As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 28, 2024
We've had some horrific storms in the last 60 years, but none as fierce as the Columbus Day Storm of October 1962. But the first two pictures I am sharing this week were taken nearly 20 years later, in November of 1981, when gale-force winds battered Bandon and most of the Pacific Northwest.
I chose the first picture, because while the storm damage doesn't look that bad, it shows what the intersection of the Fillmore/11th Street area looked like in those days.
Fillmore/11th Street area
It was a large industrial site, with a fully operating mill and, at one time, Perry Brothers Box Factory.
The second photo shows one of two huge trees uprooted in the yard of then Shindler Drug Store owner Steve Wilson and his wife, who lived on east 11th Street. Although one of the trees came to rest against the south end of the house (second photo), damage to the home appeared to have been minor.
Uprooted tree
"The only fatality reported was the death of 44-year-old Coast Guard Commander Frank Olson of North Bend who died after his helicopter crashed into the ocean while searching for a stricken commercial fishing boat. Two other Coast Guardsmen on the copter were able to swim to shore."
"Members of the Bandon fire Department hiked some five miles along the beach in gale winds early Friday evening searching for a 55-gallon drum, believed to contain toxic chemicals, which had been spotted around 4:30 that afternoon some 1500 yards north of the lighthouse. Although firemen walked the beach as far as Whiskey Run, they could find no trace of the drum.
"Wind estimates during the storm ranged from 90 miles an hour to gusts of 135 miles-per-hour, with a Sheriff's Department report putting the wind at about 100 miles an hour on the Bandon beach. Barns and silos were blown down in the North Bank Road area."
The third picture is what was left of McNair Hardware after an arson fire in January of 1975, when tragedy once again struck the community.
Arson fire, McNair Hardware, 1975
Hard not to recall that just a year earlier, the high school had been burned to the ground ... by a different arsonist.
"The fire apparently started after the safe was burglarized ... and it is not known whether the fire was started on purpose or if the building caught fire as a result of a torch that was used to break into the safe," according to a story in the Western World, which I wrote, while sharing the dramatic photos of what was left of the interior of the store, which I took.
Among the losses was the accounts receivable journal. Owner Mel Boak said there was about $11,000 on the books. A new concrete building later replaced the wooden structure, and today it is the home of Bandon Brewing Co. and Bandon Vision Center on the corner of Highway 101 and Delaware Avenue.
* * *
Cindy McClain Schwarzbauer posted on Facebook that her younger sister, Sherry McClain Buchanan of Myrtle Point, is scheduled to undergo Open Heart Surgery at OHSU in Portland on March 7 for an undiagnosed congenital heart defect that is now threatening her life. Cindy said Sherry is at the stage 3 failure at this time.
Sherry is married to Joe Buchanan, an electrician who works for Reese Electric and often works in Bandon. She is a member of the Bandon High School Class of 1979. The McClain family lived here for many years, and their mom, Lois, and their aunt, Mary, were both beauticians, working for Dorothy Sheretz' beauty shop. Their many Bandon friends are praying for her to have a successful heart surgery.
* * *
The Bandon High School Tiger girls basketball team, who is unbeaten in league (16-0) and has an overall record of 24-2, will play Oakridge Thursday night (Feb. 29) at 8:15 in the OSAA 2A championships, being held in Pendleton.
The head coach is Jordan Sammons, whose assistants are Daniel Senn (head JV coach) and Terry Twyman.
I searched the Internet for the roster, and found a list of both the varsity and junior varsity, which included Safaa Dimitruk, Elizabeth Stice, Jazmyn Llewellyn, Olivia Thompson, Katelyn Senn, Rachel Eickhoff, Nyah Dimitruk, Alex Butler, Hailey Felton, Caitlyn Michalek, Camden Kappa, Marlie Carmack, Baylee Barnes, Mariah Rodgers, Jenna Dowell, Lyvia Erenfeld, Jessie Morones, Grace Sullivan, Lilyan Hatcher, Zoie DeBartholomew, Jordan Llewellyn, Savannah Parry, Olivia Kraynik, Emma Roper, Baylee George, Sierra White, Myah Hisel, Jasmine Jensen, Kate Devine, Aunika Miller, Nicole Lee, Kylie Dornath, Jordan Jensen, Analise Miller, Catrine Eck, Georgie Brown and Akyla Velasco.
