Notes
The GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) was a Civil War veterans group. The Oregon GAR held their 23rd annual encampment at Hood River June 15-17, 1904. This is the view the GAR members would have seen as they left the train station and headed towards the Mt. Hood Hotel, which we see in its full glory after the third floor and cupola were added.
Such a large event must have been a big deal for Hood River, which was in the middle of an enormous growth spurt. Between 1900 and 1910 the population of the city tripled, spurred on by a very successful fruit industry in the valley.
The Monday Mystery: What was the "WRC" referred to on the welcome sign?
And a special note for HHR readers: last week we blew through the 100,000 real page views milestone, just over 6 months since our debut picture. But I'm much more proud of the over 720 helpful comments and observations you've submitted. We're building an important historical record. Keep those comments coming!
Category: [Downtown Hood River]
Tags: 1900s GAR hotel Mt_Hood_Hotel Mystery_Monday
Comments
WRC stood for Women's Relief Corp. That was what you would call the Auxilery to the Grand Army of the Republic.
Even in the 1950's the Hood River Chapter of the WRC was still in existance. I don't know but my guess is it was being continued at that time by grand-daughters of GAR membership.
Charlott on 26th September 2011 @ 7:11am
The WRC is still in existance. They have a website if anyone is interested.
Charlott on 26th September 2011 @ 7:16am
Oooh, Ladies night
Dan on 26th September 2011 @ 8:11am
I have enjoyed the photos, but I have especially enjoyed the comments from the local people and relatives.
When I look through Oregon State or UO photo archives I realize what a treasure you have here with the comment section and links to previous photos.
Once in a while, click on the "browse" section at the top of the page and refresh your memory at the variety of photos we have viewed. You might find something new to comment about.
l.e. on 26th September 2011 @ 8:28am
Talk about Humble Beginnings! Hard to believe this is the same hotel as the 1888 original. And this late version would certainly have blocked the view from the house in the Cyanotype.
l.e. on 26th September 2011 @ 8:57am
I enjoy old pictures and the stories they tell, thanks to Arthur and the museum staff for this forum and congrats on the milestone, this site has been a very educational and enjoyable addition to my reading list.
Jim on 26th September 2011 @ 11:04am
Congratulations on the 100,000 views milestone. This is an absolutely outstanding service you folks are providing.
The fall issue of the HRHS class of 1959 newslettter went out this last Friday and included a note about this site.....some of my classmates will also find it very interesting. THANKS!
Arlen Sheldrake on 26th September 2011 @ 7:38pm
When did this Hotel burn down? Is this now the parking lot for The hood River Hotel and The pizza place? Look at the old wooden sidewalks.
Ellen Dittebrandt on 27th September 2011 @ 9:53pm
The back part of it is the parking lot but the part up the hill is still there. To my knowledge it didn't burn down.
Charlott on 28th September 2011 @ 6:15am
The wooden part of the hotel became a rooming house and was quite dilapidated by the 30's. I'll post some pictures of its later years. My understanding is it was ordered removed by the fire marshal. Many of the older wooden structures did burn, though-- I'll be posting some pictures of the more spectacular fires next month.
Arthur on 28th September 2011 @ 8:47am
From my Cemetery Tales research of the Blowers, I believe the GAR veterens of Hood River were organized by Amby Blowers when he moved here in 1889. He was very active in honoring fellow Civil War vets. His son, Lawrence, was mayor in 1904.
Kate D on 28th September 2011 @ 9:13am
It was all gone in the early 50's as that was the Safeway parking lot.
Charlott on 28th September 2011 @ 5:24pm
Really? And where was Safeway? Pietros?
l.e. on 28th September 2011 @ 6:14pm
Yes, Pietro's was Safeway for many years, after it moved down off of Main Street. I am not certain where it was located, maybe for just a brief time, but seems I recall people saying it was originally up there somewhere. My first recollecftion of it was there where Pietros is now and all that area where the riverside portion of the hotel was, was the parking lot. Then it relocated up to where the Hood River News is now, across from the library.
Charlott on 29th September 2011 @ 3:58am
...just filler, but for the record, ...Luhr Jensen purchased the Building (and parking lot) from Safeway sometime in the early '70's ( I gotta get a better memory...) and did some manufacturing (fishing lures) there. It was turned into a Grizzly Bear pizza parlour when LJ constructed their Port site location in 1978. ...the purchase price was $32,000. ...times do change. Pietro's purchased the operation a bit later.
Phil Jensen on 19th October 2011 @ 9:50pm