Historic Hood River
First Hood River County Museum
Notes
The Hood River Historical Society set up a county museum in the building behind the county courthouse (Butler Bank Building) in 1949. It was there until 1952.
I enjoy looking at details in these old museum photos to see what artifacts I can recognize and what shape they are in. I recognize a box of harmonicas under the sailing vessel (with a phonograph turntable inexplicably placed on top), as well as the photographs on the shelves at right. We saw the rightmost photograph in Monday’s post, though only a small portion of it. I don’t know if it was torn in pieces at some later date, or if this is a different print we no longer have. I can make out only a few words on the note tacked to the print: “Oak Street Apartments,” lending credence to placing that image at 6th and Oak.
Charlott
I do remember this in that tiny little building right behind the Butler Bank where that parking lot it now. It was what I think was a very old small house. I don’t remember if I was ever in it. Remember the museum in the basement of the court house. Sadly, I think that there were things that got misplaced, don’t know how between the court house museum and the one down on the port. I was in my early teens when I "loaned" a baby dress of my grandmothers, never heard of it or saw it again.
Norma
Aurthur, still waiting for the location of Monday’s picture!
Arthur
Norma, as best as I can tell, 6th and Oak where the current Oak Street apartments are located.
Bill Seaton
In the summer of 1952, we moved into an apartment in the same block as this museum. I visited it many times. Being just 11 years old at the time, my favorite artifact there was the indian bow and arrows.
L.E.
So, this first museum must have been a block or so away from Monday’s home?
I have been looking at other Oak St. homes featured on HHR trying to find one close.
Like this one.
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=1208
Which Bill says he also lived in, so all of these buildings must have been within a couple of blocks?
I love the light cord tied in a knot.
Judy
Things did not get mis-placed when moved from the Courthouse. The reason things were moved at all ,was because things were getting stolen. I worked at the Courthouse and would like to go downstairs on my break and take a look at the museum. Charlotte: check with the museum. There are many items that are not on display due to lack of room. Displays change and are rotated. If the item was "loaned" rather that given to the museum, it probably is still there. Go down there sometime and ask the Director.