Windemuth and Bundy’s: Where Portland Played in the River

From 1900-1924, the Willamette River was Portland’s favorite summer playground featuring swimming activities for all. Two major attractions in the Ross Island area—Bundy’s Baths and Windemuth—hosted tens of thousands of people of all ages who wanted to wade, swim, dive and cool off in the flowing river. But by 1924, Portland’s sewer system was delivering thousands of gallons of raw sewage directly into the river. During a health scare in July 1924, Portlanders were banned from the river and swimming venues were shuttered. Join researcher/historian Doug Decker for an exploration of Portland’s changing relationship with the Willamette in this stretch of the river.