As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
July 26, 2023
I found a great picture of the original Chappell service station, taken during the Ferry Creek flood in 1940, which occurred not long after the new station opened.
Chappell service station
Here's what I found in the Dec. 28, 1939, Western World.
"Construction work on the first unit of what is planned to become a more extensive service station and automobile establishment in Bandon for George Chappell and Ralph Young, now operating three Standard Service Stations under the name of Chappell & Young, will be started at once.
"It will be located on the north side of Second street, almost opposite the Coquille Valley Dairy Co-op creamery; in fact it will take the ground vacated by the creamery when it was rebuilt after the fire. Piling are already on the ground for the foundation which is to support a decked floor made of heavy planks. The site is over Ferry creek.
"The new station will be owned by the operators, who plan to give up their lease on the station now operated at the corner of Oregon avenue and 11th street, owned by Edward Rauschert. The first unit to be built will be for the station and lubrication hoist.
"Chappell & Young started in business two years ago. They now operate Standard stations in Bandon, Reedsport and Klamath, Calif., and the Chrysler & Plymouth agency in Bandon."
George Chappell, who married Georgia Philpott, later went on to build a new station on that site, which was later torn down. Today the lot is vacant, and is directly across Highway 101 from Face Rock Creamery.
Note the foundry just east of the service station, which belonged to the York family, who also owned the home behind it (roof barely visible), which still stands today, having survived the Bandon fire as did the small cottage just west of it. My parents purchased the big house in the early 1940s, and that is where my siblings and I were raised. It recently sold for $439,000 to a couple from Medford, who use it as a second home.
The front page article in the Oct. 2, 1958, Western World is headlined "Hospital Fund Pledges Invited."
"A basic bid of $296,761 on constructing a hospital for Southern Coos General Hospital District was low among seven bids opened Tuesday. Low bidder was Starr Builders of Lebanon (second picture).
The total, including equipment, made the cost approximately $377,322.60, which was approximately $35,000 more than the available funds, according to Nyna Miller, district secretary.
"Meanwhile, Mrs. Miller and the board hopes to obtain sufficient additional funding through public subscription. Adequate money or pledges must be available for completing the project before federal funds can be given."
The "new" hospital on the hill overlooking the lighthouse, the river and the ocean, opened in 1960. It was replaced about 22 years ago by the current Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center, located on the east end of 11th Street.
An item in the Oct. 23, 1976, Western World tells the story of a new fish company that was to operate in Bandon, having leased the bottom floor of the Masonic building, now the home of The Cobbler's Bench and Spirit of Oregon.
Finding this article cleared up a mystery, which occurred a few years ago when painters were preparing the front of the Masonic building for a new paint job, and they found a sign, which read "Oceanic Fisheries." In spite of having written the article some 45 years earlier, I did not remember that a fish plant had opened in the building, if, in fact, it ever really opened.
The spokesman for Oceanic Fisheries of Crescent City was Capt. John E. Doench (third picture), who said the plans would eventually include a fish buying station, a processing plant and a restaurant to be built on the port dock, overlooking the harbor.
Capt. John E. Doench
"Doench said that his company had leased the bottom floor of the Masonic building, and will start processing operations as soon as the liquor store has moved into its new quarters, probably around Dec. 1."
He said they would be canning crab and filleting fish, with Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brunner of Bandon operating the plant.
Doench explained that he would be leasing 200 feet of dock from the Port of Bandon, with plans to repair a 50x60 foot section of the dock each year for four years.
" 'Construction on the restaurant will start by the fourth year, and possibly sooner,' he said. Public restrooms will also be built on the dock."
True, there are public restrooms on the dock, and several restaurants, but I am pretty sure John Doench had nothing to do with any of those facilities. I will continue to research what happened to the Oceanic Fisheries business in the Masonic building, as I have no memory of crab and fish being processed there... in spite of the sign found on the front of the building.
By that time, the Western World, which had occupied the bottom west side of the building for many years, had moved to its new location, which is now the east end of the McKay's Market building.
* * *
I've seen the plans for the Marriott Springhill Suites, 85-room hotel that is scheduled to be built on the large gravel lot at First and Alabama, across from the Farm & Sea/fisheries building.
