Oliver C. Yocum:

I love Mount Hood, history and photography, and when I can bring all three together in one place I’m happy. Loyal readers of my column may remember the article that I wrote about Jennie Welch and her photography and its importance to the history of Welches and the Mount Hood area. (August 2018 M.T.) Before Jennie Welch took her first photo another Mount Hood icon was bringing cutting edge photography technology that would eventually allow consumers, such as Jennie, an easier method to create their own photos to the Pacific Northwest.

A climber standing on the top of Mount Hood with the old Summit House fire lookout station built by the legendary mountain man Lige Coalman circa 1915.

Although not recognized as such, Jennie Welch should be included in the list of early 20th century female photographers. Her photos capture the history and beauty of the Welches. Without her photos many early scenes would be lost with the passing of time.

Steven Mitchell was legend on Mount Hood in his times, as well as his son Arlie, who was the last tollgate keeper at the Rhododendron Tollgate of the old Barlow Trail Road. Lige Coalman, who was raised by Steven, was also a legendary mountain man on Mount Hood in his own right.

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.

Category: Mount Hood

Oliver C. Yocum:

On The Summit of Mt. Hood in 1915

Jennie Welch Mt Hood Photographer

Steven Mitchell – Husband of the Hills

Mrs Pierce Killed a Bear With a Hoe: A Single Act Created a Legend