As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
Nov 27, 2019
The first picture I am sharing was taken in the early 1980s during a visit to Bandon, and here the Port of Bandon, by Governor Vic Atiyeh.
As he visited the docks at the port, the Governor was escorted by members of the port commission, and other dignitaries.
Governor Vic Atiyeh visiting Bandon, 1980s
Pictured from right are port commissioners Jim Weber and Jim Hanna, Bandon resident Alfred Owens, Cranberry Sweets owner Cliff Shaw, Governor Atiyeh, Coos County Commissioner Doc Stevenson, port commissioner Jim Fleck, left, and an unidentified man, and bringing up the rear, city councilor and businessman Ray Hallinan.
During his visit, I remember that the Governor particularly enjoyed a visit to the Coquille Valley Dairy Co-op, and he walked around town talking to residents.
The second photo was taken in February of 1970 and appeared in a column written by Western World owner Warren Strycker concerning changes that had been taking place in the business community.
Ruger Real Estate, 1970
Here's what Warren had to say about the picture: "Hudson Realtors, which for a long time has done business through Tom and Elmer Gant at the corner of Highway 101 and 11th Street, is closing their office in Bandon.
"Elmer has retired after many years of being in business in Bandon ... and his son Tom has taken over the responsibilities of the Gant cranberry bogs on Rosa Road.
"Moving in behind the Gants in the same building is Ken Ruger of Ruger Real Estate, a relatively new business in Bandon .... a fact that doesn't apply to its owner who lived in the Bandon area for several years before his move here from Portland just a year ago." (Not sure that makes sense, but I didn't write it and knowing Warren he probably didn't let me proof it.)
The building is now the home of Core 10 Fitness. The service station across 11th was owned by Jack Paulsen and is now the site of First Interstate Bank. The Econo-Wash building that you can see on 11th, at right, is now home of the Dog Style Boutique.
Accompanying the column was also a picture of the real estate office across from the M&L Grocery and The Minute Cafe (now a flower and gift shop) which was being opened by Hogan Real Estate of Myrtle Point, by long-time Bandon resident Mary Dinsmore.
The third picture was taken in 1979 as long-time Lord Bennett's owner Rich Iverson helped out at the community Christmas dinner.
Lord Bennett's owner Rich Iverson, 1979
People are reminded that free community dinners will be hosted on both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Barn in City Park. Everyone is invited to partake.
* * *
The City Council has extended a tentative offer to a Portland man, Dan Chandler, to be our new city manager, and he has accepted, pending the completion of the background and the signing of the final contract.
Chandler, 58, has an extensive background in public law and public administration, having graduated cum laude with a law degree from Harvard University. He worked for Clackamas County for 11 years as an administrator. He has a solid understanding of the structure and challenges of land use planning and growth management in Oregon.
If all goes as planned, he should be on the job by Jan. 1.
The council feels fortunate to find a man of his caliber to lead us into the future and we are looking forward to working with him.
* * *
Acting City Manager Dennis Lewis, Bandon Schools Supt. Doug Ardiana, Public Works employee Dan Anderson and I met last week with ODOT engineers to talk about three key issues.
The first, of course, was the progress on the flashing pedestrian lights for the 9th Street crosswalk, which will probably be installed this spring.
I also asked them to look at lowering the speed limit on Seabird Drive from 35 to either 30 or 25 at the request of a number of people who live along Seabird. Although Seabird is in the city limits, the lowering of the speed limit still requires action by ODOT, including a traffic study and approval from Salem.
I also asked that they look at the Highway 101-Fillmore intersection (in front of the museum) to see if a right-turn lane could be added to the mix so that drivers could safely turn right from Fillmore onto the highway without waiting for the light to change. Presently there is an area of white grids and a bicycle lane, which ends at that location.
* * *
As I write my column Sunday evening, it is hard to believe that November is almost over with hardly any measurable rainfall. I still remember back when I worked at Western World that one November alone, we recorded 30 inches of rain. I keep hoping that I will come across that during my search of old papers. I remember it clearly; I just don't know what year that was.
* * *
I received two letters last week from Commander Brendan Harris, US Coast Guard, letting us know that they would soon begin to phase out the foghorn.
Some months ago after we first learned of their plans, a number of local residents sent letters and emails to the Coast Guard urging them to reconsider. And for a while it looked like that might happen.
But in his letter, the Commander says: "I greatly appreciate all of the feedback that was provided to my staff regarding the navigational sound signal in the town of Bandon. After a thorough analysis I have decided that the best course of action is to replace the existing equipment with newer technology.
