Historic Hood River
Celilo Falls
6-28-2019
Notes
This Gifford view of Celilo Falls really captures the power of the river. There are two fisherman dipping nets from the rocks.
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Nellie
Prior to 1910 as that is when Gifford went back to Oregon. Yes, this was prior to any real structures being set up later.
Due to such rushing water, my guess is that this is in the spring with the water being higher than generally is.
Food for thought….1894 huge flood on the Columbia. Would it have inundated Celilo Falls ? My guess is if it didn't it would have been fairly close to it.
Nellie
Since this is prior to 1910 when Gifford returned to Portland, I think that due to the amount and turbulence of the water that this would probably be in the spring run off and not at the height of the fishing season as I would think if it were there would be more men fishing. Definitely prior to any platforms or fishwheels, etc. being constructed.
Food for thought in reference to Celilo. 1894 that huge flood occurred on the Columbia. Would it have inundated the falls? If it didn't I would venture a guess that it was quite close to it….
L.E.
I have wondered what Celilo looked like during 1894 flood. The flood washed away the community of Grant, downriver from Celilo.
As Nellie says, most photos we see of Indians fishing at Celilo show platforms and cables. As I understand, the canneries such as Seufert Bros. provided those facilities for the Indians, who were then obligated to sell their caught fish to the cannery.
Charlottt
Grant (s) was above Celilo and just upriver from Biggs. They had the big distillery there and when it went floating by Bills, my great-grandfather and McDonald another Biggs resident went out with my great-grandfathers tub, threw ropes on and finally landed in a mile down river. Salvage in that era, which meant they got it. Built one new home in Biggs and upgraded another.
Charlottt
Meant to say it floated by Biggs and they got it with a tug, not tub…..I do have a photo somewhere of the distillery when it was still in place.