I think this will be a boom to the Old Town merchants in spite of the fact that there are only 45 parking spaces designated on the hotel property, with the city's adjacent Alabama Avenue parking lot also available for hotel parking, as well as public parking.
It is estimated that many of those staying at the hotel will come from Bandon Dunes via shuttle, so parking may not be an issue.
* * *
I am always interested in the commercial properties that are for sale in the Bandon area.
With the aid of Google, I found quite a few: West Coast Game Park, a 20.24 acre parcel, is listed for $5 million; Lord Bennett's restaurant, $2.2 million; a health care center building on McTimmons Lane, $1,850,000; building which previously housed an Italian restaurant just south of town, $1.5 million; former florist shop building behind Banner Bank, $629,000; Goodnight Lucas' building on Highway 42S just east of town, $1,275,000; building at 340 Second Street, just east of visitor center, $349,000; Face Rock warehouse distribution (the old city shop) on Third, $975,000; Sunset Ocean Front Lodging, $16,500,000; a commercial building at 780 Second, $989,000; and Billy Smoothboars, 3030 Oregon Avenue, $1,550,000.
I know the Minute Cafe continues to be for sale, but is now listed for sale by owner, so there is no commercial listing. Hopefully, I will have more information to share about Lloyd's in the next couple of weeks.
* * *
One thought that seems to be on a lot of people's minds lately is "What's happening with housing?"
City Manager Dan Chandler recently addressed the issue in his monthly newsletter that accompanies the utility bills.
"Bandon is at the mercy of three factors at this moment. Two of those things are nationwide. First, interest rates are higher than they have been in a long time, though they still seem low to those of us who lived through the '70s and '80s. Second, materials prices are still high. The other issue for Bandon is simply distance from population centers. This makes it difficult to find contractors for larger proposals.
"The joint City/School District project is moving ahead in spite of these factors. This is the vacant land near the softball fields across from the high school (football field)," said Chandler. A request for proposals, looking for the best option for providing housing for our workforce, has been issued.
"It may end up that a modular housing option works, or a combination of single-family units with duplexes and 4-plexes.
"On the 17-acre piece south of town (the Opportunity Site), we are working with the state to get a more reasonable interpretation of what is and isn't a wetland. That site presents some opportunities for affordable home ownership, which is so important in maintaining community as we have become more and more a second-home destination (which is not something we have much control over)," said Chandler.
* * *
Firefighters from the Bandon Rural Fire District, as well as other county departments called for mutual aid, responded to a house fire on the east side of Riverside Drive, around 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon.
The home is owned by Stephen Beauton and Gail Pray and is located at 682 Riverside Drive, across from Jens Anderson's small mill.
First responders immediately closed off both north and south access to Riverside Drive as they battled the blaze, which burned in the east end of the house. I understand the couple is still able to occupy the main part of the home, which was reportedly not damaged.
The owners have recently enlarged the buildings on the property, which they have owned for many years. They are not sure how the fire started.
* * *
Among the sponsors for the Tuesday, Aug. 1, Bandon Police Department's National Night Out program, are Joseph Bain Insurance, Dave Hisel of Tony's Crab Shack, and Still Waters Senior Living & Services. The public is invited to attend the event, which is from 5 to 8 p.m. in city park, with free food and games. "Come out and meet your public safety heroes," said a spokesman.
Other coming events include the Good Earth Community Garden Party, July 29, from 2 to 5, at the community garden, 780 8th Street SW; Bandon Chamber's First Saturday Art Walk, Aug. 5, 4 to 6:30 p.m., keepsake glass and map, $10, at visitor center; Red Fish Music Festival, Thursday, July 27, 4 to 5 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Saturday, Aug. 5, a Student and Faculty concert at the Sprague Theater, 7:30 p.m. and a program Sunday, Aug. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cheese Factory in Langlois; go to redfishmusicfestival.com, for ticket information.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
July 19, 2023
The headline in the February 13, 1941, Western World tells the story of one of the last remaining wooden lumber carriers in the coastwide trade.