"This will allow for a more reliable signal to mariners, decrease the noise impact to members of the community whom are living within a short distance of the device, and provide a more cost effective Aid to Navigation."
He added: "While I understand that a good number in the community would like to keep the continuously sounding device this does not align with the direction the Coast Guard is choosing to pursue as we modernize and standardize these signals. The four-month schedule will provide the maritime community the proper awareness and training in advance of Aids to Navigation Team Coos Bay conducting the replacement."
In a separate letter addressed to the mayor and the citizens of Bandon, he further describes the reasoning behind their decision to modify the current signal to a mariner radio activated sound signal, including the "impact on wildlife and migratory bird populations as well as the people that live in close proximity to the jetty."
In part, he explained that the cost to taxpayers would average $3,000 to maintain over a period of 10 years, versus the $27,000 the CG has spent on the current signal over the past 10 years.
"While I understand your concern regarding small craft not having the ability to activate the signal, a small handheld VHF radio is all that is required to key the sound signal for the operation," he said.
The new equipment will be activated in March.
I wish there were more we could do to postpone the decision, but I believe they have made up their mind. I am sure the letters that they received from Bandon were overwhelmingly in support of keeping the foghorn, but obviously there were those who did not appreciate the noise ... and the comforting sound that many of us have loved for so many years will soon be gone.
* * *
People are reminded to think of our local merchants as they plan their Christmas shopping, and especially this weekend, which includes the Chamber's special Shop Bandon event on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For every $60 spent during the four-hour period, receipts can be turned in to the visitor center for a commemorative glass or a lawn ornament. Utilities, groceries, pharmacy, contracted services and filling station purchases are exempt.
A wine/nog walk is also part of Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30), with glasses for sale at Washed Ashore from 3 to 5. The wine/nog walk will be followed by the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m., with Wild Rivers Coast Alliance Executive Director Jim Seeley doing the honors.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
Nov 20, 2019
I love the first picture I am sharing, because it shows so much of what Bandon looked like on Cranberry Festival Saturday in 1977 as the parade headed down the hill in front of what is now City Hall on the right and Fred Carleton's office and complex on the left.
Cranberry Festival parade, 1977
I love that you can see the former Capps Motor Co. building, which in 1977 was Klooster Auto Parts and today it houses Washed Ashore, Broken Anchor and the office of Century 21, Best Realty. The Moore Mill & Lumber Co. Truck Shop is prominent in the background as is the Moore Mill. You can see the Bandon Theater in the far right side of the photo and the Stephan Hotel (now Cranberry Sweets) at the far left.
Debbie Wilson was crowned Cranberry Queen that year.
The second photo was taken in January of 1960 as work started on the new service station for Golden Eagle at the intersection of Highway 101 with Oregon Avenue and West Seventh Street, later the home of a Chevron station, and now just a shuttered building.
Construction of service station, 1960
"The new building, under contract to the DowConnStruction company of Bandon will replace the Golden Eagle station, owned and operated by George Chappell and Ralph Davidson, which was destroyed by fire in March of last year.
"Chappell and Davidson expect to be back in business in about two months," according to an article in Western World.
Interestingly enough, I searched through all the March 1959 issues of Western World and could find no mention of the fire which apparently destroyed the original Golden Eagle station.
In the background of the picture you can see the West Coast Telephone Co. building and the house where Elmer and Grace Gant lived for many years.
I love this third picture of Billy Smith, a graduate of BHS in 1966, who was pictured in September of 1964 after leading his squad to victory in an intra-squad game.
Billy Smith, 1964
Here's how writer Steve Neal (a BHS student who wrote for WW) described it: "With but 30 seconds left in the game, southpaw quarterback Billy Smith, avoiding the heavy blitz with the moves of a riverboat gambler, fired a 35-yard pass to right end Gale Turner for the White squad's winning touchdown. Halfback Dewey Kiefer ran over the PAT to wrap up a 34-27 win.
"Although with Rex Nuttbrock, Billy Burgher and Chris Ray making key yardage, the Blacks couldn't score in the first period," writes Neal as he goes on to describe the game. Neal, incidentally, went on to become a highly respected American journalist and historian, having worked for the Chicago Sun-Times for nearly three decades before he took his own life in 2004 at the age of 54. He was born in Coos Bay; his parents, Ellen and Ernie Neal, were long-time and well-loved teachers in Bandon.
