Chief Tommy Thompson: The Last Salmon Chief of Celilo Falls
Honoring the Last Salmon Chief of the Columbia River
Chief Tommy Kuni Thompson, a revered leader of the Wyam people, served as the salmon chief of Celilo Village for over eight decades. Born along the Columbia River in the mid-19th century, Thompson dedicated his life to preserving Indigenous fishing rights and cultural traditions at Celilo Falls—a vital fishing and trading hub for Native communities for thousands of years.
Early Life and Leadership
Thompson assumed the role of salmon chief around 1900, following the death of his uncle, Chief Stocketly. As salmon chief, or láwat, he oversaw the annual first-salmon ceremony, regulated fishing seasons, and enforced spiritual practices integral to the Waashat religion. His leadership ensured the sustainable harvest of salmon, a cornerstone of the Wyam’s diet and culture.
Guardian of Celilo Falls
Celilo Falls, known as Wyam in the Sahaptin language, was more than a fishing site—it was a sacred place where tribes gathered to fish, trade, and hold ceremonies. Thompson staunchly defended this site against external threats. He opposed the construction of The Dalles Dam, which ultimately submerged Celilo Falls in 1957, displacing communities and disrupting traditional fishing practices.
Legacy and Final Years
Even in his later years, Thompson remained a vocal advocate for his people. At the age of 102, he attended the final Feast of the First Salmon at Celilo Village, offering a poignant farewell to the falls. He passed away in 1959, two years after the inundation of Celilo Falls. His unwavering commitment to his community and cultural heritage continues to inspire future generations.
Honoring Chief Thompson
Chief Tommy Thompson’s life exemplifies resilience and dedication to cultural preservation. His efforts ensured that the traditions and rights of the Wyam people remained recognized and respected. Today, his legacy lives on through the continued advocacy for Indigenous rights and the remembrance of Celilo Falls’ significance.
The Rise, Fall, and Revival of the Ivy Bear at Alder Creek: A Highway 26 Landmark
For decades, travelers along U.S. Highway 26 in Oregon have been greeted by a unique roadside landmark: the towering Ivy Bear at Alder Creek. Covered in thick vines and steeped in local lore, this massive figure has become a beloved symbol of the Mount Hood area. Built as a tribute to a pet bear, it eventually collapsed, but thanks to a dedicated community, it rose again.
The Man Behind the Ivy Bear at Alder Creek
The story of the Ivy Bear begins with Gerald Wear, a deaf craftsman, dog trainer, and builder who lived in Alder Creek. Wear was widely known for his ingenuity and deep love for animals. Alongside training German Shepherds, he also cared for a bear that lived in a roadside cage. As travelers passed along the two-lane highway, many stopped to watch the bear, which quickly became an unofficial mascot.
Eventually, the bear passed away. According to local accounts, it died after consuming too many candy bars, soda pop, and bottle caps handed out by curious onlookers. Heartbroken, Wear felt compelled to honor the animal. He decided to create a much larger tribute: a towering ivy-covered bear that would stand beside the road for all to see.
Building the Largest Ivy Structure in the World
In 1947, Wear began construction on what would become the Ivy Bear at Alder Creek. He built a wooden frame, wrapped it in chicken wire, and carefully planted ivy around the structure. Over the course of more than a year, the vines filled in, eventually covering the entire bear.
At the time, the figure was believed to be the largest ivy-covered structure in the world. Motorists quickly became accustomed to the sight of the massive bear keeping watch near the highway. To make the figure even more lifelike, Wear added a rear door and scaffolding inside that led up to the bear’s head. At night, he would climb inside and light its eyes with candles. Later, he upgraded them with old Volkswagen taillights.
A Growing Landmark Along Highway 26
Over time, the Ivy Bear at Alder Creek became even more popular. In fact, it eventually became better known than the businesses located on the property. Mount Hood skiers adopted a tradition of saluting the bear for good luck, and children often lifted their feet as they passed by.
Meanwhile, Wear continued working on creative projects in Alder Creek. In addition to the bear, he built homes and decorative water wheels. Although Wear passed away in 1972, his most famous creation remained standing—a lasting testament to his creativity and love for the area.
The Fall of the Ivy Bear in June 1984
After nearly 40 years of standing tall, the Ivy Bear collapsed on June 18, 1984. A gentle breeze that evening was all it took to bring down the aging wooden structure. The bear toppled forward and landed on its tin snout.