Port of Bandon tug towing steam schooner Bandon, 1941
The partially submerged steam schooner Bandon is pictured as it is towed by the Port of Bandon tug into the Coos Bay harbor,
"With her deckload gone, part of her hold cargo floated out through the hatches, and with the ship filled with water, the Bandon was towed in over the Coos Bay bar at about noon Tuesday after she had been picked up at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Shawnee of Eureka 22 miles west of Brookings Sunday evening.
"The Bandon sailed from Bandon at 8:15 Saturday morning with 450,000 feet of lumber. She had no difficulty in crossing the bar and was proceeding south under satisfactory speed when early Sunday morning she encountered a terrific wind storm that lasted for several hours,. The ship took a hard beating and soon began to leak so badly that the pumps were unable to take care of the water." The rough seas had opened the vessel's seams.
"The deckload of 275,000 feet of lumber was jettisoned by the crew. It was necessary to shove all of it overboard by hand, but it took only three hours to do it, as everybody, even the cook, was working at top speed.
"Making only three miles an hour the Shawnee, with its submerged tow, passed off the coast of Bandon Monday evening. Only small portions of the bow and stern were visible above the water. The Bandon was drawing between 23 and 25 feet of water. Her normal draft when loaded was only about 15 feet.
"The S.S. Bandon is like an old cat, according to R.T. Moore (of Moore Mill) who recalled that the current episode marks the sixth time that the Bandon has been in jeopardy. Harking back, he said the jinx has been on it from the beginning. While she was under construction in the Price Shipyard in Bandon, she was destroyed by fire. The shipyard closed down and the plans were taken to North Bend where construction was started anew. Through the years, she was grounded four times and each time was floated off and repaired.
Ironically, 20 years to the month later (February 1961) the Sause Bros. new barge Bandon, loaded with two million board feet of lumber, ran into difficulties about five miles off Trinidad Head and was taken into Eureka. The deck cargo had shifted to the right, causing the side of the barge to be submerged under six feet of water. It was necessary to pump water into the port side to level the load. And the jinx continued ....
The second picture, taken in February of 1961, shows the mammoth barge Pacific 1 headed out of the Bandon harbor carrying more than four million board feet of lumber, en route to the Los Angeles harbor.
Barge Pacific 1, 1961
Towing the barge was the tug Crescent; following it to make sure it got safely across the bar was the tug Virginia Phillips. Note the many cars in the foreground, and the huge waves crashing against the north jetty.
The third photo, taken in January of 1961, features members of the Bandon Lions Club as they fundraise for the March of Dimes.
Bandon Lions Club, 1961
From left (by memory) are Ronnie Larson, R.L. Parks, Don Potterf, Howard Tucker, O.S. Valentine, young Chas. Waldrop, Eddie Waldrop, Ralph Yockey, Carroll Nettleton, Frank Jarvis and Howard Kehl.
* * *
Wayne Butler, owner of the Prowler Charter, was honored recently for saving the lives of four people, who capsized while crossing the Coquille River bar in June of 2022.
Through the efforts of Dave Romanowski, Coquille, a member of the Marine Corps League, Wayne received the Legion of Honor Award through the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation, which is under the auspices of the American Legion.
Wayne said it took him completely by surprise.
The Legion of Honor award program recognizes ordinary people who do extraordinary things. ... who perform acts of selfless service in their local community.
"His quick action and his willingness to risk himself and the other 15 members on the boat to ensure the safety of the four who needed his help was more than many others would ever think to do," said his daughter, Sara Butler. "I am so proud to be his daughter."
Not long after receiving the award, Butler once again responded to a call for people in need after a small boat lost power while crabbing in the river, and was blown into the rocks just west of Edgewater's, where it was tightly wedged. Butler was able to rescue the three men on the small vessel.
* * *
The big news as I am writing this Sunday evening, July 16, is the Flat Fire in the Oak Flat/Agness region of the Rogue River-Siuslaw National Forest in Curry County, 35 miles up the Rogue River from Gold Beach. It apparently started Saturday evening around 6, and by late Sunday afternoon it had grown to 3,000 to 4,000 acres in size. Curry County Commissioner Brad Alcorn, in an address to the people Sunday evening, said it will be even bigger before it is contained. He said there are a lot of rumors as to how it started, but the cause is still under investigation. "It's too early to jump to conclusions," he said.
