Historic Hood River
July 4th, 1916 Revisited
Notes
July 4th, 1916 was an unusually big celebration, if the number of photos I’ve seen from different people are any indication. This one was forwarded to us by Homer Yasui. That’s his father, Masuo Yasui leading the group of men in traditional Japanese costumes as they parade up Oak Street. He believes the rattle his father is holding was used to set the cadence for the performers.
We previously saw these men in Arline Moore’s photograph and another image provided by Homer Yasui.
The parade has just passed Third Street. You can see the E.L. Smith Building and the Hood River Bank and Trust Company on the corner. Crams clothing store is mid-block, and of course you can see the Fashion Garage all the way back at the base of Oak Street.
This is only the second image I have seen with the angel statue in front of 301 Oak (now the Butler Bank building). I still have not seen any explanation for the significance of that statue or what became of it. But I have faith. An old Mystery Monday from 2011 was finally solved just a few months ago.
Charlott
First thing I noticed was that the clock is not yet on the bank.
Love the little children in all their hats and knickers.
L.E.
Looks like a windy and not very warm Fourth of July.
I’m going to beat Steve r at this one. I spy two people sitting on top of a building!!
Rawhyde
I’m somewhat surprised by the apparent size of the population in 1916!
L.E.
Could there be a connection to a Koberg Beach Fourth of July celebration?
Steve r
L.E.- you got it first- …. I do see a few folks in the windows below also.
Arthur
I think I have a lead on the angel statue. There is a 1908 Glacier article about the Women’s Christian Temperance Union donating a bronze drinking fountain at that location in 1908. I see reference to it being in disrepair by the time the Butler Bank building was built.
http://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn97071110/1908-04-09/ed-1/seq-2/