As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
November 29, 2023
The first two photos I am sharing this week came from an incident which occurred in February of 1961 when a crane, driven by Marvin McCue, fell through the dock at Moore Mill. Fortunately Marvin, who can be seen in the first photo looking at the crane, which lay on the mudflat below the mill, suffered only minor bruises.
Crane fell through dock, 1961
The photo caption, from the Western World, reads: "Plunge into cool waters of the Coquille River, which rise and fall with the tide under the Moore Mill & Lumber Co. dock, was taken Friday afternoon by Marvin McCue when the 25-ton crane he was operating went through the dock and onto the tide-covered mudflat.
"McCue rode the equipment to the bottom, and although the operator's seat is on the side which is down in the water, he made his way out a window even before fellow employees could climb down the ladder-like boom of the crane to help him. Aside from bruises and a soaking, McCue said he was unhurt.
"Looking into the hole with McCue is Harold Whitsett, one of the company's mechanics on hand to help with the salvage operation Saturday.
In the second photo is a Sause Bros. big mobile crane, with a lifting capacity of 40 tons, which was used to pick up the Northwest 25 crane.
Sause Bros. mobile crane
"It was necessary to uncouple the heavy cab from the tracked undercarriage so the two parts could be more easily moved and worked on by repairmen.
"McCue was moving the crane, between the yard and the barge-loading dock on usual 'pads' or timbers 6 inches thick and 24-feet long laid on the dock, when the accident occurred.
"Both the NW 25 and the bigger crane have traversed the same dock at other times, but apparently the shorter 'wheel-base' of the NW 25 found a weak spot between two 'bents' of the dock."
The third photo was also taken in 1961 during the installation and charter night for Bandon's new Soroptimist Club.
Soroptimist Club, 1961
From right are JoAnne Metcalfe, vice president; Fredaline Gibson, recording secretary; Thelma Lindvall, corresponding secretary; Tessie Olson (standing in for Theresa Devereux, treasurer); Mary K. Reichlein (standing in for Nyna Miller), board member; and Ferne Erdman, board member. Not pictured in Gertrude Greenwell, president.
I chose this picture because one of the women, Thelma Lindvall, is celebrating her 100th birthday Dec. 1. She makes her home in Tualatin with her daughter, Kathie Lindvall Copsey (a member of the BHS Class of 1965.)
I received a letter from Kathie this week, saying that her mom is in excellent health except for some arthritis in her hands and she is hard of hearing. "She stays active, takes no medications and is always in good spirits. She helps clean the house, cooks, irons and is tremendously supportive of any of my endeavors. I also need to mention her wonderful sense of humor and her weekly beauty shop visits. She likes to dress up and go out for a meal at least once a week."
For anyone wishing to send a card, her address is: 20373 S.W. 72nd Ave., Tualatin, Oregon 97062. You can email Kathie at copseyrk@comcast.net or call them at 971-272-5093.
Herbert "Lindy" and Thelma owned a real estate and insurance business in Bandon.
* * *
I've learned that more than 285 meals were served (as take out) on Thanksgiving Day by the FriendsGiving group, comprised of Susan Miller of Alloro Wine Bar and Restaurant, Danielle Benjamin of Raven Saltwater Grille and Bandon Brewing Co., with assistance from the Holiday Meals group.
I can attest to the fact that it was a wonderful meal, with turkey and all the trimmings, including a "to die for" piece of pumpkin pie.
I will have more information next week as to who helped make the dinner such a success.
* * *
I do know that Covid is once again spreading through the community, with at least 15 people, who had planned to help with the holiday meal in one way or another, calling in to say they had Covid.
Hopefully most have been vaccinated and are not too ill.
* * *
The beautiful weather, combined with a very successful Nog Walk and Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting children in the Trolley, combined for a great GBA-sponsored tree-lighting ceremony Saturday evening at the Bandon Visitor Center.
I had been asked to light the tree, but at the last minute, no one could get the PA system working, so we shut down the music and started the countdown to light the tree. It was a wonderful evening, and the town was crowded. I just hope the merchants had some success, as well. I do know that GBA sold over 300 glasses for the Nog Walk, so that will give you an indication of how many people were in town, not too mention the families who came to see Santa.
* * *
I keep reading about things happening at the Bandon Events Center, and if you're like me, you scratch your head and try to figure out where that might be. It turns out it is just north of the Coos Forest Protective Association building seven or eight miles south of Bandon, apparently operated by a private person or maybe a group, just not sure.
Confusing is the first thing that comes to mind; would have made more sense to call it Laurel Grove Event Center or even Four Mile Event Center, but Bandon??
* * *
A woman posted on NextDoor late last week that once again she was writing about unleashed dogs at the baseball field. I assume she is referring to the field in east Bandon. "While walking my leashed dog I noticed a male walking his dogs unleashed. I stayed back and then noticed he and his dogs went into the bushes to let me go by. It was too late to turn back as his dog ran out of the brush and ran towards us. I held on tight to my dog and fell to the ground into the fence. I was not hurt badly. He finally called his dog and I ran past quickly. What is it gonna take before someone gets hurt in the middle of a dog fight. We all want to enjoy our walks. We have lost respect for one another. Please leash your dogs."
