As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
January 31, 2024
The first picture I am sharing this week was taken in August of 1968, as Port Manager Al Froland (foreground) and volunteer Cliff Thorn were busy trolling the Coquille River to clear drift out of the river and capture it in log booms.
Clearing the river, 1968
A Western World article explained that "three large rafts of drift were tied up along the river near Riverton after many hours of work by the Port commission."
At that point it was said the river was nearly drift free for fishermen.
Eleven years later, in October of 1969, Froland drowned in the Coquille River, but the circumstances were never completely determined as he had been patrolling the river when he failed to come home as expected. His wife, Mayme, called the local Coast Guard.
They discovered his body just below Bullards Bridge after seeing a life preserver floating in the water. Some speculated that he might have died of a heart attack, although he had no history of heart ailment. He was 51 years old.
The Frolands owned La Kris Motel at that time, and Mrs. Froland was chairman of the school board. He was a member of Bandon Lodge No. 130, AF&AM, the Bandon Lions Club, and a charter member of the Bandon Aero Club.
One of my "finds" over the years was the program (second photo) from the March 1929 show, "The Lion's Tales of 1929," presented by the Bandon Lions Club.
Lions Club program, 1929
The show was presented at the Hartman Theatre, and was the joint effort of Harry Bernard of Los Angeles, writer of Professional musical shows, and W.A. Stanchfield of Bandon.
"The program has a plot, but according to those in the know, it can be conveniently sidetracked whenever necessary to keep up the pace of the show. The plot, by the way, promises to reveal what happens at (Lions) conventions," according to an article in Western World.
"By far the most unusual feature of the show will be the cast. 'It will be one hundred percent masculine,' said Stanchfield. All female roles will be played by members of the club; and these will include a beauty chorus of twelve.
"Although no cast has been announced as yet, such favorites as Zero Ellis, John Weigant, Elmer Gant, Jim Jenkins and Earl Stewart are promised prominent parts."
Cliff Thorn, pictured in the first article, was among those in the cast. His sister, Grace Thorn, married Elmer Gant, who owned a men's clothing business in Bandon before the Fire.
Other well known names were Pal and Fred Lancaster, Brick Davis, Gene and Jack Wade, George and William Linn, Fred Panter, Fred Tuttle, Erwin Randleman, Robert Treadgold and Robert Norton (the long time owner of the Golden Rule, where the Continuum is today).
Conventioneers, painted butterflies, etc., were Harry Arnold, Jack Cramer, Bill Best, Charlie Schroeder, Ernie Boak, Billy LeGore, and Louie Felsheim (my grandfather).
The third picture shows what remained of the safe after an arsonist destroyed Bandon High School in January of 1974.
Bandon High School safe after the fire of 1974
It was several days before the safe could be opened and school authorities had no idea what shape the records would be in.
The safe was opened by Supt. Otis Murray and Principal Bob Stolz.
"Priceless school records, dating back to the early 1920s, were none the worse for their ordeal ... when safe company representatives drilled open the safe which stood in the ruins of what was once the Bandon High School building," reported the Western World.
"School officials feared that they would find only a pile of ashes, but to their relief, only a few items on the very top shelf melted from the intense heat, with the other valuables, including a number of cameras and this year's studentbody account books, suffering nothing but a little smoke damage.
" 'You don't realize what we'd have missed until you think they're gone,' said Principal Bob Stolz after the safe was opened. It was necessary to drill the safe open as the dial had burned off."
I taught photography to high school students during those years, and fortunately we often left our cameras in the safe.
For those who did not attend the recent 50-year anniversary program of the high school fire, held during the Meet and Greet at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, Jim Proehl and I will be presenting the program again on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. at the museum. I've heard that several who were attending BHS at that time, will be coming to Bandon for the program.
* * *
I learned that Darlene Joan "Dee" Whitehouse, 90, Bandon, had died in Bay Area Hospital recently after being found unresponsive in her Klamath Avenue home, which she had owned for nearly 20 years.
Whitehouse was preceded in death by her husband Raymond and her son, Scott Jacobson.
Several grandchildren, living outside the area, survive her.
* * *
If you haven't been to Old Town lately, you may want to drive down and see the beautiful facelift on the former Dave's TV building, corner of Second and Baltimore, owned by Tom Stadelman of Bandon Supply. Although the building is not yet finished, it is already a "crown jewel."
The inside is not complete, because Tom said he is not sure yet who plans to rent it, which will determine the scope of the remodel.
I am hoping Tom's exterior work will prompt a similar renewal for at least one other building in the immediate area.
* * *
Coos County Sheriff's Deputy K. Mong recently responded to a residence on Highway 101 in Bandon for a large-scale burglary. It was reported that several firearms and several hundred thousand dollars in cash, gold and silver were stolen from the property. An investigation was initiated with the assistance of the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the FBI, the Douglas County Interagency Narcotics Team and spearheaded by the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team and the Sheriff's Office.
The investigation resulted in the serving of six search warrants in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties. Several firearms, over a hundred thousand dollars in currency, three vehicles and pounds of various controlled substances, including meth and marijuana, have been seized.
