As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn

April 29, 2015

I found a negative of an incredible old picture taken before the Bandon Fire of 1936. The reason it is so great is because the M. Breuer building (right) survived the fire and recently sold for over half a million dollars. Now there is a vacant lot between it and the building which houses Edgewaters Restaurant was at one time Robertson's Sand and Gravel. It would be about where the horse team is passing in this picture. Also note that in the background, across the river, you can clearly see the lighthouse tender's house. I think the sign on the front of the white building says "French Dry Cleaning" and maybe "pressing."

Before the fire of 1936
The second photo is one we just unearthed this week of the old 2nd Hand Store, which stood about where the Driftwood Motel is today. If you look closely you can see a Standard Oil gas tank in the background. I took this picture in May of 1975 ... apparently because there was a horse grazing in the yard along the highway. It is kind of fuzzy because for some reason I focused on the grass, but it's still a good historic picture since the 2nd Hand Store is long gone. I remember when I was married to an Oregon State Policeman in the mid-'60s that we bought my first handgun at the store: a 22-caliber Hi-Standard 10-shot automatic, which I still have today.

2nd Hand Store 1975
The third picture shows Dave Elliott, owner of then Dave's Radio & TV, posing alongside a new Zenith TV. This picture was taken in December of 1966, and Dave still has an impressive collection of old radios (and maybe even a few TVs.) The store is still in the same Old Town location and is run by his daughter, Geri.

Dave's Radio & TV 1966
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It's not the kind of book you would hope for your family memories, and I can see why Marty Johnson (former long-time football coach at Sheldon High School in Eugene) wouldn't care to read it. But since I have known Marty's parents, John and Rosalie, for many years, I think this is a book that I will purchase.

The book is "Missoula," written by Jon Krakauer, a Corvallis High School graduate, which talks about instances of campus rape at the University of Montana in Missoula. The most high profile of those cases involved Jordan Johnson, sophomore star quarterback for the Montana Grizzles, and the grandson of John and Rosalie Johnson. The Johnsons lived in Coos Bay for many years where Marty was a star athlete and John coached football for the Pirates. I think John and Rosalie have since moved to Eugene to be near Marty and his family.

The book details in nearly 100 pages Jordan Johnson's trial for "sexual intercourse without consent." Johnson claimed the encounter was consensual and the jury found him not guilty.

But needless to say his life, and the life of his family, has changed because of his arrest, trial and now the book.

I'll reserve judgment until I've read it, but it is certainly a book that could be written about many college campuses, and most certainly the University of Oregon.

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The Oregon State Police is asking for the public's help to find two Shutter Creek Correctional Institution (near Hauser) inmates, who jumped over a fence and escaped at 7:45 a.m. Sunday.

The two were Daniel Oliver Fullmer, 39, from the Clackamas area, and Harland Earl Brown, 44, from Jackson County.

Daniel Oliver Fullmer
Harland Earl Brown
Anyone with information about the two men is asked to call OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at 541-664-4600 or 9-1-1.

OSP is the lead agency, assisted by the Coos Bay Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

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Several weeks ago I read a letter in the Salem Statesman Journal newspaper, which contained a lot of incorrect information, including the fact that there are 210 countries in the world. After a thorough search of every site I could find, none had more than 196 countries in the world.

I wrote a letter to the paper, which thus far has not printed it (although the editor assured me that it "is in the system.")

Sunday, I saw a letter taking issue with the first letter writer, but again the writer referred to the 210 countries of the world.

So I wrote to Dick Hughes, a long-time editorial writer for the SJ, with a question about printing information that they clearly know to be incorrect.

I explained that when "I was editor of two weekly newspapers, and incorrect information (that could be verified) appeared in a letter, I either wrote an editor's note below the signature with the correct information or removed it from the letter. I always felt educating the reader was more important than printing untrue information. Of course, if it were simply opinion (even sometimes negatively directed at me for an editorial I had written), I printed it as written.

"If, for example, a writer says there are 350 countries, would the Statesman Journal print that, knowing that it is patently false?" I asked.

Here's how he responded: "I believe in letting readers correct other readers. Plus, sources disagree on number of countries, which defies logic to me. I want to give readers the last word, so I don't use editors notes. If we spot an error, we will remove it from the letter. But we're fallible."

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While driving down Fillmore this afternoon, I noticed several young women with large dogs . . . and just as I passed them, one of the dogs proceeded to "do his duty" along (but off) the sidewalk. I slowed way down to see what would happen next. Would one of them take a plastic bag out of her pocket and clean up after her dog?

