This week I am sharing the story of the developer of one of Bandon most unique resorts, which was built before the fire of 1936.
The obituary for John Johnson Dornath, 69, said to be the founder of Natureland Cottages and beach resort (first photo) on the Bandon
Beach Loop Road, died at his Blue River home from a heart ailment on Sept. 4, according to the article which appeared in the Sept. 9, 1948, Western World.
"Deceased was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, Aug. 8, 1879. He was married April 5, 1902, to Augusta Hoeger and they came to the United States in 1905. They lived in Iowa until 1912, then moved to Canada, where they resided until 1922. Returning to the US. they took up residence at Alvador, Lane county, later moving to Curtin, Douglas County, where Mr. Dornath operated a shingle mill for several years. From Douglas county they moved to Arago in Coos county in 1927 and later to Coquille.
"In 1934, the Dornath family moved to Bandon. Mr. Dornath bought several blocks of land in the Sunset City (addition) where he built Natureland home and cottages, which was developed into one of the principal beach resorts of the local area.
"Mr. Dornath and his sons designed and built the machinery for the manufacture of grooved shakes and lumber which was used in the construction of his home and cottages. Natureland Cottages were of Swiss chalet design and are distinctive in architecture. An artistic old-fashioned windmill (second photo) furnished water for a large beautiful garden of flowers and native shrubs.
"John Dornath was a wood-working craftsmen of the old school. He bought a bit of the picturesque from the Old World to Bandon Beach, and his place was, and still is, an attraction to tourists.
"In recent years he sold most of his interests and in 1947, because of failing health, he moved to Blue river, on the McKenzie river, where he retired and where death came last Saturday.
"Deceased is survived by his widow and 10 children: including five sons, John, Theodore, Stanley, Enno and Jasper; and five daughters, Mrs. Lloyd Waggoner, Mrs. Victor Olson, Mrs. Elton Aasen, Mrs. Ray Getchell and Mrs. Roy Robinson."
The original house still stands although the windmill and the cottages are long since gone. In later years, what was left was owned by Margaret Gorman, who also built two motels on Beach Loop (including Gorman Motel at Coquille Point) both of which have been torn down.
Another article in the Sept. 9, 1948, Western World features the Port of Bandon tug (third picture).
"In preparation for the full scale fall salmon run in the Coquille river and to aid Bullards ferry operation, the tug Port of Bandon was put to work for seven days in the past two weeks clearing snags from the river.
"The tug, under command of Captain Ted Pierce, worked from Riverton to Bandon, clearing 'dead-heads,' brush and other partially submerged debris comprising hazards to fishing and ferry operation."
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Facerock Creamery did well at the recent American Cheese Society competition, winning first place for its clothbound peppercorn harvest cheddar, and second place for their cheddar curds and smoky cheddar.
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Speaking of doing well, Bandon High School received a distinguished honor, by winning the OSAA (Oregon School Activities Association) Cup in the 2A classification for the 2023-24 school year.
It wasn't until I began searching through the OSAA website did I realize what a real honor this was, and certainly in relation to other schools in our area.
The OSAA Cup began in 1995 as a way to recognize overall excellence in schools, in academics, activities and athletics. The award honors a school's students, teachers, coaches and the entire school community. Schools earn points based on their participation and finish in OSAA state championships and for top 10 finishes in the academics all-state program. There is also a sportsmanship component whereby schools are awarded points each season for having no ejections.
Winners in each category, and the number of points they amassed, follows: 1A, Crane, 1,806.66 (Powers and Pacific tied for 48th with 680 points); 2A, Bandon, 2,495.05 (Blanchet Catholic finished second with 1,938 points and Gold Beach finished 28th with 830 points); 3A, Valley Catholic with 3,342.5 (Reedsport was 29th with 815 and Coquille was 40th with 717.5 points; 4A, Marist Catholic (North Bend was 6th and Marshfield was 10th); 5A, Summit High of Bend; 6A, Jesuit High of Portland.
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A film about the origins of land use in Oregon will be shown free at the Sprague Theater on Wednesday, July 24. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 6:30. Viewers will get a link so they can share it with their friends, according to spokesman Katy Eymann.
