Portland Places: Portland Firefighters Park

I originally posted the PORTLAND PLACES: Portland Firefighters Park page on my old website on March 17, 2010.

Portland Firefighters Park on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Park is almost hidden in plain sight, along West Burnside just a block from Providence Park.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The park is a memorial to the Portland firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The Firefighters Memorial in the park is named in honor of Portland Fire Chief David Campbell, who died in the line of duty on June 26, 1911 after serving as Fire Chief for 18 years.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

Campbell and his men had responded to a fire at Union Oil in southeast Portland. As they fought the fire, Campbell observed that the building was weakening. He ordered a retreat and entered the burning building himself to make sure all his men were clear, and as he did so an explosion caused a wall to collapse on top of him, killing him instantly. 

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The land for the memorial was donated to the City of Portland in 1918 by Katherine A. Daly, specifically as a place to honor Chief Campbell. However, it was not until 1927 that the memorial fountain was finally designed, by Paul Cret of Philadelphia with Ernest F. Tucker as a Portland representative, and construction began.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The memorial is constructed of Caen stone, a light colored, easily worked limestone imported from France and used between the 11th and 19th centuries for many significant European buildings, including Canterbury Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The monument was dedicated by Mayor George L. Baker on June 26, 1928 who at the time declared: "It is a memorial for all the Portland firemen who give their lives in the line of duty. I pledge that their names will be enshrined on plaques."

Portland Firefighters Park on February 27, 2010

Over the years that followed, the streets surrounding the triangular plot of land were widened so that by the 1960s, the memorial was tightly surrounded by city streets.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

In 1963 and 1964, the streets were altered to make room for a small park to surround the memorial, created by the Portland Junior Chamber of Commerce with assistance from the Oregon Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and local businesses and labor unions.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

Every year on June 26th, a service is held at the memorial in honor of Chief David Campbell and all Portland firefighters who died in the line of duty, and awards are given to current firefighters who have acted with extraordinary bravery. If the memorial is up to date, Portland hasn't lost a firefighter in the line of duty since 1977.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

The Portland Firefighters Memorial features some detailed architectural elements.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

Perhaps most impressive details are the green men sculpted into the corner pedestals.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

There are two basic styles of green man used here: three of each style.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

There seem to be slight differences between the three of each style, but this could just be the result of over 80 years of weathering of the soft limestone.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Memorial Lantern on February 27, 2010

On top of each of the two pedestals with the green men is a large decorative bronze lantern.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Lantern on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Memorial Lantern on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

Here are some more examples of the decorative architectural elements sculpted into the memorial's limestone.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

David Campbell Bronze Relief on February 27, 2010

The main feature of the memorial is a bronze bas-relief of David Campbell above the fountain, sculpted by University of Oregon artist Avard Fairbanks in 1927.

Around the base of the fountain are the names and dates of service of the 36 members of the Portland Fire Department who gave their lives in the performance of their duty. They are listed here in the same order they are in at the memorial.

F. WAGNER 1885-1890 F. McCORMICK 1910-1919 W. WILBUR 1917-1926 E. GUSTAFSON 1915-1916 F. PLATT 1914-1937 V. SPENCER 1951-1966

T. O'KEEFE 1884-1891 K. GUNSTER 1913-1921 C. RYAN 1924-1928 H. JOSEPHSON 1927-1928 E. BRADFORD 1913-1945 J. L. DEVANEY 1949-1977

J. HEWSTON 1883-1892 O. LEHMAN 1910-1921 W. McCREERY 1928-1928 F. KEARNEY 1925-1934 A. BERG 1919-1948 J. REED         -1881

T. GRENFELL 1883-1896 J. BALDWIN 1917-1922 R. LAISNER 1912-1930 H. MORROW 1913-1934 D. SHAW 1912-1949 H. KRIMBEL 1920-1930

D. CAMPBELL 1881-1911 O. GABRIEL 1913-1922 C. G. MARKSTROM 1930-1940 H. GARDNER 1923-1935 V. BROWN 1928-1957 J. ALLERTON 1923-1945

W. HIGDON 1911-1912 A. WEFEL 1905-1923 E. W. BILLS 1930-1940 W. HEATH 1892-1935 J. METCALFE 1938-1960 G. WARNER 1924-1946

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

A relatively recent addition to Portland Firefighters Park is Portland's old fire bell, which was placed here in June of 2000.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

Ordered after the great fire of 1873 nearly destroyed Portland's entire west side, the 4,200-pound silver & bronze bell was cast by the Meneely Bell Foundery of West Troy, New York in 1874.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

It was originally installed at the top of a 70-foot tower behind Vigilance Hook & Ladder Company #1 at Fourth and Yamhill and could be heard as far away as Oregon City.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

At that time, even horse-drawn fire engines were still in the future, and the volunteer firefighters ran to fires on foot, carrying their equipment and pulling the steam-powered fire engines by hand.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

Installation of a telegraph system with alarm boxes began in 1875, and in 1913 the fire bell was retired.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

The bell was displayed at special events for a few years before being put into storage, where it remained until being placed here.

