Historic Hood River
Picket Fences
9-23-2015
Notes
I wish we knew where this was, but at least we know when and who. It’s 1896, and that’s Mary and daughter Helen Davidson on the left, with Mr. McGuire, Mrs Ma?zey, and Mr. Backus with the ax. There must have been a good reason for all that fencing.
Buzz
Fence to keep the deer out of the garden.
Kenn
I would guess the 4′ fence is to deep keep rabbits out or chickens in, deer fences I have seen are closer to 6′.
L.E.
I spy some rocks.
Arthur, I bet if you look around HR, you can still find those rocks and then you will know where this place is.
Looks like an orchard has been planted and I also spy a sawbuck.
L.E.
The Hood River Glacier, Hood River, OR., August 10, 1900, page 3
DEATH OF GIDEON W. BACKUS
Gideon W. Backus, an old and respected citizen of Hood River, died Wednesday morning, August 8, 1900, at the home of his son-in-law, E.S. Olinger, aged nearly 83 years. Mr. Backus had been in poor health for a month or more, but he was a man of strong constitution, and he bid fair to live many years.
Deceased was born in Butler county, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1817. He removed with his parents to Indiana when a boy. In 1849 and he came to Oregon, across the plains, and settled in Linn county, taking up a donation land claim nine miles from Albany. He engaged in farming in Linn county till 1876, when he sold his farm and came to Hood River. He was married, in Indiana, to Mary A. Hardman, who died in Linn county. The followed farming in Hood River till ten years ago, and since then led a retired life. He left eight children — Judge C.F. Backus of Spokane, Aaron Backus of Sumpter, Sylvester Backus of Dell, Or., Joseph Backus of The Dalles, Mrs. Lucinda Kygar of Tucson, Arizona, Mrs. Jane Circle of Paulina, Or., Mrs. F.A. Mauzey of Portland, Mrs. E.S. Olinger of Hood River.
L.E.
I thought perhaps the photo we saw a few days ago
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=1231
might be the Davidsons taking a carriage ride out to the home in this photo.
But, Helen Davidson looks older in this one??
Pam K
I believe this house is located on the corner of 9th and may street.