As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 29, 2021
Having started my journalism career in early 1959 as a cub reporter (and soon news editor) of the Western World, one of my first big stories came in August of 1960 when I told the story of a hold-up and robbery at the Bandon Food Center (first picture).
Bandon Food Center
Here's the story: "Nearly $3,000 in currency and checks was stolen late Tuesday night from the Bandon Food Center by a masked gunman who held up the owner, Cliff George. He tied George's hands and feet and left him lying on the floor.
"George had locked the store at 11:30 and was just crossing the parking lot between the store and his home, south of the building. Before he had gone more than a few steps he was accosted by the gunman, wearing dark clothing and a stocking mask over his face and carrying a small automatic pistol. The gunman forced George, at gunpoint, to reopen the store and show him where the money was kept. While the man was stuffing the money in a bag, George attempted several times to get a good look at the robber but when he turned around the gunman jabbed him in the spine with the gun and warned, 'if you want to live to a ripe old age, old man, don't turn around.'
"'He threatened to kill me several times,' said George. 'But he didn't have to tell me more than once before I knew he meant business.'
"Before the gunman left he tied George's hands with wire, then forced him to lie down on the office floor while he bound his feet to his already tied hands, making him practically helpless. He did not gag him. 'He wasn't too brutal even when he clouted me in the side of the head with the gun,' added George who said he could have been a lot rougher.
"Just before making his exit the gunman ripped the telephone from the wall. George was found, still lying on the floor about a half an hour later by his niece and her husband, who had become worried and gone over to the store to investigate when he failed to come home."
They saw him lying on the floor, and fearing that the gunman might still be inside the store, they immediately contacted the local police, who happened to be turning around in the parking lot at that moment, unaware of what had happened.
The robber was never apprehended, and the loss was covered by insurance. Although shaken by the experience, George was uninjured except for large red marks on his wrists caused when he struggled unsuccessfully to free his hands. He also complained of his back being rather sore from repeated jabs in the spine with the barrel of the gun.
Cliff George is featured in the middle of the second picture, flanked by his sons, Don, on the left, and Dick, on the right.
Don, Cliff, & Dick George
The store was located just south of town in the building now owned by the Larry Hardin family and occupied by Brian Vick's antique shop.
There was a lot of news in the early '60s, and a rescue by Bob Fisher of Bandon and the late A.T. Red" Pedersen of Charleston earned them recognition by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Bob Fisher earns recognition by U.S. Coast Guard
In the photo, Fisher receives a letter of commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard presented by Captain Emery H. Joyce of Portland, Senior Coast Guard Officer of Oregon, during a live presentation program at KCBY-TV studio, Coos Bay.
Fisher and the late "Red" Pedersen were cited for extreme bravery when on the morning of Nov. 30, 1960, the two men, on board the tug Rebel, rescued 10 of the 11 men who had jumped into the rough water on the Coquille river bar after the tug Elizabeth Olson had capsized.
An article, which I wrote, explained that "The Rebel and its two crewmen had already crossed the bar and were safely in the channel when they saw that the Elizabeth Olson was in trouble and went back to her aid. The two men fought against heavy odds as they maneuvered the tug about in the heavy swells time and time again to rescue the men. One man crawled ashore on the north jetty.
"The story of the rescue operation was narrated by Bill McSpadden, KCBY newscaster, and pictures, taken at the scene by Louis L. (Lou) Felsheim, Western World publisher, were shown."
Among those witnessing the special program were Fisher's wife Lorraine and two sons and his mother, Mrs. Ruth Kimball of Bandon.
Less than four months after the heroic rescue, the Rebel capsized on the Bandon bar, with Fisher eventually making it to safety with the aid of Ralph Davidson, Clyde Smalley and Tommy Conn, who had prepared a life line and entered the surf to aid in his rescue. Pedersen's body was found later. My story and byline of the capsizing of the Rebel appeared on the front page of The Oregonian on March 28, 1961.
Bob is now 90 years old, and I am pretty sure he still lives here although I have not heard from him in a year or so.
* * *
The Myrtle Point-Broadbent communities are grieving the loss of 15-year-old Makaia Gilkey, and the critical injury of Kallie Krewson, 16, from a wreck that occurred last week. Both are from well-known families. A GoFundMe account has been established for Makaia's family, Crystal and J.B. Orr. Jim and Cinda Arney are among her grandparents.
Makaia played all three sports at Myrtle Point High School, and her basketball coach Jennifer Sproul posted a beautiful tribute to her on Facebook.
The State Police report said the wreck occurred near milepost one on the Powers Highway (242), not far from the intersection of Highway 42. The girls reportedly both lived in the Broadbent area, about five miles apart.
Kallie Krewson, who was driving the vehicle, was life-flighted from the Coquille hospital to River Bend in very serious condition. I have searched Facebook for an update on her condition, but was not able to find anything.
My thoughts and prayers go out to both families.
* * *
I learned this week that one of the last surviving members of the Bandon Fire, Esther Waggoner Winters, died suddenly at the age of 96 at Ocean Ridge Assisted Living Center in Coos Bay on Dec. 17. Her granddaughter had flown to the area to visit her in early December.
