This is an early view of when Billy Welch’s Ranch was in transition from a camp ground to an era of summer cabins.
This is a 4×6 glass plate negative made by Ed Roberts. The Roberts family were one of the first folks to live in Welches. Ed Roberts was the son of the family who became a photographer and later in life established Roberts Store in Welches. Roberts Store was a favorite spot for locals as well as summer campers and cabin dwellers for many years.
This historic photo captures the Mountain View Inn under heavy snow during the 1940s. Once a well-known hotel in Government Camp, Oregon, the inn played a key role in the town’s early ski culture. However, in 1955, a fire destroyed the building, leaving only memories behind.
A Pioneer Homestead Becomes a Hotel
The building originally belonged to Lena Little, wife of Francis C. Little, a pioneer homesteader. It first served as a private residence, but later, workers moved it to the north side of the main road in Government Camp. This relocation allowed it to become a hotel, serving visitors drawn to the growing ski scene.
Jack Rafferty’s Lodge and the War Years
After the move, Jack Rafferty leased the building and transformed it into a hotel and ski lodge. At first, he named it Rafferty’s or Rafferty’s Hut. Later, he purchased the property, establishing it as a local business.
During its early years, the hotel also went by the name Tyrolian Lodge, reflecting Government Camp’s Alpine influence. However, World War II forced the hotel to close, as tourism slowed and many businesses struggled.
A New Era: The Mountain View Inn
After the war, Harry Albright reopened the lodge and renamed it The Mountain View Inn. As tourism grew, Government Camp became a major skiing destination. With more visitors arriving, the inn became a popular stop for travelers heading to Mount Hood.
A Fiery End in 1955
In 1955, tragedy struck when the Mountain View Inn burned down. It once stood across the street from Daar’s Ski Shop, which later became Charlie’s Mountain View, a well-known landmark today.
Although the inn is gone, its history survives through photographs and stories. This image, showing the snow-covered hotel, serves as a reminder of Government Camp’s past and its early skiing culture.
. The Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company was formed with a plan to create an aerial tramway to Timberline Lodge on the south slope of Mount Hood from Government Camp, the gathering spot for every activity on The Mountain. It was to be called The Skiway
During the early days of photography, before it was common for the average person to own a camera, a studio photography session with a group of friends or the family was a popular indulgence, and in many cases a once in a lifetime luxury. In 1910 the consumer camera had only been available for about ten years.
At the time being a photographer could be quite lucrative but there was some stiff competition for business. Photographers had to be creative to come up with ways to make money. Rarely did one sit in his studio and wait for people to line up for portraits. Many photographers would travel to scenic locations to photograph local scenery to apply to postcards made available to tourists. Some would knock on doors of farms and homes in rural areas asking if the family would like to have their photo taken as a means to supplement their incomes. Many folks took advantage of these offers and would order several copies of the photos and would request postcards to be sent to friends and family far away.
At the time postcards were a very popular way to communicate. Phones weren’t in every home so a quick phone call was out of the question in many cases. Automobiles were primitive and typically owned by the more affluent and roads were still more primitive so hopping in the car for a quick trip wasn’t practical. Letters were saved for more lengthy and formal communication, but postcards were cheap, quick and easy way to send a quick greeting via mail. Having a photo of yourself with family or friends, the homestead or even the family horse on front of a postcard was a bonus.
There was one photographer from Portland Oregon who was especially creative in how he would entice customers to pose for their portraits at his studio. His name was Charles “Cal” Calvert and he specialized in fast postcard photos. He advertised himself as “Cal Calvert the 10 Minute Post Card Man”. While it was common for photographers to have a decorated backdrop for their clients to pose in front of, in Portland most all had one with a view of the city with Mount Hood in the distance, Cal Calvert went the extra mile with his fanciful, if not airworthy rendition of a aeroplane with cockpits for his clients to sit inside of while being portrayed as flying effortlessly over the city of Portland… complete with Mount hood on the skyline.
Cal Calvert had several backdrops that folks could choose from, probably the most popular was a conservative wood and ivy arbor but by far the most whimsical was the aeroplane in which you hardly saw a serious face, which was more typical of the era on more formal photos.
I’ve included an assortment of photo postcards that I’ve acquired through time. The best part to me are the faces of the people in the photos. I’ve also included several other photos that have backdrops from other unidentified Portland photographers from that era that include Mount Hood, just because I love Mount Hood. Most include either an airplane or a car, both symbols of status and owned only by a few.
