As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 30, 2022
The first picture I am sharing appeared in the June 7, 1951, Western World, as part of the editor's efforts to revive history. The picture was titled: "Remember? -- Tupper Rock, Ocean House, 1897."
Tupper Rock, Ocean House, 1897
At the end of the caption, I will update some of the information because even the "new" version is 71 years old.
"What was Bandon like before the fire?
"This question has been asked so many times, especially by some of the many new people who are establishing residence here, that Western World has decided to publish an old-time picture now and then and give such information as is available.
"The above picture was taken in May 1897 according to inscription on the photograph. The cameraman must have stood part way up Tupper Rock, pretty close to where the Franklin Auto Court is now located. The view is toward town.
"On the left in the foreground is Tupper Rock, which at that time stood some 60 or more feet perpendicularly above ground.
"There was a stairway leading to the top (second picture) where a bandstand had been built and the city 'brass band' gave Sunday afternoon concerts.
Tupper Rock
"The rock is believed of glacial origin and is much harder than any other rock in this section The federal government took over the rock and established a quarry, using the rock in local jetty construction.
"Today, instead of rising 60 to 80 feet above the surface, it is a hole in the ground of equal distance.
"The roadway in the foreground is now part of Ocean Drive.
"The large building to the right is the Ocean House, one of the very first hotels in Bandon. It was a popular stopping place in its day. It was destroyed by fire a few years after this picture was taken."
Reference in the caption is made to Franklin Auto Court, which was built soon after the Fire by Mayor K.I. Franklin. The smaller cottages are gone, but the larger house still stands, and can be seen just west of the gaping hole along Ocean Drive (Seventh Street) which is all that remains of Tupper Rock. Pacific View is built on what remained of Tupper Rock after excavation for the jetties.
I discovered that the same photo was used again in Western World in April of 1959.
That caption explained that "The Ocean House at Bandon Beach was the popular hostelry three-quarters of a century ago. Travelers going north and south, by river boats and horse-stages or on horseback, found this a convenient stopping place."
The third picture I am sharing was taken around 1919 and was looking east, with the Ellingsen building being about where the Arcade Tavern is today. But it's the Minute Cafe, just west of there that I will be talking about today.
Downtown Bandon, 1919
It wasn't until after the Fire that the Minute relocated to Second Street, where it remains today.
An item in the July 1929 special section, put out by Western World, talks about the Minute.
"Bandon is well known for its hospitality, its sea shore, its hotel and restaurant accommodations, and one of the very favored eating places of the city, popular with local and transient trade alike is what is known as the "Minute Cafe" and here you get all that the name implies, up-to-the-minute service.
"This restaurant, one of the best on the west coast, is owned and operated by J.W. Cattron and Mrs. Cattron, who both give their personal attention to the work and service. Both are experienced caterers of many years experience.
"Previous to locating here they were engaged in a like business in Eugene. The restaurant is particularly noted for its preparation of chicken in any desired style. These chickens are from their own poultry farm near Bandon. Chicken dinners and short orders are served. Six employees are kept busy serving the trade."
Many years later, it was owned and operated by N.L. Dickey and his wife, Myrtle Pollock Dickey. In more recent years, it has been owned by Pat Taylor and her family, but the restaurant has been closed for some months. Today the updated property, which also includes the adjacent parking lot (former home of M&L Grocery), is for sale for $1.2 million dollars.
* * *
I was sorry to learn that long-time Bandon resident Barbara Dodrill had died March 23 in the Portland area where she had moved recently to be near her daughter, Nona Scott. Barbara was 94 and was much loved by all who knew her. She meant so much to so many people in our community, and had touched so many lives as evidenced by the people who posted memories of her on Facebook.
Immediate survivors include her daughter Nona and son Walt, and their extended families.
Initial plans were to have her funeral at the First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 23, but I don't think they have decided on a time, and when I learn it, I will let people know.
* * *
Coos County has the highest rate of child abuse in the state. When you stop and think about what that means in terms of horrific abuse, sadness and hopelessness for children in our county, we need to ask "what can we do to help?"
A terrible incident of apparent domestic violence occurred in the Coos Bay area last week resulting in the death of a man who was struck by a vehicle in a Coos Bay parking lot, leaving a woman facing very serious charges.
I saw a reference on Facebook to children in the family? My heart goes out to all involved.
Rural counties like ours have been particularly hard hit by Oregon's lax drug laws, where treatment is scarce, resources are few and jail beds are often full.
I personally want to thank Bandon's Mary Carol Roberson and all those involved in the Kids' HOPE Center, the child advocacy enter for Coos County, for their tireless efforts to make a difference.
April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.
KHC is once again sponsoring the pinwheel fundraiser and are seeking individual or business sponsors. For more information or to order pinwheels, people can call Sara Bright at 541-269-4196 or mail a check to Kids' HOPE Center, 1925 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420.
Even if you don't want the pinwheels, please just drop them a check as I did.
