Stumptown Confidential

Stumptown Confidential RIP 2004-2008

2008-05-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

We're now called Lost Oregon. Come over and visit us.

Hosed

2008-04-20T10:06:00.001-07:00

If you somehow made it to here from Stumptownconfidential.com, I am having "issues" with the site.

Hopefully back up and live soon...

We've Moved!

2005-04-16T13:25:00.001-07:00

Again. For the last time.

http://www.stumptownconfidential.com

Mallory Motor Hotel

2005-04-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Completey Air Conditioned, All Color TV, All Extra Long Beds, Free Parking!

Located at SW 15 Avenue at Yamhill, and built in 1912, the hotel was updated and is now, according to their web site, " high-society without the fuss."

Oregon Centennial--in Mirro-Krome

2005-03-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

Did you or someone you know attend the Oregon Centennial in Portland in 1959? Were photos taken? I'd love to talk to you.

I've yet to see an actual photo of the Expo grounds themselves. Here's yet another rendering of the Expo. The postcard says the Expo was 65 acres, consisting of the Expo Building, Adventure Land, The Indian Village, Frontier Town and the Lewis and Clark Village.

The Oregon Centennial Zoo Railroad [below] was a 30-inch gauge train that took passengers from its station at the Expo through Frontier Village and back, lasting about 15 minutes. It cost about $175,000 and was "financed mainly by the Portland railroads." Portland railroads. Heh.

Ugliest. Bridge. Ever.

2005-03-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

Brian Libby of the most excellent Portland Architecture has a good piece on the infamous Marquam Bridge. The Portland Tribune reported last week about a local group studying the Marquam and East Bank freeway. Possible future options? A "tunnel and moving the alignment east, away from the river. "

Colorful Sand Sculpture

2005-03-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

Those are some pretty sad-sack sand sculptures. And, cars on the beach?

Shades of Christ

2005-03-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

Stylin' it in front of the Ira Keller fountain for their self-titled album. [Found at one of the most crowded thrift stores I've ever been in.]

Travel Guide to Oregon

2005-03-14T20:30:00.001-08:00

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

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 civic center. In this sense, Portland's downtown today has no focus at all. Closest thing to a downtown center is the area around the fine old Pioneer Post Office.
New buildings are rising in downtown Portland, and new freeways are abuilding.
Portland Center, a new area, is a handsome blending of apartment towers, garden apartments, shops, and businesses, all interrelated with a system of parks and malls.

[Gettin' down at Timberline Lodge!]

A bad day in Stumptown

2005-03-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

Looks like a 20 megaton bomb went off. It's actually St. Helens blowing her top [in 1980, that is] in one of the oddest photos I've seen of the event. Looks like some far-out end of the world illustration from a Hal Lindsey book.

Historic Jacksonville, Oregon

2005-03-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

"The historic gold mining town of Jacksonville, Oregon, offers many interesting sights and glimpses into the days of the Old West. This view was taken when California Street was revamped for a movie set."

Any takers on what movie? My guess is The Apple Dumpling Gang.

Portland at night

2005-02-26T06:23:00.000-08:00

The Urban Adventure League of Portland

2005-02-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

A couple months’ back I picked up a zine at Q is Choir [near Clinton and 26th] called Eastside Theater History Bike Tour. Presented by the Urban Adventure League, it was a handout at a 2004 ride where folks rode around on bikes and scoped out old single-screen theaters. That itself sounds like a blast. If you missed the ride, like I did, the booklet will hopefully encourage you to take your own tour--it's even got a map. It sprinkled with awesome illustrations of SE theaters by Shawn Granton, who also put on the ride. Granton’s works has appeared in other local comic zines, including illustrations for the annual PDX Zine Guide [his style is unmistakable—when I first picked this up, I thought, “hey, it’s that PDX zine guy.”]

You can sign up at the Urban Adventure League by emailing urbanadventureleague@scribble.com.

Where have all the piano bars gone?

2005-02-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

And while I'm asking questions: since I'm now transfering my blog via FTP to my own domain I can't see comments and sometimes photos appear, then don't. I'm stumped. Is there a better way to post photos?

Any help would be appreciated!

2005-02-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

2005-02-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

2005-02-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

2005-02-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

Dr. Stranglove: Portland style!

