Elmyr A. Laughlin built his mansion for about $50,000 (almost $1 million by today’s economy). After Laughlin married Bessie Elouise Darling, the granddaughter of the governor of Rhode Island whose descendants came over on the Mayflower, their summer home became a weekend retreat for Chicago’s most influential residents. Chicago society flooded into Oregon, and “The Grange” became a popular destination for artists, writers and musicians.
In 1952, John Maxson Sr. bought the mansion, renaming it Maxson Manor and opening a restaurant. Old Man Maxson as he was known, a baker, made his restaurant famous by bestowing complimentary orange rolls to his guests.
In March of 1993, a fire burned down Maxson Manor. The restaurant reopened in September 1994, under the ownership of Rich Wiesner. The traditions at this legendary institution continue. The orange rolls are still complimentary, and they’re still a hit with locals and tourists.