Several days before she died, they brought her to Bandon to visit Face Rock Creamery and the Bandon Museum.
In Dow Beckham's book about the Bandon Fire, Esther told how she and her family of brothers and sisters, and their parents, carried a few pitiful belongings and drove their cow to the beach to escape the fire.
Esther married Owen Winters and they moved to Coos Bay in 1946.
* * *
I saw a post online about the 10 most dangerous places in Oregon, based on the FBI's crime statistics for 2019.
The 10 most dangerous were Ontario at no. 1; Portland, no. 2; Warrenton, no. 3; Coos Bay, no. 4; Astoria, Eugene, Salem, Roseburg, Klamath Falls and Woodburn.
The narrative said that Coos Bay's lofty crime rate was 113.51 percent above the national average. And that was in 2019 ... when there were more jail beds. Wonder where it would land on the chart today?
And it's not just jail beds that are in short supply; there needs to be at least one more assistant district attorney to handle the case load that comes from local law enforcement officers. It's a real morale problem when an officer cites someone, only to find out that the DA refuses to prosecute and there is no space in the jail to lodge him. These are problems that affect all of us in Coos County and it may be up to us to see what it will take to fix it.
* * *
Just as I was finishing up my column, I heard from my good friend Ann King, who said that Bart Taylor had died Sunday morning after a long battle with cancer. He was 69. He and his wife, Maureen "Mo" Erickson, had been residents of Bandon for the past six years.
He was an active supporter of the Bandon Swimming Pool, the Gorse Festival "and anything else that he thought needed assistance," said Ann. "He was one of the nicest people in the community, and his efforts and his spirit will be missed."
I certainly agree with her. I worked with him on the swimming pool issue and found him to be a wonderful man, who loved his adopted community.
* * *
I was so happy to receive a call on Christmas Eve from my 100-year-old civics teacher Lloyd Gabriel, who celebrated his big milestone birthday in early December.
He sounded as strong and as cheerful as ever. He said his "young bride" is 94, and is also healthy and happy. Both taught school here more than 60 years ago.
He also thanked me for putting his contact information in a recent column as he received calls and cards from former students, which thrilled him. We have kept in touch all these years, and I will say that outside of Esther Millard, he was my favorite high school teacher.
* * *
Sunday evening someone from the Sixes Fire Department posted an alarming photo of a big fire at the historic Lindbergh house in Port Orford, and urged people to stay away from Washington Street. The post said that the Port Orford, Sixes and Langlois fire departments were all on scene. From the looks of the flames shooting out of the top story, I would say that the house could not be saved. It's always sad to see a piece of history burn .... as we so well know in Bandon.
* * *
It's been a few years since we've had a cold streak like we are experiencing this week, and it's well to remind people to disconnect their hoses, cover the spigots and keep a stream of water running. It also helps to open the cabinet doors to help keep the pipes from freezing.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 22, 2021
In 1943 the tug Port of Bandon and the tug Klihyam were taken over by the Federal Government for use in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. The two Bandon tugs were instrumental in saving a large merchant ship loaded with supplies, and the captains, including Martin Guchee, were the first civilians cited for meritorious service in the Aleutians.
The Port of Bandon photo I am sharing today was loaned to me by Bob Richardson of Coos Bay.
Port of Bandon
After the war, the Port of Bandon went to great lengths to get the tug returned to Bandon, but it wasn't without a battle and the assistance of several Oregon congressmen.
According to an article in the April 25, 1946, Western World, the Port of Bandon commissioners had been negotiating for a number of months with the War Shipping Administration for the repurchase of the tug. At the outset the port offered $45,000. This offer was not submitted to the shipping board because the appraised value had been set at $65,000. However the shipping board decided to call for bids ... and the highest offer was for $30,000 made by a Seattle firm.
Through the assistance of Congressman Harris Ellsworth and Senator Guy Cordon the port protested sale of the tug at the high bid and all bids were declined. Eventually the original offer of the port of Bandon was accepted.
Less than three months later, the tugboat Port of Bandon arrived in the local harbor to a heroes welcome from local citizens. Mill whistles, fire sirens and church bells heralded the homecoming.
"Captain Guchee, who holds a responsible position with a large towing concern in Seattle, brought the tug to Bandon as a token of loyalty for the old home port; also to have a visit with his twin sons before they are assigned to sea duty," said the article.
Four Bandon men went to Seattle to return as crew members, including Jack Nyross, Stan Tucker, Eugene Stearns and Arnold Foster. Stearns was my cousin and I did not know until I found the article Sunday that he had been on the tug when it returned to Bandon.
As a result of the Port obtaining the tug, Moore Mill was once again able to return to water shipping for their products, which during the war had been trucked for shipment to rail and vessel at Coos Bay.
In 1960 the tug was purchased by the Upper Columbia River Towing Company. Soon after that, the tug sprang a leak and sank in Kure Island Channel in the South Pacific.
The second photo is a great picture of Moore Mill & Lumber Co., which was Bandon's number one employer for many years.
Moore Mill & Lumber Co.
An item in the March 1946 Western World explained that the Moore family sold control in its three Coos County mills to D.H. Miller Sr. and associates. The Miller family continued to operate the mill until it was closed down and dismantled in the mid-1980s.
