Government Camp Oregon

The History of Government Camp, Oregon

A Historic Mountain Town on Mount Hood

Perched at 4,000 feet in elevation on the south face of Mount Hood, Government Camp, Oregon, has long been known as a ski town. Long before ski resorts arrived, adventurers made their way to Mount Hood in the winter for snowshoeing and skiing and in the summer for hiking and exploring.

Today, Government Camp is home to the iconic Timberline Lodge, a national historic monument. Built during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Timberline Lodge remains one of Oregon’s most treasured landmarks.

However, the history of Government Camp stretches back nearly two centuries. Long before it became a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, it played a role in westward expansion and the early days of the Oregon Trail.

How Government Camp Got Its Name

In May 1845, the United States government allocated $75,500,000 to establish military posts along the Oregon Trail. However, when the Mexican-American War broke out, those plans changed. Instead of focusing on Oregon, much of the effort shifted to support the war.

A few years later, in 1849, Lieutenant William Frost led a massive wagon train from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Fort Dalles, Oregon. The scale of this expedition was immense:

429 wagons
1,716 mules
250 tons of freight

While part of the group traveled by boat to Vancouver, the remaining wagons were sent over the Barlow Road toward Oregon City. Unfortunately, this decision had dire consequences.

The mules were exhausted, and overloaded wagons struggled on the rugged terrain. As winter approached, conditions worsened. By the time the wagon train descended Laurel Hill, 45 wagons had been abandoned due to starvation and exhaustion.

For years, this area became known as “the government camp on Still Creek.” Over time, the name stuck, and it was eventually shortened to simply Government Camp.

The Early Settlement of Government Camp

Although Government Camp had earned its name, it didn’t develop into a town right away. It wasn’t until the arrival of O.C. Yocum, Francis C. Little, and William G. Steel that settlement began.

O.C. Yocum’s Vision

O.C. Yocum filed a homestead claim and platted his land into blocks. He named the north-south streets numerically (1st, 2nd, and 3rd). For the east-west streets, he used the letters of his own name:

Yule
Olive
Church
Union
Montgomery

Originally, Yocum named his town Pompeii. When he applied for a post office under the name Government Camp, the government rejected it, stating that a two-word name was unacceptable. As a result, he changed the post office name to Pompeii.

However, locals never stopped calling it Government Camp, and over time, the name became official.

Hotels and Businesses in Early Government Camp

As travelers increased, hotels and businesses emerged to accommodate them. Several of these establishments played a key role in shaping Government Camp’s reputation as a mountain resort destination.

Notable Hotels and Businesses in Government Camp

1899 – O.C. Yocum built the Mountain View House hotel.
1910 – Lige Coalman purchased the hotel and, in 1911, built the Government Camp Hotel.
1933 – Both hotels burned down.
1924 – Everett Sickler and Albert Krieg built the Battle Axe Inn, a popular gathering place. It burned down on November 7, 1950.
1932 – Charlie Hill built and ran Hill’s Place, located across from the Battle Axe Inn. It operated for decades before burning down in 1969.
The Rafferty Family built a hotel next to the Battle Axe Inn. It changed hands and names several times, known as the Tyrolean Lodge and later the Mountain View before it burned down in 1954.
George Calverly built a café at the east end of town, which his wife managed.

As the 20th century progressed, Government Camp became synonymous with outdoor recreation, particularly with the rise of skiing on Mount Hood.

Government Camp Today: A Legacy of Adventure

Today, Government Camp remains the gateway to Mount Hood’s winter and summer sports. It is home to Timberline Lodge, and the town continues to attract skiers, snowboarders, and hikers year-round.

Though many of its original buildings have disappeared, the spirit of Government Camp lives on. From its Oregon Trail roots to its role in shaping outdoor adventure culture, Government Camp remains one of Oregon’s most historic and beloved mountain towns.

Discover More Mount Hood History

If you love learning about Oregon’s past, check out more stories at MountHoodHistory.com.