An earlier report indicated that weather conditions and terrain are not favorable "and rapid growth is expected over the next few days."
As of Sunday evening, Alcorn said it had not spread into private lands, but is burning in the scar area from the Biscuit Fire of several years ago. "It's a big fire and it's going to get bigger." He told residents to be prepared for the smoke which will make its way to the communities, like Gold Beach and Brookings, depending on which way the wind blows.
Alcorn said the response was immediate, and he mentioned the entities who were at the evening's briefing, among which included the Coos Forest Protection Association, Josephine County Emergency Management, Curry County Emergency Management, the U.S. Department of Forestry, Curry County Sheriff John Ward and the State Emergency Management team.
He said Sheriff Ward is in contact with at least 14 homes in the area, and that the volunteer Curry Search and Rescue group had gone deep into the area of the blaze to warn recreationists or others of the approaching fire.
"They are taking a very aggressive approach to this fire," said Alcorn.
* * *
Rainfall for June was negligible with only 0.68 inches of rain, compared to 3.07 inches the previous June. The total rainfall for May and June was 1.50 inches.
* * *
While in Port Orford Friday to meet the new city administrator John Huttl, he happened to mention that Bandon service station operators (or the state) should be posting a sign along the highway advising people that there is no gas for the next 56 miles (Gold Beach), as the station in Port Orford is closed for refurbishing. It could certainly save some unsuspecting motorist a lot of frustration. Lines have been long at Bandon's two gas stations this summer, but it would be worth the wait if you were running low ....
* * *
A press release from the Coos County Sheriff's Office warned that a phone scam involving nefarious individuals claiming to be "Capt. Sanborn," from the Sheriff's Office has been circulating the local area. The caller asks for payment to avoid being arrested on outstanding warrants.
"Please know that the Coos County Sheriff's Office will NEVER contact you via phone and request money in exchange to clear a warrant, or for any other legal matter," said Sgt. Adam Slater. "If you have concerns that you may have been scammed, please report the information to the sheriff's office at 541-396-2106," said Slater.
* * *
Just when we hadn't heard much about Covid lately, I've learned that a few employees of Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center (who I understand were vaccinated) have tested positive for Covid, as have people in the general community.
People are urged to watch for cold and flu-like symptoms which could be Covid-19. If you use an antigen test, a person should be retested 3-4 days after the original test to ensure you do not have Covid.
* * *
The Redfish Music Festival's summer concert schedule includes two performances in Bandon. Fritz Gearhart, president of the board of Redfish Music Festival, said that Thursday, July 27, from 4 to 5 p.m., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, there will be a free festival preview and reception. "Come and hear a preview of the movements for the upcoming concerts," said Gearhart. Donations will be accepted to support the festival.
On Saturday, Aug. 5, at 7:30 p.m., the Student and Faculty Concert will be held at the Sprague Theater featuring student chamber ensembles of the festival. Tickets are $20 at the door or in advance at Eventbrite. Under 18 are free. Other concerts are at redfishmusicfestival.com.
* * *
Other upcoming events include:
GBA Wine Walk, Friday, July 21, 5 to 7; glasses at picnic shelter.
The John Nyhart Memorial Cribbage tournament July 22 and 23 at the Bandon Senior Center, in City Park, off 11th street. Information at scottamilo@msn.com.
July 22 free program "Mayor Drane is Missing, the Shindlers are Kidnapped, with Live Music," 1 p.m. at Bandon History Museum.
July 22 and 29, Bandon Playhouse Theater Workshops, 10 a.m. to noon, at Sprague Theater. For info, leave a message for Amy Moss Strong at 541-290-9989. Bandon Playhouse meets monthly on the second Thursday at 6 p.m. at the theater lobby. Everyone is welcome.
July 25 to 29, Coos County Fair at Myrtle Point fairgrounds.
Good Earth Community Garden members are hosting a Garden Party Saturday, July 29, from 2 to 5 at the garden, 780 8th Court SW, Bandon. Educational sessions, music and more. Parking is limited. Information: bandongoodearth@gmail.com.
Aug. 1, Tuesday, Bandon Police Department's National Night Out program, 5 to 8 p.m. in City Park; free food, demonstrations, activities.
