Showing posts with label Portland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Portland. Show all posts
Friday, March 12, 2010
Portland by bike
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Vintage Roadside Tour Stop #7 - Oaks Amusement Park & Roller Rink
Although it's a little damp this week - shocking to find in Portland, we know! - a trek to Oaks Amusement Park will reward you with some of Portland's best old school charm.
Vintage Oaks Park rink label from our collection
Opened in 1905, the 40-acre Oaks Amusement Park, located along the Willamette River in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood, has managed to survive two world wars, the Great Depression, fires, and severe flooding in 1948, 1964, and 1996.
Vintage ride in storage at Oaks Park
Among its many charms - including a 1920s carousel featuring a gorgeous carved menagerie of wild animals, one of approximately 200 remaining in the world - is a fantastic roller rink that floated through the floods of 1965 and 1996 by means of airtight iron barrels mounted under the floor of the rink.
Although we don't skate as often as we'd like - waiting long enough for our bruises to heal - the experience of rolling along on four wheels while enjoying a live performance on the rink's mighty Wurlitzer Organ is an experience straight from the past and not to be missed.
Owned by the Bollinger family from the 1920s to the mid 1980s, Oaks Park is now operated by the Oaks Park Association. Created under the direction of Robert Bollinger, the Oaks Park Association works to keep the park a thriving entertainment for Portlanders. The Association is also diligent in carrying out Mr. Bollinger's wish that the land on which the park sits never be developed, but rather preserved as an amusement park for future generations.
If you're feeling adventurous, you'll find the rink open evenings throughout the conference. Exact times and cost can be found here.
Helpful Details
7805 SE Oaks Park Way
(503) 233-5777
Map here.
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Vintage Oaks Park rink label from our collectionOpened in 1905, the 40-acre Oaks Amusement Park, located along the Willamette River in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood, has managed to survive two world wars, the Great Depression, fires, and severe flooding in 1948, 1964, and 1996.
Vintage ride in storage at Oaks ParkAmong its many charms - including a 1920s carousel featuring a gorgeous carved menagerie of wild animals, one of approximately 200 remaining in the world - is a fantastic roller rink that floated through the floods of 1965 and 1996 by means of airtight iron barrels mounted under the floor of the rink.
Although we don't skate as often as we'd like - waiting long enough for our bruises to heal - the experience of rolling along on four wheels while enjoying a live performance on the rink's mighty Wurlitzer Organ is an experience straight from the past and not to be missed.
Owned by the Bollinger family from the 1920s to the mid 1980s, Oaks Park is now operated by the Oaks Park Association. Created under the direction of Robert Bollinger, the Oaks Park Association works to keep the park a thriving entertainment for Portlanders. The Association is also diligent in carrying out Mr. Bollinger's wish that the land on which the park sits never be developed, but rather preserved as an amusement park for future generations.
If you're feeling adventurous, you'll find the rink open evenings throughout the conference. Exact times and cost can be found here.
Helpful Details
7805 SE Oaks Park Way
(503) 233-5777
Map here.
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Vintage Roadside Tour Stop #5 - Fairley's Pharmacy
The first time we saw Fairley's Pharmacy on NE Sandy we screeched to a halt, parked as quickly as we could, and ran across the street.
Luckily, we missed traffic, or rather, traffic missed us. Unluckily, we had arrived after Fairley's had closed for the day. Returning another day, we're glad to report that Fairley's delivered on the promise of its exterior.
Locally owned and operated since 1913, Fairley's Pharmacy is home to a beautiful small soda fountain complete with swivel counter stools.
We haven't tried one of their phosphate sodas yet, but we can attest to the delight that is a Fairley's chocolate malt. We chose the vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup option over straight chocolate ice cream - deliciously malty!
A little further afield than some of the other stops on our tour of vintage Portland, we recommend a trip by car to enjoy a little old school Portland. For those firmly planted in the new school, you'll find free wi-fi in addition to a range of espresso drinks.
Fairley's Pharmacy today
Fairley's Pharmacy 1940. Photo courtesy of City of Portland archives
Helpful Details
7206 NE Sandy Blvd
(503) 284-1159
Fairley's Pharmacy Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday Closed
How to Get There
We recommend this trip by car. Our favorite way to get to Fairley's from downtown Portland is not the quickest, but you will get to drive the length of Sandy Blvd - lots of vintage Portland to see if you're looking closely!