Upon closer inspection, the cause became clear: the wooden beams at the base had rotted through. Without a strong foundation, the structure simply gave way. Although exterior damage was minimal, the bear could no longer stand upright.
The loss resonated with the community. Travelers slowed down, searching for the familiar landmark. Even the Portland Chamber of Commerce reached out to the property’s owners, eager to help restore the iconic roadside figure.
A Community Comes Together
Recognizing the Ivy Bear’s cultural value, local residents and organizations launched a campaign to bring it back. In 1987, Ron Rhoades, owner of the Ivy Bear Restaurant, partnered with Michael P. Jones of the Cascade Geographic Society and the Friends of the Ivy Bear to start a fundraiser.
By 1990, their efforts paid off. The community raised enough money to rebuild the Ivy Bear—this time using a steel frame designed to withstand time and weather. Thanks to their perseverance, the Ivy Bear stood once again.
The Ivy Bear Returns to Alder Creek
The bear’s revival brought renewed energy to the Mount Hood area. Locals and travelers alike celebrated the return of the iconic figure. Once more, the Ivy Bear stood proudly along Highway 26, welcoming visitors and honoring its unique history.
Today, the Ivy Bear remains a bit overgrown but continues to charm passersby. It stands not only as a tribute to Gerald Wear’s craftsmanship and compassion but also as a symbol of community pride. Next time you drive through Alder Creek, don’t forget to salute the bear—just like generations before you.
When people think of Mount Hood, crime usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Especially not murder. Yet, one story from Mount Hood’s past should be told—the mountain’s first recorded murder. This is the story of the first Murder on Mount Hood.
The Oregon Trail and the Barlow Road
For about 40 years, the Oregon Trail carried settlers west, and became the main route into the Willamette Valley. Samuel Barlow and Joel Palmer blazed the trail over the south shoulder of Mount Hood. Soon after Barlow made the trail a toll road. Tollgates were placed along the route to collect fees from travelers. One tollgate keeper, Perry Vickers, became an integral figure in the history of Mount Hood.
The Barlow Trail at Marmot Oregon
Perry Vickers: A Mount Hood Pioneer
Perry Vickers was among the first residents on the south side of Mount Hood, an area that today includes the small ski town of Government Camp. He was well liked by everyone, especially those passing over the Barlow Road in their wagons.
He secured squatter’s rights at Summit Meadow, a natural clearing at the top of the pass, in 1865. Here, the road began its descent down the west slope of Mount Hood, leading settlers on the final stretch toward the Willamette Valley. Vickers built the first accommodations in the area, including a lodge, store, barns, and a corralled field for livestock.
Mount Hood’s First Tourists
During his time on Mount Hood, Portland grew rapidly with the influx of new settlers. Many of these settlers returned to the mountain, over the road that had once challenged their or their parent’s journey, seeking recreation and adventure.
Vickers became Mount Hood’s first climbing guide. Hiking and climbing the peak became increasingly popular at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries. He enthusiastically promoted visitation and recreation. Vickers even created a tradition of lighting the mountain by carrying fuel for a large fire near what is now known as Illumination Rock. He is credited with being the first person to spend a night atop Mount Hood.
In August 1873, Vickers survived a night on the summit by building a crude rock shelter. Later, he recalled, “I dared not sleep, lest the cold take me. At dawn, I beheld a glory of light such as mortal eyes rarely see.”
Perry Vickers
Perry Vickers’ Early Troubles
Vickers was known as a dreamer and a poet. Newspapers later referred to him as “the mountain’s first true romantic.” The Oregon Historical Society preserves some of his verses about sunrises over the Cascade peaks and sunsets glowing across the summit.
However, his start in Oregon wasn’t on solid footing.
In 1865, Vickers arrived in Vancouver, Washington. While looking for work, he fell in with three other young strangers. Unfortunately, they were soon arrested at Fort Vancouver for horse theft, a serious crime at the time.
They were held for about two months awaiting trial. Each prisoner wore an “Oregon Boot,” a seven-pound iron clevis attached to the ankle to prevent escape. Public sympathy grew for Vickers, who consistently protested his innocence.
Fort Vancouver Washington
Escape Across the Columbia River
Worried that guilt by association would seal his fate, Vickers planned an escape. Their wooden cell allowed them to pry loose several 2″x4″ window bars, and the group fled into the night.
