Not many know as much about Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett as Ernie Yoder. Ernie has been the maintenance person of the entire grounds and buildings since 1979! Did you know the home used to be the summer home of Julius Meier, co founder of the Meier and Frank department stores? The land was purchased by Meier in 1914 and a European hunting lodge was built on the grounds. In 1926 it was torn down and by 1927 the present Menucha was built. The Presbyterian Church Assoc. of Portland purchased the home and property in 1950 and turned it into the current retreat and conference center. The secret "speakeasy" in the basement is quite the site as the home was built during the Prohibition. In 2011, Menucha has plans to turn the secret bar into a not-so-secret espresso bar for guests! Ernie and his family started in a 400 sq. ft. home called the "Hide Away" on the property in 1979 and later moved into a basement apartment with the administrator living upstairs. In 1987, Judy and Gordon Remsburg sold their 1970's home on the back exit of Menucha to Menucha. It was then Ernie, Jeri and their two kids moved into the "new" staff housing and have been there ever since! Ernie was active as a School Board Member in 1990-1994 and said that it was this Board that passed the levy for a new grade school to be built! Today wife Jeri spends countless hours as a volunteer at the Corbett Grange, helping feed our community. Ernie says he has loved living in Corbett, enjoying the gorgeous views from his home and the wonderful people. He thankfully has no plans on taking off anytime soon!
