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Stumptown Confidential

  • Oregon Centennial Expo and Trade Fair

    Here's another shot of The Pyro and a general overview of the expo from 1959:



    Says the postcard:

    The main entrance to the gigantic and thrilling expo and trade fair.

    Quick! Someone call crowd control - there's a mad rush for the [...]
    Posted: April 19, 2008, 11:30pm EDT
  • Silver Sands Hotel

    I'm making it a policy to post pretty much anything Oregon history-related here. I tried to separate "Portland" from "Oregon" by launching Oregon Roadside last year but it got to be a huge hassle and more time-consuming than I realized.

    Now I'll have more time to work on [...]
    Posted: April 05, 2008, 10:23pm EDT
  • Oregon Centennial Expo

    Oregon celebrated its 149th birthday last month. Next year is the big 1-5-0.

    For its 100 birthday in 1959, Oregon held the Centennial Expo [where the Expo Center off of the I-5 now sits]. There are lots of postcards from the expo - and every single one I've [...]
    Posted: March 07, 2008, 3:39pm EST
  • God goes a-go-go

    Just when I thought I'd exhausted photos and postcards - I mean, how many hotels and motels postcards are left - I stumbled upon a new obsession: mid-century, modern churches!

    I posted about the church in Milwaukie a couple of years ago.

    In the same [...]
    Posted: February 12, 2008, 9:00pm EST
  • Lloyd Center, again

    It's been a couple of months since I posted a Lloyd Center shot.

    So, here it is:




    OK, now that we've gotten that out of the way, want to see some more shots? What about pics that someone took during an urban exploration [...]
    Posted: February 02, 2008, 9:54pm EST
  • Portland on Fire



    Not history-related but nonetheless very cool.

    My day job I work in public relations for clients in the wireless and mobility space. Of course, I use Twitter to keep an eye on clients and to snag relevant news.

    Anyhow, I came upon a [...]
    Posted: January 12, 2008, 2:09pm EST
  • The Portland Handbook - 1964

    Every year the city of Portland would produce a fact and figures book that listed all the departments, elected officials, and other facets of running the city.

    Budgets? Snoooze. But wait! There's an explanation of how the Portland budget works:

    A housewife knows the problem of [...]
    Posted: January 12, 2008, 1:47pm EST
  • Friday Flotsam

    It feels like Friday and I'm feeling good.



    So here are some links I've been digging.

    Mike Cade has a real swell blog, Phantom Ice. Check out The Ghosts of Lloyd Center.

    More Newberry's here and here. [...]
    Posted: December 30, 2007, 1:34pm EST
  • La Bamba Nightclub

    Let's assume you've seen the wonderful Northwest Passage, a solid gem of a film that chronicles Portland's late 70s/early 80s punk rawk scene. If you haven't then rent it, buy it, whatever. If Portland history interests you, you'll appreciate the film.

    Anyhow, I found a yellowed newspaper [...]
    Posted: December 29, 2007, 9:31pm EST
  • Oregon's Acid Test

    Picked up a great little book recently called William Sanderson's The Acid Test.

    An editorial cartoonist for the Oregonian during the mid-60s/early 70s, Sanderson had a great style [reminds me of Jack Davis] who targeted some serious issues of the day: Vietnam, poverty, race, and the all-important [...]
    Posted: December 24, 2007, 9:41am EST
  • Oregon - The Way it Was

    I love finding things in used books. Like cold hard cash.

    I recently picked up a great photo book from 1981, "Oregon, The Way it Was," a coffee book packed with old-timey photos - mostly the early part of last century.

    I was flipping through it [...]
    Posted: December 21, 2007, 9:37pm EST
  • Tribute to the men and women who design



    No Portland content, but well worth watching. All 30 minutes of it. [...]
    Posted: December 16, 2007, 11:26am EST
  • Portland's "Jet Age" Airport



    Spectacularly dramatic view of this multi-million dollar "Jet-Age" air terminal facility. One of the newest and most modern in the world.

