Historic Hood River

Notes

I had a hunch this glass negative in our collection was from a visit to Portland, a hunch which I think this site confirms.  The image they show of “chiming fountain” which was built in Portland’s Washington Park in 1891 seems to be a perfect match.  The elaborate plantings appear to date this image to 1896.  Despite that official park site indicating the fountain was removed in the 1940s, it appears in many modern views. Close up inspection leaves no doubt we’re looking at the same fountain, though the cherubs are spouting in this view.

This concept of “Gates Ajar” in a formal garden seems to have been very popular in that era.  A search finds many similar examples from across the country.  I’m guessing this is a reference to the gates of heaven being open for entry?

We still have no ID for the photographer who left us a box of glass negatives featuring views of Portland and Paris.  Here are a few images from the collection we’ve seen before: this, this and this.  I hope someday to figure out who the photographer was.

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