As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 27, 2023
To celebrate the Christmas season, Jolly Hibbits and Lynn Taskilla pulled a hay wagon through the Old Town section of Bandon, (first photo) according to an article in the Dec. 21, 1983, Western World.
Hay wagon in Old Town, 1983
The photographer snapped this photo as they drove south on Baltimore Avenue in front of the Big Wheel and Andrea's Old Town Cafe, now Foley's Irish Pub.
Hopefully by this time next year, we can celebrate the holiday season with the city-owned trolley, which proved to be popular during the tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 25 in Old Town as Santa and Mrs. Claus sat in the trolley, greeting youngsters.
Bandon Coast Guard lookout tower
An article on the front page of the Dec. 4, 1952, Western World has a photo of the Bandon Coast Guard lookout tower (second photo) that was accepted as Coos County's second fulltime aircraft observation post, according to Claude E. Waldrop (third photo, right), local defense commander.
Local defense commander Claude E. Waldrop (right)
"The only other such post in operation at present is in North Bend, while a like project is being organized in Coquille.
"Volunteers are urgently needed, as Waldrop hopes to get skywatch operations under way within the next few weeks. He is asking for individual volunteers and is appealing to the various civic, fraternal and patriotic organizations to designate personnel to take over for one week at a time, with the organizations working in rotation.
"Anyone interested in taking part in this vital defense project may call Waldrop for further particulars.
"Radar has been declared insufficient for the detection of low-flying aircraft, according to Waldrop, who says it is therefore of utmost importance that sky watchers be on duty at all times.
"The tower will have electricity and heat and a telephone. The place will be made as convenient and comfortable as possible. There will be direct connection with the filter center in Portland.
"Waldrop states that a school of instruction will be held for the skywatchers, and pertinent films will be shown as an educational feature in connection with the work."
The tower was located on the hill across from the old Coast Guard Station (now the Port of Bandon office).
* * *
Bandon caddie Jimmy Kelley set a new course record on the Bandon Preserve at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Kelley shot 7-under for a 32 during the Ninth Annual Looper cup against caddie teams from Pine Valley, Mayacama and Cypress Point recently.
The Looper Cup ended with one final round on Bandon Dunes. "The friendly competition consisted of six caddies from each of the four golf courses," according to a post on Facebook.
"Congratulations to our own Bandon caddies for defending their title this year."
Events scheduled for 2024 include the Bandon Dunes Cup, April 28 to May 1, a 72-hole tournament played over 3 days on Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails and Old Macdonald utilizing three formats: four-ball, scramble and foursomes.
The Bandon Dunes Links championship is June 23-26.
The Tenth annual Full Match Play is Oct. 20-23, with 42 teams competing in the links golf format.
According to their website, all registrations are full.
* * *
The National Speech and Debate Association recently awarded Caroline Whitmer Campbell with her second Diamond Coach award, the highest honor a coach can receive as part of the NSDA.
The Executive Director of NSDA says these award winners provide access to life changing benefits of speech and debate to thousands of students.
Caroline, who is the daughter of Don and MaryKay Whitmer, teaches at South Medford High School. Her brother, Sergeant Matt Whitmer, and her sister, Christine Michalek, and their families live in Bandon.
A 2003 graduate of Bandon High School, Caroline was active in the speech and drama program, taught for many years by Ellen (Mrs. Rick) Howard.
* * *
Judging from a Facebook post beneath my column last week, there seems to be some confusion of the status of the Marriott Hotel project on the gravel parking lot at the west end of Old Town.
Because of an incomplete application, the project has not gone to either the Bandon Planning Commission or the City Council.
I am not sure what the future holds for the motel, if anything, after the letter from the Coquille Indian Tribe, sent to the Marriott representative, and copied to Port Director Jeff Griffin and City Manager Torrey Contreras, which said, in part: "The ground disturbance required to build a structure of this scale is simply not acceptable given that the location, demonstrated by Tribal tradition, decades of archaeological work, and your own contractors, is more than likely the resting place of many of our ancestors."
At one time the city considered purchasing the gravel lot from Fred Gernandt and Kirk Day; at that time the price had been lowered from $1.9 million to $1.7 million, but after paying for an appraisal of the lot, the city felt it was not feasible for purchase. After that, Gernandt advised me that the price was once again $1.9 million. I believe that is what the Marriott paid or is paying for the property.
