As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
September 27, 2023
Most of you probably don't remember Natureland, located on Beach Loop Road several miles south of the old Facerock (Westmost) Golf Course. But if you slow down as you pass the old resort, which was on the west side of the road, you can still see the main house.
Main house Natureland
The main house (first photo) was surrounded by small cabins (second photo) and a windmill (third photo).
Natureland
Western World carried an article from the Roseburg News-Review in September of 1943, written by the paper's editor about his visit to Natureland, which had survived the Fire of 1936.
"During an altogether too brief vacation spent at Bandon with Mr. and Mrs. John Dornath at their beautiful Natureland Cottages, we had an opportunity to view the Swiss chalet which is the outstanding structure of the cabins composing that popular beach resort."
He talked about the artistry and workmanship that went into the building.
" 'It is different in the old country,' John told us. 'Back in Switzerland they build homes not merely houses. They know that their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will probably live in those homes, so they build for a century, not for just a few years.'
"John is proud of his work and he takes delight in showing the building to his friends."
He mentioned that today there are so many men who work for only the paycheck but take no pride in their work.
"John Dornath's Swiss chalet is not practical as a financial investment. With the loving labor that has gone into its construction he could have built several ordinary cabins to accommodate the tourist and vacationist using his resort. The infinite variety of pattern, the tooling of each board, the careful matching of designs, the selected woods, the harmonizing of colors all combine to show not only super ability as an artisan, but a deep reverence for creation and love of craftsmanship transcending the anticipated financial return.
"Hour upon hour was spent on each of the hundreds of small construction details of the cottage. To many people it would seem foolish to spend so much time and effort on something that had no direct utilitarian value. The materialist attitude motivates us as a people. It is refreshing therefore to find one who has labored so earnestly simply for the love of achievement ...."
For a little history, I went back to an article in the May 30, 1934, Western World.
"One of the show places along Bandon beach from the standpoint of the unusual in artistic building designs and grounds is nearing completion on the Bradley lake road a short distance south of the Westmost golf course. It is a modern beach home of English type, being constructed of shakes and other building materials manufactured by J. Dornath & Sons at Coquille. Mr. Dornath is building the home as a demonstration unit and may make it his own residence or sell it later."
Among the Dornath siblings were John, Ted, Enno, Louise, Violet, Jasper, Stanley and Irene.
"The house has several gables and is very attractive in design. The interior has a large living room with a balcony. The walls are of printed wall boards of various designs and colors, all made in the Dornath factory with machinery that they constructed especially for the purpose."
Long after the Dornaths sold the resort, what was left was owned by retired teacher Margaret Gorman. I believe the main house is a private residence today.
* * *
As I was going through Facebook recently I saw a mention of an unsolved murder that occurred here over 50 years ago ... in August of 1972. Years later, an article appeared Sept. 17, 2018, in the Western World talking about the fact that the murder had never been solved and that the FBI had been called in to investigate. Several Facebook posters said that while they lived here at the time, they did not remember the case. So I decided to research it and discovered what I am sure was a story that I wrote (although the publisher Warren Strycker would not allow bylines in those days) in the Aug. 31, 1972, Western World.
The 2018 article said the body was found in the woods behind Ray's Food Place by a man who was peeling chittum bark and had come upon the body. But, according to the original article, the body was found along Highway 101 north of The Snack Shack (now a Mexican restaurant) on the other side of the highway from the shopping center.
"The skull revealed that the victim had been shot in the head by a small bore weapon although a search of the area failed to turn up a gun. Investigating officers from the Bandon Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff's Department found two 22-caliber bullets which had not been spent, in addition to three coins and an auto key at the spot where the victim's pocket would have been.
"It is estimated that the man had been dead for at least two years, and although early reports believed him to be a young man, further study of the skull indicated that he was probably between 50 and 70 years old. Speculation continues as to whether the man was a victim of homicide or suicide, although a Portland newspaper quoted Coos County District Attorney Bob Brasch as calling it a clear case of murder."
"Hopes of learning the man's identity hinge on a full set of dentures which contained an ID number," but Chief D. S. MacDonald said if the teeth weren't obtained in Oregon, "they might never know who he is."
To my knowledge law enforcement never determined the identity of the man, nor conclusive evidence of how he died.