So far, four people have been arrested for various charges ranging from first-degree burglary, to theft and unlawful possession and delivery of meth, including Matthew Knapp, 45; Daniel Knapp, 55; Kyle Vanalstine, 29, Langlois; and Rebecca Aseere, 23, Myrtle Point.
There was no information released as to the addresses of the suspects, nor did the sheriff's office name the man whose home was burglarized.
* * *
A 27-year-old Bandon man, Aaron C. Dawson, was arrested on several charges after a deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, which was said to be clocked on radar at 103 miles an hour.
Dawson failed to yield, and a short pursuit ensued on Highway 42S onto Bear Creek Lane. The driver ditched the car near milepost two and fled on foot, according to the sheriff's office press release.
"After tracking a short distance, K9 Cena located Dawson curled up in a creek under thick blackberry brush. He was taken into custody and charged with elude, reckless driving, reckless endangering and DUII. He was lodged in the county jail.
* * *
A 27-year-old woman, Clarissa M. Castro, whose last known address is Junction City, was the suspect in a high speed chase that began shortly before 1 a.m. Jan. 27, near Bandon Dunes employee housing and ended in Port Orford after a high speed case.
After a sheriff's deputy had attempted to contact Castro, who was alone in a black Cadillac sedan with no plates or ID tags, she sped off at a high rate of speed. Bandon police attempted to deploy stop sticks just south of town without success. The pursuit continued south to Port Orford, where PO police again tried to deploy stop sticks. The press release says that even though Castro avoided the stop sticks, she crashed over an embankment on Oregon Street, fleeing on foot. K9 Cena tracked her for approximately 150 yards in 60- to 70-mile-an-hour wind gusts. She was found hiding in beach grass.
After she was taken into custody, she began to complain of injuries from the crash, and was released to the ambulance to be medically evaluated. She had a valid warrant for her arrest and is being referred to the Coos County DA's office on additional charges of elude by vehicle and foot and reckless driving.
A later press release said that inside the vehicle, officers found a loaded Glock 19 pistol, a stun gun, 30 M30 pills or Fentanyl, meth and a loaded syringe with heroin.
* * *
As a result of a recent meeting of Bandon business owners and members of the Bandon Chamber to talk about the location of the 2024 Cranberry Festival, I've been told by several merchants that some of the events will be held in Old Town this year, including the Saturday night street dance. I will have more details later, but the merchants I talked to seemed pleased with the compromise. The last several years, the festival has been held in City Park, where some of the events will continue to be held.
* * *
I want to call attention to two important city meetings that are forthcoming, including a workshop on homelessness that will be held in the council chambers of city hall on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The council will take input from the public, and is looking for suggestions or ideas about the issue.
On Wednesday night, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. the city council will hold an appeal hearing on the Gravel Point 110-room hotel/resort, proposed by Brett Perkins of Perk Development. The development was approved by the Bandon Planning Commission on a 4-2 vote (with Bill Frey and Gordon Norman opposed). Please note the new day and time, as we will be starting earlier because of the number of people who may want to testify, and Wednesday is not our usual meeting day.
* * *
Coming Events: Meet and Greet to talk about the Community Swimming Pool, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 11 to 1, Bandon Fisheries Warehouse; Celebration honoring Dr. Hank Holmes, for his 50 years as a doctor, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2 to 5 p.m., Bandon Fisheries Warehouse; RSVP to ugobeu@yahoo.com or call/text 520-241-4171; free admission to Celtic Harps concert at the Sprague Theater, Friday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., sponsored by Bandon Library Friends and Foundation.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
January 24, 2024
The first picture I am sharing this week was taken in May of 1958 when burglars hit the service station of George Chappell (first photo) "who points to a spot, between stove and desk, from where the 500-pound safe in his service station was taken by burglars Thursday night or early Friday morning.
Burglars hit the service station of George Chappell, 1958
"In full view of the highway in downtown Bandon, through windows on two sides, and under lights shown in the picture, the thieves yarded the safe across the floor and through the front door, from which they had entered by jimmying the lock."
This had been only one of many burglaries which had occurred in southern Coos and northern Curry county in recent weeks, including the Bandon Airport, Pacific High School, Aldropp's Garage, Woodworth Dairy near Port Orford, Bartol Domenighini dairy ranch at Bear Creek, and a number of petty thefts in the area."
Four men, three from Four Mile and one from Coquille, had been arrested in connection with most of the burglaries, except the Chappell service station heist.
"Some contents of Chappell's safe were found late Friday on the Clausen road four miles south of Coquille. Receipts, personal papers and a check pouch, as well as fire clay and parts from the safe itself were discovered near the river bank, and an imprint on the bank indicated the safe had been pushed into the Coquille River, police said."
The following week's paper said the safe had been recovered from the main channel of the river along the George Clausen road.
"Discovery of the safe was made during low-tide probing operations by Chappell, Ralph Davidson and Don Garvin, according to Police Chief D.S. MacDonald. The door, which had been removed by the burglars, was also recovered. The safe was empty when found.
