As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 27, 2019
I have chosen a neat picture from my old postcard collection of the SS Elizabeth as it clearly shows the distance between the lighthouse and the tender's home.
SS Elizabeth
Often it depends on where the photo was taken as I have seen pictures, taken from the south jetty which seem to show that the two buildings were nearly side by side, but that was definitely not the case. It's all in the perspective ...
Of all the ships that came into Bandon, the Elizabeth was probably the best known. The 150-foot long vessel was built in San Francisco and arrived in Bandon on New Year's Day of 1904, according to information in Dow Beckham's book on Bandon.
Years later it was sold to a Crescent City, Calif., company, but not before it had made over 700 passenger and freight voyages into the Bandon harbor. Its maiden voyage from San Francisco took 42 hours, and had space for 27 passengers in first class (at a cost of $7.50) and six in steerage.
Today, we may mean Portland when we say we're going to the City, but in those days "going to the City" meant San Francisco, and many Bandon folks made the trip during the years that the Elizabeth served this community.
The second picture was probably taken sometime in the 1940s judging from the vehicles, and it appears to be some kind of a military parade in front of Bandon Market, Ottilie's Beauty Shop and, at far right, the Bob-Otto Court.
Bob-Otto Court, 1940s
The building behind the market is now the office of Dr. Sharen Strong. You will also note that Delaware Avenue, which now ends at First Street, was the main access to what was later the old Moore Mill Truck Shop, but in those days the back building housed a beautiful apartment, and the front building was the home of the Nestle's Condensery as well as other businesses over the years.
The building behind Bob-Otto Court was owned by Ernie Panter, but was torn down years ago and is now the location of the Moore Mill office. The Chevron station (most recently the Shell station) now sits on the site where the Bob-Otto Court stood, on the corner of Elmira and Highway 101.
In the background you can see Moore Mill & Lumber Co., which was the community's leading employer for many years.
The third picture was taken in 1957 as members of the Bandon Lions Club prepare for their annual beef barbecue in City Park. Long-time city attorney Myron Spady digs the pit for the meat, while Eddie Waldrop and his young daughter, Claudia, look on.
Lions Club beef barbecue, 1957
* * *
While going through Beckham's book this week, I saw a receipt from the old Bandon Surf newspaper, which was one of three newspapers in Bandon in 1913. The other two were the Bandon Recorder and the Western World (purchased by my grandfather in 1912). The Recorder closed in 1916, leaving the Western World as the town's only newspaper.
Under the words "The Bandon Surf" on a receipt, dated Dec. 1, 1913, it says: "A White Man's Newspaper Published in a White Man's Town and Patronized by White People."
Not too hard to understand why this racist newspaper did not last, no matter the era.
* * *
I was so sad to hear of the death of Christine Meyer Groh, 55, a member of the Bandon High School Class of 1982, who had fought so valiantly against cancer. Among her local survivors are her husband James, her mother Mary Meyer and her brother John Meyer.
Chris was loved by so many, and she will definitely be missed.
* * *
Marjorie Stephenson, Bandon's oldest citizen, celebrated her 105th birthday Friday.
Marjorie, who moved to Pacific View, a couple of months ago, took a bad fall recently when going out with her daughter, Carol Fugere, but hopefully she will recover quickly.
She is such an amazing woman.
* * *
The Pembina Pipeline Corporation, on behalf of the Jordan Cove project, has inundated the airways with advertising in the last couple of months.
What I really found interesting is that in the first set of ads, Pembina was pronounced with a prominent "b." But in the recent set of ads, ostensibly by someone whose family has worked for the company for years, he pronounces it Pemina ... without the "b" sound. For the sake of credibility, they might want to at least agree on how to pronounce the name of the company. Just a thought.
* * *
Not sure of the particulars, but fresh seafood lovers were sad to hear that Watson's Live Seafood, which previously operated out of the Port of Bandon's marketplace building, has gone out of business.
I understand that someone else may be taking it over, but until I can confirm it, I will wait on that announcement.
* * *
The City's codes compliance/enforcement officer Patrick Salandro gave notice that he is quitting to take a job with the school district, which I understand he has been hoping to get for quite awhile.
Patrick was making some real headway in addressing the gorse problem in the community, as well as other compliance issues, so hopefully we can replace him with someone who will emphasize the same problems.
* * *
I understand that all 300 tickets were sold out for Sunday's crab feed, but since I spent the afternoon writing my column, I did not attend. I generally write it on Sunday evening, but being the movie buff that I am, I had long ago decided that I would be watching the Academy Awards.
