We see lots of pictures of Portland’s growth, but not so many of its early days. In this photo series, explore the city before the interstate freeways, trendy eateries, and a reputation of being a home the of the eccentric. Take a look at these pictures and see if you recognize anything.
- This 1913 shot of Union Station shows just how little it has changed. Opening in 1896, by 1913, business was in full swing at this local spot that is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- Things on NE 82nd Avenue were notably sparse in the 1930s.
Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- While today goats are a novel farm animal in the city, in 1904 goats training on Morrison was everyday business.
City of Portland Archives via Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- Like 82nd Avenue, SE 28th Ave. near Eastmoreland, had a bit more open space in 1923.
City of Portland Archives via Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- In 1931, NW 6th Ave & Burnside was a hot spot in the city, much like it still is today.
City of Portland Archives via Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- Front Avenue, now called Naito Parkway, was a bustling center of commerce in 1910.
City of Portland Archives via Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- By 1921, many of the older homes throughout the city were already built, although the lots of the day allowed for a lot more space than today.
City of Portland Archives via Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- Erected in 1914, this lighted arch display, called the Great Light Way, lit up the 3rd Avenue from 1915.
City of Portland Archives via Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- By 1910, the streets of Portland looked much like today, with cars, bikes and trolleys shuffling people around the city.
Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
- And though we like to believe weather events in the city are a new phenomenon, this picture from 1917 taken at NE 19th and Weidler after a snow storm shows that snow has been grinding our city to a halt for at least the past century.
Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
These photos are incredible! Which is your favorite?
Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
City of Portland Archives via Portland Bureau of Transportation / Flickr
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