Notes
This nice colored postcard of the Wau Gwin Gwin hotel was postmarked July 1, 1909. The Wau Gwin Gwin was located at the falls where Phelps Creek plunges to the Columbia River. It was removed to make room for construction of Simon Benson's Columbia Gorge Hotel in 1920.
Category: [Downtown Hood River]
Tags: 1900s hotel postcard Wau_Gwin_Gwin
Comments
Be sure to check the tag for Wau Gwin Gwin. There are several other photos with some good history comments.
I wonder if the sign was visible from the River?
L.E. on 29th November 2017 @ 7:52am
The pond must have been a recent addition as that is a huge old oak tree that got drowned, as well as some of it's smaller sprouts. Business must have been good as the building has been added on to.
nels on 29th November 2017 @ 9:58am
It looks like they backed up Phelps Creek a bit for scenic value.
I don't know if the sign was visible from the river, but there is the story the steamer captains would toot their whistle to let the proprietor know how many people needed transport from the steamer landing.
Arthur on 29th November 2017 @ 11:17am
Bobby Rand built my home in 1905, The big gold home the bottom of Rand Rd. He was also the builder/owner of Wau Gwin Gwin hotel. He probably lived here as he was building his hotel. Not too far away, went either by horse or an early Ford.....,Then in the early 20"s, Simon Benson bought it, and put in that classy Columbia Gorge Hotel.....
James on 30th November 2017 @ 4:39pm
From the June 02, 1904 HR Glacier:
Robert Rand has installed a new gas plant in his hotel at Wau-guin-guin, having found it easier to operate and that it gives a softer, better light. Mr. Rand is rapidly getting his fine place in shape to throw it open to the public. There isn't another such a beautiful natural location in the valley, and when ready to receive his guests every days will be Sunday at Wau-guin-guin.
L.E. on 20th April 2018 @ 8:59pm
The old hotel was torn down in 1920 to make wat for the new hotel.
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn97071110/1920-09-16/ed-1/seq-3/
Jeffrey W Bryant on 26th October 2020 @ 6:52am
Peering over the falls from the Columbia Gorge Hotel and thinking of that story about the riverboat captain tooting his horn to announce the arrival of the visitors, I always have one question, and at last here's the place to ask it. How did the visitors get from the river up to the hotel? Surely not by stairs or a ladder. And there wasn't an elevator, at least not that .I ever heard of. A hot-air balloon?
Barbara Parsons on 14th December 2020 @ 5:45pm