A lot has come and gone along the old Mt Hood Loop Highway, the name given for the route that started in Portland and followed old Highway 30 along the Historic Columbia River Highway to Hood River then along the present Highway 35 south from Hood River to Government Camp and the back to Portland via Highway 26, the route of the original Barlow Trail and the Mt Hood Highway. Of course it could be travelled in either direction, but either way the route would take one completely around Mount Hood. It’s still a very popular “Sunday drive” for those wanting to get away and see some scenery.
Things have changed through the years – Cars are faster and roads are better. Today one can take the drive and only stop for a quick lunch before they arrive back at home again all within a day, but there once was a time when folks would take the trip on the old Mt hood Loop and take a week long vacation to do it. During those times there were many more stops to be had along the way that were tourist draws such as restaurants, lodges, roadhouses and recreational activities. There were even more camping options back then.
Much of this activity took place prior to World War II but the boom happened soon after the end of the war. Post World War II saw more people able to afford cars and free time and the roads and automobiles were improved. At that time a lot of soldiers were back home from the war and were looking to start a future for them and their families. Some built attractions along the old Loop Highway to try to pull these tourists in and extract some of their money in exchange for entertainment, lodging or meals. One such short lived attraction that sprung up was the Mt Hood Indian Pageant in Brightwood about 15 miles east of Sandy Oregon.
In 1947 one such soldier named Max Gilroy and his wife Virginia had the idea to set up a fort and to recruit Indians to come and setup an encampment and show tourists the ways of the Native American. Max and Virginia were very much interested in Native American history and tradition.
He and his wife Virginia, with help from friends, including Warm Springs Indians that they knew, put all that they had into building the Mt Hood Indian Pageant that included a post constructed Fort Barlow. They advertised “Pageant Performances Daily” and to “Bring your camera”. The fort touted the sale of Indian curios a pioneer restaurant, saddle horse rides and playground and picnic grounds.
There was a grand performance daily where one could observe the Warm Springs Indians as they presented “a view of their aboriginal life prior to the coming of the white man”. During the performance an “Indian brave” would come back to camp, wounded by an enemy tribe spurring the encampment to prepare for war. In time the victorious warrior would “return to camp with prisoner” and a “scalp dance” ensued.
Once peace was restored to the encampment the Indian girls would would dance, a young couple would marry in a ceremony and the chiefs would smoke a peace pipe. Then “with the coming of the white man, the Indians move west in their tragic quest for the freedom they loved so well”. Tourists would watch as if attending a play.
I can’t find evidence that the Mt Hood Indian Pageant lasted more than a season, maybe two. No evidence of the old fort exists today. The location is nothing more than a level piece of land that now contains more modern homes along what is now Brightwood Loop Road, just west of the town of Welches.
If not for a few photographs and postcards, and an advertising flyer or two, this place would be forgotten.
Buster Brown at Paris Fair in Hood River – Here’s an antique postcard depicting a crowd that had gathered in the street in downtown Hood River, Oregon. They’ve assembled in front of the popular clothing store Paris Fair. Paris Fair was a popular clothing store that was in business in Hood River for 80 years until it closed in 1988.
Buster Brown was a cartoon that was created in 1902 by Richard F. Outcault. The comic centered around a young boy who appeared to be conservative and well behaved but was actually a mischievous prankster and his pet dog Tige. Think of Calvin and Hobbs but with Calvin dressed in a yellow Little Lord Fauntleroy suit and Hobbs willing to bite if he felt it needed. The comic strip was very popular back then and the Brown Shoe Company saw potential in using the character as the mascot for a line of children’s shoes.
Soon after the Brown Shoe Company adopted their new mascot, signing a licensing agreement with Outcault at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, they created a campaign where Buster Brown and his dog Tige would make public appearance at shoe stores around the country. They would use Little People to act the part of Buster Brown. Young and old would come to these events to see Buster Brown, and many pair of shoes were sold. It was so successful that Buster Brown shoes have been popular beyond extent of the life and popularity of the cartoon character Buster Brown and are still a popular brand of children’s shoe today.