Before entering the state tournament, Bandon defeated Santiam Saturday night 62-24 in a game played at home.
* * *
I learned this week that the latest CEO at Coast Community Health Clinic, Eddie Larsen, has been fired. He joins Linda Maxon, former CEO who grew the clinic in both Bandon and Port Orford; Dr. Ann Kellogg; and Dr. Hank Holmes, who have all been terminated in the last couple of years by the clinic board and interim CEO. I understand Coast, a federally qualified health center, is now down to two providers, after the recent termination of Dr. Holmes and the resignation of another provider.
The word on the street is that Coast is "quickly falling apart," which would be a real blow to health care in Bandon. The loss of the fabulous pharmacy would be particularly noteworthy, considering the financial instability of Rite Aid's parent company, which recently filed for bankruptcy and closed a number of its stores.
I understand Senator David Brock Smith and representatives of the area hospitals in Coos and Curry counties are offering to lend a hand to the beleaguered clinic.
* * *
I was sorry to learn of the death of Lorene Streets, widow of the late Willard Streets and matriarch to the eight Streets siblings. The family has lived on Rosa Road for many years, and Lorene was involved in and took part in community meal programs, like EAT. Lorene was 94 and although bedridden, had recently celebrated her birthday with family.
* * *
I often have people ask me about the old hospital property, which overlooks the river, the lighthouse and the ocean, wondering if it will ever be developed.
The property, along with other property in the area, including the building which housed Edgewaters, is owned by the Picerne group, headquartered in Arizona. The properties are owned under several limited liability corporations, including Bandon Breakwater LLC and Overlook at Bandon Bay LLC. David Picerne is the principal.
In a property search, I also discovered that Barry Johnson, the Marriott hotel representative who has an office on Second Street in Bandon, owns the small lot between the Edgewaters building and the old Coast Guard station.
* * *
It's been a long time coming, but the Gemini Lounge at 323 Grand Avenue, just east of Face Rock Creamery, is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to midnight. It's a pretty cool place ...
* * *
A big crowd attended the hearing held Wednesday, Feb. 21, by the city council on two appeals (Oregon Coast Alliance and Bruce Spencer) of the planning commission decision to approve Gravel Point, the 110-room hotel, 32 suite and two restaurant luxury project, by Perk Development in the Beach Loop area. Eugene Attorney Dan O'Connor represented Perk Development; CEO Cameron LaFollette represented ORCA, with written testimony by attorney Sean Malone, and Spencer represented himself.
At the end of the lengthy hearing, at which everyone was given an opportunity to speak in addition to providing written testimony, the council deliberated, and added several conditions to the already lengthy list, before voting 4-2 to deny the appeals, giving Perk the green light to continue with the development. Voting to deny the appeals were Madeline Seymour, Peter Braun, Josh Adamson and Chris Powell; opposed were Brian Vick and Geri Procetto.
* * *
Nathan S. Cooper, 35, was cited for DUII, driving while suspended, driving uninsured and failure to install IID, after he crashed into a tree on Round Lake road at Bandon Dunes, Feb. 19 at 7:11 p.m..
He was transported to Bay Area Hospital and then cited in lieu of custody.
* * *
The city council hosted a meeting recently on homelessness, with a number of local area ministers attending, as well as Bandon Chief Cory Dhillon, Sergeant Matt Whitmer and Community Resource Officer Coleman from Coos Bay, who talked about the success of Colebank Village, giving special thanks for the work of Tara Johnson, director of the Devereux Center. Others who spoke included Marissa Nuez, who assists local people who are homeless, and provided an important perspective about the different needs of the local homeless population.
