The Dutch barn was most likely built between 1875 and 1910 and is exceptionally large (54’ x 96’). It was built from old growth timber harvested on the property. The primary use was to store hay which was hoisted loose and carried with large “jaws” along a track/trolley system. Milking was done in the southeast corner of the barn on a raised slab with a manure trough. Horses were housed in the southwest corner of the barn. Large dormers grace the east and west elevations to provide access to the hay. Dormers are not commonly seen on other barns in the area. Originally there was a silo, but only the footings remain today. A small shed which housed the hand cranked machine that separated cream from the milk still exists, as does the chicken coop.

The property was homesteaded by David Altizer in 1875. By 1888 the property had transferred to the Ladd and Reed Co, owned by William Ladd and Simeon Reed, early pioneers and prominent businessmen who played a major role in the residential development of Portland and the surrounding area. In 1921 Burrow family purchased the property and lived there until 1932. The farm was vacant when the Burrow family moved in. John Burrow was six years old when he moved to Hilltop Farm. His father became a boat caption to make a living. The boat would push up the river bank so the dairymen could haul livestock up and down the Columbia River. Mrs. Burrow named the property “Hilltop Farm” because of the amazing views of the Columbian River and surrounding valley. The family had 6-8 Guernsey cows at a time along with horses, hogs, and chickens. Excess milk was put in a shallow pan so the cream would rise to the top and be skimmed off in a separator and taken to town to be made into butter or cheese. Milk from the separator was fed to the hogs. The property changed hands several times of the next forty years.

• Listed in the Washington Heritage Barn Register