2005-02-13T10:06:00.001-08:00

Would give left nut for this sign.

2005-02-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

Portland at 1:30 in the afternoon, after evacuation

2005-02-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

According to the film, Portland has three hours to evacuate.

2005-02-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Look closely and you can see the Orpheum sign up ahead on the right.

2005-02-13T10:01:00.002-08:00

Another evacuation shot. The Jackson Tower on the left. Here's a current shot of it.

2005-02-13T10:01:00.001-08:00

Gratuitous '50s modern home shot.

2005-02-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

KOIN, keeping it real!

Official Program: The 1959 Oregon Centennial in Portland

2005-02-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

A shoddy scan of the map gives a good idea of the attractions for vistors. The guide itself is chockful of half-finished exhibits and renderings.

2005-02-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

Good example of a half-finished walkway. Dig the sculpture and modern mural!

2005-02-08T20:08:00.001-08:00

Map of how to get there. [Anyone know if any of the buildings remain?]

2005-02-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

The caption pretty much explains it. What a concept. Rain water used for power generation.

2005-02-08T20:07:00.001-08:00

Definitely would pay admission to see this.

2005-02-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

This looks very similar to a building on I-5 almost to Vancouver [by the old Waddles sign] that now houses a boat store. I nearly plowed into a car trying to verify.

2005-02-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

One of the many ads sprinkled throughout. Welcome to Oregon's Next Hundred Years. [Follow Sunset Highway.]

Flight 173, December 28, 1978

2005-01-07T21:09:00.000-08:00

You know why I read The Oregonian? The obits! One obit that caught my eye a couple month's back was that of Malburn McBroom. McBroom's claim to fame: he was the pilot of the United Airlines Flight 173 that crashed near Northeast 157th Avenue and East Burnside Street on Dec. 28, 1978, killing eight passengers and two crew members. Depending on what website you read, some say he's the cause of the crash, while others say he prevented an even worse outcome. Here's a site with photos; another one with the cockpit and tower trasncript; and another one with NTSB transcripts.

Old Country Kitchen

2005-01-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

Now it's known Sayler's. Same location. [From the 1957 Portland Yellow Pages. ]

Carmen's Famous Hollywood Restaurant; 39th and Sandy

2004-12-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

The small scan doesn't do it justice. Here's some of the copy:
* You will enjoy viewing our Black Light Murals
* While dining at Carmen's, be sure to visit the Cactus Room.
* Call ATlantic 2-1011 for Reservations
[From the Portland yellow pages, 1957.]

A-frames from the Northwest

2004-12-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

From Seattle to Tahiti. Precut in the Northwest and assembled in Tahiti. That's part of the story behind this A-frame. Manufactured by Lindal Cedar Homes [who are still very much alive in the area], readers were invited to submit their best pictures of a Lindal house for use in the company's catalog. [From Vacation Homes magazine, 1971]
Check out the buried a-frame, courtesy of Happy Death.

2004-12-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

A similar design for the slopes.

Riverside West Moter Hotel

2004-12-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

"Portland's Newest--Downtown--140 deluxe units--ample free parking--Portland's finest dining and lounge." A Google research reveals the same spot is now a Four Points by Sheraton.

2004-12-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

The lounge looks inviting, 'cept for the Cold War concrete job above it.

2004-12-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

And where do these stairs lead to? Parking? Bat cave?

Corsun Arms

2004-12-18T10:18:00.000-08:00

809 SW King. "One of Portland's most luxurious motor hotels. Indoor heated pool--elevator--TV--and direct dial phones. Two blocks west of Civic Stadium." Designed by East German 60s Bloc era architects. It's been remodeled and sexed up a bit. [Can a building be "sexed up"?]

City Center: now and then [ish]

2004-12-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

Then: Broadway from Main Street at Night.

2004-12-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

This is the "now" shot, which upon closer inspection looks like it could've been shot from the 1970s.

2004-12-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here's what the postcard says: "As night descends, Portland's city center comes to life. Much activity centers on the renovated Performing Arts Center." Looks like a prime location for Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver or George C. Scott from Hardcore to hang out at.

The Heathman Hotel

2004-12-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

The New Heathman on Broadway and Salmon before it was remodeled and dolled up and renamed just the Heathman. Here's the story.

