About Mahonia Hall
Historic Architecture, Architecture, Interesting Places, Other Buildings And Structures
Mahonia Hall is the official residence of the Governor of Oregon, located in Oregon's capital city Salem. The building was acquired by the state in 1988 with private donations. It is also known as the T. A. Livesley House or Thomas and Edna Livesley Mansion, after its original owners. The house was renamed Mahonia Hall after the scientific name of the Oregon-grape, Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon's state flower. A naming contest was held by The Oregonian in 1988, and Eric Johnson, a 13-year-old from Salem, came up with the winning entry. Other finalists were The Eyrie, Trail's End, The Oregon House, and The Cascade House. Governor Neil Goldschmidt and his family were the first official residents.