Welches Oregon Archives - Page 2 of 3

Zigzag Cabin Owner: A Local Legend

Portland’s Buffalo Bill – William DeVeny

An Active Community Participant

In the early 1900s, Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood was home to one of its most fascinating figures: Dr. William DeVeny. Known as the “Buffalo Bill of Portland,” William DeVeny was a community leader, civic advocate, and larger-than-life character. His influence stretched beyond Montavilla and into the Mount Hood region, where he worked to improve access to the wilderness.

DeVeny’s striking appearance—long hair, a thick beard, and signature buckskin attire—earned him his nickname. According to some accounts, Buffalo Bill Cody himself gave him the title. Yet, DeVeny was more than just a local icon—he was a man of action.

A Visionary for Montavilla

DeVeny dedicated himself to improving Montavilla. As secretary of the Montavilla Board of Trade, he led efforts to attract new businesses, including a fruit cannery, chair factory, and broom factory. He also pushed for better schools, clean water, and libraries, believing these essentials would help Montavilla thrive.

One of his most ambitious projects was Montavilla’s annexation to Portland. He argued that annexation would bring stronger infrastructure, including deeper water mains to prevent freezing and increased school funding. Although his campaign initially failed, he continued to fight for it.

In 1907, he ran for city council, hoping to create more change. However, his campaign faced controversy when petition collectors submitted duplicate signatures. Though DeVeny did not commit fraud, officials removed his name from the ballot. This setback ended his political aspirations, but not his commitment to the community.

He saw the need for better roads in the region. To improve access, he led the construction of a road connecting the Mount Hood automobile road to Truman Road on the north side of the Sandy River. The project, called DeVeny Road, required the building of several bridges. This new route made travel easier for settlers, forest rangers, and tourists.

Building Roads to Mount Hood

DeVeny’s passion for development extended into the Mount Hood wilderness. He owned a cabin near the mountain, which he called The Scout’s Rest, inspired by Buffalo Bill Cody’s Nebraska ranch.

By 1913, construction was complete. This road became a key link for travelers and helped boost tourism in the Mount Hood region. Eventually, it was renamed Lolo Pass Road, but DeVeny’s work remains a vital part of the area’s history.

A Complex and Evolving Figure

DeVeny’s views changed over time. Once a supporter of military training for boys, he later spoke out against war, particularly as World War I approached. Some believe he changed his stance because his sons became eligible for the draft.

Beyond civic work, DeVeny was a skilled chiropodist (foot doctor) and an accomplished photographer. Alongside his wife, Martha, he operated photography studios before settling in Portland.

He also supported women’s suffrage and equal rights, reflecting a progressive mindset that was ahead of his time.

A Lasting Legacy

Dr. William DeVeny passed away in 1918 at age 65. The Oregonian honored him as a civic leader, community advocate, and friend of famous frontiersmen. His contributions to Montavilla and Mount Hood shaped Oregon’s history in ways still seen today.

Today, hikers in Mount Hood’s forests and residents in Montavilla’s streets walk paths influenced by his work. His life is a powerful reminder of how one determined individual can shape a community’s future.

The Modern Barlow Trail Road

The Historic Paths of Barlow Trail Road and Lolo Pass Road

Have you ever driven along Barlow Trail Road or Lolo Pass Road and wondered about their origins? These quiet, winding roads are more than just modern routes—they are living pieces of history.

Long before cars or bicycles rolled over them, these paths were game trails and footpaths used by the region’s first inhabitants. Later, Oregon Trail pioneers relied on them as lifelines to complete their westward journey. Over time, they evolved into crucial connections for local residents and the modern communities we know today.

and wondered about their origins? These quiet, winding roads are more than just modern routes—they are living pieces of history.

From Wagon Wheels to Hackett Road

In the mid-1800s, the original Barlow Trail served as a rough but vital route for settlers completing the Oregon Trail. As pioneers descended from Mount Hood, they followed the north side of the Zigzag River until they reached the Sandy River. At the big bend of the Sandy, they crossed over a log bridge built by settlers.