* * *
On Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. the Redfish Music Festival will present its final concert in its January concert tour at Holy Trinity Church, 355 Oregon Ave SE. The program will feature The Redfish Trio (piano, violin and cello), with Genevieve Feiwen Lee, pianist; Fritz Gearhart, violinist; and Cellist Andrew Smith.
"They will perform a unique program of four small works which cover a wide range of styles from the early classical to the contemporary. The program features work by Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Jennifer Higdon and Joaquin Turina.
The cost is $20 and may be paid at the door.
* * *
I read some really good news this week in "The Season of Giving," shared by Coos County Sheriff's Captain Sean Sanborn in a message to the citizens of the county.
In part, Sanborn said "It has been a wild year at the Sheriff's Office and we have seen an overwhelming support from our community. To date the Dispatch Center has taken over 36,000 calls for service. We have been seeking qualified folks to work for our office and we have made great gains there.
"I am happy to say that in January we will be hiring four folks, which, once they are trained, will allow us to open our jail to 98 beds. As always, the work continues and we continue to improve, learn and grow as an office and as individuals. We don't always get it right, but we certainly try to learn from our mistakes," said Sanborn.
That is the news that I have been waiting for ever since the sheriff's office was forced to cut back its open jail beds because of finances and mostly, the lack of trained corrections personnel.
The Coos County Jail has 250 beds, in 50-bed pods, but in the last couple of years, only one pod has been open, which resulted in a revolving door of people, who should be incarcerated, but instead were booked and returned to the community...to often reoffend.
This news is a great Christmas present for the people of Coos County. Ever since Gabe Fabrizio was elected sheriff, the transparency has been much improved. His office sends out press releases on most every incident, whether or not the person is jailed.
I have been a journalist in Coos County for five decades, and I can never remember this amount of information being shared with the public. Thanks again to the sheriff, and his very competent staff, for making this possible.
* * *
I was the guest speaker at the Bandon Rotary Club several weeks ago ... talking about my favorite subject -- Bandon, past and present. And I will say that I was pleasantly surprised with a note sent by Rotary president Larry Langenberg to his fellow Rotarians about my talk.
"Thank you to Mayor Mary Schamehorn for being our speaker last week. Mary has dedicated a lot of her life in service to the City of Bandon. I don't think there is anyone else who can compare with her knowledge of Bandon past and present. It's always enjoyable and informative to hear her talk about Bandon History, and the current issues facing our little town," said Larry.
This means so much to me...
Speaking of programs, Jim Proehl and I will be presenting the story of the arson fire that destroyed Bandon High School fifty years ago ... in January of 1974, with the photos that I took that night for the Western World, and the interesting story that accompanies those pictures. The first program will be Tuesday, Jan. 23, at Farm and Sea's Meet and Greet, beginning at 11 a.m. Then, on Feb. 10, we will present the same, or similar program, at the museum, at 2 p.m. There is no charge for either program.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 20, 2023
Plans for a full-scale grand opening of the Bandon Historical Society's Museum on the bottom floor of the downtown Masonic Building were reported in the May 5, 1977, Western World.
"Vice president Marge Goddard (first picture with Shannon Mueller) said the special activities will span specially guided tours for school children to a gala street dance on the Saturday evening of the opening.
Marge Goddard with Shannon Mueller
A 'dancing through the years' exhibit will run from square dancing to an evening hoedown.
"Shannon Applegate Mueller noted that Ernie Osborne, Bandon nautical historian, is working closely with the society's museum committee to establish the first major museum display. 'We are very, very fortunate to have a man of Ernie's caliber so deeply involved,' said Mueller.
"The board also agreed to approach the Chamber of Commerce on the possibility of the chamber joining with the society in utilizing the museum as the official Bandon visitor's information center.
"The museum board learned that Bill Grannell, publisher of the Empire Builder newspaper, has agreed to donate a working linotype machine to the society. When combined with the small press already in the museum, the result will be a working exhibit.
" 'With this hand-operated printing equipment which flourished at the turn of the century, we will be able to produce our own printed materials,' noted Peter Toll, a board member."
The second picture shows Paul Mueller bringing the linotype into the museum.
