restaurant Archives - Mount Hood History

The Rhododendron Inn

The Rhododendron Inn: A Lost Landmark of Mount Hood

In the early days of travel on the south side of Mount Hood, weary travelers relied on roadhouses and inns for a bed and a meal as they made their way up the old road to the mountain. The roads were rough, and automobiles were slow. Unlike today’s quick hour-long drive from Portland to Mount Hood, early motorists often spent the better part of a day reaching their destination.

As a result, numerous roadhouses, hotels, and restaurants sprang up along the route to serve visitors. In the town of Rhododendron, one of the most well-known stops was the Rhododendron Inn—a mountain retreat that became an essential piece of the area’s history.

The Founding of the Rhododendron Inn

The Rhododendron Inn was built in 1905 by Henry S. Rowe, who served as Portland’s mayor from 1900 to 1902. He chose 160 acres of land he owned in Rhododendron, believing the location to be perfect for a wilderness retreat. To bring his vision to life, he enlisted Lee Holden, Portland’s fire chief during Rowe’s administration. Holden not only designed the inn but also oversaw its construction.

By 1910, Holden took over ownership of the hotel. That same year, the Rowe post office was established at the inn. However, in 1920, the name was changed to Rhododendron, as required by the U.S. Post Office Department.

Emil and Suzette Franzetti: The Inn’s Golden Years

In 1912, Emil and Suzette Franzetti, experienced European hoteliers, purchased the Rhododendron Inn from Holden. Born in Lugano, Switzerland, Emil Franzetti was not only an innkeeper but also a renowned chef whose career took him across Europe, where he trained in some of the finest hotels. His skills became so exceptional that he even cooked for the King of Italy.

Before coming to Mount Hood, Emil had worked as a head chef in top U.S. establishments, including The Quelle in Portland, famous for its crawfish dishes. However, he and Suzette saw an opportunity to transform the Rhododendron Inn into a first-class mountain resort, offering guests an unforgettable experience in the wilderness.

A Premier Mountain Retreat

Under the Franzettis’ leadership, the Rhododendron Inn flourished, attracting visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. They expanded and modernized the property, introducing a range of new amenities:

A 60’x100’ dance hall that hosted lively evening entertainment.
A 50’x100’ spring-fed concrete swimming pool, providing summer recreation.
Tennis and croquet courts, catering to sports enthusiasts.
Bridle paths and hiking trails, offering direct access to the surrounding forests.
An annex across the road, plus several cottages and tent houses, giving guests more lodging options.

Emil’s culinary expertise also became a major draw. He personally caught fresh trout for guests, ensuring that each meal was high-quality and memorable. His dedication to hospitality helped solidify the Rhododendron Inn as one of Oregon’s most celebrated retreats.

Tragedy Strikes: The Death of Emil Franzetti

Despite their success, tragedy struck the Franzetti family. On November 17, 1916, Emil Franzetti was driving near the Zigzag Ranger Station when his car skidded off the road and overturned in soft sand. He was trapped beneath the vehicle for hours before a passing farmer discovered him.

Although rescuers rushed him to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Emil never regained consciousness. At just 35 years old, his life was tragically cut short. His funeral was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Portland, where members of the Mazamas Winter Skiing Club honored him.

Suzette, however, refused to let Emil’s death end their dream.

Suzette Franzetti’s Determination

For seven years after Emil’s passing, Suzette Franzetti continued running the Rhododendron Inn on her own. Fluent in seven languages, she managed the business with skill and resilience, maintaining the inn’s reputation as a premier mountain retreat.

However, in 1924, she made the decision to move on. She sold the inn and 20 acres to William and Julia Cash. The remaining land was subdivided into lots, many of which became home to Henry Steiner-built log cabins, which still stand today.

The Final Years of the Rhododendron Inn

Following Suzette’s departure, the Rhododendron Inn changed hands multiple times. While the inn continued to operate, each transition marked a new era for the property.

In 1932, a fire destroyed the annex building.
In 1943, new owner Thomas Rex renamed it the Rex Inn.
In 1949, during a harsh winter cold snap, the inn caught fire and burned to the ground. Reports suggest that a blowtorch used to thaw frozen pipes may have accidentally ignited the blaze.

The Lost Landmark: What Remains Today?

The Rhododendron Inn once stood in a location just south of today’s Highway 26, near the pedestrian suspension bridge over the Zigzag River on the west side of town.

Today, all traces of the inn are lost. No structures remain, and nature has reclaimed the land where guests once danced, dined, and explored the wilderness. While the inn itself is gone, its legacy lives on in the history of Mount Hood tourism and the stories of those who passed through its doors.

Remembering the Rhododendron Inn

The Rhododendron Inn was more than just a hotel—it was a symbol of Mount Hood’s early tourism industry. Thanks to the vision of Henry S. Rowe, the craftsmanship of Lee Holden, and the dedication of Emil and Suzette Franzetti, it became a beloved destination for travelers seeking both adventure and luxury in the mountains.

Although time has erased the Rhododendron Inn, its story remains an important chapter in Oregon’s history.

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 Rhododendron Inn? Share them in the comments below!

Norma’s Bean Pot Wemme Oregon

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.

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.