    I always treat myself to a new book at the PDX Powell's when flying out of town. [I know. Wild, ain't I?]

    [...]
    Posted: November 27, 2007, 8:04pm EST
  • Morrison Bridge

    One of my favorite views of the city.




    [...]
    Posted: November 26, 2007, 9:35pm EST
  • One ton of produce



    This fruchtsaeule in Mt. Angel was designed by Mr. G.M. Ortiz of Lake Oswego for Oktoberfest.

    The pillar stood 20 feet high and used ONE TON of fruits and vegetables.

    One ton.

    Hopefully it was all local. [...]
    Posted: October 17, 2007, 6:59pm EDT
  • Going Underground



    Last week, Jess Cliffe from the most excellent Vintage Seattle alarmed me about a nasty comment someone left about Stumptown Confidential on his blog.

    In the post, the author - who has left many informative posts here - referred to me as a "culture [...]
    Posted: October 05, 2007, 8:45am EDT
  • Twisting nightly!



    The Embers on SW Park offered steaks, seafoods, and twisting nightly.


    Music was provided by The Three Cheers.

    Dining, dancing and entertainment until 2:30 a.m.

    Sounds pretty golden to me. [...]
    Posted: September 26, 2007, 8:58pm EDT
  • Paging Carlotta Valdes



    No Friday Flotsam this week.

    I?m in San Francisco tripping over drunken homeless people and avoiding obnoxious European tourists.

    So, recap: All homeless people are drunks and all Europeans have absolutely no manners.

    How?s THAT for an over-generalization?

    I?m staying [...]
    Posted: September 22, 2007, 10:04am EDT
  • Old school OMSI



    The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry at its old location.

    Now it's the Children's Museum.

    Here's a previous post on the old planetarium at OMSI. Where are you old planetarium? You belong in my backyard. [...]
    Posted: September 18, 2007, 4:27pm EDT
  • Friday Flotsam


    Wow! Look at the curves on that IBM Selectric typewriter!

    Since getting the magical DVR box last year I thought I'd watch way less TV. Not so. But the quality of my TV has increased. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Food porn from the Food [...]
    Posted: September 14, 2007, 2:24pm EDT
  • First National Bank of Oregon - Beaverton Branch



    According to the AIA booklet I scanned these from, this project was a phase 2 building, "terminating spatially a planned development incorporating housing and commercial uses." Um, huh?

    The Architect, "with a great amount of energy, back by the city restrictions, realigned the priorities to bring a [...]
    Posted: September 13, 2007, 12:25pm EDT
  • Friday Flotsam


    [Oregon City Municipal Elevator]

    I've posted about Rummer homes in Portland before.

    Rummer homes, built around town and up and down the West Coast in the 50s, are similar in style to Eichler homes in the Bay Area. Go here for more info on [...]
    Posted: September 07, 2007, 11:05am EDT
  • Match games

    What's dorkier than collecting postcards? Matchbooks!

    Like postcards, I bought a handful of matchboxes recently because they were Portland related. I guess that still makes me a nerd.

    I place these from the mid to late 1970s.

    So, here we have Farrell's. If you are [...]
    Posted: September 04, 2007, 5:07pm EDT
  • Friday Flotsam



    Here are some gems from the 1968 "Sunset Travel Guide to Oregon:"

    *Out-of-state motorists, who know driving only as a struggle for survival, will find driving in Oregon a refreshing experience.

    *Most city downtowns have as their focus a plaza, a square, or sometimes a [...]
    Posted: August 31, 2007, 11:40am EDT
  • The Bonfire

    I posted about this bar a few month's ago.

    Going through my Blogger archives [back when I used Blogger for Stumptown - and posts that no longer exist but will be resurrected someday] I realized I already "blogged" about the Bonfire.

    The building that housed [...]
    Posted: August 30, 2007, 12:15pm EDT
  • Ho-Ti Restaurant


    The Ho-Ti, the "Northwest's largest supper club" offered three nightly shows, TV, movie and recording stars and exotic cocktails."

