A familiar restaurant remembered on the way to and from Mount Hood was Norma’s Bean Pot at Wemme, Hwy 26, circa 1961 – 1974.
Operated by Norma Fay Waldron-McKean (1907 – 1999).
Contributed by Peter Bellant.
Category: Mt Hood Loop Highway
Billy’s Milk Shed – Welch’s Ranch Tokens
Billy’s Milk Shed and his Welch’s Ranch Tokens.
In the day and age of quick trips to the store for a gallon of milk as well as refrigeration to preserve the milk we sometimes forget that our ancestors didn’t have those conveniences.
Billy Welch was a resort proprietor. He ran the Welch’s Ranch in a way as to include most supplies that the visitors, hotel guests, cabin dwellers as well as campers might need during their stay. He had a dance hall, restaurant, post office, was a notary public and operated a store, much like convenience stores of today, that had everything from candy for the kids to food for meals as well as other items of necessity.
In its early stages Billy’s store had no refrigeration. In lieu of coolers or or ice chests he had a cold shed down at the Salmon River where he had diverted the cold water from the river through the shed. It kept the shed chilled and things such as jars of milk could be preserved by sitting in the cold water bath.
To purchase your milk you would buy aluminum tokens at the store and then, as you needed milk, you would go to the cold shed and drop your token in the can and take your jar of cold milk. Billy had two denominations. One pint and one quart. On one side it read WELCH’S RANCH. On the other it read GOOD FOR 1 PINT or GOOD FOR 1 QUART.
Today these Welch’s Ranch Tokens are quite scarce.
American – Swiss Model Garden at Brightwood, Oregon
At one time there was the American – Swiss Model Garden Brightwood, Oregon.
This is only one of many small businesses and tourist themed stopping spots along the highway to Mount Hood in the 1940-1960’s. This is an old flyer advertising the American – Swiss Model Garden at Brightwood, Oregon.
If anyone reading this can positively identify the location of this place I will revise this article and add that information. Thank you.
“Open from Dawn to Dusk. Open early April until the end of October. Bring you camera along.
Nowhere is there anything like it and this is certainly true for the American – Swiss Model Garden. It is a lovely combination of a lovely rock and flower garden, featuring small water-pools, rustic looking bridges, miniature waterfalls, as well as miniature Alpine houses and castles. Through the greater part of the garden a miniature railroad is running, fascinating young and old. Three trains (freight, passenger, and express), all Swiss styled, alternate in running through the garden. A picturesque alpine village, miniature size, containing the railroad station, church, castle and a number of Swiss Alpine houses, amazes all visitors.
Flower lovers also will be thrilled by the variety of the many flower beds, just to mention the American and Swiss flags done in flowers. Beautiful hanging baskets add much to the beauty and atmosphere of this garden. Edelweiss and Alpenrosen are among the outstanding rock plants. Of special interest is the rose garden section, containing rose bushes, climbing roses, tree roses, and miniature roses.
The garden is placed in a natural setting and its atmosphere is very informal and relaxing. As you admire and enjoy it, music, mostly Swiss Alpine (accordian (sic) and yodeling), will accompany you.
A truly beautiful garden… a place worthwhile to visit.”
It’s certainly a shame that we no longer have such a simple culture to support such businesses as the American – Swiss Model Garden Brightwood, Oregon.
Snowplow on Mt Hood Loop Highway
Snowplow on Mt Hood Loop Highway circa 1950-ish. The winters of 1949-1951 were big snow season’s on Mount Hood.
This scene is most likely on the road to Timberline Lodge.
Let’s Preserve the Old Mt. Hood Highway as a Trail, and Build 2 …
Aug 18, 2015 … Parts of the long-abandoned Mt. Hood Loop Highway near Government Camp in
Oregon should be preserved for both recreational and historic …
The Ivy Bear at Alder Creek
The Rise, Fall, and Revival of the Ivy Bear: A Highway 26 Landmark
For decades, travelers along U.S. Highway 26 in Oregon have been greeted by an unusual roadside landmark—the towering Ivy Bear at Alder Creek. This massive, vine-covered structure has a history as unique as the man who built it. From its origins as a tribute to a beloved pet to its dramatic collapse and eventual revival, the Ivy Bear remains a cherished piece of Mount Hood history.
The Man Behind the Bear
The story of the Ivy Bear begins with Gerald Wear, a skilled craftsman, dog trainer, and builder who lived in Alder Creek, Oregon. Wear, who was deaf, was known for his ingenuity and love of animals. In addition to training German Shepherds, he took care of a pet bear, which he kept in a cage near the roadside. The bear entertained travelers who stopped along the two-lane highway, becoming an unofficial mascot of the area.