The answer was no. They just kept right on walking.

This is one of the biggest complaints that I hear from people, and I don't know the answer.

Although I hate new rules/laws (and feel we have way too many on the books that basically can't be or aren't enforced), I wonder if a person who is walking a dog in a public area should be cited if they fail to carry a plastic bag .

I'm sure this will generate a lot of feedback, but if someone has a better idea I'd love to hear about it.

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The Rotary Club's annual wine and cheese extravaganza was a big success Saturday night. As usual, the place was packed, the food was great and they had some really sensational auction items.

I am going to brag just a bit because my 16x20 metal print of Face Rock, with a foreground of sand and water, was a big hit, and I think it generated at least 14 bids before Rae Seeley bought it for over $200. Sven Blomquist was hoping to get the photo, but I told him I have the same picture in a 16x20 canvas. And I learned today that the other print of the same photo sold at By The Sea Gallery to someone from California Saturday.

Mary's 16x20 metal print of Face Rock
I have taken literally thousands of beach photos in my life and I will say that may be the best. I just happened to be at the right place (below Sunset Motel) at the right time one late sunny afternoon last year.

I will try to post it in my column, if possible.

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I haven't heard anything lately, but I have been told that the Bandon Lions Club will be bringing back their popular "Patsy Cline Show" sometime in October featuring Shirley Kinter of Coos Bay.

You certainly don't have to wait until October to see some great entertainment on the Sprague stage, with MarLo Dance presenting "Alice In Wonderland" May 8-10.

And the one that I have been waiting for is the Bandon Showcase appearance of one of the famed Irish Tenors, Anthony Kearns, who will be on stage Wednesday, May 13.

I understand there are still tickets available (at Bandon Mercantile), but I would suggest getting them soon as this concert is sure to be sold out.

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While attending the open house at the new Wild Rivers Coast Alliance center at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Tuesday, I learned from Mike Keiser that 12-year-old golfing sensation Lucy Li will be playing in the marquee US Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championships to be hosted at Pacific Dunes May 9-13.

This is the fifth USGA event to be staged at Bandon Dunes, including the Curtis Cup of 2006.

Fans are encouraged to come out and watch the event, which will be carried on The Golf Channel the final two days. I know it's at channel 401 on Dish.

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Generally when I read about someone suing for one reason or another, I am a bit skeptical, but what I read in last week's Register-Guard absolutely "floored" me.

A former grade school teacher at a charter school near Halfway in Eastern Oregon is suing the district for the emotional distress their actions put her through.

It seems that a man wearing a black hoodie and goggles burst into her classroom, leveled a pistol at her face and pulled the trigger. She heard gunfire, smelled smoke and felt her heart racing.

The Pine Eagle School District said they conducted the drill to see how many of the school's staff would survive an onslaught like what occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary. Two men (including a member of the school board) conducted it on a day when students were home for a teacher in-service day.

Members of the district's Safety Committee notified Baker County in advance so they wouldn't respond to a call from the district. They also reviewed concealed-carry permits to ensure that no teacher would fire back at Safety Officer Shawn Thatcher and the school board member.

Everyone knew, except the unsuspecting victims (the teachers who were totally traumatized) by this incredible lack of judgment. The teacher filing the lawsuit has been unable to return to the classroom since the incident occurred two years ago in April of 2013.

Can you imagine the outcry if one of the teachers had a loaded gun in his or her desk . . . and fired back.




As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn

April 22, 2015

I often hear from newcomers as to how much they love the old pictures that I post because it gives them a better idea how Bandon used to look. Others, who have lived here a long time, love to see the pictures I post of people, and this week I will be posting a couple of those.

The first one was taken in December of 1966 and features Bandon High School beautification winners. Pictured, from left, are Sherida Judy, Principal Jerry Judy, Bill Smith, Supt. Roland L. Parks, Walt Dodrill and Western World owner Warren Strycker.

1966 Bandon High School beautification winners
The next picture, taken during the 1963 Cranberry Festival parade, has both buildings and people. This was taken in front of Sadye's Confectionary (top right and now Alloro). Next to it is, I think, Ottilie Peterson's beauty shop (now Bandon Coffee Cafe), and next to that (back from the sidewalk a bit) is the liquor store, operated by Reta Gartin and her sister Alda Mars. Alda took tickets at the Bandon Theater (owned by Jack and Shirley Ward) for many years. Not sure exactly what the building just to the west (next to the Bandon Theater) was in 1963, but when I was growing up it was Fred Tuttle's newsstand and soda fountain.

