Ford, John Fletcher (c.1862-1914)
Ford, John T.
Ford, Charles W.
Ford, Richard S.
Floto Studio
Chronology
1900 Rainier
1900-1908 Portland
Directory Listings
1898 PCD pg. 285 “Ford, John USA Phillipines”
1899 PCD not listed
1900 PCD pg. 308 “Ford, John F photog 185 1/2 Morrison, res same”
1901 PCD pg. 290 “Ford, J F, Photographer 185 1/2 Morrison, res same.” plus display ad quoted below
1901 POWA pg. 299 Portland “Ford, John F photographer 185 1/2 Morrison”
1902 PCD pg. 367 “Ford, John F, photographer, 271 1/2 Morrison, res same”
1903 PCD pg. 345 “Ford, John F, Photographer, 271 1/2 Morrison, res 283 Baker.”; “Ford, Charles, finisher J F Ford, bds 283 Baker”
1904 PCD pg. 386 “Ford Co (John T, Richard S, and Charles W Ford), photogs 271 1/2 Morrison”; “Ford, Charles W (Ford Co) bds 451 13th”; pg. 387 “Ford, John T (Ford Co), res 451 13th”; “Ford, Richard S (Ford Co), bds 451 13th”; “Ford, John F., photog 271 1/2 Morrison, res 451 13th”
1905 PCD pg. 422 “Ford Co (John F, Richard S, and Charles W Ford), photogs 796 Washington”; “Ford, John F (Ford Co), res 451 13th”; “Ford, Richard S (Ford Co), bds 451 13th”; pg. 421 “Ford, Charles W (Ford Co), rms 796 Washington”
1906 PCD pg. 429 “Ford, John F, photog ft E Morrison, res same”; “Ford, Charles W, photog J F Ford, bds same”
1907 PCD pg. 533 “Ford, J F, rms 271 1/2 Morrison”; “Ford, Richard, clk O R & N Co, bds 294 Clay”
1909-1910 PCD not any listings
1910 POW pg. 756 Ilwaco WA “Ford, J. F., photographer”
Mautz Oregon “Ford, J. F., 1900, Rainier”
Photographer’s Imprints
“J. F. Ford, 187 1/2 Morrison” imprinted on front of card mounts. Views of logging camps. Some of the prints have 187 crossed out and 271 1/2 added in manuscript.
“J. F. Ford Photo, 243 Ash St., Portland Oregon” rubber stamp imprint on mount front, 6 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ print. (OHS)
“J. F. Ford, Photographer” cabinet card, printed front. This is the card stock he used for itinerant portrait and view work. ms annotation on back of card indicates this portrait was taken near Linton, and confirmed by the family (letter to Eric Stewart from Barbara Chavez).
News Items and Advertisements
1900: “Mr. J. F. Ford, of Rainier, the photographer, has removed his gallery and apparatus to Portland, where he has leased a gallery at Second and Washington street. Mr. Ford stated to us that
the demand for his mountain, river and timber views had become so great that he was compelled to seek new quarters in order to be able to do all the work necessary to meet the demand. His many friends in Columbia County will be pleased to know that he is prospering, and his business increasing to such an extent.” The Oregon mist. (St. Helens), July 06, 1900, pg. 3, col. 1.
1900: “Mr. J. F. Ford, the photographer, was in town last week displaying a collection of beautiful views of Columbia River scenery. Mr. Ford’s album of views would make a handsome Christmas present. Write or call at his studio, 185 1/2 Morrison street, Portland.” The Oregon mist. (St. Helens), December 14, 1900, pg. 3, col. 1., repeated Dec. 21 & Dec. 28
1901: “PORTRAITS AND ENLARGEMENTS. J. F. FORD, Choicest Collection of Mountain, Ocean, Columbia River, Fishing, Logging and Timber Views. 185 1/2 Morrison St, Portland, Ore. Telephone Hood 622” Portland City Directory 1901-1902, Portland; Polk 1901, pg. 880.
1901: 2 photos published of Southern Pacific railroad shops. Morning Oregonian, May 06, 1901, pg. 9, col 2-3.