"A bundle of old bank deposit slips and other papers in a small 'ditty bag' found floating in the Coquille river Wednesday by the operator of the Riverton ferry were identified as contents of the safe."
At the time, the service station was located on what is now the gravel lot across the highway from Face Rock Creamery. Just to the east of the station is the two-story home where my family and I lived at that time.
The second and third photos, taken in the spring of 1958 at the Bandon port dock, make the accident look way more serious than it was.
"It looked bad to passersby who saw this seven-yard dump truck upended at the Port of Bandon boat basin fill project (second picture) last Thursday morning, but the truck and its driver, Pete Hull, were back at work in about an hour.
Seven-yard dump truck, 1958
"Hull was backing into position for dumping a load of fill material when the earth gave way beneath the truck. He jumped clear as the truck, owned by Floyd Peterson, rolled over.
"Soon after, the truck was righted by the Port whirly (third picture) and pulled to firm ground by a small 'cat' used on the fill project.
Retrieving the dump truck
"There was apparently little or no damage to the truck, and the driver, unhurt, went on about his haul."
Among those watching the operation were Forrest "Nort" Norton, in plaid shirt, foreground, and Pete Hull, standing on the passenger side of the truck.
* * *
I learned this week that Warren Thompson, a member of the Bandon High School Class of 1959, had died recently at his home in Coquille. Warren was a three-sport athlete, playing varsity football, basketball and track. He was married to the former Sheri Haga, who survives him.
* * *
I always like to hear from my history pal Bill Smith, who comes up with some interesting tidbits. It seems he went to the basketball game between Bandon and Illinois Valley Friday night, and discovered that the jayvee coach, Ryan Lathen, was the son of Janice Cline, who with her family and sister Judy, moved to Gold Beach after attending high school here for several years.
Bill thought he recognized one of the referees, who turned out to be Emery Phillips, long-time commissioner of the Southwestern Oregon Basketball Officials Association, who, back in a newspaper interview in 2014, had been officiating for 54 years. And he's apparently still at it ... at the age of 84.
* * *
Dr. Hank Holmes is celebrating his 50-year career as a medical doctor by inviting the community and most especially his former patients, medical staff and all those "who made his last 10 years of practice in Bandon the most memorable of his career" to join him in a celebration Saturday, Feb. 3.
The event will be an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse on First Street. Dr. Holmes will speak at 3:30.
People who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to Alix by email at ugobeu@yahoo.com or call/text 520-241-4171.
Dr. Holmes has made many lasting friendships during his decade in Bandon and I hope that the community will turn out to honor him.
* * *
Oregon Coast organizations, including the Port of Bandon, have received more than a million dollars in competitive grants from Travel Oregon to fund accessible and inclusive tourism projects in the region.
As one of the Oregon Coast awardees, the Port of Bandon received $100,000 to add accessible, paved parking and enhance the historic Old Town Bandon waterfront district by creating an inviting place for all visitors and residents to enjoy.
I was told by an official of the Port that the gravel lot in front of the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse/Farm and Sea will be paved, so I am assuming this is one of the projects for which the money will be used. This will certainly improve the parking situation in front of that popular building.
Statewide, 56 grant recipients were awarded $3.6M aimed at enhancing local economies and communities through visitor industry improvements and promotion.
* * *
Although members of the city council were advised not to attend the Perk Development open house Thursday night, I understand there was a huge crowd of people, some of whom left before the event after determining that there would be no presentation. Later, I understand there was a question and answer period.
I am sure that a large crowd will be at the city council hearing on the development, known as Gravel Point, when the actual hearing is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. at city hall. People will be able to attend the meeting via Zoom as I sure the seats will fill up fast inside the council chambers. Note the earlier start time because of the number of people who may want to testify during the hearing, which, rather than being on the planning commission record, will be a new hearing, known as de Novo.
Earlier, the Bandon planning commission, on a 4-2 vote, approved the development. There have been two appeals, including one by ORCA (Oregon Coast Alliance) through its executive director Cameron LaFollette.
* * *
I want to clarify something that I said several weeks ago. The Rolling Pin business, which includes the restaurant, bakery and coffee shop, is for sale for $699,000. The building, which formerly housed the Rexall Drug Store adjacent to McKay's, is not for sale.
* * *
My rain guy, Gerry Terp, provides me with the rain totals every month, including the calendar year totals for the last 19 years. Yearly totals have ranged from a high of 86.59 inches in 2017 to a low of 34.19 inches in 2013. He recorded 67.57 inches for 2023, up from the 53.84 inches in 2022.
I just happened to come upon an item in a 1920 Western World, which said the average rainfall for the period from 1915 to 1920 was 50.63 inches, including 61.56 inches for 1919 and 39.77 for 1918.
* * *
I saw an article in the League of Oregon Cities bulletin about legislation being filed that would end, or materially change, BM110, which we know as the decriminalization of hard drugs, like meth, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl.
The bill was introduced by none other than State Representative Rick Lewis (R-Silverton), who served as Bandon police chief years ago.
