A Car Pulled from the Columbia River After 66 Years
In a remarkable discovery, a Ford station wagon was pulled from the Columbia River on Friday after being submerged for 66 years. The vehicle, believed to belong to an Oregon family who vanished in 1958, was recovered following a two-day dredging operation. The car was pulled out in about 10 minutes, although only the frame and wheels were retrieved as the body separated during the lifting process. No human remains were found inside the vehicle.
The Disappearance of the Martin Family
The Martin family’s disappearance in 1958 gained national attention as a mysterious unsolved case. Ken and Barbara Martin, along with their three daughters—Barbara, Virginia, and Sue—vanished while on a trip to gather Christmas greenery. Despite extensive searches, only the bodies of the two younger daughters were found in the river months later. The family’s disappearance led to speculation about foul play, with a $1,000 reward offered for information, but no conclusive evidence was ever found.
The Salvage Efforts
The station wagon was discovered last fall by Archer Mayo, a diver who had spent seven years searching for it. Mayo located the car upside-down, about 50 feet deep in the river, covered in mud and debris. Pete Hughes, a Hood River County Sheriff’s deputy, confirmed that the car’s make, model, and color matched the Martin family’s vehicle. Investigators are now working to verify the car’s identity by examining engine and chassis numbers.
The Family’s Last Known Movements
On December 7, 1958, the Martin family left home to collect Christmas greenery, leaving behind signs of an unfinished day—a scattered Sunday newspaper and unstarted laundry. Their last known stop was a gas station near Cascade Locks, where Ken Martin used a credit card, providing a crucial clue about their whereabouts. A waitress later reported seeing a family matching their description at a nearby snack bar, but they were never seen again. Their car was suspected to have plunged into the river, leading to an extensive search that yielded nothing until now.
The Long Search for Answers
The discovery of the car brings closure to a case that has haunted the community for decades. Archer Mayo, who has spent years searching for the car, described it as a significant development in a case that has been on Portland’s mind for 66 years. The recovery of the vehicle, while not solving all mysteries, provides a tangible connection to the family and their tragic fate.
What’s Next
The car will be sent to a warehouse where forensic experts will further investigate its origins. While officials are confident it belongs to the Martin family, they are awaiting confirmation from the forensic analysis. Meanwhile, the rest of the car’s body remains in the river, buried under layers of mud and silt. The discovery of the vehicle serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of this unsolved mystery on the community.
