Historic Hood River
“Dugout on claim”
3-6-2026
Notes
This is labeled “Sod dugout on claim 1 mile west Richfield Kansas, Summer 1887.” “Sod” is crossed out. The people in the foreground are identified as A. I. Mason and Nona Butts.
The D. M. Coon history says,
In Kansas he filed upon a piece of land and then paid seven hundred and fifty dollars for the relinquishment of another piece of land.
If the date is correct he would be 27 years old in this image. I’m not sure if “Nona” is a name or if the person writing the caption was her grandchild. I don’t see the “Butts” name in the Mason genealogy.
Looking at the wonderful details in this image, I can understand the attraction of the Hood River Valley!
L.E.
Jeeeesh….I am sure there must be something attractive about this land, but not sure what it would be. Maybe…you can see forever?
In Hood River, there would be trees, hills and a mountain blocking your view.
D.D.
L.E.
I am sure it had to do with the homestead act, free land live on and own for yourself. During that time many headed to Oregon also. I’m sure they looked at those wide open spaces as a nice relatively level ground to plant on. I am from Western Oregon myself but after living in the desert in CA i would love to go back. Its the wide open space I love. For these it wasn’t, but was a place of hope. That’s my guesses at least! Hot and a lot of work and hardships there back then I bet and years later with the dust bowl event.