* * *
The next brush pickup for people living inside the city limits will start the week of Monday, Oct. 2.
Among the brush that Bandon Disposal will pick up is gorse, so now is a good time to start eradicating that thorny bush from your property.
People who want to know more about the removal of gorse can go down to city hall and look at the gorse-information wall across from the planning office, put together by the Gorse Action Group.
The five steps to gorse removal, as outlined by gorse expert Liza Ehle, are:
1. Remove the top growth at least down to the base at ground level and dispose of it responsibly.
2. As it returns (usually three months), or new seeds sprout (check wherever someone has piled the cut gorse), either cut it repeatedly to exhaust the root system, and/or use a triclopyr herbicide like Vastian which is available at Currydale Farms and through the county cost share or with licensed applicators from GAG's contractor list.
3. Repeat step two in approximately three-month intervals and don't let the plant return to growing over 6-12" or blooming and setting seed again.
4. Continue monitoring and removal or spraying of the original site, piled sites, and look for new sites.
5. Continue to monitor, and pluck/pull or spray new seedlings that may come in from an old seed bank, dirty mowing equipment, ground disturbance or on boots, tires, or soil that has been exposed or delivered.
* * *
A special fireworks display honoring Anthony Zunino is set for Saturday night, Sept. 30, at 7:30, and in the case of rain, it will be held the next day, Oct. 1, at the same time (rain or shine). The display will be shot off from the usual Fourth of July fireworks site across the river near the lighthouse.
The fireworks are being donated by Western Display Fireworks to say thank you to Anthony and to show appreciation for all that he has done for Bandon throughout the years.
Being in charge of shooting off the fireworks for nearly 27 years is just one of the many ways that Anthony has volunteered for the community, including serving on the Bandon Rural Fire board and the school board.
The community is standing strong with Anthony as he battles cancer.
* * *
The Bandon/Pacific football squad beat Glide Friday night to maintain their unbeaten 4-0 record. Friday night, Sept. 29, they will host the Gold Beach Panthers at 7 o'clock in what is expected to be a hard-fought game.
* * *
"The Return of the Night at the Museum" will take place at Bandon's History Museum Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., the third edition of this social gathering after a three-year pause.
Tickets are $10 for a chance to visit the museum "after hours." Hors d'oeuvres by Sharon Haga, a taste of On the Waterfront wine and Bandon Brewing beer provided by Lori Osborne, and an opportunity to take a special "History Detective's Challenge" will be part of the evening.
Contact Gayle at the museum to purchase advance tickets. Limited tickets will be available at the door. Call 541-347-2164 for more information.
* * *
Free computer classes are continuing at the Bandon library on Tuesdays at 4:30 through Oct. 17.
Sept. 26 will feature Cybersecurity basics; Oct. 3, email basics; Oct. 10, computer basics for Windows 10, and Oct. 17, mobile device basics: Android.
The instructor is Aaron Barnes from Bandon IT, and the classes are made possible by the Public Library Association and AT&T.
* * *
Don't forget the Bandon Fire program at the museum (101 and Fillmore) Tuesday evening, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. presented by Jim Proehl and me. The program is free and will include a number of first-person stories written by people who survived the fire, which occurred Saturday, Sept. 26, 1936, wiping out most of the buildings in town and killing 11 people.
* * *
The "Ring of Fire" eclipse happens on Oct. 14, with Bandon Watch Party eclipse watchers to gather at Bullards Beach in Bandon that morning for what is being described as a "festival of light" watch party. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will take place on the beach just north of the Coquille River lighthouse.
* * *
Fans of college sports probably spent Saturday watching Oregon dismantle Colorado 42-6 and Oregon State lose a close one to Washington State, 38-35. There had been a lot of national publicity over Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffalos who came into the game 3-0 after winning only one game last season under a different coach. But as the Ducks demonstrated, it was mostly hype.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
September 20, 2023
The headline in the April 10, 1941, Western World let the readers know that Bandon would soon have a new post office, after an agreement was signed with Mrs. Anna Stephan for the use of the east half of the bakery building at the corner of First Street and Chicago Avenue (first photo).
This was one of the few buildings to survive the Bandon Fire, and today it is the home of Cranberry Sweets.
