Notes
If you have a really good memory you'll know that I posted this image ten years ago, but now we have a much better scan and more context. This is Olive Alfreda Shepler, daughter of Alf and Clara Shepler, on her 10 month birthday in 1911. Here is Alf Shepler. If I have the relations correct, Olive is the granddaughter of Commodore Dean, who ran the ferry across the Columbia.
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Commodore Oliver Charles Dean was the step-father of Alfred James Shepler. They both were ferrymen.
Jeffrey W Bryant on 9th February 2021 @ 7:15am
Look at that intricate design on that dress. Quite an interesting "walker". Looks as if it just slid along, unless the wheels are down in the grass and you can't see them.
Olive was an only child and never married. She ended up working as a steographer in Portland during WWII.
Wendell on 9th February 2021 @ 7:15am
The Hood River County Sun, Hood River, OR., November 11, 1936, page 1
COMMODORE DEAN, ONCE FERRY OPERATOR, PASSES
Oliver C. Dean, known to scores of Hood River residents by the affectionate title of “Commodore,” died at his home last night at the age of 86.
Dean received the nickname during his 16 years as operator of the Hood River-White Salmon ferry, from 1903 until 1919. Since then he was active until last year by filing saws and sharpening lawnmowers. His old ferryboat, the Ollie S., was named for his granddaughter, Miss Olive Sheplar, at present employed by the Apple Growers association.
Although Dean was in poor health for several years preceding his death, his philosophy did not include gloom and growling. He spent a lot of time on the streets of Hood River joking with acquaintances and strangers alike.
Only last week Dean managed to get to the polls on election day to cast his ballot, saying he wanted to vote a straight Republican ticket.
Dean was born near Hamilton, Ohio, September 15, 1850. He was interested in mining and contracting and had the contract for an early eight-story “skyscraper” in St. Louis. In 1894 he settled in the Willamette valley, and six years later came to Hood River, where he located timber claims and homestead sites until he bought the ferry business.
Mrs. Dean died two years ago. Two stepsons, A.J. Sheplar of Hood River and T.F. Sheplar of Portland, survive.
Dean was a member of Hood River Masonic lodge, for which he was caretaker for many years.
Jeffrey W Bryant on 9th February 2021 @ 7:17am
I think Olive Shepler and parents were living near the White Salmon Ferry Landing on the Washington side when she was born.
L.E. on 9th February 2021 @ 6:39pm