Motivation For Launching This Blog

The foundation of this facebook page is the image (above) and the sole reason for my effort. I was searching the internet the other evening for images of Pacific Trailways at Bend when I came across this image shared from The University of Oregon (Eugene) Library, 'Architecture of Oregon'. What blew me away, was standing on the edge of the frame, was myself in about 1975 (I worked for Pacific Trailways from 1974-1976). After some 45-years to run across an image of this building where I just happen to be standing in front is astronomical at best!

Captured by renowned photographer Marion Dean Ross, the image was donated to U of O, accompanied by over a thousand such images, showcasing Oregon architecture (origin was the Ross estate). My participation in this 'moment-in-time' image was just happenstance, what an honor!

This all said, I am moved beyond words. To see myself standing at the exit of the bus pull-through, seemingly gazing into the future, to be found all these years later. Wow! I must thank Mr. Ross for this poignant glimpse into the life of a young boy, and his association with this beloved company, without which this image I would likely have not started this page.

Please click on any images for high resolution. This image used in accordance with University of Oregon copyright guidelines.

Please note: the posting years are to insure the posts scroll in cohesive sequence. 

Focus

This is a memory page-- Pacific Trailways (1068 Bond Street), also known as Mt. Hood Stages, is no longer in operation. Founded by Myrl P. Hoover (died in 1970) and his brother Maurice, operated by William Niskanen when I worked for them. The company was an icon of Bend Oregon and the Northwest for many years. The employees of this fledgling operation and the traveling public are what keeps the memory alive after all these years-- 2018.

My background follows the parallels of the traveling industry, first with Pacific Trailways, and then as a ticket agent at Greyhound, in Corvallis. After this, I worked 10-years at Evans Products, which revolutionized the automobile industry with the first maintenance free batteries (Diehard), they also maintained the largest railcar fleet in the nation. After this I moved to Sedona, Santa Fe, and Tucson, worked in the hospitality industry, Old Tucson Studios, and owned my own business for a time. The crowning achievement of my career, however, was working for United Airlines. This aviation association led me to write a book about the founder of TWA-- (shown here) Jack Frye, and his wife Helen Vanderbilt Frye.

Dedication

This page is dedicated to Frank Aden (Pacific Trailways Depot Manager) he was a great boss, and a father-like influence for me. Never a kinder man, he was a consummate professional who guided his employees with wisdom and care. Frank never let on that he knew how tough my life was, yet he was there for me, and guided me to be a better person in some very tumultuous years. Thank you (memorial) https://bellavidafuneral.com/frank-aden-sr/

I have to also mention Jon Hobijn (Traffic Manager) recently passed away. I knew Jon as a kind younger man in the organization who was also a pleasant guy and was seen constantly bustling around the depot area and the upstairs offices. Jon became the owner of his own bus line (Blue Ridge Trailways) and was an avid historian. His work through the years documenting the transportation industry around the nation is to be commended.

Others in the management mix were Myrl P. Hoover (passed in 1970), Leonard Bolton (Traffic Manager), and William J. Niskanen (President).

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 1

My association with Pacific Trailways actually begin in June of 1974. As a young boy with a less than desirable homelife, I boarded a Trailways bus for a new chapter of life. Filled with trepidation, I was scared and excited, I was traveling to La Pine Oregon to live with my mother, who I had not resided with since I was 5. As the bus pulled out of the Union 76 station (also bus stop) at Dayton Washington, I looked out the window on the life I had there, good and bad, and settled in for a long trip. I was surrounded by strangers and truly alone. When the bus reached Biggs Jct., I had a layover, with no money, and no one to meet me, the kindly bus driver (I think Paul Gatley) apologized for the small bus station being locked for the night. He proceeded to let me sleep in the bus where I would be safe and have a restroom. The next day, it was off to Bend and La Pine, via Columbia River and Shaniko. (Image taken at Bernard's 410 Steakhouse) where I worked just previous to my departure. This experience changed me from a boy to a young man.

