Historic Hood River
8mm
Notes
I ran across this 8mm Kodachrome film of the dedication of the Hood River County courthouse in July, 1954. Unfortunately 8mm film is incredibly low resolution because there is so little photographic emulsion to each frame and the cameras usually had very cheap lenses, often without focus. But it’s still fun to look at. It was shot at 16 frames per second so we have both color and movement, which are novel on this photoblog.
While we can’t see Arlen’s Dad, we know he’s in there!
8mm film was made by adding additional sprockets to 16mm film stock. The film would run through the camera exposing only half of it, then the reel was flipped and the other half exposed. They would cut it down the middle to make it 8mm wide when they processed it. “Super-8” was a later innovation where film was manufactured with smaller sprockets so there was more room for the image, and you didn’t have to flip it after exposing the first half.
I actually have an 8mm/Super 8 projector so some day I might view this in all its glory. For now we’ll have to enjoy a couple of frames scanned on our film scanner.
cg
Remember anyone interested in HR history is invited!
Community Conversations will probably be focusing on the 1950’s today. Please join us at the History Museum at 2 pm to share your memories of people, places and events downtown. Next month our focus will be on the Heights.
Bill Seaton
I am so sorry that I can’t come to the meeting today. That was my era when I lived downtown and I have a lot of memories from that time and place.
cg
We will miss you, Bill, but continue to look forward to your posts here and please consider writing up your experiences with your Native American friend for the museum. Remember you and your mother we’ll; she kept HRHS running!
Cecelia Parker Goodnight
Roger Sheldrake
I would have been only 8 years old but have to assume I was there too. I know my grandfather worked hard to promote the building if the new court house. John H. Sheldrake was county judge from 1947 until his death in January 1956
arlen sheldrake
good assumption Roger….I would guess all the Sheldrake clan was there as this accomplishement as grandfather’s dieing wish. thanks Arthur!