Actually there have been several accounts of people getting injured or dogs injured or killed in dog attacks in the last year or so, including at least one attack on the beach, and the death of a little dog on Franklin Avenue.
* * *
I received a call from Bandon native Joan Goodbrod, who was about 4 at the time of the fire and was interested in the recent post and photo in my column about the post-fire WPA housing that was built in East Bandon. Joan and her parents, Joe and Bea DeCosta, had lived in one of the houses. Joan now lives in an assisted living center in Woodland, Wash., to be near her daughter, Michelle. Joan will be 91 on Dec. 16th., and wanted me to wish her many Bandon friends, "Merry Christmas," as she will not be sending out cards this year.
Her address is Woodland Care Center, POB 69 (Apt. 112) Woodland, Wash., 98674.
* * *
The Coos County Sheriff's Office sent out a pres release last week about a domestic violence case which occurred Nov. 21 around 2:30 a.m. on Tom Smith Road, east of Bandon.
They arrested Alejandro Lopez, 34, for domestic violence. After fleeing from the residence, Lopez and his vehicle were located by Bandon Police Officer Price who took him into custody at the request of Deputy Freerksen. He was to be arraigned on charges of Domestic Strangulation, a class C felony, and Domestic Harassment, a class B misdemeanor. As of Nov. 26 Lopez remained in the Coos County Jail.
* * *
Coming events include plastic recycling (for #2, #4 and #5) at the Bandon Library on the third Wednesday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m.;
St. John's Rainy Day Used Book Sale, Saturday, Dec. 9, 10-3, St. John's Episcopal Church, on Franklin Avenue;
Bandon Playhouse auditions for Radium Girls, ages 15 and older, Dec. 11-13, 6 p.m., Sprague Theater, City Park.
Billy Smoothboars Christmas event for local Bandon families, Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m.; call 541-347-2373 for info or to donate. Christmas stocking with gifts from Santa will be given to children up to the age of 12.
* * *
I just read that a new two-story building is for sale for $5.5 million at Coos Bay Village, developed by Face Rock Creamery owner Greg Drobot. The address of the 11,991 square foot building is 1340 N. Bayshore Drive. It is considered the marquee building of Coos Bay Village and is "ready for custom buildout."
My take on the price is that a person could buy Lord Bennetts for $2.2 million, Billy Smoothboars for $1.2 million and the Minute Cafe for less than a million dollars ... and still have a million dollars left over.
* * *
I recently came across the 2023 Top 25 taxpayers for Coos County. Roseburg Forest Products was the top taxpayer at $1,205,614.14. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort complex was No. 2, with a tax bill of $1,072,979.74.
Other Bandon entities in the top 25 include Ron LaFranchi, 13th, with a tax bill of $234,279.60; Hardin Optical, 18th, with a bill of $174,353.79; and Moore Mill & Lumber Co., 21st, $153,337.53.
Other major taxpayers are Pacificorp, Weyerhaeuser, Charter Communications, Southport Lumber, Northwest Natural Gas, Ziply Fiber, North Bend Medical, First Community Credit Union, Wal-Mart, Safeway Stores, Howard Willett, Lone Rock Timber, Fred Meyer Stores and HTFF Or-T LLC.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
November 22, 2023
The first picture I am sharing is the "best" one I could find of the steamer Bawnmore, that went ashore in the fog near Floras Lake on August 28, 1895.
Steamer Bawnmore
I have an original, faded, typewritten document, which appears to be 24 pages of a 136-page book, but I have no idea who wrote it. Those 24 pages contain the story of the Bawnmore and were given to me several years ago by Doug Kistner, who'd gotten it from Stan Quigley of Langlois. It was apparently written by a man who was camping near the shore, having been hired by a San Francisco company to study Floras Lake and the tides.
"I noticed a big steamship stranded some 700 feet from the shore, almost opposite the tide guage," said the writer.
"This was exciting. I picked out a big weather-beaten drift-log, white with age, that was lying high on the beach, and finding a piece of partly burnt driftwood, I broke off a lump of charcoal and wrote, "WILL SEND HELP," in large letters which could be seen from the steamer. Then I hurried away to find a messenger to send via horseback to Bandon, some 20 miles north where the United States Life Saving Crew (second photo) were stationed.
United States Life Saving Crew
No telephone or telegraph existed in that locality and this was the only means of getting the news out quickly. I soon found a fellow who was willing to go, and hurried back to the beach to communicate with the ship.
"The captain of the stranded vessel, having failed in his attempt to get her afloat, blew numerous whistles to attract attention but there were no other ships in sight and in fact the fog was still very heavy. (It did, however, bring a number of nearby residents to lend a hand.) When the fog lifted, I could see it was the British steamer, 'Bawnmore.' I also observed their attempt to get a line ashore. Two of their men tried to swim ashore with a codfish line tied around their waists but the lateral current carried them down the coast. They had to be pulled back again.