* * *
Talking about the Coos County Jail .... I learned this week that while the county actually has the money budgeted to open a second 49-bed pod, they cannot find the staff to keep it open. As I have mentioned in the past, Coos County has a 250-bed jail, and Sheriff Craig Zanni told me he isn't even sure that all 250 beds were ever open. But for way too long only one pod has been open, which has resulted in people who should be in jail, especially repeat property crime offenders, to simply be cited and released.
Something needs to change ... and soon!
* * *
I have not talked to the police about this, but it was posted on Next Door last week that someone had been stealing gasoline and RV batteries from the Bandon Heights area of northeast Bandon. Regardless, it does not hurt to be aware and take necessary precautions.
* * *
You have probably heard about the tragic accident that occurred March 22 at the intersection of Whiskey Run Lane and Seven Devils Road which resulted in the death of a Seven Devils man, Michael Rogers, 65. The police report said a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Evan Melton of Myrtle Point, ran a stop sign and collided with Rogers' vehicle. It required the Jaws of Life to free him from the vehicle. He was then taken to Bay Area Hospital, where he later died.
Melton was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device. Neither he nor his passenger were injured.
Mr. Rogers' wife, Donna, retired several years ago as a long-time caregiver/aide at Pacific View, according to my friend Joan Goodbrod, who said Donna lovingly cared for both her and Pete when they lived there.
* * *
Family and friends gathered at the port dock Friday afternoon to remember Fred Carleton, our long-time city attorney, who died suddenly a year ago of a heart attack at the age of 70. A group of friends, spearheaded by the port and Lori Osborne, raised the money to have a beautiful sculpture carved in his memory. Those of us who contributed had our names engraved on a plaque alongside the sculpture.
Among the family members attending were his brother and sister-in-law from Portland, his sister and brother-in-law from the Seattle area, and his son, John and family from Bandon.
I learned that the same evening, his sister's husband suffered an heart attack and was taken to Southern Coos Hospital where he was stabilized and sent to Bay Area Hospital.
* * *
Recently, Umpqua Bank manager Sara Kimball posted that they are seeing a surge of counterfeit $20 bills coming through business deposits at the bank. "These are not movie money, but are clearly counterfeit. Please be on the lookout," said Kimball. If people need some resources for training staff, she suggested they go to USCurrency.gov.
* * *
After a lengthy hearing on food carts at the Planning Commission Thursday night, they voted unanimously to continue the hearing for the next meeting for deliberations only, with no new testimony allowed. If you want to watch the hearing live, go to the City of Bandon's Facebook page.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 23, 2022
The first picture I am sharing this week was taken within days of the Fire.
After the fire of 1936
I know that because I found an ad in the Oct. 1, 1936, (a week after the fire) Western World, which said that carpenters were already busy erecting temporary quarters at the Northwest corner of Second and Baltimore for the Haga and Church Grocery and Harry Houghton's meat market. They were to be open for business a week later. "Our Grocery Store and Meat Market were licked up slick and clean, but we are still here and we are here to stay," said the owners.
This panoramic photograph was taken from Oregon Avenue near Holy Trinity Catholic Church, looking east across what was left of the downtown area, with the First National building in the right foreground. In the center of the photo you can see the walls of the Haga & Church building, which was later sold to Jim Croxall and Syd Perry and operated as Croxall & Perry Grocery. For 50 years it was owned by Dave Elliott, who operated a radio and TV business. Today the building, which is next to the Continuum Center and across Baltimore from Lloyd's Cafe, is for sale for $300,000.
In the back, north of Second Street (the highway) you can see the Coast Lumber Yard, the Bob-Otto Court (with a number of tents already set up by the Red Cross behind it) and the Stephan Hotel (now Cranberry Sweet building) which also survived the Fire.
The second picture I am sharing holds special memories for me as one of the Queen's maids was a woman I called "Auntie Erma" while growing up. I later learned that rather than being related to us, she was my grandmother's best friend, but that didn't my change my love for her.
Queen of the Bandon Carnival, 1911
The picture was taken in 1911 when Governor Oswald West was in Bandon to crown Miss Leila Buckingham (standing top right) as queen of the Bandon Carnival, although the picture is captioned as the Business Men's Carnival, but for sure we know it was a carnival.
The Queen's maids were Erma Crane (later Boyle, Best) and Rittie McNair, left of the Queen.
"Shortly after eight o'clock the elaborately decorated float bearing the queen, attendants, pages and flower girls, was drawn to the center of the city, approaching from the east, while at the same time the Governor and party approached from the west in an automobile, and on arriving at the spot where the brilliant ceremonies were to take place," according to an article in the Bandon Recorder dated Aug.25, 1911.
The crowning of the queen, "in the presence of thousands" launched the "great four days' festivities."
"The Governor then delivered an able address, dwelling largely on the subject of good roads, and urging a higher standard in this important factor of a country's development."