"While the bill is chiefly sponsored by Representative Lewis, it is anticipated that the majority, if not all, House Republicans will sign onto the bill. The legislation does not currently have an assigned bill number but will receive one immediately prior to the opening of the 2024 short legislation session on Feb. 5."
The bill would make significant changes to Oregon's approach to substance abuse response, including increased penalties for distribution of narcotics that leads to death, and making it a criminal offense for the public consumption of drugs.
Frankly, this is long overdue! And I am not surprised that it took a seasoned police officer to understand the damage that has been done to our state by making user-grade amounts of hard drugs no more serious than a traffic ticket.
* * *
Coming Events: Meet and Greet program by Jim Proehl and me on the 50-year anniversary of the arson fire that burned Bandon High School, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 11 to 1 at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse; Meet and Greet Jan. 30, Bandon Swimming Pool, 11-1; Meet and Greet, Feb. 6, Coast Community Health Center; Celtic Harp duo, Sprague theater, no charge, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., sponsored by Bandon Library Friends and Foundation; BHS Fire Program, Bandon Museum, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2 p.m.; Bandon Breakfast Bunch, March 30, 10:30 a.m. Farm and Sea; Plastic recycling, third Wednesday of month, Bandon Library meeting room, 4 to 6 p.m.
* * *
In an apparent response to concerns by some local business people about the location of the Cranberry Festival (City Park vs Old Town) the chamber distributed handouts to the merchants this week about the "Cranberry 2024 Merchant Meeting, which will be held Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. at the Bandon Community Center." They were asked to RSVP to info@bandon.com. The handout said, "The meeting will not be held if we have less than 18 Old Town businesses RSVP."
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
January 17, 2024
An article in the June 19, 1914, Bandon Recorder is a prime example of how long it took to mail a letter in those days.
"The people in Curry county seem to have a well-founded grievance against the postoffice officials at Washington, as word has been received at Gold Beach, the county seat of Curry, that all bids for carrying the mails between Gold Beach and Harbor have been rejected and that after July 1st the only way to get mail from the county seat to the lower portion of Curry county will be to send it to Port Orford, thence by stage to Bandon, thence up the Coquille river by boat to Coquille (first picture), thence by rail to Myrtle Point, thence by stage (second photo) to Roseburg, thence over the Southern Pacific to Grants Pass, thence through the Illinois valley and over the Siskiyous to Crescent City, thence up the coast to Harbor. In all, this makes a distance of 425 miles to gain a distance of 42 miles.
Coquille River
Stage to Roseburg
"Under such conditions it would take mail, in the best of weather, from eight to eleven days to pass from Gold Beach to Harbor; in winter from ten to fifteen days.
"The contract price for carrying mail over these forty-two miles, making three round trips a week, has been about $1250. This was for a horseback and pack animal route. Under the best conditions the contractor could only make a very small wage; since the parcel post law became effective every trip has shown a loss. Hence the lowest bid received prior to the letting for the next four years was $4,400. The officials say this price is prohibitive; hence all bids have been rejected.
"Just now the greatest developments in Curry are taking place at Brookings just north of and across the Chetco river from Harbor. The largest town in the county has sprung up there as if by magic. More than 350 people are now located there and this number is being daily augmented.
"But in plain language, the postal officials say that the distance to the county seat is 425 miles... the quick transit for a letter is eight days, and in the winter, often twelve to fifteen days," ended the article.
A headline in the Feb. 28, 1918, Western World told readers that "Mrs. Hartman Gets Grand," with the subhead explaining that a man had sold to the Odd Fellows who gave Mrs. Hartman a lease ... and the Orpheum theater closed.
There was often more than one theater in Bandon before the fire, including the Orpheum, the Grand, the Hartman and the Rex. After the fire, there was only one: the Bandon Theater.
The article explained "there has been another change in theatre ownership and management in Bandon. Wm. Sellmer has sold the equipment and the good will of the Grand (third photo) to the Odd Fellows Lodge, owner of the building, which in turn has leased the place to Mrs. E.A. Hartman, owner and manager of the Orpheum.
The Grand
The change, for the present at least, means that there will be but one house (theater) in operation. Mrs. Hartman intends to keep the Grand running. Mr. Sellmer has not made his plans for the future known but he will be here for some time yet as he has other property interests."
The Grand was on the south side of First Street, east of the big building that is now known as the Old Coast Guard Station (owned by the Port of Bandon).
In spite of the AP Styleguide which says theater is spelled "er" unless it is part of a proper name, in the old days they often spelled it "re" with or without it being part of a proper name. As long as I am quoting it, I'll stick with the editor's version.
* * *
I was happy to see that Linda Maxon, the person mostly responsible for the prior success of the federally-qualified Bandon Community Health Center (also known as Coast Community Health Center), is now the Chief Development Officer for the Coquille Valley Hospital District.
The hospital district has acquired the former Umpqua Bank building in Myrtle Point where they plan to open a new clinic and wellness center.
* * *
I forgot last week to mention the death of 19-year-old Josiah Selvy, of Port Orford, who died in an wreck south of Langlois on New Year's Day. Josiah graduated from Pacific High School in June as the class valedictorian and played post on the basketball team. Among his immediate survivors are his mother Amanda and his sister Serenity.
