As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
June 28, 2023
I've heard stories over the years about the neat boardwalk that linked what we call Old Town to the South Jetty, long before there was a serviceable road to that area.
An article in the Sept. 26, 1929, Western World was headlined: "Board Walk to Jetty May Be Rebuilt Soon." The picture that I am using to illustrate the boardwalk, which can be clearly seen in the background, is this photo, taken in 1916, which shows what remains of the steamer Fifield (first photo).
Boardwalk to Jetty, 1929
The action taken that night was among the first decisions made by the city's first planning commission, which had been appointed a few months earlier.
"The city planning commission held a meeting at the city hall Tuesday evening at which the proposed reconstruction of the board walk to the south jetty was under consideration.
"The question has been brought up by the Bandon Lions club, that organization having made it one of their community improvement projects, and having voted to appropriate $150 in cash and a goodly amount of labor toward rebuilding the walk.
"City Engineer Chas. McCulloch estimated that the cost of the walk would be $540. How much of this can be donated through labor has not been figured, but it is believed that much can be contributed in that way.
"For many years the board walk to the south jetty was a popular strolling place, particularly on Sunday afternoons. Hundreds of people could be seen going to and from the beach over the walk. Few visitors stopping at the hotels missed the opportunity of taking the hike while in Bandon. In the winter months, particularly during stormy weather, a trip to the south jetty gave the landlubber all the thrills of an ocean voyage. With the wild spray dashing over the jetty it was indeed a voyage for the intrepid.
"The old walk has been rebuilt no less than three times within the past dozen years and practically every year during the period of service it required repairs. With the coming of automobiles and the improved highways and streets, strolling became a lost art and the faithful old walk, with its occasional parking bench along the way, gradually passed into oblivion."
The second story I want to share this week has to do with remodeling the Oakes building (barely visible at right in the second photo near what is now the Masonic building) into the Mercy Hospital in October of 1929.
"The work of remodeling the second story of the Oakes building, over the city library, which is to be reopened as the Mercy hospital by Miss Florence Mashburn, is progressing and will be completed by the first of the week. A representative of the fire marshal's office was here last week and passed upon the requirements to make the place safe for hospital purposes.
"Besides several additional doorways, a fire door at the front, and a shute as a fire escape at the rear, it is necessary to put in a concrete sidewalk along the street.
"The hospital is open to all regular practicing physicians and surgeons.
"It is equipped for beds to take care of seven to eight patients. The surgery has been remodeled and equipped, and X-ray and fluoroscope equipment added.
"The slide has been put in at the rear stairway to facilitate the work of emptying the building in such event.
"Several thousand dollars have been expended in making the building ready for occupancy and in providing new equipment, and the new institution gives this community considerable additional hospital facilities."
The third picture was taken over 40 years ago (in July 1982) as I presented a check to the Bandon Fire Department for purchase of the Jaws of Life equipment. I had served as chairman of the fund-raising efforts, and was joined by clubs and organizations throughout the community in raising the necessary funds.
Bandon Fire Department, 1982
Sorry, but I am not sure about the names in the picture, but I will do the best I can ... from memory. From left are Gordon Texley, Jim Boak, (unknown), Steve McNeil, Jack Chappell, Steve Fox, Walt Sherman, Fire Chief Lanny Boston and Mary Schamehorn.
* * *
Bandon was definitely a busy place over the weekend, with crowds in Old Town, visiting the Port building's Marketplace, and enjoying the Rock and Gem Show, sponsored by the Bandon Chamber of Commerce, at The Barn in City Park.
I saw some very favorable comments on Facebook about the Rock and Gem show, which indicated that not only did people thoroughly enjoy the show, but they took home some gems of their own.
I splurged on a tasty quesadilla and a taco from the food truck out front.
* * *
Last week I mentioned that a very old Book of Common Prayer, originally belonging to Trinity Church of New York, had been in the Kronenberg family for many years. It had reportedly been thrown out by the British in 1776 and had been in possession of Mrs. O.K. Kronenberg's family on the paternal side since 1841.