1963 Cranberry Festival parade
Riding atop Gerry's Ice Cream float (no pun intended) are Cindy Goodbrod, left, and Jerene Fraser. The wagon is being driven by Pat Fraser with Greg Fraser as passenger.

Peering over the car in front of Sadye's are Carla Mack Lumley; her mother, Margaret Mack; Margaret's sister, Norma Norton (later Robertson), and their mother, Louise (Mrs. Blackie) Miller. One of my first jobs was working at Sadye's for their family. The only one I can identify leaning on the car is Pat Hutchens, center.

Another picture from the 1963 parade shows the former Paul Detert jewelry shop and the former Tom McGinty bookkeeping business next to it (with both buildings now owned by Nancy Evans). The Chevron sign in the background is above the Capps Motor Co. service station. Note the sign guiding people to "Bandon By The Sea Scenic Beach Loop . . . tourist resorts."

Past Cranberry queens
Riding in the car are past Cranberry queens, Garlene Stone ('55), left; Margaret Olson Carver ('54) and Lois Blakely Scott ('40). The convertible is being driven by Dick George, who along with his brother, Don, and their father, Cliff, owned and operated the Bandon Food Center at the south entrance to town in the building now owned by Larry Hardin. The business was later purchased by Buck Rogers and became Buck's Sentry Market. It now houses Brian Vick's Neat Old Stuff antiques and his real estate office.

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We've all heard how difficult it is to get a flight in and out of North Bend, particularly headed East, but there's good news ... at least for the summer. The airport board has announced that beginning July 1, United will be offering nonstop flights between North Bend and Denver twice a week until October.

The first flight will depart from Denver on Wednesday, July 1, at 11:30 a.m. and arrive in North Bend shortly before 1 p.m. Cost for the one-way non-stop flight starts at $326.

The second flight will leave North Bend at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, at 2 p.m. and arrive in Denver at 5:55 p.m. Those flights will begin at $356.

The flights will be operated by SkyWest, doing business as United Express, and will feature a Canadair Regional Jet 700, which holds 72 passengers.

Ever since Horizon pulled out, the airport board has been working hard, with the aid of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, to improve service.

We understand this may be only the beginning of improved service, which is something many Coos County residents have been hoping for.

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The Old Town Marketplace is scheduled to open the weekend of Friday-Saturday, May 1-2, for the summer and fall season. People who are interested in having a booth to sell produce or arts and crafts are urged to call the Port of Bandon, 541-347-3206, for more information.

Just another indicator that spring (and soon summer) is here.

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Cindy McClain recently posted a neat video of her brother, Tom McClain, long-time police chief of Willard, Mo., being honored for his work with youth in the area.

Tom graduated from Bandon High School in 1978, and is one of four members of the McClain clan (Cindy, Sherry and Mike).

Their mother, Lois, was my beautician for many years, and I remember the family fondly. I looked forward to seeing her each week . . .as in those days it was necessary to curl my short hair on a regular basis, and I always made sure not to miss my appointment with my favorite beautician. She was so proud of her family, and justifiably so.

It was neat to see Tom on TV ... all grown up and so handsome.

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As I was looking through the annual to see what year Tom graduated, I came across two members of the class, George Dominy and Suzanne Dornath, who recently celebrated their wedding anniversary. If I remember correctly, they have been married for more than 35 years.

George was the son of popular police officer Sidney Dominy and his wife, Janice, and the brother of Debbie Dominy Seibert and the late Dr. Nina Lou Dominy. George has also been very active in law enforcement.

It was fun to go on Facebook and see pictures of their family. For all its faults, it's a great ways to keep track of people ... in a positive way.

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MarLo Dance Studio is presenting another of their fabulous programs May 8-9-10; this time it's Alice in Wonderland, which I am sure will be a masterpiece.

I have put together four or five books of MarLo productions over the years, and I definitely plan to take my trusty camera and see if I can get enough pictures for another book.

Speaking of books, I sold all three of my "Tribute to the Bandon Rural Fire Department" books to the first three people I showed them to, and have ordered three more, along with a 22-page book on the Port of Bandon, which shows how far they've come in the last 50 years.