"The government lease on the building is for 10 years. Mrs. Stephan is expecting specifications to be received this week and remodeling will begin immediately. It is planned to place a partition through the building north and south, the east part to be used for post office purposes."
Eight months later, another article appeared which indicated that the new post office would not be occupied until after the first of the year, according to Postmaster John B. Wade.
"The new equipment provides for 390 lock boxes, all of which have two-dial combinations, which are positive, but easy to operate. Most numbers will be changed, but an effort will be made to give each present boxholder the same sized box as he now has."
In the 1920s before the Fire, the post office was located on the east side of Baltimore Avenue, about where Sweet Peas is now. In the '50s it again moved back to Baltimore Avenue, (but across the street where Foley's is now) where it remained until 1976 when the present post office, then under the direction of Postmaster Jack Ward, opened (second photo).
Immediately after the Fire of 1936, the post office opened for a short time in the Stephan building, according to historian Dow Beckham, and then operated temporarily out of the Coast Lumber Yard, which had also survived the Fire.
St. John's Episcopal Church is celebrating its Tridecacentennial (130 years) as a church in Bandon on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 1:30, with a potluck luncheon. The original church was built in 1893, but burned in the Bandon Fire before being rebuilt and later enlarged on the Franklin Avenue property.
I found a neat photo in my collection, taken in 1961, as parishioners fixed up the outside of the church.
I could spot Louie Prahar and Don Potterf, on ladders at left; Floyd Shortridge, with the wheelbarrow, and Eddie Waldrop; and, from left on ladders, Marvin McCue, Wes Jarvis, Charlie Tresidder and Jack Ward.
Not pictured but taking part that day (or at least enjoying the lunch prepared by the women of the church), were Carl Lorenz, Elmer Gant, Piercy Sweet, W.J. Sweet, R.L. Parks, Jack Wade, John Gerber and Floyd Howard, as well as a number of high school boys, including David Metcalfe, John Lorenz and Larry Gerber. It's not easy to identify people after more than 60 years, but I think I did a pretty good job.
* * *
Sorry to hear that Julita Fong, long-time partner of the late Don Lynam, died recently at the age of 89. Julita was a retired pathologist and had made many friends in Bandon.
I also learned that Guy "Giz" Rogers, a long-time resident of Bandon, died recently at the age of 71, according to a Facebook post by Karen Lee, a sister of his wife, Kathy. A retired builder, Giz was the son of the late Buck and Nadya Rogers, and had many family and friends in the local area.
* * *
I have been seeing a number of posts on Facebook asking about the new development in the area near WalMart, being developed by Greg Drobot, owner of Face Rock Creamery. So far Arby's and Mod Pizza have opened in the plaza, located on Newmark Avenue. In 2020 Drobot and his business partner Daniel Graham developed Coos Bay Village, which is home to 11 or 12 small shops, including a retail outlet of Face Rock Creamery.
Now they are developing another unused city lot off of Highway 101 on Teakwood Avenue. As he talked about the Teakwood development, Drobot is quoted as saying, "It's going to be about 50,000 square feet. It is three big box retailers, so roughly 15,000 square feet each, and then we have a smaller retail building."
They are also expected to begin work on the final building at Coos Bay Village this fall.
* * *
I am used to getting a lot of spam emails, but lately I've been inundated with emails from different Mcafee accounts, ranging from MCAFFEE to Ak.Mcafee_subscription, etc., letting me know that the subscription I don't have has expired. It started out with 15 or 20 a day, then ramped up to 44 Thursday, and was "down" to 23 on Friday, one on Saturday and none today (Sunday). Maybe that means they are through with me. There is no way to unsubscribe as there is with most spam emails.
* * *
With a serious fire burning south of us in the Elk River area, even the smallest of blazes worries people. A fire broke out in the dry grass along Face Rock Drive last Thursday, Sept. 14, but according to one poster, "The response was immediate and in full force, with the Bandon Rural Fire Department and the Coos Forest Protective Association showing up, and it was out quickly."
We are fortunate to have such great fire protection. As I have mentioned previously, the City of Bandon has no fire department; instead we contract with the Bandon RFPD, where we have gotten great service through the years, from long-time Fire Chief Lanny Boston and his crew.