Have memories or stories about Government Camp? Share them in the comments below!

Adolf Aschoff Marmot, Oregon

Adolf Aschoff and Marmot, Oregon’s History

Marmot, Oregon: A Place More Than a Town

Marmot, Oregon, is a place more than it is a town. It is located along the last stretch of the Oregon Trail, the old plank-covered Barlow Road. Between 1883 and 1930, it was a destination for many people who came to experience the great outdoors and to launch their adventures on Mount Hood.

Located in the forested foothills on the west side of Mount Hood, about six miles east of the town of Sandy, Marmot is situated on a ridge with the Sandy River to the south and the Little Sandy River and Bull Run to the north. It was a wilderness when Marmot was established.

The Man Behind Marmot: Adolf Aschoff

The story of Marmot is less about a town or a place than it is about a man. Marmot’s pioneer and developer of the town’s commercial ventures, such as its store, hotel, stables, and museum, was Johann Adolf (Adolph) Aschoff. There were no other businesses there.

Aschoff was even Marmot’s postmaster when the post office was established in 1890, where he kept meticulous records in perfect penmanship. A German immigrant, he cemented his name into the fabric and history of Mount Hood and the south side towns between Sandy and Government Camp and, indeed, the whole Mount Hood National Forest.

From Germany to America

Adolf Aschoff was born in Celle, Hanover, Germany, on May 21, 1849. He was the son of a shoe manufacturer who was said to have descended from Russian royalty. Although he was educated for the clergy, his love for the outdoors led him down a different path.

His father wanted his children to be educated and cultured and not have to work in the factories as he had. Adolf’s education covered language, history, theology, art, music, and physical sciences. At sixteen, he worked with the Royal Forester—an experience that would serve him well throughout his life. He was also a talented musician, artist, storyteller, and one of Mount Hood’s earliest photographers.

Aschoff's Mountain Home — Aschoff’s Mountain Home

Escape from Germany: Political Exile

In 1866, at the age of 17, Adolf organized a club of enthusiastic young men called the “Maybugs.” Their activities varied from studying to fun-making and, perhaps, a little political activism. However, they soon found themselves in trouble with Prussian officers during the Austro-Prussian War.

Although Hanover tried to remain neutral, in June of 1866, Germany mobilized troops against Prussia, leading to Hanover’s dissolution and annexation by Prussia. That summer, 17,000 Prussian soldiers crossed the Hanover boundary. Adolf and his Maybugs taunted the invading soldiers and plastered anti-Prussian posters around town, making him unpopular with the Prussians.

One night, after an altercation where several Prussian officers were knocked down, Adolf was forced to flee. He later claimed that he escaped to a lake, where he stayed submerged—except for his face—for an entire day. Eventually, he found refuge with a female benefactor, rumored to be Princess Fredericka, who helped him escape. He made his way to Austria, then to France, and later to England, where a forged passport allowed him passage to America as a political exile.

Bachelor Cabin - Aschoff's Mountain Home — Bachelor Cabin – Aschoff’s Mountain Home

Life in America: Kansas and the Journey West

Adolf arrived in New York in November 1869 aboard the steamer Nebraska. He first worked as a woodcarver and engraver, but New York was too crowded for him. He moved to New Jersey, then Illinois, and finally to Kansas in 1871, where he and his brother Ernest homesteaded.

In 1872, Adolf married Dorotea “Dora” Gein in Rush County, Kansas. Dora was born in Germany on November 21, 1853, and had immigrated to America with her parents when she was 14. They started a farm in Kansas, where their first four children were born.

Adolf loved telling stories about his time in Kansas. He claimed to have met Calamity Jane and was hired by Buffalo Bill Cody to hunt buffalo for the railroads.

While in Kansas, he watched wagon trains pass by on their way to Oregon. In 1882, he and Dora decided to follow them. They left their homestead and moved to Portland, Oregon, where they lived near Mt. Tabor and sold vegetables.