Google map here
From the downtown Hilton at 921 SW 6th Ave
1. Head north on SW 6th Ave toward SW Taylor St - 0.4 mi
2. Turn right at W Burnside St - 1.1 mi
3. Continue onto NE Sandy Blvd - 3.6 mi
Fairley's Pharmacy at 7206 NE Sandy Blvd will be on the right.
If you do happen to try a phosphate, be sure and let us know what you think!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Luckily, we missed traffic, or rather, traffic missed us. Unluckily, we had arrived after Fairley's had closed for the day. Returning another day, we're glad to report that Fairley's delivered on the promise of its exterior.
Locally owned and operated since 1913, Fairley's Pharmacy is home to a beautiful small soda fountain complete with swivel counter stools.
We haven't tried one of their phosphate sodas yet, but we can attest to the delight that is a Fairley's chocolate malt. We chose the vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup option over straight chocolate ice cream - deliciously malty!
A little further afield than some of the other stops on our tour of vintage Portland, we recommend a trip by car to enjoy a little old school Portland. For those firmly planted in the new school, you'll find free wi-fi in addition to a range of espresso drinks.
Fairley's Pharmacy today
Fairley's Pharmacy 1940. Photo courtesy of City of Portland archives
Helpful Details
7206 NE Sandy Blvd
(503) 284-1159
Fairley's Pharmacy Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday Closed
How to Get There
We recommend this trip by car. Our favorite way to get to Fairley's from downtown Portland is not the quickest, but you will get to drive the length of Sandy Blvd - lots of vintage Portland to see if you're looking closely!
Google map here
From the downtown Hilton at 921 SW 6th Ave
1. Head north on SW 6th Ave toward SW Taylor St - 0.4 mi
2. Turn right at W Burnside St - 1.1 mi
3. Continue onto NE Sandy Blvd - 3.6 mi
Fairley's Pharmacy at 7206 NE Sandy Blvd will be on the right.
If you do happen to try a phosphate, be sure and let us know what you think!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Monday, March 1, 2010
Vintage Roadside Tour Stop #4 - Interstate Avenue Neon
Once the main highway between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, Interstate Avenue was lined with mom and pop motels, restaurants, and gas stations - many lit with neon.
Interstate Avenue would never be the same after the opening of I-5 on December 2, 1964. Located just west of Interstate, I-5 became the corridor of choice for travelers who had patronized Interstate's businesses, leaving many of the mom and pops without the customers they relied on.
With such a drastic change in traffic flow and loss of business, you might think that all of the neon along Interstate would have been lost to time and decay. Although many vintage signs have been demolished, replaced, or taken down over the past five decades (including one ongoing preservation project, the Crown Motel sign), we're happy to say a nice cluster can still be found along the old highway.
Working our way south to north, here's a fun look at some of the neon sights we're fortunate to still enjoy along Interstate Avenue.
Palms Motel
3801 N Interstate Ave
The Alibi
4024 N Interstate Ave
Westerner Motel
4333 N Interstate Ave
Viking Motel
6701 N Interstate Ave
Additional good news: In 2008, the North Interstate Corridor Plan, was adopted by Portland's city council. The Plan included a provision which "establishes the city's first neighborhood-based neon district that encourages the preservation of existing 1950s era neon signs while providing flexibility for new signage." We don't know yet what this means for the future of neon along Interstate, but we're hoping for the best - preservation of existing signage.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of North Interstate Avenue or you enjoy vintage photos, we highly recommend this excellent and well-researched blog by Dan Haneckow at Cafe Unknown. "Illuminating Interstate."
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Interstate Avenue would never be the same after the opening of I-5 on December 2, 1964. Located just west of Interstate, I-5 became the corridor of choice for travelers who had patronized Interstate's businesses, leaving many of the mom and pops without the customers they relied on.
With such a drastic change in traffic flow and loss of business, you might think that all of the neon along Interstate would have been lost to time and decay. Although many vintage signs have been demolished, replaced, or taken down over the past five decades (including one ongoing preservation project, the Crown Motel sign), we're happy to say a nice cluster can still be found along the old highway.
