Notes
Before downtown Hood River was populated with brick buildings it was a bustling commercial district of small wooden structures. This drug store was one of the finest examples, showing both the classic western "false front" and a beautiful oriel window over the entrance.
This building was probably the Williams and Brosius Drug store. Dr. Brosius came to Hood River in 1891. He bought a medical practice and this drug store on the northeast corner to 3rd and Oak. This spot looks a bit different now.
The photo studio to the north is very possibly that of W.D. Rogers, who we met in an earlier post. I'll leave the identity of the neighbor to the east a mystery for now, since there is a great picture and story behind it which deserves its own posting.
Bicycles were very popular in the 1890's. They were a fast way to make the trip to town to pick up a patent remedy or make a phone call, though the trip back up the hill might not be as quick.
Category: [Downtown Hood River]
Tags: 1890s 3rd_Street bicycle Brosius drug_store Oak_Street
Comments
That must be a shade that can be pulled down over the south facing window?
I can almost smell and feel what it would be like to step through that door to the wooden floors inside.
The door is open, but no leaves on the trees yet.
l.e. on 18th May 2011 @ 7:15am
I think it is an awning that hasn't been fully deployed.
Arthur on 18th May 2011 @ 8:57am
Did someone Photoshop those bikes into the picture? They look way too modern for 1890. I thought the bikes then had giant front wheels and no chains!
steve s on 18th May 2011 @ 10:29am
Okay - chain bikes were invented about 1890 and it set off a nationwide bicycle craze. Susan Anthony was quoted as saying 'the bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world.�
steve s on 18th May 2011 @ 10:51am
[ed. note] I updated this image with a much better scan on 9/18/2013. The scan is # Scan-110726-0078
Arthur on 18th September 2013 @ 1:18am
From the January 23, 1892 HR Glacier page 3
Dr. F.C. Brosius, having succeeded to the medical practice of Dr. E.J. Thomas, can be found at the drug store day or night.
Hood River Ore.,Dec. 18, 1891
L.E. on 8th January 2016 @ 7:31pm
August 17, 1900 HR Glacier page 3:
Dr. F.C. Brosius has removed to his new residence at the west end of Oak street, midway between the school house and armory, and can be found in his office over Williams & Brosius' drug store between the hours of 10-11 a.m., 2-3 and 6-7 p.m.
L.E. on 19th June 2017 @ 5:32pm