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 2

Unfortunately my 'going to live with my mother' didn't turn out so well. We soon moved from La Pine to Mt Hood where her husband followed his construction work. After a month, I was on my own again with nowhere to go. Lucky for me, a kindly lady who frequented a tourist shop called Grandma's Cupboard (owned by Lenora) offered to take me in for the summer. Her name was Rita Stoll, never a bigger heart existed. I said goodbye to my mother and moved up to Rita's mountain home (above Zig Zag Oregon). I soon found employ at the Alpine Hut in Rhododendron (owned by a gay couple). I didn't realize the significance of this at the time, not only rare, but a real trailblazing venture for these two young men (main owner was Jim Henry).

Majestic Views

With a backdrop of Mt. Hood, Mt Hood Stages, Inc. DBA Pacific Trailways, was a frequent site navigating the highways from Bend to Portland Oregon.

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 3

After my stay on Mt. Hood for the summer of '74, I ended up in Bend. where my Dad had moved after being separated from his wife. The living conditions were not ideal, but I was able to start high school again.

I was hired at Pacific Trailways as a baggage boy by Station Manager Frank Aden. Trailways became my home away from home when I wasn't at school. During the day ticket clerks worked the buses, in the evening they were loaded by myself and other baggage boys. Whenever a bus came in, the shop personnel would clean and service it. The buses pulled through from the back alley and parked in a bay next to the waiting room.

Waiting For Buses

Yes, that was me at 16 in front of Trailways (downtown Bend) waiting for the evening buses. The buses pulled through the alley in the back and out through the breezeway to the street where they departed for the Willamette Valley, Klamath Falls, Boise, and Portland. ( Fall of 1974-1975)

Stellar Service

I remember so many employees who worked for the company the same time I did, unfortunately, many names are forgotten. We had a great group of drivers, mechanics, and office personnel. Shown is the night shop mechanic who was a super guy and a pal (name omitted for privacy). He is servicing a Pacific Trailways MCI likely inbound from Sweethome Oregon.

Notice the red cinders on the wheel, this sand was used extensively around Bend during the winter. Because of the drips and cinders-- I would say there was snow on all the roads in Bend when this was taken (1974).

Hot Chocolate

Taken on one of the nights I was working at Pacific Trailways (next door at the cafe). I would go over there between buses to see my friends and have some hot chocolate on cold winter nights. (1974)

Pacific Trailways Cafe

Another interior shot of the Pacific Trailways Cafe at Bend. Shown are a couple friends (names omitted for privacy). There was another waitress everyone loved named Della. I would walk over there and order pumpkin pie 'with lots of whip cream, please!' Bless Della's heart, she would bury the pie with whip cream and I was a happy camper!

Lava Butte 1975

Photo of myself taken on the cinder cone called Lava Butte south of Bend at the same time I worked at Trailways. Notice I am wearing the same shirt and belt as the header picture on this page.

25-Years-Later

Many times through the years I have driven up to Lava Butte, interesting though in this image I am standing with my foot on the same sign.

Pacific Trailways Station Manager

In an old box of negatives I happened across a picture I took of Station Manager Frank Aden in about 1975. I will try to get a better scan and replace this if possible. Meanwhile this is a wonderful blast from the past-- this is the rear of the ticket counter office at Bend. Frank always had this stern look on his face to keep all us baggage boys in line! LOL!

Luxury Silver Eagle Equipment

Parked behind the bus station is this late model Silver Eagle taken when I worked there. Our fleet also included some older MCI's, especially in use between the Willamette Valley and Bend.

Pacific Trailways Routes (1980) 

MCI Scenic Cruiser

Greyhound scenic cruiser in the day. Trailways also ran a couple of these older models when I was there. They were known as 'freighters' because of their cavernous cargo holds.

I always felt we had a pretty congenial relationship with Greyhound, but as far as routes & territory, it was a different story. This was worked out between managements and in the courts. I saw the same issues with TWA and UAL and think it is just part of the business of transportation.

Mount St. Helens Movie (1981)

I mention this film because it has some great footage of the rear of Pacific Trailways shops at Bend Oregon.