Bill Smith, as we know him today, was the chairman of the Veterans Memorial recently dedicated in City Park before several hundred spectators.
* * *
I was saddened to learn of the death of long-time Bandon resident Beverly Martin Tresidder, wife of Craig Tresidder, and sister to Jim Martin. Bev was 73 and a 1964 graduate of Pacific High School. She retired some years ago after working many years in the Coos County District Attorney's office.
* * *
Although I have not seen an official announcement, I think it's time that someone announced that my good friend and fellow journalist Amy Moss Strong has been named the executive editor of The Coos Bay World. She is also continuing to edit the Bandon Western World, so it's definitely a lot of responsibility that she has undertaken, but I know she's up to it.
Jeff Precourt, former Bandon resident, is the publisher; Ron Jackimowicz is the news editor.
* * *
The dedication of the new Veterans Memorial in City Park took place on Monday (Veterans Day) and was attended by a standing-room only crowd, including several World War II and Korean War veterans, who were introduced.
I was honored to be asked to be one of the three speakers, along with Bill Smith, who was general chairman of the memorial. Bill deserves a huge vote of thanks for all he did to make this happen. It was not without its setbacks, including the theft of the military flags just a few days before the ceremony, but new flags were obtained and the program went on without a hitch.
Bandon VFW Commander Royce Kelley did a great job as master of ceremonies. Captain Olav Saboe of the US Coast Guard Sector North Bend was the main speaker.
There was a great article in the Bandon Western World and The World this week, written by Amy.
* * *
It appears that the Oregon State Police have decided they no longer want to deal with the politically correct atmosphere at Oregon State University in Corvallis, following an incident several weeks ago in which an officer asked a bicyclist (who was riding on the wrong side of the road) to show her ID. Rather than simply show her ID, she continued to argue and told the officer she was an "African American mixed woman," and she inferred that he had targeted her. Later the NAACP got involved.
To make a long story short, the state police announced several days later that next year they will stop providing law enforcement services to OSU -- saying they'd been considering the move for months and they needed to transfer their employees to deal with staffing shortages.
Not hard to read between the lines here ...
* * *
Speaking of the Oregon State Police, there was an interesting article in last week's Oregonian about Sgt. Brandon Boice, who escorts OSU football coach Jonathan Smith off the field after home games.
Boice, who is the son of Curry County Commissioner Court Boice, and a cousin to Maud and Bruce Capps of Bandon, played linebacker at Oregon State 20 years ago. He became friends with Smith while the two were teammates during his junior and senior years.
Unfortunately the honor of being Smith's postgame escort is a one-year thing as the contract between Oregon State and the state police ends this school year (as mentioned above).
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
Nov 13, 2019
The first picture I am sharing was taken at the grand opening of the new McKay's Market ... nearly 60 years ago ... in May of 1960.
McKay's Market grand opening, 1960
The Oct. 29, 1959, issue of Western World had a front page article about the building of the market as groundwork was underway for McKay's Market, heralded as a new food market and first unit of a proposed shopping center being planned for the block between Ninth and Tenth Street streets east of Highway 101.
"Now under construction by Starr Builders of Lebanon, the completed market will represent an investment of $210,000, according to the owner, Kenneth McKay, who also has markets in Coos Bay, Empire and Port Orford."
The block was to be named the Woodland Heights Shopping Center.
"Other developments in the shopping center, which are now only tentative plans, include a service station, drug store and beauty parlor, McKay said.
The second photo was taken in August of 1962 when a large earth mover, being used on the city sewer project on Third Street, (just east of the cheese factory) became high centered on the north side of the street.
City sewer project, 1962
The house in the photo is still there today, but the foundry adjacent to it was torn down some years ago.
The sewer project on Third Street was parallel to the widening project on Highway 101 which was going on at the same time.
The third photo features Gina Swenson, wife of pharmacist and owner of Bandon Pharmacy Dave Swenson, during a Christmas ad promotion in December of 1970. Gina still lives in Bandon today.
Gina Swenson, 1970
* * *
Wow. I have been hearing about the problems in the Coos Bay area with the transient/homeless population, especially around Empire, but it really hit home when I was going through the police log in The World recently. There were eight police reports, and five of them involved transients, including a woman who came into a restaurant's kitchen yelling; a man acting erratically and finally found in the bushes, a call from a business about people illegally camping in a van on his parking lot, a call shortly after midnight from a woman claiming to have been assaulted at Empire Lakes, and another similar call. A Facebook post earlier that week by a woman walking her dog in the Empire Lakes area was extremely frightening after she was approached by a man who wanted her shoes. She was advised that she absolutely should not be walking in that area alone, but felt she was safer because she was accompanied by her dog.
