As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
May 31, 2023
We are so used to driving through City Park to get to Beach Loop that I had forgotten that there was no road through the park at one time. An article on the front page of the Oct. 30, 1924, Western World is headlined "Want Street Thru Park."
"A petition is being circulated by Edward Rauschert asking the city council to extend Eleventh street through the south end of the city park (first picture).
Bandon City Park
His contention is that there should be a direct street from Oregon avenue to the beach. He owns property near the corner of Oregon avenue and Eleventh."
In those days, the highway through Bandon was known as Oregon avenue, as it continued north down the hill (past the Catholic church) as the main highway into town.
Ed Rauschert owned a service station on the corner of Eleventh and Oregon Avenue, which may have been the corner that Gene Bifano later purchased. He was a relative of Missy Rauschert Hagopian of Bandon.
"The proposal is not meeting with the approval of the people who some years ago were instrumental in securing the park property from private owners. They say that though the park has been used for a ball ground, the original intention of the people was to have a piece of land, suitable in every way, that could be used for a city park for all time. To replace the property at this time would seem to be impossible while the cost would be several times the cost of the park in the first place.
"Old timers particularly resent the attempt to cut a swath through the park for a street. As it stands the park can be better laid out for any purpose in which it might be put and the friends fear that cutting a road through it will be the entering wedge that will eventually mean the dismemberment of the property.
"A remonstrance is being prepared and that will be given wide circulation."
Not sure whether this was the year that the street opened through city park, but it's been there as long as I can remember.
An item in the same issue of the paper was headlined "Installing Resaw."
"Reed Gallier and Charles Davis are installing a resaw in the old woolen mill building (second photo) and will saw stock for the planer operated in the same building by the Perry Veneer company.
Bandon Woolen Mill
They will probably get their timber from the C. and C. mill on Second street. It will come to them in the shape of six by sixes or a similar size and will be cut to the proper thickness by the new equipment. The high-speed planer will then reduce it to the battery separators that find a ready market in the East. The new mill will be operated by a 40 h.p. motor using power from the city system."
I have chosen the third picture of a small Coast Guard boat crossing the bar to illustrate the next story titled "Bandon Gets Rum Runner." The Oct. 16, 1924, Western World reported that a U.S. Coast Patrol boat would make the Coquille River its home port.
Coast Guard crossing the bar
"A 75-foot patrol boat to assist in running down smugglers and booze boats will make Bandon bar home port after Dec. 15.
"She will be under command of a man from the Navy and will have a crew of eight men, some of whom will be drawn from the local coast guard station, but the two branches of the service will be separate and distinct. They will however cooperate with each other in the apprehension of smugglers and rum-runners.
"She will be too small and of too light draft to stand much weather but will be able to put to sea in any weather that the booze boats can land in.
"The vessel is one of 75 that are being built for use of the revenue department on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Two of them are under construction at San Francisco and 15 of them on the Sound. The reason for building these vessels instead of using the larger sub-chasers that the government has on hand lies in the economy of operation on the smaller boats. Coos Bay will have two of the boats.
"This activity in the matter of running down the rum-runners is occasioned merely by the fact that goods are coming into the country without paying duty. It would make no difference if it were mineral water, the internal revenue department would be on the job to collect the import duty just the same.
"It is expected that under the terms of the new agreement between the U.S. and the British government the capture and confiscation of cargoes of liquor will show a heavy increase, and in this work the new Bandon boat will have an important part to play."
* * *
My relatives, who were visiting for the weekend from the state of Washington, told me Friday about a rollover accident that had occurred the previous night about 9 o'clock on the South Jetty parking lot. They had heard sirens and saw police cars go by their home, and could tell that something was going on at the jetty.
They got there in time to see that a vehicle had turned over in the parking lot, which others say had just been graveled and smoothed out that very day in preparation for the summer season.
Officer Zach Carpenter of the Bandon Police Department cited Brendon Smith, 20, for careless driving as a result of the rollover wreck. Police Chief Cory Dhillon told me that the driver was evaluated by medics, but he was unsure if the driver suffered any injuries.
* * *
The news had spread rapidly through the community Tuesday about noon that what appeared to be a fatal accident had just occurred on Highway 101, near the turnoff to the Beaver Hill Disposal site and the Charleston cutoff, north of Bandon.
It was not until several days later that the Oregon State Police released a press release which said that a Cottage Grove couple, Vera Lee Belcher, 76, and her husband, Clayton Gene Belcher, 78, had died in the head-on crash.
Their vehicle had been struck by a black Nissan Titan, operated by Heriberto Morado Ledesma, 35, of Coos Bay, who was accompanied by Hector Mireles Gallo, 35, and Alberto Ramirez Vazquez, 40, both of Coos Bay. They were transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment and further medical evaluation.
Ledesma had been cited two days earlier for DUI with a blood alcohol content of .19%, but because there were no other charges, he was released to a sober driver, which is the policy of law enforcement agencies.
* * *
I've learned of several deaths with ties to local people, including the fact that long-time Greenscapes Landscaping business owner Mike Greenway, 54, died recently. He and his former wife Michelle operated a nursery business for several years south of town where Mast Bros. shop is now located.