Additional footage out at the Bend Airport, Brooks Scanlon, the dump, Century Drive, Lava Butte, and outside Pine Tavern, etc. I think one of the reasons they used the rear access to Pacific Trailways is this way they could film without impeding traffic on Wall Street. The rear entry to Pacific Trailways was like a wide private street that saw little traffic, just buses. This film is like old home week and worth seeing. See: St. Helens Movie

The Big Purple Bus 

To those from Bend Oregon this bus was a familiar site. In the back of the Pacific Trailways garage were two bays next to the large pull through. This is where two buses were parked, one was a ski bus which was painted all purple. It was in service from Bend to Mt Bachelor each day during ski season. The interesting thing about it was that at school whenever we got a good snow there was a noticeable absence in classes of kids. This was because students would skip school to go skiing for the day. Picture is a screen shot from 'St. Helens' (1981) filmed in Bend. It shows the rear alley of Trailways, the large bay is the pull through, and the 2 smaller ones (left) are garages. As I mentioned earlier this building was originally Wenandy Livery Stables, Central Oregon Motor Company, later in 1934, it was purchased by Mt. Hood Stages, Inc., DBA Pacific Trailways as the home base of this regional transportation company.

For anyone interested 'St Helens' was filmed in and around Bend, there were several scenes done in the passway behind Trailways, and at Pine Tavern. The picture here shows ramps on a flatbed truck which were used to crash cars.

Trailways (rear)

Another screen capture from the film Mt St Helens (1981) of the rear of Pacific Trailways. The building (right) where the Pontiac Firebird is parked was the Pioneer Hotel in 1975, somewhat of a city hotel, with reasonable rates. The Pacific Trailways drivers, however, stayed in various motels nearby. The building in the background is the Pacific Trailways shops. Notice the 'Dodge' painted on the upper area. This harkens back to when this building was an automobile dealership.

Another View

Here is another image which accompanied the header image above. It was taken moments before or after I had walked away. Copyright by renowned architectural photographer Marion Dean Ross, it is held at the University of Oregon Library Digital Collection. It is displayed here in accordance with their usage guidelines.

It shows a broader view of the building which was originally Wenandy Livery Stables and Central Oregon Motor Company. By 1934 it was purchased by Mt. Hood Stages, Inc., DBA Pacific Trailways for the operations center of this regional transportation company. The white building (left) is the Trailways Cafe. These buildings have been demolished, a tragedy, not unlike the Pilot Butte Inn.

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 4

Working for Trailways was a grounding experience for me, this due to Frank (my boss) and the people who surrounded me there. I was promoted to Head Baggage Boy which made me responsible for three other baggage boys. One was Earl who was in some of my classes (his brother Jay was a ticket agent). I worked the evening buses, and every so often stayed on after the last bus to wax the floors of the depot (I was responsible for cleaning the depot and emptying the trash in the upstairs offices) etc. On those cold snowy nights, after everyone left, I would work until 4 A.M. waxing and cleaning the depot (I would lock the door after I left). Many times the buses were late, and I would be delayed. One night, rather than go all the way out to where I lived, I slept in one of the stored buses in the rear of the shop next to the Purple Bus (this so I could get to school early the next morning). My friend (the shop serviceman) came in to open early and was alarmed when he found me. "Did you stay here?" he said as I tried to explain, "you can never do that." He wasn't upset with me, just concerned that I might get in trouble. That is the last time I tried that.

The Miracle

When I started at Trailways I was walking 2 miles from school to the depot each afternoon, and then 2 miles home. If I got up early enough and didn't skip classes in the morning, I could take the BSH bus to school. Bend is known for a lot of snow, so they were long cold walks, however, there were steam radiators at the bus station so I could stay warm.

One day I went to the Safeway Mall and saw a jar on a display where if you guessed the number of beans you could win a new Raleigh 10-speed. I wrote down a number on a piece of paper and put it in the jar-- then I forgot all about it. We didn't have a phone so I left the number at work. One day I went in and they said you won a bike, call this number. I had guessed within 4 beans. Someone was watching over me for sure-- I finally had wheels. The Raleigh bike shop on Greenwood Avenue agreed to service it for me as needed.