Bell Tower Plaque on February 27, 2010

Because of its location, the current firefighters memorial is inadequate to host large crowds for events like the annual commemoration of David Campbell's heroic death. Thus, a new, larger memorial is planned for construction on the east side of the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge, with a dedication originally planned for the 100th anniversary of Campbell's death on June 26, 2011, but not yet built. This existing historic memorial will remain, although the bell may be moved to the new memorial. Therefore, here is the text of the plaque on the current "bell tower" which may or may not be moved with the bell.

We want to give special thanks to the following
organizations and individuals for the construction
of this great Bell Tower.

Portland Firefighters Association Aron Faegre Architect Jerry Abdie Engineer Brick Masons Apprenticeship Program Alaskan Copper and Brass Company Parr Lumber Company Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program

Mutual Material Portland General Electric Portland Police Association Safway Scaffolding Lone Star Northwest Portland Maintenance Bureau Carl Lauersen Artist

David Campbell Memorial Association
President Peter Linsky
Secretary-Treasurer Chief Robert Wall
Trustees: Betty Hedberg, Worth Caldwell, Jim Hebe and
Firefighter Paul Corah

June 2000

Related Links:
Portland Firefighters Memorial
Portland Fire & Rescue

This concludes the original content of my PORTLAND PLACES: Portland Firefighters Park page. To see additional blog entries about Portland, click on the Portland label.

First Floor Exhibits at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum

…Continued from Outdoor Vehicles & Equipment.

Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway Velocipede

This vehicle is a velocipede, a three-wheeled human-powered rail vehicle. It is similar to a handcar, but is designed to be operated by a single person. This one was built around 1917 and was used by the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway at Madras, Oregon. It was restored by Robert R. Brown of Issaquah, Washington who loaned it to the museum.

1929 Ford Model A Coupe

The Ford Model A was introduced in January 1928. By February 4, 1929, one million had been built, and by July 24, 1929 the total had reached two million.

1929 Ford Model A Coupe

This Model A coupe was built June 14, 1929, sold for $525, and was first owned & driven in Skamania County. It is powered by a 4-cylinder 200.5-cubic-inch gasoline engine that produces 40 horsepower at 2200 rpm and 128 ft.-lbs. of torque at 1000rpm. It weighs 2,216 pounds and rides a 103.5-inch wheelbase and features a 3-speed standard transmission and 21-inch wheels. Standard equipment included combination stop/tail light, windshield wiper, front & rear bumpers and a  Spartan horn. The Model A could be equipped with options like a side-mount spare tire, external sunshade, radiator ornament, wind vanes, rear view mirror, luggage rack, radiator stone guard and spare tire lock.

1929 Ford Model A Coupe

This car is on loan from Dick Dickerson of Westlie Ford & Mercury, Inc. in Camas, Washington.

1943 Ford Model 2N Tractor

Harry Ferguson invented a new method of linkage and hydraulic control of implements which he sold to Henry Ford and advertised as "The Ferguson System" that made a lightweight tractor more efficient and more affordable to the small farmer. This unrestored Ford Model 2N Tractor from about 1943 was originally owned by Reno Ziegler, who used it on a farm in Underwood, Washington. It was originally purchased with cast iron cleats on the rear wheels and disc wheels on the front, as tires were not available until after World War II. It also has a magneto system instead of a distributor and generator, another wartime contingency. It was later used to plow snow by Don Morley of Underwood, who donated it to the museum.

Model of Clahclehlah Village

This is a model depicting Clahclehlah Village, an important Native American trading center located on the north bank of the Columbia River. Clark made journal entries describing it on October 31 & November 1, 1805. The Corps of Discovery visited this village again on April 10, 1806 on their homeward bound trip. When the second powerhouse was built at Bonneville Dam in the 1970s, archaeological excavations were conducted at the site of Clahclehlah. These excavations from 1977 to 1979 were the most extensive of any site visited by Lewis & Clark and produced a collection of nearly half a million artifacts, the largest from any archaeological site in Washington.

Council Fire on the Columbia by David Manuel

This bronze sculpture by David Manuel of Joseph, Oregon, called Council Fire on the Columbia, depicts the Corps of Discovery meeting with Native American along the Columbia River.