* * *
COMING EVENTS: Birthday party to honor the lighthouse, Thursday, Feb. 29, noon, Bandon Fisheries warehouse; final weekend of Radium Girls, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2, with tickets ($18 and $12) available at the door. Meet and Greet, Tuesday, Feb. 27, Richard Stillwagon; March 5, Southern Coos Hospital CEO Ray Hino, 11:30 a.m., with talk starting at noon. Bandon Breakfast Club, March 30, RSVP to Sharon Ward at moy_seaglass@msn.com; Bandon Recyclers, plastic recycling, third Wednesday of the month, 4 to 6, Bandon Library.
* * *
The Bandon Chamber's 2024 CrabFest is slated for Saturday, March 9, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse with individual tickets at $65 and a table for eight, $500. People are urged to let Lori Osborne or the chamber know if they are not a crab fan and want a different dish. They need reservations in no later than March 1 in order to prepare for the needed crab for the meal, which is a benefit for the Pacific and Bandon Booster clubs.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 21, 2024
A headline in the June 18, 1924, Western World tells the story of a movement that was under way to secure a Wesleyan hospital for Bandon.
"The board of Hospitals and Homes of the Methodist Episcopal church, which organization is at present building and equipping a modern hospital at Marshfield, has practically decided to open one in Bandon.
"In order to make it possible to finance the project, it has been decided not to endeavor to erect an entirely new building but to purchase the Legion hall (first picture).
Legion hall
The imposing structure, originally built in the late 1800s as one of Bandon's first schools, had later been taken over by the American Legion Post to be used as their meeting hall.
"This is to be entirely remodeled and modernized and is sufficiently large to make a 36-room hospital. The building being well constructed, plastered and not adjoining other buildings is considered a minimum fire risk, and according to those behind the project, would serve the community as efficiently as if built of concrete. The Legion hall stands alone on a beautiful site, overlooking the ocean and the city, and could be made an ideal hospital.
"It is contemplated to buy a building opposite the Legion hall for a nurse's home.
"The proposed hospital would not be operated for profit. It would be open to all physicians and would be operated under a local board of directors."
The second story, also from the June 1925 Western World, tells the story of the crowning of a queen.
"A crowd that filled the hall to overflowing gathered at the Silver Spray Gardens (second photo) Saturday night to witness the crowning of Undine, Mermaid queen of the Beachmen, and the installation of her court.
Silver Spray Gardens
An original and fitting pageant featuring the banishment of the sea nymphs from the Pirate's ocean, and their successor and acceptance by the Beachmen, marked the exercise."
The Bandon Beachmen were a group of Bandon men, who served as ambassadors for the town.
"Frank Young as Father Neptune with his sea fairies appeared grouped on a background of rocks, while a huge clam shell occupied the foreground. This was thrown open at the proper moment revealing Miss Eileen Krantz, as Queen of the Mermaids, seated with her scepter in hand. The four maids were Helen Waldvogel, Geraldine Hansen, Grace Thorn and Julia Hamblock."
We old-timers will remember Grace Thorn as Grace Gant, wife of Elmer Gant, and matriarch of the Gant and Haga families.
"Much credit for the success of the affair goes to Mrs. C.R. Wade, who directed the production. Mrs. D.R. Norton and Miss Blanche Radley designed and made the children's costumes, and Mr. Atwood had charge of the music. The material from the gowns came from the Golden Rule store."
The article about the Bandon Concert band (third photo) came from the November 18, 1926, Western World.
Bandon Concert Band
"A very pleasant concert was rendered by the Bandon Concert band at the Hartman theatre last evening when a program of exceptional merit was executed with credit to Director Atwood and his men. The organization carried no professional players and was made up of just one half grade and high school students.
Among the band members were Geo. P. Topping, Piercy Sweet, Leander Panter, Hamilton Thrift, Robert Norton, Harry Lorenz, Wesley Osborne, Erwin Randleman, George Manciet, Theodore TenBrook, Wm. TenBrook and H.E. Boak.
* * *
I mentioned last week that many locals had seen a big police presence at a home south of Bandon, at the intersection of Highway 101 and Beach Loop Road, Feb. 9.
The South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (SCINT) served a search warrant at the home and recovered several firearms and illicit narcotics. One man was arrested on several charges as a result, according to the press release.