I also learned that Bill Will, who apparently lived in Reedsport and was a member of the Class of 1961, died last week. He was 79. His mother taught school in Bandon when they lived here.
Also Fay Whiting, who was married to the late Dr. Ed Whiting, and had lived in Bandon, died in Eugene April 23 at the age of 89. Dr. Whiting died in January.
* * *
I've learned that Caroline McKemy is now in a rehabilitation center in Roseburg where she expects to remain for the next four to six months before returning to her home in Bandon. She recently underwent surgery.
She would love to hear from her friends, and cards and letters can be addressed to her at Bridgewood Rivers Assisted Living, 1901 NW Hughwood Drive, Roseburg, OR 97471.
* * *
The Bandon High School girls track and field team emerged from the state meet this weekend as champions of Class 2A on the strength of a strong showing by Bandon freshman Marley Petrey, who was named athlete of the meet for scoring the most individual points. She is the daughter of Rushel Reed, an agent with Beach Loop Realty, and Todd Petrey, who works at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
Petrey won the long jump and the 300-meter hurdles. She finished second in the triple jump and the 100 meter race. Freshman Caitlyn Michalek (daughter of Dustin and Christine Whitmer Michalek, owners of The Big Wheel) and Katelyn Senn finished third and fifth in the javelin; Dani McLain finished third in the 1500 and Makiah Vierck was seventh in the 110-meter hurdles.
McLain, Michalek, Safaa Dimitruk and Analise Miller finished 8th in the 4x400 relay. Dani McLain is the lone senior on the team.
According to World reporter John Gunther, this earned Bandon coach Brett Hutton the career grand slam of state titles, with Bandon's boys cross country and track and field teams having won state titles under Hutton, as did the Bandon girls' cross country and now the track and field team.
The Coquille Red Devils girls won the Class 3A state championship for the second straight year. Trinidy Blanton is the only senior on the team.
The Tigers baseball team lost 5-11 to UVC (Umpqua Valley Christian) in a playoff game Friday, ending their highly successful season.
* * *
I just saw that Sunset Motel, which was originally built by Herbert Brown and his son Vern shortly after the Bandon Fire of 1936 has been listed with Fred Gernandt at David L. Davis Real Estate for $16,500,000. I understand Fred's son, Ben, will be assisting his father with the listing. The motel has been owned by the Brown family, through daughter Judy Brown Densmore, since it was built. Both Herbert Brown and his granddaughter, Judy Densmore, are former mayors of Bandon.
This is only one of many Bandon businesses for sale, and next week I will let you know of the others that are now on the market.
* * *
Don't forget that this Saturday, June 3, is the first of the chamber-sponsored Bandon Art Walks, from 4:20 to 7. Contact the chamber for more information.
Friday night's first of the Alive After Five wine walks, sponsored by the Greater Bandon Association, was a big success. The second one is set for June 16, with another on tap for the Fourth of July. Hours are 5 to 7, with glasses sold for $10 at the Port's picnic shelter.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
May 24, 2023
Although we know there were several hospitals in Bandon before the Fire of 1936, including Emergency Hospital on Alabama Avenue and Leep Hospital on Garfield, this week I am going to talk about the three hospital buildings which served the people of Bandon after the Fire, and continue to do so today.
The first picture is what was left of the old Leep Memorial Hospital (where I was born in 1939), which operated for nearly 20 years before it closed in 1955 because there were not enough registered nurses available to keep it open 24 hours a day.
Leep Memorial Hospital
It had opened in late March of 1937, equipped with eight beds, a modern operating room, a large sterilizer and "everything necessary to give adequate hospital service for this community."
At that time there were two hospital boards: one which served the Leep Memorial Hospital and the other for the newly formed Southern Coos Health District. Unfortunately, a group of farmers and ranchers from east of town did not want to be part of the hospital taxing district, and the issue was tied up in court for over a year before construction on a new hospital could finally begin. During those years, locals often utilized Mast Hospital in Myrtle Point or the hospital in Coquille for birthing centers.
Originally this building was part of the Red Cross headquarters complex that sprang up after the Fire, and was donated to the hospital district when it became clear there was an urgent need for a hospital. It was located at 350 First Street SE, behind what is now The Wheelhouse and Crowsnest (earlier Bandon Plumbing and Bandon Fisheries), on a lot that has remained vacant since this building was condemned by the City Council (of which I was a member) and torn down in 1980. The photo was taken from the back (south side of the building). The property, which is across from the boat basin and is owned by Kirk Day, was recently cleared of brush. Not sure what he has in mind for the property, but since it has been vacant for 42 years, it is a prime piece of real estate in the heart of Old Town.
Even though the first "new" hospital opened in 1960 (second picture) on the hill along Ocean Drive overlooking the Coquille River and the lighthouse, the old hospital remained on First Street, with various uses including office space and at the time of the condemnation it was owned by a blind man named Lee Roberts.
'New' hospital
After several public hearings, and a tearful plea by Roberts to allow him to continue owning the building, which at that time had no heat or electricity, the council allowed him to move a trailer onto the property and he proceeded to tear down the old hospital building.