The article says that "D.H. Miller Sr. is known to the industry as one of its ablest operators. He came to Moore Mill in 1937 after holding executive positions with several major lumber firms in the northwest. He managed the mill for eight years before purchasing it.
"Two of his three sons, David H. Jr. and Walter, are associated with their father in the Moore industries. The third son, Robert S., is a junior partner in the law firm of King and Wood, Portland.
"The Moore industries were founded in 1900 by George W. Moore, a Michigan banker and lumberman. With his old logging partner, L.J. Cody, he became interested in the Coach Timber Co. tract on Lampa Creek near Bandon. Cody Lumber Co. was formed to log this tract. Lacking market for logs it built a mill on the present site in Bandon in 1906. This mill burned in 1909 and after this disaster Cody retired. Moore rebuilt the mill and formed the Geo. W. Moore Lumber company, which operated until 1916 when it was succeeded by Moore Mill and Lumber company. Moore's brother, F.T. Moore of Port Huron, Mich., was involved with him in the latter venture."
F.T. "Fred" Moore Jr. and his brother-in-law Carl Lorenz later owned and operated M&L Grocery for many years.
The Miller family continues to own the former Moore Mill site, and a large office building on the south side of First Street to operate their extensive timber business.
In the same March 1946 issue of Western World, I saw the headline, "Dress Shop to Open in Remodeled Building."
The building, which is pictured here behind my grandmother, Grace Felsheim, was known as the Topping building after the fire. It adjoined the Bank of Bandon, formerly the First National Bank building and today owned by the Masonic Lodge.
Grace Felsheim & the Topping building
The building had been purchased by Mr. and Mrs. John Fitzsimmons and Mr. and Mrs. Dave Philpott, who remodeled it into a modern, up-to-date dress shop, which was known as The Style Shop.
Today that building is owned by Chip and Jean Salmon, who operate two clothing stores in the building, including The Loft on 2nd. The Salmons also own Sweet Peas on Baltimore.
* * *
A Bandon woman posted on her Facebook page the other day asking for prayers for her friend, Lynnelle Kummelehne, who is hospitalized and is very ill, having had to be intubated to help her breathe. Saturday she was still being intubated, so I do not know what her prognosis is.
My heart goes out to Lynnelle and her husband, Dino, who have made their position against vaccinations well known, with Lynnelle appearing before both the city council and the school board in recent months to talk about the dangers of the vaccine.
I know how strongly people feel about the vaccines, both for and against, but when I hear that full of life, healthy people like Lynnelle have been stricken, I pray that when she recovers, they will urge people to get vaccinated.
My prayers are with Lynnelle and Dino during these trying days. We have been friends for years and I wish only the best for both of them.
* * *
The list of the 2021 Top 25 taxpayers for Coos County came out recently, and just as I expected, Bandon Dunes was the top taxpayer at just over a million dollars.
Roseburg Forest Products was second at $922,356, followed by Pacificorp at $755,654 and Charter Communications, fifth at $538,086.
Other top taxpayers with Bandon ties include North Bend Medical, No. 7; First Community Credit Union, No. 10; Ron LaFranchi, No. 14; Moore Mill & Lumber Co., No. 20, and Hardin Optical, No. 22.
There were only two individuals named in the Top 25, including LaFranchi and Howard Willett.
LaFranchi paid $212,732 in taxes, based on his property holdings in Coos County assessed at $15,987,729 and with a real market value of $22,562,122. Among his businesses are Ron's Oil in Coquille and Bandon.
* * *
People are becoming more and more concerned about the number of vandals, burglars and drunk drivers in Coos County who are not being jailed. At first, it was just a little murmur but as more and more people read anecdotal evidence about repeat offenders who are not being jailed, they are becoming more and more concerned. And rightfully so.
It may be time for Coos County leaders to get together and meet with Sheriff Craig Zanni to lend our assistance and determine what it will take to get the jail fully opened.
Having talked to Craig myself twice in recent weeks, it does not seem to be financial problems as much as staffing; either people have left, are out on Family Medical Leave (FMLA) or they have been out sick.
But someone needs to assure the people of Coos County that the jail will soon be open and that they don't have to fear that the person coming toward them is still driving .... after three drunk-driving tickets and no jail time.
Portland already has a reputation as being one of the most lawless big cities in the country; we do not want the same for Coos County. My sister has family members who live in Empire, and although they recently purchased a large home, they are very concerned about the increasing crime in that area and are looking at their options.
Time for some answers!!!
* * *
I was sorry to learn of the death of former Coquille High School football coach, Andy Klemm, who died recently at the age of 81. He and his wife, Bits (Marian), who died last spring, lived in Albany. He was a true gentlemen in addition to being a great coach. He coached the Red Devils from 1966 to 1985 and in 20 seasons, his record was 115-67-2.
I found an item on the Internet about the 25 most dominant high school football teams in Oregon's second-highest classification, and I found both Coquille and Bandon on the list.
The picture that accompanied the article was taken after Bandon won the state championship in 1950, and I could pick out then superintendent Keith Goldhammer and Chuck Hess.