* * *
Our new state representative, Court Boice, has been regularly letting people know about the fire situation in Curry County, particularly the Anvil, eight miles east of Port Orford, which tripled in size in the last three days, as of Friday. The Anvil is burning generally a path towards the Elk River Salmon Hatchery. He reminded readers that the 2020 Archie Creek Fire completely destroyed the Rock Creek Salmon Hatchery in Douglas County.
"Many representing the far left have always believed that Mega Fires are how you 'protect our great Oregon Forests and Wilderness Areas.' Tragic how destructive and ridiculous those beliefs are and the awful, long-term results. We have 35 years now of empirical evidence of that devastation up close and personal in our Kalmiopsis and Josephine/Curry backyards. We have to hold those people responsible and accountable for the constant unhealthy smoke, wild rivers negatively altered perhaps for 50 years, the compromised watersheds, jeopardized salmon recoveries and millions of wildlife burned alive! Shame on them," said Boice, a former long-time Curry County Commissioner.
* * *
I learned of another dog attack, this time on the Bandon beach. Kathleen Sterling was walking her little dogs, on leashes, while her husband Mike was nearby talking to friends. All of a sudden, a large black German Shepherd, one of two unleashed dogs walking with their owners, attacked Kathleen's dog, who was badly injured. Mike was able to get it veterinary care that day, and after tracking down the owners (who were staying in a local vacation rental and had refused to give contact information when asked on the beach), they agreed to pay the vet bill.
I contacted Nick Schoeppner, manager of Bullards Beach State Park, about the law governing dogs on the beach. "So leashes aren't required on beaches, however dogs must be under verbal control (immediately responsive) and can't harass other people, pets or wildlife. Folks must carry a leash on their person. We (state parks) can respond and cite or exclude based on OARs (Oregon administrative rules); county animal control should be looped in as they can work with ORSs (Oregon Revised Statutes), and must be notified in the event a person is injured," he added. Both Oregon State Police and the Bandon Police Department have the ability to enforce ocean shore laws and administrative rules, he said.
* * *
A scary incident occurred recently in front of a Beach Loop Drive home. A woman was walking her small dog about 8:30 in the evening when it was attacked by a large raccoon, described as big, vicious and aggressive. She screamed and kicked it, and then tried to grab her dog; in the process she was bitten hard by the raccoon, and ended up with a badly fractured finger with a potential tendon tear. She posted this as she was in a Eugene hospital the next day being treated. She then planned to go to Coos Bay to begin a regimen of rabies shots.
The woman said she notified the Fish and Game Commission in the hopes that they could capture the animal before someone else gets hurt.
* * *
After a lengthy manhunt in the Rosa Road area southeast of Bandon, a wanted fugitive, William Thomas Gillespie, 38, was apprehended Wednesday morning, Sept. 13, by the Oregon State Police SWAT team on a property just outside of town. He was wanted on an active felony arrest warrant for narcotics and firearms violations and violent criminal behavior, and was considered armed and dangerous. He was also wanted in connection with the May 2022 homicide of a man in Cave Junction, which is where Gillespie is from.
* * *
A local man, Fred Gernandt, realized what it meant not to have the Coast Guard here when he took his son, David, and the latter's daughter on a boat ride up the river from the downtown boat launch earlier this summer. "About a mile past Moore Mill the boat's engines both failed. I secured an anchorage along the banks of the river and explored our options. I called my friends at Coos Bay Marine and they helped diagnose the issue. Water in the fuel was the source of engine failures. No Coast Guard to call. I contacted Donny Goddard for assistance. Within a short time he and Chris Clausen showed up on Donny's boat, pulled my boat into deeper water, attached the boat to Donny's and motored us back to the berth at the Port of Bandon. We were extremely grateful,," said Fred, acknowledging that while they weren't in deep water, it would have been pretty stressful without Donny's help.
* * *
I want to again remind people that Jim Proehl and I will be presenting the Bandon Fire program this year at the museum, but instead of the usual weekend event, it will be at 7 o'clock on the actual anniversary of the Fire, Tuesday, Sept. 26.
We will be sharing never before seen pictures of the Fire, as well as lots of first-person stories of those who survived.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
September 13, 2023
It was 40 years ago last April that a Western World headline told the story of the Port of Bandon's acquisition of the former Coast Guard building (first photo), which it still owns today.
