Historic Hood River
Willamette Falls and Paper Mills
3-23-2017
Notes
You don’t see many postcards of paper mills anymore.
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
You don’t see many postcards of paper mills anymore.
charlott
When I was in the 5th and 6th grade we used to take these day field trips, with our sack lunch to various places of interest. We went to the "stinky" paper mill in Camas, and it was very interesting to watch what all went into creating paper.
Buzz
Many paper mill operations moved out of the Pacific Northwest to the southern states. Locals in the south call that "stink" the smell of jobs and money that supports families.
Scott Cook
Paddling up to the falls is really neat! Best to go in low-flow summer so not having to battle strong current. There are plenty of Sea Lions that stay year-round now, just like they did millenia ago before we slaughtered them all a century ago.
Arlen Sheldrake
so much history on the "lowly" postcards……it will be interesting to see how the river side development plays out for the area on the east (left) side of what is pictured on this postcard…..I think OC will be a very different place in a few years; hope to be around to enjoy it.
Kenn
The mill on the left is due for removal, to become public space. At this time the falls is but a rapids due to the high water.
The falls is the reason Oregon City became the first seat of US govt west of the Rockies, the original plat map of SF remains on view at the museum at the falls.
Kathie A.
I grew up in West Linn and yes on nice days when the windows were open at the high school, we sure could smell the paper mill! Luckily I lived out in the Wankers Corner area and couldn’t smell them at home. I love the old cars in this photo. The Willamette Falls are very dear to my hear too.
My Great Grandfather Joseph Brunner was a dyer at the Woolen Mills in Oregon City. He always said that he dyed everyday and came home alive.
Jill Stanford
Native Americans go to the base of the Falls and catch eels – which they love to eat. I remember the floods when there was no real "falls"- just a solid sheet of fast moving angry water full of debris.
Kenn
Both mills will now be closed, announced last week ~