Historic Hood River
Waiting for the Ferry
11-19-2012
Notes
This unusual view of downtown Hood River was taken from the Underwood ferry landing circa 1915. The Mt. Hood Hotel has its brick annex, so it’s at least 1913. The shack advertises “Tom Keene Cigars.”
l.e.
What do you mean by, "Underwood ferry landing"?
It appears that she is not using a western saddle, but perhaps an English jumping saddle.
Is that a private home behind the rider?
Arlen Sheldrake
Yes, an unusual view of HR. Nice pose provided by the horse. Could one go up in the cupola of the Mount Hood Hotel? Any idea Arthur what the sign on the fence post says?
charlott
That is where at one time there was a ferry between Hood River and Underwood. I think it was way earlier than this that Amos Underwood, one of the first homesteaders in Underwood, thus the name, ran.
Really good view of the hotel.
Arthur
The sign says "Underwood Ferry". You’ll see why tomorrow.
We have several images in our collection which I’m sure were taken from that cupola, so there was at least some access. Remember that all this "land" you see was flooded on a regular basis. At high water the ferry and sternwheeler would come right up to the railroad tracks, so I suspect these shacks were seasonal.
charlott
The boats used to dock way out in the cottonwoods in the summer. Keep in mind also that the river wasn’t as high, due to no Bonneville Dam.
Jill Stanford
She is riding an English Pleasure saddle (as well as jodhpur pants)– considered more ‘ladylike’ than a Western saddle in those days. I wonder who she is?
Arthur
Jill, the Davidson Collection includes many photos of this same girl (for example, #88 and #330). She is definitely part of the family. She was a teenager circa 1915, and she broke her leg and got pretty bruised up (horse related accident?) at about the same age. There are several photos of her bedrest and recuperation. Hope some day we know her name.
Jill Stanford
Arthur — that is very interesting. How do I access those numbers ? Her hat/beret/cap is quite stylish and that’s a well-bred little horse. I hope it was not the one to hurt her. Thank you.
Arthur
Jill, here are the links:
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=88
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=330
Jill Stanford
How nice of you Arthur! Thank you.
She is such a charming young lady ad what an idyllic life she seems to have led in Hood River. I hope, someday, there is a name to that face.
B Copper
The young lady on the horse is Mariwhitmor Whitehead, the daughter of Horatio Davidson’s sister, Amanda Whitehead.