This week, after having read my column, Jean Kronenberg Rittenour, called to say that the book had been given to Bishop Benjamin Dagwell of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon by her father, the late Jack Kronenberg, before he died in the early 1960s. It was said that Bishop Dagwell had returned the Book to Trinity Church in New York.
But later, while on a trip to New York, Jean had visited the church, but could find no trace of the old Book of Common Prayer, which had been in her family for more than a generation.
* * *
I saw on Facebook recently that a pair of Bandon grads, Gene and Helen Schrader had celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Gene was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Schrader and Helen's parents were Ernie and Anna Wehner.
* * *
Rachel Eickhoff, a member of the Cranberry Court and the daughter of Linda Eickhoff, had an experience of a lifetime last week as part of the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Youth Tour, which took a group of students to Washington D.C.
Rachel sent her mother, who is the popular front desk gal at City Hall, a picture she took on the White House lawn of India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was a guest of President Joe Biden.
Rachel was sponsored by the Coos Curry Electric Cooperative.
* * *
People are reminded of the Itty Bitty Book Sale Saturday, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bandon Library Sprague Room in City Park, sponsored by Bandon Library Friends and Foundation. There will be lots of great books, DVDs, movies and puzzles, all priced from $1 to $5.
* * *
For some reason I forget to share the rainfall report, what there was of it, for the month of May. My weather guy, Gerry Terp, reported 0.82 inches for the month, which was considerably less than the 6.53 inches recorded in May of 2022.
* * *
A 29-year-old Bandon man, Jessie M. Dornath, was charged with DUII, hit and run, unlawful possession of psilocybin and unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle following a reported hit and run near the intersection of Randolph Road and Seven Devils June 23 at 1 a.m.
* * *
I saw this week on Facebook that a former long-time resident of Bandon, Orval Longanecker, had died at the age of 93. Among his survivors are two sons, Dan and Mike, and a daughter, Connie. He was preceded in death by his wife Hester and his son, Skip Longanecker.
* * *
As I write this Saturday night, a 33-year-old Bandon man, Kyle R. Thompson, remains at large. He is being sought by the sheriff's office for charges including elude by vehicle, elude by foot, menacing, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 22, after learning of the whereabouts of Thompson, Bandon Chief Cory Dhillon attempted to stop Thompson, but he failed to yield and police said he accelerated, driving down 11th toward Rosa Road. Chief Dhillon initiated a pursuit and continued chasing the vehicle down Rosa Road at speeds of 80 mph. Thompson turned into Windhurst Lane and continued at a high rate of speed. Because of the speed and gravel on the road, it was difficult for the chief to see, and he lost sight of the vehicle.
A pursuit ensued, involving several members of the sheriff's office, Oregon State Police and Bandon Fire, with the use of K9 Cena. Ultimately, the search was called off because of the thick brush and dangerous terrain in the area.
Thompson is considered to be armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is asked to contact the Bandon Police Department or the Sheriff's Office at 541-396-2106.
* * *
Coming events: First Saturday Art Walk, Saturday, July 1, 4:30 to 7, maps and glasses for $10 at Bandon Visitor Center; Wine Walk, 5 to 7, ($10 glasses at port dock picnic shelter) July 4, as part of Fourth of July festivities, which include parade, 10 a.m.; Port of Bandon cardboard boat races, noon, with registration at 11; Fireworks display at dusk (around 10).
July 22-23, Cribbage Tournament sponsored by Bandon by the Sea Cribbage Club #440 at Bandon Senior Center in The Barn in City Park; information at scottamilo@msn.com or 707-330-4218.
Program at Bandon History Museum, Saturday, July 22, 1 p.m., titled "Mayor Drane is Missing, the Shindlers have been Kidnapped, with Live Music." Aug. 1 Bandon Police Dept. National Night Out, 5-8, City Park.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
June 21, 2023
I found my first picture in a photo album given to me by my long-time friend Diane Blake Lewis, and recently found the story that went with the picture of the 1927 Bandon High School football team, who became Coos County football champions that year.
