This week in history: Jan. 5, 2022

Jan 5, 2022
Jan 5, 2022

Homestead 1879 — The Bill Davis homestead in Wapinitia, photographed in 1879.
The Dalles Chronicle/historical files

1922 — 100 years ago

In view of a decision arrived at a meeting of the executive committee this week, it is now practically certain that the Hood River Post American Legion will endeavor to provide ways and means to build a road from the Hannum place to the camp site which it has acquired near Tilly Jane creek and the timber line for a permanent camp, and as a base for its annual Mount Hood Climb. This campsite is so ideally located, not only for the beautiful views to be obtained in the vicinity and the splendid water and fine trees that are requisites to a good camp site, but it is situated fully a mile near to Cooper’s Spur than Cloud Cap Inn. — Hood River News

Hood River history 1942 — Elks Play Santa To Forty-Five Families — Christmas was made happier for 45 families and many kids through efforts of the Elks Lodge, who distributed food and candy to many who might not otherwise have been so fortunate at a season when everyone should have plenty. More baskets were distributed this year than in the past and each contained a six-to-eight-pound roast, a sack of flour, a sack of potatoes, canned vegetables, canned fruit, breakfast foods, candies and other items that go to make a Christmas meal what it should be. A special committee obtained names of those most in need from the local relief officer and made the delivery in person the day before Christmas. This is one of the regular activities the lodge has carried on since its organization in 1925.
— Jan. 2, 1942, Hood River News

Verbatim

Bridge of Gods Contract Is Let

Awarding the first contracts for construction of the “Bridge of the Gods,” the automobile toll bridge to span the Columbia River at Cascade Locks, were announced on Tuesday of this week by the Bridge of the Gods Corporation, the Interstate Construction Cooperation of Washington being given the job of putting in the piers on both the Oregon and Washington shores.

The company’s bid carried the pledge that the work would be completed within 90 days after work should be started. The entire project, it was announced, will cost around $450,000 and be completed in 18 months.

Work will be started immediately on the piers of the Oregon side of the river, and as rapidly as water conditions allow, work will be pushed on the other side. R.R. Clark, a Portland engineer, will be in charge. The project is being financed by Portland interests. — Jan. 6, 1922, Hood River News

10-Year-Old Hobo Taken From Blinds

Boy almost frozen, rescued by police

His clothes covered with snow and ice, and almost frozen himself, 10-year-old LeRoy Herrin, colored, was yesterday morning taken from an east-bound passenger train at the local station, after he had beaten his way the entire distance from Tacoma.

Chief of Police Frank Heater took the youngster in charge, and brought him a warm meal. Later he was taken to the county jail, where he is being held pending receipt of word from his parents in Tacoma.

The boy said that he had left Tacoma and beat his way to Portland that day by riding the “blinds.” He had 35 cents when he started on the long trip.

“I spent that for meals,” he explained this morning, with childish dignity.

The boy said that he had left Tacoma with the consent of his parents who were in straitened circumstances, and was en route to La Grande where he had hoped to be taken in by friends of the family.

The little colored boy is remarkably bright for his age. He was in the Fifth B. grade in school before he left Tacoma, he said. In the county jail this morning he entertained the prisoners with a running fire of conversation as he seriously inspected his new abode. He was given the freedom of the jail corridors by Sheriff Chrisman, instead of being placed in the cells with the older prisoners. — Thursday, Jan. 5, 1922, The Dalles Daily Chronicle

Historical Museum Has 2 Additions

Two interesting relics have recently been added to the collection at the historical building. They are a Seth Thomas clock, of the earliest type made, and an immense bear trap which probably belonged to the Hudson’s Bay company period.

The clock was presented by Mary L. Millard, who recently left the city to make her home elsewhere. It is all of wood except the hands and one wheel. The works are controlled by weights. The first Seth Thomas clocks were made in 1813 and this one is of the same type as the first ones.

The bear trap was given to J. B. Wright of the historical building by his brother, William Wright, who, during highway work at Westport, 35 miles east of Astoria, excavated it from a depth of 8 feet last summer. The jaws of the trap are about one and one-half feet in diameter and iron teeth are riveted on both jaws. It is all hand-made. — Thursday, Jan. 5, 1922, The Dalles Daily Chronicle

The Forum: Feature Enjoyed

Editor, The Chronicle:

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading Friday’s issue of December 26th, 1941, which contained a picture of John Gavin and his article in regard to the old schoolhouse and pupils. I remember many of the students from the time when I lived in The Dalles. I attended St. Mary’s academy and remember very well the two schools on Union Gap. I left The Dalles after my husband’s death in 1899. I lived on 12th street above the high school... — Monday, Jan. 5, 1941, The Dalles Daily Chronicle