Historic Hood River
Georgiana Smith Park
10-13-2021
Notes
This isn’t a great picture but I think of it every time I walk through the library grounds. These workmen are cutting the path in what is now Georgiana Smith Park. The library was built in 1913 after a complicated set of ballot measures and land deals that allowed the community to qualify for a Carnegie Library. The library was constructed on a narrow city right of way for 5th Street, which was vacated to the abutting property owners then donated for the purpose of library construction. In 1935 the Smith daughters donated this additional land in honor of their mother, who had passed away in 1911.
Note the large church building on the corner of 6th and Oak. It was this United Brethren Church (and gymnasium).
L.E.
So..the group is on the south side of Oak St. and the Church is on the north side?
People must have really wanted to live in Hood River. It is such steep and rocky ground.
ArthurB
Correct, the church was on the NE corner of 6th and Oak. There is an apartment building there now.
Rawhyde
I’m sure Arthur is correct, but given the orientation of the shot, and the structure of the church, it looks a lot like the former church building on the north west corner of 6th and state that still exists across from the County building.
ArthurB
I’ll admit all churches look alike to me, but double checking the steeple and details I’m confident this was the UB church. There are a couple of other angles in this group of photos which make their worksite more clear.
L.E.
There is a previous photo, but I can’t find it, taken from the east side. It shows a large white steeple. I wonder if it is this church.
ArthurB
LE, this steeple was very visible and pops up in many photos if you’re looking for it.