Although I can't identify them, I do know who is in the picture, including Coach John Fasnacht, top left, and Vern Brown, bottom right. I am pretty sure the man at top right is Kenneth (Denny) Blake, Diane's father. I believe that others in the picture are Fred and Powell Lancaster, Buel, Euel and Curt Beckham, Hank McCue, Chet Campbell, Virgil King, Ned Gurney, Dan Curren and Lawrence Dorland. The Beckhams and the Lancasters were cousins.
And here is the story about the big game as reported in the Nov. 3, 1927, Western World, probably written by my grandfather.
"When Powell Lancaster, captain and fullback for the Bandon High School football team, raced across the field for a distance of 85 yards at the kickoff for a touchdown Saturday he made football history. It was the opening play of a battle between Marshfield and the local team which resulted in Bandon's victory by a score of 18 to 6.
"The game was heralded as an elimination contest in which one of the other of the two was to surrender its chances for the county championship, neither team having up to that time lost a game this year. Marshfield, with its years of success in defeating all teams of the county and with its recent victory over Eugene High School by a score of 24 to 0, was easily the dopester's favorite and invaded the Tigers' territory confident of adding further laurels, but the opening play was a decided upset to their plans and as the game progressed it was more and more apparent that the Bandon eleven was superior in every department.
"Through it all sat Coach Fasnacht on the sidelines, coolly watching every move and mentally tabulating the strength and weakness of each play as his team, in college style, demonstrated the superiority of the well-drilled plan of attack. To him is due the honor of developing the greatest football organization every perfected in Coos County."
Us old-timers knew John Fasnacht well, as we remember that not only was he an administrator and coach at the high school for many years, but he served as manager of utilities for the City of Bandon, in the position we now know as "city manager."
The second photo is the home often referred to as the Kronenberg house, as it survived the Fire of 1936 and was the long-time home of Mr. and Mrs. John L. (Ottilie) Kronenberg.
The Kronenberg house
For many years after the Fire, their son, George, and his wife, Marie, lived in the home. Last I knew it was owned by Terry and Joy Tiffany.
In the Jan. 17, 1929, Western World I saw an interesting item, which explained that Jack Kronenberg (who built the Wecoma Baths) and his mother, Mrs. O.K. Kronenberg, spent the day in Marshfield where Mrs. Kronenberg attended the fashion show and antique display given by the Marshfield Civic Club.
"The program was of unusual interest, according to Mrs. Kronenberg, and the display of beautiful antiques would have done credit to any city. Mrs. Kronenberg contributed a number of antique pieces to the display, among them the Book of Common Prayer which belonged to the Trinity church in New York and was thrown out by the British in 1776. It has been in possession of Mrs. Kronenberg's family on the paternal side since 1841."
Mrs. Kronenberg was the daughter of Captain Judah Parker, who founded Parkersburg.
Since the Kronenberg house (located at the top of Caroline Avenue) did not burn in the Fire, I am curious if Mrs. Kronenberg's granddaughter, Jean Kronenberg Rittenour, still has possession of the Book of Common Prayer.
The third picture was taken in April of 1980 when members of the Bandon Police Department gathered at city hall for the retirement party of Officer Harry Franson.
Members of the Bandon Police Department, 1980
From left are Marc Johnson, Mike Trotter and Chief D. S. "Big Mac" MacDonald.
* * *
I hadn't heard from Lloyd Gabriel in quite a few months and was beginning to worry .... but I talked with John and Chele Gamble at the Wine Walk and they had just returned from Yakima, Wash., where they had visited Mr. Gabriel.
He suffers from macular degeneration, but outside of that he is in great health and good spirits, considering that he is 101 and a half. He and his wife, Ruth, taught school here from 1955 until 1961, and today they have an apartment in an assisted living facility. Their address is 3808 Summitview Ave., Apt. 301, Yakima, Wash., 98902. I know they would love to hear from their former students. I also have an email address for them, but apparently they have not been able to access social media for some time ... and that is why I hadn't heard from them.