"They next launched a small boat with one officer and two men and they luckily succeeded in reaching shore with a small line."
The writer then tells of securing the line to sand anchors, which they had sunk on the beach. They were able to launch their large lifeboat.
"This way all of the crew got ashore safely although with somewhat of a drenching.
"The captain's wife came in the first boat and with her, she brought her parrot in its cage. We had made several fires on the beach and built windbreaks of driftwood where she was made comfortable while waiting for the captain, who was the last man to leave the ship.
"Before the last of the crew left the ship they released a number of prize cattle which had been in stalls on the steamer's deck. The animals did not seem to realize what it meant and some of them were swimming around in circles and sometimes heading for the open ocean. I believe they only succeeded in rescuing a few of the valuable animals." (The cattle that were saved were bred with Curry County cattle and were known as the "Bawnmore Breed.")
"The messenger had reached Bandon all right, but the life-saving crew had to travel some 20 miles over a sandy beach, hauling their lifeboat, their gun, and all of their apparatus, and it was impossible for them to make the trip any sooner than they did. They arrived late in the afternoon and were consequently of no material assistance in saving the crew.
"It was a close call. These men would certainly been lost with the boat and the line, had we not been there to assist them when they capsized."
An item in the San Pedro News in 1929, mentioned ship wrecks along the coast, including the Bawnmore, a 279-foot iron British steamer.
"A street car being shipped aboard the vessel from Glasgow, Scotland, to Callao, Peru, was brought ashore. It is said to be the first and only trolley seen in that section of the Northwest."
I chose the third picture of the lighthouse, before an earlier restoration project, to remind people that Roger Straus, president of the Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers organization, will be the guest speaker at a Dec. 12 meeting at Farm and Sea, hosted by Lori Osborne.
Coquille River Lighthouse
The event begins at 11, with Roger's talk scheduled to begin around 11:30 a.m. It's free, but food and beverages are available for purchase. I am secretary of the group, and will share a few of my photos of the lighthouse, including when it was under construction.
* * *
People keep asking me if Grocery Outlet is coming to Bandon. I reached out to Callie Huff of Engstrom Properties, Inc., after learning that Grocery Outlet may be working with a new consulting firm from Corvallis to do a cost analysis.
Huff said that was not true.
"We own the property and are still trying to pursue this site for a Grocery Outlet. It's just taking longer than expected. We have heard that there is another retailer exploring the Bandon area, but they have not asked us our permission to do a site plan on our parcel," said Huff.
In reaching out to her, I asked "if there is anything the city might do to help facilitate this very important grocery store. Our community is just looking for a positive sign that this project is still on the drawing board."
* * *
It's here! The Greater Bandon Association has announced that the "Night of 10,000 Lights" event is this Saturday (Nov. 25) in Old Town, with the Nog Walk from 3 to 5 p.m., a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the trolley from 3 to 5 p.m. and the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30.
The Nog Walk starts at the glass picnic shelter, where glasses can be purchased for $10. This is a great to support local businesses.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the trolley at the Visitor Center.
"Join us for the official lighting of the community Christmas tree located at the Visitor Center. Mayor Mary Schamehorn will be turning on the lights at 5:30 p.m. This festive ceremony will mark the start of the holiday season," said Bethe Patrick, GBA Executive Director. For more information go to Bethe@greaterbandon.org.
* * *
People are reminded that the deadline to sign up for a free Thanksgiving take-out and home-bound dinner has been extended to Tuesday, Nov. 21, by calling 916-221-0318.
Plans are in the works for a sit-down Christmas dinner at the Barn, sponsored by Jane Ujhazi and supported by funds from community members. We will have more information next week.
After Holiday Meals announced earlier that they would not be offering the dinners this season, a number of community members stepped forward to assure that the meals will happen.
* * *
Cathleen Hubbard, assistant manager at the Bandon Rite Aid, posted on Facebook recently concerning the future of the local store, located in the Bandon Shopping Center.
There has been some false information out there about the store closing. I just wanted to clear that up by letting everyone know that we are not closing. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the company filing Chapter 11, and any other questions you may have," said Hubbard.
* * *
St. John's Episcopal Church, at 795 Franklin, has announced a "Rainy Day Used Book Sale," which will be held Saturday, Dec. 09, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. People can shop for books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and handmade bookmarks. People can also take home book-themed gift baskets, and buy raffle tickets to win a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. You can also enjoy holiday treats and hot drinks.
* * *
The Bandon Playhouse has announced auditions for Radium Girls, a show that will take place Feb. 23-24-25 and March 1-2-3. People ages 15 and older are invited to audition Dec. 11-12-13 at 6 p.m. at the theater. Rehearsals start in January. The show will be directed by the new Sprague Theater manager Stephanie Jones.
Questions can be sent to TheBandonPlayhouse@gmail.com or call 541-290-9989.