Paul Mueller w/linotype machine
Today the museum is located in the former city hall building at Highway 101 and Fillmore Avenue, which was donated to the museum by the City after the new city hall opened in 1970 ... 53 years ago.
The third photo was taken in October of 1983 as former chiropractor Chuck Meese drove his amphibious vehicle past a fishing boat in the local boat basin.
Dr. Chuck Meese w/amphibious vehicle, 1961
Dr. Meese had his office on Second Street, now occupied by the Sassy Seagull. After the Fire it served George's Electric, owned by George Kronenberg, and later for many years it was the home of Kronenberg & Waldrop Insurance.
* * *
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a traditional sit-down dinner with friends and neighbors on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25, at the Bandon Community Center (the Barn), from 1 to 4 p.m. Although the turkey dinner is free, donations are welcome.
Meals can be delivered to homebound Bandon residents. Reservations for meal delivery must be made by Wednesday, Dec. 20, by calling Carrie Foster at 541-260-5048 or Rosey Enderle at 907-723-0846.
The meal is being organized by Jane Ujhazi, Bandon, with the help of many volunteers, including a family of 15. Funding is by generous donations from the community via a GoFundMe account. The City of Bandon has donated the use of the Community Center to cook and serve the meal. Ujhazi is expecting approximately 300 guests and delivery of 100 meals in and around Bandon.
Live music will be provided by Kenny Croes and Dinari Freed. For more info or to volunteer, send text messages to Ujhazi at 541-297-3739 or by email to jane@jeffnjane.com.
* * *
According to a press release, the FBI is looking into at least 18 threats made across Oregon on Monday, Dec. 11, including more than a dozen bomb threats that prompted the evacuation of schools in six districts, including Bandon. Others were Cascade, Corbett, Colton, Central-Linn and Arlington.
The FBI is aware of several threatening email messages that were sent to various schools, airports and houses of worship.
"While the FBI has no information to indicate these threats are credible at this time, public safety agencies can never simply discount such threats. Hoax threats put innocent people at risk and can easily distract and deplete limited public safety resources. We recognize these threats have already been extremely disruptive to classrooms and elsewhere. The FBI will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to determine if the threats are connected in any way and we will act upon threat info as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately," said the release.
"A hoax threat is not a joke. It is a crime with major ramifications," said the FBI spokesman.
* * *
Coquille Indian Tribe Chairman Brenda Meade has sent a letter to the representative of Bandon Old Town Partners LLC (Marriott), with copies to the city and the port concerning "the gravel parking lot" at the west end of Old Town, where plans have been announced for an 85-room hotel.
In the first part of the letter, Meade thanks the developers for their cooperation and their diligence in completing geotechnical and archaeological work.
"Our people have lived and thrived on this land for thousands of years, and still do today. We take seriously our responsibility to protect our ancestors that have walked on, and whose footsteps we walk in today. There is no other option for us as a people," said Meade.
She goes on to say, "however, there are certain circumstances, in which we simply cannot find a way to mitigate, plan or modify projects to reduce impacts to our ancestors' burials."
She adds that based on the data developed during geotechnical testing and archaeological research, "we believe that, at this point, there is sufficient information available to clarify our position on this proposal... we do not see a path forward that would result in the intensive development and disturbance associated with construction of a multistory hotel in this location."
"Our histories ... indicate that the proposed project will be placed on top of a portion of the remains of a significant Coquille settlement that was first occupied over 3,000 years ago and that was in use for generations afterwards," says Meade as she reviewed the findings.
"The ground disturbance required to build a structure of this scale is simply not acceptable given that the location, demonstrated by Tribal tradition, decades of archaeological work, and your own contractors, is more than likely the resting place of many of our ancestors.
"We understand that this is disappointing that the parcel is not a feasible development location. The Tribe looks forward to exploring alternative opportunities with you."
* * *
I've learned that Don Crowe, general manager of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, has been promoted to senior vice president of operations for Dream Golf. Crowe joined Bandon Dunes as the General Manger in 2017, and with his staff, has been instrumental in driving the remarkable growth being experienced at the Resort.
