Historic Hood River
Building the Waterfront
5-17-2012
Notes
With the construction of the new interstate complete, construction of the port lands commenced. Here we see the early stages of the fill project which created the waterfront we have today– a dramatic transformation from the low lying river delta of the previous generation. Having dealt with “in water” construction recently, I’m struck by how much sediment is visible in the Columbia River. You can be sure that any construction in the Columbia today happens during a narrow “fish window” and extensive measures are taken to minimize sediment flow into the river.
l.e.
Do you have an approximate date Arthur?
Is this late 50’s or early 60’s?
Jim Gray
Looks like the USS Banning is docked there, I think that came to town in the early sixties, use to jump off it until chased away.
Arthur
Based on the history at the Port’s website (http://www.portofhoodriver.com/info/history.php) I’d place it in the early 60’s. The hotel by the bridge was built in 1964, so we’re before that.
Scott Cook
Fabulous pic Arthur….geez, I just can’t wait to get my eyes on all the pix in the museum’s files!!
I think it’s interesting to see the Button Junction bridges and ramps and stuff. Is that the HCRH Hood River bridge?? Was it designed by Conde McCullough??
The Hood River News covered the "making of the port" quite a bit, so you can flip thru the pages in the library to get some dating of stuff. I’m guessing this is ’63-’64-ish.
judy
The "Banning" had occupants. Jeanne Senior (married name) lived there with her family. Do we have any pictures of the ship?
Ellen Dittebrandt
Where did all the fill come from ?
Jeffrey Bryant
I’m told that my Dad’s uncle, Bob Vaughan, ran a dredge to the east of the Hood River near the bridge, but I’m not sure if it was east or west of the bridge. Some of the material he dredged up might have been used for the port fill.
Arthur
That is a great question Ellen. I have been told the sand was dredged from the Columbia River channel, and the rock came from the Dalles Dam construction. Can anyone confirm that? It wasn’t that long ago, someone must remember.
Tom Kloster
Nice view of the old Columbia River Highway bridge over Hood River in this view, as well — too bad we lost that one.