In 1970, Coquille was the 20th top dominant team with a 12-0 record under Coach Klemm. That year the Red Devils scored 377 points and allowed only 67. Coquille won the state championship by beating Junction City 10-7. The article points out that after the 1970 football championship, Coquille did not win another playoff game until 2015 .... until 2021, when they once again won the state championship.
The South Umpqua team of 1977 (No. 15) went 12-0 under Coach Kent Wigle, who left in 1988 for Marshfield where he won the big-school title in 1992. I was friends with the Wigle family and stayed in their home one weekend when I was dating then Riddle coach Gene Forman.
The Bandon Tigers of 1950 were the 8th most dominant team when they went 10-0 under coach Harry Therkelsen. They beat Union 19-18 in the state final, with Art Dornath scoring all three of Bandon's TDs. In the semi-final 50-0 win over Garibaldi, Dornath and Dean Van Leuven each scored three touchdowns, while Ed Wehner returned an interception for a 95-yard TD and Darrell Ward scored a 47 yard TD.
It was the first year for Therkelsen, who compiled a record of 22-6 in three years before being replaced by Dick Sutherland, who won 168 games in 28 seasons (1953-80) at Bandon, including the 1968 state title.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 15, 2021
The first two pictures I am sharing are to illustrate a talk to the Bandon Women's Civic Club in December of 1925 by Margaret Murphy Wade, mother of Jack and Gene Wade, who arrived here in 1900 and in 1910 married Cecil R. Wade. Her two grandchildren are Margaret Chalfan and Marilyn Bamford.
"When I first stepped off the old steamer Dispatch (first photo) in 1900 after a five-hour ride down the Coquille river (the only means of transportation at that time) and beheld for the first time a sunset in the Pacific ocean, I considered it a privilege to be alive," said Mrs. Wade, who was 17 years old when she arrived in Bandon.
Steamer Dispatch
"Within the next few weeks I often marveled at Nature's generosity in bestowing such natural beauty as a background for so small a town. Front Street extended from the present Bandon Avenue (near where Old Town Market is now) west to a jumping off place where Breuer's store now stands. (Today that is a bed and breakfast just west of the Coast Guard station). A two-foot plank walk extended around the corner and up Edison hill to Fourth Street. A building, then a flourishing hotel, was situated on the southwest corner of this same block, facing a narrow street known as Atwater (now Second Street East), following the foothill around to the foot of the G.A.R. cemetery hill, on which street was operated our only factory, known as the Woolen Mill.
"Our only lighting system consisted of a half dozen kerosene street lamps, lighted each evening at dusk by the town marshal.
"Cattle and all kinds of livestock roamed the streets at will," recalled Mrs. Wade. (The second picture was taken on First Street in front of the Breuer building.)
Livestock roamed the streets at will
An item in the June 21, 1912, Western World, explains that voters allowed the livestock to continue to roam the streets by a vote of 150 people in favor of the animals to 140 voters wanting them off the streets.
But back to Mrs. Wade's memories.
"The small reservoir, under private ownership, was our only water supply. There was a long distance telephone pay station at Manciet's cigar store with only three telephones connected to the switchboard. The only fireproof building was Concrete hall now known as Trowbridge's store. Our city government was a town charter granted by the state legislature, providing for a board of five trustees and a city recorder. The city revenues were chiefly derived from saloon licenses, which were at first $400 a year, later increased to $1,000 each. There was no city tax at that time, no debts, and no automobiles. Our only school building was the present Legion hall, housing 150 pupils, three teachers, with grades from one to eight represented. There was no modern sanitary plumbing in the homes. The population in 1900 was given at 650. However, the town even at that time boasted of Mr. (George) Topping and his band."
She went on to talk about what existed in 1925, including a population of 2,250, the erection of two school buildings, sewer systems, improved streets and sidewalks, additional fireproof buildings, complete telephone exchange, a hydro electric plant, and a much larger water system, which was by then municipally owned.
She ended by saying: "Our town is what we make it. If we put our shoulders to the wheel, work together, boost together, and sing together, there is no reason why Bandon cannot make wonderful progress."
The third picture I am sharing is of one of my very favorite retired police officers, Marc Johnson, who died Sunday morning at Southern Coos Hospital after a lingering illness. He was 74.
Marc Johnson
He and his family, which includes wife Jeannie and daughter, Stephanie, moved to Bandon in 1972.
He was predeceased by his parents, Erwin "Swede" and Evaline Johnson; brother, Nord Johnson; and his two sisters, Kristen and Linell.
I was on the City Council during many of the 14 years that Marc worked for the Bandon Police Department, where he was the sergeant for many years and retired as interim chief. While serving as chairman of the city's public safety committee, I got to know Marc well, and always had the utmost respect for him.
After leaving police work, Marc and his brother owned the NAPA Auto Parts store, which they ran for 10 years.
A memorial service for Marc will be held at Pacific Community Church on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m. with a potluck to follow. His daughter is planning a "red, white and blue" service, which were Marc's favorite colors, and she is urging those who attend to put on their patriotic attire. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam War, based at Miramar Naval Base in San Diego.