Pages were Carol Garfield, Gladys Oakes, Emily Schetter and Erma Buckingham; the flower girls were Maxine Oakes and Dolly Bowman.
I've often heard reference to a novel round house, which was on the hill above Riverside Drive (previously Ferry road) overlooking the river, the lighthouse and the Lighthouse keeper's residence before the Fire.
In the third picture you can see the "round house" in the far right side of the photo. At the very top in the far left, you can see the old Woolen Mill.
An article in the April 12, 1928, Western World mentions the Wrenschall brothers, William, 92, and Octavius, 78, who had returned to Coos Bay for the first time in over 30 years. The younger brother had entered Keizer Brothers hospital.
"William Wrenschall settled in Bandon 36 years ago (1892) and in early days followed his trade as a builder. He was a ship carpenter by trade, and besides boat building, he and another brother designed and built the present Episcopal church at Bandon; also the one-time novel round house in east Bandon.
"In the early days, William said he frequently made the trip to Coquille City by rowing each way in a skiff, or rowboat. This was a slow and tiring way of travel but was thought of lightly in pioneer days and William was a good oarsman and accustomed to the hardships of that time. To get to Marshfield from Bandon even with the steamboat service to Coquille was an all-day trip, and the trip of 30 years ago was a great contrast to the trip made Wednesday. Leaving Bandon about four o'clock and stopping for dinner at the Chandler hotel in Marshfield, Mr. Wrenschall was home again by seven-thirty Wednesday evening.
"Many improvements and changes have taken place at the county seat (Empire) since Mr. Wrenschall was last there, and he found Marshfield grown from a waterfront street town to an important city since last he had visited there.
"These two old gentlemen, for real gentlemen they have always been, are among the most respected of Bandon's citizens, for while in their declining years they have little left of financial wealth, they still retain the culture and refinement of their early training," said the Recorder.
* * *
Several weeks ago I heard the saddest story on KEZI about the authorities finding a six-month-old baby boy strapped into a stroller in a Springfield motel room, unresponsive, after it was determined that his 28-year-old mother had died of an accidental overdose several days earlier. The baby was immediately rushed to the hospital and life-flighted to Portland. A later report said he would live.
What struck me was the fact that "authorities found a non-criminal amount of heroin in the motel room."
Stop and let this sink in. The fact that the heroin (as well as meth and cocaine) was considered to be non-criminal is because of Oregon's Ballot Measure 110 (the most lenient drug law in the country). Apparently those who voted for this law did so because they thought it meant that people who were caught with drugs would be required to enter treatment. That is not what happened. Even proponents are begrudgingly admitting that the law had unintended consequences. You think???
A county official told me recently that of a large number of tickets issued (yes, they are the equivalent of $100 traffic tickets) only one of those cited even bothered to go to court. Maybe they paid their fines, I am not sure, but for sure they received no treatment.
As drug use and deaths expand across Oregon it might be time to start an initiative petition to overturn Ballot Measure 110, which might stop the flow of drug users who view Oregon as a safe haven.
A letter in Sunday's Register-guard said it best. It was titled "Voters fooled on Measure 110 ... legalizing certain quantities of life-ruining substances such as meth and heroin have been duped. A year later and there is no clear indication, contrary of the ballot measure contention, that funded treatment programs have materialized. Hard-drug abusers should be given an option to receive the treatment they need, or be forced out of our communities through incarceration."
As the writer said, "Police have one less tool to combat rampant drug abuse and property crime in our state."
Although this was an initiative (put forth by heaven knows who), I do not believe the Governor or the legislature took a strong position against it .... if any. You might ask them why not!
* * *
I was in the Continuum Center last week when I looked up and saw a dear familiar face: it was Sally Ford, who directed some of the most fantastic shows ever to appear on the Sprague Theater stage including Beauty & The Beast and Chicago.
Sally has long since moved away, and now lives in Molalla, but anyone who saw some of her productions would never forget her.
A couple of days later I saw she and her friend having coffee with Peter Braun, who was also active in Bandon Playhouse for many years. They had lots to talk about.
Sally looked great, but was utilizing a walker as she awaits knee surgery, which should soon put the zip back in her step.
I searched through all the plays that Bandon Playhouse has put on, dating back to the '70s, and it brought back so many warm memories for the many nights I've spent at the Sprague ... and hoping they will once again bring us that kind of entertainment now that things are beginning to open up once again.
We've been gifted through the years by Maria Merriam and MarLo Dance Studio, The Almich family and New Artists Productions, who introduced so many young people to the art of theater, and to Bandon Showcase, for the performances they have brought to the stage.
Time to applaud again ....
* * *
The news that many residents of Seabird Drive have been hoping for came this week when the City was notified by ODOT that our request to lower the speed limit on Seabird had been granted. It will now be 30 miles an hour, and after a period of time to educate people of the change, the police department has assured us that they will enforce the new speed limit as will as make an ever greater effort at slowing people down on Highway 101!
