For such a important event in the Wilson's life, not a single smile in this photo.

Dale Nicol on 23rd April 2018 @ 7:04am

Mr. Wilson served in the Union army during the Civil War. He initially enlisted in a 90 day unit, the 8th Indiana Infantry. At the end of that period he re-enlisted in the 46th Indiana. He saw action in many of the battles and was wounded and taken prisoner at Mansfield, Illinois. He spent the next 8 months as a POW, being finally exchanged. At wars end he went north and married Nancy Chamberlain. For four years they farmed in Missouri before removing and farming in the Belmont area of Hood River.

This photo was taken 2 years prior to his death in 1921.

The daughter Flora, never married, in her final years roomed with my Grandfather and his wife. I am not certain, but think she had worked in the post office in town.

Smiles played an important role in photos. 1919 is pretty late for the old reason. The old reason was that at least during the 1800's many people had lost their teeth and that is apparent in many of your old photos. Another reason, which would not apply to this was the fact it took so long for a picture to actually be taken the smiles would hav e to have been posed and not natural.

Charlott on 23rd April 2018 @ 7:24am

Arthur, this is a picture of the John Wilson family. However, I think the Wilson that built the Wilson reservoir was Joseph (Joe) A. Wilson.

LMH on 23rd April 2018 @ 8:12am

That is one huge oak tree, and it must have been there and well on in age when this photo was taken.

nels on 23rd April 2018 @ 9:49am

I do not agree about not smiling because of teeth loss, but very true about having to pose so long. Wonderful picture!

Judy on 23rd April 2018 @ 12:29pm

Nothing but trees uphill of them back then.

Kyle on 23rd April 2018 @ 2:10pm

The lot directly above them across Eugene St was still vacant in the early 60's. We used to cut through it walking to school at Coe & Park St schools.

Dave on 23rd April 2018 @ 2:37pm

In the 1940's & 50's, we used to call this part of 7th Street "Catholic Hill".

Bill Seaton on 23rd April 2018 @ 2:44pm

Thanks Charlotte for all the information. It makes the picture so much more meaningful. Now, what do you know about the man for whom Wilson Park is named at the east end of May St.? It mentions a Mr. Wilson teaching many kids about flying.

nels on 23rd April 2018 @ 5:36pm

Nancy Wilson is featured in a gathering at Samuel Blythe's Twin Oaks Farm.
She is in the second row, second from the left.

http://historichoodriver.com/index.php?showimage=1652

L.E. on 24th April 2018 @ 6:58am

Another HHR photo connected to the Wilson Family, thanks to Charlott making the connection.
A photo of John Connell who married Grace Wilson.

L.E. on 24th April 2018 @ 7:05am