These books will never be a money-making venture, but they are fun to put together and the finished product is such a treasure. I have so many pictures from the past ('50s, '60s and '70s) that I wish I could afford to do even more books. I am contemplating doing one on sports from that era, but it's hard to know which 50 or 60 pictures to feature as there were so many big moments in those days ...

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The BandonPrepares preparedness fair Saturday was a big success ... judging from the crowds that came through The Barn to see the exhibits and learn how to be better prepared for a disaster, with emphasis on the "Big One."

BandonPrepares is made up of some dedicated volunteers who spend a lot of time and energy to make people aware of what could happen and the fact that they could be on their own for days before help would arrive.

Members of the City Council joined others in cutting the ribbon on the large containers, which will store emergency supplies at City Park.

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I was sorry to learn of the death of former long-time resident Susan Fox, who died April 15 at the age of 65 after suffering an aneurysm. Her mom, Beatrice, died in January. Susan is survived by one daughter, Amber, who lives in New Orleans.

Susan was related to the Bowder family and the Fransons, as John Bowder and Nona Franson were the brother and sister of Beatrice.

Friends posted on Facebook a picture that was taken of her and Janell Leach Ebert during a recent Bandon Breakfast Bunch gathering in Portland. Former residents of Bandon get together on a regular basis to exchange stories and enjoy each other's company.

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On TV the other night, the City of Springfield was trying to figure out what to do with abandoned newsstand boxes that are being filled with garbage and covered with graffiti in their downtown area.

But before they can do anything, they have to determine who owns them and give them 30 days to remove them. If not, the city can store them and then send the owner the bill. If nothing happens within a certain period, the boxes will be recycled.

I wonder who would complain if they just picked them up and took them to the recycling center . . . or the dump.

It was obvious from their condition that no one was concerned about the boxes nor were they being used to sell newspapers. But I guess they have to remain there collecting garbage while government spends time trying to find out who owns them.

Another example of good ole' common sense . . . down the drain.




As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn

April 15, 2015

For this week's history pictures, I've chosen one from the Cranberry Festival over 40 years ago, an air raid drill at the grade school (nearly 60 years ago) and one of Bandon's long-time employers.

The first one was taken during the festival in 1972 and although I haven't seen the caption, or know if it was even in the paper, I am pretty sure that is Michael Streets and one of his sisters (probably Marilyn) with a parade entry. You can see the old Arcade Garden tavern in the background, now the beautifully landscaped Inner Garden and Sea Star Bistro. John Hancock, who owned the property which later housed Bandon Boatworks, can be seen in the Lions Club jacket in the middle of the picture.

1972 Cranberry Festival Parade
The second one was taken of an air raid drill in June of 1957. The envelope indicates this was taken at Ocean Crest, but it may have been the junior high. It's doubtful that anyone will recognize themselves, huddled on the ground, face down in the hall . . .

Air raid drill 1957
The third picture is Moore Mill & Lumber Co. shot from either a boat or from across the river. It was one of Bandon's largest employers for many years.

Moore Mill & Lumber Co.
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One of Bandon's track stars from the past, Stanley Goodell (a very successful teacher/coach who graduated from BHS in 1972) is preparing to run his fourth and final Boston Marathon Monday, April 20, along with another BHS graduate, Mike Davis.

For some years, Stan held the 800 record, before it was broken by Mike. Stan first ran the Boston Marathon during the 100th anniversary of the event in 1996; he later ran in both the 2004 and 2005 races.

Good luck to both of them ... and anyone else from our area who may be running this prestigious race.

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It was interesting to note that Bandon was one of nine towns singled out on the PacSafe blog, posted in July of 2013, as towns to visit "during your Oregon Coast road trip."

Under "What to Eat" it says: "grab some chow at Alloro Wine Bar, which serves hearty Italian fare and offers breathtaking views."

I'm not sure where the blogger actually ate, but I'm not sure I would describe Alloro's gourmet fare as "hearty Italian," and you certainly would not describe the view of Second Street and Highway 101 as breathtaking. An outstanding place to eat, yes; views, no.

We have several restaurants that have breathtaking views, including Lord Bennett's, The Wheelhouse and Edgewaters, and hearty Italian would more likely be found at Angelo's . . . but nonetheless it was nice to be mentioned.

Under "Where to Stay" the blogger liked either Bandon Inn or Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, and described Bandon's beaches with glowing rhetoric: "Looming above everything are massive rocks that wade, humanlike, in the water."

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Last week, I was preparing to dust off my clubs after learning that the people who bought the Best Western Inn at Face Rock were also in the process of buying the little nine-hole golf course adjacent to their facility.