Working our way south to north, here's a fun look at some of the neon sights we're fortunate to still enjoy along Interstate Avenue.
Palms Motel
3801 N Interstate Ave
The Alibi
4024 N Interstate Ave
Westerner Motel
4333 N Interstate Ave
Viking Motel
6701 N Interstate Ave
Additional good news: In 2008, the North Interstate Corridor Plan, was adopted by Portland's city council. The Plan included a provision which "establishes the city's first neighborhood-based neon district that encourages the preservation of existing 1950s era neon signs while providing flexibility for new signage." We don't know yet what this means for the future of neon along Interstate, but we're hoping for the best - preservation of existing signage.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of North Interstate Avenue or you enjoy vintage photos, we highly recommend this excellent and well-researched blog by Dan Haneckow at Cafe Unknown. "Illuminating Interstate."
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Friday, February 26, 2010
Vintage Roadside Tour Stop #3 - Streamline Moderne Coca Cola
For those of you thinking about visiting the Laurelhurst Theatre (Tour Stop #1), we have another beauty for you just around the corner from there.
Built in 1941, the Coca-Cola building at the corner of NE 28th and Couch is one of Portland's finest examples of Streamline Moderne architecture. Once a bottling plant, we confirmed this morning that the facility is now a manufacturing plant for fountain syrup. Please note: this facility is not open for tours.
If you're a fan of this style of architecture (as we are), here's a link to a landmark nomination report for Seattle's Coca-Cola building, also formerly a bottling plant. The report is worth a look as it includes a couple of photos of Portland's Coca-Cola building along with a few beautiful examples of Art Deco / Streamline Moderne buildings around Seattle.
According to the landmark application, Portland's and Seattle's Coca-Cola buildings were both designed by Atlanta architect Jesse M. Shelton.
Beautiful during the day, this building really comes to life at dusk. If you're planning on a movie and a pint at the Laurelhurst Theatre, walk just one block north to see the Coca-Cola building in all its glory.
Helpful Details
NE Couch Street & 28th Ave
How to Get There
Directions from the downtown Hilton courtesy of TriMet
1. Walk northeast from 921 SW 6th Ave to SW 6th & Yamhill (Stop ID 7807)
2. Board 19 Glisan to Gateway TC
3. Get off at NE Glisan & 28th
4. Walk 0.2 mile south to NE 28th Ave & NE Couch St
Travel time: 25 minutes (including 9 minutes walking)
Fares: Adult ($2.00), Youth/Student ($1.50) or Honored Citizen ($0.95)
Have a great weekend!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Built in 1941, the Coca-Cola building at the corner of NE 28th and Couch is one of Portland's finest examples of Streamline Moderne architecture. Once a bottling plant, we confirmed this morning that the facility is now a manufacturing plant for fountain syrup. Please note: this facility is not open for tours.
If you're a fan of this style of architecture (as we are), here's a link to a landmark nomination report for Seattle's Coca-Cola building, also formerly a bottling plant. The report is worth a look as it includes a couple of photos of Portland's Coca-Cola building along with a few beautiful examples of Art Deco / Streamline Moderne buildings around Seattle.
According to the landmark application, Portland's and Seattle's Coca-Cola buildings were both designed by Atlanta architect Jesse M. Shelton.
Beautiful during the day, this building really comes to life at dusk. If you're planning on a movie and a pint at the Laurelhurst Theatre, walk just one block north to see the Coca-Cola building in all its glory.
Helpful Details
NE Couch Street & 28th Ave
How to Get There
Directions from the downtown Hilton courtesy of TriMet
1. Walk northeast from 921 SW 6th Ave to SW 6th & Yamhill (Stop ID 7807)
2. Board 19 Glisan to Gateway TC
3. Get off at NE Glisan & 28th
4. Walk 0.2 mile south to NE 28th Ave & NE Couch St
Travel time: 25 minutes (including 9 minutes walking)
Fares: Adult ($2.00), Youth/Student ($1.50) or Honored Citizen ($0.95)
Have a great weekend!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Monday, February 15, 2010
Vintage Roadside Tour Stop #2 - Paul Bunyan
We've been known to drive hundreds of miles out of our way to see roadside giants. A Texaco Big Friend in Nevada - check. A Muffler Man in Missouri - check. Yogi Bear in Kentucky - check.
