Historic Hood River
S. E. Bartmess, Undertaker
Notes
For many years Sam Bartmess used this image in his newspaper advertising. I think this was from a calendar.
It was common for furniture stores to also provide mortuary services. It’s said they repurposed the wood from furniture crates to make caskets. Whether that is true or not, the Bartmess Building, which still exists, has a staircase which can be pivoted up to allow coffins to be carried up from the basement. While the main business was furniture, he also sold paint, building material, and even bicycles.
What started as a stand alone building in 1893 soon had important neighbors, including the Paris Fair and the Butler Bank. This view would be 1904 or 1905. There is a two story brick building for the Paris Fair next door, which would be enlarged to three stories in 1906. It is quite recognizable as it stands today.
After Cuddeford Blacksmith building burned in 2017, I think this is the only remaining wood frame structure in the Oak Street business block.
William C. Seaton
I lived in the apartment behind the balcony from 1952 to 1955. It was a large two-bedroom apartment that had been converted from two small ones. The first floor was the Five and Dime Store.
L. E.
According to the June 27, 1900 HR Glacier, the Hood River Rod and gun Club held their meetings a the Bartmess Furniture store.
Steffen
It is my understanding that the western portion of the building was from 1893 and the eastern portion was added in 1903.
Arthur Babitz
Steffen, I have the 1893 date for the west portion too. Since this image has to be 1904 or 1905, that’s consistent with the east portion dating “pre 1905”.