* * *
I was so sorry to learn that Loran Wiese, 79, had died Saturday at his home in Coquille. A long-time teacher, Loran was a true community servant, having served many years on the Coquille City Council and also as a member of the Executive Committee of the League of Oregon Cities.
His wife, Rochelle, posted that if anyone wanted to donate in his memory, they could donate to Reel Recovery (reelrecovery.com), the organization that he supported for many years, which takes men with cancer fly-fishing.
I called him a few months ago about a city issue, and he was so gracious in providing me with the information that I needed. He was a special guy and judging from the comments on Facebook, he had touched many lives.
* * *
People are reminded that on the third Wednesday of each month, the Bandon Recyclers will accept #2, #4, and #5 plastics and then transport them to a Lane County transfer station.
Volunteers are needed and if you're interested call Cody at 541-347-3221 or cbarkdull@cityofbandon.org.
* * *
Oregonians seem to have a real love for drugs. First the state approved the use of recreational marijuana; then way too many people supported Ballot Measure 110 which decriminalized hard drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, meth and cocaine; voters then said yes to the use of Psilocybin mushrooms in "mental health care."
Wonder what's next?
I would say open air use on the sidewalks, but that's been happening on the streets of downtown Portland ever since voters said yes to BM110. An article in today's Oregonian quoted the Marion County DA who said that of the 6,271 citations ($100 fine) written for possession of drugs since 110 took effect in February 2021, only 50 people have asked for help, demonstrating a lack of accountability for the damage caused by unchecked addiction. This needs to be repealed!!
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
November 15, 2023
I found a neat story in the January 1924 special 28-page issue of Western World, which highlighted many of the businesses operating at that time, including The Central Warehouse owned and operated by J.E. Walstrom, who was the grandfather of the late Barbara Norton McMahon.
"The Central Warehouse is an important business in connection with the shipping of the Port of Bandon. Mr. Walstrom has a total of 385 feet of harbor frontage (first photo) owned and leased and two large warehouses.
Harbor frontage
One is used exclusively for storing freight and has two stories and is so arranged that freight from vessels can be loaded into the first or second floor. A portion of the second warehouse is rented and the rest is also used for storage. There is a total of 35,885 square feet of space in the two buildings so an enormous amount of goods can be taken care of.
"Cargoes of the ocean going vessels and also the river boats are handled and the contents of the warehouses at times consists of almost everything from automobiles to hay.
"Mr. Walstrom acts as agent for the steamer Brooklyn, owned by Sudden & Christensen of San Francisco, and the steamer Elizabeth (second photo) owned by E. and E.T. Kruse of San Francisco. The Elizabeth is the only passenger boat operating between Bandon and San Francisco and has been the old standby of Bandon for many years. She carries 27 passengers.
Steamer Elizabeth
"With offices in the warehouse but under the name of the Central Transfer company, Mr. Walstrom also conducts a trucking business."
After the fire Mr. Walstrom built his large warehouse, with sliding doors on the north side of the building to load and unload freight. It later served as Graydon Stinnett's Bandon Fisheries business, and today it is the home of the Wheelhouse restaurant.
Another article I found in the Jan. 1924 Western World is headlined "$100,000 Hotel Being Planned."
"A project for a new $100,000 hotel is being promoted by George Laird, manager of the Westland (third picture) and several others interested.
The Westland
Plans have been drawn for a stucco finished building with red tile roof which would give accommodations for about 100 people. The plans call for a structure with a large basement where there would be a billiard room and other conveniences, and office, dining room and guest rooms on the two floors above.
"The site which has been selected is a high point just above the business section of the city and commanding a fine view of the river and ocean.
"With the opening of the Roosevelt Highway as a through route it is expected that there will be a large number of motor tourists passing through the city and that big hotel will be needed."
At first I thought it might be the Gallier Hotel that the article referred to, but the location did not describe the riverfront site of the Gallier. My guess is that the hotel described in this article was never built.
* * *
I learned recently that Rhonda Grable Haga, wife of John Haga, and a long time resident of Bandon, died Aug.16 after a short illness. A 1975 graduate of Bandon High School, Rhonda was 66. She and John were married in 1976 and raised two sons, Seth and Jared.
I read an obituary in the Register-Guard Sunday for John Bradley "Brad" McNutt, a former resident of the Bandon and Vida areas, who died Sept. 27 at the age of 63. Brad was born in Roseburg to John and Lois McNutt. He is survived by his daughter Anna Lynn McNutt, three sisters, a niece and six nephews.
When they lived in Bandon, Brad and his father developed the Bandon Shopping Center, which was later managed by Brad.
* * *
After reporting that the Bullards Beach campground closed on Oct. 15, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has decided to open Loop C, effective last week, and said that campsites and yurts will be available for reservations from Nov. 13, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024.
The campground will then close again on Jan. 1 through May 22 to upgrade the main sewer line.
People can still enjoy the day use area, boat ramp, lighthouse and horse camp area, which will remain open.