But I have since learned, from a local realtor, that they do not plan to operate it as a golf course ... but "have other plans for the property."

It will be interesting to see what plans they have since I believe the property is zoned "natural resources," which is a pretty limiting zone.

Guess we'll be heading for Shorty's Course at Bandon Dunes . . .

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I have just received copies of my latest book, which is a tribute to the Bandon Rural Fire Department. All but the front cover are black and white photos, taken of the department in action mostly in the '6os and '70s. The front cover features a beautiful colored photo of long-time chief Lanny Boston and the late Russ Simpson, who died on the Bandon beach while trying to rescue a young boy from the ocean.

My other black and white books have been selling well, and I sent several off this week to people who have mostly heard about them through word of mouth or through my column.

My next venture will be to put one together of the Port of Bandon and how it has evolved over the years from a bustling lumber port to a beautiful recreational harbor and No. 1 tourist attraction.

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I had one of my long-time supporters, who works at Bandon Dunes, tell me he wouldn't vote for me again because of my position on a county lodging tax, which could brings thousands and thousands of dollars into the struggling county's coffers.

I am not sure what they are afraid of, although he felt that a 6 percent tax might keep people from coming to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to play a round of golf (which is upwards of $250 a round in the summer). Lodging is equally as expensive, and my bet is that not ONE SINGLE golfer would balk at a 6 percent tax, when places like Pebble Beach (Monterey, Calif.) have a10.5 percent bed tax.

The commissioners seem concerned because they are not sure what to do with the 70 percent of the revenues, which must go toward tourism promotion, while the other 30 percent can go into their general fund.

Just think what a huge infusion of cash would do for chambers like Bandon and Coos Bay, who already have promotion committees in place to guide them in ways to make the best use of those dollars.

If ever Coos County had a golden opportunity to help itself, this is it. Believe me, it won't be Michael Keiser or anyone from Coos County who will be hurt one iota by this tax. And for the golfers, they are used to paying a bed tax ... pretty much everywhere except Coos County.

Sorry to lose Lou's vote . . . but that's life.

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Talk about "speaking out of both sides of your mouth," it must be hard for the Portland Public Schools board to lobby the legislature for more money... while they voted last summer to give Superintendent Carole Smith a 28 percent raise, bringing her salary to $247,000.

Then, without approval of the board, Smith authorized nearly $105,000 worth of raises for seven administrators ... two of which were already pulling down six-figure salaries.

I'm sure information like this does not escape the legislature ... nor should it.

Too bad more of that money didn't trickle down to the classroom, but PPS is a big, big business.

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Maybe I just read more about them because I receive emails from the Oregon State Police, but it's disconcerting to read about three fatal accidents in Douglas County (one on Highway 38 and two on Highway 138) within less than 24 hours over the weekend.

The first involved an 18-year-old girl from Drain who failed to arrive at her destination on time, and with the aid of a ping from her cell phone, searchers found her car at the bottom of a 40-foot ravine along Highway 38. The young woman, who was not wearing safety restraints, died in the crash.

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BandonPrepares is inviting everyone to attend a ribbon cutting and Preparedness Fair this Saturday (April 18) at The Barn in City Park, with the ribbon cutting at 12:30 and the fair from 1 to 4 p.m.

Bandon officials will cut the ribbon on the new containers at the park, which hold emergency supplies for use after a disaster, including blankets, tarps and water that will be needed after a disaster strikes.

The Fair will feature demonstrations, displays and vendors to get local families ready for an emergency.




As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn

April 08, 2015

This week's history photos all come from the same day in 1966. Generally, I wouldn't run three of the same event, but it's the angle these photos were taken from (and I think I took them) that tells an interesting story about the face of Bandon nearly 50 years ago.

