Odell is a small town located about 6 miles south of Hood River in Hood River County. The community of Odell was named after William Odell, who settled nearby around 1861, and who's son, Milton D., was the first white child born in the valley in 1863. William was a native of Tennessee.
The post office was first opened in June 1910. At that time the town was called Newtown. This was not because of Hood Rivers famous apples but because it was a new town and the new settlement sprang up at the railroad station about 3/4 of a mile sotheast of the old crossroads. The name was changed to Odell in March 1911.
Today, Diamond Fruit Growers, Inc. and Duckwall-Pooley Fruit Company plants make Odell the Hood River Valley's largest fruit-packing and storing center.
Below are an early photo of Odell and some of Odell today.
The Columbia Gorge is a beautiful area in Oregon and Washington. There are many small towns on both sides of the Columbia River. Hood River is a popular destination close to many outdoor recreation activities. The popular historic downtown has galleries, restaurants, shops, wineries and breweries. The Dalles is a historic town located at the end of the Oregon Trail. White Salmon is a quaint town on the Washington side where many artists have opened shops. Stevenson, another small town in Washington has become known for it's restaurants, brewery, Skamania Lodge and close proximity to Portland.
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