This Saturday, a group of us will be attending the annual Bite of Bandon. I also used to love the Chili Cook-off, but unfortunately, for the second or third year in a row, it is on the same night as Bite of Bandon, so I can't attend both.
* * *
Rod Willett recently posted a picture of himself with Henry Deetz, who was the band director at the high school in the early '60s (in both 1962 and 1963). Mr. Deetz is now living at Hope Village in Canby.
* * *
I recently learned that Andy Fraser, a popular physician's assistant with Coast Community Health Center, left Jan. 31, and is now with Central City Concern in Portland.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 20, 2019
The first picture I am sharing this week was taken in February of 1961 as members of the Bandon High School student body installed the new readerboard sign along Highway 101 and Ninth Street, at the site now occupied by the Bandon Dairy Queen. At far left you can see the back of the baseball grandstand and part of the football stadium.
Bandon High School readerboard sign, 1961
Among the students who were helping install the sign, under the watchful eye of Principal Alvin Mullikin (just out of the photo) are Kay Yockey, front left, Mike Mullikin, in front of the sign, John Conrad and Glen Willis.
The sign was a great way to advertise home sporting events.
Since I remember taking this picture, I am pretty sure the white Karman Ghia parked the wrong way on Ninth is my car. I must have been late for the "shoot."
I love this second photo because it features two of Bandon's much-loved old-timers, Howard Ohman and Rudy Backlund, along with other schoolmates alongside the Bear Creek School in 1917.
Bear Creek School, 1917
I do know that Howard is in front, at left, and Rudy is the smaller boy in front of the stars on the flag. Next to him is Cecil Albertson, and in front, at right, is Arthur Trott. The girl next to Rudy is someone with the first name of Margaret, but that is all I have.
Rudy, who was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Backlund (and the father of the younger Vic Backlund), owned the Pastime Club on First Street at the time of the Bandon Fire. In February of 1937, only a little more than four months later, he opened the Pastime in a temporary building on the north side of Second Street. Like so many of the buildings in Old Town which were built within months of the Fire, it is still standing today. The former Pastime is the home of Bandon Sweets & Treats.
Rudy was also very involved in local politics, having been mayor from 1947 to 1956, and later he served two stints as City Recorder (from 1961 to 1963 and again from 1967 to 1971).
Howard Ohman used to deliver milk from a basket on his bicycle, and for many years was a favorite around town with his cowboy hat and big cigars, while always riding his trusty bicycle.
The third picture was taken in 1973 as Mayor Don Goddard hands the gavel to Municipal Court Judge Ruth Prahar (a much-loved high school teacher).
Mayor Don Goddard & Municipal Court Judge Ruth Prahar, 1973
This is such a great picture of both of them that I couldn't resist sharing it. Don hasn't changed much today, even though he is in his 90s. Ruth died many years ago.
* * *
I learned this week that former Bandon School Superintendent Irv (Pepper) Easom, 85, died last week in Ontario, Or., where he had made his home for many years. His wife, Charlotte, died in January of 2017; he is survived by his two sons, Cody and Cory, and their families. I had recently connected with him through Facebook and last talked with him at Christmastime.
He served as superintendent here from 1975 to 1980.
* * *
The January rainfall, according to Gerry Terp, was 6.79 inches, compared to 13.49 for the same month last year. In the last 14 years, the January with the most rainfall (20.45) was the 05-06 rain year, and the least (2.56) was recorded in the 14-15 rain year.
* * *
I saw an item in the news this week about the recent death of a beautiful 13-year-old Vancouver, Wash., girl Gabby Perez, who died Feb. 6 after playing the dangerous choking game. Youngsters are said to be in search of a high.
I Googled to see what this is and it appears that young people (mostly junior high and early high school age) have taken to choking themselves with their hands or a noose until they pass out. Generally they revive soon, but in Gabby's case that did not happen. Even if they revive, this "game" can definitely cause brain damage. The CDC said in 2008 that at least 82 youths died as a result of the game.
Steve Fox posted on Facebook that Gabby was the granddaughter of his sister, the former Sandra Fox, who graduated from Bandon High School in 1964.
* * *
In spite of some on and off again weather, it looked like the third annual Gorse Blossom Festival was a big success. I read that 300 tickets were sold for the Bloody Mary Stroll Sunday morning, and with the sun shining bright, I am sure it was a big event for the merchants and those who took part.
I was there on Saturday and there was a big crowd enjoying plenty of food and spirits . . .and some great music, while at the same time learning about the evils of gorse through photographs (most of fires from my collection) and other information.
* * *
I don't know how many of you have a Gmail account, but if you do you probably aren't getting a lot of your emails.