Among those helping at the scene of the accident were the Sixes River and Langlois Fire departments.
* * *
As I was preparing to write my column Sunday night, I saw a post on Facebook which said that an elderly man, who had moved to the Dora area several years ago, had drowned in the flood waters of the North Fork of the river near Llewellyn Creek.
I remember when I worked at the Herald in Myrtle Point, a similar situation occurred west of Myrtle Point when a man tried to drive through high water, resulting in his death.
* * *
Those of us who are concerned about the lack of jail space, and the reduced number of assistant DAs to prosecute cases in Coos County, may want to attend the Tuesday (Jan. 16) Meet and Greet at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse where Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio and County Commissioner John Sweet will talk about the proposed public safety levy. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and food is available at the site.
The Jan. 23 Meet and Greet will feature Jim Proehl and me, with pictures and the story of the arson fire that burned the Bandon High School to the ground in January of 1974. A similar program will be given by the two of us at the Bandon Historical Society museum on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. This is the 50-year anniversary of the high school fire.
* * *
People who want to know more about the 110-room hotel development, known as Gravel Point, will want to attend an informational open house, sponsored by Perk Development, on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 7 in the mural room at the Barn.
The Bandon Planning Commission earlier approved Gravel Point on a 4-2 vote. It has since been appealed by two applicants, including ORCA (Oregon Coast Community Action). The de Novo (new) hearing on the appeal will be held by the City Council on Wednesday night, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
* * *
A group known as the Bandon Breakfast Bunch will meet March 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse.
As soon as Bandon alumni know that they plan to attend, they are asked to contact Sharon Ward Moy in FB comments, by Messenger or by email at moy_seaglass@msn.com. All BHS class members past and present are invited to attend. It's been five years since the last event was held in Bandon.
It began nearly 10 years ago in the Portland area, when a group of former BHS students and classmates came together to find a way to reconnect and meet from time to time. Sharon Moy and Harvey "Skip" Longanecker, both BHS Class of 1966, were the creators of the breakfast event. Sharon moved back to Bandon in 2019. This will be the first get-together since Covid.
* * *
The Bandon Library Friends and Foundation is sponsoring a free concert at the Sprague Theater Friday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., featuring Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter, a multi-instrumental duo featuring Celtic harps, rare instruments and wondrous stories.
* * *
Coming events: Bandon Showcase presents singer Haley Johnson in a free concert Friday night (Jan. 19) at 7:30 p.m., with doors to open at 6:30.
* * *
I was sorry to hear that long-time Myrtle Point resident and Coos County native, Bonnie Stone, died Dec. 31 at the age of 96. Among her survivors are two sons, Coos County Circuit Court Judge Martin Stone, Coquille, and Robert and Darcie Stone of Broadbent. Bonnie worked as a secretary for the Myrtle Point School District for 20 years.
* * *
It was cool to see a big article in the Oregonian recently headlined "How a tiny town became 'world famous' for its signature hot dogs ... referring to the Pestana family's Langlois Market.
The writer says, "People have been known to travel for hundreds of miles, deep into rural Curry County, to try a delicacy that can only be found here in Langlois, Oregon: a hot dog. For more than 40 years the hot dog has been the star of the Langlois Market, where it's featured on branded hats, T-shirts and bumper stickers. Employee McKayla Self-Blethen said the store sells hundreds of hot dogs daily."
Today, former owner Lee Pestana's son, Jake, runs the store. Jake is the son of Sue Sweet, a graduate of Bandon High School, and a business owner in Langlois where she lives on Floras Lake.
Before moving to Langlois, Lee Pestana was a college basketball coach in Texas.
* * *
A couple of days after I watched Travis Wittlake Jr., a sixth-year senior wrestling for Oregon State University, in a TV match, he was seriously injured when his pickup fell off the jack, crushing his leg and body in an accident at his home. He was airlifted to Salem Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He suffered a compound fracture and multiple other breaks as well as many compression fractures to his lumbar vertebra, according to a Facebook post.
Wittlake, who grew up on Broadbent, graduated from Marshfield High School where he was a four-time Oregon high school state champion. He was named a four-time All-American, two-time Oregon Wrestler of the Year and Oregon Nike Athlete of the Year. At Marshfield, he compiled a 196-2 record.
He went on to wrestle for Oklahoma State before transferring to Oregon State.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
January 10, 2024
The headline in the April 10, 1958, Western World read: "Abandoned Lighthouse May Bring State Park." This seems to be the first talk about the possibility of locating what we now know as Bullards Beach State Park ... one of the finest in the state.
"The abandoned Coquille River Lighthouse (first picture), opposite Bandon, together with an adjacent area of land may be made into a state recreational park," according to the article.
Coquille River Lighthouse, 1958
"Since the U.S. Coast Guard has announced that the lighthouse together with some 11 acres of land is to be assigned to the surplus property list and offered for public sale, it has been learned through Congressman Charles O. Porter that the federal government may withhold the property from sale if it will be accepted by the state or a local government for park purposes.
