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The Hood River News, Hood River, OR., March 12, 1913, page 1

THINKS HOOD RIVER WILL BE MECCA FOR TOURISTS

That Hood river has all of the attractions of which are bound to make it a Mecca for tourists and the summer home of hundreds of Portland residents, is the belief of J.H. Heilbronner, and he also believes that there is an exceptional opportunity for one or more up-to-date summer hotels in the valley.
"From my own acquaintanceship with Portland people," said Mr. Heilbronner, "I know that there are many Portland people who would welcome the opportunity to spend some time every year at a summer hotel located on one of the many beautiful sites in the valley. At present they must go to the seashore with practically no other alternative, but there are many who would prefer to seek recreation amid the beautiful surroundings Hood River can offer. Here we have the beautiful scenery, good roads for riding and driving, bracing mountain air and all sorts of places to which delightful outings can be taken. At the same time the people of the valley furnish a congenial society with which the tourists and summer visitors could mingle.
"Conditions in the fruit business, as in every other, are bound to vary. There will be good years and poor ones, but with Hood River established as a Mecca for tourists and a famous summer resort, as she well can be, there will be an income which will never fail. Portland people realize this. William McMurray, general passenger agent of the O.W.R. & N., has often remarked that Hood River people have not yet come to appreciate their opportunities in this line and he declares that his own friends would provide many guests for a good summer hotel here."
Mr. Heilbronner has been going over the matter for some time and he believes that the time will come when there will not be one but many such hostelries in this valley, some in the more settled portions and others secluded in the sylvan retreats of the hills and valleys where those who enjoy nature in the rough can find rest and recreation.
"It will also be a distinct benefit to the orchardists," he continued, "because the building of summer homes here by well-to-do Portland theirs will follow and there will be a demand for small tracts for this purpose. Portland people are enthusiastic about the Hood River Valley and many who prefer country to city life would maintain their families here a part if not all of the year. This will be especially true when the Columbia River road is opened, but we do not have to wait for that with the good train service between this city and Portland. When Hood River awakens to her opportunities in this line, she is bound to become a Mecca for vacationists.