Once free, Vickers separated from his companions. Pursuers closed in as he reached the Columbia River. His ankle was chafed and bleeding from the iron shackle. In desperation, he plunged into the mile-wide, fast-moving river.
Miraculously, he swam across with the seven-pound clevis still attached to his ankle.
On the far bank, Vickers found a farm where he pried off the iron using a wagon wheel wrench and a bolt. The next morning, woodcutters gave him food and directed him to Powell Valley, where his brother lived. His brother provided clothes and supplies and urged him to head east along the Barlow Road to find work until the danger passed.
Meeting Stephen Coalman
Traveling east, Vickers met Stephen Coalman, the overseer of the old Barlow Road. Coalman offered him work clearing storm damage from the road, and Vickers accepted. The two men formed a lifelong friendship.
Stephen and his son Elijah “Lige” Coalman would later become legendary for their adventures on Mount Hood. Over time, Coalman became convinced of Vickers’ innocence.
In June, Vickers set up camp at Summit Meadow and explored the area up to the timberline. He swore he would one day reach the mountain’s summit.
Rhododendron Tollgate on the Barlow Trail
Establishing Life at Summit Meadow
At first, Vickers worked as the eastern gatekeeper on the Barlow Road. In time, Coalman convinced him to return to the west side of Mount Hood, promising to help him with legal services if needed.
No charges were ever brought against him.
Vickers loved the Summit Meadow area. He filed a squatter’s claim and started building between his work on the road. In 1866, construction of the Summit House began. The building measured 20x20x32 feet, featuring a huge fireplace, upstairs sleeping quarters, and a large kitchen. Vickers built all the furniture by hand from local materials.
By the spring of 1868, as soon as the snow melted, the Summit House opened for travelers. Vickers provided food and shelter for people and livestock. He often refused payment from settlers who had little to give, earning a reputation for generosity.
Perry Vickers Trading Post at Summit Meadow
A Tragedy at Summit Meadow
In 1882, a tragedy struck Summit Meadow. A baby boy from a wagon party, the Barclay family, became ill and died at the meadow. Vickers granted permission for the boy to be buried there. The grave and headstone still remain today.
Later accounts said that Vickers personally tended the grave, keeping it marked and protected from passing livestock.
Perry Vickers Summit House
A Desperate Man on The Run
For years, Vickers remained at Summit Meadow, aiding travelers and leading hundreds to the summit of Mount Hood. Then, in August of 1883, violence shattered the peace and led to the first Murder on Mount Hood.
A man named Steele, a farmhand near the Columbia Slough, stole a shotgun and fled east. The Multnomah County Sheriff deputized two men, including the gun’s owner, Roarke, to pursue him.
The deputies tracked Steele to Eagle Creek and had their warrant reissued for Clackamas County. They learned that Steele had traded the shotgun for a powerful Sharps rifle.
Despite bad weather, they pressed on through Sandy, stopping only to buy a bottle of whiskey. Reaching the town of Salmon, near today’s Brightwood, they enlisted local trading post owner John McIntyre. One deputy, having fallen ill, returned home. McIntyre was deputized, and the search continued.
Summit House at Summit Meadow
The Final Pursuit
At Summit Meadow, Vickers told the men that Steele had stayed the previous night. Vickers warned them that Steele was a dangerous character and advised waiting until morning to pursue him, suggesting they rest and sober up.
Roarke insisted they continue into the night. Vickers, now deputized, reluctantly agreed to lead them.
They reached the White River Trading Post operated by Cornelius Gray. Beyond the buildings, they spotted a campfire.
Concerned about his companions’ condition, Vickers volunteered to approach Steele’s camp alone. As he rode off, he reportedly quipped, “If you hear me shout, don’t mistake it for the wind.”
Salmon Oregon where John McIntyre was enlisted to chase Steele
The Ambush
Vickers rode toward the fire, confirming it was indeed Steele. As he dismounted his horse, Steele seized the Sharps rifle and shot Vickers in the stomach.
Vickers fell but managed to draw his revolver and fire into the darkness. Believing he might have wounded Steele, he emptied his gun but could not stop the fugitive.
Cornelius Gray, hearing the shots, rushed to the scene. He and others found Vickers gravely wounded, struggling to reload his revolver with trembling hands.
Vickers accused the deputies, Roarke and McIntyre, of cowardice, saying they abandoned him when he needed them most. Witnesses later agreed, noting that their horses had not actually bolted, and their retreat seemed deliberate.
