This is an early view of when Billy Welch’s Ranch was in transition from a camp ground to an era of summer cabins.
This is a 4×6 glass plate negative made by Ed Roberts. The Roberts family were one of the first folks to live in Welches. Ed Roberts was the son of the family who became a photographer and later in life established Roberts Store in Welches. Roberts Store was a favorite spot for locals as well as summer campers and cabin dwellers for many years.
Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Salmon River in Wemme, Oregon, the Arrah Wanna Lodge began its story in 1909 when George Routledge acquired 160 acres of timberland. At the time, the land sat about a mile from the nearest automobile road, making it an ideal mountain retreat.
That same year, the Mount Hood Hotel Company, led by C. W. Kern, J. R. Routledge, and R. Woods, announced plans to construct a Swiss Chalet-style hotel. Kern had previously operated the Welches Hotel for five years. By 1910, construction had begun on an 80 x 90-foot, two-story building with 40 rooms and wide verandas. The hotel featured rough timber finishes, large stone fireplaces, and running water. The estimated construction cost reached $20,000, and the hotel planned to open for the 1910 season.
Early Years and Challenges
Although the hotel was completed, financial struggles soon arose. Nevertheless, its location and design attracted conventions and gatherings, including a YMCA conference in 1916. Despite these successes, ownership changed in 1918 when J. L. Bowman of the Brownsville Woolen Mill Store in Portland purchased the property. Bowman then leased the hotel to Mr. and Mrs. George L. Spencer, who enhanced its reputation as a high-class resort. They introduced specialty meals, such as chicken dinners and the famous “Spencer Hot Gingerbread.” A giant fir tree near the hotel became a major attraction, measuring 41 feet in circumference and 300 feet tall.
A Tragic Fire and Rebirth
On June 5, 1922, tragedy struck when the Arrah Wanna Hotel burned to the ground. Strong winds fanned the flames, reducing the wooden structure to ruins in just 30 minutes. Fortunately, the surrounding cottages and J. L. Bowman’s summer home survived the disaster.
Determined to rebuild, Bowman oversaw the construction of a new hotel by May 1924. The new lodge featured 17 guest rooms and 10 bungalows. Built primarily of native fir with hard maple floors, the hotel also included modern conveniences. An electric plant at the Salmon River provided power, while hot and cold running water improved guest comfort. Traditional activities such as hiking, trout fishing, and berry picking remained popular. Additionally, a boardwalk along the river and new bungalows enhanced the visitor experience.
Growth and Changing Management
John L. Bowman passed away in July 1928. As the president of the Brownsville Woolen Mills, he had played a significant role in the history of the Arrah Wanna Hotel for a decade.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Arrah Wanna Hotel underwent various management changes and improvements. Advertisements promoted dining options, including their specialty $1.50 chicken dinners with mashed potatoes and gravy. Entertainment such as music, dancing, and campfire gatherings enriched the guest experience. By 1936, the lodge began serving beer under a new license. Despite these efforts, financial difficulties persisted, leading to periodic closures and the hotel being listed for sale or lease.
Oregon Baptist Church Buys Arrah Wanna
In 1941, the lodge entered a new chapter when a Baptist church group purchased the property for $12,750. Their vision was to create a summer camp, leading to the birth of Camp Arrah Wanna. That summer, the camp hosted its first youth retreat. A five-year improvement plan soon followed, adding a Bible house, tabernacle, dining hall, and swimming pool. Over time, the camp became a cornerstone for religious retreats and youth activities in the area.
Into Modern Times
By 1952, a new swimming pool was constructed, and in 1962, $50,000 was allocated for further improvements. Beginning in 1969, Camp Arrah Wanna became one of the locations hosting Portland Public Schools’ Outdoor School program. During this six-day outdoor experience, sixth-grade students learned about science and nature while immersing themselves in the wilderness.
Today, Camp Arrah Wanna remains under the ownership of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Pacific Coast. It serves as a retreat and recreational facility, also hosting conferences and events for various groups.