Adolf was described as looking like a nobleman, with a trim goatee, elegant manners, and a strong German accent. His talent for storytelling and artistic and musical abilities made it easy for him to gather influential friends in the city. These connections later helped him develop his resort in Marmot.

Founding Marmot, Oregon

In the spring of 1883, Adolf and Dora moved to Marmot, purchasing 240 acres along the last section of the Oregon Trail for $900.

Adolf never intended to run a resort, but his Portland friends encouraged him to. He built guest cabins, entertaining boarders for 50 cents per day or $3 per week. Business grew quickly. By 1902, Aschoff’s Mountain Home had expanded to 23 rooms, featuring wraparound balconies, a dining hall for 100 guests, and comfortable lodging.

The Naming of Marmot

In 1890, Adolf established the post office and named the area “Marmot.” Interestingly, he later discovered that the burrows he thought were made by marmots actually belonged to mountain beavers, but the name remained.

A Guide and Forest Supervisor

On May 19, 1897, Adolf was appointed the first Forest Ranger for the Cascade Range Forest Reserve (which later became the Mount Hood National Forest). He blazed the Skyline Trail between Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson. However, bureaucratic conflicts led him to resign in 1906.

Tragedy and Decline

In 1914, tragedy struck. Adolf and Dora’s youngest son, Gustav, drowned in the Sandy River. Just weeks later, their oldest daughter, Mary, died after a long illness.

Four years later, Dora also passed away. With Dora gone, the children growing older, and the new Mount Hood Loop Highway bypassing Marmot, the resort began to decline. Adolf remained there until 1929, when he sold everything to Percy Shelley.

Adolf was heartbroken, saying, “I cannot tell you how I feel giving up my place. My nine children grew up here, and I have gone through all kinds of hardships, but only God and I know how much I have loved it here.”

On May 16, 1930, Adolf Aschoff passed away in Portland.

Mazama's at Marmot Oregon — Mazama’s at Marmot Oregon

The End of an Era

On July 4, 1931, Aschoff’s Mountain Home burned to the ground. The Shelley family lost everything. The remaining buildings quickly fell into disrepair.

Today, little remains of Marmot, yet those who pass through can still imagine what it must have been like at its peak, and why Adolf Aschoff loved it so deeply.

Source Information:
Photos from the Gary Randall collection
Information Bill White, Brightwood, Oregon
Sandy Pioneers, Early Settlers and Barlow Road Days – Sandy Historical Society
Jack Grauer – The Illustrated History of Mount Hood
Various newspaper articles from the period

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 Adolf Aschoff or Marmot Oregon? Share them in the comments below!

Marmot, Oregon

Marmot is an unincorporated community in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States located in the Mount Hood Corridor. It is within the boundaries of the

Adolph Aschoff

of Oregon in the late 19th century. He established the community of Marmot, Oregon in the western foothills of Mount Hood in the late 19th century. Most

Mount Hood Highway at Alder Creek 1939

Alder Creek is a little town half way between Sandy and Welches Oregon on today’s Highway 26.

The Ivy Bear at Alder Creek

Feb 15, 2017 … If anyone can ID the folks in the photo please contact me. Thanks you. The Ivy Bear at Alder Creek.

Samuel Welch 1880 Welches Pioneer

Samuel “Uncle Sam” Welch: A Pioneer of Welches, Oregon

Journey to the West

Samuel Welch left Virginia in 1842 at the age of 19, embarking on the arduous journey west along the Oregon Trail. He traveled down the Columbia River, portaging around Celilo Falls, before settling briefly in Brush Prairie, Washington. However, the lure of fertile land drew him south to Oregon, where he eventually claimed land near Orient, east of Gresham. It was here that he began to establish his roots in the Pacific Northwest.

Building a Home and Family

On February 20, 1865, Samuel married Francis Culbertson, and their son William “Billy” Welch was born on December 24, 1866. The father and son would go on to shape the history of the region. In 1882, Samuel and Billy each took 160-acre land claims in the Salmon River Valley, a pristine expanse near Mount Hood. Over time, their holdings grew to encompass nearly 1,000 acres.

