A Brief History of Extant Buildings in Old Town, The Original Port Orford Business District.
“In 1852, Oregon land claims officials, checking on Port Orford, reported that the town had about 60 buildings: one sawmill, three hotels, eight stores, two saloons, one ball alley (bowling), one mine, and 14 structures in a U.S. garrison (Fort Orford). An 1854 visitor described the
town as “lively … with about 1,000 inhabitants.” He reported many stores, hotels, and saloons and much business done by miners.”


“A forest fire destroyed the town in 1868, leaving only the Tichenor house, the stables of the Knapp Hotel, and one or two other buildings. Determined people stayed, and others came. Louis Knapp constructed a new hotel in the early 1880s. Some mines continued to operate. Logging and saw milling continued, and shipments were made by sea.”
“Settlers often had more than one source of income, such as a farm and a store or a gold mine. They might work part of the year in the logging industry or fishing. This pattern has persisted through the years. Even today, locals seek employment in Coos County.”


…[during the decade between World War I and the economic crash of 1929]. Port Orford was growing slowly, always dealing with its relative isolation from population centers, fluctuations in timber and gold markets, difficulties of maintaining facilities in the harbor, and the daily work of living in a beautiful area where warm, sunny days alternated with rainy days and brutal storms. Residents found ways to stage events and have fun as well. Conveniences were gradually added to make life easier: the automobile, telephone, and electricity. Automobiles were seen more often in Curry County after World War I ended in 1918. Major influences on the south coast, as elsewhere, were the dark days of the war, followed by the influenza epidemic, and the Roaring Twenties.
Text: Shirley Nelson. “Port Orford and North Curry County.” — PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS and additional research: REBECCA MALAMUD-EVANS

- The Seaside Hotel (Masterson)
- The White Western Hotel
- The Nielsen/Fromm Building
- Peg Leg Saloon (M.M. Bates/McPhillamy)
- C.A. Long Mercantile (Coast Candle Building)
- Old Telephone Building (One Lump Or Two)
- 351-Building (Point.B Studio)
- Nygren Hotel (outside of current scope)
Aileen Bellah
My birthplace in 1928. My favorite place in the world.
Jessica R Jones
That is awesome. Could you tell me some history on Port Orford that people may not know now.
William
Is this site not providing that?
Beckey Henry
I am looking for information on Katie’s Kafe. I think I read it had been in the Centennial Building. My Dad and previous wife had it at one time. Her name was also Katie. Fredolph Hugh and Katie Hugh.
Rebecca
Hi Beckey — you are correct that Katie’s Kafe was once in the Centennial Building. More information at: https://blog.portorfordhistoricalphotos.org/the-centennial/ … I will see what more I can discover and get back to you. I would also be interested in any information you can provide regarding the history. I am fairly certain I have some photos that are not published here. Thank you for your interest in Port Orford Old Town!
Beckey Henry
Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you.
Theresa
Any history on auto parks in port orford?
Rick Cook
Between 1925 and 1935 Frank and Murta McIntyre ran Garrison Lake Auto Camp. It was adjacent to what is now Blanco RV. The McIntyre’s also owned the Ames Johnston/Nick Marsh house at Blanco RV. Another auto court was at the Shoreline Motel. In 1928, Frank Friant bought the lot and buildings at the corner of 6th and Jefferson. He ran Friant’s Auto court there till 1935, then it became BaBel’s Cabins then Shoreline Motel. There was also the Kelley’s Villa Auto court ca. 1937 located between 19th and 20th streets. There probably were more but these three come to mind. Rick Cook