Apparently Gmail has been blocking a lot of emails. I've sent my sister Maggie five or six that were blocked in the last few weeks, and they definitely weren't spam. This message comes up when they are returned: "Undelivered mail. Return to sender. Our system has determined that this message is likely unsolicited mail. To reduce the amount of spam sent to Gmail, this message has been blocked."
Not only did this happen to Maggie over and over again, but now I have received back as undelivered two important emails I sent to Madeline Seymour, and a host of others ... most with Gmail accounts.
If I were you, and this was happening to me, I would get a second account from someone like Yahoo.
I have two addresses: one from Coosnet and the other from Comspan, and to my knowledge this is not happening to me .... just to people that I am trying to message.
* * *
A few weeks ago, several kids were in front of Ray's selling candy bars. After telling them that I don't eat sweets, the young girl approached me again on my way out and said it was a fundraiser for her school. I asked her what school she attends.
Her answer: "we're homeschooled."
* * *
A friend of mine recently asked me where Coquille Point got its name. I had recently posted a photo of the U.S. Life Saving Station lookout on the point, which allowed the men to keep 24-hour track of what was happening on the Coquille River because of the increasing amount of shipping out of the port.
I went out to Coquille Point to see if, in fact, you would be able to see the mouth of the river from the point. And the answer is a decisive yes. My guess is the lookout was at the farthest point of the property, which is northwest of the parking area, and provided a great view of the river. Carpenters constructed a boathouse directly below toward the mouth of the river for a surfboat, breeches buoy, line, life preservers and other equipment. In 1915 the Life-Saving service merged into the U.S. Coast Guard.
And I am pretty sure that is where Coquille Point got its name.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 13, 2019
The first picture I am sharing was taken over 50 years ago ... in 1965 ... of the First Church of God at Fifth and Elmira.
First Church of God, 1965
That building has long since been torn down and replaced by a large office building constructed by Eugene Hill and later sold by the previous owners to Dan and Mary Wilson, who plan to open an assisted living center there.
The Church of God is one of the oldest churches in Bandon, having celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2012. The church building in this picture was built in 1924, burned in 1936, and was rebuilt at the same location, where it served its congregation until 2003 when parishioners built a new church in west Bandon, now known as Seabird Chapel Church of God. One of the longest serving pastors was Earl Bissett, who was pastor from 1968 until 1984.
Their first church was located at Riverside Drive and Caroline Street; later they moved into an old laundry building on First Street, where they held services until they built this church on Elmira.
Among the early pioneer members of the church were the Pullen and the Boone Lee families, whose descendants (including Boone Lee's granddaughter Virginia Weaver) still live in Bandon.
Jim Minkler is the pastor of the Seabird Chapel Church of God.
The second picture, taken in April of 1965, introduces the new officers of the Bandon Junior Chamber of Commerce, better known as the Jaycees.
Bandon Junior Chamber of Commerce, 1965
From left are Earl Robertson, who now lives in the North Bend area; the late Sid Dominy; Gene Scott of Bandon and Graydon Stinnett, a long-time resident who moved several years ago to Albany.
The third picture was taken in June of 1964 as then Fire Chief Bob Schultz catches fish for the Chamber of Commerce Fish Fry, held annually in City Park on the Fourth of July.
Fire Chief Bob Schultz, 1964
Schultz, who owned Bandon Plumbing and Heating, was fire chief from 1960 to 1968, when Walt Ashton became chief until 1974 when the present chief, Lanny Boston, assumed the position.
* * *
Much of the Oregon news media spent the last month or so bashing the University of Oregon softball team, who lost nine of its players off the championship team of last year, most of whom went to the University of Texas to play for former Oregon coach Mike White.
It appears sports writers had pretty much given up on new coach Melyssa Lombardi, who had previously been associate head coach at the University of Oklahoma.
The KVAL sports team, who I watch during the 11 o'clock news every night, had never failed to mention when another player left the Ducks.
So I was amazed when there was not one mention of the Ducks on the Saturday night news cast talking about Oregon's success at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz., where they went into Sunday morning's game with a 4-0 record, having beaten Kansas (14-5), Cal State Northridge, Missouri and Bradley. Sunday they topped off the tournament by beating Seattle 8-6 to finish with a perfect 5-0 record.
I also scanned Sunday's Oregonian for mention of the team, and could find not one word ... even in the lengthy list of sporting events that were taking part that day.
Nor was there any mention of the fact that both Oregon and Oregon State softball clubs were in the tournament. And I did read Sunday in the Register-Guard that Oregon State won their first four games at the tournament, but couldn't find out if they won their fifth game.