Coast Guard building
"The massive white building that stands on the First Street waterfront in Old Town became the ports through a complicated maze of coordination between several governmental agencies, Congressional representatives, heirs of the property's original owners, the port and the Trust for Public Lands.
"The facility will be dedicated Saturday at 2 p.m. along with the salt marsh that played a vital role in putting the building in the hands of the port, and soon, allowing the port to refurbish the outside of the building.
"The Coast Guard building was erected in 1939 as both a boat house and quarters for the men of the Coast Guard. At one time 12-14 men were stationed in Bandon the year-around.
"When the Coast Guard pulled out, around 1970, the building sat vacant for about five years. Then it went on the GSA list of surplus property."
Port Commission Chairman Jim Hanna explained that the port had expressed an interest in acquiring the building.
"GSA, Hanna said, was willing to give the building to the port, but it could not because when the land was originally given to the Coast Guard by the Dyer family, a clause stated that if it was no longer used as a life-saving station, the property would revert to the Dyer heirs.
The article goes on to explain that the port-owned salt marsh was not developable, and it was suggested that it be exchanged for the Coast Guard building. It ultimately led to the marsh property being acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the money from that then paid off the heirs and also provided the port with $20,000 to paint and do repairs on the outside of the building."
The second picture shows one of two groups of explosions designed to loosen rock in the dike at the boat basin in 1983.
Blasting at the boat basin
"Apparently the explosion did extensive damage to the new docks and pilings at the site. A spokesman for Dave Thompson, the contractor on this part of the port project, said they had misjudged the amount of explosives needed. No estimate on the damage was available until the piling could be inspected.
The third item came from the Aug. 18, 1927, Western World headlined "Fire Threatens Business Section." This was 13 years after a massive fire destroyed a number of businesses on the waterfront ... and nine years before the Bandon Fire of 1936.
Bandon business district
"The business district of Bandon was menaced by fire early Wednesday morning when a blaze occurred in the planked alleyway between the Bandon Hotel property and the Rex Theatre (third picture, on Alabama Avenue just north of the Masonic building). When discovered at about 3 a.m. by Night Officer W.T. Partin, it had burned a large hole through the planks and was getting a good start toward both buildings.
"The cause of the fire is not definitely known except that a bed quilt had burned up and caught the planks afire. Whether the quilt had been left there the day previous and ignited by a cigarette or whether the quilt had dropped from a window of the former hotel is a matter of conjecture.
"Mr. Partin first used a chemical extinguisher to put out the blaze, but it was insufficient so he returned to the city hall and got several lengths of hose. The hose was attached to the hydrant on Second street and the fire put out."
* * *
I was sorry to learn that area native Mary Boice Capps died Sept. 3 at the age of 99. Mary was a member of the pioneer Boice family of Langlois, and was the youngest girl of a family of 12 children.
A long-time teacher in the local schools, Mary was married to Edgar L. Capps, and she is survived by a son, Bruce Capps, and two daughters, Emily Capps Hall and Maud Capps. She was a well-known historian, and for many years was active in the Bandon Historical Society.
A family service was held Monday morning at the GAR Cemetery.
* * *
Judy Schultz Knox, former executive director of the Bandon Historical Society, is now undergoing rehab in a facility in Springfield and would love to hear from her Bandon friends.
Her address is Judy Knox, c/o Marquis Companies, 1333 First Street, Springfield, Or., 97477. Her phone number is 541-736-2700.
* * *
Another successful Cranberry Festival is over, and from reports I've heard (and witnessed), it was a huge success. Although the fog hung around Saturday, which meant there was little wind, the sun shone bright on Sunday as festivalgoers flocked into City Park for the two-day event.
At the coronation Thursday night, Rachel Eickhoff, daughter of Linda Eickhoff, was crowned queen. Princess Nyah Dimitruk, daughter of Miyuki Nohara, received the Directors Award. The third member of the court, Marlin McCutcheon, a student at Pacific High, had withdrawn for personal reasons.
Katy Vierck was crowned Queen of the Kitchen during the Cranberry Bowl, which saw the Tigers defeat Toledo 15-0.