* * *
There was an interesting story in Sunday's Willamette Week, a Portland-based newspaper, headlined "Dana Altman and Mario Cristobal's 'student athletes' just aren't graduating." The stats came from Jon Wilner of Pac-12 News and they certainly did not bode well for University of Oregon athletes.
The scores listed were the most-recent four-year averages, covering athletes who entered school from 2011-14.
The percentage of Oregon players on the men's basketball team who graduated was 20 percent .... compared to Arizona State, Cal, Stanford, USC, Utah and Washington State at 100 percent. The stats showed that 67 percent of the Oregon State players graduated, with Washington at 75 percent.
Football stats show Stanford on top with 93 percent, Oregon State in the middle of the pack at 82 percent, and Oregon second from the bottom with 73 percent. Only UCLA had a lower graduation rate, at 71 percent.
It's information like this that you don't find on the sports page.
* * *
I received a call from Sheriff Craig Zanni one night last week wanting to explain why he did not have room at the jail for "the bank robber" in Coos Bay.
Actually, what happened was an allegedly homeless man walked into the U.S. Bank at 400 Anderson Ave., with no threat of a weapon, and asked the teller to give him money, which they did. He walked out of the bank and went over to the Coos Bay Police Department and "turned himself in."
Rather than charge him with bank robbery, the officer charged him with disorderly conduct, which seems appropriate.
Zanni said the jail was full, and they would not take him. According to the sheriff, the guy ended up at the Devereux Center, where he hopefully got the help he needed .... at least for the short term.
Zanni told me that staffing is still a huge problem at the jail, as well as for patrol deputies, as he had recently lost another officer, who had been hired by the City of Bandon.
He knows how I feel about getting another jail pod open as soon as possible, which might well cut down on the incidents of crime, particularly in the Coos Bay, Empire, Charleston areas. But we both agreed that many of the problems that officers deal with on a daily basis are caused by mental health issues... and the fact that so few services are available in our area.
* * *
Even though we don't read as much about it, Covid is still very active in Coos County, with 40 new cases in one day last week, while other days registered more than 30.
Recently I reported cases which had occurred in the schools of Coos and Curry counties, but recent info sent to me by Coos Health and Wellness had stats for nursing home and assisted living facilities, including both case numbers and deaths.
Many of the numbers date back to the summer months, and some as far back as 2020 so I will just report on local cases dating back to Nov. 1.
In the Bandon area, they include Blue Diamond Estates, on McTimmons Road, who reported eight cases on Nov. 2; and Still Waters, Inc., the new facility on Elmira Avenue opened by Dan and Mary Wilson of WestWind Court, who reported six cases as of Nov. 30. Wilson is the pastor of Restoration Worship Center.
* * *
Ninety-nine-year-old Kenneth Stevens of Powers, who graduated from Bandon High School in 1941, was treated to a royal welcome when he and his three children and their spouses were in Hawaii for the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Kenneth, who joined the Navy in 1941, was aboard the USS Whitney when the attack happened. Thirty-two of the honored guests, including Kenneth, were Pearl Harbor survivors. Kenneth's wife, the former Phyllis Pullen, also a BHS graduate, died two years ago. Phyllis was a sister to the late Bill Pullen, father of Reg and Gary.
Kenneth was accompanied by his son Sam and wife Chris; daughter Kathy Rector and husband Mark Rector, and daughter Kayleen and husband Ron Hofsess.
* * *
I saw an obituary in The World recently for Bob Tenney, who died in Myrtle Point Nov. 15 at the age of 84. In 1976, he and his late wife Mary started the West Coast Game Park Safari (formerly the Deer Park). Bob and Mary purchased the park and worked side by side for over 30 years, expanding the business to more than 75 different species and bringing a unique experience to visitors.
He is survived by his son, Brian Tenney, of Bandon, five grandchildren and a special friend, Cindy Decker of Myrtle Point. In addition to his wife Mary, he was preceded in death by his son, Craig Tenney.
* * *
I also learned that former long-time Bandon resident Glenna Schellong Cravey, 73, died recently in Crescent City, Calif., where she was living to be near her daughter, former Crescent City Mayor Kelly Schellong. Also surviving is her son, David Schellong.
* * *
I don't know how many of you saw the graphic video of the tremendous explosion in Medford when a small plane, which had just left the airport with 128 gallons of fuel, crashed into a car dealership recently, setting more than 20 vehicles on fire and destroying everything on the ground.
Thank heavens, the accident occurred on a Sunday afternoon, when the dealership was closed, as there were no fatalities on the ground. The pilot, who died along with his passenger, was a Fallon, Nev., businessman, Don Sefton; his passenger, Valerie Serpa, 67, was the long-time director of an art center in that city. The plane Sefton was piloting was a twin propeller Piper Navajo.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 08, 2021
It seems that every two or three years for the past 60 plus years, there has been talk of a swimming pool, or a least a swimming hole, in Bandon. So far, not one has materialized!
The first picture, taken in March of 1955, shows the excavation work for the Bandon Community Swimming Pool, which was to be located at the rear of the high school building (barely visible at right), about where the bus barn and parking lot are now.
Excavating for the Bandon Community Swimming Pool, 1955
This was the high school that was destroyed in an arson fire in January of 1974, and the new school, which exists today, was moved to the west of where this school was located.
