Repair Shop, Baker City, Baker County, Oregon
Story of Repair Shop brings up Question!
by Phyllis Badgley
A bit of history regarding the
Washington Avenue property for proposed exchange between Randy Daugherty and
City of Baker.
In 1934 Bow Erving brought his family to Baker and
established a auto body shop along Powder River at the site now being discussed.
The wooden frame building faced Washington Avenue at
the location of the bridge and abutted the immediate sidewalk. an open bay in
the center of the structure provided easy access for cars needing body/fender
work.
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Erving, of Swedish heritage, followed the custom of that country and maintained living quarters for his family above the auto body business. Access was by a covered stairway on the west side of the shop. His family consisted of wife, Catherine, daughters, Lynea and Adina and son Bob. After a successful business of 30 years, an era ended when the building was razed in the 1960's. Bob Erving and his wife are both deceased. Erving's daughter Lynca Adams resides in Baker City where she is active in history research and volunteering. daughter Adina lives presently in Arizona and Bob, as a jet fighter pilot, retired as Lt. Col. in US Air Force and now resides in Texas. |
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Question I recall a red brick structure of 1930-40 era. Located on the bank of Powder River, approximately 200 feet south of Washington Ave. It may have been a energy producing "steam plant" or "gas plant". Possibly associated with the local Eastern Oregon Light and Power Co. At one time Mr. DeFrees operated it. Can any reader provide more information to help fill in my memory chamber? |
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Printed here with the permission of Baker City Herald