Among my collection of treasures, I found a Coos County directory for school officers and teachers in Coos County for the years 1956-57 (the year I graduated from high school and had Mr. Gabriel as my teacher).
I was curious as to how much teachers and administrators made in those days. The yearly salary for Mr. Gabriel, who taught social studies, was $5,250; his wife, who was the homemaking teacher, made $5,050 a year. The salary for the superintendent, Roland L. Parks, was $7,500; and the principal, Alvin N. Mullikin, was paid $6,500. Teacher and football coach Dick Sutherland made $5,880.
* * *
I heard this week from my pal Bill Smith, who shares his love of history with me. Bill has been following one of the BHS baseball players closely because of his dedication to the sport, including spending many extra hours over at the Quonset Hut working on his hitting and pitching.
BHS junior pitcher Colton Siewell has been named Sunset League Player of the Year for the past two years. Siewell was also picked as a First Team All-State pitcher this year along with his teammate Conner Devine, who was selected as an outfielder. Colton is presently playing American Legion baseball for Doc Stewarts in Roseburg. He is the son of Nick and Sheena Siewell and the grandson of Tom Lakey and Mary Lou Lakey.
* * *
I was sad to learn that my good friend, Betty Fedje, had died June 4 in Indian Wells, Calif., where she had moved several years ago to be near her daughter, Bettyrae Easley. Betty, who grew up in Buhl, Ida., was 94. During her years in Bandon she made many close friends, including Dennis and Nora Thomason, and was active in the Bandon Rotary Club.
Betty held a bachelor's and a master's degree in music from Boston University. In her retirement, she directed a number of dinner theatres to raise money for Rotary. These performances became a beloved event of the year at her favorite restaurant, Lord Bennett's.
The family has started a Memorial Music Scholarship in her honor at the local Rotary club. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in Betty's name to Bandon Rotary Club, PO Box 2176, Bandon, OR 97411.
* * *
People have been asking me what is happening in Bandon on the Fourth of July, and so far this is what I've found on the local events calendar.
A parade, gathering near Dairy Queen, will start at 10 a.m., and wind its way through Old Town. Jan Hester is chair, and she can be contacted at 541-297-9299 or tiger63@peoplepc.com for an application or more information.
The Port's annual cardboard boat races will start at noon at the boat launch, with registration at 11 a.m. For an application and the rules, go to info@portofbandon.com.
GBA is sponsoring a Wine Walk, beginning at 5. Glasses are $10 at the port picnic shelter.
The fireworks display will be shot off at dusk (around 10 pm) from across the river, making the show visible from most places along the waterfront.
* * *
After nearly two years, an arrest has been made in the killing of a Coos Bay doctor, with the return of a secret indictment charging Reina Gabriela Jackson, with one count of murder in the second degree and two counts of second degree conspiracy to commit murder.
The charges pertain to the homicidal death of Dr Craig Jackson, which occurred on Aug. 2, 2021. She is the ex-wife of Dr. Jackson, who was a physician with Bay Clinic.
At that time, Dr. Jackson's wife, Yen Zhou, told police that two men entered their North Bend home in the early morning hours and after a physical altercation, they shot Dr. Jackson and fled.
A nationwide warrant for Reina Jackson's arrest was issued shortly thereafter. The Coos County District Attorney's office asked for the assistance of the U.S. Marshal Service and the U.S. Attorney's Office in locating and arresting Reina Jackson as it was believed she was residing in her home nation of Guatemala.
On June 14, 2023, Reina Jackson was arrested by the US Marshal Service in Atlanta, Ga., after Mrs. Jackson, apparently unaware of the arrest warrant, had decided to return to the United States for some reason. She was arrested when she entered the country that day.