Lost & Found

Trailways MCI -- taken in about 1987 (Oregon Plate) this image captures Pacific Trailways in all its glory. Found on E-Bay with no association of provenance-- whoever the photographer was, great capture, and thank you! This appears to be about a 1980 model.

Pacific Trailways Views- Portland Skyline

I was a pretty independent guy in the 1970's. This image was from one of my trips from Bend to Portland RT, I was all of 16. I had free passes with Pacific Trailways (my job) and Portland was Oregon's biggest city, full of lots of adventure and heartache. (The view is out the window, downtown, past a fellow passenger). All the bus drivers knew me and looked out for me.

Portland Oregon Downtown

Pacific Trailways Terminal (1010 S.W. 6th Avenue) I think this is the block where the Congress Center is now at 1001 S.W. Fifth Avenue (built in 1980). Unfortunately this image is not so clear as this was taken from the passenger window of a Pacific Trailways bus on one of my trips to Portland. The date is summer of 1975.

History-- The old Central Bus Depot was located at 509 S.W. Taylor Street Portland Oregon, by 1970, Trailways operated out of 1010 S.W. 6th Street, now Greyhound transfers are at 550 N.W. 6th Avenue. This image is looking southwest down 5th from Salmon. The buildings are not as close as they appear and it is quite deceiving and hard to identify. For instance the Wells Fargo building is 5-blocks down the street (left). Note-- Identification of landmarks-- finally a breakthrough connected with another image taken in this area. The tall building (left) background is the Wells Fargo Building opened in 1972, the federal style building just next to it (left) is City Hall. The colonnade building (left) foreground is the Multnomah County Courthouse. The tall white building (right) of frame is the Standard Insurance Plaza built in 1963, and finally the building at the right bottom corner of the frame is the old Congress Hotel. So much has changed down here it is hard to locate old landmarks.

Pacific Trailways & Greyhound Depot Portland Oregon

As stated previously, I was able to ride Pacific Trailways on a travel-pass. So in the summer when I worked at the Huckleberry Inn (contract depot) for Pacific Trailways, I was able to come and go to and from Portland. The image here is when I went down to see Irene (who spent time down there at a hair salon, and on Mt Hood too). She had dropped me off in her '69 Grand Prix at Trailways downtown, which shared terminal space with rival Greyhound (550 N.W. 6th Street). Irene hated having her picture taken (she was Native American). Irene was a dear friend who from 1974 on tried to look out for me. She was busy though, she had a salon in Portland, Brightwood, and would take the ferry to Juneau every year to do hair up there (the money was good she would always say).

On those trips to Portland, I would walk the streets and observe. One memory is my first visit to Hamburger Mary's, what an experience, what a cool diversified place! I could have fell into drugs or worse, but I didn't, I had a vision and that wasn't part of my plan. I always returned back to Mt Hood and the Huckleberry Inn unscathed, but wiser.

Views From Pacific Trailways

Traveling in and out of Portland in the mid-1970's provided a different skyline than that of today. The views were dramatic and entertaining. I always lived in a small town growing up so it was quite an adventure for me. Buildings (clockwise) 40-story First National Bank Tower, view from Morrison Bridge of skyline and Hawthorne Bridge, 1225 SW 6th Avenue (University Club of Portland), Ross Island Bridge. 

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 5

Huckleberry Inn & Pacific Trailways

Those days at Bend I spent as little time at home as possible. I practically raised myself garnering good from those I met as role models. In spite of this I reveled in my freedom and independence. My Dad didn’t really have a place for me, as he was working construction at Bend, I was more of an inconvenience, but I had to have somewhere to come and go from. My life revolved around work and school, and friends’ homes, I guess looking back I was an interloper with some and feel bad to have imposed on people at times.