* * *
I plan to do a wrap-up of candidates who will appear on the May 17 primary ballot before the election, but one thing I did notice was that Curry County Commissioner Court Boice, a Republican, has thrown his hat into the ring to run for Governor. He is a cousin to Maude, Emily and Bruce Capps, as well as Wayne and Don Campbell, and many others as in the original Boice family from Langlois, there were 6 boys and 6 girls, including Mary Capps of Bandon and the late Alma Deets and-one time Curry County Sheriff Allen Boice.
It is also important to note that since there are only two candidates in the Coos County Sheriff's race, Gabe Fabrizio and Mike Kinnaird, they will not be on the ballot in May, but on the General Election ballot in November.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 16, 2022
The three pictures I am sharing have to do with the original Bank of Bandon, built in 1911 and destroyed in the Fire of 1936. An article in a July 1929 issue of Western World tells the story of an institution which contributed in such a marked degree to Bandon's progress in the early days.
"The prospective settler or investor is best impressed when visiting any locality when he finds the banks in a flourishing condition and their personnel radiating optimism," reads the Western World article.
"The Bank of Bandon was organized originally as early as 1904 by J.L. Kronenberg as first president, Frank J. Fahy, cashier, and T.P. Hanly, vice president.
"Even to this day officers, stockholders and directors have ever been local men of prominence, men who have had their life-long interests here and men in whom the people have implicit confidence for the safe, sane and conservative administration of the bank's affairs and the investment of its funds.
"Their last statement shows an unusually strong condition. Capital is $50,000, with a surplus of $17,000, and undivided profits of $11,371.33. Total resources are placed at $560,438.
"Officers and directors today are as follows: T.P. Hanly, president and director; F.J. Fahy, vice president and director; C.Y. Lowe, vice president and director; Archie H. Rosa, cashier; George A. Kronenberg, assistant cashier and director; Lester Perry, teller; Agnes Hansen, teller; W.J. Sweet, director; Frank S. Perry, director, and R.V. Leep, director.
"In active charge of the management is Archie H. Rosa, cashier, who has practically grown up with the institution and is considered a good banking authority. He is the son of R.H. Rosa, one of our pioneer settlers and for many years businessman of Bandon. Young Rosa first started with the bank as a teller in 1917. In 1925 he was elevated to the position of cashier, which office he has filled to the satisfaction of all and with constant increase in business for the bank."
The first picture was taken in 1925, and standing in the entrance to the bank, from left, are W.J. Sweet, Archie Rosa and Frank Fahy. It was located on the northwest corner of the gravel lot near the Port of Bandon's marketplace building.
Bank of Bandon, 1925
Agnes Hansen, who was a teller in 1929, later married J. F. "Jack" Kronenberg, son of the bank's co-founder. W.J. Sweet married Theresa Hanly, daughter of another of the bank's co-founders.
The building was completely destroyed in the Fire, as evidenced by the second photo.
Bank of Bandon, after the fire
In the background to the right, you can see the First National Bank building, which housed Western World at the time of the Fire. First National has closed before the Fire, and Bank of Bandon was able to relocate in that building, which survived the Fire.
Articles of Incorporation of the Bank of Bandon were signed Nov. 25, 1904. Five months later, the Bank was opened for business in a frame building near the waterfront on Cleveland (which we often refer to as Short Street or Little America), later Bandon's City Hall when destroyed by the Fire. Bank of Bandon moved to its new building in 1911.
The Bank remained in the old First National (now the Masonic Building) until 1954 when they moved into their new bank on top of the hill, across Tenth Street from what is now McKay's Market and behind what is now Banner Bank. The new building represented an investment of $80,000.
The Golden Anniversary brochure put out by the bank in 1954 as they celebrated their 50-year anniversary pointed out that "During the most strenuous re-adjustment periods, in the early 1930's and after the 1936 fire, T.P. Hanly, then president of the bank, turned over to the Bank his personal notes of about $70,000, which was more than the bank's entire capital and surplus, to be used for the safety of its depositors.
"During those hazardous days when seven nearby banks closed in Coos and Curry counties, W.J. Sweet, then cashier, mortgaged his fine dairy herd on Elk River to back the safety of the organization."
W.J. Sweet was the grandfather of County Commissioner John Sweet and his sister, Sue Sweet of Langlois. T.P. Hanly was their great-grandfather.
The third picture, taken in 1962, is of the bank's board of directors, including, front, left, A.W. "Bill" Sweet, Archie Rosa, W.J. Sweet and C.D. "Clay" Garoutte. I don't know the first man standing, but others from left are Cecil Kemp, Fred Gagnon, Charlie Tresidder and George Kronenberg.
Board of directors, 1962
* * *
The city of Bandon's planning commission will hold a public hearing Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m. at city hall to consider an ordinance to allow for the use of Mobile Food Units (better known as food carts) on properties zoned commercial or industrial. The units being considered are self-propelled vehicles that prepare, process and/or sell food. People can also zoom in at https://us02web.zoom.us/i/2157059460: meeting ID: 215 705 9460.