A letter sent to staff and caddies last week, said, "From the opening of the Sheep Ranch through the evolution of staff housing, to the recent addition of Ghost Tree Grill and Shorty's, Don has been an essential part of keeping the momentum strong and ensuring that our guests experience a trip of a lifetime when they visit Bandon Dunes. We are excited to have Don join us as a member of our Dream Golf Leadership Team in Chicago. In his new post, Don will manage operations at large across all Dream Golf properties. He will remain at Bandon Dunes for the next several months as we work together to identify his replacement and ensure a smooth transition for the resort team," said the letter signed by Chris Keiser, one of Mike Keiser's two sons.
* * *
A good crowd of Chamber members and guests turned out for the Christmas party Dec. 13 at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, hosted by the chamber chair Lori Osborne and the board of directors. City Manager Torrey Contreras was the guest speaker.
* * *
I read recently that nearly 21 percent of about 50 million adults experienced mental illness from 2018 to 2022, according to Mental Health America's 2023 report on the state of mental health in the United States. But what I did not realize is where Oregon ended up on the list of states with a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care for adults.
We were 47th in the nation, above only Arizona, Wyoming and Kansas with worse numbers. The top 10 best states for adult mental health are Kentucky, Hawaii, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Tennessee, New Jersey, Illinois and Maryland.
And when you throw BM 110, which decriminalized hard drugs, into the mix, you can see the tragic results on the sidewalks and under the bridges of small towns and big cities across our state.
* * *
Coming Events:
Billy Smoothboars Christmas party for children of Bandon families, Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m.;
Plastics recycling, Sprague room at the Bandon Library in City Park, 4 to 6, Wednesday, Dec. 20;
Yard debris pickup, starts Monday, Jan. 8.
On Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m., Redfish Music Festival will present its final concert in its January tour at Holy Trinity Church, 355 Oregon Avenue, SE, featuring the Redfish piano trio (piano, violin and cello). Information on tickets can be found at redfishmusicfestival.com.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 13, 2023
The first story I am sharing this week is something I had not previously heard of, and it's hard to even envision. A front-page article in the Oct. 1, 1925, Western World explained how two Bandon men, John Nielson and L.J. Radley, with G.E. Trott of Coquille, presented their story of asking the federal Department of the Interior to put Bandon's two rock islands -- Table and Cove Rocks -- on the market at a public auction.
They had a plan.
"Their plan, which they say may take several years to mature, contemplates the construction of steel bridges, connecting each rock with the mainland and each other.
"The ultimate purpose is the erection of a summer resort on the islands somewhat similar to the Cliff House (first picture) at San Francisco.
Cliff House, San Francisco
"They frankly stated that they did not have the funds necessary to spend $25,000 to $50,000 in erecting the bridges, but they were sure that capital could be induced to improve the islands, with possibly a quarter of a million expenditure, if the government would place them on the market.
"Their application to have the islands offered for sale is with the department at Washington but has not been acted upon.
"Petitions from other sources have also been filed asking that the rocks be declared a permanent government reserve as nesting places for birds."
And it seems obvious that the latter plan prevailed.
But can you close your eyes and imagine a stately structure built atop Table Rock ... with a steel bridge leading to Eighth Street?
The Cliff House was built in 1863; enlarged in 1868; blown up in 1887; burned down in 1894; rebuilt in 1896; burned again in 1907, and rebuilt one more time in 1908.
In 1977 the National Park Service acquired the property to become part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The NPS rehabilitated the historic Cliff House in 2005 to return it to its original neoclassical design.
The second story comes from the April, 20, 1925, issue of Western World.
"Billy Moore" (second picture) is the name of a new towboat that will soon handle log rafts and do other work on the local river for the Moore Mill & Lumber company, taking the place of the Sampson.
Billy Moore towboat
"The hull for the Billy Moore was built by Herman Bros. at Prosper and is considered as good as wooden hulls can possibly be built. It is about three times as large as the Sampson, but, for the present, will use the 65 h.p. Diesel engine that is now in the Sampson.
"A distinctive feature of the boat is that, with the exception of the engine, it was built here. The hull was built by Herman Bros., the rudder, shoe and bow irons by York & Co. (third photo, located just east of the first Chappell Service Station on 101 across from the present Face Rock Creamery site), the patterns and castings were cast at Rogers Foundry and all of the machine work has been done by Bandon Iron Works. Between 600 and 700 pounds of brass castings are used. The engine will be taken from the Sampson and installed in the new hull sometimes next week."
