Historic Hood River
Waiting For ?
Notes
We know this photo was taken on July 9, 1946, shortly after noon. We know the view is looking down Fourth Street from a vantage point in the Paris Fair Building. But what is everyone waiting for?
The line seems to end at 110 Fourth Street, the space occupied in recent years by Hood River Hobbies. Flash forward to April 13, 2011. Hood River Hobbies is reopening today under new management. Will there be a line waiting patiently at 12:05PM? If there is, I hope someone takes a photo. And if you do, please attach an explanatory note so the future host of “Historic Hood River” won’t be left with such a mystery.
Fashions in cars and clothing have changed over the past 65 years, but the buildings in this image are largely the same today. The Kelly Building (ca. 1925) which houses the Central Food Market in this image now houses the Frame Gallery, South Bank Kitchen, and Hood River Hobbies. The only building missing is the Patrick and Co. Lumber building across from the Post Office. It has been replaced by a parking lot. Here’s a recent view.
Tags: 1940s, 4th Street, Alva Day, Kelly Building, Mystery Monday, Oak Street
Denise E.
What a great gift to the people of Hood River! Thanks Arthur.
Jay
The Central Food Market was owned by May and Robert Jaques, parents of local attorney Jerry Jaques. Jerry says he doesn’t know what was located in the basement when this photo was taken (before he was born), but it was a state liquor store later, at least. Maybe Hood River Distillers was selling their vodka cheap that day?
Jay
Woops – that’s "Mae Jaques."
Connie
Interesting that it seems to be all men in this line?
Jim Gray
Mom said things were pretty bad for the boys returning home from the war, most likely a food or unemployment line or maybe applying for a scarce job.
Noticed all most all the men wearing hats except the suits in the east corner.
Looks like a couple of new Chevys parked on the street, most of the others 30’s
Thanks for the photos
Arthur
A few details you may not be able to see in this scan:
"¢ there are 4-5 women in this line, right near the street light
"¢ the crates on the curb appear to be empty, and are constructed of wood slats (not air tight)
"¢ the building behind the post office (now Double Mountain) appears to be a Pontiac dealer.
Jim Gray
Yes Byers Pontiac at least in the 50’s & early sixties, moved to the heights after that where the new Mexican Grocery store is now, The Oldsmobile dealer was at the n/w corner of 4th & State, ‘Richards’ I believe, I think Byers may have sold GMC trucks & Buicks as well.
Jim Gray
I also remember Allen-Hay Ford on 4th & Cascade, 4th Street was kind of our Auto Row!
Arthur
OK, did some additional research. This photo did not appear in any local newspapers around July 9, 1946. I could not find any mention of this event. It has been suggested by a reader this was where vets went to collect their "52-20" benefits under the GI Bill– ie $20/week for 52 weeks until they could get a job or go to school. This basement was also an OLCC liquor store around this era, so it is possible the OLCC was helping deliver these benefits. No proof, but a plausible explanation.
Barbara Parsons
I loved the Byers advertising slogan "Wise buyers see Otto Byers".
Barbara Parsons
That lumberyard across from the post office had a great sign painted on the north wall. There was a picture of a fat man wearing a crown, holding a scepter, and sitting on a huge sack of coal. He was labeled "King Coal". Did many people in Hood River heat their homes wiyh coal? With allm that wood around?
Barbara Parsons
You could handle your correspondence in the post office. There was a high desk along the south wall with a big window over it to give you light, and there were inkwells and "stick pens" (like the ones we used for penmanship class at Park Street School) in a narrow shelf by the wall. I don’t remember if paper was also provided.