* * *
John Gunther recently wrote a neat article for The World about the fact that the Bandon girls track team, winners of the Class 2A state championship, also ranked first with the highest GPA among programs in the 2A division, at 3.93. Bandon's boys golf team finished fourth at state and were fifth for Class 3A/2A/1A with a 3.66 group GPA. The Tigers boys basketball team finished third for Class 2A in the classroom, the highest placing for any winter program in the area, according to Gunther, with a 3.64 GPA. Bandon Girls basketball had a combined GPA of 3.56., and the girls golf team was eighth among Class4A/3A,/2A/1A at 3.79. The boys track and field had a combined GPA of 3.36. The Bandon/Pacific softball team had a combined GPA of 3.10, while the Bandon/Pacific baseball team had a 3.08 GPA.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
June 14, 2023
My photos this week will feature a one-time historic landmark on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, best known as Queen Anne Cottages (first photo).
A story in the Feb. 23, 1927, Western World talked about the popular tourist attraction, most of which burned in the Bandon Fire of 1936 (second photo), with the exception of the apartments right along Beach Loop Road, owned by Alex Linke for many years, which still stand today.
Bandon Fire of 1936
But the main part of the complex was right out on the bluff, and as you can see by the pictures of the chimneys, was destroyed in the fire.
The third picture shows my aunt Anne Sweet (later Felsheim), center, and her brother, Don Sweet, right, standing in the ruins of one of the Queen Anne cottages shortly after the Fire. The girl on the left was Mary Jo Smiley.
Queen Anne Cottages after the fire
Here are excerpts from the 1927 article:
"The Queen Anne tea room, latest addition to the beach colony, will open its doors to the public for the first time Saturday afternoon when Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Jarman, managers, will informally welcome visitors.
"The historic landmark on the bluff has been transformed from a neglected cottage into an attractive, modern building that somehow contrives to hold its quaint charm. W.J. Sweet, owner of the new establishment, feels that he has been particularly fortunate in having the services of A.J. Gamble, who designed the changes for both the interior and exterior, retaining the English style of architecture.
"The tea room proper is a large addition on the west side of the building, with plate glass windows on two sides overlooking the sea. The woodwork is finished in driftwood gray and the ten tables and chairs are black wicker with orange decorations.
"Three little Queen Anne's, as a visitor has called the cottages, are ready for occupancy. They conform in architecture and finish with the tea room, which has the curving English roof and is finished in gray stucco with pale green trimmings. Each cottage has a fireplace.
"Although the work of remodeling the building was begun the first week in April, much of the finishing work is yet to be done. Plans for the grounds include an entrance gate bearing an old English sign and graveled paths leading to the tea room. The place supplies its own water from a well sunk nearby, and this is to have a windmill painted to match the buildings. The space between the tea room and the bluff will probably be floored with concrete and arranged with seats for the convenience of guests.
"The dining room just off the tea room is a small but charming room decorated in green and black. Mrs. Jarman plans to feature small private dinners for parties of six or eight arranged in advance, and during the winter months will use her spacious living room for those wishing to entertain at cards.
"Several thousand dollars have already been expended in remodeling Queen Anne tea room from Queen Anne cottage and the latter being one of the oldest landmarks on the bluff and carrying the interesting tradition of 'a haunt.' It is supposed to have been built many years ago by a young man about to be married, and when his sweetheart jilted him, he abandoned the house, so the story goes, and ended his life by jumping over the nearby cliff. But if you wish to know the story in detail, visit the tea room and read about it on the menu," concludes the article.
A later article, which appeared in the 1945 Western World, explains that in 1929 Mr. and Mrs. Sweet added three more cottages and for eight years ran the business themselves, and the Queen Anne became popular not only along the West Coast, but was known all over the US.
In 1945, the remaining apartment and the property was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Peters, formerly of Portland, who were also interested in the local cranberry business.
The article explains that Mr. Peters was a partner with Lou Wright, who had recently purchased the Walter Cox home south of Bandon on the Coast Highway (now 101). "They have about seven acres of berries east of the Cox home near the junction of the Bandon Beach road. Mr. Wright is a musician and instructor of the Langlois school band." Mr. Wright was the band director in the Bandon School District for many years.
* * *
I need to clarify an item about several women nearly being hit by a car recently as they were peacefully advocating for people's rights, while standing on the sidewalk along Highway 101 near Coast Community Health Clinic.