Mental health problems and addiction play a big role in what is happening in Coos and Curry counties; the needs are many and the resources are few.
* * *
If you thought October was drier than usual, you were right. Not only did we have many days of sunshine, but very little rain. For example October 2016 recorded 13.98 inches of rain, compared to last month's 1.97 inches. Rainfall for October 2018 was 3.15 inches, and for 2017, 6.23 inches was recorded.
As I write this I think it has been more than three weeks since we've had measureable rain, and it looks like it may be next Sunday before there is rain forecast. An unbelievable November.
* * *
I haven't seen the official court record, but I do know that Terrence Clarkson, 32, of Bandon was found guilty of second degree assault in the blow that caused Eto Landucci to fall backwards and suffer a life-threatening head injury on Saturday, Sept. 14.
According to Sgt. Larry Lynch, Eto was able to testify in court, but will be undergoing more very serious surgery. I understand it is a Measure 11 crime with the sentence pre-determined, but according to my sources, official sentencing has been set for Tuesday. Amy Moss Strong will have a story in the Western World this week about the trial, so it is important to read her article for more details.
* * *
It's hard to describe how thrilled I was after learning Tuesday night that the voters had approved the city's bond issue for upgrades to our water and sewer system by a vote of 552 yes to 327 no, which represented over 36 percent of the 2,388 registered voters in the city. There are 5,330 registered voters in the school district.
* * *
I have learned that Randy Hoffine, owner of Pacific Properties in Coos Bay, has purchased the former Bandon Video building, which is being remodeled by Doug Backman. Hoffine plans to open a branch office in the building.
* * *
As I was looking through the Western World of Aug. 12, 1971, I saw that well-known Bandon businessman George Chappell had died on the ninth green at Westmost Golf Course at the age of 58. That is the exact green where my grandfather, L. D. Felsheim, died in 1962 at the age of 75. I do recall that in order to reach the ninth green, golfers had to climb the steep hill (where the Inn at Face Rock is now located). Another well-known Bandon man, Danny Palmer, died on the same course, but not on the ninth green.
* * *
College basketball in the state of Oregon is about to get a lot more exciting. Saturday, the nation's No. 1 Oregon women defeated the US National team to become the first college team in 20 years to beat the best players in the world, including Sue Bird, who have won the last six Olympic gold medals. The only other college team to ever defeat the Nationals were Pat Summitt's Tennessee Vols, in 1999. Oregon trailed by 11 points in the second quarter, but boosted by a 20-point third-quarter performance by Sabrina Ionescu, the Oregon club won 93-86.
Meantime, also on Saturday, the Duck men defeated Boise State 106-75 ... shooting a phenomenal 70 percent from the field. Transfer Anthony Mathis scored 30.
* * *
I was a bit surprised by the relatively low turnout at the Bandon Rotary Wine and Cheese Extravaganza Saturday night, but I will say the Rotarians had gone all out to make it a memorable evening, with a huge assortment of cheeses, wine tasting, superb food catered by Coastal Mist and a host of items donated by Bandon area merchants and individuals on which to bid. Rotarian Nora Thomason's toasted coconut vanilla bean cream pie went to attorney Mark Williams for $500. Other Rotarians were extremely generous in bidding on the oral auction items, with president Dave Buche and his wife, Diane, being especially big bidders. Anthony Zunino did a great job as auctioneer, with assistance from Diane.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
Nov 06, 2019
The first picture I am sharing is of a building in Old Town, probably taken in the 1980s, which looks very different today.
Lown's Fabrics, 1980s
In the 1950s, this was home of Larson's Cleaners, owned by Ron and Gladys Larson, who later moved uptown in the building on the east side of Highway 101 across from what is now Asian Garden, but was Fraser's in those day.
When this picture was taken it housed Lown's Fabrics. It was just north of Lloyd's Cafe, which can be seen at right, and was across the street from what is now Foley's.
Later, the building was purchased, and apparently without understanding the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) flood plain regulations, the owner tore off the front half of the building, planning to rebuild, but later learned that was not possible.
So what remains today, and is the home of Sweet Pea's Garden and Gifts, is the back part of this building, which has been transformed into one of the most beautiful shops in town by the owners, Jean and Chip Salmon.