The City Council will hear the issue on Monday, April 11, at 7 p.m. The City encourages community members to provide testimony on this topic. Written testimony can be mailed to the City of Bandon, ATTN: Dana Nichols, PO Box 67, Bandon, or emailed to planning@cityofbandon.org. The deadline for inclusion of testimony in meeting packets is 5 p.m. March 16 for the Planning Commission and 5 p.m. April 5 for the council packets.
Deadline for electronic (e-mail or FAX) hand delivered or US mail testimony is 5 p.m. March 23 for the Planning Commission and 5 p.m. April 7 for the council.
All public testimony received by the Planning Commission will also be forwarded to the council, Nichols said. For more information contact the Planning Department at 541-347-7922. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* * *
I still see people wearing masks, which is fine as they need to do whatever makes them feel safer and more comfortable. But for those of us who are fully vaccinated and tired of wearing masks, Saturday, March 12, could not have come soon enough.
There is no doubt that Covid will be with us for a long time, just like the flu or other diseases, but it was way past time to open our communities.
A perfect example of people enjoying themselves came over the weekend when the Bandon Booster Club held their two-day Gold Rush event, spearheaded by Brianna Hutchens and her crew.
Friday night's dessert auction reportedly raised over $40,000, which goes to youth activities. Saturday night's dance, featuring Morgan Alexander and his band, was well attended by people of all ages. Hopefully this is just the beginning of more community gatherings for people who want to mingle once again.
* * *
I know that this is the part of my column that people don't look forward to. But when we lose people that are well known or close to us, it's important to let others know.
I was shocked to learn Monday of the death of Julie Hawthorne, who with her husband Chris, owned Redfish restaurant and Hawthorne Gallery in Port Orford. She was a classy, beautiful woman, and a well-known ceramic artist, who was the matriarch of the family, which includes her children, Daemian and Lena, and four grandchildren. She was loved by a huge community of friends and extended family. After a Sunday brunch with family, Julie had reportedly gone into the gallery, where she died after falling from a ladder, according to her Lena's partner, Jake Pestana.
A graveside service will be held Friday, March 18, at 1 p.m. at the Denmark Cemetery on Floras Lake Loop in Langlois.
Dawn Dixon, 66, who has been in charge of Bandon's Fourth of July parade for many year, died recently in Coos Bay. A friend said Dawn always crocheted an afghan for the grand prize and she had finished the afghan for this year's award before passing away. Jan Hester will take over as parade chairman.
I also learned that former resident, Linda Olsen, died March 9 in McMinnville, where she had moved several years ago. A friend said she had died of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). While here, she was active in the community and served on the City's Utilities Commission. Linda, 77, is survived by her two sons, Nazih and Jalil Hijaouy.
I also learned that Dr. Devin Brice, who owned Above Dental on Virginia Avenue in North Bend, died in his sleep March 8 at the age of 40. He was the son of Harold Brice and Mary Farr Brice Woolley, and is survived by his wife and a young family. He grew up in Coquille and graduated from Marshfield High in 2000. Friends said he seemed to be in great health and often jogged up and down Telegraph Hill in Coos Bay.
* * *
Harv Schubothe, executive director of Greater Bandon Association, has announced that GBA has been moved to the top Main Street tier. They had learned that Oregon Main Street was redefining its tiers, and through GBA's ten-year history they have been placed in the second or middle tier of "transforming" Main Street organizations.
"The top tier of Albany, Astoria, Coos Bay, Estacada, Klamath Falls, LaGrande, McMinnville and Oregon City was joined this week by Hillsboro Beaverton and yes, Bandon!" said Schubothe. Taking a quick look at the top tier list, missing are places like Salem, Corvallis, Roseburg and Medford, even though they all have Main Street organizations. We are the smallest in population."
This means priority for Main Street Revitalization grants which the 90 Main Street towns in Oregon compete for. "It also means money, actual dollars for our operation which while small have not been available in the past. And finally technical assistance visits every three months to work on things like strategic plans and sustainable funding," said Schubothe.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 09, 2022
Oh how I wish this first picture had been taken today, but sadly that was not the case. Wecoma Baths was built in 1925 by J. F. "Jack" Kronenberg of Bandon.
Wecoma Baths
An article in a July, 1929, issue of Western World told its story.
"Standing forth in the foreground of a picturesque and rugged line, the rustic structure of Wecoma Baths presents itself to view.
" Solidly anchored to a high sea cliff, Wecoma Baths looks out upon a vast expanse of sea, white sand, and huge, jagged rocks -- the Bandon beach. A pleasure place for lovers of the healthful, invigorating sport of swimming, it is not only startlingly unique because of its rugged setting, but, too, for the unusual and unequaled features of the baths."
It was often referred to as Bandon's saltwater natatorium, and remains could be seen for many years just to the north of the steps going down to the beach from the west end of Coquille Point.
