Historic Hood River
New History
8-26-2019
Notes
I like to say we make new history every day, and this is a good example. The “old” May Street Elementary School is a thing of the past. This picture is from a couple of weeks ago. Now little remains that you would recognize except for the gym building, which was an addition to the original Hood River High School building which was on the site early last century. A bright and shiny new building on the south end of the parcel awaits the arrival of students and teachers next week.
L.E.
I guess I will have to take a detour to east May Street when I am driving up to The Heights.
Arlen L Sheldrake
and go by on the way to our HRHS 59 reunion next month…..lots of memories….
Bill Seaton
Arlen, I plan on doing that.
Kyle
I heard (and saw laying exposed) that a large underground oil tank was found, that no one knew about. And to make matters worse, it was not empty. A little surprise from the past…
nels
Surprised they did not try to save the mosaic.
ArthurB
The mosaic is what sent me off thinking about history. I suspect there was some debate about this mosaic. Many sections were damaged. How old does a mosaic have to be before it is deemed historic? Every individual tile found in Pompeii is saved, but a damaged mosaic from 15 years ago isn't worthy. An underground oil tank from 50-100 years ago is a hazard, but an outhouse seat from 900 years ago is a relic. (https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/three-seat-toilet-london) I spent the rest of my dog walk wondering how that line gets drawn.
Arlen L Sheldrake
there you go Arthur with that deep thinking thing again….one heck of a question….and…I have no answer.
nels
And you can include the old tunnels and the former HR Bridge in that choice to destroy what would now be considered highlights of the incoming bike/hike trail.
Arthur, will the old highway portion up above the tunnel on I-84 be included in the new trail? It must have a fantastic view as it curves around the cliff. Took the sternwheeler tour and was surprised to see another tunnel almost at river level, making it a 4 level view, the old tunnel, the RR, then I-84 and the old highway above it all.
Jeffrey Bryant
Did they keep the plaque at the entryway? My grandmother was on the school board when May Street School was built, and had her name on it.
ArthurB
@nels, if I understand your question, the answer is “yes.” Heading eastbound from the Mitchell Point parking area, the trail will follow the old route toward the river before the tunnel enters the cliff side. You'll have the great panoramic view before entering the tunnel, and then the tunnel will have multiple “adits” (windows) to allow light and view. I was hoping we would be able to rebuild the viaduct connecting the two sections of old highway before the tunnel, but that wasn't possible for engineering and scenic area reasons. But there will still be a fantastic view at the west end portal of the tunnel.
@Jeffrey– The entrance plaque at May Street school was removed before the demolition began. I hope that means it is planned to be reinstalled somewhere.
I spoke with the architects and school officials about the 1891 bell which was at the entrance. While it won't be installed in a bell tower as I suggested, it will be in a place of honor in the new school.