Later, the trail shifted to the south side of the Sandy River, leaving behind remnants of the earlier path. As a result, settlers repurposed parts of the old trail into local roads, including Hackett Road. This road, named after early settlers in the area, still carries their legacy in the name of nearby Hackett Creek.

The McIntyre Bridge: A Critical Connection

By 1910, settlers struggled to access the road on the north side of the Sandy River. Early bridges were unstable and often washed away, making travel difficult. That year, J.T. McIntyre, an early settler in Brightwood, took action. He built a sturdy bridge over the Sandy River, providing reliable access to the road on the north side.

This new bridge transformed travel in the area. Residents could now cross the river safely, and it became a key link for the growing community. Without McIntyre’s efforts, settlers on the north side would have remained isolated from the developing Mount Hood automobile road nearby. Consequently, his work played a crucial role in connecting these remote settlements.

The Road to The Truman Farm

Around the same time, Ezra and Eliza Truman homesteaded on the north side of the Sandy River, near Zigzag Ridge. Ezra, a mountain guide and farmer, relied on the newly connected road to reach his homestead. He used it to deliver milk and produce to his neighbors.

Over time, this route became known as Truman Road, named after the family who lived at its farthest end. Even after Ezra’s death in 1917, the road remained essential. It provided access to settler homes, cabins, and lodges, supporting the early tourism industry that grew alongside the increase in automobile travel to Mount Hood. Because of this, the area became a gateway for visitors exploring the region.

DeVeny Road: A Valuable Connection

In the early 1900s, Dr. William DeVeny, a Zigzag cabin owner and civic leader from Montavilla (now part of Portland), saw the need for better road access. With support from the Mount Hood Improvement Association and local government funding, he led the construction of DeVeny Road.

The new road linked the Mount Hood automobile road on the south side of the Sandy River to the east end of Truman Road on the north side. By 1913, the project was complete. Bridges were built over Bear Creek, the Zigzag River, and the Sandy River, creating a vital route for settlers, forest rangers, and early visitors to the Mount Hood wilderness. As a result, travel between the two sides of the Sandy River became much easier, further opening the area to development.

A Modern Legacy

As time passed, these roads continued to serve local communities while adapting to modern needs. In 1979, the Clackamas County Historical Society honored the pioneers by renaming Truman Road to Barlow Trail Road. This change recognized the historical importance of the original Barlow Trail.

Meanwhile, DeVeny Road became part of Lolo Pass Road, and its original name faded from memory. Yet, the routes themselves remain a testament to those who built them. Although the names have changed, their significance has not been forgotten.

Roads Worth Remembering

Today, whether you’re coming home, heading out, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, you are traveling through history. These roads are more than just asphalt and gravel—they are stories of resilience, determination, and community.

So, next time you find yourself driving down Barlow Trail Road or Lolo Pass Road, take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your wheels. After all, you are following in the footsteps and wagon tracks of those who came before us

Mount Hood’s Native Trails

A Place of Cultural Significance

It’s not commonly known, but our home on the slopes of Mount Hood is a place of deep cultural importance. For generations, Mount Hood’s Native people traveled here each season, arriving from all directions between spring and autumn to live, hunt, trade, and gather resources.

The place that we call Zigzag today was once a convergence point for three important ancient trails:

One trail came from the Columbia River Gorge, following what is now called Lolo Pass.
Another came from Central Oregon, crossing the south side of Mount Hood—a path that parts of the Barlow Trail later followed.
The third arrived from the west, connecting to the Willamette Valley.

Seasonal Gatherings and Traditions

Although the native people travel and would hunt in this area all year long, each Spring tribes from all around Mount Hood gathered in ancestral camps along the rivers between Government Camp and the town of Sandy, especially at the the confluence of the Sandy and Salmon Rivers. They returned to places that their families had been coming to for centuries.

