A Peek at Cascade's History

Cascade has evolved over time. Buildings have come and gone. Buildings have changed ownership or morphed from one business to another. As most know the Homestead/Canyon Life Church used to be the Sportsman Bar. But did you know at one time a Mexican restaurant filled that slot? Mike DiAngelis has a picture of Central Avenue from the river’s viewpoint towards the ‘old’ school – ya know the one that was 3 stories tall. This picture according to Mike has a perfect picture of a sign hangin outside the building of what became the Sportsman Bar naming it a Mexican Restaurant.

Then we have the F. N. Askew Livery Stables, later to become the City Stables (at some point in time) on the Southwest corner Central Avenue and First Street. The original stables were built in 1905 by H.W. Ludwig. Over the years it was owned/managed by H.W. Ludwig beginning in 1905; then in 1908 -Arthur F. Atkinson. In 1910 H.F. Wellhouser took over; to be replaced by Fred Askew in 1911. In 1914 W.S. Ora and E.O. Simmons came into the picture with E.O. Simmons and Fred Turnbow becoming owners in 1916. Fred bowed out and in 1918 Or and E.O. Simmons became owners.

The Livery stables were torn down at some point and the Continental Oil Company built what we think was a Conoco station on that corner which was managed by Earl Watson. It is said by some that at some point it was turned into a restaurant and drive-in.

The Indian Hammer Vet Office with Dr. Bill Patten and Dr. Frank Ferrell moved into the building in 1976. In January of 2005 Dr. Cale Bjornstad took over the Indian Hammer. The Indian Hammer closed (we aren’t sure what year). Then about 2018 Mike DiAngelis bought the building. He advertises as United Electric. He remodeled the place and made it into living quarters.

There was a dentist office run by Earl Munroe at some point but we aren’t sure where in town or when. The Hong Chong’s Café sat on North Front Street next to the Hughes Brothers.

The Jail is an interesting little item. At one time it sat in vicinity of Ray Pier’s Machine Shop across Central. We just aren’t sure just where Ray’s Machine Shop was though. Then in May of 1912 it was moved to be more centrally located next to home of Ed Hilt south of the Bridge. But in December of 1973 the jail was moved to Ronnie Maxwells North of Cascade. There are stories in the archives of interesting tidbits about the jail’s history.

One occupant didn’t particularly like being housed there, so he thought he would extricate himself by starting the jail on fire. As it was essentially a wooden structure it might have eventually worked. Unfortunately things didn’t go as planned and the fellow almost died from the smoke before he was rescued.

Marvin Green’s Gent Furnishings originated in 1912 at 14 Central Avenue from the old J. W. Johnson blacksmith shop. As is apparent it sold men’s furnishings.

The Oddfellows Lodge stood at the Northwest corner of Central Avenue and Front Street. It was erected in the 1890’s. The Main floor housed the Shepherd and Flinn Mercantile Store. The Second floor contained the Lodge Hall and a Recreation center. In March of 1906 it burned down.

This address appears to be the same as the Lorang Building which housed a meat Processing business. We aren’t sure when the Lorang Building was built or by who exactly. It was later sold to Steve & Tina Crow who sold the business to Lyle & Carolyn Yoder in November of 2022.

The Warner Hotel was the first Hotel built in Cascade between bridge and the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pierre. It was built by Frank Warner and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Warner until 1903. It was then sold to Mrs. Ela Williams who operated it until it burned down in 1906.

There are many interesting tidbits in the archives of Cascade. If you have some corrections to the above, let the Library know. If you have more details of what you have read, let us know.

We are still looking for more information on the building of what now houses Judy’s Mop Shop; the Buckhorn operated by Fred Aten; and Rowe’s Garage on the North side of Central Avenue west of the bridge that was erected by Melvin Rowe and eventually torn down. We also have Briscoe Hardware on the south side of Central Avenue between the Charles Pierre home and the river. In 1909 Alfred Briscoe erected a brick store that dealt in hardware and farm machinery. In 1923 it closed and stood empty till it was torn down during the late 1930’s. We are hoping someone might have a more confirmed location. So is Charles’ last name Pierre or Perrine?? We have seen it spelt both ways. OR are these two separate people? What about the Masonic building?? Lots of interesting history.

For those who would like to join our Book Discussion once a month on Monday nights – stop by and check out the next discussion book.