Aug. 5, First Saturday Art Walk, 4 to 6:30 p.m., keepsake glasses and map, $10, at Visitor Center in Old Town.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
July 12, 2023
An article in the January 1924 Western World told the story of one of Bandon's most unique businesses.
"The milk condensery of the Nestle's Food company (first picture) in Bandon is one of the largest factories of the kind on the coast.
Nestle's milk condensery
The output of dairies in northern Curry county and on the Coquille river is used. The milk from approximately 6,000 cows is consumed in making the product turned out.
"The factory makes the unsweetened evaporated milk and also the sweetened condensed milk. The Alpine brand is made for local and domestic consumption but the products of the factory almost entirely go abroad.
Condensed milk made in Bandon is used chiefly in Philippine Islands, Japan and China, and some has been sent to the Sahara Desert in Africa.
"The company operates a boat on the Coquille river for transporting the milk from the farmers along the waterway. Milk from northern Curry county is brought by auto truck to the factory.
"The plant is up-to-date in equipment and is one of the most elaborate in the way of machinery and largest in output of any on the coast.
"The Nestle company operates several plants on the coast, among them a factory at McMinnville.
"The company maintains a large warehouse and receiving station at Coquille where dairymen of that locality deliver their milk, which is brought down the river by the company boat."
In September of 1917, Giebisch and Joplin Condensed Milk Factory proposed a facility in Bandon, according to information in Dow Beckham's book Bandon By-The-Sea. In addition to the site, west of the Standard Oil dock, the owners asked the city to drive piling from the harbor to the south side of Division Street and then to the Main Street. The city's total cost was $7500.
On Dec. 6, 1917, Chris Richert began to put in 600 piling for the plant. Beginning August 1918, workmen began installing the machinery which included the tall smokestack, and on Jan. 16, 1919, Nestle's purchased the plant.
In 1924, water, which came out of Ferry Creek, became contaminated by yeast, and that, coupled with high freight costs, forced the company to close their doors on Nov. 1, 1925.
An article in the July 3, 1924, Western World heralded the formal opening of the Silver Spray Gardens (second photo).
Silver Spray Gardens
"The formal opening of the Silver Spray Gardens, Bandon's mammoth dancing pavilion, was the occasion for an enormous gathering of people coming from all parts of Coos and adjacent counties. Over 2000 cars were counted in the space reserved on the bluff for parking (south of the Wecoma Baths).
"Mayor C.R. Wade made a short introductory speech to the audience, followed by the strains of the opening dance by the High Breakers, the new orchestra under Vane Gartin, which will continue to furnish the most splendid musical for all future dances at the pavilion. The huge floor space proved none too large, and was soon thronged with dancers as many as 750 couples being on the floor at one time. The space reserved for spectators was jammed to capacity and many failed to get in at all.
"The new pavilion bids fair to become a successful unit in the plan to put Bandon on the map as a desirable pleasure resort."
"Hottest Day in History of Bandon" was the headline on the June 25, 1925, paper.
"It is believed that Wednesday was the hottest day ever experienced in Bandon. People who have lived here for 30 to 40 years say that have never seen the like. The official thermometer at the U.S. Coast Guard station registered 93 degrees, according to Captain Nutter, while the thermometer (unofficial) at the Lighthouse (third photo), according to Oscar Langlois, registered 97.
At Coquille the temperature was 104 and at Myrtle Point and Bridge it was reported to be 110. At Marshfield it was 100 which was the highest in history at Coos Bay."
* * *
On July 8, around 2:33 p.m., the Coos County Sheriff's Office and the Coquille Fire Department responded to a field off North Bank Lane in response to a report of a downed aircraft.
The pilot, and only person on board, Raymond Kimball, 78, North Bend, survived the crash and was transported to Bay Area Hospital.
The National Traffic Safety Board was contacted after an initial investigation and will be taking over the investigation, according to Sgt. C. Gill of the sheriff's department.
* * *
Well-known local artist Janice Horne, 74, suffered a stroke Monday, July 3, while attending a movie in Coos Bay with her long-time friend Ava Richey. Ava immediately called for help, and after being taken to Bay Area Hospital, Janice was life-flighted out of the area, but they were not able to save her.