Legacy of the Arrah Wanna Hotel
From its early days as a luxurious mountain hotel to its transformation into a church camp and community center, the Arrah Wanna Hotel has played a vital role in Oregon’s history. Its scenic location, engaging activities, and mountain lodge charm continue to captivate visitors. As a beloved landmark in the Mount Hood area, its legacy endures, reflecting the rich heritage of the region.
Late in the season, around midnight on October 13, 1952, trouble began in the dry forests surrounding Mt. Hood. Flames appeared south of the Mt. Hood Highway, just east of Rhododendron, near Yocum Falls. As the fire moved down through Laurel Canyon, it stretched toward Flag Mountain. Initially, officials suspected a tree had fallen on a power line, sparking the blaze. However, the Sandy Electric Company suggested that men violating the hunting ban may have started the fire instead of the 33,000-volt power line.
Fires Spread Across the Region
Meanwhile, a second fire erupted when windblown embers ignited dry vegetation near Still Creek, along the north slope of Zigzag Canyon. As a result, flames threatened summer homes and caused landslides, sending large rocks tumbling toward the Zigzag River. Consequently, firefighters faced an increasingly dangerous situation.
By Tuesday, October 14, another fire had ignited. This time, flames burned up Henry Creek toward Devils Canyon near Rhododendron. Since dry east winds were blowing with typical intensity, they fanned the flames. Therefore, firefighters struggled to contain the rapidly spreading fires.
Road Closures and Evacuations
Due to the growing danger, officials closed the Mt. Hood Highway. Roadblocks went up in Sandy and Bend, allowing only emergency vehicles and buses to pass. As a precaution, traffic had to be rerouted through the Columbia River Gorge or the North Santiam Highway. Firefighters hosed down wooden bridges along the highway while residents sprayed their roofs with water, trying to keep embers at bay. Understandably, people in Rhododendron prepared to evacuate if necessary. The county’s civil defense agency remained on high alert, ready to assist should homes become threatened.
Arson Suspected in Brightwood
By Wednesday, October 15, conditions worsened. A third fire ignited near Brightwood around noon. Flames burned through thick ferns and second-growth timber. Unfortunately, local residents reported seeing two teenage boys speeding away in a blue coupe just before the fire started. Consequently, police issued an alert, but the suspects were never found.
A Threat to Bull Run Watershed
By Thursday, October 16, tensions ran high. The Brightwood fire moved toward the Bull Run watershed, the primary water source for Portland. Since winds carried the flames up Boulder Creek, they brought them dangerously close to Bull Run. Meanwhile, in Rhododendron, a 120-man crew worked tirelessly to build a fire line around the Henry Creek blaze. More than 400 firefighters battled flames across the region. At the same time, at Zigzag Ranger Station, local women volunteered to prepare sandwiches, helping to sustain the exhausted fire crews.
Firefighters Gain Control
Finally, on Friday, October 17, firefighters gained the upper hand. Crews, totaling 700 men, worked around the clock to contain the fires. By this point, the Brightwood blaze alone had consumed between 300 and 400 acres. In total, an estimated 1,200 acres burned before firefighters managed to control the destruction. Despite the progress, northeast winds and low humidity kept everyone on edge, hoping for much-needed rain.
A Community United
In the aftermath, the fires left a lasting impact. However, they also demonstrated the strength of the community. Firefighters risked everything to contain the flames, while residents took action—hosing down homes, preparing food, and offering support. Although the forest would recover, the stories of that harrowing week of the Forest Fires of 1952 would endure for generations.
Preserving the History
These photos are scanned from negatives in my personal collection, capturing the unforgettable events of that historic fire.
In the early 1900s, the Montavilla neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, was home to one of its most fascinating figures: Dr. William DeVeny. Known as the “Buffalo Bill of Portland,” DeVeny was a community leader, civic advocate, and larger-than-life character who left a lasting legacy in Montavilla and the Mount Hood region.
DeVeny’s striking appearance, with long hair, a thick beard, and his signature buckskin attire, earned him his nickname, reportedly bestowed by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. But DeVeny was more than a local icon—he was a man of action.
