Historic Hood River
Horticultural Fair
7-27-2020
Notes
This W. F. Laraway image from the inside of the tent at the Horticultural Fair shows the work of J & F Sealy of the Brink Haven Orchard. I found a 1920 obituary for Francis Sealy. Mr. Sealy was born in Ireland in 1861, coming to Portland at age 21. He worked as a tea inspector in Portland before coming to Hood River.
We saw the outside of this tent previously. These fairs were held every other year starting in the 1890’s. I believe they were replaced by the county fair.
Category: Downtown Hood River
Tags: agriculture, apples, Brink Haven Orchard, fair, horticulture, Laraway, Sealy
Tags: agriculture, apples, Brink Haven Orchard, fair, horticulture, Laraway, Sealy
Nellie
He was from County Cork in Ireland. He worked for some time in his own general merchandise store in Portland. His wife was Nellie Walker. He didn't live in Hood River very long.
Many local Hood River growers participated in this Horticultural Fair.
L.E.
Sealy was part of the Sealy Dresser Grocery store in Portland.
This photo shows a window display of meat. In the background, you can see a display of fruit.
https://digitalcollections.ohs.org/window-display-of-swifts-meats-at-sealy-dresser-company-store
This blog tells about a modern day jewelry store in the same place as the Sealy Dresser store.
https://www.malkadiamonds.com/blog/malka-diamonds-meets-with-historical-architects-for-a-future-sign
nels
Is this the county or state fair? Can't quite make out what the large sign is outside.
ArthurB
This is the Hood River County Horticultural Fair. They were held every other year from the 1890's until about 1910. I will add a link to an earlier image of the outside of the tent.
Will
Any idea what the apples are resting on? Rhubarb leaves?
Charlott
My great-grandfather always displayed his fruit at this fair from the time he came to Hood River, until it closed.
M.M.
Looks like the sign outside says Exhibit.
Jeanie
Wouldn't it be interesting to know what apple varieties are displayed in this photo?
Gladys
Quite the variety of apples on display. No doubt a lot of those old varieties that you very seldom see grown in the Hood River area anymore.