As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 27, 2019
The first picture I am sharing was taken in 1978 during the repaving of Second Street in front of Lloyd's Cafe and the Pastime Tavern. I clearly remember being amazed to see Lloyd's owner Mel Dahl (with wheelbarrow behind dump truck), getting involved ... to make sure that the paving was done to his satisfaction.
Repaving Second Street, 1978
As we know, Lloyd's has been closed for several years and although a couple of people have reportedly tried to buy it, the sales have fallen through, and the "anchor tenant" in the heart of Old Town remains shuttered.
Bandon Sweets & Treats, started by Patty and Kenny McCurdy and now operated by their daughter, Meghan Butts, is a thriving business in what was then the Pastime Tavern building.
The second picture was taken sometime in 1970 during a period of very high surf, which had thrown logs and debris across the road leading to the South Jetty. You can barely see the center line at the left edge of the photo.
Road to South Jetty, 1970
There were times during the winter when people living on the jetty had a difficult time getting to town. Later, the county installed rip rap along the river, which pretty much protects the road.
I can still remember how excited the students were when the Clausen twins, David and Steven, moved to Bandon from Coquille and entered BHS in 1970. I think they graduated around 1972, but I don't have annuals from those years, so I am just not sure.
Clausen twins, David and Steven, 1970
* * *
It's funny how one letter can so completely change the meaning of a sentence. I saw that first-hand this week on the lead article on the front page of Saturday's Los Angeles Times, which I read daily.
It was outlining the problems that have been experienced recently by the University of Southern California, including the admissions scandal and drug use by a former dean.
It said, "USC has been best by controversies ....." I am sure the writer meant beset, but apparently the proofreader and editors did not catch it.
We all know what the word "best" means and they probably would not choose that word to describe USC's latest problems.
Beset means "(of a problem or difficulty) trouble or threaten persistently."
No doubt that is what the writer meant to say ....
On the front page, no less!
* * *
Although I was not able to determine the complete list of people filing for boards and commissions in the May election, I do know that my sister, Maggie Lowery, is running for the seat on the hospital board that is being vacated by Brian Vick, who chose not to run again.
A 1968 graduate of BHS, Maggie has an AA degree in respiratory therapy from Mt. Hood Community College and a BA in religion and philosophy. She has been a respiratory therapist for 31 years and is currently licensed in Oregon. Her past experience includes serving as a Respiratory Therapist at OHSU, Kaiser, and other facilities. Her recent experience also includes serving as a clinical liaison at OSHU.
A member of St. John Episcopal Church, Maggie currently is a clinical liaison for Advanced Health where she provides case management support for Medicaid members and medical providers from Bandon to Brookings.
I have served twice on the board of Southern Coos General Hospital, dating back to 1962 just after the first "new" hospital opened on the hill over looking the lighthouse.
We all know how important it is to keep our hospital open and financially viable.
* * *
If anyone doubts that Spring is here, just take a walk down the Pedway and see the beautiful new fence installed for Olivia Andor, who has planned six big events for the year in the garden adjacent to her shop, including, hopefully, an Easter parade.
* * *
The 48-point lead headline on the City & Region section of Sunday's Eugene Register-Guard reads: "ODFW addressing turkey nuisance."
All I can say for this issue is: the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife created this nuisance by introducing turkeys into certain parts of Oregon as another option for hunters. And they need to do something about the problems they are causing for communities, like Bandon.
The Bandon city council recently adopted an ordinance that would make it illegal to intentionally feed wild turkeys in the city limits. This came after a couple, who live in the area off Seabird Lane, told us of the problems that were being created by the flocks, who have reached as many as 30 birds. Turkeys, being fed by a neighbor, were causing a lot of damage to their property.
This week, I received a phone call from a fellow councilor letting me know that a big group of turkeys were roaming around Old Town, and finally landed on the roof of Bandon Baking Company. Another told of stopping on Seabird while 30 of them ambled across the road.
ODFW plans to address nuisance issues caused by turkeys with a turkey hunting pilot program on the outskirts of Eugene, Springfield and Corvallis.
I didn't see Bandon on that list ....
* * *
I keep hearing that the "city won't allow the recently moved Chevron station to advertise their gas prices with an appropriate sign."
I checked with the city planner Dennis Lewis, who is new on the job and had nothing to do with the application by Chevron. But here is what he has determined.
