Historic Hood River
“Clearing Snow From Young Trees”
2-23-2021
Notes
Bob Reilly and Dan Jordan are using their skis to get around the orchard to tend to the trees. The image is labeled “c. 1926”.
An orchardist told me they sometimes take advantage of the deep snow to prune the tops of the trees without needing ladders.
Charlott
The Jordan family and the Reilly family were very close neighbors in the upper Hood River Valley near Parkdale.
Dan was a native of Danville, Virginia. He and his wife, Fern did have an adopted son, also named Dan. He was born in 1883 and died here in Hood River area in 1961.
Bob Reilly was Robert Burns Reilly and his wife was Marguerite Middleswart. He was born in 1887 and died in 1980.
L.E.
The hard work on a farm never ends.
nels
I thought snow was considered a good insulator, but not so?
ArthurB
I was wondering the same thing, nels. Maybe they’re worried about branches breaking?
kmb
Out of curiosity, how deep is "deep snow" when it is in an orchard up around Parkdale? Maybe 3 or 4 feet, or even more?
nels
Where’s Binns Hill when we need him?
Beth huk
I’d say anywhere from 2-4 feet. A few years ago when we had deep snow during pruning time- the orchardist bought snow shoes for the whole crew. And they were able to prune without ladders. I’ve seen them using them recently too.