Page 128 - SOM Summer 2017

chow | in the biz

horse or mule drawn equipment, the fruit trees The United States Department of the Interior the structures and roads; the grounds offer
were watered by a horse-drawn tank wagon until added Hillcrest Orchard to the National the sentiment of a gentler time.
1920 when water irrigation became available. Register of Historic places in 1984 for its
The Parsons maintained the orchards through- historic and architectural significance. With The main residence was designed by well-
out the Depression and World War II while other eleven finely crafted buildings, the estate known architect Frank C. Clark with creative
orchards succumbed. Eventually, the apple trees also offers a mecca of lush lawns, impec- input from Maude Parsons and built in 1917.
were replaced with exclusive pear production. cable gardens, and sprawling orchards. The Mr. Clark also built the other Colonial period
Ultimately, not only were the Parsons prodi- well-planned property was created for the buildings on the property such as the Office,
gious in the pear business, they also contributed efficiency of fruit production with meticu- Recreation House, Guest House, and Packing
much towards the development of the Pacific lously pebbled roads that circumnavigate the House. Clark was credited with the archi-
Northwest through their philanthropic acts and estate. Buildings were constructed strategi- tecture of many local buildings including the
gifts. cally in proximity to the orchards and amid Holly Theater, Medford Senior High School,

126 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | summer 2017