Historic Hood River
Oak Street, 1920s
3-13-2019
Notes
Here’s a view down Oak Street from the western edge of the commercial district, probably in the late 1920s. This was the first view of town visitors would see when arriving on the Columbia River Highway.
Our friend “Corson the Music Man” has his shop on the right, with Hood River Auto and the Rialto Theater on the left.
Melody Shellman
That "GARAGE" sign across the street must have been a welcome sight for any traveler dealing with car trouble.
Arthur
Good point, Melody. We’ve forgotten the era when an automobile would need service every 100 mile or less. Driving from Portland to Hood River was a major expedition. There were gas stations with some services available (top off the radiator, oil) between Hood River and Portland, but this was probably the first opportunity for major repairs.
L.E.
Do you think about 15 years difference between these two photos?
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=1604
LMH
Arthur, this photograph was originally published 6-1-2011, https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=57. Pretty good to only get one or two duplicates over eight years. The result of excellent management.
It is interesting to review the commenters as well as the comments. Some of the people in the original post no longer post and then there are those who still regularly post. How much wiser are we today about the history of Hood River and its people, all from the sharing of the people that live or have lived in Hood River.
Arthur
Thanks for digging that up LMH. I had a vague feeling I’d already posted this but couldn’t find it with a quick search. I suppose a few repeats aren’t a bad thing, but I try to keep the history "fresh".
Jay
I am going through a stack of old 78 rpm records and just found one that has stamped on it "Sold by Corson, The Music Man (town unreadable), Oregon – Everything In Music". This must be the same Corson! I am not sure of the date of the record but probably from the 1920’s
ArthurB
Unless every town had a Corson…
Jay
This record landed in Gresham so Hood River is the likely source.