One of Bandon's most popular guys, Anthony Zunino, who is battling colon cancer, rode atop one of the majestic fire trucks, as Grand Marshal, with most of us riding in the parade wearing blue in support of Anthony.
I heard many wonderful comments about the new layout of the food trucks and vendors, who were on the cement in front of the Community Center rather than in the baseball field, as they were last year. The tables were set up in the grassy area of the park, which was another plus ... with the baseball field used for parking.
I know that some of the downtown merchants were upset because, outside of the parade, not much was going on down there. But members of my family, who were visiting from the Portland area, enjoyed City Park for lunch, but then went to Old Town to go shopping, and were pleased to be able to find adequate parking.
Chamber executive director Margaret Pounder, board chair Lori Osborne and the other members of the chamber board deserve a big vote of thanks for making this year's festival so successful. I know it's a lot of hard work, and we appreciate them for all they do.
* * *
It was great meeting up with Fred Moore, a member of the BHS Class of 1956, and his daughter, who were in town a couple of days this week from their home in Annandale, Va. They also visited in Springfield with Fred's sister, Florence Litzenberger. Fred and Florence's father Fred Sr. and their uncle, Carl Lorenz, owned and operated M & L Grocery for many years. They stayed in John Sweet's Coos Bay home while here.
I had not seen Fred in 59 years, but remember him fondly when they lived on Ocean Drive across from my grandparents' home.
* * *
People are reminded that the next brush pickup inside the city limits is set for the week of Oct. 2. Don't forget the free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beaver Hill Transfer Site. Call 541-396-7624 to make an appointment.
* * *
Free basic computer classes are being offered at the Bandon Library Tuesdays at 4:30 through Oct. 17. Sept. 12 class is Internet; Sept. 19, Video Conferencing; Sept. 26, Cybersecurity; Oct. 3, Email; Oct. 10, Computer Basics for Windows 10, and Oct. 17, Mobile Device Basics: Android.
* * *
I read that Tomaselli's, a popular bakery and cafe on Highway 38 in Elkton, was closing for good on Oct. 1 after 40 years in business. For years, we've always timed our trips to Eugene with a stop for lunch, or baked goods, at Tomaselli's. Sorry to learn that will no longer be possible.
* * *
Mother's Natural Grocery in Bandon has been reopened by Ashley and Dane McCormick, under the same name and at the same location. They have repainted and renovated the space with a lot of the old favorites, including my favorite Cado (avocado) chocolate ice cream.
* * *
I am sure our city manager Dan Chandler has had this in his news letter, but in case you haven't heard and are thinking about putting an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in your backyard or above your garage, the council set aside $55,000 from federal relief funds to cover waivers of the Systems Development Charges for the first 10 ADU applications. The SDCs for an ADU are $5500, compared to the current $13,750 for a single-family detached dwelling.
* * *
Bandon was recently named one of the 20 Best Beach Towns in America under the Trips to Discover website. "The tiny town on the southern coast of Oregon is a quintessential beachside destination with shorebirds, osprey, geese and bald eagles hanging out on a pristine salt marsh just east of downtown, while tufted puffins, murres and cormorants frequent the waters of the ocean just off Coquille Point. It's true, Bandon is a year-round destination for wildlife viewing and cute town visiting." It also mentions Circles in the Sand, the Coquille River lighthouse, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Washed Ashore, food and drink establishments and a host of other amenities.
* * *
I had a rude awakening when I turned on my computer one day last week to learn that I had zero emails, compared to the more than 100+ that I usually receive. I immediately called Comp-U-Talk and learned that I had completely used up my 25 gigabytes of space, and probably could not buy any more. To make a long story short, it was determined that I had 90,000 emails in my trash, 10,000 in my sent folder and 72,000 in my inbox. It was easy to purge the trash and my sent file, but I have to go through my inbox slowly and carefully to make sure I don't throw out anything important,. But I did get it down to 62,000, and now have plenty of space .... so just keep sending me those emails.
* * *
Don't forget to make your calendar for Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. when I will be presenting the fire program at the museum on the anniversary of the Bandon Fire of Sept. 26, 1936, with plenty of help from Jim Proehl. We have lots of stories to tell and a new set of photographs that have not previously been seen.
