Mary Patzel-Murphy, Conlan Murphy 

Owner and Operator, Frenchglen Hotel, Frenchglen, OR

Amy Bilbeisi 

Oregon Outback Star Safari Leader, Frenchglen, OR

September 22-23, 2024

It was mid-afternoon when we rolled into Frenchglen, Oregon, a quaint town with an official population of 12. The main (and only) street consisted of a K-8 schoolhouse, a general store, and the Historic Frenchglen Hotel. Its white siding and screened veranda has remained fairly unchanged since 1917, the year of the hotel’s construction. 

The tiny, 13-room hotel is run by Mary Patzel-Murphy and Conlan Murphy, who came into the lease around a year ago. Previously working from the Portland area, the couple run the hotel with the same gentle hands they use to raise their two toddler-age daughters. Mary is a former Westie (2010) who now works remotely in rural healthcare. Conlan, who has a background in the culinary arts, cooks the three daily meals the hotel provides.  

At our campsite in the hills above Frenchglen, we welcomed Amy Bilbeisi, a member of Oregon Outback Star Safari and owner of Blitzen Coffee House. In the growing darkness, she set up her large telescope and instructed us to look to the Northern sky. With a green laser pointer, she showed us Ursa Major (more commonly known as the Big Dipper), Ursa Minor, Polaris, Pegasus, Delphinus, and many more stars and constellations. Amy chirped and hopped over to her telescope to show us Saturn, whose rings were visible through the scope.

Though our time in Frenchglen was short, it allowed us to gain a useful view of rural southeastern Oregon. Despite the fact that many who rely on the town are ranchers, living miles away, there is a strong sense of community. Many people come to the hotel for Mary and Conlan’s family style dinner, or visit Amy at the general store. We were sad to leave the tiny town, but we wouldn’t forget the hospitality shown by its tenants.

by Carlie Johnson