And now back to the court battle which delayed the opening of the "new" hospital which overlooked the lighthouse and the river. The front page of the Sept. 26, 1957, Western World carries the headline: "Hospital District Upheld by Court."
"The long-awaited decision, in effect, said 'No' to every point which the plaintiffs alleged was grounds for declaring the Hospital District 'null and void.'
"The suit, filed in July 1956, for Ray Waterman, Ray Bates, Willis Van Leuven, Edith Van Leuven, Leland R. Smith and O.L. Yager, as plaintiffs, had succeeded in blocking for more than a year the selling of bonds and other steps toward construction of a new hospital at Bandon, for which the bonds were voted by the people and federal funds were later promised."
In court, as defendants, were members of the Hospital District directors, including Carl Lorenz, Nyna C. Miller, Theresa Devereux, John Fetterman and James C. "Chet" Raines, represented by Myron D. Spady, attorney for the district.
The third photo, which I took from the air some years ago, shows the current Southern Coos Hospital complex, which opened around 2000 at the east end of 11th Street and has been enlarged, with the addition of a clinic, west of the hospital, since this photo was taken.
Southern Coos Hospital complex
* * *
I want to take this opportunity to thank the voters of the City of Bandon for their overwhelming support of the city's three ballot measures which increased rates for water, sewer and electric. The sewer issue was approved 635 to 349; the water was okayed 637 to 347, and the electric measure passed by a vote of 604 to 381.
I honestly believe the people understand the frustration felt by elected officials, who have been unable to set the electric rates because of an initiative petition approved 20 years ago. And the very real possibility that the city might be forced to sell its utilities, which would remove all rate-setting limitations, and local control.
There were two contested school board seats, with Martha Lane defeating Farrell Fox 954 to 539, and incumbent Greg Looney defeating Scott Brewster 1028 to 326. Incumbents A.J. Kimball and Anthony Zunino were running unopposed.
For the Langlois-Port Orford school board, Angel Ashdown defeated Linda Bono 35 to 29, and Judy Mills beat Jason Tilley 45 to 24.
A Bandon man, Mike Claassen, defeated Garrett Sherrill 51.42 percent to 48.26 percent for a position five on the Coos County Area Transportation District board of directors.
* * *
The Cranberry Court was recently announced, and includes two young women from Bandon High School and a young man from Pacific High School.
The court members are Rachel Eickhoff, daughter of Linda Eickhoff, who is employed by the City of Bandon; Nyah Dimitruk, daughter of Miyuki Nohara, owner of Bandon Art Gallery in the Continuum Center building in Old Town, and Bryce Dimitruk; and Marlin McCutcheon, son of Dave and Vilma McCutcheon of Port Orford.
The Cranberry Festival will be held in City Park on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9-10.
* * *
People are reminded of two upcoming events, including Alive After Five, sponsored by the Greater Bandon Association, set for Friday, May 26, from 5 to 7, with $10 wine glasses available for purchase at 5 p.m. at the picnic shelter on the Boardwalk. Another wine walk is scheduled for June 16.
The Chamber is sponsoring the first of its First Saturday Bandon Art Walks on Saturday, June 3, from 4:20 to 7 p.m. People are "invited to wander through our unique shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries, all showcasing local art," said a spokesman for the event. For more information, contact the Bandon Chamber of Commerce.
* * *
Bandon's Main Street program has recently received special accreditation, having been designated as an accredited Main Street America program, according to Harv Schubothe, executive director. Bandon is now the sixth in the state to gain accreditation. GBA successfully met Main Street America's national standards evaluating a city's revitalization programs, partnerships, preservation of historic spaces, and small business nurturing and development. Over the years, GBA has received financial support from the Ford Family Foundation, Wild Rivers Coast Alliance and the City of Bandon (through Revenue Sharing dollars).
* * *
Saturday's "Ask the Experts" program at Bandon's History Museum was a big success, with several people telling us that this was one of our best programs ever as the audience asked Reg Pullen, Jim Proehl and me history questions, interspersed with a few "city" questions. Helping sponsor the program was another Bandon native, Chas Waldrop, whose late father Eddie Waldrop came to Bandon with the military during the second World War and married a local girl, Dorothy Harris.
Those of you who love to attend our programs are reminded to put on the calendar the next program set for Saturday, July 22. Jim Proehl will present "Mayor Drane is Missing, and the Shindlers Have Been Kidnapped," with live musical interludes provided by Bob and Jerene Shaffar.
On the anniversary of the Bandon Fire, Sept. 26, I will be presenting "New Letters from Fire Survivors," based on a number of letters written to the paper by survivors in 1979 after the WW Editor (that would have been me) asked people to submit their first-person accounts of what they had gone through. And you won't want to miss that program. There is some interesting "new" information.
* * *
One of those attending the Ask An Expert program was my pal Jim Jackson, who gave me a press release about a cribbage tournament that their group (from the senior center) will be hosting here in July. As we get closer to the date, I will let you know all about it.
