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"Vista
House is intended to be the finishing achievement for the greatest
highway in America, and will grace the highest spot on that wonderway"
-- Oregonian, November 14, 1915
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View
from Vista House facing west
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The
designer of the Historic Columbia River Highway, Samuel Lancaster,
described Crown Point as the ideal site for "an observatory
from which the view both up and down the Columbia could be viewed
in silent communion with the infinite". And it could "serve
as a comfort station for the tourist and the travellers of America's
greatest highway." We say "You done good, Sam!"
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View
from Vista House facing east
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"How
often is the best scenery cut and gashed most horribly because either
those in authority did not know, or else had no sense of appreciation?"
-- Oregon Journal, 1915. Thank God this reporter's fears were not
realized in this case.
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This
poster from 1915 was headed "A wide, unfettered road ahead,
and the flying motor singing!" Even modern day RVers can
relate to that sentiment! This is Mitchell Point Tunnel, which was
demolished in 1966 during freeway construction.
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The
historic highway was designed "so as not to mar what God
has put there." Pedestrian arcades and stone benches were
constructed where walkers could rest or view nature. There are only
remains of this foot bridge near Latourell Falls.
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"The
state should be plastered with campsites like a Christmas package
is plastered with stamps." So said the Oregon Journal on
September 26, 1920. Here's a view of one of the first ones in the
area.
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| Mrs.
Margaret Henderson, owner of the Crown Point Chalet, circa 1923. How
would you like to go camping in these clothes?? |
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Thank
goodness we can be a whole lot more comfy today, like me and mom
seen here with the Vista House as a dot in the distance on the right
hand mountainside.
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