Clem Wetle

Clem Wetle was the son of Jacob Wetle and Appolonia (Lena) Ohlegschlager Wetle.

From: Oregon Journal 14 Feb 1952, sec 1, page 10 (Lockley, Fred “Mousetraps & Things”)

Clem Wetle has a harness and saddle shop at 412 ½ Morrison Street.
In his display window you will see saddles, bridles, crops, whips, curry combs and brushes and other required equipment.

“I learned my trade at The Dalles” said Mr. Wetle. “When I was a boy we handled heavy stock saddles, not light English riding saddles used today. We sold quirts and whips, not crops. We sold chaps, not riding boots.”

“Vic Mardon for 20 years ran a saddle shop at the Dalles. He shipped his hand-made heavy ornamented saddles all over the West. The largest saddle shop in the United States today is Hamley’s at Pendleton. He manufactures the finest and most expensive saddles being made today and ships them all over the United States.

“I was born in Portland October 17, 1879. In 1883 we moved to The Dalles. When I was 21 I came back to Portland. I worked for George Lawrence and later for R. W. Price at 331 Ankeny Street. I also worked for F. J. Keller at 61 North 6th Street.”

“There will always be people who love horses so we old time saddlers will stay with our trade but not many chaps are learning the trade”

_________________________
From: The Oregon Journal, 31 Jan 1955, page 9 – (age 75)

ELDERLY MAN DIES OF BURNS
A 75-year-old man who fell into a tub of hot water at his home Saturday died Sunday at Emanual hospital. He suffered severe back and neck burns when he plunged beneath the tap which was turned on full hot.

The body of Clem Wetle, 4741 N.E. 18th Avenue was transferred to the Little Chapel of the Chimes for services . The accident occurred about 9 a.m. Saturday and he was admitted to Emanuel at 10:10. Death was placed about 9:40 a.m. Sunday.

He is survived by the widow, Lillie, at home.