* * *
I received a note a couple of weeks ago, and should have written this sooner, but I had misplaced the information.
An anonymous business owner has expressed what a lot of us feel.
"Over the years we have witnessed the local drunks and druggies living on the streets of Bandon as they beg for money from working folk who supply them with money for drugs and alcohols. They are slowly killing these beggars with kindness and allowing them to dump on and destroy what Bandonites work so hard to maintain. It is a vicious cycle of enabling their self-destructive ways."
The email was accompanied by a poster that read, in part:" Don't kill with kindness. Don't give to people begging on the street; Give to charity."
"The message we are sending to townspeople is asking them to give to local charities who can actually help people that want to be helped."
* * *
As secretary of the hospital board I attended the party for Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center employees Saturday night at Lori Osborne's Farm and Sea Warehouse. It was a great event!
After we had eaten, CEO Ray Hino handed out awards to deserving employees and gifts to many of the employees, through a ticket drawing.
Chris Cox, an information systems analyst in the IT department, was named non-clinical Employee of the Year; Denise Ebenal, an infection control nurse, was named clinical Employee of the Year.
Speaking of Saturday night, I missed the lighted parade, but from the photos, it looks like there were some grand entries.
* * *
I saw a notice this week of yet another Bandon business for sale. The listing was for the Rolling Pin, located in the former Shindler Drug Store building adjacent to McKay's Market. The restaurant, bakery and coffee shop business is for sale for $699,000. I am not sure who owns the building where the business is located.
They first opened in Old Town before Covid, and the Rolling Pin has grown steadily in popularity.
* * *
The Bandon Chamber's Shop Bandon event is going on this week, Dec. 10 through Dec. 17. "People are urged to save their receipts, and for every $25 spent, you will receive a cookie cutter of your choice from the Bandon Visitor Center, open 11-3 daily. Bring in $150 worth of receipts and you will receive a one-of-a-kind Coquille River Lighthouse cookie cutter," said a chamber spokesman.
Utilities, groceries, pharmacy, contracted services, and service station purchases are exempt. Call 541-347-9616 for information.
* * *
CORRECTION: A friend told me that Bruce Spencer, who was one of two who appealed the Gravel Point development project, was the son of Harry and Trish Spencer. According to a relative, that is not true. I understand that Doug Spencer, who has been a member of the city's budget committee is, in fact, their son.
As far as Gravel Point is concerned, the city council voted to hold a de Novo (a new) hearing rather than a hearing on the record, but a date has not yet been set.
* * *
People are reminded that there will be a traditional sit down holiday meal on Christmas Day (Monday, Dec. 25) at The Barn/Community Center, thanks to Jane Ujhazi and her crew of volunteers. Dinner will be served from 1 to 4 p.m., and will include roast turkey and all the trimmings.
If you aren't able to come out, just call by Dec. 20 so your dinner can be delivered to you. Phone numbers to call are Carrie Foster at 541-260-5048 or Rosey Enderle at 907-723-0846.
* * *
A press release from the Coos County Sheriff's Office reported on yet another case of lost mushroom pickers. On Dec. 5, around 11:45 p.m., Neal Wisegarver 47, and Jeffrey Burns, 62, were located in the Whiskey Run area north of Bandon. The call had come in about 5 p.m. that the two men had not made contact after dark.
Deputy Freerksen responded to the area and conducted an initial search. The Coos County Search and Rescue Coordinator Deputy J. Gray was contacted due to poor weather conditions and low visibility in the area.
Shortly before midnight, deputies made verbal contact with both men, who were cold and wet but otherwise unharmed.
The Sheriff's office again "emphasized planning and preparing for recreational activities, especially when conducting them after the sun goes down."
* * *
Oregon DMV sent out a press release this week indicating that thousands more Oregonians are now eligible to get back driver's licenses suspended because of unpaid traffic violations. Gov. Tina Kotek ordered mass clemency for the Oregon residents, building on an order from her predecessor, Gov. Kate Brown, that forgave more than 8,000 Oregonians in the same situation a year earlier. Kotek's order forgives more than 10,000 more people whose driver's licenses were suspended only because they didn't pay fines related to traffic violations, such as speeding or parking tickets. The remission order does not apply to people whose licenses were suspended because of traffic crimes, such as driving under the influence of intoxicants.
