Historic Hood River
Legion Camp
11-16-2022
Notes
This is the “Legion Camp” the day before the Legion climb of Mt. Hood in July, 1941. Later this evening this amphitheater would become the center of a celebration. Charlott told us how Crag Rats preparing the route would be positioned on the mountain with torches to help the climbers visualize what they were about to do. You can see an organ or piano to the right. I wonder how late they stayed up with a 4:30AM alarm set for the big climb?
This amphitheater doesn’t seem big enough for the crowds we’ve seen in the climbing images. I guess they sat very close together for warmth in the cold July evening up on the mountain.
Dale Nicol
Arthur, It appears the fellow in the suit is wearing a VFW cap/hat?
L.E.
Alva Day was probably taking pictures of the wires strung everywhere.
Interesting photo. Are there any remains of this area? Like wooden slabs or stacked rocks?
I don't see any sawdust but it looks like the tree in the foreground was recently tipped over?
So, the Crag Rats did two climbs. One at night and one early the next morning. Wow!
Marilyn
Is that the amphitheater at Tilly Jane?
Tomr
Yes, Tilly Jane. The amphitheater seating has recently been restored and is in perfect condition to welcome contemporary performances. The mountain view is not so complete thanks to tree growth over the past 75+ years.
Marilyn
Glad to hear about the restoration, it was in pretty sad shape last time I was there.
Cecelia
I think that could be a Legion cap. My family did not climb the mountain but went up to help prepare the dinner served from the nearby hut that still exists. Climbers, probably Crag Rats/Legionnaires, left early evening to climb and then set off fireworks at the end of the performance in the amphitheater.