* * *
Bandon's City Park will be seeing some new additions this summer. The first of which is the StoryWalk, recently installed on the north side of the park by the Library. StoryWalk was created by a Vermont woman in an effort to get families to be more active. Pages of a book are showcased in display cases spread out along a pathway, allowing visitors to read and walk their way through nature.
Through a partnership between the Bandon Library, City of Bandon, and the Friends of Bandon Parks & Recreation, the Bandon StoryWalk was purchased and installed this spring. Funding came from the Bandon Library Friends and Foundation, the City of Bandon and Coos County Cultural Coalition. The displays will contain books, as well as collections from local groups with interesting stories to share. The first display will be available on June 3. Christine Hall, chair of Friends, coordinated with eight other agencies to help prepare the first set of 10 StoryWalk placards. For more information, contact Christine Kingsbury at the Bandon Library at ckingsbury@cityofbandon.org or at 541-347-3221, ext. 401.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
May 17, 2023
While going through a new batch of negatives recently, I found a great photo of Wolf Daniel Braun's Cobbler's Bench shop, (first photo) when it opened on Second Street in 1982, and I planned to do a feature on him this week.
Wolf Daniel Braun's Cobbler's Bench, 1982
Sadly, however, I learned late last week that Daniel (second photo) had died suddenly at his home in Hawaii, where he has lived for some years since retiring and moving from Bandon.
Wolf Daniel Braun
It was his son, Stephen, a twin to Peter Braun of Bandon, who apparently found his father, who had fallen and hit his head. I talked this week with his ex-wife, Joanne Drapkin, who has remained good friends with Daniel. She and their daughter, Julia, were planning to travel to Hawaii in July for his 80th birthday celebration. Instead, Joanne said they are planning a Celebration of Life for Daniel in Hawaii near the date of his birthday, July 11. His surviving children include Elizabeth Braun Speelman of Kentucky, Stephen Braun of Hawaii, Peter Braun of Bandon, Gabrielle Wolf Rocco of Sacramento and Julia Miriam Braun of Bandon.
In November of 1976, Daniel moved to Marcola and began gathering the equipment necessary for a leather shop. It wasn't as successful as he'd hoped so he decided to follow some friends who had moved to Bandon the previous year.
"I had been to visit Bandon but had never lived by the ocean before. Now I've found I really like it here," he told the reporter.
A feature article in the May 24, 1979, Western World described the new leathersmith, who was opening his first Bandon shop in the building occupied at that time by Bandon Candle and Gift Shop (owned by Chuck and Lynn Markham).
And so began, many years in business for The Cobbler's Bench, which is now owned and operated by Peter Braun in the Masonic building, where Daniel first opened in August of 1983, after a short time operating out of the Bandon Theater, after his shop burned.
A number of businesses had occupied the small building featured in this article, which was located on Second Street adjacent to the Bandon Theater, including Fred Tuttle's Confectionary, the Bandon Shoe Repair Shop (third photo taken during festival parade in 1971) and the 'Hi Neighbors' Wood shop.
Bandon Shoe Repair Shop, 1971
* * *
The rainfall totals for April showed 7.31 inches, compared to 11.18 inches in March and 5.51 in February. Last April, Bandon recorded 7.60 inches, compared to 1.54 in April of 2021.
Now is a good time to talk about the heat wave that hit Sunday, when local residents reported temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees. A statewide map of the hottest places in Oregon showed North Bend was officially the hottest at 95 degrees. I certainly sympathize with people who live where temperatures like this are the norm, but of course they have air conditioning, which most of us do not have. I sat out under the trees to eat my dinner as it was 80 degrees inside my house, and in spite of open doors and windows, it still registered nearly 80 at 8:30 in the evening. So please forgive me if you find more than the usual number of mistakes. My office is stifling and the windows won't open.
* * *
I learned this week that The Dalles Athletic Hall of Fame is inducting The Dalles 1947 state championship football team into their ranks on Saturday, May 20. Dick Sutherland was the 30-year-old head coach. Gene Morrow, who coached football at Newport for 45 years before retiring in 1999, was the fullback. In the single wing offense, the fullback was the passer and the quarterback became the blocking back, according to Ron Sutherland, Bandon High School Class of 1962, who will be the presenter at Saturday's program honoring his father and the team.
An item I found said Gene Morrow was the second winningest football coach in the history of Oregon high school sports, and the only person in the nation to dedicate a 45-year coaching career to the same high school.
* * *
As we hear more and more about how hard it is to find a rental in Bandon -- at any price -- it is good to see that a new five-unit apartment complex is going up along 11th street east, between Chicago and Baltimore, on the south side of 11th. I am not sure who the builder/owner is, but it's good news.
* * *
Deanna Hurley Hockema posted recently that a memorial service will be held for her father, Mickey Hurley, Saturday, June 24, at 3 p.m. at the VFW Hall.
I have also learned that a Celebration of Life will be held for Edith Winters on Oct. 28, which would have been her 100th birthday.
* * *
I've known for several months that Maria Stadelman Merriam and her husband, Robert, were planning to move to Spokane, Wash., to be near their children and grandchildren, but until I saw it in print, I did not feel it my place to announce it.