Bandon Municipal Court Judge Gary Milliman sent us an email Sunday to say that while the remission order did impact people in Brookings and Port Orford, where he also serves as judge, he did not believe anyone from Bandon was on the list.
He added that the Oregon Judges Association was not consulted by the Governor's office regarding this matter, and had no role in determining who is on the remission list.
* * *
Coming events: Plastics Recycling, Dec. 20, 4 to 6, Sprague room at Library; Billy Smoothboars Christmas for local families, Dec. 20, 4 to 7; Bandon Playhouse auditions for Radium Girls, Dec. 11-12-13, 6 p.m. Sprague Theater, City Park.
The next brush and yard debris removal event for January 2024 will be held beginning Monday, Jan. 8, when Bandon Disposal will pick up piles of brush and yard debris of up to a maximum of 5 cubic yards at no cost.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
December 06, 2023
There is so much history surrounding Moore Mill & Lumber Co., and this week I share another story, dating back to 1928, which appeared in the Western World.
"The Moore Mill & Lumber company (first photo) resumed operations Monday after a holiday shutdown of several weeks during which time some important improvements were made, bringing the local plant up to a point of efficiency second to none in the state.
Moore Mill & Lumber company
"Manager R.T. Moore states that a new 12-inch edger and a new-style trimmer were installed during the shutdown, which added to the new resaw department installed last July, making the plant completely modern. It will mean a considerable increase in the daily cut when the mill operates in fir.
"The company is now moving its camp from Leneve to the Lowe creek tract, opposite Bear creek, which brings the logging operations within a few minutes ride of Bandon. The camp, under the supervision of J.R. Hellman, will employ about 85 men. A landing and railroad are being built.
"Mr. Hellman employed a novel way of moving the camp buildings. They were taken to the river at Leneve by train and placed on a large raft of spruce logs. The raft is made up of 125,000 feet of timber and is large enough to accommodate the whole colony, including bunk houses, cook house, etc. The colony floated down the river to the new scene of operation where it is securely anchored and where the colony will live aboard the raft until the buildings can be moved to their more permanent moorings on terra firma.
"Many of the workers of the new camp will be able to live in Bandon and go back and forth to their work each day. A crossing has been established at the Hamblock barn just east of the Bear Creek road on the main highway between Bandon and Coquille. Crossing is by boat."
In my collection of old postcards I found a picture of the Sugarloaf Creamery at Myrtle Point (second photo) and later I found a small article in the Feb. 4, 1926, Western World.
Sugarloaf Creamery
"Sugarloaf creamery at Myrtle Point is operating all through the winter months this year for the first time in history. The American says winter dairying is made possible thru good roads. One reason for the closing of the condensery in Bandon was the lack of winter production of milk. It seems strange that more dairymen do not take advantage of the high prices of milk products during the winter season."
A year earlier, in Oct. 1, 1925, the paper reported that the local Nestle's Food plant would close for an indefinite period on Nov. 1 as the milk supply during the winter months was so small that the plant operates at a loss.
"The condensery has been an important factor in the community since its establishment here in 1919. It has a capacity of caring for 250,000 pounds of milk per day, and at present is affording employment for 30 people. Farmers who are sending milk to the condensery will be forced to find a market elsewhere for their product. With the closing of the local plant, the warehouse at Coquille will also be closed."
The condensery never re-opened, but the complex on the waterfront, which later became Moore Moore's truck shop, was used for other business ventures.
The Silver Spray Gardens (third photo) was said to be the largest dance hall in Oregon during its heyday, in the roaring twenties.
Silver Spray Gardens
In October of 1925, an article in the paper said the dance hall had been closed under attachments for debt, but that week it was released by Coos County Sheriff Gage.
"The weekly dance will be given at the Silver Spray Gardens on Saturday, Oct. 3, the management states, as deputy sheriff Malehorn was here Tuesday and granted a release of the order by which it was closed on Saturday of last week. It seems that it was closed through a lack of information regarding the status of the property, which is classed as real property, and cannot be closed except by obtaining a judgment and sale through the court.
"A number of other attachments have been filed against the Beach Investment Co. since the city has filed suit. A claim has been entered by the Moore Mill & Lumber company asking for the payment of $4,000 due them on a bill of July 13, 1924.