A story in the March 10, 1955, Western World reads: "A swimming pool for Bandon, to be ready in time for this summer, is a project adopted by the Bandon Lions club, members of which are soliciting the support of all civic organizations, granges and unions.
"Ernie Wehner, chairman, and Raleigh Greene have appeared before the Bandon Women's Civic Club, the school board and the executive board of the Bandon Home and School Club, all members or which have expressed approval of the project." (Ernie and his wife, Anna, owned Bandon Wayside Motel; Raleigh and his wife, Karama, owned the Bandon Theater.)
"Wehner and Greene stated that the actual cost of a pool complying with state regulations, and one that will be similar to the George Ulett Memorial pool in Coquille, in that it will be unheated and uncovered, and of about the same size is approximately $7,300, according to the estimate given by Vern Brown, local building contractor. This does not take into consideration donations of labor and materials.
"Additional costs for a filter system and pump will amount to $3,800.
"It is estimated that there is already about $1800 that has been set aside by different groups in the past, with the idea that a swimming pool might some day be feasible in Bandon."
A later article explained that surplus soil from the excavation would be pushed into the adjacent gully after drainage pipe was laid and what was then said to be worthless ground in a sheltered area would become a future site for a tennis court. Size of the pool was to be 40x60 feet.
But it never came to pass.
Two years later, in May of 1957, I found an article that indicated that an old city reservoir a mile and a half east of Bandon was being considered for a swimming pool (hole).
It mentioned that the swimming pool committee had "abandoned the site on the school grounds as requiring excessive cost to meet state standards in that location, and the excavation has now been filled in."
It appeared the old reservoir on Simpson Creek off Highway 42S was even more promising, and in the second picture, excavation work on the new swimming hole was underway with the use of Warren Albertson's "cat."
Excavating new swimming hole, 1957
Among those pictured are Bob Hiley, center, and Vic Backlund, in the bed of the truck, both city employees. I don't recognize the man closest to the camera. This project had the support of the city council.
An item in the May 16, 1957, Western World said, "Members of the city council voted to work in conjunction with the swimming pool committee toward establishment of a municipally-controlled recreation area there similar to that in operation at Lake Cleowox near Lakeside.
"Tentative plans included roping off swimming areas for children and adults, clearing of underbrush and placement of picnic tables, and erection of bath houses. Methods of barring entrance to the area during unsupervised hours were also considered.
"John Fasnacht, manager of utilities (what today we call city manager) reported that a field representative of the state board of health had stated verbally that his department would have no jurisdiction over a swimming area in a running stream such as the reservoir. This would eliminate the necessity of expensive chlorination facilities, Fasnacht said."
Since this was the year that I was a senior in high school, I can say for sure that this area was never opened to the public, probably because of the potential liability issues.
And today, over 60 years later, groups are still trying to figure out what it would take to build a swimming pool in Bandon.
I chose the third picture to illustrate an item in the March 12, 1915, Bandon Recorder, about a large mosquito fleet anchored along the Bandon waterfront that week.
I had to look up the term "mosquito fleet" and found that it means a fleet of small boats. It was also said to be whimsical nickname for the four small steamers that comprised the North Carolina Navy at the beginning of the Civil War.
The Recorder item said, "There were four ocean travelers: the Speedwell, the Elizabeth, the Brooklyn and the Ahwaneda; four river boats: the Telegraph, Coquille, Norma and Charm; the tug Klihyam; and six or eight smaller launches."
What a thrill it would be to see that many boats anchored along our waterfront today! I would definitely say those were the "good ole' days."
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I was sorry to learn of the passing of former resident Jaime Sterling, 60, who died Nov. 23 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She and her two daughters, Teagan, 18, and Marin, soon to be 21, moved to McMinnville in 2014. Marin is a student at Vassar in New York, but both girls had taken the year off to care for their mother.
After learning of her death, the girls' father, Mike Sterling of Bandon, immediately went to McMinnville to be with them as they made final arrangements. Jaime had asked to be buried in Leavenworth, Wash., near her grandfather. Her daughters may have a memorial for her in McMinnville, but haven't yet set a date.
In the local area, Jaime owned the Langlois Mountain Retreat (formerly Millard School), which had been turned into the Highlands Getaway. This now belongs to her daughters.
During their years in Bandon, the family made many friends who are sorry that these beautiful young women have suffered such a tragic loss.
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City Manager Dan Chandler announced last week that he had hired a new police chief to replace long-time chief Bob Webb who will be retiring at the end of the year.
In spite of a wide search, it came down to two men who were interviewed .... both of whom were members of the Bandon Police Department, patrol officer Cory Dhillon and Sergeant Larry Lynch.
Following a lengthy interview process, with the aid of a panel consisting of DA Paul Frasier, Sheriff's Captain Dan Looney, Fire Chief Lanny Boston and School Superintendent Sauna Schmerer, Chandler announced that he had hired Cory Dhillon to serve as chief.
Cory has been with the BPD for 5 years, and, according to Chandler, "brings to the City 12 years' experience as a military police officer and leader, including service in counter terrorism, VIP security for high ranking officers and as a war crimes investigator for the United States. Prior to coming to Bandon, Cory served with the Coquille Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff's office."