A Visionary for Montavilla
DeVeny was deeply committed to improving Montavilla. As secretary of the Montavilla Board of Trade, he led efforts to attract businesses to the area, including a fruit cannery, chair factory, and broom factory. He championed better schools, clean water, and libraries, believing these were the keys to a thriving community.
One of his most ambitious campaigns was advocating for Montavilla’s annexation to Portland. DeVeny argued that annexation would bring essential improvements, such as deeper water mains to prevent freezing in winter and better funding for schools. Although his push faced resistance and was defeated in initial votes, DeVeny persisted, convinced that annexation would benefit the neighborhood.
In 1907, his political aspirations led him to run for city council. However, his campaign was marred by a petition controversy when hired collectors submitted duplicate signatures. Though he was not directly involved, his name was removed from the ballot, marking a setback in his political career.
Connecting the Mount Hood Wilderness
DeVeny’s passion for community development extended beyond Montavilla to the wilderness surrounding Mount Hood. He owned a cabin near the mountain, which he named The Scout’s Rest in homage to Buffalo Bill Cody’s Nebraska ranch.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, DeVeny spearheaded the construction of a road connecting the Mount Hood automobile road to Truman Road on the north side of the Sandy River. Known as DeVeny Road, the project required multiple bridges and opened vital pathways for settlers, forest rangers, and tourists.
Completed in 1913, the road was a significant milestone in connecting communities and encouraging tourism in the Mount Hood region. Although later renamed Lolo Pass Road, DeVeny’s efforts are still remembered as a crucial step in the area’s development.
A Complex Character
Throughout his life, DeVeny’s views evolved. Once an advocate for military training for boys, he later voiced support for anti-war sentiments, particularly during the early days of World War I. Some speculate that his shift was influenced by his sons’ draft eligibility.
Beyond his civic and political work, DeVeny was a skilled chiropodist and photographer, operating studios with his wife, Martha, before settling in Portland. He was also an advocate for women’s suffrage and equal rights, reflecting his progressive outlook for the time.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. William DeVeny passed away in 1918 at the age of 65. He was remembered by The Oregonian as a civic leader, community advocate, and friend of famous frontiersmen. His contributions to Montavilla and Mount Hood have left an indelible mark on Oregon’s history.
Today, as visitors travel the trails of Mount Hood or walk the streets of Montavilla, they tread paths shaped by DeVeny’s vision. His life serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have on a community, blending progress with a pioneer’s spirit
It’s not commonly known but our little home on the slopes of Mount Hood is a very culturally important place. For generations the native people would come each season from all directions between Spring and Autumn to stay and live their lives.
Where we live was once a confluence of three important ancient trails. One came from the Columbia River Gorge via what is now called Lolo Pass. Another came over from Central Oregon via the south side of Mount Hood – It was followed in places by the old Barlow Trail. The third being the trail that came from the west from the Willamette Valley.
The tribes from all around Mount Hood would gather each season to occupy ancestral camps between Government Camp and the confluence of the Sandy and the Salmon Rivers, including the Salmon River Valley.
The reason for this convergence was to gather important supplies and to trade with the other people who would come to stay. While the men would hunt and fish the women would harvest food and medicinal roots and herbs from the plentiful wetlands in the area, harvest huckleberries and prepare the bounty for transportation back to their Winter homes at the end of the season.
This whole tradition had taken place here for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the end of the 19th Century, when the native population was dwindling from disease and was being relocated to reservations did this tradition start to fade.
Samuel and Billy Welch would coexist with the Indians until the influx of non-native people started coming to recreate and to live. By that time the native people were practically gone from the area. Once the traditions had faded the natives still would come across the Barlow Trail to travel to the Willamette Valley. Many times they were bringing herds of horse or sheep to be sold and would spend the night in Welches with their herds in corrals supplied by Billy Welch.
In this modern age it’s hard to imagine the place we call home being how it had been for millennia and occupied by the native people who had been here for so long. It seems like ancient history in our minds but in reality it wasn’t so long ago.
