Historic Hood River
Steamer Amongst the Blossoms
Notes
We’re finally seeing blossoms in the orchards, and none too soon. Hood River valley orchards have greeted each spring with blossoms for well over a hundred years, and apparently it’s been a popular excuse to go for a drive for much of that time. I’m told by my secret source (OK, a reader’s brother-in-law) that this car is a 1908-9 White Touring. It’s a steam powered automobile with a 20-30 horsepower engine built by the White Motor Company of Cleveland, Ohio. And before you tell me to flip the negative, all White steamers were right hand drive.
There were very few cars in the valley at this time, and no paved roads. This automobile was probably brought up the Gorge by ship. Within the next decade the highway to Portland would be built and the number of autos in the valley would explode, but when this photo was taken this excursion was truly an oddity. Unfortunately we don’t have a record of who these trendsetters were, but every year thousands of families follow them on a springtime tour of the orchards.
Connie
I love, love, love this picture. What an exciting outing this must have been. Very special if the attire is any indication.
Melanee
My 88 year old mother commented on something I hadn’t noticed… Women always rode in the back seat, if there was one. She doesn’t know if it was to help keep mud and dirt off, or to make it harder for the driver to hear them!
Ricki
The beauty of the blossoms exquisitely captured even with black and white photography. Perhaps a Sunday drive?
Theo Colvin
Maybe that’s where "backseat driver" came from?
Charlott
And Joe, the driver could make the best cup of coffee in Pine Grove !!!!!!!!!
Charlott
Okay the driver of the vehicle is Joe Jarvis, with his wife Clara in the back seat. That would be his son Gerald. I am not certain which daughter this is, but my guess would be Mertyl. They lived on East Side Road in Pine Grove.
mandy betz
Crazy, I just saw this and was reminded of a picture that I took on the way to Copper Dam before they took it out. They look remarkable similar! Is there a way that I can post the picture?