Gardner nestles between the mountains and the Umpqua river estuary on the north side opposite Reedsport. I used to stay away from Gardiner because the huge pulp and plywood operation there made so much noise and stench. This is all dead now, huge relics spread like beached whales along the western edge of town. Now I slow down to look and I am surprised. Gardiner has some of the finest old homes on the Oregon coast. And if you care to scramble out onto the mud flats the little soft shell mud clams are abundant.

Here is a little history for you. And that is the Umpqua river estuary in the background. I can understand how the schooner "Bostonian" was lost at the Umpqua bar crossing. I have almost bit it there a couple of times myself--with the modern jetties in place!

This is the Capt Josiah Leed home build in 1882 just after the devastating fire of 1880. You will note these homes are well spaced to fend off future fires. In Oakland a similar devastating fire occurred and the town was rebuilt with brick.

This is the W F Jewett home built in 1881, again just after the fire. Jewett apparently was a social climber for in only 27 years he had to have a new home.

This is the Gardiner art center. You never know where a bunch of artists will show up, but you can bet the rent

I was amazed to see this splendid bronze scholar trudging home from the art center with a load of books. You have

Just another view of a man on a mission. The art center is in the background. Notice on the right what passes

for a handicapped parking space in Gardiner. Life can go ahead without all the little details of the urban world.