Although Dhillon and his family live in Coquille, Chandler said he will be moving to the Bandon area within the next year.
Although I really don't know Dhillon, I trust and support the city manager's decision, which I am sure was a hard one, considering that Larry Lynch had been with the department for more than 20 years.
Larry and I have been close friends for many years, a bond which formed while I was a reporter at Western World, and he had strong support from me and several other members of the council, but he, like the council, understood that by the City Charter, this decision lay with the city manager.
And I am sure we will get to know the new chief very soon as we welcome him to his new position.
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People are reminded that they need to head to Old Town Saturday afternoon (Dec. 11) for the nog walk at 3, which will be followed by the Light Parade at 5:30. Glasses for the nog/wine walk can be purchased at the Port of Bandon picnic shelter or at Beach Loop Realty from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the parade or other events, call Dana Nichols at 201-704-0756 or email her at dana.boardman1@gmail.com.
Don't forget to browse through the shops of our local merchants, who support local causes throughout the year and hope that people will do their Christmas shopping at home.
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I have been in close contact with ODOT in recent weeks concerning the new pedestrian crossing at Ninth Street. This week I received a press release that indicated that ODOT is preparing to break ground on the long-awaited crossing in January.
The new crossing will be located on the north side of the intersection between Dairy Queen and NAPA Auto Parts. It will include flashing lights, a push-button beacon along each side of the highway and a concrete pedestrian island in the center median.
The new crossing will likely get a lot of use due to its location near all three of the district's schools.
"The Ninth Street crossing was added to a larger pedestrian safety project that involves replacing more than a hundred ADA sidewalk ramps in Bandon, Camas Valley and Winston. The contractor will return to Bandon in January to finish the remaining ADA ramps and begin work on the new pedestrian crossing. All work is scheduled to continue through Spring of 2022," said the ODOT release.
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A former Bandon chiropractor Michael Currie, 67, of Melton Road was arrested last week by area law enforcement on several charges including domestic menacing, tampering with a witness and violating a release agreement. A press release said he was lodged in the Coos County Jail.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 01, 2021
The first picture I am sharing, which is looking east down First Street from about where Edgewaters is today, shows what it looked like before Bandon had paved streets.
Looking east down First Street
An article in the April 9, 1912, Bandon Recorder, asks the question in a front-page headline, "Why Not Pave This Year."
Here's what the editor had to say about the issue.
"Every town in this county except Bandon is making preparation to pave their main business thoroughfares. Coquille will do quite a bit of it and even Myrtle Point, with less than one-half the population of Bandon, has ordered paving done.
"Our people have the reputation for enterprise all right, but somehow we are not sustaining that reputation along certain lines at least. First Street should be paved by all means this summer and thus do away with the mud as we were forced to wade through it last winter.
"The spring season is here and we should get busy and brighten up a little.
"An order to pave First Street would be the first and best step that could be taken to make Bandon a city such as it deserves to be.
"There are lots of things we ought to do, there are some things we must do sooner or later, and paving is one of them, so why not begin now?"
It just so happened that on the same front page was a note about the marriage of Noah M. Davison and Neva Olga Mossman, who wed at the home of the bridegroom's parents.
The article said "A sumptuous infair dinner was given at the home of the bridegroom. Only a few chosen friends were present at the wedding."
The Davisons later owned and operated Davisons Market on the corner of Highway 101 and Delaware, which later became Bandon Market and was operated by their son Earle Davison. Today it is a parking lot belonging to Dr. Sharen Strong across Delaware from Bandon Brewing Co.
The second photo, taken in the early 1900s, features the Grand Theatre, located on First Street.
Grand Theatre
In May of 1912, the owners installed a mercury arc rectifier.
The editor of the Recorder noticed a new electrical apparatus in operation in the lobby of the Grand Theatre and decided to inquire of Manager Sellmer as to the purpose of the machine and what caused it to generate such a powerful greenish colored light.
"The Recorder man was informed that this machine was called a Mercury Arc Rectifier, its purpose being to change alternating into direct electrical current, thereby producing an absolutely steady flickerless light for the pictures on the screen. This apparatus is the only machine on the market that will give these results, and although the cost is rather high, $200, Manager Sellmer says that the improved pictures he can now offer the patrons of the Grand, will more than compensate him for the outlay. The scribe also noticed Otto Melcher busy repainting the front of the Grand getting the assurance that when the job was completed, Bandon's Cozy Playhouse would certainly loom up some."
The third picture shows the former Kronenberg house, which was one of very few to survive the Bandon Fire of 1936. It is located on Harlem Avenue at the top of Carolina Avenue, and is now owned by Terry and Joy Tiffany.
Kronenberg house
An item in the April 18, 1913, Recorder explains that "George Kronenberg gave a theatre party Tuesday evening to a number of his young friends, the occasion being his ninth birthday. The party was chaperoned by Mrs. J.L. Kronenberg and Miss Pearl Walker, George's teacher. The little folks enjoyed the occasion to the fullest extent."
George Kronenberg spent most of his life serving the community of Bandon, starting his working career at a local bank, later opening George's Electric and then going into the insurance business with Eddie Waldrop. He was active in both the Chamber of Commerce and the Bandon Lions Club. His brother, Jack Kronenberg, was involved in the timber business.