The purpose of these gatherings was to harvest essential resources and trade with other visiting groups. While the men hunted and fished, the women also fished, harvested food, medicinal roots, and herbs from the area’s plentiful wetlands. They also collected huckleberries on the surrounding hillsides and carefully prepared their bounty for transport back to their winter homes. They would also play games and race horses.

A Tradition That Faded with Time

For thousands of years, these seasonal gatherings remained a vital part of life in this region. However, by the late 19th century, they began to disappear. As disease reduced the Native population and forced relocations to reservations increased, the annual traditions slowly faded.

Samuel and Billy Welch coexisted with the Native people for some time. However, as non-Native settlers arrived to recreate and establish permanent homes, the presence of the original inhabitants diminished.

A Continued Presence in the Region

Even after their seasonal camps had vanished, Native people still traveled along the Barlow Trail from Warm Springs to the Willamette Valley. Many brought herds of horses or sheep to sell. They often stopped overnight in Welches, where Billy Welch provided corrals for their animals.

Honoring the Past

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine the land we call home as it once was—teeming with life, culture, and tradition for thousands of years. It may seem like distant history, yet in reality, it wasn’t that long ago.

The history of Mount Hood is deeply intertwined with the history of its Native people. Their stories, trails, and traditions are still woven into the landscape, reminding us of those who came before us.

Tawney’s Mountain Home

Tawney’s Mountain Home: A Forgotten Retreat in Welches, Oregon

A Hidden Gem in the Salmon River Valley

In the early days, the Welches Hotel wasn’t the only resort in the Salmon River Valley at the base of Mount Hood. About a mile past the Welches property, at the end of the road, sat Tawney’s Mountain Home. Surrounded by wilderness and nestled along the Salmon River, this hotel operated as a popular outdoor vacation spot from 1910 to 1945.

From Homestead to Hotel

The hotel was originally part of the Walkley family homestead, located south of Welches. While the Walkleys didn’t run a formal hotel, they did take in boarders. In 1906, John Maulding and his wife purchased the 100-acre property, which included the Walkley home. They remodeled and expanded the house, converting it into what became known as Maulding’s Hotel.

In 1909, Francis H. Tawney and his wife, Henriett, leased the property. A year later, they purchased it and began making improvements. However, in 1913, a fire destroyed a large portion of the original hotel. Undeterred, the Tawneys built a two-story addition, and by 1914, the new Tawney’s Hotel was welcoming guests once again.

A Grand Lodge with Rustic Charm

Tawney’s Hotel was a large two-story building with 15 guest rooms. Due to its popularity, tent cabins were added on the grounds to accommodate additional visitors.

Guests entered through a spacious living area featuring a large rock fireplace. A grand staircase led to the second floor, where the guest rooms were located. Connected to the living room, a huge dining room offered another stone fireplace and a long dining table for communal meals.

The hotel had only one indoor bathroom, located off the dining room. It included a commode and a bathtub, making reservations nearly necessary for guests who wanted to use it.

A Stay at Tawney’s Mountain Home

A week’s stay at the hotel cost $10, including meals. Mrs. Tawney, with help from her daughter-in-law, Emily, prepared food for guests. Meals were served family style, with platters of chicken, roast beef, and steak. Fresh bread, jams, canned foods, and homemade pies were always available. Mrs. Tawney also made large sugar cookies for the children, though adults often raided the cookie jar as well.

Keeping the kitchen stocked was no small task. Up to 150 guests might arrive for Sunday dinner, requiring a constant supply of food. Staples and canned goods were delivered weekly from Portland, while a butcher wagon from Sandy made daily summer deliveries, bringing cuts of beef and lamb packed in ice.

Living Off the Land

The Tawneys maintained their own livestock, including cows, pigs, and chickens. Guests could ride horses, and children often enjoyed rides on the two donkeys.

