Historic Hood River
“Big Day in Hood River”
Notes
The caption on the reverse calls this a “Big Day in Hood River,” which is something of an understatement. It goes on to recount:
The day Queen Marie of Romania and Jim Hill visited Hood River on their way to Maryhill Castle. 1928. Note: American Legion Drum Corp.
The author was slightly in error. Of course it was Sam Hill who accompanied Queen Marie to dedicate Maryhill Museum, and it happened on November 3, 1926– exactly 85 years ago. Here is a wonderful account of her 50 day trip through the US with her retinue of 85 people. Other accounts here and here explain that after the dedication the Queen was driven in a motorcade of 30 Lincoln automobiles filled with dignitaries (and her staff of 85) from Maryhill to Portland, with stops at the Dalles, Hood River, Multnomah Falls, and Vista House.
For a small town, Hood River has been visited by some very famous people: from two sitting presidents (Benjamin Harrison, FDR), to royalty like Queen Marie. Can you add to a list of famous or notable visitors to our valley? Please include a date if you have it.
Connie
Wow – what a photo and look at all those people. Odd that the drum corp is facing the opposite direction that the motocade is going?? You can almost feel the excitement. People hanging out of windows and standing on roofs to get a glimpse of royalty. What a treasure we have in our photo collection!
STEFFEN
This foto was taken by someone leaning out from the balconey of The Bartmess Building (311 Oak), the last remaining timber building in Downtown.
Charlott
Schools were let out that day so children could go to the event. Know this, as a cousin still living told me about going to see her.
Another notable that came to Hood River, was the fighter Jack Dempsey, he was here on a war bond drive. I actually got to shake his hand when we bought our bond, though I was much too young to recall it. Probably about 1944, as the war was raging.
Rudolph Valentino, the actor visited Hood River, thus the lounge at Columbia Gorge Hotel was named Valentino Lounge. Couldn’t tell you the year of his visit.
Many notable politicians used to appear here, one being Sen. Wayne Morse of Oregon. Big "friend" of my great uncle.
Arthur
We have several photos of a big war bonds drive. I will have to look carefully to see if I can identify Jack Dempsey. No one is identified in those photos.
Charlott
Notice that wonderful old clock on the end of what used to be First National Bank…….Last I knew it wasn’t working. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if some sort of drive could be instigated to get it running?????
steve s
Didn’t former prez Bill Clinton give a speech from the Library front steps a couple of years ago? And presidential candidate John Kerry spent a day here during his campaign (hoping to windsurf but alas – skunked!)
j nels
I agree Charlott. That clock was used by everybody – to get to work, when to meet friend at the Apple Blossom, meet your date under it, etc. I’d be willing to make a contribution to such an update. Who owns that building now? And by the way, where did the carousel business go?
Arthur
Yes, Bill Clinton visited HR in May 2008 supporting Hillary Clinton’s effort in the Democratic primary in Oregon.
Charlott
Two other favorites of "the silver screen" spent time in the Hood River area. Clara Bow and Shirley Temple were both registered at The Columbia Gorge Hotel.
In more recent years Chuck Norris, of movie fame was here filming a movie.
Have no idea who owns that building, but would certainly be worth finding out and seeing if something could come about to start that wonderful clock. Would be a fun and worthwhile project.
Judy Mohr DeHart
Do not forget the well know preacher, Billy Sunday, whose property was near Odell, off Hwy 35.