Historic Hood River
The Boys
1-27-2025
Notes
Finally, something which hasn’t change much since the 1950s. The range of products may be a bit narrower, but the Boys Pine Grove Grocery is still in operation at the same spot along Highway 35.
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
Jeffrey Bryant
The earliest mention of the Bickford’s Pine Grove store that I could find in the Hood River Glacier was 10 March 1927. The Loop Road was being built in 1922, so I doubt that the store was older than that.
William C. Seaton
I would like to have seen Charlott’s comments on this one.
Jeffrey Bryant
“The Boys” were Hayes Latimer Bickford, b. 1894, and Arthur Clare Bickford, b. 1898, the sons of Arthur Farrington Bickford. A. F. Bickford’s 1941 death certificate lists his occupation as retail merchant, own retail store.
nels
Arthur, now that we have lost our historian Charlott, is there any chance you could give us a little history on her? Such a repository of knowledge on the history of this area.
L. E.
Arthur did this excellent commemoration of Charlott.
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/charlott-wells-jones/
I thought the same thing when I opened today’s photo. “ what would Charlotte be able to tell us?”
Arthur Babitz
Thanks for finding that LE. Was just preparing a post for next week that I wish I could discuss with Bill Pattison.
L. E.
There was a Pine Grove Store in 1906 owned by M. E. Thomas.
In the April 04, 1918 HR Glacier, P3 Bickford has purchased the store from Johnson Brothers. Carl Johnson is in the army.
This is interesting. There are several mentions of Consolidated Mercantile Company. The August 13, 1914 Glacier P.5 says those stores are Pine Grove, Rockford, Stone Store and Odell.
In 1916, the Consolidated Stores sold its Pine Grove store to Johnson Brothers. HRG Feb. 24, 1916 P. 9
Arthur Babitz
Great research LE, thanks.
Jeffrey Bryant
I could understand the Pine Grove store being close to the railroad tracks at Pine Grove in the early years. The hotel used to be there before Walter Wells moved it to the west. But I don’t see any reason that “The Boys” store would be located on Highway 35 until after the loop highway was completed. So I suspect the Pine Grove store operated in two locations.
In the History of Hood River County, 1852-1982, page 122 concerning the Bickford family it says, “They farmed 20 acres of orchard in the Pine Grove area and soon opened a grocery store adjacent to the orchard which was next to the Mt. Hood Railroad.”
Jeffrey Bryant
Walter Wells spent quite a bit of time recording the history of the Pine Grove area on cassette tape. I’m pretty sure he submitted it to the historical society. You likely have it in your files.
Charlott Wells Jones’ brother has her files.
Cecelia Goodnight
Today the Archives/Research committee was discussing box of tapes and CD’s we have and need to check how they are all listed in computer because there’s quite a variety. Will report back if we find the Walter Wells one! You may know more about it, Arthur.
Jeffrey Bryant
A history of the Pine Grove Grocery can be found on page 493 of the History of Hood River County, 1852-1982.