Historic Hood River
Party Time!
2-18-2013
Notes
Time for a little celebration, as this is the 500th posting of Historic Hood River. Hope you’ve enjoyed this experiment in documenting our history one image at a time.
We’ve seen this man before, in this photo. I’m guessing this is his retirement party, so we can forgive his indulgence in too much “ice tea.” Does anyone know his name?
Norma Jubitz Simpson
I think it is Dr. Stan Wells.
Arthur
Norma, my sources give me a different ID. I’ll post it this afternoon.
Arlen Sheldrake
WOW, 500th, congratulations Arthur!!! You and the Museum are providing one heck of a community service. Is it time to for us to contribute some $$ to the funding?
Bet that "ice tea" tasted good. Arlen
Judy
Just come on down to the museum and become a member! That helps the funding! Or information can be mailed to you.
mary bartmess kramer
I would guess it was Herman Kresse, who was featured with some teasing by the firemen in that time period. Dr. Wells didn’t look that old when he was still in practice many years later.
nels
Great job Arthur. You’ve brought much enjoyment to many, not to mention collecting invaluable information from the memories of longtimers. I just enjoy learning of local history and people. Thanks a bunch.
nels
Must have been something special as there is a partial body on the left that looks to be wearing a corsage – wife of said honoree?
nels
On second look, this must have been a pretty auspicious occasion as there is the padded bar and drapes in the background. Elks club?
Jill Stanford
I’ve enjoyed everything you have posted! I’ve learned so much more about Hood rRiver and the Valley.
The comments have only added to the enjoyment.
Next time I am in Hood River, I am coming in and becoming a member.
The corsage is made up of gardenias –you hardly see them any more.
charlott
Yes, I agree that is not Doc Wells. That is Jiim Edstrom on the far left of the photo. Wonder what that box thing hanging on the wall in the other room might be?
l.e.
Is the gentleman Hugh Ball, editor of the Hood River News?
Bill Seaton
Happy 500th, Arthur! I have enjoyed getting to add understanding to many of my HR memories.
l.e.
Mary…Herman Kresse is probably an excellent guess.
But I’m have trouble aging the gentleman in photo #298 into this gentleman.
Thanks Arthur and crew for 500 wonderful photos.
Arthur
Bill Pattison was happy to identify the reveler as Leonard Freygang. He recalls that Leonard owned the hardware store in the Heilbronner Building (SW corner Cascade and Third), and loved to hang around the fire station playing cribbage. Bill doesn’t remember Leonard as a member of the HRFD, but perhaps he was when he was younger.
The Freygang House at 1027 Columbia is an inventoried Oregon Historic Property. That citation includes the following biography:
Leonard Richard Freygang was born to Mr. and Mrs Richard A. Freygang 8 February 1894 in Sacramento California. He worked as a signal maintainer until he enlisted in the army on September 27, 1917 and returned from World War I on 10 June 1919. Freygang was a firefighter in Hood River for 42 years. He witnessed the changes to Hood River’s fire fighting from the use of horse and buggies, to the use of modern day pumping equipment. According to the 1948 Polk’s Directory, Freygang also operated Freygang’s Auto Accessories and Sporting Goods. He and his wife Gertrude resided at 1027 Columbia which they owned at that time. Leonard preceded Gertrude in death on April 23, 1972. Gertrude continued to reside at 1027 Columbia until her death in 1974.
charlott
That isn’t Yip Easterly in front of Jim Edstrom is it? Sort of looks like him?????