The photos involve a wreck, which occurred in front of Dunn's Motel and Trailer Court (known as Dunn's Auto Court when I was young). I don't remember all the details, but in the first picture I can see Elsie Perry (in striped dress), who was the driver of one of the involved cars. She's talking with local insurance agent Joanne Metcalfe while Officer Sid Dominy takes down information about the accident. I can see Elsie's husband, Frank, in the passenger seat, and O.A. "Mose" Dunn, owner of the motel which can be seen in the background, directing traffic. 1966 wreck in front of Dunn's Motel & Trailer Court
The motel has long since been torn down to make way for the Bandon RV Park that exists there today at the intersection of June Avenue and Highway 101, across June from Karl Maxon's bicycle shop. I can remember that the Dunns (his parents Harry and Helga and wife Naomi) also had a small store on the property where us kids would go to get our penny candy. The Perrys (in the accident) started the Perry Veneer Co. in east Bandon in the area of 11th Street and Elmira later owned by their sons, Carl "Bub" and Voyle "Sid" Perry, and known as Perry Brothers Mill. I have an old Coos County Directory from 1938, and it says that the owners of Perry Veneer Co. were fruit box and veneer manufacturers. It's also interesting to see the small number of businesses that were in Bandon in 1938 . . . less than two years after the town burned in September of 1936. (That will be fodder for another story).

The second picture is taken from a different angle, and in the center on the left side of the picture is First Baptist Church. You can see the large oil tanks (long gone) on the Shell Oil property as you start down the hill into town.

First Baptist Church, 1966
The third picture was taken from a different angle and the house on the right (heading east) is where Bandon Veterinary Hospital now stands (at the intersection of June Avenue and Highway 101). There is a sign at the corner directing people to the Bandon Heights School (known by us as the old Quonset Hut). On Third Street you can see the large two-story house owned for many years by Milford and Clara Harris (Dorothy Waldrop's parents and Chas. Waldrop's grandparents). Milford and Clara were very active in the VFW and I remember going there several times to take pictures of various activities or awards they had won. The building east of the "pavement narrows" sign is, I think, the original American Legion Hall, which later relocated downtown on the waterfront. It's been torn down and the lot is now vacant.

1966 traffic accident, different angle
Jim Proehl had been downloading this batch of negatives from my collection, and it was ironic because the very day that he scanned these in someone asked if the museum had anything on Dunn's Motel ... and there it was. We are more likely to find interesting buildings and long-forgotten places as backdrops for wrecks, etc., so we really don't know what we have until they are scanned into the computer and we are able to blow them up.

It's exciting when we find something like these pictures ...

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I've learned that Dr. Ronny Santosa, who began working as a primary care physician in the employ of the Southern Coos Hospital District nine months ago, is no longer with the district.

Dr. Santosa had an office in the new clinic building and saw patients there. A statement issued by the hospital board says: "He did not meet patient load expectations, and his contract was mutually dissolved with SCH."

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A friend of mine contacted me last week asking who he should contact about the possibility of buying the nine-hole golf course on Beach Loop, owned for many years by Margaret Miller and Jerry Brown. I obtained a phone number for Jerry and for realtor Hunter Finch.

My friend emailed me later that day to say that he was too late, that the course has been sold, is in escrow and is expected to close in late May. I have no idea who may have bought the course, but I don't think someone would have told him that had it not been true.

I have contacted several of my real estate friends to see what they know, but so far I haven't heard back from them.

I would be thrilled if it is true as I loved playing golf out there and will definitely dust off my clubs, grab Matt, Brian and Fred and head out to the course. The last time the four of us played I actually won, and I'm pretty bad, so you can judge the caliber of our golf. But we have a lot of fun.

There's nothing like watching Matt hit the ball in three different directions to get you rolling in laughter ... not that any of us did much better. Golf is not a game where you laugh at yourself . . .just at each other.

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I heard some serious complaints from a friend of mine several weeks ago about air service to and from Bandon (via North Bend).

"We're planning our trip to Bandon in late May, and we were certainly surprised to learn that there is only one flight in and out of San Francisco to OTH (North Bend) per day. Are you hearing anything about possible improvement in the airport schedule?

"The last time we were there, the little restaurant had closed and there were beverage/snack machines. If there isn't some improvement over the next year, I think we're going to have to sell our home there. As it stands, we can fly into Bandon IF we make all our connections on time. We cannot fly out of Bandon, however, without a stay in San Francisco, and I don't think we're going to want to do that into our 70s and on. It seems such a waste to have a lovely new airport that is barely functional. I'd think Bandon Dunes would have enough guests to fill flights."

I forwarded her email to my friend, Jon Barton, who is a long-time member of the airport board.

Here is his reply: "Tell her to hang tough for a while longer. I'm pretty sure we will have an announcement in a week or so that will make eastbound travelers happy, and hopefully by year end we'll be able to announce much improved service north and southbound. In the meantime, we'll have additional SFO flights starting in a month or so for the summer season.

"Thanks for letting us know. As you know the airport authority has very little control over airline schedules and prices," said Barton.