The announcement was in the program for Alice in Wonderland, the marvelous show produced by MarLo Dance Studio last weekend, and continuing this weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 19-21) at the Sprague Theater.
This is the 24th season for MarLo Dance, founded by Maria Merriam and the late Lois Henry, and the shows just keep getting better ... if that is possible. I attended the sold out opening night performance where each number was greeted enthusiastically by the audience, particularly those that featured the youngest dancers, who captured the hearts of everyone who saw them perform. Not sure there are tickets left, but if there are and you haven't seen Alice in Wonderland, you need to get a ticket for this weekend's shows. Alice is beautifully performed by Nena Minkler, while her sister, Hallie Minkler, was the Queen of Hearts and Nameer El-Kadi was the King of Hearts.
Maria explained that she will continue to work with the on-site manager Faith Slater, who started her dance education at MarLo Dance Studio at the age of three, mentored by "Miss Lois (Henry), Miss Trish (Shropshire) and Maria before continuing her education at Ballet Fantastique, Eugene, and State Street Ballet, Professional Track, Santa Barbara."
Faith Slater and her sister Gracie Slater choreographed many of the numbers, and their siblings, Hadassah, Sarah and Alexa Slater, also performed. The multi-talented Slater family lives in Arago.
The Nutcracker will be presented in December on the Sprague stage.
* * *
On a not so pleasant note, I saw a post on Monday, May 8, indicating that a home at 55662 Prosper Junction Road was broken into, robbed and ransacked the previous weekend. The door was locked and apparently kicked open. The poster urged people to be aware of what is happening in their neighborhood.
* * *
Another post suggested that "we really need to address the homeless situation in Bandon." Posted by Big Mike from Douglas FastNet, he said: "I went to do my laundry at the local laundromat (in the Bandon Shopping Center) before sun up and found one homeless man lying on an outside bench ... sleeping. Found another asleep on the bench on the inside. Another was washing his face in the back tub. A fourth came in the back door with a machete forked up through his back pack. This is fine and I wasn't scared but maybe we could have shower stations or sleeping areas or even give them a gym membership so they can shave, wash and possibly workout. I work in all of the coastal towns and cities and the I-5 corridor and see it getting way worse than it ever was. When the sun came up they all disappeared and my laundry was done," said the man.
The shopping center area is, of course, private property, and it does not appear that the men in this post actually caused problems for anyone. I am more concerned about families with children who may be living in their vehicles, and may need assistance.
The issue of homelessness and the Ninth Circuit Court ruling Martin v Boise will be the subject of a city council workshop Monday (May 15) as we determine how we will handle the ruling, which says we cannot cite people for sleeping on public property if there is nowhere else for them to go. It is way too complicated to talk about in my column, but I can tell you that we will be addressing the issue as required by state and court mandates.
* * *
I again want to remind people of the Town Hall meeting at the Barn/Community Center at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 25, sponsored by the Coos County Commissioners. This is the time to ask your questions.
Another event of note is the Ask an Expert program at the Bandon History Museum this Saturday (May 20) at 1 p.m., with Bandon natives Reg Pullen and Mary Schamehorn available to answer history questions ... as best we can, with assistance from the moderator Jim Proehl.
An event, known as Faith Festival 2023, is set for Sunday, May 21, at the Restoration Worship Center from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., sponsored by Restoration Worship Center and Citizens Restoring Liberty. Among those on the program are Bracken Barnett of Bandon, former judge Vance Day of Salem, Patriot Prayer founder Joey Gibson of Vancouver, Wash., and Scott Kesterson.
Friday, May 26, is the first Alive After Five wine walk, sponsored by the Greater Bandon Association. Glasses are $10 and can be purchased at the picnic shelter for the event, which is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
May 10, 2023
The first picture I am sharing was taken in January of 1982 of the Army Corps of Engineers vessel Sandwick, having just left the Bandon harbor, crossing under the Bullards Bridge and heading to a big slide at Riverton.
Army Corps of Engineers vessel Sandwick, 1982
The vessel was "being used to help clear the blockage of the Coquille River. The blockage, which has caused severe flooding to local ranchers, was created when heavy rains in December caused a portion of a hillside -- about 800 feet long and 150 feet wide -- to slide into the river. Highway 42 has been closed since the slide occurred, as a portion of the road surface is also destroyed. Corps officials expect to have the blockage removed in about 10 days," according to information in the Western World caption.
"Oldtown Plans to be Discussed" is the headline in the Jan. 6, 1982, Western World, concerning a meeting to be held that night at City Hall where Eugene architect Jeff Wilson (second photo) would be "discussing the type of architecture for Old Town Bandon."
Eugene architect Jeff Wilson, 1982
"Wilson is doing one part of the planning necessary to enable the City of Bandon to proceed with the Community Development Block Grant it received last year. (Referring to the $1.2 million HUD grant the city received).
"In the project area, which is roughly between Fillmore, Highway 101, Oregon Avenue and the river, over the next three years the City will be:
"1. Replacing the old sewers which are some of the worst sewers in town.
"2. Improving the water system to current standards.
"3. Placing or having placed all overhead utilities underground.