Mr. Tawney frequently took guests on wagon trips to Government Camp for huckleberry picking and picnic lunches. The property also included a large garden, an apple orchard, and wild berry patches for pie-making. Guests sometimes supplied trout from the Salmon River and local creeks, adding to the hotel’s menu.

In 1910, a group of three fishermen—B. Trenkman, C.J. Cook, and L. Therleson—ventured to Camp Creek for a fishing trip. They returned 1.5 hours later with 286 trout, making it one of the most legendary meals ever served at Tawney’s Mountain Home.

A Place for Summer Memories

Longtime Welches resident Nell Howe recalled that summer days at Tawney’s were filled with wonderful food and laughter. She said, “In the summertime, the tables in the dining room were full for every meal, and sometimes people were waiting their turn.”

Many guests fondly remembered their time at the lodge—swimming in the river, fishing, helping with chores, and enjoying the delicious home-cooked meals.

The End of an Era

By 1945, Tawney’s Mountain Home closed its doors, likely due to declining business and wartime shortages. The Tawneys, now older, stepped away from the demanding work of running the hotel.

Mr. Tawney passed away in 1947, and soon after, Mrs. Tawney moved to Portland to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She remained there until her passing in 1959.

A Fading Legacy

In the late 1950s, the abandoned lodge collapsed under the weight of a heavy snowstorm. A new owner later purchased the land and demolished the remains, leaving only the two original stone fireplaces standing.

Today, these fireplaces serve as the last visible reminders of Tawney’s Mountain Home—a once-thriving piece of Welches, Oregon’s history

Oregon pioneer history

Oregon pioneer history (1806–1890) is the period in the history of Oregon Country and Oregon Territory, in the present day state of Oregon and Northwestern

Arlie Mitchell Barlow Road’s last Tollgate Keeper

Arlie Edward Mitchell, 89, thought to be the last living Barlow Road tollgate keeper, dies June 1. (1976)

Mitchell died in Gresham after an extended illness. Services were held Monday with internment at Lincoln Memorial Park.

In his later years Mitchell was well known for his recollections of operating the Barlow tollgate. He was present in 1970 when the tollgate near Rhododendron was dedicated.

He recalled that it was his duty during his period as a gatekeeper from 1906 to 1908 to keep track of the people, animals and wagons that passed through the gate.

That included counting sheep, flocks of them brought across the Barlow’s route over Mt. Hood. Mitchell recalled one flock of sheep that numbered about 3000.

He liked to tell the story of the Indian woman so fat that she got stuck in the small gate. Everyone had a good laugh including her Indian companions who teased her before helping her out of her predicament.

Mitchell was born Dec. 6, 1886, the son of Stephen and Ellen Mitchell, on a farm near Sandy.

He attended a public school two miles from his home and went to work at an early age in sawmills and logging camps. For several seasons he worked with Lige Coalman as a guide on Mt Hood.

He was widely known as a builder. In 1908 he helped build the first grade and high school in Sandy and the Odd Fellows Hall. Years later he helped build Smith’s Garage and did some work on the Masonic Hall.

He spent four years in the Forest Service building and maintaining telephone lines. He traveled by saddle horse with a pack horse to carry his tools, tent and personal belongings, cooking his meals over a campfire.

Mitchell joined the Navy in 1917 eventually making 16 crossings from New York to Europe. He served in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France and remembered the great cheering for “The Yanks” on Armistice Day in Belfast.

Mitchell served aboard the captured German vessel, “Emporator”, which was pressed into service as a troop ship and transport. Eventually he was transferred to a destroyer travelling through the Panama Canal.

He was fond of telling about a week’s stop in Mexico where he swapped an old pair of dungarees for a bunch of bananas.

Following his discharge. from the Navy Mitchell worked on bridges at Zigzag River znc Sill Creek. He buillt many summer homes including his own.