The Paris Fair Department Store advertised and promoted the event in the Hood River Glacier Newspaper and by the look of the size of the crowd it was a successful event. You can see people, young and old, pouring out into the streets in front of Paris Fair showing, even back then, how celebrity endorsements sell shoes.
The Filming of an Oregon Silent Movie on Mount Hood
I recently came across an intriguing series of photographs documenting the filming of an early Oregon silent movie on Mount Hood. These images capture a crew of photographers and actors reenacting a mining scene. A wooden sluice stands in the background, while men with shovels appear to be panning for gold. Another scene features armed men, seemingly defending their claim.
Dating the Film: Clues from Government Camp
One of the photos provides a key clue about the film’s timeframe. Government Camp is visible in the background, showing Dr. Kelly’s cabin and the old Timberline Climbers Cabin. This structure once stood near the future site of Timberline Lodge. Given these details, I believe the images most likely document the filming of A Nugget in the Rough, a silent movie shot on Mount Hood in 1917.
A Story of Gold Miners
The movie appears to revolve around gold miners. Several images depict men using a sluice to pan for gold on the slopes of Mount Hood. In another, the miners brandish rifles, possibly protecting their claim. After acquiring the photos, I discovered additional scenes filmed in Portland. These town scenes include log buildings, a makeshift settlement, and a saloon filled with miners spending their earnings. A group of “painted ladies” adds to the Old West atmosphere.
Preserving a Piece of Oregon’s Film History
Owning these photos has been both exciting and bittersweet. They offer a rare glimpse into early filmmaking in Oregon, possibly among the first silent films shot in the state. However, I feel disappointed that the collection was split up and separated over time. These images are historically significant, capturing the pioneering days of Oregon cinema.
The story of A Nugget in the Rough and its filming on Mount Hood deserves more recognition. Perhaps, with further research, more details about this lost piece of history can come to light.
This list of films shot in the U.S. state of Oregon are listed first by region, and then
… The first documented film made in Oregon was a short silent film titled The …
A Day on the Historic Columbia River Highway When It Was New
The Birth of a Scenic Highway
In 1915, excitement filled the Columbia River Gorge just east of Troutdale, Oregon. Plans were underway for the construction of what would become the Historic Columbia River Highway.
At that time, access to the gorge remained limited. Traditionally, travelers relied on steam-powered sternwheelers from Portland. Over time, railroads were built, primarily for trade, but passenger trains soon carried visitors on day trips. Excursions to the waterfalls along the south side of the river became popular, with Multnomah Falls as a top attraction.
Horses and wagons were still common, but the rise of automobiles created demand for better roads. The existing dirt wagon roads were rough and unreliable. Recognizing the potential of a scenic automobile route, several prominent Portland businessmen imagined one of the first paved highways in the country. Their vision led to the creation of the Columbia River Highway.
Early Opposition and the Highway’s Rapid Growth
Although now considered a cultural treasure, not everyone supported the idea. Many residents still relied on horses, and only the wealthy owned automobiles. At the time, most people never expected to own a car, let alone use one for touring the Columbia River Gorge. Public support for funding the project remained uncertain.
Despite this, the highway was built. Within two decades, it became a major transportation route, carrying cars from central Oregon to the Willamette Valley. The rise of heavy trucks transporting goods further increased traffic. Soon, the highway was overburdened, prompting plans for a riverside road—what would eventually become Highway 84.
Exploring the New Road on Horseback
Construction on the Historic Columbia River Highway progressed in 1915, though its official dedication wouldn’t take place until 1917. That didn’t stop curious visitors from venturing out to admire the engineering marvel. Unlike today’s traffic-filled road, the highway then offered a peaceful setting. Some, like Harry and Alvida Calvert, even explored it on horseback.
Harry Calvert, a photographer from Oregon City, set out with his wife, Alvida, to survey the highway’s progress. They documented their journey through personal photographs—snapshots of their adventure and life together.
Capturing History: The Calverts’ Photographs
Their photos showcase familiar landmarks along the Historic Columbia River Highway, including:
Crown Point
Latourell Falls and its now-removed arched footbridge
Bishop’s Cap
Shepperd’s Dell Bridge
Multnomah Falls, including a rare image of one of them on the Simon Benson Bridge between the upper and lower tiers
Harry and Alvida took turns posing with their horse, Pat, capturing moments that transport us back in time.
