Historic Hood River
Photographer Up a Tree
3-16-2022
Notes
As you can see it is May 1952 and a too-old-to-be-climbing-a-tree Alva Day is cutting down a tree in what I believe is the yard of his June Street house. He would have been well into his sixties at this date. Based on the leaves and bark I think it might be an ornamental cherry tree. I’m not quite sure who’s taking the picture. Alva Day enjoyed doing self portraits, but I can’t figure out how he released the shutter on this one.
L.E.
It’s nice that he dressed up and wore a tie for the event.
kmb
Good point, L.E. Last time I cut down one of my trees myself, I forgot to put my tie on. This tree looks to be in an open area, I wonder why he didn’t just cut it down at the base, and then cut it up. I do see what looks like a wire going through the picture, but not sure how close it is to the tree and if that is what kept him from cutting it down at the base.
nels
Looks like a man thing. "Honey,don’t worry. I can take care of it myself."
Jeff Bryant
I will be pruning trees this coming week, but I don’t use an extension ladder and handsaw. My philosophy is that if the fruit is too high to pick with your normal ladder, then the tree is too tall and should be shortened.
Susan Baldwin
The photo does appear to have been taken at the June Street house, looking southeast. I appreciate seeing the photo’s date and the time it was taken…attention to detail! The house facing the camera has been given a facelift and the sequoias or redwoods planted on either side of the driveway to the west of it have certainly overtaken their space. My parents bought the June Street house from Mr. Day in 1955, my brother was born there, and it is still in the family. I love seeing his photos and reading snippets about his life and personality.
nels
Looking closer, he is hanging onto the thick branch that he is sawing on. And if
he falls, he’s going head right towards that upright splintered torn branch..
Where is Mrs. Day and what must she be saying about this time?
L.E.
Is the photo taken from an upstairs window?
L.E.
Maybe one of these trees?
L.E.
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=419