"A Certificate of Appropriateness for rebranding the gas station was approved by John McLaughlin (former planner) on Sept. 19, 2018. Condition number 4 states: 'This approval does not include the monument sign (gas prices), which was excluded from the application by the applicant. The existing sign will be removed from the premises and no new sign will be installed. Should the applicant wish to install the monument sign, or otherwise, at a later date, a new sign permit and COA will be required.' "
Lewis said his second-hand awareness of an issue with the sign to be moved had to do with viewing it as a prohibited reader board sign.
He added that he wasn't sure if there has been a miscommunication about the need for the applicant to re-apply for whatever sign they want.
But that is probably what they need to do. It might well solve the problem.
As for the green space and the golfer on the corner of 101 and Elmira, Lewis said: "A quick review of the site plan for the changeover shows that the applicant proposed the green space on the corner."
I believe the applicant was Carson Oil.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 20, 2019
The first picture I am sharing this week was taken over 40 years ago (1975) and shows construction underway on what was then the Van Auken Real Estate office at the corner of Highway 101 and 11th Street. In the background, you can see Ocean Crest Elementary School. Over the years the building has hosted a variety of businesses, and today is home to a fitness center.
Van Auken Real Estate office, 1975
The second photo was taken during the Saturday Street Sale in 1975, and pictures Pat Reed, at left, as he sells his organic wares to visitors in front of what is now the Bandon Coffee Cafe building. For years, Pat and his wife, Sue, have owned Pat's Printing.
Saturday Street Sale, 1975
I still remember a few years ago when I looked out onto my back deck mid-afternoon and wondered why it had turned dark all of a sudden. It turned out to be a huge swarm of bees, who were living in one of my bird houses. They were everywhere. I knew Pat was "into bees," so I immediately called him. He rushed over and ended up getting them all back into the bird house .... and off he went with it in the backseat of his car.
I love this third picture, taken over 50 years ago (May of 1965) as winners of the fish derby, from left, Boyd Hansen, Allen Choate and Hiemer Kiefer, proudly pose with their winning fish. I am not sure about Boyd or Allen, but I do know that we lost Hiemer, who died five months ago, way too soon. Judging from the size of his fish, and the fact that his prize was a fishing pole, I'd say Hiemer probably won first prize.
Winners of the 1965 fish derby
* * *
If you thought it rained a lot in February, you were right. According to Gerry Terp, who lives near the First Baptist Church, he recorded 15.61 inches of rain for February, compared to 6.04 for the same month last year ... and more than double January's rainfall of 6.79 inches.
As I looked back at his figures for the last 15 years, I realized that two years ago, he recorded 21 inches for February, compared to a low of 3.68 for February of 2005.
I generally think of most of our rain coming during the winter (November-January), but as Gerry's totals point out the wettest month for the 2016-17 rain year was actually February.
Last year's total for the rain year (October through September) was 67.13 inches; thus far since October we have had 40.28 inches. (I can tell you that my pal who lives at Prosper has totally different figures, having recorded 70 inches already). A lot depends on where you live.
If we had a reservoir to capture that rainfall, instead of it just running out to the Pacific Ocean, we would be set for the summer months, but we don't. The city is hoping to eventually receive voter permission to construct a 100 acre foot reservoir, to complement its 3 million gallons of stored water.
For at least the last 25 years, Ferry and Geiger creeks have provided the water we need to keep our storage tanks full, but a reservoir would be like an insurance policy .... something we could fall back on in a time of drought.
I still remember, back in the '70s, when we had a tremendous water shortage and were forced to put water rationing rules into effect.
* * *
I saw on Facebook that Linda Murray (Lothrop), who graduated from Bandon High School in 1985, died last week of liver failure. Linda was the ex-wife of Kenny Murray, and they had one son, Spencer. Before moving away, she worked as a beautician in Bandon. Several of her friends had posted beautiful photos of her, taken when she lived here.
* * *
We continue to hear about the lack of rental housing in Bandon. A couple from Gold Beach, who are well established and well respected in the rental housing industry, are hoping to build a 60-unit apartment complex of two and three bedroom units on the large parcel west of Billy Smoothboar's (behind the piece owned by Scott Vierck).
Hopefully all the permits can be obtained because that is the kind of investment we need here.
Bandon is essentially a utility, and the more water, sewer and electric hookups we have, the more our utilities benefit ... not to mention providing critical workforce housing for those who live and work here.