This was ever apparent after school let out for the summer of ’75. Because I was an employee of Pacific Trailways, and later at United Airlines, I received travel passes and flight passes. I could travel nationwide or fly worldwide. The caveat though was time and money. This particular summer, I decided to take the bus up to Mt. Hood again. I called my friends Rita and Bill and asked if I could spend another summer with them sleeping on the sofa, they agreed. I took Pacific Trailways up to Wemme, and a mutual friend Irene, picked me up in her 1969 Grand Prix. When we got up to Rita’s, suddenly, I learned they did not want me to stay the summer after all. Irene took me back to her hair salon at Brightwood for the night. Again, I had nowhere to go and spent the night wondering where I would end up for the summer.

The next morning, I found Irene had been doing some footwork for me and found me a job at Government Camp at the base of Mt. Hood. The place was the Huckleberry Inn, a historical landmark restaurant, and ironically a contract bus stop for Pacific Trailways, part of the original foundation of this transportation concern. Irene drove me up there and dropped me off-- problem solved! After she drove away, I was again feeling pretty lost, surrounded by strangers, and all alone. But kids are resilient, that’s for sure, and I was a survivor. I soon settled in, and they offered me a room upstairs where I could sleep. I also could travel back and forth to Portland on my days off on Pacific Trailways. I knew all the drivers, so it was like an extension of my life at Bend, and that gave me comfort, as they all treated me like part of the Pacific Trailways family.

Photo shows Huckleberry Inn with Mt. Hood looming in the background (1975).

Battle Axe Inn

The original Battle Axe Inn, at the base of Mt. Hood, Government Camp Oregon. Also an official Mt Hood Stages Bus stop (DBA) as Pacific Trailways Bend.

Ski Town- Mount Hood Meadows

Summer of 1976 at Pacific Trailways Bus Stop, Huckleberry Inn, Government Camp Oregon, (Mt Hood). How many remember taking Trailways Bend to Portland or return, and stopping here for lunch or dinner en route. A more innocent time long gone in the wonderland backyard of Portland for summer, and a skiing mecca in winter.

Brightwood Oregon

In the mid-80's I drove up to spend Thanksgiving with Irene, who met me at her Brightwood property. (This was the same 'hair salon' I spent that lonely night back in the June of 1975) previous post. My Eldorado is seen parked in front. Irene had some friends there, we all decided to jump in my car and drive up to Timberline Lodge while the turkey was in the oven! We made it halfway up the road to Timberline Lodge from Government Camp when even the front wheel drive was unable to proceed further. The road was so icey we literally rotated the car on solid ice and pointed it downwards. We hurried back to Brightwood to check on the turkey which unbelievably was not overcooked! (Sorry for the blurred slide).

Serving Hungry Passengers

If you boarded Pacific Trailways from Bend to Portland you ate at the Huckleberry Inn at Government Camp (base of Mt. Hood). The waitress who fed all Trailways passengers the quickest and got them re-boarded was Avis Hood- the quintessential server. I adored her- what more can I say. Notice the 'Trailways' sign hanging over the cashier desk (left). Think the tape recorder on the counter was mine, I listened to cassettes all the time that summer. (1975)

Mount Hood Looms

This image was the view from the Huckleberry Inn at Government Camp. Official Pacific Trailways Bus Stop back to the timeframe of the original structure (Battle Axe Inn). The newer Huckleberry Inn was built on the site of the old Battle Axe Inn (destroyed by fire on November 07 1950). 

I feel blessed to have spent two summers on Mt. Hood (1974 & 1975) times of youth which are milestones in my life. To live up there among the rich history and locals was enriching and I will always remember the kindness I experienced and the pioneering people I met (and the hippies who summered there).

Pacific Trailways Bus Stop & Huckleberry Inn Mt Hood

One of my pals at the Huckleberry Inn- we all had so much fun that summer. (1975)

Lunch Stop

As stated previously I not only worked the school year for Pacific Trailways in Bend, but for the summer of 1975, I worked at the Huckleberry Inn Government Camp which was a contract station for Pacific Trailways. Here is an image of the children of the owners of the restaurant and a Pacific Trailways Silver Eagle bus parked (right). This would have been a scheduled stop so passengers could off load and have lunch or coffee. (1975)

Landmarks

Each summer I spent at Mt. Hood, first at Zigzag, and the second at Government Camp, there was one ominous landmark, Mt. Hood, which could be seen from everywhere. This image shows the ever present monument behind Huckleberry Inn, summer of 1975.