* * *
One of my favorite teachers, Lloyd Gabriel, who taught at Bandon High School in the '50s, will celebrate his 102nd birthday on Dec. 2. His wife, Ruth, who also taught at the high school, is 96.
If anyone would like to send a birthday card to "Gabe," as he prefers to be called, it can be addressed to him at 3808 Summitview Ave., Apt. 301, Yakima, Wash., 98902. I know he'd appreciate hearing from you.
* * *
Gerry Terp, who is my "rain guy," reported that he recorded 3.74 inches of rain for October, compared to 1.80 inches the previous October.
* * *
People are reminded that they have until Wednesday, Nov. 15, to call Colleen Wiesel at 916-221-0318 to let her know how many dinners you want for the FriendsGiving Thanksgiving community dinner, which will be take out or for homebound people.
Alloro Wine Bar and Restaurant, Bandon Brewing and Raven Salt Water Grille have collaborated with Holidays Meals to create the meal this year. Anyone wishing to lend their support can contact Sue Miller at 206-604-6136 or Danielle Benjamin at 541-404-9474.
One hundred percent of donations will benefit Bandon Community Youth Center.
I understand that Bandon resident Jane Ujhazi is planning to offer a community dinner for Christmas, and as soon I learn where it will be held and more details, I will let you know.
When it was learned that the Holiday Meals group would not be serving the dinner this season, several people in Bandon stepped forward to make sure that the community had a holiday dinner. And they deserve a vote of thanks and maybe a little less Facebook rhetoric.
* * *
I saw a very sad Facebook post from Celeste Thompson who said that after the memorial service for her grandmother, Gayle Thompson, they came back to her home to find it burglarized. Someone had broken into back and trashed her room, emptied her jewelry box, and stole two fireproof locked boxes, and purses from out-of-town family and friends. Also gone was her son's Nintendo switch.
"What they got in monetary value is low, but those locked boxes have sentimental old family photos, as well as Gayle's baby book, deeds, death certificates and other important papers," said Celeste.
"If anyone knows what happened or has a shred of human decency left, could you please leave those things in a place where they won't be ruined by the weather and someone could easily find them. That would be amazing."
The Thompson home is near the Game Park south of Bandon.
Gayle Thompson was a great gal and much loved by all who knew her.
* * *
The Coos County Sheriff's Office sent out a press release about the arrest of Jeffrey S. Schiro, 36, who was charged with fourth-degree assault and harassment after an incident on Bally Loop.
Schiro was identified as the suspect in what was described by the police as a disturbance. He was taken to the Coos County Jail Nov. 1 and as of Sunday, Nov. 12, the jail roster showed that he remained in custody.
* * *
I want to remind people that Bandon Showcase will present fiddler Geoffrey Castle performing his joyful Celtic Christmas Celebrations, Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 at the Sprague Theater. General admission tickets are $35 and are available at BandonShowcase.org or at the door.
Billy Smoothboars' Community Christmas for local families will be held Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 4 to 7. You can call 541-347-2373 for information or to donate. Christmas stockings with gifts from Santa will be given to children up to the age of 12 years old.
"The Cabinet of Steampunk Curiosities," including a reception and demonstration of interactive contraptions by Steve La Riccia, will take place Saturday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 4 at the Bandon Library Art Gallery Sprague Room. Steve will give a talk on the history of the Steampunk genre in art, and in the making of machines that meld both new and Victorian technologies. The program is free and all ages are welcome.
* * *
Thanks to the generous donations from 100 Strong Bandon, the group was able to present one of its largest checks yet. Bandon Library Friends and Foundation is supported by a fantastic group of volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to this charity. They were presented with a total of $5,525 in 100 Strong Bandon member donations and an additional $2,662.50 from the matching grant program. This means that BLFF received $8,187.50 to purchase new books.
The next meeting of 100 Strong Bandon is Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Bandon Rain Taproom from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The group meets every three months, and each of us gives $50 to the selected charity. If you're interested you might want to attend the meeting to see what we are all about. It's a great opportunity for us to help support local charities or non-profit groups.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
November 08, 2023
The first photo I am sharing this week is the barracks, built by the WPA on Division in east Bandon, soon after the fire of 1936 to shelter people left homeless.
Temporary housing after the fire of 1936
The caption reads: "The above picture shows the long combination dwelling units, built on city property near the high school (tall building in background) by the federal Works Progress Administration, all of which have been occupied since completion and have proved invaluable in affording temporary quarters during the past few months. The entire project has been turned over to the City of Bandon, whose officials are carrying out the original housing relief plan as intended by the federal authorities."
In the background you can see the gymnasium, next to the high school. Both buildings survived the fire, and the gym was used to house the elementary school students, after the grade school (in west Bandon where Ocean Crest now sits) burned. The new grade school opened in 1939.
The second photo is "The Little Brown Box," which the late Careen Pierce wrote about in the Randolph Community Club booklet, published in 2001, highlighting 75 years of the club.