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All of Kim Russell's friends, and especially those of us who are associated with Southern Coos Hospital where Kim has worked for many years as the executive assistant to the CEO, were shocked to learn that she suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage (aneurism) on Nov. 10 while using the treadmill at her home.
Kim was alone that morning, as her daughters had gone to a concert and her husband, Troy, was working. She posted on her Facebook page that she suffered a very serious headache and realized something was wrong. She called 9-1-1, and ended up being lifeflighted to River Bend Hospital in Eugene, where she immediately underwent surgery.
Although still hospitalized, she has been reaching out to her friends through Facebook and it appears that she is getting better each day, which is wonderful news to all of us who know her.
As a member of the hospital board, I can say that she is the heart and soul of that organization and we are so thankful that she is on the mend.
Kerry Vincent is filling is for Kim, during this particularly busy time as we work toward hiring a permanent CEO. She's got her work "cut out for her," but she's already shown that she is willing and able to assist.
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I was so sorry to learn that Rob Roszkowski, brother of Tony Roszkowski, who owns Tony's Crab Shack, had died last week at the age of 55. Known as one of the best sport fishermen in the area, Rob ran Tony's bait shop adjacent to the cafe for many years, and you knew you could always count on him for helpful tips, and a smile.
I remember the time I'd heard about fishing line to erect a deer fence around my roses, and rather than laugh at me, Rob found the perfect line and gave me enough to see if it would work. And it did.
People were shocked to learn of his death because he has touched so many lives during his years in Bandon. Rest In Peace, Rob.
* * *
The latest issue of the Port Orford News had some interesting Covid information which, for some reason, I have never been able to find. The story had a Salem headline, so it obviously came from the Oregon Health Authority.
Toward the end of the story, it listed outbreaks in Curry and Coos counties, which included:
Harbor Lights Middle School reported five cases (all students) since November 10;
Bandon High School reported two cases (both students), since November 8;
Pacific High School reported two cases (both students) since November 8.
Hillcrest Elementary in North Bend reported two cases; Riley Creek School in Gold Beach reported one case; North Bay Elementary in North Bend reported six cases (all students) since November 8; Kalmiopsis Elementary in Brookings reported four cases (all students); Marshfield High School in Coos Bay reported one case (student) since Nov. 7; North Bend Middle School reported four cases; Sunset Middle School in Coos Bay reported one cases, and Eastside School in Coos Bay reported seven cases (all students) since November 5.
Thanks to Matt Hall, the editor, for taking the time to obtain that information.
* * *
I also learned that Allen Howard Boice, 69, had died suddenly at his home in Roseburg on Nov. 1. Allen, who was the nephew of the famed River Rogue Sheriff (title of a book written about him)Allen Boice, had worked many years for the Curry County sheriff's office and was the son of the late Jerry and Evelyn Boice of Langlois. He is a cousin to Curry County Commissioner Court Boice and to Emily, Bruce and Maud Capps of Bandon. Another cousin is Wayne Campbell of Coos Bay and his brother Don.
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For the first time in many years, if ever, three of the state football champions are what we would call local.
Marshfield defeated Marist Catholic Saturday 49-34 to reign as 4A champions. It was their first football championship since 1992, when they were coached by Kent Wigle, who had spent 17 years coaching at South Umpqua. Marshfield also won three state championships under Coach Pete Susick in the 1950s. I counted Pete and his wife Marcella among my friends as I attended many Marshfield sporting events with my pal Kenn Hess.
Coquille won its first state football championship in 51 years, since the glory days of Coach Andy Klemm, when they defeated Kennedy 38-28 for the 2A crown, with senior Gunner Yates rushing for 388 yards and scoring five touchdowns.
Siuslaw won the 3A championship by defeating South Umpqua 14-9.
The Bandon Tigers also had a very successful year, before losing the state quarterfinal game, 27-26, against Lakeview.
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Two former residents are celebrating their birthdays in early December. Kathie Copsey posted on Facebook that her mother, Thelma Lindvall, would be 98 on Wednesday, Dec. 1. Thelma and Herbert (Lindy) Lindvall lived here for a number of years and Kathie graduated from Bandon High School with the Class of 1965.
Lloyd Gabriel, who taught school here in the late '50s, will observe his 100th birthday on Dec. 2. Those who wish to send him a card can do so at 3808 Summitview Ave., Apt. 301, Yakima, Wash., 98902. His email address is expowgabe@gmail.com. His wife, Ruth (known to her friends as Rik) also taught here, and is now in her late 90s.
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I recently sent one of my black and white photo books to former resident Roxanna Tessman, who now lives in Ashland. She specializes in bird photography and shared her published book, Uncomplicated Joy, with me. It's a treasure filled with colorful birds photos, and it can be found online at Barnes and Noble.
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I have been going through hundreds of my scenic photos, and printing off many of them in a 4x6 format. I think it's time to share some of them, and if you're interested, just send me a stamped, self-addressed envelope with two stamps on it (or maybe three) to me at PO Box 521, Bandon, 97411, and I will share my photos with you.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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