Notes
The completion of the Columbia River Highway to Hood River in 1916 transformed the downtown. Before 1916 the city faced the rail depot and the steamer dock. After 1916 the city faced Oak Street. Entering the commercial district you would be welcomed by the Twin Peaks Auto Co.(built 1920) where you could fuel up and adjust the bands in the transmission on your Model T. The Rialto Theater (built 1921) proudly proclaimed its "Golden Voiced Wurlitzer" organ if you wanted to catch a matinee. Projecting signs jumped out of each building vying for the attention of the arriving motorists.
This image is taken from directly in front of the stairs to the library (built 1913). It looks like they may still be working on the roof of the Rialto.
Category: [Downtown Hood River]
Tags: 1920s Columbia_River_Highway garage Oak_Street Rialto_Theater theater Twin_Peaks_Auto
Comments
Wondering when the electric gasoline pumps came into being, although these gravity or visible pumps stayed in reserve for years in some locations in case of a power failure ~
Kenn on 21st February 2017 @ 7:54am
Wonder what the posts are on the right hand curb, and the item beyond the gas pump ~.
I have memories of pumping to fill the old gravity gas pumps at my grandfathers place ~.
Kenn on 21st February 2017 @ 10:10am
Awesome photo Arthur! Neat perspectives on the auto changes.
Scott Cook on 21st February 2017 @ 10:11am
Kenn, thanks for asking the question regarding fuel dispensing systems. A quick Google search yielded a couple charming biographies on John J. Tokheim.
http://uipress.lib.uiowa.edu/bdi/DetailsPage.aspx?id=380
https://www.pcmpublishing.com/articles/27.html
According to this website the first electric fuel dispenser was marketed in 1923. The article not only discusses some of the history of fuel dispensing but also the future.
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Gasoline-Pump.html
Read and enjoy.
LMH on 21st February 2017 @ 3:42pm
Kenn, I'm making a guess here. Maybe an air dispenser for filling tires. Odd location though.
LMH on 21st February 2017 @ 4:11pm
I was guessing an air and water dispenser for the item to the right of the gas pump. Both would have been needed very often back then. Early pneumatic required repair seemingly daily so having a ready source of compressed air would have been an appreciated public service and unpressurized cooling systems needed to be topped off with water frequently as well.
Longshot on 21st February 2017 @ 7:31pm
Interesting about focus of traffic, with changing modes of traffic.
One website says:
Kelly Brothers Hardware......
This building was built in 1925 to house two businesses facing Oak Street. The western side housed Kelly Hardware, later called Weber Hardware and the eastern side housed a bakery.
L.E. on 21st February 2017 @ 8:05pm
No one said a word about the "J" walking lady and the two children.
LMH on 21st February 2017 @ 8:29pm
Plus there is the dog.
I noticed the top side of the Rialto. It looks as if it isn't finished to me...
charlott on 22nd February 2017 @ 7:20am
Times have not changed. Dogs still sleep on the side walk in front of the Dog River Coffee Co.
Bill P.
William D. Pattison on 3rd March 2017 @ 1:04pm
Do you know the name of the"Bakery?" My grandfather owned a bakery named "Home Bakery" from early 20 's thru late 40's. I believe it was in the Heights area.
Gina Baker on 22nd May 2017 @ 7:58pm