The women are part of the Bandon Inclusivity Group, who advocate peacefully for inclusivity, fairness and justice. They have been at the 42 junction advocating for over three years.
A 54-year-old Bandon woman, Leah Gitter, was arrested for reckless endangering and reckless driving in connection with the incident.
* * *
I have learned that the U .S. Coast Guard won't be here this summer on a regular basis, as they have been in past summers. A port commissioner said the decision apparently involved finances, but said it is possible that they will be here occasionally, but not on a regular schedule.
* * *
Last Monday, June 5, the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 101 near milepost 284, near the Coos-Curry county line several miles north of Langlois.
A Volkswagen Jetta, operated by Tomas Iglesias Olivas, 59, of Coos Bay, was traveling north when it veered across the center line and collided at an angle with a Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Jennifer Dawn Jordan, 43, Langlois, headed south. Olivas was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Jordan and her passenger, Ethan Blaine Dickenson, 18, Langlois, were transported by Bay Cities Ambulance to Bay Area Hospital for treatment of serious injuries, according to the police report.
* * *
I also learned that a 46-year-old Coquille man, Sean Michael Lenninger, was killed June 2 when the motorcycle he was riding was involved in a two-vehicle crash in Linn County.
* * *
On June 5, Coos County dispatch received a call from a 53-year-old woman Jennifer Greenfield, who said her boat was disabled and beached on the Coquille River, near Bullards Beach Park in Bandon. Upon arrival, deputies noticed her 15-foot aluminum boat was almost entirely out of the water. The windy conditions made it extremely difficult for the boat to be removed from the sand bar, but using available resources, deputies R. Baker and B. Kent were able to safely get the boat back in the water and tow it back to the dock.
* * *
High Tide Art is a new fine art gallery in Bandon, showcasing the work of over 20 local Pacific Northwest artists. The gallery, located on the Pedway in the Continuum Building in Old Town, shows works in a variety of mediums.
Husband and wife team Jose and April Nunez are both artists who moved to Bandon in 2021 and created High Tide Bandon as a collaboration with family and friends. April's sister Sharon Baker, also a creative artist, relocated to Coquille in 2022, and with collaboration with their close friend, artist and gallery owner from the Caribbean, Lucie Stubbs, High Tide Bandon was formed.
They will be participating in wine walks and art walks, and plan to host art classes for the community, with gallery art to be rotated seasonally.
* * *
A well-known Bandon woman, Rose Anne Gates, has recently returned from a trip to Italy with a number of Italian handbags which she is offering for sale with 20 percent of the sales to be donated to Good Neighbors Food Bank, of which she is a long-time supporter. The handbags can be seen at The Hair Club, or at a party at her home June 24. For details, call Rose Anne at 541-347-4818 or 541-551-0056.
* * *
I attended a wonderful Soiree d' artist gala featuring photographer Matte Hanna, with classical music interludes, Thursday night, hosted by Nicole Graham, owner of Nicart Gallery. The artist, musicians and the guests gathered in an intimate setting on the stage of the Sprague Theater, beautifully decorated in a starry night motif.
Friday night, the four were joined by two other professional musicians for the Soiree' Musicale, an evening of music, again on the stage, with the guests and the musicians, Fritz Gearhart, violin; Tido Jansssen, cello; Jason Bonham, viola; Andy Smith, cello; Rachel Goff, viola; and Urs Rutishauser, violin.
* * *
I want to mention that the Bandon by the Sea Cribbage Club #440 is hosting the John "Doc" Nyhart Memorial Cribbage Tournament July 22 and 23 at the Bandon Senior Center, located in the Barn in City Park.
The local club meets Monday nights at the Barn/Community Center at 5 p.m.
For additional information or to register for the American Cribbage Congress tournament, people can contact Scott Milo of North Bend at 707-330-4218 or 541-808-0210. Or email him at scottamilo@msn.com.
Other events coming up include a wine walk Friday night, June 16, and the Rock and Gem Show at The Barn on June 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Admission is free.