"SCINT detectives from the Coos County sheriff's Office, Sgt. A. Whittenburg and Detective B. Davis have been actively investigating a major burglary/theft and narcotics operation over the past two months. During this investigation, SCINT has been granted multiple search warrants for locations in Curry, Coos and Lane counties.
"On Feb. 9 , SCINT was granted a search warrant for a residence south of Bandon on Highway 101. Due to the nature of the search warrant and firearms likely being inside, the Coos County Emergency Response Team was activated to assist in serving the search warrant. Members of ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) also assisted.
In the home, officers recovered a Zastava rifle (confirmed stolen), Mossberg shotgun, 5.56 short-barreled rifle (unlawfully shortened), lever action 32 caliber rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, firearms parts, and several different illicit narcotics of varying weight.
Jonathan W. (J.J.) Windhurst, 38, was arrested on charges of first and second degree theft, five counts of felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle.
Windhurst remained in the Coos County Jail as of Feb. 18.
* * *
Two things are coming up Tuesday, Feb. 20. Jim Proehl will present a program, "About A Hundred Years Ago," at the Meet and Greet at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, with people invited to gather at 11:30 and the program to begin at noon. Note that this is a new start time for the weekly Meet and Greet Programs, which previously started at 11a.m.
That afternoon, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the city council will hold a workshop on homelessness in Bandon, and people will be given an opportunity to weigh in after an explanation of the federal and state laws that govern what a city can and cannot do in terms of enforcement.
On the schedule for the Feb. 27 Meet and Greet is Rick Stillwagon, owner of Stillwagon Distillery. The program March 5 features Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center CEO Ray Hino.
* * *
The Coquille River Lighthouse began operation on Feb. 29, 1896, as head keeper James F. Barker first lit the fourth-order Fresnel lens. In honor of the birthday of the lighthouse, Roger Straus, chair of the Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers, will host a birthday party at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse from noon until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29. Everyone is invited to attend.
Those who are willing to help with the lighthouse restoration project are urged to stay afterwards for a 1 p.m. meeting, said Straus.
* * *
Nationally, the rankings of the housing ZIP codes for home price momentum were dominated by vacation and second-home markets in Palm Beach, Fla., and Vail, Colo. Oregon reflected that trend, with coastal towns showing some of the biggest gains. Lincoln City posted a 74 percent gain in median home values since 2018. Bandon was No. 7 on the Oregon list with a 70 percent increase during the same time period.
But while all of the top 30 locations showed strong increases in values over the past five years as home sales soared and mortgage rates hit historic lows in the pandemic, the past year sent most into negative territory, according to information in the Portland Business Journal. Only three locations showed a rise in median values in the past year, and none had an increase of more than one percent.
* * *
The Wine and Seafood event, sponsored by Lori Osborne of Farm and Sea, over the past weekend was a huge success, with hundreds of people attending the two-day event at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse.
People are reminded of the chamber-sponsored crab feed on Saturday, March 9, at Bandon Fisheries warehouse. Tickets are $65 each and can be purchased on line.
* * *
Talk about a popular event, every seat was occupied at the Celtic Harp free concert Friday night, sponsored by the Friends of the Bandon Library. It was a fabulous event, and it was great that so many got to enjoy the beautiful music and story-telling ... and the Sprague Community Theater. Many thanks go to our wonderful librarian, Christine Kingsbury.
* * *
The city council will conduct a public hearing Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. at city hall on two appeals from the planning commission decision, approving the Gravel Point development. Seating in the council chambers will be limited, but the Zoom feature will be available for those who want to testify or simply listen.
I will be conducting the hearing, but will vote only in the case of a 3-3 tie.
This brings me to a prophetic comment from Georgia football coach Kirby Smith, titled "The Cost of Leadership."
"One, you will have to make hard decisions that negatively affect people you care about; two, you will be disliked despite your best attempts to do the best for the most; and three, you will be misunderstood and you won't always have the opportunity to defend yourself."
Truer words were never spoken!
* * *
Around Christmastime, a Facebook post urged people to send Christmas cards to recovering American soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, giving the address.