"The matter has been referred to C.M. Armstrong, state park superintendent, who in turn has discussed it with the State Highway Commission." The article went on to say that Western World had furnished the park superintendent with all correspondence relating to the matter.
Another front-page article in the same issue of the paper is headlined "Local Problems Get Attention of Bandon Chamber." The group gathered in the Sunset meeting room of Lloyd's Cafe's.
"The proposal to have the old lighthouse area made into a state park was presented in a petition which has been circulated by George Dow. Paul Detert made the presentation and everyone present signed it. (George Dow owned Bandon Seafood where the Loft is now located and Paul Detert owned Paul's Jewelry, across from what is now Alloro Wine Bar and Restaurant).
"George Kronenberg reported that the county's portion of the road to the south jetty is being mapped so that a petition for a county road can be completed."
"It was also reported that the former Bullards ferry slip has been made unusable for launching small boats because it has been fenced off. The secretary was instructed to send a letter of protest to the county court," referring to what we now know as the county board of commissioners.
The second photo is Ralph's Ice Cream, which was the subject of a burglary in October of 1969, 14 years after it opened in 1955.
Ralph's Ice Cream, 1955
"Burglars entered Ralph's Ice Cream store some time Saturday night and removed a metal cabinet containing papers, checks and about $2 in cash. Entry was made by punching a hole in the glass of the west door, then reaching in to unlock it, according to Police Chief Donald MacDonald. The cabinet is the only article believed stolen.
"Possible connection is being considered with a burglary the same night at Pacific High School, where electric typewriters, adding machines and other business machines with a total value of approximately $1,000 were taken, police said. The same method of entry was used at both places.
"The burglary at Ralph's was discovered by employee Mrs. Leonard Gibbs when she arrived at work Sunday morning. Original investigation was conducted by Officer Harry Franson.
"At least two persons were involved, and a conveyance was probably used to haul away the cabinet, police said."
Ralph's later became Gerry's Ice Cream and Fraser's Restaurant, and today the much expanded property is the home of The Asian Garden.
For the third picture, I have chosen a photo that I took 50 years ago .... the night that an arsonist burned our high school to the ground.
Bandon High School, 1974
Jim Proehl and I will be giving two programs about the fire, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. at the Meet and Greet program at Farm and Sea, and again at the Bandon Historical Society museum on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. Both programs are free to the public.
At the time of the fire, Jan. 24, 1974, I was teaching photography at the high school, so like everyone else, we lost everything, including cameras and our darkroom.
I had arrived at the scene of the fire ahead of most of the firemen because I lived in the theater and simply threw my long coat on over my nightgown and headed toward the top of the hill when the fire siren went off. It wasn't until a short time after the fire department arrived did we realize it was an arson fire .... when flames burst out in the west and east ends of the building, and in the center.
I had seen a young man standing near the fire hall as I drove up the hill, and wondered at the time what he was doing there ... just waiting for the trucks to leave the hall. A few minutes later I turned around and saw that he was watching the fire, and my immediate reaction was ... he's the guy who set the fire. And it turns out he was.
For the rest of the fascinating (but sad) story, you may want to attend one of our two fire programs ....
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Dozens of hospitals around the state, including Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center in Bandon, received an email bomb threat last Tuesday afternoon.
CEO Ray Hino immediately called the police, and Chief Cory Dhillon and Officer Ian Mastrangelo responded, and searched the property. After looking at the email, it was determined that it was the exact wordage as the threat against area schools, including Bandon, several weeks earlier.
In the case of the schools, local authorities agreed to release students for the remainder of the day.
Authorities conducted a search of the hospital buildings for any unusual packages or materials. None were found.
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I was sorry to learn that Steve Pounder, 74, long-time Bandon businessman and husband of Bandon Chamber Executive Director and President Margaret Pounder died last week after a lingering illness.
Since moving to Bandon, the Pounders previously owned and operated the Bandon Fish Market and the Bandon Coffee Cafe.
Friends describe Steve as a "real mentor" who was always willing to help friends, family and the community in any way he could.
My thoughts go out to Margaret and their extended family.
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I heard from Jane Ujhazi this week, chairman of the very successful Community Christmas Dinner, who was recovering from the bug that's being going around, and undergoing eye surgery.
"A big thank you is due to all the amazing volunteers who made the 2023 Bandon Community Christmas Day Dinner a huge success. The final count was four seatings of 90 guests plus 75 meals delivered. It was heartwarming to see and visit with so many smiling faces enjoying a wonderful meal together," said Ujhazi.
The South Coast Trio played for the entire three hours. "Their harmonies were delightful, singing and playing a mix of holiday, oldies and popular tunes.
"Donations totaled almost $2,000 for the day, ensuring all expenses will be paid in full. Bandon is truly a big-hearted town, sharing the giving spirit of the season with strangers, friends and neighbors - thank you, one and all," she said.
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An orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Ivanitsky has joined the Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center clinic. He will be sharing his time with the Lower Umpqua Hospital in Reedsport, working two weeks a month at each facility.
Dr. Ivanitsky, who has practiced in Coquille for many years, received his medical degree from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and has been in practice for nearly 30 years.