"4. Improving the underground storm drainage system.
"5. Repairing all streets in the area.
"6. Paving parking lots.
"7. Putting in some architectural features such as a welcome arch, parks and pedestrian ways and possibly a plank street to improve the image of the area.
"8. Loan money to allow for renovation of private buildings and to improve the fire safety of private buildings.
"City Manager Ben McMakin explained that the entire program is anticipated to cost about $1,075,000 of which the City will be spending in cash and manpower about $125,000 with the federal government contributing $950,000 (through the HUD grant).
"'The project's purpose is to upgrade the Old Town area and increase its tourist potential. In this way and working in concert with the Port of Bandon boat basin expansion we hope to be able to increase employment and tourism in Bandon,' added McMakin."
At the end of a number of meetings, to get public input into the planning of Old Town, the end result was the 120-page plan "A Master Plan for Historic Bandon." I will discuss the recommendations, many of which have already been carried out, in subsequent weeks.
Business people pictured at the meeting, in the second picture, front, left were Wolf Daniel Braun, Joanne Drapkin, Joan Gradt, Beverly Harrington and Councilwoman Diane Chappell. Behind them were Dick and Sally Morris, long-time owners of Kronenberg & Waldrop Insurance.
The third picture, taken in October of 1983, shows Frank Tucker carving the first of the Old Town arches.
Frank Tucker, 1983
I was on the city council in those days, and want to share a bit of information as to how we chose the slogan for the backside of the arch. Councilwoman Chappell was head of a committee to come up with the wording for the arches, and they settled on "Thank You For Visiting Bandon."
I was already acutely aware of the feeling of "them versus us" when it came to Old Town and the merchants along the highway, and I felt like we were telling people that was all there was to see. I then suggested the wording "We Hope You Are Enjoying Bandon," and after 40 years, that is still the wording on the arches today, as the council agreed with me.
* * *
I was so sorry to hear that Edith Hunt Winters, one of Bandon's favorite senior citizens, died Thursday at the age of 99. Edith, who with her twin sister Edna Hunt Wilson Paulsen, graduated from Bandon High School in 1941, would have celebrated her 100th birthday in October. They also had an older sister Eva (who was married to Ace Franklin) and at least one brother, Lloyd Hunt.
Edith often shared her story of being a Bandon Fire survivor during our annual observance of that fateful day.
Edith and her late husband, Roger Winters, had four children, Steve, Barry, Dan and Debbie, with Steve and Debbie predeceasing their mother. She also had an extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As I looked through the Class of 1941, I discovered that Kenneth Stevens of Powers had also been in that class. He will celebrate his 101st birthday in May. Others in the class, who lived long healthy lives, were my uncle, Lou Felsheim, former long-time mayor Don Goddard, as well as Mary McNeil Wilson, sister of Hugh McNeil.
* * *
I learned this week that Clay Davis of Coquille, husband of long-time city of Bandon planner Charli Davis, died suddenly last week while the couple were in Roseburg. Clay was 76. He was a long-time insurance agent in Coquille and had served many years on the board of the Coquille Valley Hospital. He is the second well-known Coquille businessman to die in recent weeks, with the first being electrician Gerald Marca.
* * *
People may have seen several German Shepherd dogs at work on the gravel lot along First Street, as well as on the hillside behind the lot last Thursday. The cadaver dogs had been hired to determine if there were remains of bodies on the property. One archaeologist told me that no matter how long the remains had been buried there, these dogs could detect a scent if something was there. Earlier ground penetrating radar had reportedly been utilized on the property, which is the future home of a Marriott hotel.
One observer believed that the dog had found something and he asked one of the dog handlers, but was told that the information would be provided (I am assuming to whoever hired them) once they were finished.
* * *
I learned this week that La Fiesta Mexican restaurant on the corner of Delaware and First Street, across from the boat basin, had been broken into one night recently. Taken were pots, pans, and plates, as well as meat. The burglar or burglars also threw chips around the restaurant, and basically trashed it. La Fiesta recently re-opened for the season, and the owner, Martine, told a friend of mine that this is not the first time they have been burglarized over the years.
* * *
The calendar for Greater Bandon Association's Alive After Five events has been released, and will include Fridays May 26, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Tuesday July 4, and two Saturday Nog Walks, on Nov. 25 and Dec. 9. The wine walks are from 5 to 7 p.m. and glasses can be purchased for $10 at the picnic shelter on the Boardwalk.
The Bandon Chamber has announced a new event, First Saturday Art Walks, to be held June 3, July 1, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2. The Art Walk will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
* * *
In keeping with a series of Town Hall meetings being held by the Coos County Board of Commissioners, the meeting for Bandon will be held Thursday, May 25, at 6 p.m. at the Barn/Community Center.
People are urged to attend and ask pertinent questions of the commissioners, who include Rod Taylor, John Sweet and Bob Main. I am sorry that I won't be able to attend as that is the same night as the hospital board meeting, the planning commission meeting and probably the Port commission meeting.
* * *
I recently learned that members of 100 Strong Bandon had contributed $3,175 to help resurface the pickleball court in City Park. Bandon Pickleball started in September of 2021 with four participants; today over 60 locals and visitors participate as contributing players and an additional 30-plus others play. BPB is a non-profit group, associated with the Greater Bandon Association.
