Notes
Remember a couple of weeks back when we were exploring the 1904/1905 construction of the Mt. Hood Railroad and the Powerdale power station near the end of the Hood River? An HHR reader just shared his collection of postcards of the area, and it includes a pair of images which help fill in the picture a little more. They both show the view from "Prospect Point" which I believe is the bluff at the east end of Prospect Avenue. We know this was a popular spot for photographers-- even Carleton Watkins took a photo from this spot when he visited in 1882-83.
The top image was taken in 1903, just before the Mt. Hood Railroad and the Powerdale power plant construction started in 1904. The second image shows it shortly after the railroad was built.
Note both images are hand colored, which is why the gravel bar on the lower image is green. Other than color, the gravel bars are almost identical, which makes me think the second image is very few years later than the first.
Category: [Downtown Hood River]
Comments
Any idea what the items are strewn about near the railroad bridge? Nice to spot Indian Creek gurgling in to the river far right middle of frame.
Will on 9th October 2020 @ 7:06am
Watkins had quite a life. He was born in Oneona, New York in 1829 and came west during the '49 gold rush. He did a number of things in the photography industry. He was awarded numerous times, in both the U. S. and abroad for his pictures. His photos of the Yosemite area were very instrumental in Lincoln's attempt to preserve the Yosemite Valley. Watkins got caught up in financial difficulties and had to declare bankrupcy. His photos were pirated by another man, and over time Watkins basically lost high sight and hope. He ended up in the mental insitution at Napa, California, where he died and is buried supposedly in an unmarked grave there.
Charlott on 9th October 2020 @ 7:10am
GREAT postcards.....the donor picked the right place for their donation!
Quite the views from Prospect Point....did not know the location had a name. LOTS of memories and friends, some departed, lived on Prospect.....understand David Jubiitz now owns the family (Gilbert) home at the eastern end.
I will again plug the Webfooters Post Card Club (www.thewebfooters.com).....their most recent newsletter "How Boring Got its Name" is well done.
My article with great help from Arthur about the "never built MHRR tunnel" awaits publication in the newsletter of the Pacific Northwest Chapter National Railway Historical Society.
Arlen L Sheldrake on 9th October 2020 @ 9:31am
These postcards are lithographs, not real photo postcards, so there really isn't any more detail I can see in my scan.
This extensive postcard collection is a "digital loan" from a longtime HHR reader who wants to share these images with all of us. I've scanned about 50 of his cards and will be doing "postcard Fridays" for a while. I will include the reverse when there is something interesting.
ArthurB on 9th October 2020 @ 9:54am
Many years ago my brother found the original of the top photo at a shop in Portland. I have a copy hanging on my wall. I think the picture was taken from the property that was Maude and Al Peters yard. My copy is black and white so think this one has been colored. Sent a copy of it to Bill Seaton several years ago.
Norma on 9th October 2020 @ 10:46am
Are you speaking of the large 2 story colonial style house at the east end of the street?
nels on 9th October 2020 @ 1:02pm
Yes, Norma, because of you, I recognized today's picture immediately.
Bill Seaton on 9th October 2020 @ 1:24pm
Thank you to the reader for sharing.
L.E. on 9th October 2020 @ 4:23pm
I think I read once that the Indians had a winter camp at the mouth of Indian Creek but I don’t see much of an area for that.
L.E. on 9th October 2020 @ 4:29pm
LE, #833 shows a summer camp on Indian Creek, but I haven’t heard about a winter camp on Indian Creek.
ArthurB on 9th October 2020 @ 8:04pm