Historic Hood River
Legion Hall
5-23-2017
Notes
This Heights building housed the American Legion from 1930-1959. In its earlier days it was the Pleasant View School, though something clearly happened to significantly change everything above the foundation.
This was presumably where all those terrible meetings happened when they decided to dishonor American soldiers of Japanese ancestry by removing their names from the county office building (Butler Bank Building). When it was torn down in 1959 I suspect many were happy to see it go. It’s now a medical office complex at 11th and June.
Category: default
Tags: 11th Street, American Legion, Heights, June Street, Pleasant View School, school
Tags: 11th Street, American Legion, Heights, June Street, Pleasant View School, school
charlott
I think I liked it better as the school. Funny thing is, I don’t remember this building at all and know I must have passed it numerous times.
Kenn
An extreme make over from school to legion hall, I would never have recognized it as the same building. The roof, entrance and windows appear completely different except for basement openings. The differences make me wonder if there was a fire.
LMH
This is the building I remember. We are lucky to have two pictures showing the original Pleasant View School (1904 – 1921) and after reconstruction in 1922 (1922 – 1929).
(See https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=1643)
Looks like the building and surrounding property needs a little maintenance. I appears that only one tree survived when this photo was taken when compared to the earlier photo. Charlott, I agree with you.
Norma
This is an example of how things look so much larger when you are young. I remember lots and lots of steps going up into the building. Turned out it wasn’t many at all.
Kenn
Still wonder if there was a fire, the change from a gable rood to a straight line is extremely costly and not logical, as is changing windows and their locations. Clues or opinions please ~
OrMtnMaid
I see nothing alike in these two pictures. Are you sure it is the same building? Kenn commented on basement openings and they aren’t even the same.
LMH
At the risk of being redundant. The pictures are of two different buildings on the same property. The reason is shown below.
In May of 1921 a roof fire occurred at the school, but quick reaction by the local volunteer fire department and their motor driven vehicle saved the day. In June 1921 the firm of Stranahan & Slavens were repairing the damage. In September 1921 the Pleasant View School burns again with more substantial damage, $15,000 with $12,000 insurance carried. In November 1921 the school structure (ruins) was finished by a freak snowstorm.
In September 1922 construction of the new junior high was completed by Stranahan and Slavens at a cost of $16,000 using $11,300 insurance money and some good economical decisions by the school board (such as using the same foundation).
Kenn
Many thanks, LMH, for clearing this up, it was obviously two different buildings ~
cg
Was in this building many times in my youth but at present age and having been away from Hood River many years, am trying to remember which corner it was on at 11th and June. Did June once extend to 10th from 11th. Which medical office now occupies its space?
Arthur
It’s the SE corner of 11th and June.
Bill Pattison
During the 1930’s & 1940’s the American Legion allowed the school district to hold dances after high school basketball and football games. The Legion remodeled the second floor into one large room for large gatherings such as dancing, magician shows etc. Good times.
Bill P
Richelle L. Duckwall
I vaguely have remembered a large bldg in this location. This photo is proof that it has not been a figment of my imagination, but really existed. It’s great to know the history. These were my stomping grounds, born in ’52 and growing up across from the fire siren at 8th & Montello.
Carl S. Gutekunst
This building was also the “Civil Control Station” for Civilian Exclusion Order Number 49, which ordered the removal of all people of Japanese ancestry from the Hood River area. Heads of household reported here on May 8 and 9 to fill out forms and receive additional instructions; entire families reported on May 12 and 13 “bringing only way they could carry” to be taken to Pinedale Assembly Center near Fresno.