Historic Hood River
Centennial Parade
5-23-2024
Notes
It’s been a while since we’ve seen an image from the February 14, 1959 Oregon Centennial parade. This one really shows how miserable a day it was, weatherwise. You have to give the participants and the onlookers credit for coming out in what look like like a cold, wet day to celebrate one hundred years of statehood.
That’s Hood River’s 1920 American Lafrance engine in front of the marching band.
Greg Oates
I see the Hood River High School Blue Dragon Marching Band front and center. Always a source of pride and participant in community events.
Joann (Weygandt) Sheppard
My father & brother (both deceased) were in the Oregon Centennial Parade on Feb. 14, 1959. I have searched all our family albums for a picture of him with his “Oregon Centennial” red beard and dressed in a leather fringed coat riding in an old truck. My son would like very much to see what his grandfather looked like in that red beard. Can anyone help me to find more pictures of participants in that parade?
Arthur Babitz
Joann, I think I have just what you are looking for. I’ll queue it up to post next Monday. They match your description, except they are walking with rifles instead of riding in a truck.
Arthur Babitz
I take it back, looks like I posted it 12 years ago! Check out https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/centennial-parade/
Joann (Weygandt) Sheppard
Arthur: Thank you so much for the help! It sure brings back memories of my growing up years. I am so happy that I can put this picture in my album. It’s amazing what a big help the museum and the Internet are these days!