The Little Brown Box
"There was a little brown box that traveled up and down the Coquille Valley and across the River. It was hand-crafted by a gentle white-haired man, Daddy Lennon. The first time I saw the contents of the box I was amazed at all those pieces of silverware, enamel cups and plates. I'd never seen an enamel plate before because we used Fiesta at home. The service was used for Randolph Club meals. After every meal the ladies washed and dried the utensils and plates and packed them gently in the box for the next trip. I could hardly wait for it to arrive at my house, but when it was time for my family to host the meeting I was always at school. After I was married, my husband (Don) and I moved to Bandon -- and it was suddenly my turn for the brown box to come to my house!"
Careen taught school here for many years, and her husband was the city's public works director. Their daughter Tauna Ree was in Bandon recently, celebrating her 50-year class reunion.
The third picture is of Bayard "Bay" Forrest, who was recently inducted into the Small College Hall of Fame.
Bayard "Bay" Forrest
The 6-9 Forrest, who graduated from Bandon High School in 1972, played for Grand Canyon College of Phoenix, the alma mater of his father, Nelson Forrest, prior to playing for the Phoenix Suns. During his years at BHS, he was coached by the late Butch Neff. Bayard is married to the former Peggy Ward, and the couple is very involved in the Christian ministry.
* * *
Lori Osborne of Farm and Sea is beginning a new event, to be known as the Tuesday Social "Meet and Greet" which will feature a guest speaker weekly, beginning this Tuesday, Nov. 7, during the lunch hour.
I have been asked to be the first speaker, and Lori said I can talk for 15 to 30 minutes, beginning at 11:30 a.m., with the program of my choice. I will probably combine a bit of history with some of the big stories I covered during my 64 years in the news business.
So, if you want to know more about the history of Bandon or about me, other than what you may have already read in my column, you are invited to stop by at the Farm and Sea building on the waterfront. Lunch will also be available. Lori says it's like the guest speaker programs at Rotary Club, but without having to join an organization.
I will also be open to questions, but will not be able to talk about Gravel Point as I am pretty sure it will be called up by or appealed to the city council. It was approved by the planning commission Thursday night on a 4-2 vote, with Gordon Norman and Bill Frey voting in opposition. In favor were Sally Jurkowski, Don Starbuck, Catherine Scobby and Tom Orsi. The chairman Gerald "Bear" Slothower did not vote.
It should be a fun hour or two, especially if you happen to be new to Bandon.
* * *
I have learned who died in the two-vehicle accident Thursday north of Bandon near Weiss Estates Road and Highway 101. I am not sure of the exact location as one poster said it was near the intersection of Seven Devils Road and 101.
The person who died was Carole Voliva, 77, who lives on Seven Devils Road. She was reportedly taking her two cats to the veterinarian, and as a result of the wreck which took her life, one of the two cats, Ruby, ran off and the other, Buster, suffered a broken pelvis.
The other vehicle was driven by a 17-year-old female, who was seriously injured and is hospitalized, according to the Bandon Police Department.
The Oregon State Police is handling the investigation.
* * *
A spokesman for Holiday Meals has put out a press release about the full Thanksgiving meal, to be known as Old Town "FriendsGiving' Feast," featuring take-out and homebound delivery.
Raven Salt Water Grille, Alloro Wine Bar and Restaurant, and Bandon Brewing have collaborated with Holiday Meals to create a new free Thanksgiving meal this year. Take-out meals for Bandon residents must be reserved in advance by calling Colleen Wiesel at 916-221-0318 no later than Wednesday, Nov. 15, by giving your full name, address, phone number and number of meals requested.
One hundred percent of any donation will benefit Bandon Community Youth Center.
Anyone wishing to lend their support can contact Sue Miller at 206-604-6136 or Danielle Benjamin at 541-404-9474.
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I have learned that former Bandon resident Marilyn Noorda, 85, of Utah died Oct. 8 from injuries suffered in a fall. She was visiting a friend in Salt Lake City. She took a wrong step on a stairway landing and tumbled down, hitting her head. Marilyn and her late husband Darwin were active with the Bandon Library and the local museum. Marilyn also served a term on the Southern Coos Hospital board of directors. When she could no longer drive because of macular degeneration, she moved to Utah to be near family which included two sons.
Her sister, former Bandon city councilor Nancy Drew, who now lives in Utah, said that donations in Marilyn's name could be made to either the library or the museum.
I also learned that long-time Bandon businessman and real estate agent Christo Schwartz, 74, died last Tuesday morning. Among his survivors is his wife, Ginney Etherton. Christo worked for Oregon Properties for several years, working out of the office across from the post office, and also owned Bandon Rentals Property Management, LLC and Bandon Custom Homes.
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The Travel Adventures to Norway program, scheduled for Nov. 11 at the First Presbyterian church by Mardelle Probasco, has been canceled due to illness. It will be rescheduled after the first of the year.