Luckily we also have one of the finest roadside statues right here in Portland. Today we guide you over to Portland's very own Paul Bunyan.
Standing at the intersection of N. Denver and N. Interstate Avenues is one of our favorite roadside attractions in Portland, a 31-foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Interstate Avenue (Highway 99) running through the Kenton neighborhood was one of three designated routes - and the only direct route across the Columbia River to Washington - for the 4 to 8 million travelers expected to visit Oregon's Centennial Exposition during the summer of 1959.
Originally intended to stand for just six months to commemorate the Exposition, Paul Bunyan is still going strong. Fifty-one years and one fifty-nine foot relocation later, Paul has never outlived his welcome, but has continued as both an integral part of the Kenton neighborhood's identity and a must-see for visitors to Portland.
If you're interested in trying out Portland's light rail system, MAX, this is a fun ride from downtown to see one of Portland's most impressive native sons!
Helpful Details
Intersection of N. Denver and N. Interstate Avenues
How to Get There
Directions from the downtown Hilton courtesy of TriMet
1. Walk 0.11 mile north from 921 SW 6th Ave to Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station (Stop ID 7777)
2. Board MAX Yellow Line to Expo Center
3. Get off at Kenton/N Denver Ave MAX Station
4. Walk 0.1 mile northwest to N Denver & N Interstate Ave
Travel time: 28 minutes (including 6 minutes walking)
Fares: Adult ($2.00), Youth/Student ($1.50), Honored Citizen ($0.95)
Enjoy your visit with Paul!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Luckily we also have one of the finest roadside statues right here in Portland. Today we guide you over to Portland's very own Paul Bunyan.
Standing at the intersection of N. Denver and N. Interstate Avenues is one of our favorite roadside attractions in Portland, a 31-foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Interstate Avenue (Highway 99) running through the Kenton neighborhood was one of three designated routes - and the only direct route across the Columbia River to Washington - for the 4 to 8 million travelers expected to visit Oregon's Centennial Exposition during the summer of 1959.
Originally intended to stand for just six months to commemorate the Exposition, Paul Bunyan is still going strong. Fifty-one years and one fifty-nine foot relocation later, Paul has never outlived his welcome, but has continued as both an integral part of the Kenton neighborhood's identity and a must-see for visitors to Portland.
If you're interested in trying out Portland's light rail system, MAX, this is a fun ride from downtown to see one of Portland's most impressive native sons!
Helpful Details
Intersection of N. Denver and N. Interstate Avenues
How to Get There
Directions from the downtown Hilton courtesy of TriMet
1. Walk 0.11 mile north from 921 SW 6th Ave to Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station (Stop ID 7777)
2. Board MAX Yellow Line to Expo Center
3. Get off at Kenton/N Denver Ave MAX Station
4. Walk 0.1 mile northwest to N Denver & N Interstate Ave
Travel time: 28 minutes (including 6 minutes walking)
Fares: Adult ($2.00), Youth/Student ($1.50), Honored Citizen ($0.95)
Enjoy your visit with Paul!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Vintage Roadside Tour Stop #1 - Laurelhurst Theatre
Kicking off our tour of vintage Portland is the Laurelhurst Theatre.
A stunning Art Deco movie theatre built in 1923 and restored in 2000, the independently owned Laurelhurst Theatre is home to some of Portland's finest neon and is one of the most popular places to see a movie and grab a pint and a slice of pizza on Portland's east side.
The Laurelhurst is known for its great selection of microbrews and the fact that you can bring your food and drink into the theatre to enjoy while watching your movie.
Two more things you need to know:
All movies are $3.00
March's movie theme is...Sci Fi!
If you can only visit one or two places around town while you're here for the conference, the Laurelhurst is a great place to experience a taste of vintage Portland with a twist.