1901: 3 photos of Portland houses published and credited to John F. Ford. Morning Oregonian, June 03, 1901, pg. 8 and 3 different houses next week in Morning Oregonian, June 10, 1901, pg. 8
1901: “Pictures of the lightship. The successful moving of the Columbia River lightship, No. 5O, weighing over 800 tons, overland from the ocean beach, where she went ashore, to Baker’s Bay, at Fort Canby, a distance of half a mile, by Contractors Allen & Robertson, seems to be considered quite a feat by shippers and others interested in shipping matters. Communications from marine journals, marine underwriters and others are constantly being received by Allen & Robertson, asking for information in regard to the moving of the vessel, and requesting for pictures of the route over which she was moved, the appliances used, etc. In order to fill these demands, they have caused to be prepared albums of photographs made by J. F. Ford, showing the lightship on the beach and in her course overland to Baker’s Bay, and finally at her wharf in this city. There are some 45 photographs in all, and they form an interesting collection and a souvenir of the event. Among them are a number of very handsome pictures, one of the prettiest being a view of Baker’s Bay, showing the military station there, the officers’ quarters, islands in the bay. Cape Disappointment, etc. Probably the most wonderful of them is a view taken from McKenzie head, a mile or more distant, showing the peninsula the vessel crossed, the ocean on one side, and Baker’s Bay on the other, with fish traps, etc., and the masts of the vessel looming up among the timber about midway on her journey. This picture was taken with a telescopic lens, and reflects credit on Mr. Ford’s skill as a photographer.” Morning Oregonian, July 18, 1901, pg. 7, col. 1.
1901: “Will Soon Be Started for San Francisco.
THE ROBERTSON LOG RAFT, BUILT NEAR WESTPORT, OR.
ASTORIA, Sept 6. The Robertson raft will leave out in a day or two for San Francisco, in charge of the powerful tugs Tatoosh and Richard Holyoke. It was built in the slough near Westport, Or., and consists of 600,000 lineal feet piling, procured in the vicinity of that place. The greater part of the timber came from the headwaters of Beaver Creek, from which a flume was specially constructed for that purpose, a distance of 10 miles. The raft was about eight months in course of construction. It is about 634 feet in length, of cigar shape, and is about 40 feet in diameter at the largest part. Its draft is about 24 feet, and it is very unwieldy to handle under the most favorable conditions. To tow it to San Francisco to the mouth of the Columbia is expected to take about 10 days. The raft is the largest of its kind ever built. Photo by J. F. Ford. Morning Oregonian, September 07, 1901, pg. 4, cols. 3-5.
1901: “Mission Hall Meetings. There will be a series of revival meetings held in the Mission Hall, corner East Stark street and Union avenue, during the coming Winter. Rev. J. F. Ford, evangelist, will conduct the meeting, commencing this evening at 8 o’clock. The work will be continued every evening, with personal work during the day, done by house-to-house visitation, and cottage prayer-meetings held by a holiness band. There will be no collection taken up at these meetings.” The Sunday Oregonian, December 01, 1901, sec. 2, pg. 11, col. 2.
1902: “J. F. Ford, the scenic photographer, is in the city from Portland.” The Morning Astorian, October 24, 1902, pg. 3, col. 5.
1904: “Photographs of Oregonian Building. A remarkably good picture of the Oregonian building has been made by J. F. Ford, of 227 Morrison street. The photograph was taken from the roof of the Meier & Frank building. Mr. Ford used a Zeiss convertible lens and a plate 11×14. It will be added to his city views in his general collection of Oregon scenery, of which he has one of the largest in the state.” The Sunday Oregonian, March 13, 1904, pg. 5, col. 5.
1904: “Ho, For Mount Shasta! — This is the last day when applications should be received at Mazama headquarters, 636 Chamber of Commerce, for the outing to Shasta. Each person expecting to accompany the club must pay $31 in advance to Earl C. Bronaugh, the secretary, in order to enjoy the benefit of the club commissary. Arrangements have been made for a San Francisco photographer on the art staff of the Sunset Magazine to accompany the Mazamas on their outing to Mount Shasta next week. The intention is to prepare a descriptive article of the Mazama climb, illustrating it elaborately for that magazine. J. F. Ford and other Portland photographers will also accompany the Mazamas. An unusually fine cook has been engaged to go from Portland, and camp fare being under the immediate direction of a committee of club members, will be the best the market affords. The Journey from Portland to Sisson, Cal., which lies at the base of Mount Shasta, has been planned so that by starting from here Tuesday night the marvelous scenery of the Callpoola and Siskiyou Mountains may be enjoyed in the daytime. This will be a leading feature of the outing, for it would be hard to find a grander scenic route in any part of the world than this. Mount Shasta rises to the height of 14,440 feet, and is therefore one of the highest mountains on the American Continent. The amazing beauty of its forest trees and flora have occasioned an extraordinary demand for importations of these to Europe. Its glaciers, extending for five miles down the mountain side, afford a most fascinating subject for study.” Morning Oregonian, July 23, 1904, pg. 7, col. 1.
