Historic Hood River
Oak Grove, 1889
7-18-2016
Notes
Here’s another image that was faded to the point of looking like a dirty piece of paper. With a little digital processing we can see the Oak Grove homestead of Henry Brown in 1889. The caption indicates those present are Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Binns and family, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown and Clarence, Mrs. James Graham and Mrs. Langell.
Check out the little horse toy at the girl’s feet. There also seems to be a flume coming in to the rear.
I wonder if “Mrs. Langell” is Sarah Langille, proprietor of the Cloud Cap Inn.
Arlen Sheldrake
amazing what you guys can do to a photo that most of us would just dump. thank you for saving this neat photo.
L.E.
When photos like this were taken, was it usually by a professional?
Was the gathering planned with a photographer, or were there quite a few people around with photography equipment?
Arthur
In 1889 there were very few people with photography equipment in this area. This would have been taken by a professional, possibly someone traveling through the area offering their services. There were dry plates by this time, but it still took heavy equipment and a darkroom to make prints. The first film camera was introduced by Kodak in late 1888 but glass plates continued to be used for many years.
I’ve been slowly producing a list of professional photographers in the area by years of operation based on notes and ads in the Glacier. This might be an O.M. Pope photo, though it’s not mounted on his card stock.
Maria Kollas
I just love what you do, Arthur. Thank you so much! Always look forward to the next edition!