Historic Hood River
Davidson Building Circa 1915
2-22-2012
Notes
This horse drawn wagon was waiting in front of the Davidson Building on Cascade about 1915. The wagon looks a bit like a hearse to me, but we have no further details on this negative.
The building was built in 1905 to house the Davidson Fruit Company. Mr. Davidson’s previous offices burned in September 1904, and he refused to rebuild in Hood River until a fire department was formed. With volunteers, some funding from the Hood River city council, and a “Fireman’s Ball” fundraiser, Hood River finally had a fire department and Mr. Davidson built this handsome building.
The building is still around, though it’s been “modernized” by the removal of the cornices. The Davidson name has also been removed. Here’s a modern view.
l.e.
I would say those are mules and and it is someone who is traveling.
I am surprised there was baled hay in 1915.
I wonder if someone was doing the "Oregon Trail."
About this time, the census says Ella May Davidson was living in the Davidson Building.
Charlott
My take on this is something like a "sheep herders" wagon. I have seen many pictures of such when shepards took their flocks out. Yes, it does look like a hearse, but looks much to large. I had to laugh at the "pooper scooper" wagon in the back with the hay and the shovel.
It appears to me that there is at least one woman in the front, possibly two.
Peronally I would have loved to have encountered the owner of those poor horses, as it is VERY obvious that they need more feed than then were being provided. That poor creature in the rear looks like it could drop at any time.
Charlott
Le, whether mules or horse, it is still sad to see them in this condition….
l.e.
They are horses.
Jim Gray
I like the looks of the building better in this photo than the modern look it has now, much classier. Never much money being a sheepherder, most likely the reason for the poor upkeep of the horses and the fact they were likely poor stock to begin with, one must remember these are not pets to these people just a tool, but sheep were a important product east of here.
Arlen Sheldrake
Yep, more hay needed…..that following spare isn’t much account. Love the two driver assistant dogs. If a hearse, I would expect more ornamentation and a much larger window……GREAT picture!
Blaine
Love this photo… the four left windows above horses are my current office 🙂