This was the place for hunters in the 1950s

The Argus-Observer reported in early October of 1953 that the Vale Hotel, a favorite of out of town hunters, was sold by its Portland owner to a new Portland owner, Blanche Straight.

Ms. Straight didn’t need to worry about having a full house, at least the outset.

Charles Crittenden, the manager, said all rooms were full up for the hunting season and one hunter had even sent in a check to rent the storage room where he’d be provided a cot, probably along with some other hunters who would be seeking a place to park their shotguns and tired bodies.

The big draw, Crittenden told the Argus, was the hotel’s special accommodations for 15 to 18 hunting dogs.

The hotel was also remodeled by its previous owner, Dean Vincent, to provide visitors with steam heat or air conditioning, depending on the weather, of course.