Janice and Ava are members of Art by the Sea gallery, and members gathered several nights later to remember and honor their friend.
Among her local relatives is her mother, Joann Horne, 93, who resides at Pacific View. Other survivors include a sister and several brothers.
Janice had been painting all her life, and in 1979 she turned professional with her work exhibited in libraries, galleries and museums, with pieces on display in Australia, England, and in California, as well as a number of other states.
* * *
A long-time resident of Bandon, Robert Graham passed away June 28 in Bandon at the age of 81.
Bob was Cardas Audio's first graphic designer and marketing director. He created their legendary Nautilus logo, and all of their magazine advertisements from the late 1980s through 2012.
Bob and George Cardas worked together long before the founding of the company, with Bob designing the log and advertisements for Cardas Racing Fuel.
Bob and his late wife Linda were among the members of the Cardas team who made the move from Southern California to Bandon in 1992.
* * *
The Bandon Police Department has announced that Kyle Thompson, 33, was apprehended in late June by Officers Matt Whitmer and Damon Price. The two officers obtained information as to his whereabouts, and they took him into custody. He was transported to the Coos County Jail on a statewide parole warrant for felony elude (by vehicle), misdemeanor attempt to elude (by foot) and reckless driving. The Sheriff's office has conducted its own investigation and additional charges will be forthcoming for Thompson, said the Bandon Police Department press release.
"We want to thank the public and other agencies for their assistance and for their numerous tips, information and cooperation," said Chief Cory Dhillon.
* * *
Bandon Playhouse is conducting a series of theater workshops on Saturdays in July, featuring classes taught by experienced actors at the Sprague Community Theater. Classes are designed for beginners, ages 13 to adult (or ages 10-12 with an adult). Experienced performers are welcome to brush up on their techniques.
Sessions begin at 10 a.m., lasting until about noon. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for registration, and people are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to the workshops. On July 15, Mike Dempsey will lead a workshop on Directing. On Saturday, July 22, Nameer El-Kadi, who worked for over 30 years in Hollywood, will teach Mime and Movement the first hour, followed by juggling the second hour. Saturday, July 29, the workshops conclude with Music and Movement taught by local actors and directors Geneva Miller and Bobbi Neason. This workshop is open to all ages. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Admission is $5 (includes Playhouse membership), and donations are welcome. For more info email the bandonplayhouse@gmail.com or call Amy Moss Strong at 541-290-9989 and leave a message.
* * *
People are invited to attend a Garden Party at the Good Earth Community Garden, 780 8th Court SW, Saturday, July 29, 2 to 5 p.m. A spokesman said, "Visit your local organic community garden and see what's growing. There will be educational sessions, music and more." Parking is limited.
* * *
Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center will host a show of artworks relating to the theme of water, which runs July through September. The featured artist is Deborah Hill, whose paintings are on display in local galleries and beyond.
An reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 16, in the hospital's lobby featuring live music with Candace Kreitlow and Doug Jones, and refreshments.
* * *
A fun event set for Sunday, July 16, is gold panning for kids at Bandon's History Museum from 1 to 3 p.m. It's a free event sponsored by Sunset Oceanfront Lodging on a free summer Sunday at the museum.
* * *
Stay tuned next week for an article about Prowler Charter owner Wayne Butler being honored for his rescue of four people last June ... a few days before he again rescued three men from their boat which had been blown into the rocks after their motor stalled.
Other events on tap include the program "Mayor Drane is Missing, the Shindlers Have Been Kidnapped, with Live Music," July 22, 1 p.m. at the museum, hosted by Jim Proehl, with music by Bob and Jerene Shaffar.
The next Alive After Five wine walk is set for Friday, July 21, 5 to 7, with $10 glasses available at the picnic shelter on the boardwalk.
Next week I will tell you about two musical events scheduled for Bandon as part of the Red Fish Music Festival, Thursday, July 27, 4 to 5 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and Saturday, Aug. 5, a Student and Faculty concert at the Sprague Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Other events on tap include the cribbage tournament July 22-23 and the Bandon Police Department's National Night Out, Aug. 1, 5 to 8 p.m. in city park.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
July 05, 2023
An item on the front page of the June 21, 1928, Western World was headlined "Bank of Bandon (first photo) Has New Burglar Alarm."
