Historic Hood River
Fruit Stand, circa 1920
10-13-2011
Notes
Here’s another Benjamin Gifford image showing a very early fruit stand along the Mt. Hood Loop Highway. The proprietor, W.G. Parmelee, must have been one of the first to sell fruit, cider, and souvenirs along the highway. Signs in the image promise “new cider,” “Hood River Spitzenburgs,” “Hood River Pure Apple Juice,” and “Potatoes Here Now.”
Dating this image is a little problematic. The Mt. Hood Loop Highway construction started in 1919, but wasn’t complete until 1924. Benjamin Gifford retired in 1920, though it’s possible he took the photo at a later date or that it was taken by his son, Ralph Gifford. Mr. Parmelee was born in 1860, so he would have been 60 years old in 1920.
Charlott
I can tell you exactly where this was located. Parmelee owned orchard land right at the corner of Hwy 35 and Paach Road in Pine Grove. It was located just a little south of the present "Pearls Place" fruit stand.
I have a hunch that it wasn’t right on the road but you may have had to drive back into it. On the other hand it could have been located right where the Forebes service station was.
Parmelee, born in New York, was the son of Jared Parmelee, who by profession was a druggist. I know tht Jared came to Hood River in 1905 and that may have been about the time they got the Pine Grove property. I would assume that George arrived at or about that time.
Maurice Parmelee resided on that property when I was growing up in Pine Grove. He was George W. and Mary Parmelee’s son.
l.e.
Arthur, what would you do without these residential historians?
Makes it fun waiting to see what they have to say.
I wonder what the ropes that lifted up the door, were attached to?
Charlott
That building on the right has two boards on it. I was wondering if this might be like a post card rack, as post cards were available by then.
If that cider wasn’t processed it would certainly go "hard" pretty soon. Makes one wonder!!!!!!!!
Jay
I agree with I.e., and I would enjoy hearing a little of Charlott’s own local history sometime. Charlott? Do we need to have a photo, perhaps your family or family place, to append your story to?
Arthur
Yes Charlott, those are postcards on the board. Many Gifford images made their way to postcards too.
Charlott
I imagine that eventually some of my family photos will pop up here, as my family documented their ranch and life very well.
l.e.
We did learn that Charlotte didn’t care for AGA mint jelly. And her family fruit cellar was full of it.
I have laughed and laughed over that story.
Charlott
Uou should have experienced the disgusting stuff.