In 1928 he married Anna Ringness. A few years later he drew a homestead in Tule Lake, Calif., where the couple lived a year building a house and farm home for his brother, Harry, who survives him. Also surviving is another brother, John, of Sandy.

after “proving up” the homestead the Mitchells moved back to the Faubion area on Mt. Hood. He became treasurer of the Faubion Summer Home Association and held office for at least 35 years. He also served several times as a director of the Welches School Board.

Mitchell is survived by his wife, Anna, Rhododendron; a son, Edward; a daughter, Ellen and four grandchildren.

Mt. Hood Golf Course history

The Story of The Mt. Hood Golf Course – From Pasture to Premier Resort

A Golfing Gem in the Salmon River Valley

Mt. Hood Golf Course history – Nestled deep in the Salmon River Valley, at the foothills of Mount Hood, lies one of Oregon’s first and most scenic golf courses. What began in the 1920s on Billy Welch’s pasture has evolved into a full-service resort offering luxury amenities, 27 holes of golf, and unforgettable views. Today, it’s known as Mt. Hood Resort, but its roots go back nearly a century.

This post takes a closer look at the legacy of the Mt. Hood Golf Course — a true piece of local and Oregon golf history.

The Beginnings: A Vision in 1928

In 1927, Ralph Shattuck and George Waale envisioned a golf course on land leased from Billy Welch. They leased 169 acres, with an option to buy, and got to work.

Construction began in January 1926. By August 1928, the first round was played on what became known as The Mt. Hood Golf Course. They built a clubhouse, a putting green, and the original nine holes — now called the “Pinecone” course. It was Oregon’s first true golf resort and helped put Welches on the map as a destination.

The course thrived until the Great Depression hit. In 1939, Shattuck and Waale lost the property when they could no longer make payments. Billy and Jennie Welch reclaimed it.

Changing Ownership and Expansion

After Billy’s death in 1942, Jennie Welch ran the course alone until July 1944, when she sold it to Leo Hueval.

Two years later, in 1946, J.P. Lich and his wife Oberta purchased the course from Hueval. Jennie Welch also sold them an additional 88 acres. In 1948, Lich sold the course to Eugene and Peggy Bowman.

The Bowmans renamed it Bowman’s Golf Club and added a second nine-hole course, now known as Thistle, expanding the facility to 18 holes. They operated it successfully until 1978.

Further Growth and the Birth of a Resort

In 1973, American Guaranty acquired land across the road and developed a conference center, restaurant, and lodging. By 1979, they bought the golf course from the Bowmans and merged both properties into a resort.

They named it Rippling River Resort and added a third nine-hole course, known as The Red Side (now called “Foxglove”). This expansion made it the only 27-hole golf course in Oregon at the time.

A Scottish Touch: The Resort at The Mountain

In 1989, Ed and Janice Hopper purchased the resort and rebranded it as The Resort at The Mountain. Ed, with his Scottish ancestry, introduced a Scottish theme throughout the property, adding character and cultural charm.

The Hoppers ran the resort until 2007. After several changes in ownership, the resort now operates as Mt. Hood Resort, continuing its legacy as a premier golf and vacation destination in the Mount Hood region.

Mt. Hood Golf | Golf | Mt. Hood Oregon Resort

Pinecone was established in 1928 and is often referred to as the “Original Nine.” This scenic course offers 360-degree views of the cascading hills of the Mount …

George Pinner – Master Stonemason

George Pinner: Master Stonemason of the Mount Hood Corridor

Crafting the Iconic Stone Fireplaces

George Pinner was a master stonemason who shaped the Mount Hood corridor’s architectural landscape during the 1920s and 1930s. His distinctive stone fireplaces became a signature feature in many cabins and homes in the region.

Unlike most stonemasons, Pinner did not use round river stones. Instead, he split and shaped each stone carefully, ensuring a perfect fit. His fireplaces featured arched facings with a keystone in the center, adding both strength and beauty. Additionally, he used convex mortar coving, a technique that gave his fireplaces a smooth, finished look.