The Welch's Ranch, Welches Oregon — The Welch’s Ranch, Welches Oregon

Establishing the First Resort

Samuel farmed his land, raising livestock and cultivating orchards, but his greatest contribution came in 1893 when he and Billy started the first resort in the area and established the town of Welches. Initially a simple campground, it provided a welcome respite for travelers, hunters, and vacationers eager to explore the scenic beauty of the region. Their venture marked the beginning of the hospitality industry in the Mount Hood area, long before ski resorts and luxury lodges became the norm.

Early Settlers of the Region

Samuel Welch was not alone in his pioneering efforts. Just four miles downstream on the Salmon River, J.T. McIntyre established a homestead in what was then called Salmon, Oregon—later known as Brightwood. In 1891, McIntyre built a hotel, catering to travelers much like the Welches’ campground. These early settlers helped lay the foundation for the communities that still thrive along the Mount Hood corridor today.

Samuel Welch’s Lasting Legacy

Samuel Welch passed away in 1898, but his son Billy carried on his legacy. Billy continued to operate the resort and, in 1905, became the first postmaster of Welches, overseeing the town’s post office until 1940. Under his stewardship, Welches grew into a bustling summer retreat, known for its dances, community gatherings, and outdoor recreation.

The Evolution of Welches

The land that Samuel and Billy Welch once called home would eventually evolve into the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, a well-known destination that continues to attract visitors seeking the tranquility of Mount Hood’s forests and rivers. Though the early log cabins and campgrounds have long since disappeared, the spirit of Uncle Sam Welch remains embedded in the town that bears his name.

Samuel Welch Enduring Pioneer Spirit

From a young man braving the Oregon Trail to a respected pioneer who helped shape a community, Samuel Welch’s story is one of resilience, vision, and a deep connection to the land. His name endures, a testament to the pioneering spirit that continues to define the Mount Hood region today.

The Welch’s Ranch Welches Oregon

Welches Oregon before tourists Back before Welches Oregon became a destination it was a ranch, Samuel

Welches, Oregon

after Samuel Welch, a homesteader from Virginia who settled near Welches Creek in 1882 with his son, William, after the death of Samuel’s wife. Samuel Welch

Welches Oregon Pioneer Homesteaders

A Historic Photo of Welches Oregon Pioneer Homesteaders

This rare historic photo captures several Welches Oregon pioneer homesteaders, some of the first settlers in the Mount Hood region. Likely one of the earliest known images from the Welches area, it documents the people who helped shape the future of this mountain community.

Pictured in the front row are Billy Welch and Firmer Walkley. Standing behind them are August Hornecker, Sam Welch, John Copper, and Ira Welch. The photograph was taken at the Walkley homestead, located near the junction of Welches Road and Bridge Street.

Tawney’s Mountain Home: A Legacy of Hospitality

The Walkley property later became the site of Tawney’s Mountain Home, a rustic mountain retreat built in 1909. For forty years, it welcomed guests from across the region seeking rest and recreation in the shadow of Mount Hood. Tawney’s closed in 1949, and the structure was demolished around 1955 after falling into disrepair.

The Welch Family and the Foundation of Welches

Among the Welches Oregon pioneer homesteaders, Billy Welch and his father Samuel “Sam” Welch were central to the area’s development. Arriving in the 1880s, they each filed land claims and eventually amassed over 1,000 acres. In 1893, Sam and Billy opened one of the area’s first resorts—a campground that became the heart of early tourism on Mount Hood.

Their efforts helped establish Welches as a name synonymous with hospitality and adventure, paving the way for the future growth of the community.

The Pioneer Spirit Lives On

The early Welches Oregon pioneer homesteaders—including the Welches, Walkleys, Horneckers, and Coppers—were more than settlers. They were builders of a legacy that still defines the character of the Welches area today. Their names and stories live on in local landmarks, oral histories, and photographs like this one.

This image is more than just a snapshot—it’s a window into the foundational history of Welches, Oregon.