"Different indeed but equally interesting is the view awaiting within. Here the atmosphere is charged with happy, active fun. The large tank of sparkling water is splashed with brilliant color as brightly clad bathers dash here and there.
"The salt water tank is 80 feet long and 40 feet wide, with a depth graduating from nine feet to 30 inches. The deep end of the pool is fitted up with a high and low diving board. Many are the diving exhibitions put on by the more steady habitués of the pool.
"The salt water is pumped from the ocean and uniformly heated to a temperature of 79 degrees. Apparatus for additional straining and filtering has been installed, wonderfully improving the clarity of the water.
"Surrounding the swimming tank is a wide passageway from which the dressing booths and shower rooms open.
"A large corner fireplace with roaring driftwood fire gives additional comfort and atmosphere to this popular and novel bathing place.
"A specious balcony along two sides commands an unhampered view of all the activities below.
"Mr. Kronenberg has added another novel feature in the form of a large screen which will permit the showing of local moving pictures taken with a Cine kodak. This screen is erected above the pool and so arranged that the pictures may be enjoyed by the swimmers without interfering with their sport.
"During previous seasons the management of the natatorium has found the fuel problem a serious one to deal with. The expense of heating such a vast amount of water has been almost prohibitive. To overcome this difficulty a tram way has been built leading to the beach. Over this tram, driftwood is hauled up for fuel.
"For the tourist or visitor who desires the recreation of Wecoma Baths and the seashore for a day, week or month, there are attractive cabins directly across from the baths. These cozy cabins are neatly painted and offer the essential comforts of home, including water, electric lights and firewood."
The building burned in the Fire of 1936, but had been closed a short time earlier.
An article in the July, 1929, Western World provided a bit of history about the Hotel Gallier, (second photo) which was located just east of the present Port of Bandon's old Coast Guard building.
Hotel Gallier
It is at the far west end of First Street in this photo. Next to it is the Bandon Athletic Club, which is bordered on the east side by Cleveland Avenue (also known as Little America or Short Street.) It is the street behind the Port's marketplace building.
The article explains that "the original hotel was built more than 40 years ago by John Lewis. It was taken over by the present owners, the E.M. Gallier brothers as early as 1896.
"Under this ownership and management the business prospered. Increasing trade warranted the erection of a more modern addition in 1906. E.M. Gallier is one of our pioneer settlers. He has been a resident since 1873 and has ever figured prominently in the life and development of this country. Associated with him as active manager is his son, Edmond W. Gallier, a live wire of the younger generation.
"During the summer season the dining room is operated in connection and the hotel is a favorite with summer visitors. There are 68 modernly furnished rooms."
The third picture, taken in May of 1958, makes you wonder if anyone survived this accident, which took place at the Port of Bandon boat basin fill project, but the seven-yard dump truck and its driver, Pete Hull, were back at work in about an hour.
Port of Bandon boat basin fill project, 1958
Hull was apparently backing into position for dumping a load of fill material when the earth gave way beneath the truck. He jumped clear as the truck, owned by Floyd Peterson, rolled over.
"Soon after, the truck was righted by the Port whirly and pulled to firm ground by a small 'cat' used on the fill project. There was apparently little or no damage to the truck and the diver unhurt went on about his haul.
In the background, you can see one of the Olson steamship vessels loading lumber at the port dock.
* * *
When pulling into Grand Avenue, headed for Face Rock Creamery Sunday, I noticed that the little building on the corner, which was the former home of the Kiwanis Thrift Shop and later a lounge, there was a sign on the building which said Gemini Lounge.
I hadn't heard about it until I opened my packet for Monday night's council meeting and discovered that a person from Coos Bay, McKenzie Amos, had applied for a liquor license.
The application indicated they planned to have both live and recorded music, as well as a pool table, in the space which will have seating for 20 in the lounge, six seats outdoors and seven barstools. Food and alcohol will be served seven days a week in the summer from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m., but will be closed on Mondays during the winter months.
This is a very small space, and I can certainly see live music, but just not sure about a pool table in the middle of the room. But it will be nice to have a new place in town ....
* * *
I was sorry to see that the beautiful mural of a colorful turtle at the Lamplighter Inn had been vandalized, for the second time, several nights ago. It is located along Highway 101, across from the shopping center, but on North Avenue, which is accessed off Highway 42S.
People are asked to call the Bandon Police Department if they saw anything suspicious. This is the second act of vandalism I've written about lately as racist graffiti covered a picnic table in city park earlier.
Please keep your eyes open ....
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If you are planning to come to Bandon for a visit this summer, and you are a former student or graduate of Bandon High, keep the date open for an all-school class reunion, sponsored by the Bandon Historical Society, on Saturday, Aug. 6, from noon to 4 p.m.
We are hoping to have it at the Bandon High School gym, but had not heard back from the district.
