Historic Hood River
Ortley’s
6-9-2017
Notes
I’m not familiar with Ortley’s, but that’s a nice looking apple. This is the reverse of stationery used by the Hood River Commercial Club.
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
Charlott
It would be considered a "heritage" apple, medium in size. It is and was known by a number of names. Most common was Bellflower. Also known as Cleopatra. It went back to colonial days and was first noted in New Jersey. First found in Oregon in the late 1840’s. It was a good fresh eating apple, beings it was firm and on the tart side at picking, though if stored for awhile mellowed out. Used a lot, along with other varieties to make a good cider. It was one of the apples that we used to bake, as my Grandpa had some Ortley trees in his orchard. I don’t know for certain if there are any in the valley anymore. If there is, my guess would be Kiokawa’s in Parkdale.
L.E.
A description of the Ortley says:
"Ortley are medium to large-sized, conical-shaped apples.
They have waxy, tough, smooth greenish-yellow skin which sometimes has a red blush on it."
I would say the artist captured a pretty good likeness. Such a shame that he/she did not sign the photos used by the HR Commercial Club.
Has anyone been to the site of the of the now non-existant town of Ortley?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ortley,_Oregon
Kenn
I have not been able to access Ortley, but once heard there had been access from Rowena. I see no possible route, have not found it on old maps and see no need as Ortley had access on The Dalles-Mosier road.
Charlott
I remember being there as a child one Christmas Eve afternoon. There was nothing there…..I know where the old road went that got you there….
L.E.
There is also the The Ortley Gap, Ortley Thrust, Ortley Lava Pinnacles, Ortley Anticline and the Ortley Fault.
Columbia River Images covers these areas. Some of them can be interchanged with the name Rowena.
Jeffrey W Bryant
The Hood River Glacier, March 19, 1914, page 9
The suit brought by T. H. Field, of Portland, against the Hood River Orchard and Land Co., operating at Ortley, east of Mosier, was won by the plaintiff in the circuit court in Multnomah county last week. Geo. I. Sargent, of the Oak Grove district, was a member of the committee of orchardists who were appointed to investigate the property involved. The plaintiff asked for a return of purchase money, alleging that the land was unfit for orchard purposes.
Longshot
I had heard that the homes that were built in Ortley got hauled off to The Dalles when the town was abandoned. Wonder if any are now along 7 Mile Hill Road or are identifiable anywhere?
Andy Pierson
When last I visited Ortley in probably 2009 there was only a barn left plus the remains of the old school. A couple newer homes were there but abandoned and in bad shape. You can find my photos on Flickr.