Welches Oregon Pioneer Homesteaders

The Brightwood Museum and Novelty Shop

The Brightwood Museum and Novelty Shop. Many locals who remember this place in its heyday still call this the Snake Pit. In its lifetime it was several things, including a church and a home. The building was constructed by renowned Mount Hood cabin builder Henry Steiner as a roadside tourist souvenir shop along the way to Mount Hood. This was his last log structure project. At one point it was even a reptile garden.

Back before cars were developed into the high speed vehicles of today, and Highway 26 was blasted into straight line four lane route that allowed everyone to move at speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour, a trip to Mount Hood was more of an easier pace. Post World War II was a time when families took to the highways on days off and vacations to camp and to recreate. The tourist industry was a big deal, with roadhouses and unique roadside attractions. Many people called these places “tourist traps”.

In our area here on the south side of Mount Hood there were several businesses that provided both lodging and meals. A couple of the tourist traps that were here, included this business, the Brightwood Museum and Novelty Shop, the Swiss Gardens and the Mt Hood Indian Pageant.
This old building is a cultural treasure to our area but sadly it’s falling into ruins. You can still see this old structure at the intersection of Bridge Street and Brightwood Loop Road in the parking lot of the Brightwood store.

Rhododendron Oregon Centennial and History

100 Years of Rhododendron Oregon and Mount Hood Tourism

I produced a video to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the little Mount Hood village of Rhododendron Oregon. It’s a collection that consists of photos that I’ve collected through the years and have added to my collection. There are a couple that are in the video that are copies of photos from the Welch Family as well as the family of Dr Ivan Wooley.

Rhododendron, Oregon | Things to do, hotels, & attractions

Located along the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway on a 19th-century pioneer wagon route, Rhododendron nestles into the western flank of the craggy peak. The terrain.

Uncle Sam Welch’s Ranch in Welches Oregon

From Homestead to Tourist Destination

The Beginnings of Welches

The history of the Welch’s Ranch in Welches Oregon begins in 1882. Before Welches became a popular destination, it was simply a family homestead ranch. Samuel Welch, an emigrant from Virginia, settled in the valley that year. Later, his son William “Billy” Welch and Edward Kopper, Billy’s first wife’s father, also homesteaded in the valley in 1889.

Establishing the Welch Ranch

Samuel and Billy Welch homesteaded adjoining 160-acre sections of the Salmon River Valley, located on the southwestern foothills of Mount Hood. Samuel’s homestead deed, signed by President Benjamin Harrison, was recorded in the Clackamas County Courthouse in 1893. Similarly, Billy’s deed, signed by President William McKinley, was recorded in 1898.

Over time, they expanded their holdings, acquiring nearly 1,000 acres that stretched from Walkley’s homestead in the south to “Dutch Fred’s” homestead in the north (near present-day Fairway Avenue). Their land also extended up the slopes of Hunchback Mountain to the east and Huckleberry Mountain to the west.

A Thriving Ranch and Early Tourism

The Welch Ranch was a fully operational farm with pastures, barns, and corrals for livestock, including dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, and pigs. In addition, the family maintained an apple orchard, a large vegetable garden, and had access to abundant fish in the river and wildlife in the surrounding hills. A blacksmith shop and stables further supported the ranch operations.

As travel increased, the ranch became a stop for stagecoaches and later, motorized coaches en route to Mount Hood. Eventually, summer tourists began camping in the valley, taking advantage of its natural beauty.

Transition to a Resort

After Samuel’s death in 1889, Billy took over the ranch. Sadly, his first wife, Mamie Kopper Welch, passed away in 1902. By 1905, Clinton Kern and a Mr. Wren leased the property and opened a hotel resort, operating it until 1909. As part of the resort’s development, a large dining hall was built near the Salmon River to accommodate guests.

To replace the old dance hall, Billy expanded his store, adding a pool room and a second-story dance hall. Notably, the hall featured an east-facing balcony where dancers could cool off while enjoying views of Hunchback Mountain.