    That's Peggy DeCastro on the left. Here's more info on her here and here.

    The other bloke? Hmmmm. 1962. Horned-rimmed glasses. Vibes? I'm gonna take [...]
    Posted: August 27, 2007, 11:55am EDT
  • Ho-Ti Restaurant


    The Ho-Ti, the "Northwest's largest supper club" offered three nightly shows, TV, movie and recording stars and exotic cocktails."

    That's Peggy DeCastro on the left. Here's more info on her here and here.

    The other bloke? Hmmmm. 1962. Horned-rimmed glasses. Vibes? I'm gonna take [...]
    Posted: August 27, 2007, 10:55am EDT
  • Friday Flotsam



    Here are some actual slogans to past ODOT campaigns:

    1913 - "Get Oregon Out of the Mud"
    1957 - "Building Oregon Thru Better Highways"
    1958 - "Oregon Freeways. ..Symbol of 2nd Century Progress"
    1961 - "Freeways are Easier"
    1978 - "Keep Oregon Green and in [...]
    Posted: August 24, 2007, 2:26pm EDT
  • Friday Flotsam



    Here are some actual slogans to past ODOT campaigns:

    1913 - "Get Oregon Out of the Mud"
    1957 - "Building Oregon Thru Better Highways"
    1958 - "Oregon Freeways. ..Symbol of 2nd Century Progress"
    1961 - "Freeways are Easier"
    1978 - "Keep Oregon Green and in [...]
    Posted: August 24, 2007, 1:26pm EDT
  • Totem Pole Restaurant - Vancouver

    "One of Washington's popular family restaurants," says the postcard.


    Home of the Famous Deep Dish Chehelam Blackberry Pie and Kentucky Fried Chicken.



    From a 1999 Columbian article:

    "More than 149 years of Northwest hospitality history crumbled this week as a wrecking crew [...]
    Posted: August 16, 2007, 11:12am EDT
  • Totem Pole Restaurant - Vancouver

    "One of Washington's popular family restaurants," says the postcard.


    Home of the Famous Deep Dish Chehelam Blackberry Pie and Kentucky Fried Chicken.



    From a 1999 Columbian article:

    "More than 149 years of Northwest hospitality history crumbled this week as a wrecking crew [...]
    Posted: August 16, 2007, 10:12am EDT
  • Portland Fun Guide - 1962

    Dan Haneckow from Cafe Unknown has graciously loaned me a copy of a guidebook/handbook called the Portland Fun Map. It's from 1962 and is chock full of ads, a map and all kinds of goodies. It really gives one a sense of where Portland was in 1962 and what [...]
    Posted: August 15, 2007, 10:32am EDT
  • Portland Fun Guide - 1962

    Dan Haneckow from Cafe Unknown has graciously loaned me a copy of a guidebook/handbook called the Portland Fun Map. It's from 1962 and is chock full of ads, a map and all kinds of goodies. It really gives one a sense of where Portland was in 1962 and what [...]
    Posted: August 15, 2007, 9:32am EDT
  • The monthly, obligatory Lloyd Center Post


    Stevens & Son, "The World's largest shopping center jewelry store."

    From the back:

    "Got this card at George Paris' by the Sea in Lincoln City. This is where George and I bought our wedding rings and my Diamond."

    Groovy collection of clocks as well. [...]
    Posted: August 07, 2007, 9:42am EDT
  • The monthly, obligatory Lloyd Center Post


    Stevens & Son, "The World's largest shopping center jewelry store."

    From the back:

    "Got this card at George Paris' by the Sea in Lincoln City. This is where George and I bought our wedding rings and my Diamond."

    Groovy collection of clocks as well. [...]
    Posted: August 07, 2007, 8:42am EDT
  • Portland's 60s punk rawk legacy



    Sure, there's Paul Revere and the Raiders [the Hal Blaine-backed Columbia sessions are still some of my faves] and their Portland connection.