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I was sorry to learn that David Pierce, 64, a 1975 graduate of Bandon High and a star athlete, had died Feb. 21, in Lake Tapps, Wash., less than a month after the death of his 91-year-old mother, Careen Pierce. David was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer a year ago.
He is survived by his sister, Tauna Tiscornia; his wife, Cynthia, and three children and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Careen and Don Pierce.
David was a civil engineer, and a great guy. Over the years I often sent him family photos from my collection and he was always so appreciative.
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Bandon High School's boys and girls basketball teams just completed their successful seasons, with both teams winning their respective conferences to enter the state 2A playoffs.
The girls finished fifth in the state, falling to Central Linn in the third-place contest at Pendleton, the site of the state tourney. Lead scorers for the Tigers were Olivia Thompson with 14 and Makenna Vierck with 11. Thompson was named to the all-tournament first time.
Coach Jordan Sammons praised his team for their accomplishments, and looked ahead to next season with his relatively-young team. Makiah Vierck, Katelyn Senn and Thompson are sophomores, and Makenna Vierck is a freshman.
Earlier in the tournament Bandon beat Gervais 39-30 with Thompson scoring 10, and the Vierck sisters each scoring eight. In the semi-finals, Bandon lost to Salem Academy; Thompson scored 14 and Makiah Vierck finished with 11. Katelyn Senn had 6 points and 8 rebounds.
The Sunset conference all-star honors have been released for the boys teams, with Vince Quattrocchi being named Coach of the Year. Cooper Lang, a senior, was named defensive player of the year; Lang, Andrew Robertson, a senior, and Owen Brown, a junior, were named to the all-league first team.
Hunter Angove, a senior, and Anthony Hennick, a junior, were named to the all-league third team, and Trevor Angove, a senior, received Honorable Mention.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
March 02, 2022
The first picture I am sharing is of City Park, taken long before the Bandon Fire. The story titled "City of Bandon Provides Beautiful Tourist Park" appeared in a special section of Western World in March of 1925.
Bandon City Park
"The problem of a suitable camp-ground was very easily solved at Bandon. The city owns a park between the residence part of the town and the beach. The land is mostly high and well drained, covered with pines and carpeted with needles and lacking only water and light to make an ideal site for camping.
"Under the direction of the park committee of the city council these necessities were supplied, a band stand and office for the park keeper added and the place was ready.
"A clean-up day was staged by the people of the city, resulting in the removal of the underbrush and trash and the construction of roads that would permit cars to leave the main trails in safety. Camp ovens were built and a wood supply added for the convenience and accommodation of tourists.
"There are telephones available and the merchants of the city maintain a delivery service to the park. It is only a few blocks to the beach and not much farther to the city.
"The seeker after pleasure who comes to the city-by-the-sea can choose his temporary home from an infinite variety of sites. He can pitch his tent near the center of activity where the streams of traffic almost never stop or he can retire to some secluded spot where none will intrude on his privacy.
"He can lead the life of a minstrel or a troubadour or he can be a hermit in a cloistered cell in the woods where his meditations none will disturb.
"But always there will be the roar of the surf in his ears, the muffled protest of the whistling buoy or the weird note of the foghorn warning ships from the rocky shore or telling them where safety lies. He will stay longer than expected and when he leaves he will carry with him the memory of beauty and magnificence ... a haunting melody shot with tenderness and regret -- a voiceless complaint that ever one should have to leave the rock-strewn splendor of the beach at Bandon-by-the-Sea."
The second picture, taken in June of 1977, is of the old Coast Guard station before it was taken over by the Port of Bandon and beautifully restored.
Coast Guard station, 1977
It was in 1951 that the future of the Coast Guard station was still in doubt, but several ideas were being considered as the CG was being disestablished locally.
Community members had sent letters to the U.S. Treasury in an effort to find out what might happen to the building.
Three separate purposes had been suggested.
"At first it was considered that the building would make a good hospital. Later it was reported that the state hospital board would not sanction any new hospital project unless the building is fireproof, which would forestall effort in that direction.
"The next suggestion was that the post office department take it over for a local post office and federal office building. This, too, has its limitations and it is doubtful that the post office department would consider such a move.
"The most feasible of the three is to have the building turned over to the City of Bandon for a city hall. Information is now being sought on the latter thought and something definite may be forthcoming at an early date."
As we know, none of those suggestions came to be as the building eventually was taken over by the Port of Bandon, who stills owns it today.
The third picture, taken in 1915 in downtown Bandon, features a mobile cart that sold roasted peanuts. At left is George Erdman's City Meat Market.
Downtown Bandon, 1915
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I was upset to learn that someone had scratched some racist graffiti into a public table in a shelter at City Park. I appreciate the woman who sent me photos, which I immediately shared with city staff, who removed the table.
It is sad when people have nothing better to do than deface public property and in such a despicable way, using the "N" word.
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The deadline to submit a letter of intent to the school district office at 455 9th Street SW for an open seat on the Bandon School Board is Friday, March 4, at 4 p.m. The mid-term vacancy was created with the resignation of Brianna Quattrocchi.