Sacajawea by Cyrus E. Dallin

This statue of Sacajawea by Cyrus E. Dallin was originally a gift to the graduating class of 1915 and was installed in the senior lounge. When a new high school was built in 1956, the statue was placed in the library.

Mystery Rock

In 1923, road workers uncovered the Mystery Rock with a steam shovel at the Government Slide area while removing  the planking of a wood road surface. The Mystery Rock was notable because it had an inscription on it: "HBCoy 1811." No one knew what the inscription meant, and the Mystery Rock was placed at the front entrance of Stevenson High School. In 1983, Skamania County Historical Society director Sharon Tiffany believed the inscription referred to the Hudson's Bay Company, and wrote to Portland attorney and history buff David Swart, whose research into the migration of Canadians to Oregon at the encouragement of the Hudson's Bay Company gave him a reputation as an authority on the company. Swart's busy life kept him from from responding to the letter until the spring of 1993, and he quickly came to the conclusion that the inscription did refer to the Hudson's Bay Company, and that when combined with the date, became an important piece of history. David Thompson of the North West Company was commonly believed to be the second person to follow Lewis & Clark down the Columbia River, arriving at the mouth on July 15, 1811. The Hudson's Bay inscription had to have been made by Joseph Howse, an English native who had worked for Hudson's Bay since 1795 when he was 21, who was the first Hudson's Bay officer to cross the Rocky Mountains. His expedition of 17 men left Terre Blanch, Canada on June 20, 1810, reaching the mouth of the Columbia during the winter and returning to Edmonton House with 36 bundles of furs by July 30, 1811, but none of Howse's journals or letters survived in Hudson Bay's archives, so the exact details of his route were unknown. The inscription on the Mystery Rock, which was probably engraved in January, 1811, is evidence that Howse followed Lewis & Clark's route down the Columbia before Thompson.

C.S. Doumitt Storefront Façade

Inside the museum is this recreation of an early storefront, decorated as C.S. Doumitt General Merchandise.

Buckboard Wagon

This buckboard wagon with an eight foot bed was meant to be pulled by a single horse and was built around 1890. It was used by Captain Celo and Carlina A. Anderson on their farm in Carson, Washington in 1892. The Andersons were Norwegian and raised a family of eight. The buckboard was restored by Woods Edge, Ltd. of Carson, Washington and donated by Steven R. Anderson of Vancouver, Washington.

Model of the Sternwheeler Bailey Gatzert

This is a model of the Bailey Gatzert, which was launched in 1890 at John Holland's yards in Seattle. It initially ran on Puget Sound, then ran on the Columbia River from 1892 to 1917. Every day, the Bailey Gatzert left Portland at eight in the morning, docked at The Dalles at three in the afternoon, and returned to Portland by 9:30 at night. The fare was one dollar. One June day, Captain Archie Geer found the Cascade Locks were closed due to high water. After warning those not daring enough to take the risk, he and some 100 passengers plunged over the Cascade Rapids aboard the Bailey Gatzert with its whistles blasting, making it one of the few sternwheelers ever to do so. The Bailey Gatzert was transferred back to Puget Sound in 1917. It was converted to an automobile ferry in 1920 and was taken out of service in 1926, becoming a floating machine shop.

Historical Photos:
Bailey Gatzert at Cascade Locks, circa 1909 (OSL)
Bailey Gatzert (CGDC)
Bailey Gatzert (CGDC)
Bailey Gatzert, 1926 (SPL)
Bailey Gatzert, 1926 (SPL)
Colorized Postcard of the Bailey Gatzert (UO)

Pilot Wheel from the Bailey Gatzert

This is the pilot wheel from the Bailey Gatzert. It is 7 feet in diameter. The wheel is on loan from the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, Washington, which received it from Henry Callison.

Pilot House Bell from the Bailey Gatzert

This is the Pilot House Bell from the Bailey Gatzert.

Enlargement of Stamp Depicting the Bailey Gatzert

This is an enlarged reproduction of the 1996 US Postage Stamp depicting the Bailey Gatzert.

Riverboat Memorabilia

This is a collection of other riverboat artifacts.

Pilot Wheel from the ferry Eva Jane

This is the Pilot Wheel from the ferry Eva Jane, which was operated by Charlie Smith between Stevenson and Cascade Locks.