The clinic phone number is 541-329-0154.
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The December rainfall showed that it was a wet month, with 16.84 inches of rain, only the second highest December rainfall in 19 years, succeeded only by the 21.40 inches recorded the same month in 2015.
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I read a chilling article in the Los Angeles Times Sunday about the problems on the Alaska Airline flight that left Portland, and had to return when an accident tore open a portion of the cabin shortly after takeoff.
The article said although the plane was nearly full, no one was in seats 25A and 26A, the two chairs closest to the gaping hole. "The force of the blowout tore both seats' head rests off, as well as the back of seat 26A," a spokesman said.
Of the two people sitting on the aisle, a teenage boy's shirt was completely ripped off.
The really terrifying info was that "the pressure differential between outside and inside is much higher when you're at a cruising altitude, and they were halfway up. At 30,000 feet, the partial pressure of oxygen is so low that you only have about a minute to survive at that altitude, so not only could people have been blown out of the airplane, but some people might have had some problems with the low oxygen levels," the spokesman is quoted as saying.
It started me thinking about my niece, her husband and their three-year-old daughter, who had just returned from London after spending the holiday with his parents, and one of my sisters, who had just flown in from Oklahoma a few days earlier.
Before the North Bend airport lost passenger service to Portland, Alaska Airlines was how most of us flew, at least to Portland where we often made other connections.
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Coming Events: Citywide brush pickup, starts Jan. 8; Indoor garage sale, Jan. 12-13-14, Bandon Fisheries Warehouse; Bandon Showcase free Haley Johnson concert, Friday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., Sprague Theater, doors open at 6:30; Meet and Greet, Coos County Commissioner John Sweet, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bandon Fisheries Warehouse; Redfish Music Festival concert, Holy Trinity Church, Sunday, Jan. 14, 3 p.m., $20 at the door.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
January 03, 2024
The first photo I am sharing this week is the launch Favorite, "long in the Coos river trade out of Marshfield," according to an item in the July 26, 1928, Western World.
The Favorite
The Favorite was being remodeled into a passenger launch to ply on the Coquille river from points down river to Riverton.
"The launch will be operated by C.H. Woodard who had contracted to carry school children to the Riverton schools during the coming year. He expects to carry about 60 each day. The launch will be taken to the Coquille River late in August."
When this picture was taken, the Favorite (center), the Wolverine and the Wilhelmina were at the Coquille dock. The 72-foot long Favorite was built in 1900 by A.R. Ellingsen of Coquille.
Ernie Osborne's book, "Wooden Ships and Master Craftsmen," reports that in February 1908, while under the command of Captain Ross, the Favorite sank at the Coquille dock.
"The gunwale apparently caught under the ends of the timber supporting the floor of the wharf. When the tide came in one side of her was held down until she filled with water and sank.
"Stien Danielson came from Parkersburg bringing jack screws, and the tug Triumph brought up a large government scow which was used in raising her. On the following Sunday, she was raised high enough for a fire to be built in her furnaces and the Favorite was soon back on the run.
"The exact circumstances of her final disposition are not clear, but Ship Registers and Enrollments, Port of Marshfield, Oregon, 1873-1941 indicates she was abandoned prior to 1917 and her docent surrendered in 1919," according to Osborne's book.
I am pretty sure this is the same launch that was still operating in 1928 when she was used to transport children to the Riverton schools.
Less than two months after the Bandon Fire of September 1936, the top headline in the Dec. 10, 1936, Western World read: "New Equipment for Coast Guard." The story follows ...
"Complete new equipment, except boats (second picture) which were saved from the fire, will soon be received by the U.S. Coast Guard station here, according to Capt. Theodore Roberge, former local commander and now inspector for the San Francisco division.
U.S. Coast Guard station
"Captain Roberge was in Bandon Friday and Saturday and made a complete inspection and survey of the local station. He stated that he found the crew fairly comfortable in their improvised quarters in the old city hall. 'At least they are making the best of it, and the spirit they are showing in putting up with inconveniences and discomforts without complaining is commendable,' he declared.
"When asked if a new station and living quarters are to be rebuilt, Captain Roberge said, 'there is no doubt of it, and the new station will be modern in every respect.' Some remarkable changes have been made in the construction of new stations, he said. 'While it will take some time to get plans under way and let the contract, there is every reason to believe that this will be done with all the dispatch possible.' No act of congress is necessary to provide money for the rebuilding of a station,' he said.
"In reply to the question as to possibility of the local station being discontinued, Captain Robert states that it requires an act of congress to establish a station and likewise it requires an act of congress to discontinue one. He assured Bandon that it would have a better station when rebuilt than it has ever had in the past."
Prior to the fire only the boat house was located on the river, the dwelling being situated on a high promontory on the south side of First Street (third photo, left).
Coast Guard dwelling (left)
After the fire the Coast Guard crew was quartered in a small building which escaped the fire and was formerly the city hall for Bandon. Married members of the crew bought lots and built small homes in what was formerly the main business section of the city, forming a colony that was termed "Little America."
