Notes
It's rare to have such a nice interior image. Alton W. Onthank had an insurance and real estate business in Hood River, and here he is at his desk. The calendar is open to November 1911. There are a few details worth noting: the telephone has a directory booklet attached to it which looks to have about a dozen pages, the map is a detailed map of the city, and his other wall hangings include his diploma, a picture of the justices of the US Supreme Court, and a framed image of "The Law Tree."
If the name Onthank sounds familiar, that's because we met his son Karl a while back. He was a member of the Hood River High School football team which we saw in this picture. His distinguished career is mentioned in that HHR entry.
Category: [Downtown Hood River]
Comments
Alton W. Onthank was born in Portland, New York on 20 February 1853. He was educated as a teacher and it was when he was principal of a local school that he met fellow teacher Elizabeth, whom he married.
Due to health issues and the fact that he wished his sons raised in a western area he moved to Hood River in 1903, he became affiliated initially with his brother-in-law Fred Barnes' insurance business. His wife Elizabeth and Etta Barnes were sisters.
In 1905 he built one of the first home on The Heights (located at 311 Montello).
He had a very busy career serving on the school board, the Chamber of Commerce. He was the Justice of the Peace from 1910-1925. He was one of the founding fathers of the library and search on its board. Also served as a decon in Riverside Church.
He passed away in 1935.
Charlott on 12th July 2012 @ 7:50am
I think there is a typewriter in this picture also. A FAR CRY from our computer keyboards of today. Typewriters are obsolete.
judy on 12th July 2012 @ 8:21am
This office looks like a hallway!
Kated on 12th July 2012 @ 9:09am
Those bowler hats always look too small, don't they?
Jill Stanford on 12th July 2012 @ 5:27pm
They sure do and isn't it interesting you see these business men sitting in their offices with them on.
Charlott on 13th July 2012 @ 7:05am
I recognize that phone directory - we have one just like it in the museum archives. This is strictly a business office - no fancy reception furniture for the patrons to sit and wait in.
Connie on 13th July 2012 @ 8:51am
Where was this office located?
nels on 17th July 2012 @ 10:35am