    But, in the mid-60s, kids all over the country - the world- were practicing in their garages. Heavy on the fuzz and lots of [...]
    Posted: August 06, 2007, 10:21am EDT
  • Portland's 60s punk rawk legacy



    Sure, there's Paul Revere and the Raiders [the Hal Blaine-backed Columbia sessions are still some of my faves] and their Portland connection.

    But, in the mid-60s, kids all over the country - the world- were practicing in their garages. Heavy on the fuzz and lots of [...]
    Posted: August 06, 2007, 9:21am EDT
  • Bonneville Building



    Charming, ain't it?

    [...]
    Posted: August 03, 2007, 9:01am EDT
  • Bonneville Building



    Charming, ain't it?

    [...]
    Posted: August 03, 2007, 8:01am EDT
  • Original Taco House

    "For the unusual Mexican food served in unusual Mexican atmosphere."
    I guess "unusual" works.

    The original 82nd Avenue location.


    The Banquet Room.


    The Last Mexican Restaurant on Earth. Looks the same, office space these days.



    [...]
    Posted: August 02, 2007, 8:28pm EDT
  • Original Taco House

    "For the unusual Mexican food served in unusual Mexican atmosphere."
    I guess "unusual" works.

    The original 82nd Avenue location.


    The Banquet Room.


    The Last Mexican Restaurant on Earth. Looks the same, office space these days.



    [...]
    Posted: August 02, 2007, 7:28pm EDT
  • Westmoreland's Union Manor


    It's amazing what a little bit of dusk and a little bit of lighting can do.

    To add to that, this shot was probably snapped when the place first opened, nice and new in 1966. The address is 6404 SE 23rd but it's very visible from the [...]
    Posted: July 25, 2007, 9:41am EDT
  • Westmoreland's Union Manor


    It's amazing what a little bit of dusk and a little bit of lighting can do.

    To add to that, this shot was probably snapped when the place first opened, nice and new in 1966. The address is 6404 SE 23rd but it's very visible from the [...]
    Posted: July 25, 2007, 8:41am EDT
  • Portland Sheraton


    "Oregon's newest luxury hotel, conveniently located in Lloyd Center near major highways. Free parking, swimming pool with cabanas; exotic menu and decor."

    Once-removed, architecturally, from a high-maximum security prison, this baby once housed the Kon-Tiki bar.

    Here's a previous post.

    [...]
    Posted: July 23, 2007, 5:03pm EDT
  • Portland Sheraton


    "Oregon's newest luxury hotel, conveniently located in Lloyd Center near major highways. Free parking, swimming pool with cabanas; exotic menu and decor."

    Once-removed, architecturally, from a high-maximum security prison, this baby once housed the Kon-Tiki bar.

    Here's a previous post.

    [...]
    Posted: July 23, 2007, 4:03pm EDT
  • Feeling Minnesota



    So, in my previous post I asked why a portion of I-5 was called the Minnesota Freeway.

    I got a lot of email on why.

    In case you're clueless [like me], in a nutshell Minnesota Street and the surrounding neighborhood was destroyed so [...]
    Posted: July 13, 2007, 12:19pm EDT
  • Feeling Minnesota



    So, in my previous post I asked why a portion of I-5 was called the Minnesota Freeway.

    I got a lot of email on why.

    In case you're clueless [like me], in a nutshell Minnesota Street and the surrounding neighborhood was destroyed so [...]
    Posted: July 13, 2007, 11:19am EDT
  • Eye in the Sky

    The recently built Memorial Coliseum with the Broadway Bridge and Interstate Highway #5 (sic). The I-5 looks pretty new as well.




    "The Banfield and the Minnesota Freeway showing the Steel, the Burnside, and the Morrison bridges." I have never heard of the I-5 being called [...]
    Posted: July 07, 2007, 7:48am EDT
  • Eye in the Sky

    The recently built Memorial Coliseum with the Broadway Bridge and Interstate Highway #5 (sic). The I-5 looks pretty new as well.




