HISTORY
A HOME WITH LOCAL HISTORY
This property has a noteworthy place in Wilsonville's history as having once been the personal residence of the Guiss family with the cross street also honoring the family name. Born in 1918, Dr. Russell Guiss was the youngest of three sons. He graduated from Woodburn High School and obtained both his B.S. and medical degree from the University of Oregon. He served in the United States Army in WWII as a medical Officer in General Surgery where he received a medal in Victory & Army Occupation. While he was in Germany he met the love of his life, Norma May Weise of Antigo, Wisc., a nurse in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. They were married in Wurzburg, Germany and after his time in the military he returned to Oregon as a practicing surgeon.
In the early 50's his family lived in Salem where he was employed by the Oregon State Hospital. In 1959 he opened Dammasch Hospital in Wilsonville (where the Villebois community is now) as a Superintendent and retired there in 1980. Dr. Guiss was a valued leader in the mental health system of Oregon for the majority of his career and a well-respected member of the Wilsonville community. In his personal time, Russell managed this property, which at the time was a small farm where the family harvested filberts, grain and raised cows and sheep. Russell loved his children, grandchildren and people in general. He took pride in getting family and friends together for reunions.
It brings us joy to continue the tradition of having this homestead be a place for friends and family to gather...joining the homeowners before us who have made unique contributions and left their special touches in loving and restoring this property so others can enjoy it.
Even with its many transformations, an old growth apple tree remains on the farm bringing fruit each year and filbert shells are still being used around the property today as a nod to the legacy and lives of those who have lived here.
*Contributing source: Statesman Journal Newspaper Article - August 30, 2012.