The appointment will be made at the March 14 school board meeting.
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By now locals have probably seen the "sale pending" sign on the gravel lot across from the Port marketplace, owned by Fred Gernandt and Kirk Day. The property had been listed for $1.9 million.
I contacted Gernandt, who had mentioned earlier that a group associated with Hilton was thinking about building a hotel on the site. He said the property is being purchased by a development group, who have a number of options. "They are working on the best fit for their portfolio. Kirk and I had been in discussions about what to do with this land and we feel this is the best solution," Gernandt said.
I also asked about his plans for the Leuthold property on Riverside Drive, as he earlier announced plans for a high-end housing development. There has already been one archaeology report, and Gernandt said the archeologist that did the first report questimated that the second report could cost $165,000. The first plan had 13 homes on it, so that makes it $16,600 per homesite plus about the same for Systems Development Charges ($13,750 per home), plus $450,000 for the excavation estimates. There is a million dollars to be invested without land cost or home building costs. So I am being cautious and frugal," Gernandt said.
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I learned recently that Dr. Douglas Crane, who is vice chairman of the medical staff at Southern Coos Hospital, had expanded his services, and is opening another clinic in Coquille. I understood that he had purchased a former bank building in Coquille, which I believe is the building across from Farr's Hardware. Dr. Crane called me and said that while he is opening a clinic in Coquille, he will continue to operate his clinic in Bandon, and if patients from either clinic need to be hospitalized, he will utilize Southern Coos Hospital, which is good news for Bandon.
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After learning that there are going to be changes at the Port of Bandon's marketplace building, I turned to project manager Josh Adamson for details.
He said the administration decided to revert back to the original allowance of the Conditional Use permit, which allowed for the "Fish and Farmers" market by changing the operation hours to 11 to 3 p.m. on Fridays and 10 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The season will run from April 1 to Nov. 5 with an optional Christmas bazaar weekend in December.
The number of vendors to be allowed was reduced by almost half, said Adamson, and a parking plan was detailed in the handbook to alleviate the parking constraints that have surrounded the old town area with tourism and the closing of the adjacent gravel lot.
Details are available on the port website at www.portofbandon.com.
I also learned that long-time market managers John and Peggi Towne, who have been the heart and soul of the market, will apparently no longer be associated. Adamson will supervise the market on Fridays and the RARE intern working for the Greater Bandon Association will supervise on Saturdays, according to GBA Executive Director Harv Schubothe.
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April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. MaryCarol Roberson of Bandon says that The City of Bandon, along with its police department, school district, Rotary Club and the First Presbyterian Church are collaborating with Bay Area Hospital's Kids' HOPE Center for this important prevention and awareness effort.
Kids' HOPE Center is the child advocacy center for Coos County who serve children who have been victims of abuse. Coos County has the highest rate of child abuse in the state, said Roberson.
KHC is once again sponsoring the pinwheel fundraiser and are seeking individual or business sponsors. For more information or to order pinwheels, people can call Sara Bright at 541-269-4196 or by mailing a check to Kids' HOPE Center, 1925 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420.
Make sure to let Sara know that you are from Bandon, and one of our community partners will deliver the signs and put them up for you. We prefer your orders are in by March 20 so we can get them up by April 1, said Roberson. A $25 sponsorship will be good for 12 pinwheels and a prevention sign. A $50 sponsorship will pay for 25 pinwheels and a prevention sign.
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I received information last week from Christine Roberts, president of Coastal Harvest, who said she is retiring, and that their thrift store will be closing by Sept. 1.
"The thrift store started out as a fundraiser to create revenue to purchase food to distribute to those in need in the Bandon area," said Roberts. "That goal was reached within the first year.
"During the past three years, the thrift store has been fortunate to offer funds to the Lions club, Harbor Lights Middle School's lunch program, and Pacific High School's senor project. Many coats were donated in two years. When the pandemic hit, two plant sales provided veggie starts to the community when plants were difficult to find. Effective March 1, the only donations accepted will be food and McKay's receipts. Monetary donations should be sent to PO Box 1122. The thrift store will be closed March 23 to May 4, reopening May 6 at 10 a.m., before finally closing around Sept. 1. The food pantry will remain open, providing boxes on the first third Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Coastal Harvest would like to thank Bandon for their wonderful donations and patronage. Without you the thrift store would not have happened," said Roberts.
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I have learned that Bandon man, Rodney D. Taylor, has officially filed for Position No. 3 for Coos County Commissioner, the seat now held by Melissa Cribbins, who also filed for re-election, as did Chase Carlson of Coquille. At the November election, Taylor was elected to the Bandon Port Commission and the Coos County Area Transit Board of Directors.
In other election news, long-time sheriff Craig Zanni announced last week that he would not seek re-election. Running for the seat are Captain Gabe Fabrizio and Mike Kinnaird.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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