the front of Gentle House. This lawn overlooks Monmouth Ave and the Gentle House driveway/S lot. This lawn is typically very sunny throughout the day.
North Lawn: Our smallest Lawn, located off the conference room and old kitchen sunroom. It has a small garden along the fence with roses and seasonal flowers. This is typically used for yard games. Also is sunny throughout the day to evening.
East Lawn (Pavilion): Our second largest lawn, is typically very shaded throughout the day (when the trees still have leaves). It has a pavilion off to the side. With a grapevine that is in full bloom during the summer.
South Lawn (Breezeway/Ramp): Our second smallest lawn. Located off the conference room main entrance and catering kitchen outdoor entrance.
Gazebo Garden: Small Gazebo garden with walkways to both West and East lawns. Entrance to Gentle house is the bride room/museum living room and catering kitchen. Typically has flowers in bloom around.
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.
503-838-8658 | conferences@wou.edu |https://wou.edu/ces/gentlehouse/
Business Address (Office): Western Oregon University 345 Monmouth Ave N, Monmouth, Oregon 97361
