Historic Hood River
“Chicken Charlie”
9-5-2017
Notes
Here’s Charles Reither aka “Chicken Charlie” in his later years, rowing his boat on the Columbia.
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
Here’s Charles Reither aka “Chicken Charlie” in his later years, rowing his boat on the Columbia.
charlott
Wonderful photo of him just cruising along with probably no cares in the world. Wonder where he rowed to to hit the mainland?
Maybe this isn’t the place, but thankfully we have over years enjoyed the breath taking beauty of "our" Gorge through photographs, as we are not going to see it ever again in our life time. Praying right now for that old lodge at Multnomah Falls………………….not to mention all those who have had to leave their homes…..
Buzz
Nice picture of a different era. Bet Charlie didn’t spend much time in that boat on a windy day.
L.E.
Is this winter time with snow on the ground and ice floating in the river?
Thanks for the photo Arthur. We have finally met Charlie. I love the simple boat.
Charlott, that hill behind Charlie, doesn’t look like that today. We grow used to the changes that happen during our lifetime. Think back to the travels up and down the gorge when you were a kid, and I bet you can remember being able to see distant views that had now become overgrown with trees and brush.
Whether an arsonist or a lightning strike, I think the gorge was prime for a dry summer and east wind fire.
I don’t know if you call it a repeat of history or making history.
Jill Stanford
Wonderful photo! Peaceful. Charlotte, I agree with you – this fire will change everything. Throughout my lifetime, I have travelled through the Gorge on my way to or home from Hood River. I have been facing the Milli fire for nearly a month – L.E. is correct that this has been a hot and dry summer and fires were bound to happen. But a kid with fireworks? That is appalling! I join you in prayers the M.F. Lodge will be saved.
JKG
They say that history repeats itself twice: first as tragedy and then as farce. Over a hundred years ago the PNW saw the Yacolt Burn, which started at Eagle Creek from youths burning a hornet nest. It was the first week of September… the fire jumped the river…
Judy
I wonder if there is proof of the fire starter? Anyhow, this is a GREAT picture. How serene he looksðŸ‘
Arlen Sheldrake
the only constant is change…..some are good, others……well I still miss Celilo Falls…old and senile. 15 year old from Vancouver……WOW, good luck parents dealing with these costs….but heart goes out to all those displaced and those fighting against the results of this foolish act.
J.E. Sheppard
Unfortunate that the old gentleman got the nickname Chicken Charlie, as the chickens were way before Charlie. Charlie had nothing to do with the chickens and the chickens in question had nothing to do with Charlie.
The famous chickens were a business venture of the very early 20th century. They were turned loose to forage on the island where the coyotes couldn’t get at them. All they had to do was stop and grab a bunch and take them to Portland for big money. Right!
The venture failed, the chickens ran wild, and survived for many years wild as could be.
L.E.
Thanks J.E. for the history about the name involving chickens.
Makes sense turning them lose on an island. Although one bad winter could probably wipe them out.
pablo
What did Charlie do on the island if not chickens?