Helpful Details
2735 East Burnside Street
(503) 232-5511
Mon-Thu 6pm-11:30pm
Fri 4pm-11:30pm
Weekends 1pm-11:30pm
How to Get There
Directions from the downtown Hilton courtesy of TriMet
1. Walk northeast from 921 SW 6th Ave to SW 6th & Yamhill (Stop ID 7807)
2. Board #19 Glisan to Gateway TC
3. Get off at NE Glisan & 28th
4. Walk 0.3 miles south to 2735 East Burnside Street
Travel time: 26 minutes (including 12 minutes walking)
Fares: Adult ($2.00), Youth/Student ($1.50) or Honored Citizen ($0.95)
Enjoy the show!
Remember Early Bird registration ends tomorrow - Friday, Feb. 12th!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
A stunning Art Deco movie theatre built in 1923 and restored in 2000, the independently owned Laurelhurst Theatre is home to some of Portland's finest neon and is one of the most popular places to see a movie and grab a pint and a slice of pizza on Portland's east side.
The Laurelhurst is known for its great selection of microbrews and the fact that you can bring your food and drink into the theatre to enjoy while watching your movie.
Two more things you need to know:
All movies are $3.00
March's movie theme is...Sci Fi!
If you can only visit one or two places around town while you're here for the conference, the Laurelhurst is a great place to experience a taste of vintage Portland with a twist.
Helpful Details
2735 East Burnside Street
(503) 232-5511
Mon-Thu 6pm-11:30pm
Fri 4pm-11:30pm
Weekends 1pm-11:30pm
How to Get There
Directions from the downtown Hilton courtesy of TriMet
1. Walk northeast from 921 SW 6th Ave to SW 6th & Yamhill (Stop ID 7807)
2. Board #19 Glisan to Gateway TC
3. Get off at NE Glisan & 28th
4. Walk 0.3 miles south to 2735 East Burnside Street
Travel time: 26 minutes (including 12 minutes walking)
Fares: Adult ($2.00), Youth/Student ($1.50) or Honored Citizen ($0.95)
Enjoy the show!
Remember Early Bird registration ends tomorrow - Friday, Feb. 12th!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Vintage Roadside welcomes you to Portland!
Hello from Vintage Roadside!
We are so excited that the ASEH / NCPH joint conference is being held in our hometown of Portland, Oregon, March 10th - 14th!
Aside from looking forward to meeting all of you in the conference exhibit hall, we're also taking this opportunity to welcome attendees to our hometown by posting a series of articles here on the 2010 ASEH/NCPH Conference Blog. Our posts will highlight the fantastic vintage sights to see around Portland including some of our favorite roadside architecture, neon signs, restored theaters, tiki bars, and, of course, fiberglass giants.
There is one thing we'd like you to do if you haven't already - register!
Early Bird registration for the conference ends on Friday, February 12th. This is a great time to save $15 off of regular registration fees. Just take a minute to click here to register and lock in the Early Bird rate.
We can guarantee you won't want to miss this year's conference. In addition to an incredible line-up of speakers, seminars, walking tours, and vendors, you're going to love vintage Portland!
And now, here's a sneak peek at the first place we'll be featuring in Vintage Roadside's tour of vintage Portland.
There is much more to come so be sure to register for the conference and stay tuned. See you on Thursday!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
We are so excited that the ASEH / NCPH joint conference is being held in our hometown of Portland, Oregon, March 10th - 14th!
Aside from looking forward to meeting all of you in the conference exhibit hall, we're also taking this opportunity to welcome attendees to our hometown by posting a series of articles here on the 2010 ASEH/NCPH Conference Blog. Our posts will highlight the fantastic vintage sights to see around Portland including some of our favorite roadside architecture, neon signs, restored theaters, tiki bars, and, of course, fiberglass giants.
There is one thing we'd like you to do if you haven't already - register!
Early Bird registration for the conference ends on Friday, February 12th. This is a great time to save $15 off of regular registration fees. Just take a minute to click here to register and lock in the Early Bird rate.
We can guarantee you won't want to miss this year's conference. In addition to an incredible line-up of speakers, seminars, walking tours, and vendors, you're going to love vintage Portland!
And now, here's a sneak peek at the first place we'll be featuring in Vintage Roadside's tour of vintage Portland.
There is much more to come so be sure to register for the conference and stay tuned. See you on Thursday!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
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