Local Unitarian History

presented by Juliana Sandahl, Sept. 14, 2008

Part 1 of 4

Introduction

In Jan 2006, I gave a program on our Fellowship, including not only our history, but the presence of a much older Unitarian congregation from the early 1900’s. The presence of this older church and its connection with the famous Eliot ministers has always fascinated me and I have pursued researching its history. So first I’d like to share with you what I have learned about this old church before I begin the history of our own Fellowship.

Thomas Lamb Eliot

Thomas Lamb Eliot founded the Church of Our Father in Portland in 1867. He was very active in establishing Reed College, the Multnomah County Library, the Oregon Historical Society, the Oregon Institute, the Mazamas, and the Interfaith Counseling Center. The pioneers of Hood River valley included only about 15 families in the 1870’s when the famous Rev. Thomas Lamb Eliot began spending his entire summers here in 1878, purchased sizeable pieces of property, built a summer home and became friends with the “father of Hood River” the Hon. Ezra L. Smith who arrived in Hood River in 1876.

Ezra L. Smith

Ezra L. Smith came from the Washington territory where he was former governor pro-tem. In Oregon he became speaker of the house as well as a prosperous business man here. Smith and Eliot became close friends, mountaineering together, exploring Mt. Hood, Cooper Spur, and rediscovering Lost Lake. Eliot Glacier is named after Rev. T. L. Eliot. His son, W.G. Eliot, also a minister, helped found the First Unitarian Society in Hood River in 1902.

Original Building

Many of you probably recognize this building on 9th and State St. but you may not have known it was built by the First Unitarian Society of Hood River in 1905. Prior to building the church, they had met at the town hall. Smith donated the land for the building. This same family donated the land for the library and the Georgiana Park in town that we enjoy today in front of the library. The Smith house still stands by the library where the Wine Cellars business is located.

The Old Unitarian Church, Built in 1905, Ninth & State St.

Here’s a view of the church in the background as a retaining wall is being built on 9th street. This is looking north. When you drive by now, you can see the bear sculpture made from a tree on the front lawn.

The Old Unitarian Church, now a private home, is listed on the Oregon Inventory of Historic Properties. I obtained this copy from our local history museum. It was built in the Gothic style with diamond-pane windows and a steeply-pitched gable roof. In 1918 the Unitarian congregation membership transferred to Riverside Community Church, formerly a Congregation Church. Immanuel Lutheran church bought the building and occupied it until 1954 when they outgrew it and built a new church across the street where they still meet today. The old church was sold to a private family.

History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River

Mrs. W.M. Stewart, first secretary of the Unitarian church and the daughter of Ezra L. Smith, wrote this history account of the First Unitarian Society of Hood River. It is in the book, “History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River” compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon and can be viewed “on line.”

33 Charter Members

Ezra Smith and his wife Georgiana and their four daughters and families make up a good portion of the 33 Charter members of the congregation.

160 Acres at Belmont and Avalon Way

This map shows where the Eliot’s had property in Henrietta’s name. It consisted of 160 acres. They previously had owned 40 acres on what is now Belmont Road and Avalon Way. That property was sold when they bought “Eliot Woods” along Indian Creek.

Shushula Cottage

“Shushula” cottage was the name given to the Eliot place built in 1889. Here they entertained many guests and vacationed with their family in the summers. The house no longer exists because it burned down in 1905.

Blueprints

However, the history museum has in its acquisitions the architectural of the house. It was designed by Whidden & Lewis, well-known architects.

Where's the Kitchen?

It is interesting that there is no kitchen in these older homes. I believe the cooking was done in another outside building.

Donation of Land for Park

When the Eliot property was sold, 12 acres of land on the south slope of Indian Creek was donated to the city of Hood River for a park. In looking at an area map, note the Eliot name places—Eliot Dr. and Eliot Park. I’ve outlined the section of land that they had previously owned which consisted of 160 acres or ¼ section.

From HR News, it was of interest to note Eliot Park being used by tourists for camping in 1917. Perhaps we should explore the possibilities of its use now?

Here also is a reference to the naming of Eliot Dr. in the HR news also acknowledging his early history here and the donation of the park land.

Often Mis-spelled

In this letter from T.L. Eliot himself, he requested that since the glacier was named after him, he would prefer that his name be spelled as he spells it. (Shall we tell Elliot Glacier Pub in Parkdale?)

So, please remember the Eliots and the Ezra Smiths of Hood River. They are significant in early Unitarian history in Hood River and we can be proud to claim them as our forebearers.

We should all remember the NW Eliots who helped found the first Unitarian Society here in Hood River and whom the Eliot Institute and Camp Eliot also honors. Both spent their summers here in Hood River with their families and we have a Park, a Glacier, a building and a Drive named for them.

continue with Part 2 of 4