Historic Hood River
Primary Politics
5-3-2022

Notes
This image shows New York Governor and presidential candidate Thomas Dewey standing alongside Herman Kresse. I am not sure what he is being presented with, but I’ll bet it was fruit related.
Dewey was the Republican nominee that year, losing to Harry Truman in an early example of polling getting it wrong.
This can serve as a reminder that if you haven’t received your May ballot in the mail yet, you should check with the County Elections office.
Category: Downtown Hood River
Tags: 1940s, Dewey Thomas, election, Kresse, Oak Street, political rally, primary
Tags: 1940s, Dewey Thomas, election, Kresse, Oak Street, political rally, primary
L.E.
In the Friday, May 14, 1948 Oregonian, Dewey schedule has 8:00 breakfast at the Columbia Gorge hotel, gives a talk at Hood River at 9:15, then lunch at Portland at 1:30.
His Republican opponent Harold Stassen was also in the The Dalles, Hood River, Portland area at the same time. Stassen spoke at the Rockford Grange.
nels
Herman Kresse was our local mayor throughout most of the Depression, as well
as the owner of Kresse drug store.
nels
M. Kresse seems to be wearing some kind of robe, ministerial or graduation or….
ArthurB
Yes, our collection includes photos of Harold Stassen too. It seems odd for both major candidates to campaign in little old Hood River. Oregon must have been a swing state back then.
cg
If I remember correctly we got out of school to see both of them and I think it was on same day.
Susan Baldwin
It’s a shame only the men are named in this photo. The woman, holding what I assume is a gift from the HR valley, might as well have been a bookshelf (she says with little mirth).
ArthurB
Susan, this is a common problem with our photo collection. In many photos when they do name the women they use their husband’s name (eg Mrs. Herman Kresse). I try to use their own names when I can, but I don’t always have access to a genealogy.
Susan Baldwin
My frustration was not directed at you Arthur – you do an exemplary job of giving readers as much information as you can, working with what you have, and I truly appreciate your considerable efforts!