Historic Hood River
Crag Rats Hut
5-13-2016
Notes
In 1932 the Crag Rats constructed their first clubhouse in Hood River. This building is long gone, except for the fireplace these men are constructing. You can still see this masonry overlooking exit 62 of I-84, right behind the Texaco gas station. Bill Pattison tells me the metal part at the top of the chimney was one of the ice forms from the Union Building. Pasquale Barone has used several more of them as planters around the building.
Charlott
So many fun times remembered in this building. So sad it had to go to progression. I, as a child, used to love to go up in the loft area and watch what ever was going on down below. I think the guys used to play cards up there. I know my Dad used to get it for family reunions in the early years. Problem playing outside was if you didn’t stay in the parking lot and driveway you ended up with poison oak. My Dad built a beautiful drinking fountain up there at one time out of rock. I think there might have been a picnic table.
That was a pretty good sized fireplace also.
Bill Seaton
This is the building where we had our HRHS Class of ’59 graduation party.
Susie Irwin
This is also where the class of ’60 had their graduation party.
L.E.
Look at the size of those rocks. Not an easy job.
Does anyone know if there is a trail up to the chimney or is it private property?
Arthur
It’s on private property.
Kenn
Wonder if the rock foundation also remains
Bill P
The Hood River Crag Rats built the "club house" in 1932 after their organization in 1926. The building was sold and demolished in 1966 due to the anticipated construction of highway I-80, now known as I-84. The remaining chimney is still standing on the site. The extension on top of the rock is an "ice can" from the ice making plant in the "union building" at the foot of 3rd street in Hood River.
Bill P.