I will be watching Sunday night to see if KVAL finally figured out that the Oregon Ducks may still be a softball team to reckon with ... and the fact that they finished with five wins in the Tempe, Az., classic.
The R-G did have articles both Saturday and Sunday, so maybe the TV sports guys will figure it out.
* * *
I learned this week of the death of Flo Curran, who was one classy lady. She died at the age of 94 after having suffered a stroke. I just saw Jim and Flo at the Bakery around Christmas time, as they loved coming from their home in Coquille to visit the local shops and the many friends they have here.
Their son, Jim, told me that his parents had been married 73 years, which is a true testament to their love and devotion for each other. Local survivors include Jim and Patti and their son, Jimmy.
I first met Flo and Jim Sr. when he taught school at Harbor Lights for many years. He always comes to the museum's Bandon Fire anniversary programs to talk about his experience of delivering the Coos Bay Times at the time of the Fire, when he was 12 years old. And Flo always accompanied him.
* * *
I've learned that Bandon Police officer Jordan Waddington is leaving the local department, effective Feb. 15, to take a job with the Coos Bay PD. Waddington, who lives at Greenacres, has been the handler of the city's police dog, a job which will now go to Bandon's newest officer, who was formerly with the Coquille Police Department.
Nolan Scoville, who was another recent hire, is no longer with the Bandon department. One of our newest officers, Zack Carpenter, has graduated from the police academy and is now working full time. A long-time resident of John Day, Zack is the son of Grant County District Attorney Jim Carpenter. He is a great addition to the department.
* * *
The other night we went to Pony Village Cinema to watch "Can You Ever Forgive Me," the true story of author-turned-forger Lee Israel, which was co-written by Coos Bay's own Jeff Whitty, who has been nominated for an Academy Award. Melissa McCarthy, who generally stars in comic roles, was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Israel.
It's a great movie as is another one we saw recently, Green Book, which is also based on a true story and resulted in Oscar nominations for Viggo Mortensen (as Tony Lip) and Ali Mahershala as Don Shirley.
* * *
Wow. Just watched the Oregon women trounce Stanford 88-48 for the Ducks' first win on the Cardinal's home court since 1987, and the worst home loss for 18-year Stanford coach Tara VanDeveer. It is such a thrill to see talent like this, led by Sabrina Ionescu, the all-time NCAA leader in career triple-doubles, who was only a rebound and two assists away from her 17th Sunday.
The Ducks are the top squad in the Pac12, followed by Oregon State in second place and Stanford in third. Oregon and Oregon State meet twice next week, which should be two very exciting games.
* * *
The Bandon Police Department put out a scam alert last week letting the community know that people are receiving calls saying that the City of Bandon Electric Dept. will be shutting off their electricity if they do not make a payment electronically by 5 p.m. The City is not calling any customer regarding any electricity shut-off at this time. This is a scam. Do not make any electronic payment over the phone.
* * *
A 32-year-old Bandon man, Nick Housego, was injured in a fatal accident which occurred near Florence Saturday morning. A 52-year-old Mapleton woman, Jamie Jones, lost control of her vehicle on the ice and snow and slammed nearly head-on into a delivery truck operated by Daniel Crump, 25, of Reedsport, according to an Oregon State Police report. Jones died at the hospital. Both Crump and his passenger, Nick Housego, were said to have been seriously injured.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 06, 2019
The first picture I am sharing this week is the Bandon City Hall in 1961 as city officials (including manager of utilities John Fasnacht on porch) look over the flooding from Ferry Creek, which threatened businesses in the area.
Bandon City Hall, 1961
The building, of course, is now the home of the Bandon Historical Society museum, which has recently undergone an exterior facelift. At left you can see the service station that stood on the corner of Fillmore and 101 for many years (now Baja Imports), and facing Fillmore, Yockey Electric (now Reese Electric).
The second picture, taken during high school baseball season in 1970, pictures catcher Dennis Williams, Pat Fraser and Russ Fraser during a game. I've heard that Dennis has recently moved back to town after having been gone for many years, so all three of them now live in town.
Bandon High School baseball, 1970
The third picture was taken in September of 1957 of a gorse fire on Beach Loop Road, which threatened several homes, including that of the Darrell Ward family.
Gorse fire, 1957
An article in Western World reports that someone either deliberately or carelessly tossed a cigarette or a match into the gorse along the Beach Loop Road south of the golf course ... and set off a blaze, that except for quick action on the part of interested parties, the Bandon Fire Department and the Coos Fire Patrol, could easily have destroyed some valuable property.
