Historic Hood River
Ba-Ha Golf Gardens
Notes
I was recently asked for a list of local companies in business for more than a century. Of course Sheppard’s, founded in 1921, meets the bill. I was surprised to see they also sold Studebaker cars and trucks in the 1950s. Those are some sporty models in the image.
Windmaster Corner still has a market. I wish they still had miniature golf! Any personal accounts of the course play? It looks pretty basic. This article about the history of miniature golf says animated hazards existed by this date, but apparently they hadn’t found their way to Hood River.
Remember the drive in theater at Windmaster Corner? I’m not sure when it started, but I recall going to see “The Matrix” there in 1999. I believe it closed shortly after that date.
Tags: 1950s, golf, miniature golf, Nichols, Sheppard, Sheppards, Smiths Market, Windmaster
Christie
I think the little shed where you picked up the clubs might still be there, but not positive it’s it.
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.6779802,-121.5445924,3a,75y,215.63h,90.72t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sEF1K0eCOykz2yG6U2G8MCA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.7224681425636277%26panoid%3DEF1K0eCOykz2yG6U2G8MCA%26yaw%3D215.6349067331098!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Arthur Babitz
Could be, Christie. It seem like an odd design for a shed. Makes more sense if you imagine some customer interaction happening there.
Dale Nicol
And then there was the old drive in movie located on the east side of Tucker Rd. near where the Vet is located. The street sign/marquee was donated to WAAAM and lives on as their street sign!
RHD
The shed building is still there. My understanding is that it was the payment station and storage area for the course. Bathrooms as well? Jim might have more to add on this as he did play there. The Movie theater closed in the early 2000’s. Not sure of the exact date.
Jeffrey Bryant
A history of C. M & W. O. Sheppard can be found on page 516 of the History of Hood River County, 1852 – 1982.