A memorial for long-time coach Mickey Hurley will be held Saturday, June 24, at 3 p.m. at the VFW Hall.
July 22 is the program at Bandon's History Museum, titled "Mayor Drane is Missing and the Shindlers Have Been Kidnapped, with live music." There is no charge and the program, presented by Jim Proehl, starts at 1p.m. with music by Bob and Jerene Shaffar.
Be sure and mark your calendars for the Bandon Police Department's National Night Out event at City Park on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. Come out and meet the members of the police department and other public safety officers.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
June 07, 2023
"Familiar Little Passenger and Mail Craft Has Been Sold" is the subhead in the Sept. 24, 1925, article in Western World, as Bandon's beloved river boat Charm heads to Astoria.
"The gas launch Charm (first picture) has been sold by the Myrtle Point Transportation company ... and left here Tuesday afternoon for delivery at Astoria, where it will go into service on the Columbia River." The MP Transportation Company was owned by the Walter Panter family.
River boat Charm
"It was the intention of the owners to take the Charm from Bandon to Astoria under her own power. She is equipped with a 65 h.p. Diesel engine and is of rugged construction, but since she was a passenger boat (second photo) built on this river for service on this river and had never been licensed for coastwise operation, the owners were not allowed to take her to sea under her own power.
River boat Charm
Captain J.L. Nutter of the local U.S. Coast Guard station was unable to give the boat clearance papers and therefore did not permit her to leave.
"As a result the Myrtle Point Transportation company secured John Swing, captain of the Zebra, a small sea-going craft that has been making Rogue river (its home), to come into the local harbor and take the Charm in tow. The pair put to sea at about 2:30 in the afternoon and all the river craft along the harbor line (third photo) saluted the familiar little vessel as it passed, giving it a last farewell.
"The Charm was manned on the trip by W.A. Panter, Moss Averill, Chet Kimble, all of Bandon, and Ed Lindberg of Port Orford.
"The Charm was built at Herman Bros. shipyards at Prosper. It was first equipped with a gas engine, and for many years was the fastest passenger and mail carrier on the river, operating between Coquille and Bandon. Before the highway was completed this was the only means of transportation between the two places and the Charm maintained a regular schedule. In fact it was very seldom that the little boat didn't leave or arrive on time, regardless of tide or weather conditions.
"A few years ago, when gasoline prices had gone up and operations costs were extremely high, the gasoline engine was taken out and a Diesel put in. The hull of the boat was also overhauled and put in first class shape. The boat gave signal service from then on until it was taken off the run early this summer after the highway was completed and the post office department was induced to allow the mail to be carried between Coquille and Bandon by motor car instead of by water."
* * *
Although Sgt. Larry Lynch told me that he knew of only one burglary in the area near the post office recently, a resident who lives in that area told me there appears to be a spate of burglaries and other odd happenings lately, some of it in their neighborhood. One Baltimore neighbor had their garage and then their house broken into recently, with a guy caught on camera. Several months ago another neighbor had their back door pried. My friend just wanted me to alert people in Bandon to be aware of what is happening in their neighborhoods.
* * *
A 54-year-old Bandon woman, Leah M. Gitter, was arrested on four counts of reckless endangering and one count of reckless driving June 2 shortly before 3 p.m. after the vehicle she was driving drove onto the curb at Highway 101 and 42S and nearly struck several women on the sidewalk, who were apparently peacefully advocating for people's rights.
Officer E. Owens from the Bandon Police Department and deputy H. Francis from the Coos County Sheriff's Office responded to the area. Owens located the vehicle on SE 18th Street while Deputy Francis responded to take witness statements.
Officer Owens transported Gitter, who was previously employed at McKay's Market in Bandon, to the Coos County Jail, where she was booked and later released on her own recognizance.
A Bandon officer told me from all indications, that this was an accident.
* * *
The South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (SCINT) has been working on several narcotics investigations involving several individuals, locations and vehicles throughout the past few months, according to a press release from Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio.