The history of The Mountain includes the history of its native people.
Motorcyclist Makes An Altitude Record – September 13, 1914
Axel Kildahl Drives Machine Over Snow and Ice 7600 Feet Above Government Camp
All altitude records for Mount Hood with motor driven vehicles were smashed last Sunday by Axel Kildahl of Lents, Oregon, when riding his Dayton motorcycle, he drove the machine over snow and ice from Government Camp to an elevation of 7600 feet. Great has been the competition during the last season among the local motorcycle dealers to place their two wheeled machines farther up the mountain side than their competitor.
Several parties have succeeded in climbing as high as 7000 feet above sea level, but the last 600 feet accomplished by Kildahl stands as an endurance test that the experts claim will not be broken in many years to come.
There were 12 cyclists who left Portland Saturday, September 5, and stopped at Rhododendron tavern over night. Sunday morning bright and early the ascent of the mountain was begun. After battling most of the day Kildahl finally placed his machine at a distance up the side of the mountain never traversed by a wheeled vehicle of any kind. During the last 500 feet of the climb Kildahl was forced to stop every 100 feet to allow his engine to cool. While the cylinders cooled the men amused themselves snowballing.
Adolph Aschoff’s Humor – Jokes from another century
The following account of the sense of humor of the legendary Adolph Aschoff, from Marmot Oregon, is from an entry to The Mountain Magazine in the early 1970’s. The Mountain Magazine published historical articles and sold advertising to local businesses from the Hoodland area. This article was written by Wilbur Sulzbach.
For some background, Adolph Aschoff was a pioneer homesteader who settled at Marmot, which he named, along the old Oregon Trail. He built a hotel called Aschoff’s Mountain Home and entertained guests and travelers along the Barlow Road between 1883 and 1930. It was a destination for many people that came to experience the great outdoors and to launch their adventures on Mt Hood.
Adolph was a jovial character who loved to entertain his guests. He played music told jokes and stories of high adventure. Back then story telling was an art and Adolph was adept at telling stories. The following is an account of two of the stories Adolph would share. This gives you an idea of the 19th century sense of humor and how people entertained themselves before radio and television. Today we’d probably consider Adolph Aschoff’s Humor as Dad Jokes.
You can read more about Adolph Achoff and Marmot Oregon HERE.
Many People remember Adolph Achoff as a man who brought life and laughter to any gathering. His jokes were told and told again with variations. Melvin Haneberg remembers these two.
Adolph told a gathering about a recent trip to Gresham with his wife. They were driving along standing in their high box wagon when a grouse flew up and suddenly in front of the horses. The team reared and jumped into the ditch alongside the road and overturned the wagon. Adolph and his wife crouched down as the wagon overturned and escaped injury but were trapped under the wagon.
“There we were,” said Adolph, “the wagon on top of us and we couldn’t get out.”
“You wouldn’t believe this but I had to walk almost a half a mile to find a fence rail to pry the wagon up and get us out.”
At another time some Marmot friends were complaining about sudden changes in the weather. Adolph said, “Gentlemen, let me tell you about Kansas. I was driving along in a light one-horse wagon on a lovely spring day. The sky suddenly grew black as night, the rain fell so hard I could not breathe, the water filled the wagonbox and ran over the top of my shoes. then the cold wind started to blow. In two minutes my hands were so numb I dropped the reins and had to call to the horse to take me home. When the horse stopped at the barn door I yelled for my wife to bring the axe and shop my feet loose from the wagonbox. Just then the sun came out and melted the ice before my wife could find the axe. Marmot weather is not so bad.”
Below is an article that I wrote for the Villages of Mt Hood about my friend Bill White. I’ve known Bill for quite some time now and have gotten to know him quite well. He and I both have many common interests, mostly the love of local Mount Hood history. This is the second article the I’ve written for this
Lolo Pass, on the west side of Mount Hood takes a route that goes from Zigzag, on the southwest side of the mountain, to the Hood River Valley on the north side. It travels between the west face of the mountain and the Bull Run watershed, the source of the city of Portland’s water.
