Historic Hood River
Bicycle Party
Notes
The photo caption identifies this as a bicycle party in the 1880’s and the database claims this is the Brosius Drug Store, but I suspect both are incorrect. Dr. Brosius (rightmost) arrived in Hood River in 1891, just in time for the golden age of cycling. We’ve seen the Williams and Brosius Drug Store before, but this is not it.
In any case, we have identification for many of these Hood River cycling pioneers:
Back row: ?,?, Eva Blowers, Mrs. Sam Bartmess, Kate Earl, Mrs. Bert Graham, ?, Mrs. Johnny Nicholson, Gladys Hartley, Blanche Blowers
Front row: Dale Harrison, M. Hanna, ?, Howard Hartley, Megs Bartmess, Sam Bartmess, Ed Williams, Dr. Brosius
I believe the building was the A.S. Blowers Store. It was on the NW corner of Third and Oak, facing onto Third Street, across from Dr. Brosius’ store.
Tags: 1890s, 3rd Street, AS Blowers Store, bicycle, Brosius, Oak Street
Charlott
Seems this was a group of all ages. I can just see those ladies peddling around with those long skirts.
Michael Schock
Just back from a ride in Post Canyon?
nels
That baby on the handlebars is absolutely scarey.
andrewb
Post and Pint?
Arthur
I’m going to guess this is the ‘before’ picture, Mike– maybe they stopped in the general store to get the 1890’s version of Gu or Shot Blox (beef jerky?) Post Canyon, as I understand it, was where the early settlers got fence posts and telephone poles, so it is very likely these folks would have understood Mike’s comment even if that wasn’t their destination.
l.e.
What do you suppose was involved in a bicycle party?
Other than some hard pedaling up some steep dusty streets.
Neat photo and I can just imagine the little guys doing whirly gigs in front of the older folk and making them tip over.
l.e.
The Blowers store is shown in photo #234.
Is this where the First National Bank was built?
Arthur
Good catch l.e., I wasn’t sure if I had posted the Blowers store yet. That is it in #234– you can see the distinctive Oak tree in both pictures. It’s also the setting for the portrait of Miss Myra Helm, # 381. Yes, this is where the First National Bank building is today.
l.e.
Kate Earl was a niece of Mrs. Sam Bartmess.
Mrs. Johnny Nicholson (Nickelson) is a sister to Eva and Blanche Blowers.
Gladys and Howard Hartley are brother and sister and grew up in the historic Orrin Hartley House.
Mary Bartmess Kramer
Sam Bartmess and family came to Hood River in 1890. The 1880s date is incorrect.
L.E.
I thought this was interesting, showing how early bicycles were important and evidently common, if there were enough to have a race.
From the September 28, 1895 The Dalles Weekly Chronicle:
BICYCLE RACES
The following Bicycle Races will be given by the Fair Association:
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 1895
Half-mile Novice
One-mile—Class A Open handicap
Saturday, Oct. 12, 1895
Half-mile for boys under 15 years of age,
Quarter-mile for ladies.
A gold medal will be given for first prize, and a silver medal for second prize in each race.
Entries close Saturday Oct. 5, 1895,
with J.O. MACK, Secy.
Tracey Saucy
My grandfather is pictured – Dale Harrison, the young boy, front left of the photograph. His mother, Sophia (Gregory) Harrison, along with 2 of her sister’s parents died young, and they were raised by Oliver Bartmess, the father of Samuel E. Bartmess. All three of the sister’s families were in Hood River in the 1890’s.
Tracey Saucy
My grandfather is pictured – Dale Harrison, the young boy, front left of the photograph. His mother, Sophia (Gregory) Harrison, along with 2 of her sister’s parents died young, and they were raised by Oliver Bartmess, the father of Samuel E. Bartmess. All three of the sister’s families were in Hood River in the 1890’s.
ArthurB
Thanks Tracey, I’m so glad you found this posting.
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Good to see they are all wearing helmets.