Old Ski Bums

We called this guy 'Old Chris' he came into the Huckleberry Inn all the time. He worked for either Mount Hood Meadows or Timberline (you can see his pass clipped to his parka). He was a community icon and the most connected to Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows guy in Government Camp.

Servers

One of my favorite servers was Carolyn from Montana. Always kind-- and good at what she did. Huckleberry Inn (Summer of 1975)

Huckleberry Inn Memories

In an effort to protect the identity of people I knew that summer of 1975, I have omitted names with images. I can say, I do know who these people were, I have no idea what happened to them.

Whenever an east or west bound Pacific Trailways (or tour) bus came in, it could be very busy. When I wasn't working I spent my time in Portland, or riding my bike around the area. One such occasion was a camping trip to Trillium lake for one night with a waitress I worked with (strictly platonic). We also got someone to drive us up to Timberline lodge where we and our bikes were off-loaded for a coast down the mountain. I remember going around a curve too fast and almost flying over the side. 

I have to mention a gal named Edna who was the restaurant manager. Her husband did all the baking. One weekend I filled in for him, it was so much fun to make the yeast dough and cut out the shapes. The tricky part for me was the proportions. The maple bars were huge, so much so, that we called them 'Bigfoot' bars. Edna seemed gruff when you first met her but was pleasant when you got to know her. One time she gave me a ride down to see my friend Irene who had a hair salon in Brightwood, 'down the mountain', as everyone would say. Edna had a big 'ole blue 1969 Cadillac and I still remember how floaty the ride was (air suspension). My friend Irene always did her hair, which was piled high in a late 60's style.

The owners were wonderful to work for and I have fond memories of that friendship. There was an easy harmony between them and all of us which made working at the Huckleberry Inn a great summer for all. I have so many memories, too many to mention here, I look back with the bittersweet feeling of youth and adventure.

Mt Hood Stages DBA Pacific Trailways

Keeping with the theme of this page, Mt Hood Stages at one time provided service between Timberline Lodge and the landmark Battle Axe Inn (later Huckleberry Inn) at Government Camp.

Mt Hood & Trillium Lake

After 25-some years Harvey and I visited Trillium Lake where I rode my bike into camp so many moons ago. It looked somewhat the same, I remember in 1975, the water was shallow and warm. At that timeframe, we rode our bikes from Government Camp (8-miles roundtrip) feeling dwarfed as we waited with a line of cars paying at the ranger entry station. Summer fun!

Mt Hood Oregon
25-Some Years Later

Constant backdrop to my two summers of 1974 and 1975 was Mt Hood, whether one is at Government Camp, Rhododendron, Zig Zag, Wemme, or Brightwood, this mountain stood as a sentinel in your life, a guardian that watched all. Interesting in this image the summer snow that shrouded the slopes in the mid-70's all summer is noticeably absence, likely due to climatic cycles.

Timberline Lodge (1977)

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 6

At summer's end 1975, it was time for me to leave and return to Bend. My Dad had a neighbor (Albert) who was passing through from Portland, he gave me a ride back to Central Oregon. Unfortunately in Redmond, a car hit us, I have no recall if we drove on into Bend or were towed. Either way it was a climatic end to a great summer.

I soon settled in to my old job as Head Baggage Boy at Pacific Trailways, and returned to Bend Senior High. This new chapter may very well have been replaced by a different one though if circumstances on the mountain had taken a different turn. Before I left, the owners of the Huckleberry Inn offered to take me in, or at least were open to it. I did not solicit this, it was their desire. My stepmother happened to be passing through, and I remember she went up to their suite to discuss it with them. I was filled with trepidation, as I felt perhaps, I could possibly have a real home at last with normal loving people. However, for whatever reason, she said no, and the opportunity passed away. To this day, it breaks my heart, as I loved the couple who owned the restaurant and wanted to be a part of their family.