This summer we’ve been sharing some of the interesting photos from the von Homeyer collection: a big batch mostly of family photos from the late 1890s through the 1950s. Everything from glass plate negatives to Brownie snapshots. The von Homeyers liked to take pictures!
Mingled in the collection are images of interesting places or moments that piqued our curiosity and got us wondering: when – where – what?
Here’s couple of winter images that led to a bit of old newspaper sleuthing. When we first saw this we thought: Broadway Bridge? But on second look, the setting and the structure didn’t seem right. Of note: the streetcar passing on the decks overhead. The date seemed important to the photographer and it turned out to be a helpful clue.
From the Oregon Journal, January 26, 1930.
According to the Vancouver Columbian newspaper, it wasn’t so unusual for the Columbia River to freeze over completely, including the “Big Freeze” of 1909 that halted commerce, mail delivery and ferry traffic across the Columbia between Vancouver and Portland.
Hans von Homeyer captured this view of the ferry Vancouver and the frozen Columbia River in January 1909. With no bridge (it came along in 1917), and no ferry service to towns both upstream and downstream, frigid winter weather in January 1909 caused hardship throughout the frozen region.
Here’s a deeper history of ferry service between Vancouver and Portland, from the Clark County Historical Society.
Hard to imagine from the sunshine and warmth of this t-shirt summer, but snow and ice will return.
Alameda Old House History 
Doug,
This reminded me of what my mother told me about her experiences with the frozen Columbia in the early 20th century. She was born in 1908 and lived in Cascade Locks through all her school years. During one of those hard winters when the Columbia froze she remembers being taken in a car across the icy expanse to Stevenson, WA. I’m not sure of the year, but I assume it was before the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks was built, or if not, then the bridge was also closed.
I wonder if any of your newspaper sleuthing turned up any reports of this, probably around 1920-5.
The picture of the airplane reminded me of another report. My mother also watched Lindberg fly his plane under the Bridge of the Gods during his barnstorming tour of the country in the late 20s.
Thanks for all the von Homeyer info. We live next door and are following the restoration/remodel with interest. Your reports and photos are helpful in understanding what the home and neighborhood were like originally.
Dick Slawson & Lyn Morrison
>
I had a picture with my grandfather in his car driving on the Columbia River in St.Helens Oregon and I wish I could find it
my grandmother said people walked out on the ice.
If there was no bridge and no ferry how did people get from portland to Vancouver?
They didn’t and there was no pressing need to at that time.
In elementary school our principal would tell stories of his childhood, one of those stories was about the river freezing over (he most likely heard it himself and retold it as if it was his own experience). He told us that people would walk across the river to White Salmon. That’s all I recall of the story, but I pictured them ice fishing and playing on the river while I daydreamed about it happening. It was a great story and to see a picture of it is incredible!
I grew up in White Salmon and my family has been there since at least my great, great grandparents. My grandfather told me of a time it froze, and a car attempted to drive across and went through the ice but got caught in a pocket and everyone got out ok, the car not so much (I think I’m remembering the story correctly). The Gorge Heritage Museum in Bingen, WA may have more information, but I haven’t been there since I was a teenager (currently 47). I’ve seen the edges freeze, but not to any significant distance.
My grandmother told me about the columbia river freezing over in mosier oregon she was born in 1904 Mabel Huskey I am her grandson Walter
I remember the Columbia freezing in the 1980’s near the Bridge of the Gods. It was -9° in Stevenson.
Multnomah Falls was frozen except for a small trickle of water.
My husband’s grandparents honeymooned in Vancouver the week after December 30, 1916. The I-5 bridge wasn’t open yet, the river froze over, and they told us that people drove their cars on the ice covering the river. Exciting times!
I had a grandfather that his name was Glenn Murray I also have a uncle same name never knew my great grandfather Murray wonder if any relationship? I’m Kyle murray
I remember driving around on the ice on the Columbia River with my dad in the early fifties in our huge 47 Chrysler and my mom was scared to death.
This is my Grandpa and Great Grandfather! I always enjoyed this story growing up and now share it with my son.
Additonally, the photo of my great grandfather Clarence looks like a copy of an orginal? I would be very intersted if it was available for purchase. I still live in the local area and I know my family would charish photo. Thanks!