I not only sent about 10 or 12 cards, but also enclosed a few photos of Bandon in each; you can imagine my surprise when they started being returned to me one by one as "not deliverable as addressed." I wonder how many others experienced this same problem. So much for a good deed.
* * *
Coming Events: 21st Annual Women's Health Day, Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m., Bandon Community Center; Bandon Playhouse presents "Radium Girls" at Sprague theater, Feb. 23-25 and March 1-3, tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students 18 and younger, available via Eventbrite with the link on Bandon Playhouse website, or at the door; Save the date for July 16 for an art show at the Cheese Factory in Langlois, featuring former area resident Anita West from Santa Fe, NM. Joining her will be Susan Applegate, Victoria Tierney and Crystal Landucci who will show their art.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
February 14, 2024
This week I am sharing a bit of history about the organization of the Bandon Fire Department, with three pictures taken during a 50-year span, dating back to the early days when this postcard shows a fire hose cart being pushed down First Street (first photo).
Fire hose cart
An article in the July 11, 1929, Western World is headlined "Organize A Fire Department," although it was clear from the second picture, taken during the first Bandon Fire, in 1914, when a block or two of the business district burned, that Bandon did have fire equipment of some sort.
First Bandon fire, 1914
You can see one of the big hose carts in the center of the photo, with hose having been strung over the building and onto the fireman on the roof.
The third photo was taken in 1956 as George Chappell, left, and Police Chief D.S. MacDonald watch firemen battle a blaze at Jack Kronenberg's office, just northeast of Face Rock Creamery, with the property most recently being a dental office.
Firemen battle a blaze, 1956
Today, Bandon is served by the Bandon Rural Fire Protection District, which has the latest in fire-fighting equipment and a host of volunteer firefighters, as well as a healthy tax base.
The 1929 article explained that "C.L. Barnum, proprietor of Barney's Service Station, an experienced fireman and one time platoon leader in the Marshfield department, was elected chief of the Bandon volunteer department at the organizational meeting held at city hall last night. About 35 members have signed up and more than 30 were present. Others elected were C.S. (Curly Woomer), assistant chief; Fred Moore, F.E. Drane, and Elmer Gant, delegates."
Curly Woomer was chief at the time of the Bandon Fire of 1936.
"It was decided to organize five companies, one each for pumper, chemical, hook and ladder, tug and salvage. Lute Henry has been engaged temporarily to sleep at the fire hall for the purpose of driving the truck in the event of a night fire."
It was pointed out by the state fire marshal Geo. W. Stokes of Portland that "a volunteer fire department is a public service organization and merits the whole-hearted support of everybody in the community. It is essential to proper protection and without it the very best of equipment is practically useless. He complimented Bandon upon its splendid purchase in a fire truck and its water system. The equipment here, he said, is as good as any in the state considering the size of the town.
"Mayor Herbert Brown explained that the city had purchased an up-to-date truck with a 500-gallon pumper and has ample hose and chemical and that now it wants a volunteer department. He stated that the city had considered selling its chemical truck, which is mounted on a Ford chassis. Several argued against it, stating that no city ever has too much fire fighting equipment and that the chemical can often be used to better advantage than the pumper and is always a measure of protection in case of emergency, particularly if flying embers should start other fires while one is in progress.
"Mayor Brown suggested a department have three trained crews, one for the pumper, one for the tug which is always an effective fighting machine in a downtown fire, and one for the chemical."
Mayor Brown was the grandfather of former Bandon mayor Judy Brown Densmore. My grandfather, H.H. Dufort, was a long-time city councilor. Judy and I have the distinction of being the only female mayors in Bandon's history.
"In the event of a fire in the business district, salt water can be pumped from the Coquille river, which is a distinct advantage as one gallon of salt water is more effective in extinguishing fire than two gallons of fresh water. The Port of Bandon maintains a steam tugboat in the harbor, which has three lines of hose and can within a few moments be converted into a fire-fighting machine.
"With a local department that holds regular drills and studies fire protection, Bandon should be one of the best prepared cities of its size in the state," said the fire marshal.
Seven years later, Sept. 26, 1936, Bandon was essentially destroyed by the second major fire.