2004-12-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

Not really a tiki bar, per se. But colorful? Oh yes. After checking into their room at the Heathman, guests could slither on down for some food in the Aloha Room. Here's a discussion on Tiki Central about it and a posted review on it from a book called "Be My Guest in the Northwest" from 1957. I'd love to get my hands on that book.

2004-12-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

The Georgia-Pacific Building, 900 SW Fifth Avenue. The postcard mentions that this 30-level, 375-foot building houses offices and retail space and a 440-car parking structure. What it fails to mention is that the building was designed--obviously--by a robot, or someone with a complete lack of imagination.

2004-12-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

Call me a throwback, but I'd take the any of these restaurants/bars over the current slew of Portland offerings. The Catnip Room? I'm there. Be Cozy in our Bonfire Room? Sign me up! Lounge in the Elbow Room? Better believe it. [From the Portland 1958 yellow pages.]

Main Street, USA--Oregon Style

2004-11-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

First up: Eugene.

2004-11-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

Swingin' Salem!

2004-11-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

Doing it at Seaside, with a Blitz.

Frugging by Willamette's waters. Jerking o'er its blue.

2004-11-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

"Each Thursday night the Trail Room turned dance floor and echo chamber with distorted, writhing bodies and twanging, loud popular sounds. A school group known as Narcissus and The Mirrors [yes, that's them in the above photo] were the Pied Pipers: they led the children off on their imitation of what they see in LIFE, Time, and Sports Illustrated.

Dreaming of doing it on the beach at Ft. Lauderdale in a bikini. Or settling for Seaside, with a Blitz. Frugging by Willamette's waters. Jerking o'er its blue.

It was a way to hurry the weekend. A way to hurry the heated impulse to let go. Narcissus and his Mirrors were just as good as the next group, and were just as good as social pressures demand they be. Until the next type of permissive orgy gets out of hand in a LIFE gatefold. "

[From The Voyageur, 1965; published by the student body of Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon.]

2004-11-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

"Heated grimaces, but kids like it."

2004-11-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

Fruggin' orgy.

2004-11-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

Narcissus and The Mirrors, in action!

2004-11-25T08:58:00.000-08:00

The KOIN building, the Paramount Theater, the Broadway
Theater and the Pacific Power Building, still there,
across from the Square [thanks, Skookum]. Late 1920s?

Apparently I'm not the only freak who likes "now and then"
photos of streetscapes and buildings. That said, The Atlanta Time Machine,
is genius. Its author dug up tons of old photos of Atlanta and then
photographed the same area as it looks now.

Here's another similar site: The Vertigo Now and Then Tour.
Screen captures of key scenes from Hitchcock's Vertigo, with
shots of those same scenes now.

The Big Blow

2004-11-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Northwest Portland street. According to The Big Blow, the
"Columbus Day wind storm is one of the great disasters of
West Coast history. It will be remembered and talked about
for lifetimes." Following are photos from the book.
[And if author Lucia Ellis is out there and objects to posting, let me
know and I'll remove his photos immediately.]

2004-11-22T18:46:00.000-08:00

The Elsinore Theater. She seems to be doing fine these days.

2004-11-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

Downtown Salem.

2004-11-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

The Circuit Rider statue at Salem.

2004-11-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

Portland's Park Blocks were nearly destroyed.

2004-11-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

The Big Blow (no, it's not a skin flick from the 60s), written
by Ellis Lucia, is a 1963 book about The 1962 Columbus
Day Storm that clobbered the Northwest. Gathering from the
photos in the book, the storm looked like a combination of an A-bomb,
Godzilla, typhoon, and hurricane. Check out the car covered in bricks
in downtown Portland. Bricks fell from a building...from a storm.
Now that's a storm. I'll post more photos later.

2004-11-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

Portland, Air View, Looking East, Toward Mt. Hood

2004-11-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

Same view, many years later.

2004-11-18T18:34:00.000-08:00

Per my previous [now deleted] post, there *are* things to
see in the 'Couv. No. 1, First Apple Treee, planted in 1826.
Another must-see is the J.D. Ross Substation.

2004-11-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

I love these types of random, unglamorous city shots of
everyday living.

2004-11-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

"Illuminated Tunnel, near Bonneville Dam, Columbia River
Highway." Or a Time Tunnel. Take your pick.