White River where Perry Vickers was shot
The Death of Perry Vickers
A messenger rode to fetch Stephen Coalman, but it was too late. Vickers, lying inside Gray’s cabin, knew his fate.
He mentioned laudanum stored back at his lodge. Gray had nothing in his cabin to relive Vickers’s pain. Vickers acknowledged that no one could help him now. His final request was to be buried next to the Baby Barclay that he helped bury in his beloved Summit Meadow. His final words were reported as, “Tell them I did my best, for the mountain and for the law.”
At 7am, August 19, 1883 Perry Vickers died from his wounds. According to his wishes his body was loaded into a wagon and carried back to Summit Meadow and buried next to the baby.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The Mount Hood community mourned him deeply. Samuel Welch and Stephen Mitchell crafted his coffin, and Oliver Yocum officiated his burial.
Vickers is laid to rest at Summit Meadow, beside the Barclay child he had once shown such compassion toward. Their headstones remain today.
Locals remembered Vickers as “the silent sentinel of Summit Meadow,” honoring his years of guidance, kindness, and service on the mountain.
Soon after Vickers death a “religious eccentric” named Horace Campbell, known as “King David” occupied the Summit House. He rebuilt the Summit House and, behind the structure, constructed a conical shaped wooden teepee with a central fireplace and a smoke hole at the top. It was used by the last wave of immigrants over the old road.
In time, and after many occupiers of the old Summit House, the structure was fell into disrepair and was disassembled and burned on campfires by travelers. First the log furniture and then the structures. Today there’s no evidence that it even existed.
Perry Vickers’s Dog Greeley
Billy Welch, The son of local rancher Samuel Welch, related a sad story about how Greeley, a yellow Newfoundland and Eskimo dog mix owned by Vickers, refused to leave his master’s grave for days. Finally he and Drum, a spotted hound, also belonging to Vickers, were brought to Welches to live with Samuel Welch, who had been a close friend with Vickers for years. It was necessary to keep a close watch on Greeley for days, because he wanted to return up the Barlow Trail to Summit Meadow where is master was buried.
Perry Vickers Grave next to the baby Barclay at Summit Meadow
What Became of Steele After the Murder on Mount Hood?
Stephen Coalman kept Vickers’ blood-stained coveralls for years, hoping they might someday serve as evidence.
Later, a horse thief hanged in eastern Oregon claimed to have killed a man in the Cascade Mountains. It was widely assumed this was Steele.
Coalman, realizing the case had ended, eventually burned Vickers’ coveralls. Thus ended the story of Mount Hood’s first murder—and the enduring legend of Perry Vickers.
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!
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.
Humans have been interested in preserving their legacy since the dawn of time, and that want for the preservation of their legacy may have been a major reason for the development of written language. In recording history, a first hand account is always the best source. Most of those that hold the historically valuable information are our senior citizens, many of which discount their role in the stories, thus keeping the story from being told.
That’s where the next generation must assume the responsibility of searching out these people and begging such stories to be told. In my research of our local history, I have become acquainted with a long time Brightwood resident that has had the foresight to recognize his role as a record keeper of our local Mt Hood History. He has been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to become close to, and visit with many local legends that are no longer around The Mountain.
William H White, “Bill”, and his family have owned a home in Brightwood for almost 40 years. His interest in local history was keen while Jenny Welch, who was married to Billy Welch, whose family the village of Welches was named for, was still spry. He was able to get to know Arlie Mitchell, who was the last tollgate keeper at the Rhododendron tollgate of the old Barlow Road as well as folks like Harry Abernathy, who when he and “his bride” first came to Welches, camped out at the spot that the Hoodland Shopping Center sits today. As past president of the Friends of Timberline, among other civic activities that he’s been involved with, he has been in association with many other notable figures who have shared their memories with him.
Bill has kept all of this information handy for historical work involving many projects and events. The Mt Hood area’s history has found a bridge in Bill White, a bridge between the generation that settled the Villages of Mt Hood, and those of us who enjoy learning as a benefit of the fruits of their labor.
Bill and his wife Barbara, are retired now and live in Brightwood full time. Bill spends much of his time sorting and filing the historical information that he has collected through the years. Bill won’t accept it, but he really is the Villages of Mt Hood Official Historian, and we owe him a debt of gratitude.