Community and Entertainment

In 1911, Billy married Jennie Faubion. Together, they managed the resort, store, post office, and dance hall. Meanwhile, the Welches Post Office had been established in 1905, with Billy serving as postmaster until 1940. Afterward, Jennie continued in the role until her retirement in 1960. Eventually, the post office moved to Wemme before returning to Welches.

The local community often gathered for bonfires, taffy pulls, and marshmallow roasts. Children collected wood for towering bonfires while families sang folk songs like “Ninety-Nine Blue Bottles.” Moreover, talented storytellers entertained crowds late into the night.

Saturday night dances were a highlight, drawing nearly everyone in town. Parents brought blankets for their children, who slept in the hall’s corners while lively fiddle music filled the air. Typically, Billy Welch and other local musicians played old-time tunes as dancers whirled through two-steps, schottisches, and waltzes.

Growth of Tourism

By 1910, Welches had become a sought-after summer destination. In addition to the Welches Hotel, nearby lodges such as Tawney’s Mountain Home, Arrah Wanna Lodge, and the Rhododendron Inn catered to vacationers. To meet increasing demand, Billy expanded the ranch into a full-fledged outdoor resort, adding tent cabins and campgrounds along the Salmon River.

As interest in the area grew, Billy allowed repeat visitors to camp on designated plots. Eventually, he subdivided and sold land for vacation cabins. The Kaderly family built the first vacation cabin south of the hotel by relocating Samuel Welch’s original homestead cabin.

Development of Local Businesses

Around 1885, Samuel Welch sold five acres to John and Mary Roberts of Gresham. Their son, Ed Roberts, worked in the Welches Store before marrying Dora Owens in 1903. Later, in 1913, Ed opened Roberts Country Store near the Welches Hotel, expanding the town’s commercial offerings.

The Welches Golf Course

In 1928, Ralph Waale leased Welch’s pasture and built a nine-hole golf course. He operated it until 1939, when ownership returned to the Welches. Shortly after, Billy and Jennie continued running the course until Billy’s passing in 1942. Over time, it changed hands multiple times before being sold to Eugene Bowman.

The Lasting Legacy of the Welch Ranch’s Ranch in Welches Oregon

Billy Welch played a pivotal role in shaping Welches into a tourist destination. His foresight in converting the ranch into a resort laid the foundation for the town’s growth. Though the original homestead is gone, the legacy of the Welch family endures in the community that still bears their name.

The Welch’s Ranch in Welches Oregon.

CLICK HERE to read more about the development of the Mt Hood Golf Course, Rippling River and the Resort on The Mountain.

Mrs Pierce of Welches Killed a Bear With a Hoe

Mrs Pierce of Welches Killed a Bear With a Hoe – I have spent a lot of time talking with old timers and family

Mrs M.E. Henderson’s Crown Point Chalet

The Crown Point Chalet was one of the premier roadhouses along the Historic Columbia River Highway back in the day. And the indefatigable Mrs M. E. Henderson was a key player in the early days of hospitality along the old road.

In 1912 a Mr. & Mrs. A.R. Morgan built the Chanticleer Inn on a promontory just east of Corbett, with an incredible view to the east of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, the Chanticleer Inn became a popular destination for Portland’s affluent on their forays into the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Managed by Mrs. M. E. (Margaret) “Bidy” Henderson the inn became known for its hospitality and its delicious meals. By the following year the new Columbia River Highway was being pushed through the Gorge. Mrs. Henderson left the Chanticleer Inn to start her own venture at Latourell Falls. She named it The Falls Chalet. She enjoyed great success at this beautiful road house with a spectacular view of the falls, but within a year it was destroyed by a fire.

Leaving Latourell and returning to the vicinity of the Chanticleer Inn she acquired a site on a promontory of land that would soon be the site of the Vista House, and a very popular stopping point for automobile tourists. It was here she decided to build The Crown Point Chalet. The Inn had a commanding view situated above and to the south of Crown Point.

