Historic Hood River
Ilwaco Beach
10-5-2022
Notes
This Laraway negative was way underexposed and then damaged sitting in a barn for a century. Before digital processing I didn’t notice the horse. But after processing we can see the boat, with “Ilwaco Beach” on the bow, looks like a surf ready row boat. Laraway’s group looks impressed with the sailors tending the craft. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a US Coast Guard lifesaving vessel and crew. Between 1891 and 1949 there was a USCG “Station Ilwaco Beach” at Cape Disapointment, and these uniforms look like USCG uniforms from that era.
L.E.
The beach looks like they might be on the north part of the Long Beach Peninsula at the Klipsan Station.
The Ilwaco Station is inside the Bar in a rocky cove.
I have wondered before, how, on a stormy, windy, rainy day they were able to launch the boat and get out into deeper water.
Ilwaco is in a Bay so they have deep water, but they have to cross the dangerous Bar.
If Buzz was still here with us, he could tell us. This is where he lived when he was a part of HHR.
Arlen L Sheldrake
so how many hours did it take to give us this restoration? very impressive!! and L.E., thanks for mentioning Buzz…..he will again be missed as some of us HRHS '59ers get together next week in HR for our 63rd.
Basaltgrouse
This sure adds a new perspective to the modern challenges of backing your boat down the launch ramp.
ArthurB
After looking at the USCG history website I'm 90% confident this is a crew fro the USCG Station Ilwaco Beach.
nels
Is it appropriate to ask Buzz's real name? He was always so full
of information.
Arlen L Sheldrake
Roger E. Willis
ArthurB
Thanks Arlen! I just knew him as “Buzz”. Never occurred to me there was another name behind that!
L.E.
Some Illwaco Beach/Klipsan Beach Life Saving Station history
https://www.facebook.com/klipsanbeachlss/
L.E.
Buzz and I were suppose to meet up for lunch one time when I was down at Long Beach. Time wise it didn't work out for me and I have always regretted that.