To follow Chuggnutt’s lead.
I have lived in Bend a long time. We moved here in the winter of 1948-49, I went to H.E. Allen grade school (where Third Street Safeway is now) and graduated from Bend Senior High School (go Lava Bears.) Bend of the 2005s is very different from Bend of the 1950s. Some things have been lost from small town living and some things have been gained from growth.
Here are some the things I appreciate:
Choices of good restaurants, the Pine Tavern was about it for fine dining in the 50’s and early 60s.
Theaters, music, art galleries, movies, things to do. There was not a lot back then, that is one reason I escaped right after high school graduation.
The round abouts and their art, it feels so cosmopolitan.
I have always loved our library, I whiled away many a happy hour in the children’s room when it was on the main floor of the old library in the back.
That it is still small enough I can live "in the country" and have a short, pleasant comute.
Juniper trees.
H E Allen School. I remember when that school was lost to fire. I was in the 4th grade I think. I lived on Irving street at the time. This street is near the Red Lion Hotel that was across the street from the original KFC built in the 60’s. Wagners store was also nearby. I love Bend too. Our family had to move when our father lost his job at the mill in 1968. I didn’t come back to Bend until I was attending Baker High. We traveled there when we played against the Lava Bears. We lost 26 to 13. They were motivated to win that game because the previous year we had beaten them 13 to 7. Thier only loss that year I believe. I was sad to see the lodge, that was near mirror pond, had been demolished. Yea I love Bend. Would like to buy a Bend Lava Bears T shirt. Havent found one yet. Thanks for the Website. Brings back some great memories.
Don Sorenson