Historic Hood River
Fashion Stable, Circa 1900
Notes
Bert Stranahan and his partners built the Fashion Stable in 1900 at the corner of First and Oak. It would later expand around the corner of Front Street, but this photograph is from the early years of the 20th century. The men pictured are, from left to right: Bert Stranahan, Tim Johnson, Dr. Dumble, Jim Stranahan, Frank Ballard, and Ivan “Slim” Husbands.
The livery must have taken over the space of an early plumbing shop, as the old sign is still legible. Note that the projecting “Livery” sign on the corner of the building is studded with light bulbs. Most of the businesses along Oak Street sported lighted signs during this decade. I can only imagine what Oak Street looked like at night time.
The sign under the eaves promotes the “Gentry Bros. Shows” on August 6th, though unfortunately it doesn’t specify the year. The Gentry brothers operated a well-known circus in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By 1910 they were the largest traveling show in the country. You can read more about this circus here.
This corner is now the home of the Hood River Hotel.
Charlott
Dr. Howard Leroy Dumble was a very qualified physician who practiced in Hood River. He was involved in many communitie activities. His home still stands on 9th Street, just up behind what was the Lutheran Church. One of the lovely old Hood River homes that have survived the ravages of time. It is amazing as periodically you hear his name mentioned.
Jim
Now I’m curious; because of this buildings location on the NW corner of First and Oak (#146, #168) it clearly was not possible for it to "Ëœexpand around the corner of Front Street’; did their "Ëœbusiness’ expanded around the corner making this group of partners the owners of the Fashion Livery and Dray Company at the corner of Oak and Front as well (#398)?
l.e.
It is great to finally get to meet some of the people with actual names.
Lots of things to look at in this photo.
I assume the 1900 at the top, is when the business was established?
Is that the peak of the Hood River Hotel we can see in the back?
Jim…Arthur will be able to answer this better than I can, but, I think I have read that this building was demolished so the Hood River Hotel could expand. Perhaps the hotel owned this land. A new Fashion Livery was established on Front St.
judy
When I was working in the records department for HR County, Dr. Dumble’s name appeared a lot. Yes, his old home is the one with the carved bear out front.
l.e.
I bet there is a story about the horse.
Either breeding or racing. It is a well built horse.
Jeffrey Bryant
Dr. Dumble also did some fruit farming. In 1945, John Couch, in partnership with George Annala, purchased a 15 acre pear orchard on Tucker Road from Dr. Howard Dumble. One year later John bought out George and became sole owner of the orchard. eventually the orchard was sold to Bob Nickelsen.
Jeffrey Bryant
Dr. Dumble died about the time the orchard was purchased.
l.e.
"Dr. Dumble was short in stature and was affectionately known as Mighty Mite."
l.e.
From the "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form" for the Mt Hood Hotel Annex:
In May 1911, Charles Bell purchased Lots 7 an 8 in Block two in the Original Town of Hood River from the Fashion Livery and Dray Company. The 100 feet by 100 feet lot was located directly south of the Mt. Hood Hotel. By late summer, 1911, plans were underway for the demolition of the wooden livery stable on the site and the construction of a new brick building.