Historic Hood River
70,000 Gallons of Brandy…
12-4-2013
Notes
This dramatic image of the aftermath of the Big 7/ Kelly Bros. fire is captioned “70,000 gals of brandy, shot to hell!” You can read more about that July 1939 fire here.
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
l.e.
Prohibition ended 80 years ago on December 5, 1933.
This was probably some of their first batch.
Look at all of the wire bands from the barrels. Even if a barrel survived, I bet the contents tasted like smoke.
Chase
A curious photo indeed. I wonder about the stills in the area before, during, and after prohibition. Was this brandy made from grapes or other fruit?
Semi-related: Esther Warren mentions Arthur Phelps making whiskey up his namesake’s creek back in 1858. I’d love to see any photos of that operation!
l.e.
Looking at the metal sticking out from the wall, do you think a second floor burned?
In the previous photo, showing the fire, where is this room?
Charlott
Well, how do you think Whiskey Creek got its name. The story is that someone made "booze." There was a stump and you set your jug and money on it, then went away and later came back and there was your goodie. Never heard a name in connection with the still or where it was actually located.
Bill P.
My parents tell of the flow of alcohol from the north side of the building had a blue glow to it and was very impressive. Too bad they didn;t have today’s cameras or a cup.
Bill P.