However, as the story goes, the bear’s love for handouts—particularly candy bars, soda pop, and bottle caps—led to its untimely death. Heartbroken, Wear decided to honor his beloved bear by constructing a larger-than-life ivy-covered statue in its memory.
Building the Largest Ivy Structure in the World
In 1947, Wear began constructing the Ivy Bear. Using a wooden frame and chicken wire, he planted ivy around the structure, which eventually covered its entire surface. The project took more than a year to complete.
At the time, it was considered the largest ivy-covered structure in the world. Travelers passing through Alder Creek soon became accustomed to seeing the massive bear standing watch beside the road. Wear even added special touches to bring his creation to life—inside the bear was a rear door and scaffolding leading to its head. At night, he would climb inside and light up the bear’s eyes with candles, later replacing them with old Volkswagen taillights.
A Growing Landmark
Over the years, the Ivy Bear became more famous than the businesses on the property. Skiers heading to Mount Hood developed a tradition of saluting the bear for good luck. Wear continued to expand his creations, building houses and water wheels in the Alder Creek area.
In 1972, Wear passed away, but the Ivy Bear remained, standing as a testament to his creativity and craftsmanship.
June 1984: The Fall of the Ivy Bear
For nearly 40 years, the Ivy Bear stood tall. However, time and weather eventually took their toll. On June 18, 1984, a light breeze was all it took for the aging wooden structure to collapse. The bear lurched forward and landed on its massive tin snout. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the wooden beams supporting the ivy had rotted at the base.
Despite the relatively minor damage to its exterior, the bear could not stand on its own again. The loss of the Ivy Bear was felt throughout the community, with travelers slowing down or stopping along the highway to search for their missing roadside friend. Even the Portland Chamber of Commerce became involved, reaching out to the property’s owners in hopes of restoring the landmark.
A Community Effort to Bring Back the Bear
Recognizing the bear’s importance, local residents and organizations came together to bring it back. Ron Rhoades, owner of the Ivy Bear Restaurant at the time, along with Michael P. Jones from the Cascade Geographic Society and the the Friends of the Ivy Bear launched a fundraiser in 1987. Their mission: to rebuild the beloved structure.
By 1990, enough money had been raised to reconstruct the Ivy Bear. This time, it was built with a steel frame to ensure its longevity.
The Ivy Bear Stands Again
The revival of the Ivy Bear was met with excitement from the community. Once again, there was hope that it would once again stand proudly along Highway 26, welcoming travelers and serving as a nostalgic reminder of Oregon’s roadside history. Today, it stands, albeit it a bit untrimmed, as a landmark to visitors of Mount Hood and a tribute to Gerald Wear’s vision, craftsmanship, and love for animals.
Remembering Joie Smith – Mount Hood Legend
Joie Smith was a legend on Mount Hood for 60 years. Her story will be told for years into the future.
Joie was everything from an Olympic skier to a pilot to a tow company owner and operator.
Smith, Joie Reid 85 June 17, 1928 – Mar. 29, 2014
A longtime Mt. Hood resident, Joie Reid Smith, passed away March 29, 2014, at her home in Rhododendron. She was born in Portland to June (Reid) and Oscar Clossett. Her mother married Blasdel Smith after Oscar’s passing. In 1953, she moved to Rhododendron where she operated a ski shop and later a towing business. Joie is survived by her half sister, Gayle Smith Kosel; numerous nieces; and a nephew. Her half brother, Sherrill Smith, predeceased her. A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Mt. Hood Lions Club in Welches. Remembrances may be made to Camp Namanu through Camp Fire Columbia.
Published in The Oregonian from Apr. 11 to Apr. 13, 2014
This video brought tears to my eyes. I’ll miss my dear friend Joie Smith for the rest of my life. I have so many precious memories of our times together.
Thank you to everyone responsible for putting this video together. Thank you to my friend Bill White for his part and for the DVD copy.
The Town of Faubion
Faubion: The Forgotten Settlement on Mount Hood
Much has been written about how Welches, Oregon, got its name, but it isn’t the only town in the Mount Hood area that carries the legacy of its founding family. Just east of Welches and beyond the historic Zigzag Ranger Station, you’ll find Faubion Loop Road.
Although now a quiet residential area, it was once the home of the William J. Faubion family—early settlers who played a significant role in the development of the region. Their handcrafted log home and roadhouse, La Casa Monte, became a well-known stop for travelers along the old Barlow Road, which later became the Mount Hood Loop Highway.
The Faubion Family Arrives
In 1907, William and Anna Faubion moved their family to 80 acres just past Zigzag. The following year, in 1908, they built their home and named it La Casa Monte, meaning “The Mountain House.”
Like many settlers in the region, William Faubion made a living through timber work and hunting. He harvested the massive old-growth cedar trees on his land, cutting shake bolts to sell. To this day, remnants of this early logging can still be seen—several large stumps with springboard notches remain visible along Highway 26 near Faubion Loop Road.