    "The Banfield and the Minnesota Freeway showing the Steel, the Burnside, and the Morrison bridges." I have never heard of the I-5 being called [...]
    Posted: July 07, 2007, 6:48am EDT
  • The Anchorage


    Tin Zeroes' great post on Oaks Amusement Park in Sellwood got me thinking about The Anchorage, "Portland's Only Riverside Restaurant" at the foot of SE Marion also in Sellwood.



    Is it completely gone? Were condos build there in the 70s? I might have [...]
    Posted: July 01, 2007, 7:02am EDT
  • The Anchorage


    Tin Zeroes' great post on Oaks Amusement Park in Sellwood got me thinking about The Anchorage, "Portland's Only Riverside Restaurant" at the foot of SE Marion also in Sellwood.



    Is it completely gone? Were condos build there in the 70s? I might have [...]
    Posted: July 01, 2007, 6:02am EDT
  • Bridgeways

    Always amazed at what makes it on a postcard.

    This beaut is no exception:



    The Steel Bridge approaches from Harbor Drive.

    For a larger size, click here:

    [I've had complaints about photos being to small so I'm trying something new: [...]
    Posted: May 28, 2007, 7:37am EDT
  • Bridgeways

    Always amazed at what makes it on a postcard.

    This beaut is no exception:



    The Steel Bridge approaches from Harbor Drive.

    For a larger size, click here:

    [I've had complaints about photos being to small so I'm trying something new: [...]
    Posted: May 28, 2007, 6:37am EDT
  • Downtown Waterfront Park

    As a recent newcomer to Portland [four years next month!] it's hard to imagine a time when we didn't have the waterfront park, and instead had this:


    which is lovingly called "an ultra-modern freeway system" on the postcard.

    Here's a fantastic link to the [...]
    Posted: May 19, 2007, 8:33am EDT
  • Downtown Waterfront Park

    As a recent newcomer to Portland [four years next month!] it's hard to imagine a time when we didn't have the waterfront park, and instead had this:


    which is lovingly called "an ultra-modern freeway system" on the postcard.

    Here's a fantastic link to the [...]
    Posted: May 19, 2007, 7:33am EDT
  • Turn Me On, Fred Man.



    This newspaper ad, from 1969 promoted Fred Astaire's Dance Studios [716 SW Morrison] to the younger set - who probably ignored the ad. There's nothing more pathetic than an older dude trying to be "with it."
    [...]
    Posted: May 08, 2007, 4:20pm EDT
  • Hi-Hat Restaurant

    Mentioned in a previous post, here's the official postcard:


    "Parking space for 200 cars."

    I've never been inside, but I'll bet the original bar is no longer.
    [...]
    Posted: April 28, 2007, 8:36pm EDT
  • Lakeside Gardens

    Located at 16211 SE Foster.

    One word describes it: boss!


    Oh, and another:

    Mrreeeeow!


    The Lakeside Gardens is still going strong, by the way.
    [...]
    Posted: April 12, 2007, 8:31pm EDT
  • Preservation alert


    Got an email from the Historic Preservation Club at PSU - a group of students interested in preserving Portland's architectual history.

    Their next project: finding a new spot for the Morris Marks house [above]. The home can be saved - only if a new spot can [...]
    Posted: April 09, 2007, 3:37pm EDT
  • Oregon Roadside



    I've started another blog, Oregon Roadside, that explores ALL of Oregon. Here's my reason.

    Stumptown Confidential will now be exclusively dedicated to Portland metro only. [...]
    Posted: March 30, 2007, 12:06pm EDT
  • Tri-Met Passenger Shelters 1970s

    Continuing our look at the 1975 AIA Portland Chapter Design Awards, here are some of the more than 700 bus shelters installed across Portland in February 1975.



    Two types were developed, a basic Model B, which adapts to multiple use, and Model A which by cantilevering [...]
    Posted: March 08, 2007, 9:09am EST
  • Tri-Met Passenger Shelters, 1970s

    Continuing our look at the 1975 AIA Portland Chapter Design Awards, here are some of the more than 700 bus shelters installed across Portland in February 1975.