* * *
Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center has entered into a contract to provide the Emergency Department with a new group of physicians and advanced practice providers.
The provider will be known as Bandon Emergency Physicians, owned by Dr. Rob Evans.
SCGHC CEO Ray Hino told the board "they have already brought on board 10 new excellent emergency providers. Most of the new physicians are coming from Eugene," said Hino.
Most of the new doctors had practiced at Peace Health University District Hospital, which closed recently leaving Eugene without a hospital and leaving the second largest city in Oregon without an emergency room.
Peace Health Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield is the area's largest hospital.
* * *
As I was writing about our new ER doctors, I thought back to an article I had read in the March 1983 Western World when the ER at Southern Coos was in danger of closing because it was staffed by only two doctors at that time, including the late Del Remy. They termed the load "unreasonable."
The other ER doctor, Pamela Bird, offered to staff the emergency room full-time on weekends and holidays for $20 per hour and continue rotating with Remy on weeknights for $50 each night.
Anther option was to require doctors who use the hospital to rotate duties in the emergency room.
The board agreed that it was necessary to keep the emergency room open, which they did.
* * *
People keep asking me if Grocery Outlet still plans to build a store in Bandon. Last week, I received an email from a man with information about the project. He said, "I wanted to confirm that we are still working with Grocery Outlet on the Bandon store but are facing some hurdles with the current state of the real estate market."
I believe our planner and city manager plan to talk with the man, and then share the info with the council.
* * *
I asked our planning director Dana Nichols for information about the Marriott Hotel project, which had been slated for the gravel lot in Old Town.
She said the Marriott's original application had expired as they did not submit the required materials to make their application complete within a 180-day timeframe, nor did they formally withdraw their application.
"We received an email from their planning consultant on Friday that expressed their intent to reapply, but are working toward an agreement with the Coquille Indian Tribe," she said, referring to the letter sent by the Tribe to Marriott expressing concerns about building on the property, which has significant Native American issues.
* * *
I mentioned last week that Tom Stadelman had fallen from a ladder at his building at Baltimore and Second Street and injured his back. I heard from Tom after my column came out, and he told me he had broken his pelvis.
"I'll be able to get around and don't expect I'll need surgery. I should be back to normal within six more weeks," he said.
He also told me of several plans for the building, but they had not yet been confirmed. The exterior of the building looks fantastic, and I can't wait to see who leases it.
* * *
"About a hundred years ago" is the topic of a program provided by the Bandon History Museum for the Meet and Greet at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse Tuesday, Feb. 20. Seating will open at 11 a.m., with the program to begin at 11:30. Museum volunteer Jim Proehl will lead a fast-moving exploration of Bandon in the 1920s, a particularly interesting period in the community's history.
Maybe after you attend that program you may want to stop by city hall where the city council will be holding a workshop on homelessness, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., that is open to the public.
The Bandon High School Fire program, which Jim and I put on at the museum Saturday, was a big success. Most of those in the audience had attended the school, including, from out of town, Larry Davison, Linda Moody, Linda Kistner and her husband Steve Clausen, and Steve's twin brother David Clausen.
* * *
If you like fresh crab, you may want to attend one of two benefit crab feeds being held in the area in the next few weeks.
I forgot to mention the Charleston Crab Feed, which was held Feb. 10, but the next one is the Port Orford Rotary feed on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 5 p.m., with tickets costing $40. It is a club fundraiser for scholarships and community service projects, and I know several of us local Rotarians plan to attend.
The Bandon Chamber is sponsoring a crab feed Saturday, March 9, at the Bandon Fisheries warehouse from 3 to 7, to benefit the Port Orford and Bandon booster clubs. Tickets are $65 each or a table of 8 for $480.
* * *
I have been told that there was a lot of police activity in the area of Beach Loop Road at Highway 101 near Beach Junction a couple of days ago, and although there was a lot of speculation because of the number of officers involved, there has been no press release. Hopefully one of the agencies involved will share the information with the public.