Eventually, the family’s home evolved into something more—a place of hospitality and rest for weary travelers.
La Casa Monte: A Handcrafted Mountain Retreat
As traffic increased along the Mount Hood road, the Faubions converted their home into a roadhouse, similar to today’s bed and breakfasts. They called it La Casa Monte (“The Mountain House”), a fitting name for its rugged yet inviting presence in the wilderness.
The home itself was an architectural marvel for the time:
- Built entirely from hand-split cedar lumber and shingles, without any milled wood.
- Featured a large rock fireplace, made from stones collected from the banks of the Zigzag River.
- Designed with a two-story structure, gabled roof, and wide eaves, making it both rustic and inviting.
- The recessed front porch had arched openings, with a short staircase leading to the main entrance.
Inside, the rustic charm continued. Handmade furniture filled the rooms, and the walls were adorned with mounted animals, showcasing William’s skill as a hunter. The abundance of game in the area made hunting a necessity and a way of life for early settlers.
However, it was Anna Faubion’s cooking that truly put La Casa Monte on the map. Known especially for her huckleberry pies, she made the inn a favorite stop for early tourists heading to Mount Hood.
Faubion’s Place on the Map
As the community around the roadhouse grew, it became more than just an inn—it became a settlement of its own. The addition of a store and post office turned Faubion into an official location.
- 1925 – The Faubion Post Office was established.
- 1937 – The post office closed, but the store remained.
The store and post office were operated by Aneita (Faubion) and Thomas Brown, William and Anna’s daughter and son-in-law. It became a popular stop for early motorists and adventurers traveling up the Mount Hood road.
Much like the Rhododendron Inn, La Casa Monte served a critical role in accommodating early automobile tourists, who at the time took hours to reach Mount Hood due to the primitive roads and slow vehicles.
The Faubion Family Legacy
William and Anna Faubion had seven children—three boys and four girls. Their oldest daughter, Wilhelmina Jane (Jennie) Faubion, was born in Gladstone, Oregon, in 1890.
At twenty years old, Jennie married William “Billy” Welch, the son of Barlow Trail pioneers who had homesteaded the area that later became Welches, Oregon. She lived there until her passing in 1985 at the age of 95, connecting two of Mount Hood’s most historic families.
Most of the other Faubion children remained in the area, becoming well known as an important part of Mount Hood’s history.
The End of La Casa Monte and the Faubion Settlement
With the construction of the modern Mount Hood Highway (Highway 26), Faubion—like many other historic settlements—began to fade.
- La Casa Monte was eventually lost. Few photographs exist of it today.
- The store still stands, though it has since been converted into a private residence.
- The post office is long gone, closing in 1937.
- Faubion itself is no longer an official town, but the name lives on in Faubion Loop Road.
A Community That Remains
Although the original Faubion structures are gone, the community they helped establish continued to grow.
- Arlie Mitchell, one of the first homebuyers after the property was divided into home sites, built his home here.
- George Pinner constructed a beautiful stone house, which still exists today.
Despite the passage of time, residents of the area still recognize their community’s history. To this day, many locals proudly say they live “At Faubion.”
A Forgotten Piece of Mount Hood History
The story of La Casa Monte and the Faubion settlement is one of pioneering spirit, hard work, and adaptation. Like the Rhododendron Inn, Welch’s Hotel, and other historic mountain retreats, it was a vital part of early tourism on Mount Hood.
While nothing remains of La Casa Monte, the legacy of the Faubion family lives on in the land they settled, the stories they left behind, and the name that remains on maps today.
Discover More Mount Hood History
If you love learning about Oregon’s past, check out more stories at MountHoodHistory.com.
Do you have memories or stories about the Faubion family or La Casa Monte? Share them in the comments below!
Who Was E. Henry Wemme?
The Story Behind Wemme, Oregon
Wemme, Oregon—a place with a peculiar name. Is it pronounced “Weemy” or “Wemmy”? And how did it get its name and who was E. Henry Wemme?
Pronounced “Wemmy,” this small village often goes unnoticed as travelers speed along Highway 26. The four-lane road today gives little hint of how the route to Mount Hood once looked. Yet, the name Wemme is closely tied to the highway’s history and development.
From the Barlow Road to the Mount Hood Highway
To understand E. Henry Wemme, we must start with the Barlow Road. Established in 1845 by Oregon Trail pioneer Samuel Barlow, this rugged toll road provided access to Mount Hood’s south side. It was the primary route for early Portland-area adventurers seeking the mountain’s beauty.
Over the years, different companies owned the road, and its condition varied. At times, it was well-maintained. At others, it fell into disrepair.