In late May, a traffic stop was conducted. The vehicle's occupants possessed 64 M-30 fentanyl pills, scales and packaging material. The illegal narcotics were seized and removed from circulation. No further information is being released as this is an ongoing investigation.
* * *
Friends and family of Katherine (Kathy) Dornath are invited to attend her Celebration of Life this Saturday, June 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Laverne County Park on Fairview Road east of Coquille.
This will be a potluck picnic with the main dish and drinks provided. People are asked to bring a dish to share and their lawn chairs, according to Kathy's daughter, Betty Albertson.
A memorial service for Mickey Hurley will be held Saturday, June 24, at 3 p.m. at the VFW Hall on Bates Road. His daughter Deanna Hurley Hockema said, "we would love to see and talk to any of his past students, teachers and fishing buddies."
* * *
Bandon High School just continues to reap the accolades, with the latest being the band, under the direction of Dave Weston.
At the state championships, held May 12, at Oregon State University, the BHS band captured the highest score to take home the division 2A honors.
Weston is quoted as saying what put them over the top was "their ability to read and play music that they had never seen before."
Weston starts working with band students as young as fifth grade as he directs the district's music program.
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Although there was very little explanation, Coast Community Health Center posted on Facebook recently that while their Port Orford clinic is accepting new patients, the Bandon clinic will not be accepting new patients for the next 90 days.
"We will be adding new providers and expanding our availability in Bandon soon. We will begin taking new patients Sept. 1, 2023," said the post.
The Southern Coos Health Clinic, on the other hand, is accepting new patients, and in addition to Dr. Paul Preslar (my doctor), the clinic has another new provider in Dr. Bonnie Wong.
I would strongly advise you to contact the hospital's clinic at 541-329-0154 if you need a health provider.
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Last week I told you that Sunset Motel had recently been listed for $16,500,000 through Fred Gernandt and his son Ben at David L. Davis Real Estate.
Here are the other listings that I found in the last couple of weeks concerning business and commercial property in the Bandon area.
Century 21 Best Realty of Coos Bay has Face Rock Creamery listed for $3,950,000, which includes the 8,198 square foot building and 0.33 acres of land. The listing explains that FRC is an award winning specialty cheese manufacturer.
Lord Bennett's, next to Sunset Motel overlooking the beach, is listed for $2.2 million; the building which formerly housed an Italian restaurant at 1455 Oregon avenue is listed for $1.5 million; the listing for Lloyd's Cafe is $899,000; The Minute Cafe is listed for $895,000, and the former florist shop at 1092 Alabama Avenue is listed for $629,000. Billy Smoothboars is for sale for $1,550,000. A building at 340 Second Street, just east of the visitor center parking lot, is listed for $349,000.
The Bandon Professional building at 475 Elmira Avenue is listed for $1,150,000, and the commercial building on the south side of the highway between Grand and Harlem avenues, is listed for $989,000. The rest home on McTimmons Lane, is for sale for $1,850,000.
A light industrial investment property at 610 Third Street is listed by Team Realty, Myrtle Point, for $975,000. This appears to be the old city shop property that was recently purchased by Greg Drobot of Face Rock Creamery.
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The Bandon Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Rock and Gem Show at the Barn on June 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring the Far West Lapidary and Gem Society. Admission is free.
The next Alive After Five is Friday, June 15, and the next First Saturday Art Walk is Saturday, July 1. Cost for both is $10, with glasses purchased for the wine walk at the Port picnic shelter, and for the Art Walk at the visitor center.
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Madeline Seymour and I went to the champagne benefit at the Sawdust Theatre Friday night, and it was fun to see Bandon's own Dan Barnett play the villain and Linda Baldwin in the Olio cast. The parts are double cast, so Bandon's Laurie Kreutzer will also appear on stage. Two of those in the olio, Kent Trigg and Bryzen Webley, work at Face Rock Creamery.
It's a fun show, which runs each Saturday throughout the summer, as well as occasional Friday and Sunday shows. Go to www.sawdusttheatre.com for information.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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