We all remember how easy it was to fly in and out of North Bend when Horizon was the carrier ... but when they packed up and left, it's never been the same since.

The Brookings paper carried an article this week explaining that the Crescent City airport was losing its only carrier in April, so there will be no commercial planes flying in or out of that airport.

Update: on March 31, my friend emailed me and said: "The flights into North Bend from San Francisco are booked solid in May until after June 4. Hope your friend is right and they will be adding another soon!"

This could certainly have a negative impact on area tourism if people can't fly into North Bend ....

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I attended a very joyful event Tuesday . . . a party at Pacific View for Marie Douglass who was celebrating her 105th birthday. She is an amazing woman with a sharp wit and a great memory. If only we could all be that lucky . . . even into our 80s . . . let alone living more than a century in what appears to be pretty perfect health.

Marie Douglass 105th birthday
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This won't mean much to most of my readers, but a long-time newspaper woman, who with her husband and earlier her parents, owned and operated the Gold Beach paper for many years, has committed suicide.

Molly Walker, 56, apparently shot herself in her West Salem home Monday, after leaving a note for her husband Jim to find.

Her parents, Bob and Betty Van Leer, not only owned the Curry County Reporter in Gold Beach but they had also owned the Coquille Valley Sentinel and the Port Orford News at some point in their lengthy newspaper careers.

I remember Bob well as the Reporter was printed at Western World, when we had the big offset press in the part of Price n' Pride that is now their produce section. He loved to tease me, and while I was hammering away in my windowless office on the Justowriter machine, all of a sudden the power to my room would go off . . . and I would know Bob was around. He thought it was funny... but it generally meant I had to start over on whatever story I was writing because the tape would stick. But he meant well . . .

Molly grew up much like I did ... working in every department of the newspaper from circulation and advertising to news.

After she and Jim moved to the Salem area, she worked for the News-Register for several years, covering religion, business and social issues, and worked with letters to the editor and calendars.

There were several articles about her lifetime in newspapers, and about taking her own life, but none alluded to what could possibly have led to such a drastic act. She always seemed so grounded.

She is also survived by four sons and several grandchildren.

A memorial service honoring her life will be held Saturday (April 11) at 2 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Gold Beach.

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It's great to see that Bandon Dunes is once again making the news. They will be hosting the inaugural U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship May 9-13 at Pacific Dunes. This will be the fifth USGA Championship to be held at Bandon Dunes ... but none as grand as the Curtis Cup in 2006.

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Pacific Northwest Golf Association CEO Troy Andrew is quoted as saying: "It's not just a paradise for golfers around the world, but it's also a place that has embraced and provided tremendous support for amateur golf."

In four-ball competition, two competitors play as partners and the lowest score of the partners counts as the score for the hole.

People are invited to come out and watch the competition ... free of charge. And I understand they are also looking for volunteers to help out during the event.

Just another way Bandon Dunes puts us on the map ...




As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn

April 01, 2015

The first of this week's history pictures was taken in August of 1961 when the old Breuer Building (mentioned in an item below) caught fire. At that time it was pretty much in a state of disrepair and was being used as a sales shack for crabs. I can only identify one of the firemen, and that is Ernie Wehner, in plaid shirt nearest to the hose.

Breuer Building 1961
The second picture, taken Feb. 18, 1961, originally showed a large barge-load of lumber leaving the Bandon harbor. But I cropped it to show the driftwood behind the restaurant building, which is the building site approved by the city council last Tuesday on a 4-1 vote.

Crossing the bar 1961
Claudine Hundhausen (the no vote) and I argued vigorously against approval (the mayor only votes in the case of a 3-3 tie). I used this picture to demonstrate the huge berm of dirt along the river that was used to protect the building, and pointed out the logs that were in the area where the new house will be built. But it appears that the city's ordinances permitted the house to be built as long as the owner (who also owns the Boatworks building) jumped through the necessary hoops . . . and he apparently did. But that doesn't make it a safe or rational place to build . . . but those issues weren't enough to deny the application. The geology report even showed that the river had cut behind the building in 1993 on its way to Redmon Pond ... but that didn't seem to matter either. I guess this is a case of "buyer beware." The owner's agent, Sheri McGrath, assured us that the owner loves Bandon (even though he lives in California) and plans to make it his permanent home.

