Historic Hood River
County Courthouse Site
6-16-2015
Notes
In 1954 Hood River County built a new courthouse. This image shows the courthouse site on State Street (just above Third Street) shortly before that date. According to the Sanborn map there had been a garage where we see the foundation, and the building to the left contained county offices with two vaults. Just out of frame to the right was a band stand.
I’m not sure how the county building we see relates to the original 1883 schoolhouse. After it became county property it was significantly remodeled in 1915. Perhaps it was completely replaced, or maybe just remodeled until it was unrecognizable.
Charlott
Apparently that house on the left was also either moved or torn down, as on that side of the court house is Riverside Church.
Straight down you see the little white building behind Butler Bank. That is where the museum was housed until the courthouse was built. Then it went into the downstairs on the west end of it.
judy
WHEN I WORKED AT THE COURTHOUSE, THE MUSEUM WAS IN THE BASEMENT ON THE SOUTH WEST SIDE. Moved it out, because the access was too good and people were coming into the area and stealing artifacts.
There were records kept at the bank until everything could be transferred. At one point, there were two quanset type buildings on what is now the parking lot above the old bank where things were kept also. Lawyers wanted this spot because it was in good walking distance from their offices.
L.E.
If someone asked me what town this photo featured, I would never guess Hood River. The only thing that looks familiar is the White Salmon bluff across the river.