Historic Hood River
Selfie
12-16-2015
Notes
We’ve seen plenty of photos of Alva Day and his Pacific Power crews installing power poles, but I like this selfie from the 1920s. Check out the “misery whip” (two man hand saw) on the truck.
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
Buzz
Used to know an old logger who said they ruined logging when they come out with powersaws. Said when you could find a good partner, get out there and work up a good sweat, and make the woodchips fly–that was good logging.
Kenn
This was in the days before front wheel or trailer brakes, stopping power on one axle only.
Arlen Sheldrake
And no "long load" flag….what is that device hanging over the spare tire? As Kenn notes, with such limited braking, that required a really skilled driver.
L.E.
How did they get the pole into the ground hole and raised up?
L.E.
You said a "selfie".
Is that Alva Day with his cap off?
Arlen Sheldrake
and for that matter, how did they dig the hole? so many questions, so little time…..
Kenn
Looks like a spotlight over the spare tire, a type we had with a knob on the back for aiming, a real asset on crooked mountain roads.
I remember pole trucks going through Medford in the forties with a man standing on top of the logs at the rear with a verticle steering wheel to steer the trailer. This was before OSHA, hard hats or safety belts of any kind, but I’m sure he would have the usual loggers corks (caulked boots).
Norma
I actually have a two man saw that belonged to my husband’s family in the basement. Just checked to see if it was still there. Do you think there is a market for it?
Arthur
We saw them erect one of these poles in this picture: https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=492
and yes, that is Alva Day in the foreground.
Not sure how they dug the holes for the poles, but I’m sure we have a photo of it somewhere. I just need to find it!