As I See It
by Mary Schamehorn
September 06, 2023
It wasn't until I began looking for pictures that showed the Bullards Bridge being opened for a vessel did I learn that the actual name of the bridge is Bullards Ferry Bridge... not just Bullards Bridge.
There is so much history connected to the bridge, which finally opened in 1954, replacing the old Bullards Ferry (first photo), which had been in operation for 63 years when the bridge opened.
Bullards Ferry
It wasn't until 1960 that Highway 101 to Coos Bay opened, but at least locals were able to get from one side of the Coquille River to the other side without timing their travels by the ferry schedule.
The first small ferry scow was propelled by hand-operated windlass across the Coquille river in September 1891 by the builder, Robert W. Bullard, pioneer rancher, storekeeper and postmaster. F.S. Younce (Bill Smith's grandfather) operated the ferry as a private enterprise until the county took over in 1909. An average of 4,000 vehicles, including 1,000 trucks, crossed the ferry each month, carrying 13,000 to 14,000 passengers.
A person on Facebook this week asked if anyone had pictures of the bridge actually opening for a vessel to pass .... and I knew that somewhere in my massive collection of Western World photos, I did have one (second photo).
Bullards Bridge being opened
And I actually found several, one of which is a barge which struck the bridge in 1966 (third photo), closing it for nearly a week while temporary repairs were made.
Bullards Bridge struck by barge, 1966
Think about that for a second if you work at Bandon Dunes or in Coos Bay, and had to go through Coquille to essentially get to the other side of the river. But that's the way we got to Coos Bay for years ... through Coquille.
An article in the Oct. 16, 1941, Western World, was headlined: "Bullards Ferry seen as local bottleneck to lower river folks."
"The Bullards ferry has been the bottleneck for years between the two sides of the lower Coquille river, and now that conditions are on the up and up, it is believed by the people of the two sides that this bottleneck should be removed and that Bullards ferry should be operated 24 hours a day, or that the county should sponsor the construction of a bridge."
Understanding the high prices and shortage of materials due to the defense program, people on both sides of the river realized that it would be cheaper to man the ferry 24 hours a day than to build a bridge, and so they submitted a petition to the county, which resulted in increased hours.
Thirteen years later, the Bullards Ferry Bridge opened.
The picture of the barge was taken in October of 1966, when the Oliver J. Olson Steamship Co. barge J. Whitney hit the bridge during an upstream journey to Rogge Lumber Co. This photo may have been taken as the bridge left Rogge Lumber, with close to 3,000,000 feet of lumber.
The barge struck the southwest concrete pier, which was cracked above the waterline by the impact, and was pushed off its footing. When the drawbridge was dropped, the top of the span was found to be nine inches out of line and the southwest curbline had a four-inch drop. That meant the southwest corner of the span had nothing to sit on.
The second picture, taken in November of 1968, shows the bridge being opened to allow a small fishing vessel to pass through.
According to information from the U.S. Coast Guard 13th District website, the bridge draw span is very rarely opened. As of 2009, when a special waiver was put into effect, not allowing it to be opened for 10 months during painting of the bridge, it had not been opened for marine traffic in seven years.
The bridge is opened once a year for maintenance, according to the website.
The recreational boating traffic that plies the Coquille River is able to pass under the lift span in its closed position.
The mill on the east side of the bridge has long since been closed, so the chance of an upriver barge striking the bridge has been virtually eliminated.
* * *
My thoughts are with my long-time friend and former Western World editor Melody Gillard Juarez , who is recovering from surgery in a Tualatin (outside of Portland) hospital.
* * *
I learned that former Bandon resident Bob Braddy, 85, died recently in Portugal where he was living with his daughter and son-in-law, Colleen and Clyde Showalter and their daughter, Fiona. Bob was married to Barbara Eakley, who died several years ago, not long after they had moved from Bandon to West Linn. After she passed away, he moved to Portugal with his daughter.
Clyde and Colleen are in the business of helping people move to Portugal, with their business "Portugal the Place."
