Historic Hood River
R. J. McIsaac & Co.
3-10-2025
Notes
As requested last week, here are some interiors and exteriors of McIsaac’s Store from the 1950s. “Here’s a real general merchandise store, where there’s everything from gas to groceries, dishes, auto parts, and household sundries.”
BethH
Thanks, Arthur! Top left pic -woman on left is Luella McIsaac.
The 2 men bottom middle are (l) Malcolm and (r) Harold McIsaac.
I don’t recognize the butcher- when I was growing up it was Curly Runcorn.
We bought almost everything here- shoes, sewing supplies, hardware. And there was a walk in freezer. Top floor had an apartment towards the front where Harold and Luella lived- but it really was a big meeting hall. A long flight of stairs went up from outside NE corner of the building.
I believe it was 1973 when it burned- quickly. Spring of my sophomore year- the bus dropped us off in front-I went in and bought a fudge sickle and started walking home . Before I reached my house, 4 blocks away, a friend(who had her license) pulls up and says- get in! The stores on fire! It was very sad to watch.
Kalley
That’s the store I remember walking to from my grandparent’s house on Clear Creek Rd. All 5 of us kids would buy a piece of gum and share it. My Uncle Ron Merz would get it first because he’s the oldest, then my sister Evie, then my Aunt RosAnne, then me and finally my little Uncle Steve. Having my Mom’s three youngest siblings be so close in age was great. Steve is even younger than I am. We always walked to McIssac’s!
nels
What was the cause of the fire? Did they rebuild right away?
BethH
I don’t remember exactly what the cause was but it started in the back, north end of the building. I think some combustable rags…. ?
DAVID
When I lived in Ballard, a bunch of years ago, I always commented to my sister, If Fred Meyer’s had a haircut shop I wouldn’t have to travel anywhere else.
The same back then in Parkdale?
And back then it may have been many miles to the next full-deal store.