Historic Hood River
“They Sure Look Happy, Don’t They?”
9-8-2023
Notes
The caption of this image says, “The three boys. Cascade Locks, March 31, 1920. They sure look happy, don’t they? I took this picture. Irene Samuel
This is from a collection of images once owned by Mary Samuel.
jnails
I met Irene Samuels in her latter years. She lived in a big house (Montello I think) built by her husband). She said the Heights was all forest and Indians had lived up there beyond that point. Her husband had to do with the Hood Riverwater station down below. She organized the Riverside Church ladies and cooked banquets to finance that addition to the west of the church. I do not understand how they could have meals and cook down there. One such meal was the postmasters convention in town. A strong lady.
Judy
My boss. At one time, Virginia Routson, spoke of Irene Samuels. Virginia lived on Montello with Jan Beardsley. I think they were neighbors.
Dede Garcia
My husband and I bought the house on Montello from Irene’s daughter Louise in 2006. Irene’s husband Jake didn’t build the house but purchased it in 1922 when they married. The house was built in 1905.
Irene’s maiden name was Fewell. Her father was in charge of the electric substation down on the Hood River. She grew up just up river of the substation and walked into Hood River for school. Her husband Jake worked down at the substation and walked down the hill and across the railroad bridge to work.
Carolyn Downing Stevens
I have a humorous memory of a dinner my parents and I were invited to at Maude Peter’s lovely colonial style home on Prospect. One of my friends who was visiting from out of town was included. As we rang the doorbell, Jake Samuels answered the door, very dapper and dressed quite formally. My astonished friend thought he was the butler! Jake and Irene were fellow guests.
S Baldwin
Mrs. Samuel was beautiful and, at least in her later years, wore her long white hair braided around her wide face which accented her rosy cheeks and complimented her bright eyes. At least that’s my recollection as an impressionable teen. A lovely and kind woman.