* * *
One of the most popular programs that I've given to date at the Bandon Historical Society museum was about the arson fire in 1974 that destroyed Bandon High School. I was the first (and probably only) reporter on the scene that night as I lived in the old theater and was able to get there quickly as soon as I heard the fire siren go off ... in the middle of the night. I will be giving the same program (or at least as similar as I can make it) on Saturday, July 6, probably at 2 o'clock.
I will also be giving a program in August with photos from the '50s, '60s and '70s that are part of the extensive trove of negatives that I saved from being hauled to the dump in early 1980. So if you like the pictures that I share in my column each week, you won't want to miss this program.
I will also be narrating a program in October, although I don't think the date has been set, about the Columbus Day Storm, which occurred Oct. 12, 1962. I took a great many photos that week; unfortunately they were not among those that I saved, and we are not sure what happened to them. But there were lots of pictures in Western World, so Jim and I will be making copies of those that appeared in a full-page photo spread the week after the storm. And we will be asking people to share their Columbus Day Storm stories with the audience.
I remember going down to Pacific High School the day after the storm and being blown away (well, not literally) by the damage that had occurred to the south side of the building. Entire walls had been blown out. I also remember watching the roof of the hydro-electric building on Fillmore blow across the street.
I don't think we've established the exact dates for the August or October programs, but I will let you know well in advance.
* * *
Several weeks after I ran the old photo (1917) of the Bear Creek School, Calvin Cox called to say that the person in the back row who appeared to be the teacher was his grandmother, Daisy Cox, who would have been about 25. Her maiden name was Bell.
It's always fun to see what kind of new information, or just conversation, that results from the posting of these old photos.
* * *
Even if you're not a fan of college basketball, you would have to love the fairy tale story of the Oregon men, who won four games in four nights to be crowned the Pac12 champions. Saturday night they beat the Number One team/seed in the league, the Washington Huskies, by 20 points to win the championship. Now it's on to March Madness for both the men and the women (although the lady Ducks lost the championship game to Stanford).
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 13, 2019
I will admit this first picture I am sharing is pretty dark, because I copied it out of one of my old 1937 Western World newspapers, but it tells a magnificent story of how fast Bandon people threw up "temporary" buildings after the town burned on Sept. 26, 1936.
Downtown Bandon, 1937
In the immediate foreground, at bottom left, is a pile of rubbish where the public library stood.
At right you can see the First National Bank building (now the Masonic Building) which was one of a handful of buildings that survived the Fire. Across the street you can see the sign for the Minute Cafe, which Jess Cattron opened on Oct. 19 (less than three weeks after the Fire) in what was termed a "temporary" building. It is one of the oldest surviving businesses in Bandon today in that same location. On the corner of the next block (Baltimore and Second), George Erdman built his market (now the building occupied by the shuttered Lloyd's Cafe) in what had been the home of Dreamland Pavilion at the time of the Fire. George opened his new building the first week of October 1936. Elmer Gant, who was in the clothing business before and after the Fire, rebuilt on Second Street next to Furman and Shindler's medical building (now the home of Winter River Books). And he was open for business less than a month after the Fire.
Before the Fire, much of Bandon's business district was along First Street, with many of the buildings on the north side of the street being built on piling. After the Fire, Second Street became the heart of the business district and remains so today.
It is amazing to see how quickly merchants rebuilt, many being open less than a month after the Fire.
In the same issue of Western World (Oct. 8, 1936), there is an article about the tent city, which was built along the waterfront behind Bob-Otto Court (where the new Chevron station is now located), to take care of 1,200 people. The tent city went from the east side of Chicago Avenue (about where the Wheelhouse is now located) east to Elmira Avenue.
I shared a picture of the old Sunset Motel last year, but this is an even better shot of the original motel, probably taken in the late 1950s. Although it's hard to see, the office was in the second set of doors to the left.
Sunset Motel, 1950s
To say that this motel has come a long way in the 60 years since this picture was taken is an understatement.
It is still owned today by the Brown family (Judy Longland Densmore) with much of the original motel built by Judy's father, Vern Brown, and her grandfather, Herbert Brown.
Herbert Brown was mayor between 1927 and 1929; years later, in the 1990s, his granddaughter, Judy Densmore, became the first female mayor of Bandon. Her father, Vern, served on the city council from 1965 to 1969. My grandfather, H. H. Dufort, served on the council during the last years of Herbert's Brown term as mayor. (And now I am the second female mayor).
The third picture I am sharing was taken in October of 1960 after a golf tourney at the Westmost Golf Course.