The picture shows the City of Bandon line crewmen attempting to protect the base of a power pole at the intersection of Beach Loop and the road into the Ward home. The sign on the pole reads "The Wards." Although the home was surrounded by fire, Bandon firemen and their pumper stayed with it and averted damage.
Carl "Bub" Perry arrived on the scene with his Caterpillar from the west side and a big bulldozer from the Oberg Lumber Company started from the east side and between the two they circled the blaze with a trail that brought it under control.
* * *
The two concerts that I talked about in last week's column, which were scheduled for this weekend at the Sprague Community Theater, will not be held at the Sprague.
At 4:30 a.m. Friday, smoke alarms that were wired into Gold Coast Security went off, and minutes later, both Sprague manager Jeff Norris and Fire Chief Lanny Boston and several others arrived on scene.
The belt had broken on the heater unit upstairs next to Jeff's office, causing it to become red hot, and begin melting duct tape off the ducts. Smoke from the overheated unit apparently went throughout the ducts because it could be smelled throughout the theater.
The city's insurance agent, Joseph Bain, was immediately on scene and began preparation to contact the commercial cleaners who will clean all the theater seats as well as the huge curtains on the stage. He told me it will probably be a month before the theater can be utilized again.
Jeff told me that had the alarms not gone off, it would probably have been only 45 minutes to an hour before the unit burst into flames, which could have been disastrous for what many consider one of the community's greatest assets.
At any rate, we dodged the proverbial bullet, but the situation caused a headache for the Showcase board. As I write this, I do not know if the Halie Loren concert will be held, and if so, where it might be, but I do know they are considering The Barn.
The Trinity Alps Chamber Music Festival group, who were to play Saturday night, will now be at the Langlois Cheese Factory, where they have performed twice in the past. The concert will begin at 7.
* * *
If you haven't tried the new Shoestring Cafe in the Continuum Center in Old Town (where Jason Tree's shop used to be) you have missed a real treat. Rick Jackson, who owned restaurants in both Gold Beach and Brookings, is a first-rate chef. His grilled eggplant is one of the best dishes I've ever tasted.
He is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m., and I can't wait to try his braised leg of lamb or his spicy pork, which can be served as a sandwich or a wrap.
* * *
I have been listening to radio station 105.9, The Legend, lately, and I really enjoy the oldies, but repeated, and I mean every few minutes, ads for Herbal Choices, the recreational marijuana business located just south of Bandon, as well as in Coos Bay and Charleston, get a bit tiresome.
I had heard that Herbal Choices owner and local realtor Jim Deatherage owned a local radio station, so I began to wonder if this was the station.
I Googled 105.9 and found that while the station was previously owned by Harry Abel and Mike Gaudette, it has been sold to Roger Morgan (the station manager) and Jim Deatherage.
I absolutely love the format ... and not only have I switched my car radio to 105.9 The Legend, but it's playing in my bedroom and in the living room...as I write my column.
It you love the songs that we grew up, be sure and give it a listen. It's renewed my faith in radio . . .
* * *
There's been quite a bit of activity on Fillmore Avenue in recent weeks. A friend of mine stopped to talk to the guy who is moving into Reinhard Schoepel's former vehicle repair shop on Fillmore, between Fourth and Fifth.
It is becoming a machine shop, manufacturing specialty high-performance parts for ATVs. What people have been seeing installed is a CNC lathe and material handling equipment, all of which he describes as state of the art.
Just a block north, people may have noticed the work going on at the old garage, shop, just south of the museum.
The building, which is getting a beautiful face-lift, is reportedly being converted into a residential rental duplex. This is the kind of conversion I wish more people would make as there is a desperate need for rental housing.
* * *
There are several big events slated for February, with the first being the third annual Gorse Blossom Festival, Feb. 15-17, in the Old Town Marketplace building on the waterfront.
The festival kicks off Thursday night, Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day), with a Science Pub at Bandon Brewing Company, where people can learn from a "Gorse is Gross" expert.
Several gorse and noxious weed experts will speak during the program, which lasts from 6 to 8 p.m.
Admission to the festival is $10 each day, with Friday hours from 3 to 9 p.n., Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be various events in the evening, including a pub crawl, and on Sunday morning, beginning at 10, the popular Bloody Mary Stroll, ($30 in advance or $35 that weekend).
The following weekend, on Saturday, Feb. 24, is the big community crab feed at the Old Town Marketplace from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30, with proceeds donated to the Bandon Historical Museum, according to Lori Osborne of the Beverage Barn, who is spearheading the event, and sponsoring the facility. Goddard Energy is the title sponsor, and will be providing the crab, while Cardas Audio is the music sponsor.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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