Bank of Bandon
"A tool dropped to the floor, any pounding or drilling on the vault, any heat applied to the door or any wires clipped will provide a warm, but rather noisy, reception for the first burglar who tries to gain entrance to the Bank of Bandon outside orthodox banking hours. Provision is also being made to take care of day-time robbers, but after a slightly different fashion.
"The Alert Alarm, as the device is known to the trade, is an ingenious mechanism which makes a successful bank robbery almost impossible. The alarm has microphone attachments which record any tapping on the vault and will start the bell outside the bank. If the yegg so much as kicks over a chair or drops a tool it is time for him to make a hurried departure.
"A time clock inside the vault switches off the microphone so that ordinary noises of the day will not disturb the system, and at the same time turns on all the daytime protective devices."
The following week's paper carries a story about an unsuccessful bank entrance, saying "someone who didn't read last week's Western World, or who questioned the authenticity of the article, tried to enter the bank, apparently bent on robbery Saturday night.
"A hole was cut through the panel of the door leading into the bank. A small hand could easily have reached through the hole and turned the door knob, but instead the small hand turned the inside lock, and probably becoming confused decided to give it up as a bad job."
Later in the evening, a 75-year-old newsboy discovered the hole, and told others how accommodating the bank was because he was able to push the paper through the hole, rather than having to bend down and shove it under the door. And that's how bank officials discovered the attempted robbery.
The second picture tells of Prosper being a bustling mill town.
Prosper
The industry of the place is the Prosper Mill company, according to the January 1924 Western World. The mill operates two steamers, the Brooklyn and the Elizabeth, which run regularly to San Francisco, carrying lumber from the mill.
"Prosper is quite a little settlement all to itself. Besides the mill, there is a large general store, conducted by the company, boarding house, eating house and quite a number of residences, occupied by married men employed at the mill. Several boats give mail, passenger and freight service up and down the river. There is a good grade school, which is attended by the young people of the community and in charge of several teachers.
"The mill was built twenty years ago and has operated practically continuously since it was established. The average cut is about 20,000,000 feet of lumber a year.
"The logging camp of the company is located on the upper Coquille river and the logs are towed down to the mill. About 60 men are employed at the camp and about 50 men at the mill."
The third picture is of the Favorite, which was one of the few vessels still plying the river in 1930.
The Favorite (center, Coquille Dock)
"The friendly whistle of the passenger and freight boats upon the Coquille river will soon be a thing of the past. With the sale of the Hope (or Hone) to the Clausen Bros, to be used as a private freight boat and the sale of the Imperial to a company in Portland by the Hermann Bros., it leaves only the Favorite, which is rumored will discontinue as soon as the Riverton schools close this spring. The Imperial has been conditioned to make the trip to Portland, and is at present waiting till weather conditions will permit a venture. The local tug will assist her to the Columbia river."
* * *
Wayne Butler, owner of Prowler Charters, who was recently honored for rescuing four people on June 12, 2022, once again came to the rescue of three men about mid-day Sunday.
The three, who were visiting the Terry Tiffanys and were crabbing in Tiffany's boat, reportedly lost power and were blown by the strong north wind into the rocks just west of Edgewater's restaurant, where the vessel became wedged between two rocks (pictured).
The Prowler rescues crab boat
Dianne Williams, owner of Bandon Bait contacted Butler, who immediately went to their rescue. One of the men had climbed onto a rock, while the other two tried to bail the water out of the boat, but since the tide was in, there was no way they could have gotten to safety. With the aid of a deckhand, Wayne skillfully maneuvered the Prowler alongside the boat, and with the use of a life ring, was able to take each man off and safely pull him onto the deck of the larger vessel before he went back for the next man.
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, the Coast Guard is not stationing a lifesaving vessel here this summer, and Butler said he is extremely disappointed by that decision. "I have seen several extremely close calls on this bar already this season," said Butler. "It's going to happen. I don't want to have to pull bodies out of the river. If this happens, I am going to let the Coast Guard know that this is their fault. They've been trying to pull out for a while now ... they are slowly retreating," said Butler, adding that he was glad he was able to get the three men out of the water, and that no one was injured.