The chamber held a ribbon cutting at Sweet Pea's several weeks ago, which gave people a chance to see what the Salmons have done with the shop. Not only is the inside exquisitely designed, but the grounds are beautifully landscaped.
The couple also own the building across from The Minute Cafe, which is the home of Esscents Candles & Floral, well known for their beautiful floral arrangements.
The second photo was taken during the annual March of Dimes fund-raising drive in February of 1962, with members of the Bandon Lions Club and the Bandon Jaycees holding roadblocks, auctions and other events to raise funds.
March of Dimes fund-raising drive, 1962
Pictured above, from left, are Cecil Kemp, Gerry Fraser and Carroll Nettleton, who were part of the Lions March from the Curry County line into town. Others taking part were George Kronenberg, Carl Lorenz, C.E. Waldrop and son, Charlie, and Howard Tucker.
Members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce who held a MOD road block were Bob Asay, Louis Hadley, Ray Morton, Ken Butler, Bob West, Butch Richert and Bill Ellis.
Bill Ellis Sr. of Bandon Appliance and TV was general chairman of the MOD drive.
How many of my readers can remember the days when the Highway 42S bridge leading into Coquille used to open for river traffic? I took this photo in May of 1985 while a passenger on the Bold Duck river boat, which had made the trip from Bandon to Coquille, as the bridge opened to let the ship dock at Sturdivant Park. The Bold Duck, built and owned by Joe and Dixie Bolduc, had taken its maiden voyage in July of 1984 and was a huge attraction on the river.
Highway 42S bridge, Coquille, 1985
* * *
I was shocked and saddened to learn that someone had stolen all of the military flags that were flying over the new Veterans Memorial in Bandon City Park, which was the work of chairman Bill Smith, the VFW and others who contributed time and money to the beautiful tribute.
The theft occurred sometime Saturday night or early Sunday morning. It is amazing that no one saw or heard anything because it would have taken some time to take each of the flags off their poles.
The new Veterans Memorial will be dedicated on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.
Anyone with information about the theft of the flags is asked to contact the Bandon Police Department.
It makes me sick at heart to think of the work that so many have put into this beautiful memorial, only to have someone or several people do something like this. One person mentioned on Facebook that whoever did this probably does not have a brick on the memorial wall honoring their loved one, or they would not have done such a shameful thing.
* * *
I read this week that Phil Nelson has sold Bandon Video to Jeramie and Kasey Crum, who have moved the shop to its new location about a block east as the building has reportedly been sold. Kasey has worked for Phil for many years and it's good to know she will continue the viable business that he built over the years.
* * *
I am reminding people that if you haven't mailed in your ballot yet, please just drop it off at the ballot box in City Hall as it may not get there in time if you put it in the mail for the Nov. 5 election.
I am so hoping that people will support the City's much-needed bond issue to upgrade our sewer and water facilities.
* * *
All property owners in the City's residential zones will be receiving letters soon concerning a proposed change to the City's Planned Unit Development Code. Although it probably won't have much, if any, impact on most of the property owners, state law requires that letters be sent to over 2,000 properties as required by Ballot Measure 56. The Planning Commission will consider the proposed ordinance amendments at its Nov. 21 meeting; the council will act on the legislation at our Jan. 7 regular meeting.
* * *
Many people have expressed concern about the length of time it is taking to pick up the brush, with pick-up supposed to have begun Oct. 9. I finally contacted Bandon Disposal and learned that the pick up in North Bend had taken much longer than planned, but that the truck was scheduled to arrive in Bandon last Friday (Oct. 25) which it did.
By now most areas should have been picked up, but depending on the amount left at curbside, it can take up to three weeks to take care of the entire city, so people need to understand that if they haven't been picked up yet, they are still working on it.
* * *
I saw in the paper recently that a former Bandon man, Michael Digby, 70, had died in a car crash on Sitkum Lane, east of Myrtle Point. Apparently his vehicle had overturned, trapping him under the vehicle. He was one of the Digby brothers, which also included Ben, Jeff (Sunshine) and Bill Digby.
* * *
I understand that Bob Fristoe, Class of 1961, suffered an aneurism on Oct. 25 and was life-flighted to a hospital in Oklahoma City for emergency surgery.
His daughter, Holly, updated his condition on Facebook Sunday, which indicated that he was making progress, but was still running a fever. She said if they could "maintain healthy oxygen saturation levels throughout the night, they may try to wake him again tomorrow."
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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