Historic Hood River
Choices
Notes
When an eastbound traveler crossed the Hood River on the Columbia River Highway circa 1930, they had to make a choice. They could turn right to stay on Highway 30 following signs for “Pendleton/The Dalles/Mt Hood” or you could turn left following signs for “Yakima/Goldendale/Underwood/White Salmon/Bingen”. But those small official highway signs were dwarfed by billboards offering the real choice: do you follow the advice of the Maryhill Ferry billboard promising the “Only All-Paved Road” to Yakima, or the advice of the Oregon Washington Bridge Company billboard promising to save you 10 miles?
That’s the Button house (now in the Windance parking lot) looking down on the junction. The “modern” 1980 bridge across the Hood River curves up and to the right, moving the decision point a couple of hundred feet to the southeast. Of course both routes are now paved, and the Maryhill ferry has been replaced by a bridge. Taking Washington SR14 (Evergreen Highway) via the Hood River White Salmon Bridge takes a little longer than than the interstate, but I enjoy the scenery and change of pace.
We’ve tentatively identified the automobile as a 1931 Cadillac Coupe. Note the distinctive horizontal chrome band with medallion at the base of the door, as well as the distinctive radiator cap ornament.
L. E.
Interesting.
Before reading your description, I had to ponder what the signs were promoting.
Beautiful home with a beautiful view.
L. E.
I wonder what the ferry toll was, compared to the bridge toll.
Arthur Babitz
When the bridge opened the toll was 75 cents for a car and a driver, which compared with a ferry crossing of $1.25 ($2 round trip) for the ferry it replaced. I don’t know what the rates were for the Maryhill Ferry. I’m guessing the rates were similar to the bridge toll or one of the signs would have boasted cheaper fares.
Pat A
10 miles less? Possibly via Centerville hwy. not sure if is a easier grade to climb to Goldendale?
Pavement would be my choice in that clean Caddy, Especially considering tires in those