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In 1920 James L. Cook opened a new $8,000 concrete garage and gas station which still stands at the curve of the historic highway near Beaver Creek. As a family business, it was convenient to have their home right next door. Cook later developed a thriving trade converting passenger cars into tractors.

Cook's Garage, after 1920

Cook's Garage, after 1920

Sandy River Station, c1941-1946

Sandy River Station, c1941-1946

Cook's Garage under construction during the 1920 smelt run in the Sandy River.

Wheel, Vehicle, Tire, Motor vehicle

James L. Cook's garage and gas station was one of many stations that popped up when the Columbia River Highway opened in 1916. The location of his garage was advantageous for the smelt runs in the Sandy River. He and his family would place an outdoor stand across the street from the gas station to offer an "All You Can Eat Fried Smelt Dinner" for fifty cents.

Men in the community would gather at the garage to listen to the ball games on a 1927 Atwater radio.

This building has had many uses, owners, and occupants over the years. The Al Espenel family took over operations after the Cook family. The family lived in the house just to the east of the garage. Both the garage and the house were affected by the 1948 and 1964/65 floods.

In the early 1940s, it operated as the Sandy River Station by Bill and Lillian Mirehouse.

The advent of the Interstate 80 freeway (now I-84), the Columbia River Highway and its businesses experienced a reduction in automobile traffic. This building adapted by housing occupants such as a tax office and an art center.

Nesbit, Sharon. It Could Have Been Carpdale. Pediment Publishing, 2007.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Troutdale Historical Society

Troutdale Historical Society

Troutdale Historical Society