Notes
The "real photo postcard" (RPPC) become something of an artform in the early twentieth century. Automobiles let people go "site-seeing" an a professionally photographed postcard was a cheap souvenir. Sawyers, Cross and Dimmitt, and Eddy all produced beautiful series of cards showing the many sites of our part of the country. You can read about the history of local postcards here.
A completely undocumented album of nice RPPCs appeared in my inbox a few months ago, and finally got scanned last week. I hope you enjoy a week of site-seeing in Oregon and Washington, courtesy of these mid-century photographers. We start with this classic of postcard art. How often have you seen the Gorge with fluffy cumulus clouds and not a breath of wind? In the world of the RPPC the weather and lighting are always perfect. Chicken Charlie island has never looked better.
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Tags: Chicken_Charlie_Island Columbia_River Eighteen_Mile_Island Postcard
Comments
The slopes of the hills stand out so well, as does the size of Charlie's island and the cloud reflections in the water. I had never seen the small island to the north of Charlie's.
Kenn on 19th September 2016 @ 8:12am
having just helped with hosting the 40th staff reunion of the American Freedom Train here in Portland our some 150 attendees from across the USA reminded me how beautiful our section of the country really is. I will always consider growing up in HR to be one of my special gifts. this postcard is one of many examples.
Arlen L sheldrake on 19th September 2016 @ 9:23am
I agree with Arlen. Growing up in Hood River was very special.
Bill Seaton on 19th September 2016 @ 4:45pm
Beautiful.
The entire Gorge is a fascinating area, but I think this area is especially remarkable because you merge from the forests of giant fir trees to pine trees and look east toward a treeless landscape.
L.E. on 19th September 2016 @ 8:31pm
The actual name of this approximately 10 acre island is "Eighteenmile Island.
There was an actual chicken farm there, but that was before "Chicken Charlie", who was in reality Charles J. Reither, who owned it later than the chicken farmer. He resided there until he died in 1963.
Keep in mind that this island was somewhat larger prior to Bonneville Dam.
Charlott on 20th September 2016 @ 5:57am