Golf tourney winners, 1960
In front, from left, are Ray Baird, Tom Gant and Ray Deets; in back, from left, Don Goddard, Pete Goodbrod and Don Houston.
Life-long residents of Bandon, Don Goddard and Tom Gant still live here today. Pete died last week (see below).
* * *
It was sad news to learn that Pete Goodbrod died last week in Woodland, Wash., where he and his wife, Joan, had moved recently to be near their daughter, Michelle. Pete had suffered from Parkinson's Disease for many years, and after being hospitalized at Southern Coos Hospital, the family determined that it would be best for him to enter a facility in Woodland, Wash., near Michelle. Joan lives in the same complex. Pete would have been 90 in May. His other daughter, Cindy, flew in to say goodbye after being called to his bedside.
Pete and Joan had been close friends of mine for many years, and I still remember when he played for the semi-pro baseball team, the Bandon Millers, that I accompanied them to baseball games when I was probably still in junior high where I developed a life-long love of baseball.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Pete on Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bandon.
For those wishing to send Joan a card, her address is PO Box 69, Apartment 112, Woodland, Wash., 98674.
* * *
One of Bandon's most active senior citizen volunteers, Patricia Seidler (mother of city councilor Madeline Seymour), who recently celebrated her 95th birthday, fell at her home last week and broke her hip. After undergoing what Madeline said was a very successful surgery, Patricia will be moved to a swing bed at Southern Coos Hospital, sometime this week, to recuperate.
It's hard to keep track of all that she does for the community, but volunteering at both the museum and the visitor center are just two of her many involvements.
* * *
I was surprised to learn that the Bandon Chamber of Commerce's new executive director Ruthie Painter had given the board her 60-day notice. I've heard several reasons for her stepping down, but I have not talked directly to her, so I will just say I am sorry as I know she had been reaching out to the membership.
I understand that Larry Langenberg, co-owner of Edgewater's restaurant, will step in as interim executive director.
* * *
I was happy to see that a group of locals are working to revive Bandon Playhouse, which has served the community for over 40 years with top entertainment and productions.
The last production, produced by Paul Hay, was the "The Wizard of Oz," which was on the Sprague Theater stage in August of 2017, and proved to be very successful.
The new executive board includes Neil Davis, Mike Dempsey, Richard Robinett, John Fink, Jeff Norris, Amy Moss Strong and Cathy Underdown. They are still looking for one more board member, as well as others who want to be part of community theater. This is a great group of people, with a lot of theater experience, and if anyone can succeed at reviving local theater, it's them.
Their next meeting is Thursday night, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ocean Crest Elementary School staff lounge (enter through the front door of the school). Join them if you are interested in theater.
* * *
I've learned that Don Buckingham, who was the last surviving member of the three Buckingham brothers (Dennis, Doug and Don), died recently. He was a member of the Class of 1961. I remember their mom, Wanda, who worked many years as a checker at McKay's.
Jessica Lucas posted this week that John Windhurst of Bandon also died this week. I believe he was about 54 and was the son of Bill Windhurst and Nancy Delameter Windhurst.
Another former Bandonian who died recently was Martha Jane Boak, 91, the youngest of the 17 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Chris Richert, long-time Two Mile ranchers. She died Feb. 6 in Brookings. I know she was here several years ago for the Richert family reunion spearheaded by Diane Blake Lewis, daughter of one of Martha's sisters, the late Evelyn Richert Blake.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 06, 2019
The first picture I am sharing this week was taken in June of 1966 when a couple of small sailboats were sailing around in the Bandon Boat Basin.
Bandon Boat Basin, 1966
I do remember that one of them belonged to Kurt Hohman, but not sure which one. The boat basin looks so different today as does the background, with the Moore Mill gone, as well as the old truck shop, which is barely visible at right. If you look closely you can see the Bullards Bridge in the background.
I had almost forgotten that Bandon had a Soroptimist club years ago until I saw this picture of a group of local women taken during a dinner to raise funds for their annual scholarship, held in February of 1965.
Soroptimist Club, 1965
Pictured from left are Gertrude Greenwell (who owned the Style Shop with Belle Shortridge), Tosca Means (who was active in local theater), Jo Yockey (wife of Ralph Yockey, long-time owner of Yockey Electric), Mayme Froland (who with husband Al owned La Kris Motel across from McKay's), Phyllis Ray (who with husband Bob owned Ray's Pharmacy), Irene Senter (wife of Merritt Senter, who owned the Senter Agency) and Joanne Metcalfe (who owned Metcalfe Insurance Agency) in the building now belonging to Bain Insurance.
