It was 1915 and a lot was going on just east of Troutdale Oregon in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Planning was taking place for the construction of the now Historic Columbia River Highway.
Dear Flo – Just a postal of us on a Trip Up The Columbia River Highway, Portland, Ore. Love to all.
The Wistaria Farm Inn, located near Cherryville, Oregon, east of Sandy, was one of many roadhouses along the old Mount Hood Loop Highway (now Highway 26). During the early days of automobile travel, these roadhouses provided food and lodging for travelers exploring the scenic route around Mount Hood.
The Historic Columbia River Highway was dedicated in 1917 and quickly became a huge tourist draw. All along the new road built through the pristine and deeply beautiful Columbia River Gorge, roadhouses, restaurants and gift shops sprung up to supply the needs of the tourist traffic. These photos document those early days.
Before the days of automobiles sight-seers were taken over roads at the base of Mount Hood in equipages such as this. The late E. S. Olinger, known as one of Oregon’s most noted drivers is holding the reins.
