Historic Hood River
Inspiration Point
4-23-2014
Notes
I’m sure you’ll recognize this spot on the old highway just east of Hood River. Did you know it had the name “Inspiration Point?”
Completion of the highway certainly was a boon to local photographers. Numerous series of postcards were published showing the key points along the road.
charlott
No, never heard that before.
Buzz
Looks like a little slide got part of their rockwork.
l.e.
Does anyone know if there were any fatalities while working on this highway from Corbett to Hood River?
The rock work is so beautiful. Is this part of what will be opened for bicyclists and hikers?
l.e.
Ooops, just re-read Arthur’s notes. If this is east of HR I guess it is already open for hikers and bicyclists.
So….let me rephrase my question.
Does anyone know if there were any fatalities while building this highway from Corbett to The Dalles?
Arthur
This is about a mile east of the parking lot/ trail head east of Hood River. It is a common spot for families with small children to turn around, as they got the "view" they were seeking.
Kenn
Here at Inspiration Point is where old and fermented fruit was dumped, I remember avoiding clouds of bees and laughing at the drunken
birds.
Kenn
I remember a fountain just west of the photographers location. The last time I looked for it there was a small bit of concrete and wonder if anything has or will be done with it.
l.e.
Photographer Carlton Sawyer established a studio in Portland in 1911. He produced "Sawyer’s Scenic Photos" until 1917.
In 1918 the Mayer brothers bought part of Sawyer’s. In 1926 Harold Graves joined the company and began producing post cards. In 1939 Graves and Wilhelm Gruber formed a partnership, still calling themselves the Sawyer Co.
The Sawyer Company produced and patented the View-Master viewers.
BrianC
Inspiration Point was also known as Cape Eternity.