Many of his designs were used in Steiner cabins, built by Henry Steiner and his family. The Steiners constructed around 100 log cabins in the Mount Hood area between 1925 and 1952. Pinner’s work contributed to the charm and durability of these historic structures.

Contributions Beyond Mount Hood

Pinner’s skill was not limited to Oregon’s wilderness. He also worked on high-profile projects, including carving the stone curbing for the White House in Washington, D.C.. This prestigious work demonstrated his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

A Lasting Legacy in Faubion, Oregon

Pinner lived in Faubion, Oregon, a small settlement between Zigzag and Rhododendron. He built his own home entirely from stone, showcasing his lifelong dedication to masonry. Today, his house still stands on Faubion Loop Road, serving as a testament to his expertise and artistry.

Even after many decades, George Pinner’s work endures. His fireplaces, stone structures, and historic contributions remain an integral part of Oregon’s architectural history.

Mount Hood’s Steiner Cabins Are One of Oregon’s Great …

Sep 19, 2017 … Mount Hood’s Steiner Cabins Are One of Oregon’s Great Architectural Treasures —And You Can Rent One for the Weekend. Working entirely …

Steiner Cabins | Mount Hood Museum

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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

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

Jennie Welch Mt Hood Photographer

A Forgotten Photographer of Mt. Hood

Not as well known as some of her contemporaries, Jennie Welch deserves recognition as one of Mt. Hood’s early photographers.

Today, nearly everyone is a photographer. With cell phones in hand, we capture moments effortlessly. In 2018, taking a photo of friends, family, or scenic places requires little thought. A century ago, photography was far more challenging. Cameras were bulky, film was expensive, and results were unpredictable. Photographers had to wait days—or even weeks—to see their images unless they developed them at home. Yet, despite these challenges, photography enthusiasts persisted.

The Role of Early Photographers

At the turn of the 20th century, photographers ranged from professionals to hobbyists with home darkrooms. Many traveled door to door, offering their services to those without cameras. They captured portraits, family gatherings, homes, pets, and prized possessions like new automobiles.

Postcards became a popular way to share photographs. Many people ordered prints on postcard backs, making it easy to send images to distant friends and family. Souvenir shops also stocked photo postcards of local landmarks. For tourists, buying a postcard was often easier than dealing with film and cameras.

Some photographers became well-known for their work, producing thousands of postcards. Others, like Jennie Welch, remained more obscure. Instead of mass-producing postcards, she created just enough to sell in local gift shops and country stores. One such place was Billy Welch’s Hotel.

Jennie Welch: Postmaster and Photographer

In 1905, Billy Welch established the Welches Post Office at his ranch, serving as postmaster. He later married Jennie Faubion, the daughter of Oregon Trail pioneers and local homesteaders. In 1940, Jennie became the Welches postmaster, holding the position until 1960.

Jennie had a deep love for antiques. She collected early photographic prints, including daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes. Her interest in photography extended beyond collecting—she also took photos herself.

A Local Photographer’s Legacy

Although Jennie is mostly remembered for her passion for antiques, few realize she was one of the first local photographers in Welches. She took photographs and likely had them developed and printed as postcards for sale in the Welches Store and Post Office. Unlike other photographers who produced high volumes, Jennie made only a small number. Today, her postcards are rare, often going unnoticed until a keen-eyed collector identifies one.

Despite her lack of widespread recognition, Jennie Welch should be included in the history of early 20th-century female photographers. Her photos capture the history and beauty of Welches, preserving scenes that would otherwise be lost to time.

A Lasting Impact

Today, Jennie’s photos are considered rare and collectible. The era of postcard photography and traveling photography salesmen has long passed, but their work remains. Thanks to photographers like Jennie Welch, the history of Mt. Hood and its communities lives on.

Oliver C. Yocum – Mount Hood Photographer – Mount Hood History

2 May 2019 … Before Jennie Welch took her first photo another Mount Hood icon was … Oliver C Yocum, known to everyone as “OC”, came to Oregon in a …