The Willamette River is still a very vital part of Lake Oswego.  For an day trip adventure to experience some of the past today, the Canby Ferry is just a few miles South out of Wilsonville.  It runs daily except in very high water over the Willamette from Wilsonville to Canby.  You can search for homes located in Lake Oswego.  For a list of homes for sale built before 1920 view here.