E. Henry Wemme: Oregon’s First Motorist
In 1912, Portland businessman E. Henry Wemme purchased the Barlow Road for $5,400. A pioneer of Oregon’s automobile era, Wemme bought the state’s first car, an 1899 Stanley Steamer.
His fortune came from the tent and awning business he operated during the Alaskan Gold Rush, supplying miners with essential gear. By 1915, Wemme had spent $25,000 improving the road. He then removed the toll, allowing free public travel.
When Wemme passed away in 1917, his attorney George W. Joseph inherited the road. Two years later, in 1919, the Oregon Highway Commission accepted it, paving the way for the Mount Hood Loop Highway we know today.
The Changing Identity of Wemme
Before modern highways and automobiles, Wemme felt separate from nearby communities. Back then, wooded, rutted, unpaved roads made travel slow. Each village functioned as an independent community.
As roads improved, villages lost their distinct identities. Faster travel connected once-isolated towns, blending them into a continuous stretch along the highway.
When Welches Almost Became Wemme
Few people know that in 1977, Welches nearly became Wemme. The U.S. Postal Service planned to close the Wemme post office and replace it with a modern facility further east. At the time, Welches had no post office of its own.
Local resident Bill White saw a problem. The new post office wasn’t in Wemme, so he petitioned the postal service to name it after Welches instead. His efforts succeeded, preserving the community’s name and identity.
Wemme Today
Today, you’ll pass through Wemme in the blink of an eye. Almost as soon as you enter, you’re already leaving—headed toward Welches. But despite its small size, Wemme is home to terrific businesses and restaurants worth stopping for.
Next time you drive through, slow down. Take a moment to appreciate the history behind this often-overlooked village and the man for whom it was named for.
Battle Axe Inn, Government Camp, Oregon
The Battle Axe Inn, in Government Camp was for many years the hub for much of the activity on Mt. Hood’s South side. Many mountain rescues were headquartered from the old inn, as well as community gatherings and parties. Many a cold and tired skier found warmth and rest in front of its grand rock fireplace.
The Battle Axe Inn was the dream of Everett Sickler, who since working as a young man in the hotel at Yellowstone, wanted to run a resort hotel of his own. He got the idea for the design of his inn from a building in a Johns Mansfield roofing ad. In 1925 Sickler hired Hood River contractor Albert Krieg and his son’s to handle the construction of his new inn. Sickler originally wanted a log structure, but Krieg, in an attempt to help save money, built the structure with lumber and then used slabbed logs for the siding, thus giving it the look of log building. The cost for the building, a whopping $3600.00. He and his wife Belle Pierce Sickler opened for business that winter.
The building was a quaint lodge with a dining room and rooms. The interior was wood, with log beams and a large rock fireplace and was decorated with early pioneer and native artifacts. The grand staircase was a circular style with a huge log center pillar. The furniture was made by local craftsmen in a rustic style.
The following year Sickler hired the Krieg’s to build the Battle Axe Inn Recreation Hall, located just up the street from the inn. It was a huge structure 50’ x 90’ three story building. After purchasing the entire stock of ski’s from the Marshall wells company in Portland, the Rec Hall was used as a ski shop with rentals. The Rec Hall was also the location of the infamous toboggan slide. The slide included a two track run and a cable system for returning the toboggans to the top of the hill. Speeds were said to reach up to 60 miles per hour when the conditions were right. Many times a toboggan would leave the track causing bodily harm. Because of liability insurance costs, the toboggan was finally closed down.
The inn was always a financial struggle for the Sicklers. In 1929 Henry and Margaret Villiger, after a trip to Government Camp by automobile influenced by their daughter Marcel and her friend Gertrude Jensen decided to purchase the inn for $23,000. The depression set in and business was so slow the payments had to be adjusted from $350. Per month to $30. Per month. At some time during this era the rec hall, located up the street was moved down and attached to the inn, to solidify the business operation. At this time the rec hall, or Annex housed a coffee shop, a taproom, grocery store, laundry with dorm rooms upstairs.
Henry Villiger passed away in 1938, and Margaret continued to operate the business until 1947 when Gertrude Jensen bought the business for a reported figure of $85,000. Gertrude took over with grand plans. She hoped to re-open the old toboggan run, and a cafeteria. She hired well known skier Hjalmer Hvam to operate the ski shop, Chester Chin of Chin’s Buffet in Portland to run the cafeteria and her son to operate the toboggan run.
Because of overwhelming operating costs and costly repairs, and complicated further by Gertrude’s health troubles, she moved back to Portland and eventually turned the business back to Margaret Villiger. Mrs. Villiger in turn sold to Warren Huff, who operated it for two years until Monday, November 6, 1950 when the grand old inn met its end.
Battle Axe Inn Business Card (front)