1904: “NO TIME TO PREACH — Ministers With Mazamas Are
Too Busy to Talk. — PARTY NOW AT TIMBER LINE –Colonel Hawkins and J. F. Ford Advise the Climbers on Eve of the Ascent of Mount Shasta — TIMBERLINE CAMP. Mount Shasta, July 31 (Staff Correspondence.) It has been a strenuous Sunday with the Mazamas.
Even with three preachers in the outfit nobody has so much as hinted at a sermon or song service. As a matter of fact, time and surplus vitality have been taken up with temporal affairs, to wit,
the packing up and moving in light marching order of the entire party from Wagon Camp to Timberline. The chef came along too, and here this evening, at an elevation of about 9000 feet, everybody, including even Miss George and Mrs. Wardle, is eating like a lumberjack.
“Cooking’s awful easy way up here,” says the chef; “you can boil a pot of coffee almost with a match, but it won’t scald you if you put a finger in it, and it’s cold by the time you’ve poured It out and got it to your mouth.”
High above the camp towers Shasta in barren majesty. Its vast snow fields are absolutely dazzling in the sun, but they shine like moonlight. Patches of snow show ghostly white close to camp, and the evening breeze off the grand slopes has an arctic quality even while it tickles the fire into a cheerful breeze. The great event takes place tomorrow and everybody is on the qui vive.
“Now,” said Judge Northup as the party gathered round the fire, “perhaps Colonel Hawkins will favor us with a little talk on the noble art of mountain-climbing.
The Colonel modesty arose and proceeded to give a few hints to the novices present. He began: “The essential thing –”
“– Is,” murmured Mr. Ford, the photographer who joined the party, last evening, “to keep a straight face and a stiff upper lip.”
“The essential thing,” repeated the Colonel, “is to start early and take your time. Even quite frail people can accomplish wonders in the way of long tramps, or climbing mountains, if you
give them time enough. We should observe the regular Mazamas’ discipline, our president, Mr. Sholes, taking the lead and the others following behind in single file, each one endeavoring to step into the footsteps of his predecessor, thereby economizing as much energy as possible. Some strong climber, too, should bring up the rear, to look after stragglers. Then it’s just a matter of patience and perseverance.”
“What about clothing, Colonel?”
“Well, Mr. Bonncll, our naturalist friend from Berkeley, says when he climbed Shasta some days ago he found it hot work all the way up, but very chilly on the summit in the wind, which always
seems to blow on these high mountain tops. He says there are plenty of places up there, however, where one can get behind a rock, out of the wind and in the sun, and so keep fairly warm.”
Both the Colonel and Mr. Sholes recommended the party to wear very light clothing for the climb, but to carry a sweater or coat to put on upon reaching the summit. Everybody must wear snow
glasses, or colored goggles, they said, which brought up the subject of sunburn, many remembering former experiences of blistered skins. “What shall we put on our faces?”
asked several ladies in unison.”
“Keep a straight face and a stiff upper lip,” murmured the voice of the gigantic Mr. Ford from the shadows at the rear.
“I wear a red veil,” said Mr. Sholes; “scientists tell us that it is the actinic rays of the sun that burns the skin. If this is true, a red veil or screen should counteract such rays.”
“Do not put on a black-face makeup,” said Mr. Gllsan, “It is worse than useless.”
It was finally settled that cold cream or vaseline, with plenty of talcum powder, would be a fairly proper thing, within the reach of all.” Finally, led by Judge Northup, the party practiced on the
Mazamas “yell,” and leaving the camp-fire with reluctance, went to bed.
In addition to J. F Ford, the photographer, who, with Rev. E. C. Alford, of Jefferson, arrived last night, the party was heavily reinforced today by the arrival of the following: A party of four from Portland, including Rev. Earl M. Wilbur, Earl C. Bronaugh, H. W. Stone and Albert E. Doyle. From Grant’s Pass came A. E. “Voorheis and Fred Mench.
From San Francisco came three gentlemen of the Sunset Magazine — A F. Lawton, editor; Gilbert Hassem, photographer, and J. W. Coulter, assistant. Each group as it arrived was welcomed with
the yell,” Mrs. Frank Riley vigorously waving the American flag the while.
