Historic Hood River
Did You Remember the Front Door Key?
1-20-2016
Notes
I believe this is a Crag Rats ski trip to Tilly Jane in the 1930s. I’m not sure if that is the A-frame built by the CCC in 1939, or another one of the cabins. There’s not a lot to go on.
Charlott
I am quite sure this is the actual Tilly Jane cabin, not an A frame. Trying to recall what my Dad told me. With the snow so deep one had to go in from above some times, I think through a little window up near the roof line on the end. It appears here that they are trying to dig out the front door.
One time probably in the mid to late 1930’s he took a group of his boy scouts for an over night or two outing up there. Naturally, they had to hike from Cooper Spur. They were a tired and very cold group of boys when he got them there. Once they got in he built a huge fire in the fireplace. At some point in time some sparks got between the hearth and floor. He said he worked and worked and was very hopeful that he got it all out, but was forced to stay awake all night to watch the situation.
I can’t place a name to any of the faces, as they are blurred enough that it is difficult. Maybe someone with a better eye than mine can. The man on the left behind the one with the glasses/goggles does look like an Annala.
Charlott
Is this a Fred Donnerberg photo, Arthur?
Marilyn
It took me quite a while to discover the four men on top of the roof.
James Holloway
Rat Pack…….,does look like digging out the front door, Tilly Jane Cabin.
LMH
Side stepping or herringbone to reach the top of the snow dome? Getting down gives me a vision of a face plant.
Jay
This is TJ, there’s a loft hatch around to the left side for access in deep snow like this. It gets so hot in the sleeping loft that we would leave the hatch ajar at night.
I suspect thy spent the night and are heading out for an outing – no sign of any packs except the small one in the snow. You’d think there would be smoke visible from the chimney though.
Longshot
You can see a bit of the eave sticking out on the left side so this is not the Tilly Jane A frame. My guess would be the Guard Station.
Charlott
We always called the Guard Station the Tilly Jane Cabin, yes that is what this is…
Bill P
Charlott is correct. Imagine a totally enclosed cabin in snow, no outside air, fire place that wouldn’t draw, frying steaks for dinner and bacon for breakfast. no wonder the Crag Rats moved to Cloud Cap Inn. The next time you are in the Tilly Jane camp ground go around to the rear of the cabin and see the back door.
BillP.