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The 77th annual Bandon Cranberry Festival, Crandyland, opens Thursday (Sept. 7) with the coronation at 7 p.m. in the Sprague Theater, featuring members of the court, Rachel Eickhoff, daughter of Linda Eickhoff; Nyah Dimitruk, daughter of Miyuki Nohara and Bryce Dimitruk; and Marlin McCutcheon, Port Orford, the son of Dave and Vilma McCutcheon.
Other main events include the Cranberry Bowl football game Friday night at 7, with the Tigers hosting the Toledo Boomers, and on Saturday, the Grand Festival Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. on Ninth Street, near Dairy Queen, and winds its way down the hill, and into Old Town along First Street.
The main part of the festival will be held in City Park where you will find the festival marketplace, food vendors, a car show and music throughout the day and evening on Saturday and again on Sunday. A complete list of all events can be found at Bandon.com.
Police Chief Cory Dhillon let me know that during the festival, he has requested, and been granted, the Oregon State Police DUII Task Force. In addition to our local officers, there will be seven additional officers from neighboring agencies who will be doing focused patrols and traffic stops looking for impaired drivers.
"These officers are very well trained and experienced in finding and arresting impaired drivers," said Chief Dhillon. "Residents can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence that includes multiple other agencies."
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I am thrilled to let my readers know that the City of Bandon will soon have a new city manager. Torrey Contreras, who has been with the City of Cerritos, Calif., for over 30 years, has accepted the job and expects to be in Bandon in late September or early October. He recently visited with his wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Presley, who is a freshman at Syracuse University. I can't wait to introduce them to Bandon. Our present city manager, Dan Chandler, is retiring, but plans to remain in Bandon.
At the present time, the Contreras family is looking for a rental while they decide if they want to buy a home or build, so if you know of something that might be available please let me or City Recorder June Hinojosa know.
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The Port of Bandon boat ramp and marina will be closing Sept. 25, and will be reopened when the marina work is completed next year, according to Port Commission Chairman Reg Pullen. Another commissioner told me that the parking areas will remain open.
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People are reminded that they need to get the gorse cut on their property as soon as possible, and that they can dispose of the cut gorse by leaving it in front of their homes for pick up by Bandon Garbage Disposal, with the next debris pick up slated for the week of Oct. 2.
For more information about how to control gorse, people can view the Gorse Action Group's wall in the planning department section of city hall near the water fountain, or they can go to the GAG website. Liza Ehle will update the city council on gorse eradication efforts with a presentation at the Sept. 11 council meeting.
People are also reminded that the next free household hazardous waste collection event is set for Sept. 16 from 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m. at the Beaver Hill Transfer Site. Please call 541-396-7624 to make an appointment.
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A year ago this month I wrote about a German Shepherd attack on Franklin Avenue, which resulted in a woman being bitten and her little dog being so badly injured that he could not be saved.
People had been notified that the dog would be living in Langlois, but the dog has been seen in the back of a pickup back in the Franklin Avenue area untethered, causing concern for the victim of the earlier attack, who now has another little dog. Animal control and the local police department have been notified.
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I have learned about an upcoming event at Valley Flora, called In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild, set for Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. People will enjoy the magic of Hunter Noack's classical music while meandering through the fields of Valley Flora at Langlois. All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Wild Rivers Land Trust's "'heart of the dark coast" campaign. While the event is sold out, there are still tickets available for the Shore Acres concert on Sept. 8. Tickets can be purchased through the everbrite.com website.
Founded in 2016 by classical pianist Hunter Noack, In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild is a nonprofit outdoor concert series where America's most stunning landscapes replace the traditional concert hall. A 9-foot Steinway grand piano travels on a flatbed trailer to state and national parks, urban greenspaces, working ranches, farms, and historical sites for classical music concerts that connect people with each landscape, according to their website "In A Landscape."
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On the anniversary of the Bandon Fire of Sept. 26, 1936, I will be presenting the Fire program at Bandon's History Museum on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. The program is free, and will feature fire narrative and pictures that we've discovered in recent months, which have previously not been shared.
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The rainfall for August was a quarter of an inch, which makes the last four months (May through August), the second driest in the 19 years that I have been keeping track of the local rainfall. In the four-month period we've had a total of 1.84 inches of rain. The only drier period was May through August of 2018 when we had 1.11 inches of rain. During the same four months last year, we had 9.76 inches of rain.
Previous columns by Mary Schamehorn
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