Besides logging, Dee's economy is also tied to the fruit-growing industry of the Hood River Valley. The area was one of the primary communities in the Hood River Valley farmed by Nikkei—Japanese migrants and their descendants.[4] The first Japanese in the area were hired as laborers on the Mount Hood Railroad.[4] They also worked at the mill and lived in the company housing on both sides of the East Fork Hood River, which passes through the town.[4]
About 35 Nikkei families lived in Dee in the 1920s and they founded the Dee Japanese Community Hall.[4]
Geography
The area's fruit orchards lie between the east and west forks of the Hood River in an area known as Dee Flat.[7]
Economy
Oregon Democratic State Senator Wayne Fawbush operated a blueberry farm in Dee for 20 years; it is still in operation.[8]