I collect old photos of Mount Hood and I thought that I’d share these old photos of a Lolo Pass Ski Trip. They’re a series of medium format negatives that I have digitized. They are dated April 5, 1955. They show a group of skiers enjoying a beautiful day, with a clear of Mount Hood in the distance. They seem to have a key to the gate that allows then access to the road. In one photo you can see a sign that shows a sign to the Bull Run Lake Trail.
Today, since the Patriot Act, everything west of Lolo Pass Road to Bull Run Lake is off limits. This group seems to be following the main road. The views in the photos can be seen clearly from some of the same viewpoints today.
Springs Indian Reservation (10) Timberline Lodge Mount Hood Wilderness LoloPass Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (8) Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness
This is the old Mountain View Inn under heavy snow in the 1940’s. The Mountain View Inn was a hotel in the littleMt Hood town of Government Camp, Oregon.
The Mountain View Inn was originally the home of Lena Little, wife of pioneer homesteader Francis C. Little. The building was relocated from its original place to the north side of the main road through Government Camp.
Not long after it was relocated Jack Rafferty leased it to be converted into a hotel called Rafferty’s or Rafferty’s Hut. He later bought the property. Later the place was called the Tyrolian Lodge. It was closed through World War II.
After the War Harry Albright re-opened the inn and changed the name to the Mountain View Inn.
The old Inn burned in 1955. It was located across the street from Daar’s ski shop which is Charlie’s Mountain View today.
. The Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company was formed with a plan to create an aerial tramway to Timberline Lodge on the south slope of Mount Hood from Government Camp, the gathering spot for every activity on The Mountain. It was to be called The Skiway
It is 1947 and World War Two was over. Skiing was just getting started before the war, and now that there was peace, people wanted to ski. Mount Hood’s skiing glory days were just getting started again.
This was the year that a group of people got together with a vision that was before its time. The Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company was formed with a plan to create an aerial tramway to Timberline Lodge on the south slope of Mount Hood from Government Camp, the gathering spot for every activity on The Mountain. It was to be called The Skiway, pronounced “Skyway.”
Transportation to Timberline consisted of riding, driving your own car up the old road to the lodge, the Timberline bus which cost .50 or one could hitchhike. If you drove up, typically a group would carpool. The group would ski the trail to Government Camp, and the driver would drive the car back down at the end of the day. The tramway made sense. A person could take the tram from Government camp to Timberline Lodge, ski the day at the lodge and then ski the Glade or Alpine Trails back down to Government Camp; or ride the tram back down.
Skiers were excited about the prospect and the construction of the towers that would support the cable system was started in 1948. The plan was to build the system using a city bus as a tram car, suspend it from cables and drive it with a method used by loggers in their sky hook log yarding mechanism. The bus would be self-propelled and would pull itself along with a set of pulleys positioned where the wheels would be, drawing the drive cable through and moving the bus up or down the hill.
The company planned a lodge at the lower terminus of the cable line. This served as the terminal for loading and unloading passengers, which was done on a deck or platform located on the upper level just under the roof. There was also a restaurant, restrooms, a waiting lounge, and a gift shop in the lodge. The upper terminus was located at the west end of Timberline Lodge.
The lodge was completed, and the towers were erected in 1949. This was the same year that the new road to Timberline was opened, creating a shorter trip with a slighter grade and less curves than the old road, making access much easier for personal automobiles, which would be a strike against the success of the Skiway.
The winters of 1950 and 1951 were very heavy snow winters. This delayed construction and crews had to scramble to get the operation completed. It was scheduled to be opened in early 1950 but was delayed until the Fall. The day finally came, January 3rd, 1951. The skiers were very enthusiastic, but the novelty wore off quickly. Also consider that with the new road in place and with the Timberline Lodge bus fare being .50 cents and the tramway costing .75 cents, all these factors attributed to its ultimate demise. The Skiway struggled to make a profit for its stockholders and was finally closed in 1956.
