Historic Hood River
In Basket
Notes
This week we’ll explore the “in basket” of the museum’s Photo Cave where all the scanning and archiving magic happens. When Matt and I started scanning and organizing the collection in 2011 we focused on the core collection, leaving new donations and images found elsewhere in the museum stored in boxes for later processing. The backlog grew deep, but we’ve finally been able to started digging into it. For the rest of this week I’ll share a selection of images which were scanned just last week, along with the stories of how they got here.
In 1994 a woman from Seattle sent three images to the Chamber of Commerce with an explanation she had found them in her grandfather’s belongings and thought they might add to the history of the area. I think they made it to the museum last year when the Chamber was moving and cleared out some files. This image of the Columbia River Highway bridge across the Hood River was dated June 25, 1922 (thanks Grandpa!) and shows a fine view of the bridge and the Button farm beyond.
I was surprised to see so many railroad tracks under the bridge in the foreground, as the Mt. Hood Railroad is just one track beyond this point. The far track is a scale (note the scale building). I think the other tracks may be associated with a round-table which used to be located just south of here before the railroad crosses the Hood River. It’s hard to believe there was room for a round-table against this hillside, but I’ve seen it indicated on maps from the era. Perhaps Arlen and his railroad friends will have some more information.
Jeffrey Bryant
In 1926 the road to the left at the far end of the bridge was changed to connect the Columbia River highway with the Interstate Bridge. Explosives were used to blow material from the Button hillside.
Arlen L sheldrake
GREAT picture Arthur!!! And I sorely miss this bridge! Turntables were sure a required part of the steam locomotive era. Steam loco did NOT like or nor were designed to run backwards. I missed firsthand observation of MHRR’s. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland recently installed the restored former Brooklyn Rail Yard (SE Portland) for turning Portland’s steam locomotives and history. I will pursue getting a photo of the MHRR turntable….
L. E.
I suppose someone could look at this photo and think it boring. But, when you know the area, when you know the history of everything you see in this photo…It is a treasure.
AndyB
Interesting choice to put the telephone poles directly in the river. One good flood event with logs and rocks moving would make quick work of that. It’s not even a long distance! So curious why they didn’t just make the wire cross the river in one span.
Great old bridge, I wish they left it in place for pedestrians.
Arlen L sheldrake
totally agree L.E. gives us a responsibility to tell them our history…..Andy, thanks for pointing out the utility poles…..YES, very stupid and as you say, mother nature will ensure that they are temporary. I totally missed them.
Arthur Babitz
I am constantly discovering great details in boring images I’ve skipped over before. Matt and I used to talk about how the archivist never knows what the researcher might be looking for, so it’s important not to filter “boring” images from the collection. Looking at this image I see details of the concrete form, the railings, the light fixtures, and the arches.
Jeffrey Bryant
Also note the stairs up to the Button house.
starboard
Take a look here:
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/view-from-east-side-grade/
One can see half the turntable along the lower right side of the photo.
Arthur Babitz
Good find, starboard, though I think you mean the left side. The uncropped original actually shows about 90% of the turntable. I’ll have to see if there are any sharper views.