    Two types were developed, a basic Model B, which adapts to multiple use, and Model A which by cantilevering [...]
    Posted: March 08, 2007, 9:09am EST
  • O'Bryant Square

    "The purpose of the park," says the AIA 1975 Awards Program, "is to provide an open area that would be a "People Place."



    The Modish Building with its unique parking structure.


    The "Fountain to the Rose."


    These two look [...]
    Posted: February 24, 2007, 9:46pm EST
  • Milwaukie Roadside Architecture

    I always wondered why the recently codemned [making way for Milwaukie's new riverfront] pawn shop on McLoughlin, The Cash Spot, was shaped like a boat.







    An old newspaper ad reveals why:



    The Ship-A-Shore featured "edibles and libations, [...]
    Posted: February 21, 2007, 7:34am EST
  • Acoc Aloc


    My post last week on ghost signs had some great responses. Thanks for sending me links and more photos. One of these days I'll get the comments going again so readers can post on the site.

    Speaking of ghost signs, reader Matt sends in a question and [...]
    Posted: February 19, 2007, 8:51pm EST
  • Transit Mall - We Hardly Knew Thee



    "A thoughtful attempt to regulate energy and sense of place to this historic downtown area by utilizing the transportation system as a catalyst."


    "The Mall has been designed to provide a lively streetscape tailored to Oregon's rainy climate. Shape, color and texture direct pedestrians along this [...]
    Posted: February 16, 2007, 11:31am EST
  • The Charburger Restaurant - Hood River


    This is the way a damn burger joint should look! Kind of like the Doug Fir's older, less ironic brother that lives in the country.


    Wagon wheel lights and a other decor, like guns.


    I can practically taste the extra hotlamp fries. [...]
    Posted: February 09, 2007, 10:44am EST
  • Finlandia House, Lloyd Center


    Finlandia House at Lloyd Center once carried "the largest selection of superb Scandinavian gifts and home accessories."

    1960s? Scandinavian design? Me likey.


    Some of the goods sold at the shop. Blonde not included. [...]
    Posted: February 06, 2007, 8:45pm EST
  • "Ghost" signage at 8th & Morrison


    8th and Morrison, where Grand Central Bowl once stood. In case you can't read the low-res camera phone photo, the sign says:

    East Side Food Center.

    Here's what the building will look like when done [note that the "Bowl" sign in the parking lot [...]
    Posted: February 02, 2007, 10:48am EST
  • Know your local history?



    Walking Portland could use you.

    An email from founder David Schargel says:

    We’re looking for people with charisma, a sense of humor, and an obvious love of Portland. It’s a part-time job with tips and we even pay people during training.
    [...]
    Posted: January 28, 2007, 6:37am EST
  • The Bonfire Restaurant


    Where were the preservationists when this baby was torn down?

    [Update: According to Jack Bog's Blog, the Bonfire BURNED DOWN, suspiciously. Anyone know the scoop on this?]

    Once located at SW Broadway and Washington, it also featured the "My Office" lounge, as in "I'll be home late [...]
    Posted: January 27, 2007, 1:50pm EST
  • Motel Hotel Goodness


    The Holiday Motel on 8050 Union Street once offered automatic electric heat.

    The wonderful Dr. Suessian sign:


    Now, it offers hot tubs, so says the sign nowadays:

    [Thanks to The Masala Dose for the photo!]

    The Union Hotel at Union & [...]
    Posted: January 20, 2007, 2:14pm EST
  • More Portland Exposé

    Here's a shot - in neon even - from our own airport:


    A meeting on the tarmac [note the window - apparently half of Portland showed up for this shot]:


    Exterior shot:


    After a meeting at the airport, a cab ride to Union [...]
    Posted: December 28, 2006, 9:26am EST
  • Portland Exposé

    Here's another batch of scans from Portland Expose.

    So, there are more scenes that I can't quite figure out. Here, our hero walks across an unknown bridge:


    Where a pay telephone awaits:


    A typical downtown Portland scene, I assume. The cab is caught [...]
    Posted: December 23, 2006, 11:01pm EST

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