"McNair Hardware company sold to the Beach Investment company hardware and building materials amounting to $2,463.00 and also filed a complaint against the company."
Both Moore Mill and the City also filed an affidavit attaching property owned by Beach Investment Co.
An article in the Nov. 26, 1925, paper said the hall was sold by the sheriff for liens held by Moore Mill, the City and First National Bank, totaling $11,200.
"It will probably be some time before the financial matters are straightened out so the hall can be reopened," said the article.
In January of 1926 well-known attorney Geo. Topping secured a lease on the Silver Spray Gardens, "having the interest of the Bandon Concert band, as well as his own."
The hall, which was located on the bluff at Coquille Point, was destroyed in the Fire of 1936.
* * *
I've had a lot of questions lately about the former Dave's TV (or to us old-timers the Croxall & Perry Grocery) building on Second Street between the Continuum building and the former Lloyd's Cafe.
The building is owned by Tom Stadelman, who has been upgrading it and has already done a lot of work, including new windows facing Second Street. But it's not finished.
He told me that several people have been talking with the city planning department about a retail shop and a cafe, and if it turns out they are interested he says the building should be completed by the end of March. He added that this month (December) he plans to finish the front of the building, as he has purchased some poles similar to the building next door (the Continuum).
* * *
I saw a post on Facebook that on the night of Nov. 30, someone had broken into the Cymatic Sound Studios business on the second floor of the Uptown Plaza building (formerly Stadelman building) southwest of the post office on Alabama. The door was kicked in and four guitars were stolen. If anyone knows anything about this burglary, they are asked to contact Allen Giardinelli or Police Chief Cory Dhillon.
"The spot has been a resource for many local musicians, and the two Telecasters (guitars) have been on dozens of records. They are one of a kind and I would sure like to have them back," said Giardinelli, who is a member of the family who owns Angelo's Italian restaurant in Old Town.
* * *
After reading about the burglary of her home during Gayle Thompson's memorial service recently, Bill Smith said that his home had been broken into in September, and he's not sure but the person may have been in the house when he entered from the front. Bill found that someone had gone out the sliding glass door and he found some of the stolen jewelry dropped in the bushes behind the house, which indicated a quick get-away.
The stolen items included most of his wife Carla's jewelry.
* * *
People have been asking me about the Gravel Point development in the Beach Loop area. The Planning Commission recently approved it on a 4-2 (Bill Frey and Gordon Norman) vote. Since then, it has been appealed to the city council by Bandon resident Bruce Spencer (son of Trish and Harry Spencer) and the environmental group, ORCA (Oregon Coast Alliance), headed by Cameron La Follette.
At the Dec. 4 council meeting, the council is expected to determine if the appeal hearing will be de Nova (new) or on the record. The hearing is expected to be held in either January or February.
* * *
Since people saw the trolley at the Tree Lighting Ceremony there is talk about putting it back into service this spring. Councilor Peter Braun has been trying to get it retrofit to meet ADA standards, but earlier correspondence with our late city attorney indicates that if it were a tourist attraction, rather than public transportation on a fixed route, it could legally operate.
City Manager Torrey Contreras is hoping it can be retrofit or there is the possibility that another one could be purchased, but until that occurs we are hoping that it will once again be thrilling locals and tourists alike when good weather returns.
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It was neat to learn that the combined Bandon/Pacific football team had the top GPA of all class 2A programs, earning first place in the Academic All-State Program sponsored by the OSAA. The Tigers, who also reached the playoffs this year, had a team GPA of 3.58.
The Bandon girls cross-country team (3.33 GPA), the Bandon boys cross country team (3.82), and the Bandon 2A girls volleyball team (3.72) also placed high in the academic standings.
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A large crowd of family members, hospital employees and city officials were at city hall Friday for the swearing in of Bandon's newest police officer Ian Mastrangelo, who was previously employed at Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center. Pinning on his badge was his father, Jim Mastrangelo of Kingman, Az.
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Coming events: plastic recycling, Dec. 20, 4 to 6, Sprague room at library;
St. John's church book sale, Saturday, Dec. 9, 10-3 at Episcopal church;
Billy Smoothboars Christmas for local families, Dec. 20, 4 to 7; Bandon Playhouse auditions for Radium Girls, Dec. 11, 12, 13, at 6 p.m., Sprague Theater, City Park.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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