* * *
Coming Events: Free Celtic Harp program, Friday, Feb. 16, Sprague, 7 p.m.; free Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Beaver Hill Transfer Site; 21st Annual Women's Health Day, Feb. 24, Bandon Community Center; Bandon Playhouse presents "Radium Girls" at the Sprague, the weekends of Feb. 23, 24, 25 and March 1, 2, 3. City council hearing on Perk Development appeal, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m. council chambers.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
Februarty 07, 2024
The first picture I am sharing was taken around 1913 and is of the Emergency Hospital, which was on the east side of Alabama, next to the Racket Store in a two-story building.
Emergency Hospital, 1913
It would have been north of the old bank building (now known as the Masonic building which houses Spirit of Oregon and the Cobblers Bench).
This story is about the sale of the hospital, which appeared in the April 10, 1919, Western World.
"Spray Osborn, who for the past year or more has been a patient at the Emergency hospital, left today for Cereal, Alberta, Canada, where he owns a wheat farm. He was accompanied by Miss Ena McKenzie, who will continue to care for him. Miss McKenzie having sold the Emergency hospital which she had conducted here for a number of years."
Although I am not sure who bought the hospital, or if anyone did, I did find a large ad in the March 20, 1919, paper which read: "FOR SALE EMERGENCY HOSPITAL, Bandon, fully equipped, seven patient rooms, operating room, kitchen, etc. A Good opening. $500 will take it. Want to sell before April 1. Address: K.E. McKenzie, Bandon, Ore."
I am pretty sure Bandon had at least two hospitals in those days, so it appears that if it did sell, it didn't make the news.
The second photo was taken in January of 1983 when heavy rains flooded the road to the South Jetty, stranding the vehicle in the photo.
Jetty Road flooded, 1983
Another photo in the Western World pictured CCCOG (Coos County Council of Governments) Director Sandy Diedrich, who lived on the jetty, and was wading across the road.
"Waves washed across jetty road and then continued to flow west along jetty road into the fresh water pond behind Mrs. Diedrich's house, causing extensive flooding to a home occupied by her mother. There was over a foot of water in her mother's house, and 23 inches under the Diedrich home, with water pouring into the subfloor and the bathroom."
A county commissioner advised the paper that the county would be putting rock on the shoulders of jetty road as a temporary measure to keep the road from further damage by strong wave action, They also planned to contact Senator Mark O. Hatfield's office in the hopes of getting something done about replacing the old jetty rock on the edge of the river, which was the primary cause of the flooding.
I believe that jetty road is now part of the city's road system, after the city assumed responsibility for the South Jetty park some years ago. Extensive rip rap was been placed on the north side of the road, which pretty much addressed the problem.
The third picture, taken in June of 1983, features George Barnes, long-time administrator of the Southern Coos General Hospital, receiving a check from Lioness member Betty Dragoo, to be used to buy video tapes for the hospital.
Lioness member Betty Dragoo & hospital administrator George Barnes, 1983
For many years, a group of women, known as Pink Ladies, served the hospital in various capacities through the Hospital Auxiliary.
* * *
I've learned that Ruth Gabriel, who taught home economics at the high school back in the 1950s, died recently at the age of 96 in the Yakima, Wash., area where the Gabriels had lived for many years. Among her survivors are her husband, Lloyd "Gabe," 102, who also taught here, and their sons, Kimo K. Gabriel, 63, and Kekoa K. Gabriel, 65, and their families.
For those wanting to send Mr. Gabriel a card, his address is 3803 Summitview Ave., Apt. 301, Yakima, Wa., 98902-2797.
* * *
Just a few days after I was admiring the work that Tom Stadelman has done on the former Dave's TV building on Second Street, I understand he fell 10 feet off a ladder at the site and landed on his back. I heard that he broke a bone in his back, but I don't know the details. Just hoping for a speedy recovery!
* * *
Jeremiah Dodrill, who has served as the extremely competent finance officer for Southern Coos Hospital for three years, resigned effective Feb. 2 to move back east for another position and to be near family. A graduate of Bandon High School and previously the finance director at Salem Health, Jeremiah's knowledge of hospital finances was vast and will be hard to replicate.
* * *
It won't be the same without him, but long-time District Attorney Paul Frasier told me recently that he will not seek re-election. He (and his wife) feel that 39 years is enough. He should write a book about the cases that he has covered as Coos County DA for nearly four decades. I am sure he has some interesting stories to share.
