History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

CHARLES A. BELL AND FAMILY

     Charles A. Bell was born April 28, 1860, at Faymouth N.B. He received his education and began his life work in the lumber business in his native town. In 1878 he came to the United States, following his calling in Montana and Idaho and then in North Powder, Oregon with the Oregon Lumber Company.
     Later he moved to Pendleton, and on July 4, 1889 was married to Miss Roselle Young of Faymouth, N.B. removing soon after to Millgard. In the fall of 1890 the family moved to Hood River, Mr. Bell bringing the largest logging outfit ever brought to Wasco County, consisting of several carloads of cattle and equipment which he used in contracting for the Oregon Lumber Co.
     In 1894 he purchased the Mt. Hood Hotel from Robert Rand and became closely identified with the interests of the town of Hood River. As proprietor of the leading hotel he met all new-comers and became the friend of all classes of people, he found work for the unemployed and fed the needy. Many foreigners, unable to speak the English language, were given a start through his efforts. He was active in providing a community Christmas tree and distributing Christmas baskets to the poor.
     He was a "Good Roads" booster and his activities were known throughout the state. In the construction of the Mt. Hood Loop Highway, he was a leader. He was head of the Rood River Welfare Association, a charitable institution, but his private charitable deeds were numerous and unknown to the outside world for he was a friend to all humanity.
     Fred Henry Bell was born at Hillgard, Oregon, May 2, 1890, and came to Hood River with his parents that fall.
     Mrs. Bell's health failed and they moved to Portland where she died. The hotel was leased and later sold to C.L. Gilbert in 1900. Though absent from Hood River for a time Mr. Bell never lost interest in the community. His son Fred attended the Hood River grade and High School and Hill's Military Academy at Portland.
     On November 19, 1907, Mr. Bell and Miss Ola M. Stryker were married in Portland. She was the daughter of Dr. David and Celia M. Stryker, early pioneers. She was educated at the Portland Public Schools and Willamette University. Dr. Stryker and his wife died young, leaving a family of children, of which Ola was the eldest. She cared for her brothers and sisters until they were able to look out for themselves and then entered hotel work. For three years she had charge of the dining room for the Y.M.C.A. She also managed the Sea Side House for the Holliday estate. In January 1908 Mr. and Mrs. Bell purchased the Mt. Hood Hotel from Mrs. Gilbert and in 1912 purchased from the Stranahans the ground on which they erected the "Annex" a brick building.
     At the beginning of the World War Fred enlisted in the 41st division, in transportation work. He served through the war with his company and on his return became associated with his parents in the Mt. Hood Hotel. In 1925 Mr. Charles Bell, after a short illness, passed away on April 15th. His sudden death was a shock to the community and the crowd that assembled at his funeral attested to the high esteem in which he was held.

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