School and Family Life in Old Detroit, Oregon

by Pam O’Brien Doan

My family lived in Idanha in 1946 then moved to old Detroit in 1950 or 51 and then up to new Detroit in 1952-3. My sisters are the ones who have more information regarding families and history than I do since they remember Idanha and old Detroit. I was too young at the time. My recollections start in new Detroit. Here are some memories shared with me by my sister, Lauralee (O’Brien) Hirte (pictured in the front row of this school photo):

Going down the hill towards the river were the Woodards. Dick was in high school and Arlene was in my class. Then Goodeves I only remember the daughter Peggy who was a very good friend of my sister Lois.

The Budlong family lived in this neighborhood as well. They were: Percy, Emma and their children, Jim, Dick, Lucille, Carl, Nancy and Bob was the youngest. My sister Lois married Carl and they celebrated their 72nd anniversary before Carl passed away in 2022. My sister Lois still lives up on the hill directly above Mill City where she and Carl settled on property owned by his grandparents. Their farm was along the “Hudel” Rd. which was named after his grandfather.

Noyes and Ina Whitten with daughter Cara Lee and Rusty their son were down closer to the river. Carl, my brother in law drove log truck for Noyes for 44 years before retiring.

Cara Lee skipped her 2nd grade and went into the 3rd grade which was my class.

A significant event that took place during our 3rd grade was an earthquake. Everyone left our school rooms and stood out in the school yard until it was safe to go back inside. My teacher was Mrs. Gooch.

Another house belonged to the News family near the river. Mrs. New played the piano for the Idanha Church. There were two daughters: Eva was a senior while her sister Sally was in the 8th grade.