Continue to Grand Gallery Exhibits…

Hood River #35: Hood River County History Museum

300 East Port Marina Drive

Hood River County History Museum on June 10, 2009

The Hood River County History Museum originated with the Pioneer Society, which started collecting artifacts in 1907. It led to the incorporation of the Hood River County Historical Society in 1949. The current museum building opened in 1978 and had approximately 11,000 artifacts. Below are the largest artifacts, which are displayed outside.

Steam Engine on June 10, 2009

This steam engine powered an early river boat on the Columbia River east of the Cascade Mountains in the 1850s. During the 1856 Indian Uprising it is believed to have powered the river boat Mary when she brought settlers from Cascade Locks. The engine later powered the first flour mill at The Dalles, Oregon. Later it was purchased by the Oregon Lumber Company and was used at their sawmill near La Grande. In 1959, Anton Lausman, its last owner, presented it to the Hood River County Historical Museum.

Crapper School Bell on June 10, 2009

In 1893, Dorsey Crapper donated the land for Hood River's first school, and the school was named after him. In 1893, the school had 16 students taught by a single teacher, Miss Graham. This bell was made by American Bell Foundry and was placed in the bell tower at Crapper School.

Historical View of the Crapper School
(HRCHM)

By about 1910, there were too many students for the school and it was torn down to make way for the Oak Grove School. The bell was saved and installed in the new school, where it remained in use until the school closed in 1968. The following year, Hood River County took ownership of the grounds and Oak Grove Park opened in 1974. The Oak Grove Schoolhouse survives today as a private residence and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This bell was donated to the Hood River County Historical Museum by descendants of the Crapper family in 1980.

Paddle Wheel from the Henderson on June 10, 2009

When the Cascade Locks were completed in 1896, steam-powered paddlewheelers became the primary form of transportation in the Columbia River Gorge, able to carry passenger as well as cargo like timber and produce between The Dalles and Portland in about six hours on a good day.

The Henderson
(HRCHM)

The M.F. Henderson was a 160-foot sternwheeler built in 1901 by the Shaver Transportation Company as a freighter and tow boat. During a 1911 overhaul, the name as changes to simply Henderson. The Henderson enjoyed a long career on the Columbia River pulling and pushing log rafts and grain barges and escorting ships to their docks. By 1950, Henderson was one of only two wood-hulled sternwheelers still working on the river.

The Henderson racing the Portland in 1952
(Columbia River Maritime Museum)

In 1952, the Henderson was used in the filming of the Jimmy Stewart film Bend of the River, carrying the name River Queen, and that same year participated in the last sternwheeler race on the Columbia River, against the Port of Portland's new steel-hulled Portland. After falling behind early due to a loss of steam, the Henderson's crew quickly built the pressure back up until the paddlewheel approached 30 revolutions per minute, and the Henderson, carrying Jimmy Stewart and other cast members of the film who came along to cheer, came from behind to win the 3.6-mile race. In December 1956, the Henderson was towing a steel-hulled grain ship upriver from the mouth of the Columbia towards Portland when heavy winds and waves repeatedly smashed the Henderson's wooden hull against the more substantive tow and the crew was forced to beach the Henderson near Columbia City. The Henderson was declared a "constructive total loss" and was abandoned on the beach until 1964 when it was burned to recover scrap metal, but not before Hood River orchardist and boat builder John Hounsell obtained permission to remove the paddlewheel, which he brought to the museum and restored in 1977.

Aviation Beacon on June 10, 2009

The 30 mile section of the Columbia River Gorge between Hood River and Beacon Rock was one of the worst sections of the transcontinental airway for navigation. This aviation beacon originally stood on Anderson Point 16 miles west of here, one of nineteen low-level (250 feet above the river) beacons installed in 1931 by the Federal Aeronautics Administration and its predecessor the Airmail Division of the Post Office Department to guide airmail pilots through this section of the Columbia River Gorge. This is believed to be the only survivor of the nineteen beacons. It was purchased, flown to Hood River by helicopter and donated to the Hood River County Museum by Betty Jean and John Hounsell in July of 1982.

Morning Monument on June 10, 2009

On this monument is a poem called Morning, written by Shizue Iwatsuki, a Japanese woman who settled in Hood River with her husband in 1916. It was read at the annual poetry reading ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan in January, 1974. The poem reads:

In the light of the morning sun
on the Columbia River
a wheat-laden tugboat is sailing.
Look! A Japanese ship is anchored.

Columbia Gorge Sailpark Pedestrian Bridge on June 10, 2009

Connecting to the museum grounds is the Columbia Gorge Sailpark Pedestrian Bridge. It was designed by Haner Ross & Sporseen Engineers and built by Custom Aluminum & Ironworks  for the Port of Hood River in 1985.

Continue to 36: Overlook Memorial Park…