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Bandon Showcase will present fiddler Geoffrey Castle performing his joyful Celtic Christmas Celebrations, Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Sprague Theater. General admission tickets are $35 and are available at www.BandonShowcase.org or at the door. Bandon Showcase thanks its community partners, including Bandon Inn for providing lodging for the presenters, as well as Coastal Mist and Larry and Sheila Langenberg, for complimentary desserts and wine during intermission.
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Bandon's local history museum will hold a Veterans Celebration Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including military vehicles and special exhibits. Capt. Robert Thrush, USMC, Marine Corps F-4 fighter pilot during the Vietnam era, will speak at 10:30 a.m. Free admission is courtesy of American Legion Post 26. Bring the family and celebrate our vets.
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People are invited to celebrate Green Fridays on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by planting native species at the Johnson Creek Park (old Face Rock golf course), sponsored by Friends of Bandon Parks and Recreation. For more info call 541-260-2182. Planting of native trees and shrubs will also take place in City Park on Nov. 18, starting at 11 a.m., rain or shine.
You are reminded that on Wed., Nov. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m., you can bring clean and sorted recyclable plastics, nos. 2, 4 and 5, to the Sprague Room at the library in City Park. For more information, call 541-347-3221 during library hours and ask for Cody. Volunteers are needed to accept plastics.
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Fire departments from the south end of the county, including Bandon, Coquille, Myrtle Point and Sumner, responded to a large fire at Ficher Dairy at Arago Saturday to help put out a fire that destroyed the old milking parlor and saved the surrounding structures including the new milking parlor. A video of the blaze, filmed by a neighbor Dana Mills, who urged onlookers to stay away from Arago to allow fire trucks to get to the dairy, showed that they were fortunate to save most of the dairy, without losing any cows from the herd. Joe Ficher is a major employer in the Arago valley. It appeared an old mast on one of the buildings may have arced, causing the blaze, but there had been no statement from the fire department at the time I was writing my column.
Neighbors from across the Arago valley joined to assist with saving the herd, while Watermans provided additional water and all rallied around Joe Ficher, who was in California celebrating his 65th birthday, on the day of the fire.
"That's what neighbors do in a small community like ours," said Mills as he filmed the explosion of two propane tanks and burning power poles at the height of the blaze, all the while urging people to stay out of the firemen's way and doing what he could to help save the cows.
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I've been here many winters, but I have never heard a clap of thunder as loud as the one that hit us Sunday evening. It actually shook the house!
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
November 01, 2023
While looking through my collection of history books and pamphlets, I came across a 32-page booklet, titled "Holy Trinity Catholic Church 100 Years as a Parish," published by church members in 1983. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the local church.
Although space prohibits me from sharing their story in its entirety, it is important to note that the first Catholic church (first photo) on the south coast was built in Bandon in 1891, primarily because Bandon was centrally located.
First Catholic church on the south coast
"Historical records indicate that the building of the Bandon Church was financed primarily from donations made by members of the parish," with documents signed by John Lewis, Edward Fahy, John Hamblock and Michael Kennedy.
An item of special interest, which I have followed in the pages of the Bandon Recorder and the Western World, occurred in the 1920s when the church made the news, but not for religious reasons.
"Interestingly, the City of Bandon decided to straighten the street that goes up the hill toward the Catholic Church. The City asked the church for an easement across some of the church property for a street right-of-way, but the request was refused. The City then appealed to the courts requesting that a piece of church property be condemned so that it could be utilized for city use. The courts, however, declined to make such a ruling and as a result, the street follows the same crooked path it did when Bandon was first settled in the late 1800s."
During the Bandon Fire of Sept. 26, 1936, the church on the bluff and the two-story rectory burned to the ground.
"After the Fire, Mass was said in the homes of parishioners and in the high school gym in east Bandon, which had not burned.
"The present church in Bandon (second photo) was built in 1937. The church was 68'x30' and cost approximately $5,000 at the time. With the help of Art Jacobs, the Confessional and many smaller items were added to the church."
Father Ervin Vandehey arrived in Bandon in August of 1956 and was the first resident priest since of the fire of 1936. When he first came to town he stayed at Table Rock Motel and at the Pat Briggs residence while Pat and her family were on vacation. In 1957 the rectory was completed.
"An addition to the church was completed in 1960 mainly through the efforts of the parishioners including Don and Gerry Fraser, Homer Ackerman, Bill Burgher, Otto Erickson, George McMahon, Francis Stadelman and Fay Lakey.
At that time, fund-raising efforts began to help pay for the addition to the church and a new convent.
"In September of 1961, four nuns of the Order of St. Francis of Atonement arrived from New York for Catechetical work in the Bandon, Brookings and Coquille areas." The parishioners held an open house on Sept. 24, 1961, for the new convent and to welcome the new nuns, who are pictured with Father Vandehey (third picture) in front of the new convent (a photo that I took for the Western World).
Father Vandehey and four nuns, 1961
Today the congregation is busy fundraising with the hope of building a new church.