The third picture was taken inside the Ocean Crest gym in August of 1956 during a visit by the Red Cross Bloodmobile. At the left table are June Korenko and nurse Hazel Lester (I am sure that is who that is, but please don't string me up if I'm wrong); seated at the other table are Barbara Dodrill and nurse Ada Campbell (Mary Capps' sister). Barbara and June are sisters and still live in Bandon.

Blood donors, Ocean Crest gym 1956
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I learned this week that a long-time Bandon couple, Helen and Jack Frost, have recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Jack is almost 90 and Helen is 88. At one time they owned and operated Wilson's Market in east Bandon.

That is a real milestone . . . .

Just as I was writing this and watching the Duke-Gonzaga NCAA game, the announcer turned to the crowd and announced that Barbara and George H.W. Bush have also been married 70 years.

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We often hear that one hospital is expensive, while another is a better bargain, but a lot of that is based on individual stories. So it was interesting to read the report in the March 24 Register-Guard, which outlined Oregon's 10 most expensive hospital . . . and the 10 least expensive hospitals.

Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center in Bandon was the eighth least expensive hospital; Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay was the eighth most expensive. Coquille Valley's new hospital did not make either list. The only other hospital in this area to be named was Lower Umpqua Hospital in Reedsport, which was fourth on the least expensive list.

What I would really like to read about is the infection rate at the state's hospitals. From what I've heard, Bandon and Coquille would pass with flying colors, but Bay Area would not.

That is a statistic that is really important . . .

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BandonPrepares is inviting the public to attend a ribbon cutting and preparedness fair on Saturday, April 18, at The Barn (community center) in City Park. At 12:30 p.m., Bandon officials will cut the ribbon on the new containers at the park, which hold emergency supplies for use after a disaster.

Between 1 and 4 p.m., the Preparedness Fair will feature demonstrations, displays and vendors to get people ready for an emergency. BandonPrepares reminds people that "Survival is a Do-it-Yourself Kit."

"Learn how to put yours together on April 18 at the Barn," said a spokesman for BandonPrepares.

BandonPrepares is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help those living in the city and the Bandon Rural Fire Protection District to be prepared when disaster strikes.

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Not sure how a scammer hooked into the Bandon Rotary Wine & Cheese Extravaganza website . . . but it was a surprise to see someone named "Domitrovic" posting on the Rotary's page.

And, believe me, he wasn't talking about wine and cheese. Here's what he had to say: "Loan between serious individual offer. Hello you need funding for your home, for your business, for purchase or car, for the purchase of bike, for the creation of your own business, for your personal needs more than doubt. We give personal loans ranging from 3,000 E (sorry I can't find the pound sign on my computer) to 800,000 E with a nominal 3% interest rate regardless of the amount. Please contact us for your personal loans: vukadnovicnikola99@gmail.com."

I did let a couple of Rotarians know so they could take steps to block him. The annual Rotary event is Saturday evening, April 25, at The Barn.

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A tragic accident that took the life of a 74-year-old Gig Harbor woman occurred March 28 shortly before 10:30 a.m. outside of Oakridge. Unfortunately, as is too often the case lately, one vehicle crossed into the opposite lane of travel for no apparent reason and killed an innocent woman, who was a passenger in a car driven by her husband. They both wore their seatbelts and their airbags deployed, but it wasn't enough to save her.

The guy who hit them, Billyroy Durham, 36, from Phoenix, Az., was charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, reckless driving and DUII-controlled substance.

I immediately emailed the State Police to determine what the controlled substance was, but received no reply.

Neither Billyroy nor his wife were wearing seatbelts . . . but that appears to be the least of their problems ... probably too "high" to worry about seat belts or staying on their own side of the road.

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I've learned that the old Breuer Building on First Street, between the Coast Guard building and Edgewater's Restaurant, has sold. I've heard that the selling price may have been just slightly over half a million dollars ... but my source isn't always that reliable. But at least I do know that it's been sold.

According to historian Dow Beckham, "Michael Breuer emigrated from Austria-Hungary and in 1894 opened a store in Bandon. During the first decade of the 20th Century, Breuer built a new building on the extreme western end of First Street. Adjacent to the store building he had a small cobbler's shop. He had served as an apprentice cobbler in his native Austria at age 13. He worked as late as 1953 when he was 93 years old. The building survived the Fire and was refurbished in the mid-1990s."

On the cover of one of my "Bandon" books (which have been selling well) is a picture of the old Breuer Building, when someone was selling crabs out of the dilapidated storefront.

It was also the scene of a fire in 1961, and that is one of the pictures I have shared this week.


previous columns by Mary Schamehorn