The Crown Point Chalet opened for business in May of 1915. For over ten years Margaret enjoyed great success. But with the Depression looming and Mrs. Henderson’s health fading she sold the Chalet in 1927. Moving to Portland she started a very small dining room on Alder St. The Depression was the final blow and she went bankrupt. Her health worsened and in April of 1930 she passed away at the age of 58. Mrs. Henderson contributed greatly in the promotion and the successful completion of the Columbia River Highway.

The old lodge fell into disrepair and was demolished sometime in the early 1950’s.

Crown Point, Oregon – The Columbia River

“Cape Eternity” … Vista House … “Crown Point Falls” … Campsite of November 2, 1805 … Views from Crown Point … “Crown Point Chalet” … “Gardner’s Cafe” .

Cal Calvert and His Airplane

Cal Calvert and His Flying Studio: Postcard Photography in Early Portland

The Early Days of Photography

During the early days of photography, long before everyone carried a camera in their pocket, getting your photo taken was a special experience. By 1910, the consumer camera had only been available for about a decade. For many people, especially those in rural areas, a professional studio portrait with family or friends was a rare luxury—sometimes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Being a photographer in that era could be a decent living, but it wasn’t always easy. There was plenty of competition, so those in the trade had to get creative. Few photographers could rely on customers simply walking through their studio doors. Instead, many hit the road.

Postcards: The Social Media of Their Time

Photographers often traveled to scenic spots to shoot landscapes for use on postcards, which were in high demand with tourists. Others took a more personal approach—knocking on the doors of farmhouses and homes, offering on-the-spot portraits. Families would order copies and request postcards featuring their home, horse, or relatives, which they would then send to faraway friends and family.

Back then, postcards were one of the most popular ways to keep in touch. Telephones were still a luxury, cars were rare, and roads were rough. A quick phone call or road trip wasn’t usually an option. Letters were formal and often reserved for longer messages. In contrast, postcards were cheap, fast, and casual. Adding a photograph made them even better.

Meet Cal Calvert, the 10-Minute Postcard Man

One particularly creative photographer from Portland, Oregon stood out from the rest. His name was Charles “Cal” Calvert, and he became known for producing quick, personal photo postcards. He advertised himself as “Cal Calvert the 10 Minute Post Card Man.”

While most studios had a simple painted backdrop—usually a scenic view of the city with Mount Hood on the horizon—Cal went several steps further. His most memorable prop? A whimsical, homemade airplane with cockpits, designed for people to sit in and be photographed as if they were flying high above Portland.

Flying Over Portland… Sort Of

His “airplane” may not have been airworthy, but it was a hit with customers. People climbed in, smiled wide, and became airborne (at least in print). Behind them, the city of Portland stretched toward a dramatic skyline featuring the ever-present Mount Hood. The results were charming and lighthearted, especially in an era when most portraits were stiff and serious.

Calvert also offered other backdrop options—like a wood-and-ivy arbor for a more conservative look—but none captured the public’s imagination quite like the flying studio.

Mount Hood and the Portland Backdrop

Mount Hood shows up again and again in these postcards, and not just in Calvert’s work. Many photographers in Portland used hand-painted city scenes featuring Oregon’s iconic peak. Cars and planes—symbols of status and modernity—were often included as props. At a time when few people could afford such luxuries, being pictured next to one added a sense of aspiration and charm.

Faces from the Past

Over the years, I’ve collected a number of these photo postcards, including several created by Cal Calvert. For me, the best part is always the expressions on people’s faces. There’s a sense of fun, novelty, and pride in these portraits—even when they’re seated in a plywood plane.

I’ve also included some postcards with backdrops from other unidentified Portland photographers. Many of them still feature Mount Hood, and quite a few include cars or planes. They’re little slices of local history—nostalgic, imaginative, and uniquely Oregon.

Horseback Riding on The Historic Columbia River Highway

A Day on Historic Columbia River Highway when it was new. It was 1915 and a lot was going on just east of