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I've heard a lot of conjecture as to who the Oregon Ducks might be playing next football season when they enter the Big Ten conference. They reportedly will play five league games at Autzen Stadium, including Illinois, Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State and Washington. They will travel to Michigan, Purdue, UCLA and Wisconsin.
Only Washington and UCLA will be from the former Pac12 conference, which has been decimated to be the Pac2 (Oregon State and Washington State). In 2025, Oregon will also play USC the other Pac12 school which left to join the Big Ten conference.
Stanford, California, Utah, Colorado and the two Arizona schools will become part of the Big 12 Conference.
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When the 25th Anniversary of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort comes around in May, it will offer five 18-hole championship courses, three short courses, two practice ranges, and a putting course, as well as 10 restaurants and 210 rooms across six facilities, ranging from four-bedroom suites in cottages to double- and single-occupancy rooms, according to an item in Global Golf.
A reporter for Global Golf interviewed Jeff Simonds, assistant general manager and senior director of operations. Bandon Dunes has been booked out for 18 months to two years in advance, according to the article.
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I learned this week that former long-time Bandon resident Daisy Hill Mallory Turner died Oct. 25 at the age of 94. She and her late husband, Roy Mallory, had three sons, Bruce, Mark and Gary, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. After Daisy remarried, she and Herb Turner would snowbird each year for 15 years at a resort on the Salton Sea. Among her survivors is her niece Marcia Strader, daughter of Daisy's sister, Durelle Strader.
When they lived here, Daisy was active in the First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School.
I also read that Dr. John Flaxel, who was an ophthalmologist with Bay Eye Clinic for many years, died in Portland recently at the age of 87.
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People are reminded to set their clocks back on Sunday, Nov. 5, the start of daylight-saving time.
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I was talking with a local business person this week, and she pointed out that tourist business is taking a big hit with the closure of the Port of Bandon crab docks along with the campground at Bullards Beach State Park. Both are expected to be closed until next spring.
My friend explained that people often stay at the campground and shop in our local stores during this time of year, and this coupled with the closure of the crab dock has generated some concern among crabbers, visitors and merchants.
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There has been a lot of back and forth on Facebook this past week expressing concern about the news that the community meals will not be served this year. Colleen Wiesel, co-chairman of Holiday Meals, sent me an update.
"Holiday Meals will not be serving Thanksgiving or Christmas meals this year. We will schedule a community meeting sometime after the new year to discuss the meals going forward. We wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season and encourage individuals to carry on the tradition of camaraderie with your friends, families and neighbors."
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The Bandon Historical Society Museum will be holding a Veterans Celebration at the museum Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See military vehicles in the museum parking lot, and explore special exhibits shared by military collectors and drawn from the museum's collection. Admission to the museum will be free all day Saturday courtesy of Bandon's American Legion Post 26. "Celebrate our local veterans by including a visit to Bandon's History Museum on Veterans Day," said a museum spokesman.
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The Lund Report carried an article this week indicating that a former top executive of Coast Community Health Center in Bandon has filed suit for $1.5 million in damages, alleging he faced discrimination and retaliation as part of a leadership "coup."
The article said, "Darren Barfield, the center's former chief operating officer, resigned from the center on March 24 along with two other top officials, Chief Medical Officer Ann Kellogg and CFO Jennifer Kuehn, according to the suit. The filing portrays their former employer, a nonprofit federally qualified health center that serves low-income people, as a site of dysfunction, discrimination and cross-cutting complaints.
"Melissa Cribbins, who is named in the suit and is listed on the center's website as its chief executive officer, said she and the center declined to comment on its allegations. She said she is no longer interim CEO. Darren Barfield was hired on Nov. 18, 2022, according to the suit. It also said that after accepting the job over other opportunities, he learned that board members were planning a 'coup' to remove then-CEO Linda Maxon, claiming they'd discovered financial irregularities.
"However, Barfield's suit questions the integrity of the investigation that led to Maxon's departure and claims a board member involved in the effort exhibited sexist and other discriminatory behavior. The filing alleges that Barfield and Kuehn, fearing that the leadership void would endanger patients, sought to reopen an investigation to determine whether the allegations against Maxon were true.
"Barfield's commitment to a fair process ... was seen as disloyalty to the new faction. This resulted in .... continued escalation of a hostile work environment and more direct retaliation against Plaintiff. Defendants would go on to label the Plaintiff as a stereotypical 'angry black man.'
"One employee, promoted after the leadership change, hired her spouse and granted him a preferential schedule, the suit claims.
"Since Barfield, Kellogg and Kuehn resigned, 'the toxic work environment persisted after Plaintiff's forced resignation. Employees of the company continue to fear retaliation based on the perception of loyalty to the Plaintiff and other departed executives,' the suit says."
Portland attorney Howard Macke filed the suit in Coos County Circuit court.
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The first in a series of free Travel presentations, "Travel Adventures to Norway," will be presented by Mardelle Probasco at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in the Fellowship Hall of Bandon's First Presbyterian Church, 592 Edison Ave., SW. There is no charge, and coffee and desserts will be served.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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