I know that his wish lists includes serious changes (or outright repeal) to BM110 (the decriminalization of drugs) and support from county residents in the primary election for the county's Public Safety Levy, which will allow at least one more and possibly two more, 49-bed jail pods to open and provide funds to hire more assistants for the DA's office.
* * *
At a recent City Council meeting, Planning Director Dana Nichols told us about the Host Compliance software used to track Vacation Rental Dwelling compliance. One of the tools is the 24/7 hotline, which can be used to report a violation by a VRD. The number is 541-237-1640.
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As we all know, January has been a pretty wet month. But just how wet? My rain guy recorded 19.69 inches, which in the last 20 years is second only to 2006 when he recorded 20.45 inches. Two years ago the January rainfall was 5 inches and last year it was 9.98. So we were right, it did rain a lot. Here's to Spring!
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The Bandon Police Department posted recently on Facebook that they continue to take calls regarding concerns of speed and traffic on Seabird. "A lot of the complaints seem to revolve around construction crews in the area. Speed trailers and focused patrols have not resolved the problem. We encourage the public to call and complain with specific vehicle descriptions and the police can aggressively enforce the traffic laws to increase neighborhood safety," said the post.
"We also encourage individuals who are working in the area to respect the sanctity of the neighborhood and abide by the traffic laws."
This, of course, goes for other parts of the community, including Highway 101, but it's hard to reach those drivers without a red light and a citation book in hand.
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Joan (DeCosta) Goodbrod contacted me recently from her home in Woodland, Wash., after learning of the program on the arson fire that destroyed the Bandon High School building in January of 1974. She was among the Class of 1950 that was the first class to graduate from that school. She is 91. Other members of her class include Gene Schrader, 92, of Sutherlin; Florence Moore Litzenberger, 91, Springfield; and Marie Fasnacht Cochran, who is 90 and lives on the North Bank Road. Gene's wife, the former Helen Wehner, also attended the school, but several years later, as did I.
Don't forget, this Saturday (Feb. 10), Jim Proehl and I will be again presenting the high school fire story at 2 p.m. at the museum.
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A man, suffering from dementia, who had driven away from his home in Portland, and was believed to be in the Bandon area Feb. 3 was located on Highway 42 near the Junction of Highway 242 (Powers highway) after a person observed his vehicle sideswiping a row of mailboxes along the highway. Deputies responded to the area and caught up with him at milepost 52 in Douglas County. He was cared for by deputies, provided with necessities and driven to Eugene to be reunited with family.
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Several hundred people turned out at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse Saturday to honor Dr. Hank Holmes, who was celebrating 50 years as a doctor, including the last 10 years in Bandon. Although he did not dwell on it and said he would not mention it again, he told the audience that he did not leave Coast Community Health Clinic on his own, but that he was terminated. "I didn't abandon my patients, and I just want you to know that," he said.
It was clear how much Dr. Holmes meant to his patients, his colleagues, and his friends, who showered him with compliments and love during a time set aside to express what he had meant to each of us. It was a special afternoon!
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The Bandon Playhouse is presenting 'Radium Girls' at the Sprague Theater two weekends (Feb. 23-24-25 and March 1-2-3), with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 and the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Directed by Stephanie Jones, the show represents local actors of all ages from 10 to 75. It should be a great show!
The 21st Annual Women's Health Day is set for Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Community Center (Barn) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., sponsored by Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center and Southern Coos Health Foundation. See hospital website to register.
Other events: free household hazardous waste collection event, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beaver Hill Transfer site. No appointment required.
Celtic Harps concert, Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Sprague theater, no charge, sponsored by Bandon Library Friends and Foundation.
City Council homeless workshop, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at city hall.
Tuesday Meet and Greet, Feb. 6, Coast Community Health Clinic, 11 to 1 p.m., Bandon Fisheries Warehouse.
Plastic recycling, library Sprague room, 4 to 6 p.m., third Wednesday of the month.
City council hearing on Gravel Point development, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m., council chambers.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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