These 13 Candid Photos Show What Life Was Like In Oregon In The 1920s
By Sarah McCosham|Published July 12, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Oregon is a fascinating state with a fascinating history. From our inextricable ties to the Gold Rush and Oregon Trail, to our indefatigable pioneer spirit and insatiable appetite for the Great Outdoors, there’s big history here in the Beaver State. We’re feeling nostalgic today, so we thought we’d share some photos of Oregon from the 1920s that capture the spirit of that pivotal decade. These 13 candid photos show what life was like in Oregon in the 1920s, an entire century ago:
Oregonians have always loved a day at the beach. Here's a group of enthusiastic swimmers at Seaside Beach in the 1920s.
The Historic Seaside Promenade (or “Prom,” as the locals lovingly call it) is a picture-perfect pathway along the shoreline of Seaside Beach. It was built in 1921, and has long been a favorite place to take in Oregon's coastal views!
In the 20s and 30s, Portland's Broadway Theatre was *the* place to be. It opened in 1926 and operated until the 1980s. The building was demolished in 1988 and replaced with the 1000 Broadway building.
Political tensions in America were high in the 1920s, and Oregon was no exception. Photographed here is criminal syndicalism trial of Communist Labor Party members in Portland in 1920.
Oregon has a history of craftsmen and makers; we like to build things with our own two hands! Here's a photograph of workers building and assembling furniture at the Oregon Chair Co. in Portland.
For Oregonians looking for a mountain retreat, Cloud Cap Inn was the place to go. This winsome inn opened in 1889 and featured such luxuries as indoor toilets and even telephones. It closed in 1946, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Another big part of Oregon's identity? Orchards. Oregon's cherries, apples, and berries are unrivaled, and there's nothing more delightful than a day spent harvesting the Beaver State's bounty.
The Vista House was built in 1918 at Crown Point, and originally served as a scenic stop for road-weary travelers. Some called it the $100,000 Outhouse, but we think it's absolutely divine.
We hope you enjoyed looking at these candid photos of Oregon in the 1920s. It’s nice to look back and reminisce sometimes, isn’t it? For a more recent trip down memory lane, check out these 11 things you’ll remember if you grew up in the ’80s in Oregon – we’re sure you’ll remember a few!
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