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Whiskey Run Lane, outside of Bandon, will be closed to all through traffic at milepost 0.0-1.9 on July 20 from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. to allow for a Bike Event (Ride the Dirt Wave), according to a press release from the Coos County Road Department. They ask that drivers choose an alternate route during that time.
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A celebration remembering the late Bill Binnewies will be held Sunday, July 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Barn Community Center in City Park, hosted by Bill's children, Debbie, David and Diane. The event is open to the public and they are hoping that people who knew Bill through Bandon Playhouse will attend, and they ask that you RSVP by calling or texting 458-710-0849.
Bill died Sept. 12, 2023, at the age of 87. He had a 30-year career with the National Park Service, and after moving to Bandon, he was involved with the Playhouse, joined SEA and was a member of NARFE, an organization for retired federal employees.
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I learned that Robert John Tindell, a member of the BHS Class of 1966, died July 9 at his home in Enterprise, Alabama. Bob joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and served three tours in Vietnam. Not long after his discharge, Bob re-enlisted and joined the Army, rising to the rank of First Sergeant. Some may recall that Bob returned to Bandon with his family for a few years while he served as an Army recruiter for Coos County where he set several recruiting records. Bob will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
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Anyone who thinks there isn't anything to do in Bandon is definitely not in "the know." Friday night, I attended a Chocolate Extravaganza at Coastal Mist featuring the family of Belgian chocolatier Patrick Mertens, who mentored Chef Kevin Shaw, and joined Tara and Kevin and their employees in a delightful evening of wonderful chocolate delights; Shine On, billed as Grateful Dead Americana, played both Friday and Saturday nights at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse (I was there Saturday), and Second Street was crowded with cars of those enjoying the opening weekend of the long-awaited Bandon Sushi restaurant by Archie Garrett of Wilson's and Damon Weatherill, owner of the Sunnyside Cafe and Old Town Tap and Grill (formerly Lloyds).
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As if it isn't enough that the City often receives complaints about the feeding of seagulls and crows, now we've learned that apparently a domestic bunny got loose in the area of Caroline Avenue, and the police department has been receiving calls about them. "They are breeding and spreading out in the area," said Police Chief Cory Dhillon. "Someone had a good point. Before long an explosion in rabbits will bring bobcats, coyotes, foxes and possibly cougars. These predators can congregate and take pets ...." said the chief. They are exploring options for trapping and removal. Animal control will not assist, and Chief said he assumes that ODFW won't either because they are domestic rabbits that were released into the wild.
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The Little Wheel (an offshoot of The Big Wheel) has opened for the summer in the front space of the former Bandon TV building, purchased and beautifully renovated by Tom Stadelman in Old Town. The Big Wheel is owned by Christine Whitmer Michalek and her husband, Dustin. They are also business partners with Neal Barlow, in the recently opened entertainment Arcade in the former Washed Ashore space on Chicago Avenue.
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At the Meet and Greet Tuesday (July 16), attorney Robin Miller will present "Estate Planning Tips," beginning at noon at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse.
The following Tuesday, July 23, Sheila Howe will talk about the Redfish Music Festival, accompanied by one of the musicians, Fritz Gearhart.
Tuesday, July 30, the program will be about the old First National Bank building (now the Masonic Lodge), presented by Jim Proehl and Peter Braun, with a side trip to visit the historic building, which survived the Fire.
Other coming events include: Anita West with Susan Applegate, Crystal Landucci, Victoria Tierney and others in an art and music event Wednesday, July 17, 3 to 6 p.m. at the Langlois Cheese Factory;
Good Earth Community Gardens Garden Party, Saturday, July 27, 2 to 5 p.m. at the garden, 780 8th Court SW, with the welcome at 2 by Sheila Howe; land honoring statement, Lynn Jackson; 2:15 to 3, garden tours and planting demos; 3 to 5 p.m., music by local musicians.
Bandon Police Department presents National Night Out, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5 to 8 p.m. in City Park. This is billed as "a fun-filled evening where people come together to strengthen the bond between our awesome community and our dedicated first responders." There will be delicious food, bouncy houses and activities galore, and everything is free.
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The rainfall for June was 2.10 inches, compared to 0.68 inches the previous June.
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