* * *
If you would like to know more about Bandon's history, you are invited to a program at the Bandon History Museum, 101 and Fillmore, Saturday, May 20, at 1 p.m.
"The freewheeling program will feature Bandon Mayor Mary Schamehorn and archaeologist Reg Pullen. Jim Proehl, the radio voice of 'A little history from the museum in Bandon' will moderate. The audience will be invited to ask local history questions," said a spokesman. Admission to the program and to the museum May 20 will be free all-day, courtesy of Chas. Waldrop Real Estate. Waldrop, Schamehorn and Pullen are all Bandon natives.
* * *
I stopped in at the grand opening of the new Bandon Farmers and Artisan Market, operated by Lori and Barry Osborne at the Warehouse at Farm and Sea, and was amazed at the transformation that has taken place inside that building. Not only are the spaces all new for the vendors, who will be there on Fridays and Saturdays, but the new Warehouse Coffee Cafe will be open seven days a week, there is a great assortment of flowers from the Boutique Checkerberry's Flower Shop and a display from Washed Ashore, which has recently vacated the building on Chicago owned by Kirk and Elizabeth Day.
Now if we can just get the Port to pave the pot-hole filled gravel parking lot in front of the building, that will greatly enhance the parking situation in that end of town.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
May 03, 2023
'Bye Now, .... and THANK YOU was the headline of a big ad in the January 2, 1946, issue of Western World, inserted by long-time business owner Annie Erdman.
Annie was the former Annie Waldvogel, whose brother Clark was also a long-time businessman in Bandon. She and her husband George had been burned out in the 1914 Fire and again in 1936, when they also lost their home, but George Erdman was determined to continue in the meat and grocery business in Bandon. He built Erdman's City Market (first picture) on the corner of Baltimore and Second (now the home of Lloyd's Cafe), and ran it until he died and his widow took over.
Erdman's City Market
In her ad, Mrs. Erdman writes: "It is with deepest appreciation of the kind consideration over a period of many years extended to me by the people of the Bandon area that I formally announce my retirement from business. I have reached a point in my lifetime when I must concede for the protection of my health, and therefore, leave the conduct of business to the younger generation.
"The original of Erdman's City Market dates back to 1903 when my father (Joseph Waldvogel) first acquired the business. Since that time it has been in my family, giving service in the face of all odds, including two major fires; and now it goes into the hands of the third generation.
"Without the goodwill, and the loyal support of the many people who made up the population of this community during that period, our service could not have endured. Therefore, greatest among the emoluments from my efforts is the knowledge of deep friendship between me and the people of my community.
"In saying Adieu, I ask only that the same kind consideration be given my son, Melvin, and my son-in-law and daughter, Carl and Georgia Inman, who have taken over and who will carry on."
After leaving the grocery business, Melvin and his wife, Fern, operated Erdman's Meat Packing on Highway 42S for many years.
An article in the May 6, 1954 Western World carried a somber warning from the president of the Southwestern Oregon Firemen's Association, who said "Bandon is losing its battle against gorse, and that a few dry days this summer could put the City in the same position it was in when fire destroyed it in 1936."
City officials said "that, in the first place, Bandon was not destroyed by the gorse in the disastrous holocaust of '36, but by a crown fire in which blazes leaped from one tree top to the next and from the tree tops to the roofs of the houses, and the buildings were destroyed form the roof down, and not from the foundation up, as would have occurred had the fire been caused from gorse.
"As to Bandon losing its battle against the gorse, City Utilities Manager John H. Fasnacht (second photo) stated that, while gorse is not entirely under control in the city, 50 to 60 percent of the job has been completed.
City Utilities Manager John H. Fasnacht
"According to Fasnacht, probably by the end of May, Bandon will have spent between $3,000 and $3,500 in gorse control this year."
The photo of Fasnacht appeared in the Sept. 26, 1966, Oregonian, with the caption, "Spray it, burn it, dig it up and gorse still comes back from seed, as shown by John Fasnacht, in a field where cycle has been repeated twice in past 10 years. Brush hog is now used to kill off young brush every year or two."
The City has recently hired a gorse control officer with the plan to continue addressing gorse in and around the City of Bandon, which is always a threat during the dry season.
The third photo features four educators, Zerva Glasscock, Nellie Biggar, Lucy Jacobs and Marge Boak, as they observed the 25th anniversary of the Bandon Education Association in May of 1975.
Educators Zerva Glasscock, Nellie Biggar, Lucy Jacobs and Marge Boak, 1975
* * *
Several people have asked me who I am supporting for the Bandon School board. Since I do not know two of the candidates, who are running in contested elections, my vote will go to retired teacher Martha Lane and to incumbent Greg Looney, who works for the city's hydro-electric department.
* * *
I have learned that the 67-year-old woman from the Bandon/Langlois area who was killed recently in a head-on crash was Gail Spurgeon, who had earlier lost her belongings in a house fire and had moved to Idaho. Last week, the family suffered another tragedy with the death of her 71-year-old brother Bill Spurgeon, who lived in Reedsport with his wife, Lucy.
