Italian Stonemason Camp
June 2014
For a long time, the word on these ovens was that they were made by Chinese workers building the railroad. However, recent archaeological work now suggests that they were build by the Italian stonemasons working on the Columbia River Highway. So, this must have been the site of a camp. There are two or three other ovens in the area.
Apparently, from what I've heard regarding camps at the Luscher Farm, between Latourell and Bridal Veil, the Italian stone masons and the local workers kept separate camps. I wonder if there are some old ovens around Luscher?
The current plan is to not interpret this site along the new State Trail. It will be left a mystery spot for those "in the know," like readers of this site, and to help ensure that the ovens are protected. So, leave 'em alone, ok?
The design of the trail will also aid in the protection of this site. The trail will be elevated with a good fence and a long drop down to where these ovens are. They won't be easily accessed once construction begins and the trail is completed.