By Don Murtha 
Henrietta Saalfeld, “Hank” as she was known in Mount Angel, might be pleased to see what is being done with the house she donated to the city. It is being dressed up for use as a city park. Saalfeld passed away July 30, 2010.
Most everyone in Mount Angel knows the house at the corner of Garfield and East College streets that was Saalfeld’s home for most of her life. The two-story white home surrounded by shrubs, with a row of roses she tenderly cared over the years, a patio of paving stones on the west side and a wishing well was her pride and joy.
“The site will be completely new,” Mount Angel City Administrator Susan Muir said. “It will involve a lot of rebuilding but it will be easier to maintain and there will be something for everyone.”
Volunteers are completing most of the work, including members of the city council and park and tree board, an Oktoberfest team and community volunteers. In addition, Oktoberfest is donating $1,500 cash and $4,000 in-kind services.
Linda Coady Richardson, a landscape architect of Portland, designed the park. The Saalfeld roses, which lined the sidewalk along East College Street, were given to community members who will replant them.
“We are really pleased that 11 people have shown interest in the roses and will keep them alive in their yards,” City Councilor Karl Bischoff said.
“It is a good way to keep a legacy alive,” Muir said.
The work began with the removal of the paving stones which will be stored and cleaned for use when the patio is rebuilt. The new patio will be 33 by 48 feet and will be available for large events.
Some shrubs have been removed to make way for new plantings. Two large trees were removed by professionals, Bischoff said. In addition to new plantings, the design will include seating with eight benches and five round tables for picnicking and extra seating. New turf, irrigation, lighting and a welcome sign acknowledging Saalfeld’s contribution are also part of the plan.
“We also plan a bronze sculpture, but that might be more than a year away,” Bischoff said. “We will have to raise some funds for that.”