Mr. Bonnell, the young naturalist from Berkeley, who is spending the Summer collecting specimens in the Shasta, region, and who was the Mazamas’ guest last evening, says that, aside from deer and occasional bear, there is practically no game in the vicinity. Now and then one may hear a mountain grouse, and he succeeded in trapping a mountain beaver on the northeast side of Shasta.
Small squirrels and many kinds of insects are very plentiful. Speaking of Shasta, Mr. Bonnell says he found the climb in no sense dangerous, and difficult only in the sense that any steep ascent may be so considered. On the extreme summit, which is the top of a big rock rising a hundred feet or more above the general summit, he found a dilapidated box containing numerous papers left by other climbers of past years. Each recorded its time from Tlmberline. The shortest was four hours, the average time being about five hours from Timberline to the top. Some of these five-hour records included, the names of ladies, upon learning which the weaker members of the Mazamas were much encouraged. Mrs. H. H. Northup decided to await the return of the Mazamas at Wagon Camp, under the protection of Mrs. Koletzke. the redoubtable messenger of The Oregonlan. Before leaving, the party gathered a supply of logs, so the two ladles can keep up a big camp-fire and frighten off the “bears,” of which ferocious animals Mrs. Northup is in mortal dread. LUTE PEASE.” Morning Oregonian, August 01, 1904, pg. 10, col. 5-6.
1904: “afternoon exhausted.
THREE MAZAMAS RETURN.
Trip Was Successful and AH Members
Are in Splendid Health.
Colonel L. L. Hawkins, one of Portland’s enthusiastic Mazamas who stormed and captured the heights of Mount Shasta, returned from Sisson last night. Colonel Hawkins, burned with the sun, but none
the less happy, declared the trip to have been one of the most successful ever given by the Mazamas, and when he left the party of mountain climbers they were all in splendid health and hugely delighted with the trip. On the morning train came both E. C. Bronaugh and Lute Pease, and they also make the same report.
From all accounts, however, it seems that the successful outcome of the climb to Mount Shasta was, in a great measure, due to the foresightedness of Colonel Hawkins’ careful consideration for the women members of the party that brought them safely off the mountain. He early discovered, by the slow progress the climbers made, that darkness would overtake them before they could reach Wagon Camp, so, instead of going all the way up to the top of Shasta, he turned back to the camp at timber line and began preparations for receiving the stragglers as they returned. On the way he met J. F. Ford, and together they got the horse ready for Lute Pease to ride to Sisson, in order to get his description of the climb to The Oregonian. Then, as the other climbers arrived, they were given something to eat, the horses were packed and those who had determined to push on to Wagon Camp were sent off tired but happy. From Wagon Camp to Sisson, Colonel Hawkins mountain-climbing knowledge again saved the weary party many steps. He pushed on ahead and hiring a team at Sisson, returned and picked up the advance guard, took them to Sisson, and made a second trip and rounded up the other stragglers. Yesterday the party visited Shasta Springs. Colonel Hawkins tells a graphic story of the night spent at timber line. The party that remained until morning were Messrs. Glisan and Sholes, Colonel Hawkins and Mrs. Chapman. After Mrs. Chapman, who though very tired was not in distress on account of her climb, had been cared for, a huge fire was built, and Mr. Gllsan made the party what Colonel Hawkins declares to have been the most delightful oyster soup he has ever tasted.” Morning Oregonian, August 04, 1904, pg. 14, col. 1.
1904: “SCENES ON MOUNT SHASTA
These pictures are from photographs taken at Mount Shasta by members of the Mazama party. The smaller sketches are from snapshots by R. L. Gllsan. The rest by J. F. Ford, a Portland photographer. Following is a description by numbers:
No. 1 President Sholes And R. L. Glisan with the Mazama box on the highest
pinnacle of Mount Shasta,
No. 2 The entire party of climbers grouped on the rocks just before the steepest ascent.
No. 3 Mazamas in line, at an altitude of about 10,000 feet, climbing one of the steepest snow inclines on the south side of the mountain.
No. 4 Mazamas seated at dinner at Wagon Camp, about ten miles from Stisson.
No. 5 President Sholes and Rev. Mr. Alford, of Jefferson, on the summit with the
Mazama box.