The Spurgeon kids, who also included John, Mark, Kate and David, lived in Bandon for a number of years. Gail was in the BHS Class of 1975.
* * *
The Bandon Chamber of Commerce board of directors has three new directors, including Brandie Culp, principal broker with Pacific Properties; Anne McCaleb, a CPA; and Kisa Peters, owner of Bandon Frame and Photoworks, whose husband Mark is the local barber.
They join chair, Lori Osborne of Farm & Sea; Anthony Zunino of Freedom Graphics, past president; Sara Kimball of Umpqua Bank, secretary; Christine Michalek of Big Wheel; Amanda Whitlatch of Edward Jones; Archie Garrett of Historic Wilsons Market; Kelley Basey, South Coast Express Lube; Tia Lawrence of Rogue Credit Union; and Makena Ojeda, Pacific View Assisted Living. Margaret Pounder is president and executive director of the chamber.
A ribbon-cutting for Bandon Farmers & Artisan Market will be held Friday, May 5, at 9:30 a.m. before its 10 o'clock opening for the new season.
For a schedule of Chamber events, including the Mother-Daughter Tea and Style Show, May 13, people can go to Bandon Events Calendar.
* * *
In other business news, Washed Ashore announced this week that they are moving to a different location in Old Town.
"After 10 fantastic years at Harbor Town Events Center (owned by Kirk and Elizabeth Day), we are closing the gallery to join the exciting new activities at the Port building in Bandon, directly on the waterfront. The Port building is being renovated by Farm and Sea to house an events center, coffee shop, and expanded farmers market. This change will allow our exhibit space to be open, free of charge, seven days a week, for the first time ever!," said the spokesman.
Katie Dougherty is executive director of Washed Ashore; Brad Parks is conservation/education director; Leah Ruby, artistic director; Donna Hutchinson, retail assistant; Jenny Houck, HR manager and Executive Administrative Assistant; Vinnie Fowler, 2D designer.
According to their website, Washed Ashore board members are Peter Braun, Helen Farr, Larry Safley and Gleneda Borton. The late Bill Bradbury was the longtime Washed Ashore board chairman.
The non-profit was founded in 2010 by Angela Hazeltine Pozzi.
The grand opening of Washed Ashore in the new Farm & Sea building is Saturday, May 6, at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public.
* * *
A good crowd was on hand for the dedication of the Dick Sutherland Complex at Bandon High School last Tuesday, under the direction of the Bandon Booster Club and BHS grad Bo Shindler of Gold Beach, who provided those attending with an impressive eight-page brochure containing photos of Dick as well as his life story. Among those coming from out of town for the event were Dick's daughter Lisa and his son Ron.
* * *
People now have their ballots in hand, and I am urging those who live in the City of Bandon to vote in favor of Ballot Measures 208, 209 and 210. Coffee Break will have full-page ads in all three issues next week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, May 1-3-5) which should answer any question you as a voter may have.
Also the city council has the item on its agenda for the Monday night (May 1) council meeting, at which time the subject of whether to sell our utilities will be discussed. Those with questions are also welcome to attend the meeting where the council will, hopefully, be able to answer your questions. Basically, the increase to be voted on includes $4 a month for water, $4 a month for sewer, plus a 25 cent charge for additional 1,000 gallons of water; and a $5 increase on the base residential electric rate, plus an increase in the per kilowatt charge of 1.2 cents per kilowatt hour, which will bring the residential cost to 8.75 per kilowatt hour for the first 650 Kwh per month.
* * *
I saw a headline in a Becker's Hospital Review this week, dated April 12, 2023, which read: "Oregon hospital likely to close if bank loan called in."
The article read, in part: "Coos Bay, Ore.-based Bay Area Hospital would likely have to close down if a $47 million loan was called in by Bank of the West, the hospital's CFO told the Lund Report April 11.
"Thankfully, the bank has not yet done so even as it has raised the interest rate on the loan to the 172-bed hospital.
"If Bank of the West did call the note due and payable, which is in their legal right, the hospital probably would not survive that call," said CFO Mary Lou Tate.
"As a government-owned entity, the hospital can seek voter approval to levy taxes on local property owners, but it has not done so for years, Ms. Tate said. Given the hospital's financial circumstances, it may either do that or merge with a bigger chain. For now, the goal is on independent survival with a target of boosting revenues by about $22 million while cutting expenses by about $12 million. In May 2022, the hospital ended the contracts of 56 temporary staff and said it would close its behavioral health center to inpatients to help cut costs. The eventual goal is to reach an operating margin of 3 percent to 5 percent, Ms. Tate told the Lund Report." She said it will be challenging to get into that range.
* * *
People are reminded that the Bandon Historical Society will be holding a free program on Saturday afternoon, May 20, at 1 p.m., titled "Ask the Experts," where people can ask history questions of Bandon natives Reg Pullen and Mary Schamehorn, with Jim Proehl serving as narrator and back-up expert. The museum is located at Highway 101 and Fillmore near Face Rock Creamery.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
bandon.tv