2004-11-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

An underwhelming shot of PDX, I'd say from early 60s?

2004-11-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Portland noir versus...

2004-11-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

...Portland bore.

2004-11-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

From The Oregonian, July 1970. Closed Sundays.

2004-11-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

From the same Smith's Home Furnishings ad. A legless
squirrel/rodent holds a bucket of cash.

2004-11-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

Arber's Wigs ad in the same issue. Thirty bucks for a wig?
Seems kind of spendy. Jaffe's alright in my book, regardless.

2004-10-31T21:38:00.000-08:00

The Ira Keller Fountain located at the Civic Auditorium near downtown Portland. Looks like a scene straight out of "Conquest for the Planet of the Apes."

2004-10-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Crown Motel, N. Interstate. Oh Dog has a more
recent photo from March 2004 [scroll down].

2004-10-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

Third Street, Portland, At Night.
"The ornamental arches were erected and are kept lighted
by the business interests along the street, which goes to
prove the progressiveness of Western merchants,"
says the back of this wonderful postcard.
Portland Communique has the whole story here.

2004-10-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I wondered why Lloyd Center needed
its own postcard. Welp, JD explained it was--at the time--
the country's largest shopping mall. Here's an overview
[a model actually] of the mall and the new Sheraton from '59.
Wonder if the mall would've been destroyed by an A-bomb
on a Day Called X?

2004-10-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

Here's the Lloyd Center somewhere in the early 60s.
Why there was a postcard for a shopping mall,
I'll never know. "I'm enjoying my stay at the Lloyd Center.
My stars, all the shops and...the food court is amaaaazing. Wish
you were here."

2004-10-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

Say, isn't that Frank Sinatra?

2004-10-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Bring on the swank! The Sheraton Kon-Tiki [RIP] and
the Imperial Hotel [still there at 400 SW Broadway,
but remodeled].

2004-10-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Simple signage, yet very inviting.

2004-10-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Oak Grove library turned out to
be a goldmine for local history. Here's
the inside front cover of a book called,
you guessed it, "Don't call it Or-E-Gawn"
from 1964 by Ellis Lucia.

2004-10-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Says the book: "Two things characterize Oregon to
outsiders--rain and timber."

2004-10-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

The waterfront, before the 1970s planners got to it.
Is that the I-5 being built on the right?

2004-10-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

A closer look at the lovely structure.

2004-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Plaza Hotel, circa 1964, 422 SW Broadway. I'd definitely
have a drink at the Bonfire, if it were still there.

2004-09-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

A full, better shot of the building.

2004-09-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Franklin Federal Savings and Loan Association,
517 SW Stark St. Says the back of the postcard: The
informal elegance of the Savings lobby with its unique crystal
chandeliers, authentic period furnishings, rich carpeting and
receptionist in American colonial attire leads to the illusion
of old Williamsburg. A web search reveals the savings & loan
is no longer with us and inspired another Portland
Ben Franklin themed business.

2004-09-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

This must be the "receptionist in American colonial attire."

2004-09-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

Portland at night, date unknown.

2004-09-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Nabbed a copy of the official program
for the Oregon Centennial from 1959.
Lots of scannable stuff which I'll post
soon. The above ad is one of many promoting
Oregon's modernism. There's also
a great ad for the yet-unbuilt Lloyd
Center and an overview of the area
surrounding the fair--
without the I-5 freeway.

2004-09-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

Picked up this cool old postcard of the Portland
downtown library at an antique mall in Astoria.
The writing is in German, postmarked 1909.
Addendum: Bart King's book says the library was
built in 1912-1913. What gives?

2004-09-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Unknown Building. Last August
during the Bridge Pedal I nabbed a
shot of my favorite building
in Portland. [See arrow.] Anyone know
the story behind it? Its history?

Astoria, Oregon 9/11/04

2004-09-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently this incredible Victorian home on a hill
overlooking Astoria was owned by an old sea captain
and his wife years ago.

2004-09-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

They eventually passed away and
gave the house to their son.

2004-09-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Their son, needless to say, "let the place go."

2004-09-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Still, it's an amazing house, isn' t it?

2004-09-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Riviera Theater, Astoria, 1920s, which
according to the marquee opened "about
June 1st.

2004-09-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Same theater, 2004...and still showing films.