No. 6. A party of Mazamas en route from Stisson to Shasta, pausing to look at
the mountain.” (both line drawings and 1 halftone photo are printed. J. F. Ford is credited for the photo, and the drawings are collectively signed Routledge, director of the Oregonian’s art department.) Sunday Oregonian, August 07, 1904, sec. 3, pg. 21.
1904: Reports of seaside resorts, under Long Beach, Washington, The Driftwood, J. F. Ford of Portland is listed as a guest. Sunday Oregonian, September 04, 1904, 1904, sec. 3, pg. 19, col. 3.
1904: Account of the Hood River Fruit Fair. “… Rinaldo M. Hall, advertising manager of the O. R. & N., is here today with J. F. Ford, a Portland photographer, obtaining especial pictures of the fruit exhibits for use in the booklets which the road sends out through the South and East. Mr. Hall is also accompanied by Mrs. Hall and her sister.” Morning Oregonian, October 15, 1904, pg. 5, col. 3.
1914: “DEATH OF REV. J. F. FORD. On Monday evening Rev. J. F. Ford, one of the best known citizens of Pacific county, and a lifelong evangelist passed quietly to rest after an illness extending considerably over a year. Mr. Ford was a native of Minnesota. He lived for a while in Kansas and Iowa, but the latter half of his life was spent in Oregon and Washington. He was married in Iowa in 1882, and there were six children born to him, four of whom are still living. He came under strong religious influences early in life and felt called to the work of an evangelist. He conducted a revival in Ilwaco in 1893 that touched every family in town. The present M. E. church is the outgrowth of that work. Father Hadley used to come from Oysterville before that, but soon after a building was started a regular minister was in attendance thereafter. Few men were better known in the logging camps of Oregon and Washington than Mr. Ford. In later years he added photography to his work but never lost an opportunity to preach. He was the warm personal friend of such old time citizens as Newton Hoffman, Dan Markham, David Herrold, Mrs. Kofoed, Benjamin Hutton, R. V. Egbert, and Robert Hall of Chinook. He was also well known in around South Bend. He was one of the most uncompromising opponents of the liquor traffic and nothing gave him so much comfort in his recent illness as to read and discuss the victories for temperance on the Pacific Coast. While feeling that he had no gifts as a settled pastor he had a well chosen library and knew how to use it. Ilwaco was his home for twenty-one years. He was nearly 53 years old at the time of his death. The funeral services were in the M. E. church on Wednesday afternoon. Rev. A. F. Kline conducted the principle part assisted by the venerable Wm. McWatters and Revs. Herbert Bushnell and O. S. Barnum. It was an impressive sight to see the friends of the earlier days gather to pay tribute to his memory. A choir of ten voices sang appropriate songs. Many floral pieces were sent. Charles Ford and wife, Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Smith of Portland, Roy, Ruth, and Mrs. Ford, all surviving members of his family, attended the services. Many friends went from town to the cemetery and several who did not come in met the funeral party there. So that the second audience was nearly as large as the first. The public sympathy for the family is universal.” The Ilwaco Tribune, (Ilwaco WA) 21 February 1914 pg. 1, col. 3. (courtesy Michael Cirelli)
1914: “Other Exchanges: Skamokawa Eagle. The death of J. F. Ford, of Ilwaco, removes a well known photographer, as well as a very pleasant gentleman. Mr. Ford had taken pictures all along the lower Columbia river and some of his will live long after his death. We have several of his pictures which we value highly because of their excellence.” The Ilwaco Tribune, (Ilwaco WA) 28 February 1914 pg. 5, col. 1. (courtesy Michael Cirelli)
1914: “Other Exchanges: Columbia River Sun. Stricken with pleurisy J. F. Ford, the well known photographer, died at Ilwaco February 16, aged about 52 years. Mr. Ford was a genial gentleman and his collection of logging and fishing views of the lower Columbia river embraced nearly every camp and fishing ground in the district. These photos are extremely interesting and valuable and a veritamine of picturesque illustration.” The Ilwaco Tribune, (Ilwaco WA) 28 February 1914 pg. 5, col. 1. (courtesy Michael Cirelli)
Bibliography
Palmquist, Peter, unpublished research notes. Summary: Charles W. Ford was born in 1873 in California, and lived in Monterey county, CA in 1900.
Brown, Robert O., Nineteenth Century Portland, Oregon Photographers: A Collector’s Handbook (author; Portland, 1991) pg. 62
Portland and Oregon New Scenic Beauties (Portland; Oregon Souvenir Co., 1904) credited photo.