Today several of those small houses face Cleveland Street, behind the Farm and Sea (former fisheries) building; others face First Street.
The new Coast Guard station finally opened in late 1939 and served as the life-saving station for many years before it was decommissioned. In the 1970s Bandon High School had a Tiger boat-building class there, utilizing the boat ways.
Owned by the Port of Bandon, It has since been utilized to house the Port office and several other small offices.
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Services for long-time Bandon businessman and retired teacher Francis Stadelman, 87, will be held Thursday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Mr. Stadelman died Saturday at his home following a long illness.
Among his survivors are his wife, Alice; sons Tom (Sarah), Tim (Marjorie Ellen) and Dan, and daughters Maria (Robert Merriam) and Kathleen Stadelman, and their families.
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It doesn't seem to matter how much publicity there is about the dangers of being on the beach during King Tides like we have been experiencing in the past week, because people apparently don't read it or don't heed the warnings.
Thursday just after high tide, a Bandon man, Terry Frye, videoed two groups of people, with at least two young children, on the Devil's Kitchen State Park beach south of Bandon.
The video captures a sneaker wave, which forces all to run for safety. It appears to show at least one man knocked to the ground, in the surf, possibly by a floating log, then being assisted to shore.
Frye posted that a witness spoke to those involved and reported that everyone was shaken but doing all right.
They were lucky!!
The video was carried by one of the TV stations and posted on Facebook.
Every time I see something like this it brings back memories of those who have not been so lucky, including Myrtle Point author Alice Wooldridge, who died after being hit by a log while walking along the South Jetty beach. In another incident, a young boy, visiting the area with his parents, died on the beach at Bullards, in a similar accident.
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I received a call from Frank Ross (BHS Class of 1958) to tell me that his brother, Ray, had died some months ago at his home outside of Phoenix, Az., and although he moved away before graduating (with the Class of 1962) Frank wanted to let people know.
Ray Ross retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after serving 24 years. Frank said Ray's daughter is a doctor in Seattle.
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I always try to keep up on commercial properties for sale in Bandon, or by locals in other parts of the county.
The commercial properties include Billy Smoothboars, $1.2 million; the former Bandon Wayside motel on Highway 42s just east of Bandon, $2,350,000, which includes what they describe as a chic boutique motel and an RV park, with the motel having been built in 1949, and now known as b-side motel.
The former Shindler Drug building in the McKay's Shopping Center parking lot, now home of the Rolling Pin, is for sale for $699,000.
The marketplace building on Grand Avenue, just east and across Ferry Creek from Face Rock Creamery, is for sale for $698,000.
The former Van Auken real estate building at 11th and 101, between First Interstate Bank and the Asian Garden, is listed for $550,000. The ivy-covered building on Second Street, just east of the Visitor Center, is for sale for $349,000.
The former Italian restaurant, owned by the late Benny Rich and his wife Jane Bento, at the south end of town, is listed for $1.5 million. The former care center on McTimmons road is listed for $1,750,000. The office building along Highway 101, just up the hill from Face Rock Creamery, is listed for $889,000.
Lord Bennett's Restaurant, on the bluff next to Sunset Motel, is listed for $2.2 million,
Sunset Motel had been listed earlier for $16.6 million dollars. On a 30-year fixed loan, the monthly payment would be $94,412.70, with $3.3 million down, according to info on the post.
The former florist shop building at 1092 Alabama is for sale for $629,000.
West Coast Game Park, south of Bandon, has been listed for $5 million.
The marquee building at the north end of Coos Bay Village, owned by Greg Drobot, is listed for $5.25 million.
Although it is apparently not listed with a real estate agent, The Minute Cafe continue to have a "for sale by owner" sign on the building.
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Bandon Police Chief Cory Dhillon was among law enforcement officers who recently arrested a West Beaver Hill Road couple, Ryan Woolman, 37, and Megan Woolman, 26, on a number of charges.
Both were charged with Possession of a Destructive Device, first degree criminal mistreatment and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Ryan Woolman was also charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Felon in Possession of body armor. Both were transported to the Coos County Jail where they were lodged.
A young child at the location was removed from the home by the Department of Human Services (Child Services).
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I'm waiting to hear how many people were served by Jane Ujhazi and her crew of volunteers on Christmas Day, but I can attest that the meal was wonderful and the place was full when we got there. I know it was a lot of work and I appreciate that Jane worked hard to provide a sit-down dinner for the community, and that lots of others gave up their holiday to serve the dinner.
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Coming events: Indoor garage sale, Jan. 12-13-14, Bandon Fisheries Warehouse; Bandon Showcase free Haley Johnson concert, Friday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., Sprague Theater, doors open at 6:30; Meet and Greet, Coos County Commissioner John Sweet, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bandon Fisheries Warehouse; Meet and Greet, 50-year anniversary of the Bandon High School arson fire, Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 11 to 1, presented by Mary Schamehorn and Jim Proehl; Jan. 30, Meet and Greet, Bandon Community Swimming Pool group, 11-1; Redfish Music Festival concert, Holy Trinity Church, Sunday, Jan. 14, 3 p.m., $20 at the door.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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