A Ride That’s No Longer Possible
Today, a horseback ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway would be impractical. Yet, over a century ago, it was possible. Thanks to Harry and Alvida, we have a glimpse into a time when the highway was new, quiet, and full of promise.
Their photographs preserve a moment in history, reminding us of the visionaries who built this road and the travelers who experienced its early days
Sep 21, 2011 … About 14000 years ago, cataclysmic floods scoured out the Columbia River
Gorge. Early visionaries engineered an inspired drive along its …
Mrs Pierce of Welches Killed a Bear With a Hoe – I have spent a lot of time talking with old timers and family members of those who have lived up here in the Mountain Community for quite a few years now. In one or two conversations I’ve heard tell of a woman who gained local notoriety for killing a bear that invaded her space with a garden hoe. That’s right a woman killed a bear with a hoe.
This afternoon while perusing newspaper archives I happened across this newspaper clipping. Well what do you know? It’s a true story.
The Oregon Daily Journal (Portland Oregon) 20 March 1915
“Gresham Outlook: When Mrs. Pierce of Welches killed a bear with a hoe last Saturday she set an example for all the people of the mountain country. The usual plan of warfare on bears is a good dog and a trusty rifle, but it has been proved that they are no longer needed. The sport should become popular now, because everyone can afford a hoe, and bears are plentiful.”
Jul 21, 2016 … You’re more likely to die from a tick bite or a bee sting than to you are to be killed
by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone park, but here are a few tips …
Reliance Mt Hood Stages – First Autos to Mount Hood
Reliance Mt Hood Stages – In the early days of the road to Mount Hood, after the immigrant era, the road allowed the burgeoning new city of Portland to access the mountain for recreation. Mountain climbing and hiking the trails in the foothills in those days was the primary activity in the area. Skiing had yet to become an activity on the mountain.
Reliance Mt Hood Stages advertising
Automobiles were starting to become a practical means of transportation, but was still primitive. Most people didn’t own a car which gave stage companies an opportunity to carry fun seekers to and from the lodges and roadhouses on Mount Hood. This also gave inn keepers an opportunity to host these people because a trip to Mount Hood wasn’t a simple day trip. Many times a trip to The Mountain was a week minimum investment in time.
Lodges such as Arrah Wanna, Welches Ranch, Tawney’s Mountain Home, La Casa Monte, The Rhododendron Tavern and the Government Camp Hotel all sprang up due to a need to recreational lodging.
The flyer below gives a great representation of the mileage, the lodging available and cost of a trip to the mountain.
Those days were primitive and simple and difficult compared to this day and age, but the life that was lived seems much more fun and adventure filled than the way we live today.
Mt Hood By Motor Stage Mt. Hood – South Side Reliance Mt Hood Stages Mountain Division “The Mt. Hood Line” 10th Season of Reliable Service
Owned and Operated by Irvington Garage and Auto Co. Inc. J. L. S. Snead, Pres,-Mgr. Phones: East 0135 East 3410 Tickets, Reservations and Waiting Room at Stage Depot Park and Yamhill Streets Phone Main 8611
Views of Portland Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge – Antique Postcard Set
20 Assorted Views of Portland Oregon.
Here’s a great assortment of views of Portland Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge circa 1950. They’re printed using an offset printing process on canvas textured paper. Printed by the Angelus Commercial Studio in Portland, Oregon. The cards are the same as the postcards that the company printed but are half the size.
The set, labeled 20 Views of Portland Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge, takes one on a tour from Portland Oregon east through the Columbia River Gorge on the Historic Columbia River Highway to the Hood River Valley and then south on what is now Highway 35 to the south side of Mount Hood and the iconic historic Timberline Lodge.
This very same tour can be taken today via modern cars and improved highways in a day; A very full and satisfying day. The only things that have changed since the era that these cards were made are that the Columbia River Highway, Historic Highway 30 has been replaced with the more modern Highway 84 through the gorge. Also the old Mitchell Point Tunnel was demolished in 1966 during construction of Hwy 84, but there are efforts through the restoration of the old highway to consider restoring the tunnel by boring a new tunnel through Mitchell Point.
All of these Views of Portland Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge are available for your enjoyment today, but these old photos bring back a more bucolic era in the Portland and the Mount Hood countryside. One where tourism was more slow and laid back. One where the trip was about the ride and not the destination. One that allowed us to stop along the way and send a postcard or two.