I love this third picture taken of the Richert twins, Traci and Trina, in 1971 when they were modeling for Dave and Joan Gradt, owners of The Edgewater Department Store, formerly The Golden Rule, in the building now occupied by the Continuum Center. They were the daughters of Chris and Jane Turner Richert; today Traci Davis lives in Ketchikan, Alaska, and Trina (Mrs. Mark) Johnston, lives in Bandon.
Traci and Trina Richert, 1971
* * *
I was shocked to see that two Bandon High School graduates died last week within a few days of each other, Jim Fisher and Brad Hurley. Jim, who was born in 1965 to Bob Fisher and the late Lorraine Fisher, leaves two brothers, Ben and Ralph, and his dad.
Brad Hurley was a 1978 graduate of Bandon High School and was the son of Mickey Hurley and the late Barbara Hurley. Among his survivors are two sisters, Cheryl and Deanna, and his dad.
I knew both Jimmy and Brad well, having watched them grow into fine young men, and it is sad to see them pass away at such a relatively young age. I understand Jim had heart problems, and Brad had been diagnosed not long ago with brain cancer.
I also learned that Sonny Nowlin died Feb. 23 at the age of 90. A decorated veteran, Sonny received both the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Among his survivors are his oldest son Boyd Nowlin, daughter Robin Siewell, and youngest son, Dwayne Nowlin. Another son, Bradley, died earlier.
Sonny and Patricia Dye were married in 1963, and although they divorced in 1982 they remained close friends and she was instrumental in caring for him as his health declined.
I remember Sonny fondly as he never missed a Bandon sports event and was a great Tiger booster.
* * *
It was a great week for the Bandon Historical Society. Not only were they presented with a check for around $6,500 from last weekend's crab feed by organizer Lori Osborne, but they also received a gift of $2,500 from the Coquille Tribal Community Fund. The museum's executive director Gayle Propeck Nix accepted the check on behalf of the museum board.
The other Bandon organization receiving a gift from the Tribal Fund was the Bandon Showcase, with Ann Patrick accepting the $1,500 check during the annual luncheon held in the Salmon room of the Mill Casino, which I also attended to represent the City even though we had not applied for a grant.
Fifty grants were awarded in a five-county area, totaling $266,762.50.
Speaking of the museum, if you haven't visited lately, you are in for a treat. During the January break, board members put together several new displays, which are drawing rave reviews.
A friend of mine told me the other night that her late brother loved to visit museums wherever he went, and he said Bandon's was one of the best he had ever seen .... large or small.
That is quite a compliment, and certainly well deserved.
* * *
I was shocked to see the ad in last week's Coffee Break which asked the question: "Do you want the city to give away more than 15 acres of our community's city park to a for-profit corporation who will charge you money to use it?"
My first reaction was: absolutely not. But considering that I am part of that "city" I can assure you that there is no way that the city is giving away 15 acres of the city park to anyone.
Several days later, the ad was revised to ask if you wanted the city to give away acres . . . to a "corporation who will charge you money to use it?"
I don't even think that is true as I do not know of anyone in city government who is planning to give away acres of land in city park for any reason.
But what we are doing is putting a non-binding advisory ballot in the utility bills that allow people to let us know whether or not they think that ”the city park is a good location for a privately owned aquatic center, open to the public for a fee."
Saturday another ad appeared in Coffee Break saying that the pool will be "operated by a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and will use less space than you think."
Actually what we are talking about here is a non-profit corporation which, unlike a C Corporation, has no retained earnings. All of the money earned would not go to the pool board as individuals, but would go back into operating and maintaining the pool. But it is still a private venture anyway you look at it.
* * *
Last Tuesday, while eating at the Bakery, we were interrupted by the extremely loud sound of a low-flying helicopter, which turned out to be the Coast Guard.
I later learned that two small boats, one with a cabin, had apparently broken loose from their moorings up river; one had ended up on the north river beach and the other was in the river. Although I never read anything about it, I believe the Coast Guard was making sure that neither was occupied, which apparently they weren't.
* * *
Don't forget that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m., and ends on Sunday, Nov. 3.
* * *
Bite of Bandon was another big success; winning best savory was Lord Bennett's; best sweet went to The Rolling Pin, and RawSome Juices and Smoothies won the best display.
It is such a treat to sample the best from Bandon's best ....
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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