Seaside's Little Brother? Event Looks Into Past of N. Oregon Coast's Gearhart

Published 02/16/25 at 6:49 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) - On Thursday, February 27, the Seaside Museum will host the next installment of its popular History & Hops series at Seaside Brewing Co., this time focusing on the history of Gearhart. This month’s presentation will be led by Tom Smith, an Oregon coast historian who will delve into the fascinating past of Gearhart’s hotels and the town’s unique connection to culinary legend James Beard.

Through a captivating video presentation, Smith will share rare photographs, historical documents, and firsthand accounts from local pioneers. Attendees will explore the rise and fall of Gearhart's most famous hotels, including the grand Gearhart Park Hotel of 1890 and the beloved Gearhart Hotel by the Sea. The presentation will also include video clips and interviews with longtime residents Dick Fettig, Bob McEwan, and Denny Holmes, who will share personal stories and insights into these iconic establishments.

It's a dive into what is sometimes considered Seaside's little brother among the list of Oregon coastal tourist destinations.

The program will then transition to the story of James Beard, whose formative years in Gearhart played a crucial role in shaping his passion for food. A special segment will highlight Denny Holmes' daughter’s experience working with Beard and receiving a scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America. This engaging presentation promises rich storytelling and firsthand recollections, offering a glimpse into the history of hospitality and gastronomy along the Clatsop coast.

The event is an opportunity to learn, reminisce, and raise a glass to Gearhart’s colorful past.

Gearhart's history dates back to 1898, with early mentions in Portland newspapers listing vacationers flocking to the coast. The town quickly became a destination resort for Portland's wealthy residents, who traveled by train during summer vacation season. The train, known as the "Daddy Train," carried fathers to the north Oregon coast on weekends while mothers and children stayed for weeks at a time.

Tom Smith, an esteemed professional with experience across multiple sectors, is currently volunteering at Clatsop County Historical Society. He is involved in digitizing and archiving over 200 years of history and has digitized more than 12,000 historical documents as Secretary for Surf Pines Homeowners Association. Smith's diverse background includes regulatory compliance consulting, government affairs, executive recruitment, web design, and pioneering computerized documentation of government regulations.

Also see Exploring Gearhart History As You Explore N. Oregon Coast Beaches

The History & Hops series is held on the last Thursday of each month from September through May at Seaside Brewing Co. The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

For further information, contact Emily Halverson during museum hours at 503-738-7065. Seaside History Museum

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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