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I learned this week that a 58-year-old Bandon woman, Kathleen McCusker (who also went by KayeLynn) jumped to her death from the second story window of her home at 218 13th Street late last Thursday afternoon. Since moving to Bandon seven or eight years ago, Ms. McCusker appeared to have serious mental issues, having had confrontations with a number of Bandon residents (including this writer) and at least one Bandon business, who had her arrested after she had been trespassed, but returned to the business.
Before moving to Bandon from Lewes, Delaware, she was reportedly a licensed physical therapist in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Vermont.
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Coast Community Health Center has a new Chief Executive Officer. Board chairman J.J. McLeod announced that Edward Larsen has been hired to replace Melissa Cribbins, who has been serving in the position since the shakeup which resulted in the long-time administrator Linda Maxon and the board parting ways.
Larsen has extensive experience in health care and was formerly the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Information Officer at Heritage Health in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He has a bachelor's degree in information systems from the University of Phoenix, and an MBA from California Coast University.
Coast posted recently that they are not taking new patients until Sept. 1 at the Bandon clinic, but are accepting new patients at their Port Orford clinic.
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Art lovers have two events scheduled for Saturday, July 8, from 2 to 4.
The Mosaic Extravaganza, curated by local mosaic artist Tracy Hodson, will be at the Sprague Room at the Bandon Library in City Park. Following a short talk about the art, people will have an opportunity to make a 3x3 inch refrigerator magnet using the mosaic technique.
On display will be mosaics of more than 20 artists from around the country.
The Art by the Sea Gallery, located at Fillmore and Highway 101, will be celebrating member Earl Robicheaux, who is the featured artist for July. He has been engaged in photography for almost 30 years and has selected eclectic images from his inventory of almost 500,000 photos. The gallery will be serving wine and homemade goodies during the reception.
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Bandon will soon have a sushi restaurant in Old Town. Archie Garrett, owner of Wilson's Market, and Damon Weatherill, owner of the building just west of Bandon Baking Company and across from The Minute Cafe and the Continuum Center, will be opening Bandon Sushi, plans for which are currently underway in Weatherill's building.
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Most people have probably noticed the new crosswalk just east of Freedom Graphics, which will link the city's proposed parking lot below City Hall to Old Town. City Manager Dan Chandler told the council last week that the state will be installing a blinking light at the crosswalk, much like the light at the Ninth Street crossing.
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Colleen Welch, a resident of Tish A Tang lane, recently attended the May 25 planning commission meeting, and said she had concerns with the discussion on ADU's (Accessory Dwelling Units).
"There was a fair amount of discussion about the changes allowing ADUs would bring to Bandon. Many comments focused on neighborhood quality and expressed that ADUs would negatively impact neighborhoods. I can understand that concern but would ask it to be balanced with the negative impacts NOT addressing the housing issue in our community would have. If we do not build adequate workforce housing, Bandon will not have workers. Part of the charm of living here is our unique businesses and restaurants. We currently have several buildings that are vacant, and businesses reducing their hours due to lack of staff. We've all probably experienced the frustration of going to a business during their regular operating hours only to find a sign on the door saying 'Sorry, closed due to staff shortage.' This is not going to improve without significant investments in workforce housing. Imagine not having our hospital available for emergencies or minor procedures because of a lack of qualified nurses. Our schools vacant or diminished when families and teaches can't afford to live here. Having to drive to Coos Bay for groceries, haircuts, veterinary care and other everyday goods and services. Programs at the Barn or Sprague theater ceasing because there is no one to put them on.
"There seems to be a notion that we can prevent Bandon from changing. this is completely unrealistic. Communities change, either through action or inaction. It is up to us to decide which path is in the best interests for the long-term viability of Bandon. Personally, I chose to relocate here for retirement not only for the natural beauty of the area, but also for the services the town offered. If we lost the people who are responsible for providing the services it really doesn't matter what our neighborhood density is, the resulting change will not be positive."
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People are reminded of the Fourth of July activities, including parade at 10 a.m., boat races at port dock, noon; apple pie and ice cream sales, throughout the afternoon; wine walk, 5 to 7, and fireworks at dusk (around 10 p.m.)
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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