Portland grew up in the last decades of the nineteenth century. Still a small town in 1883 when it got its transcontinental railroad connection (and our own West’s Block building was constructed), it was a substantial city by the time it staged the Lewis and Clark Exposition in 1905.
Dr. Carl Abbott, professor of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University, will discuss how Portland built a new downtown in this era, received thousands of immigrants from Europe, and crossed the Willamette River. Civic leaders upgraded basic services like water supply, built bridges, and oversaw the growth of the exciting new technology of electric streetcars.
With new elbow room, the city sprawled (nineteenth century style) into new neighborhoods for the rich, the middle class, and working people. More than a hundred years later, Portlanders are still thriving within the basic urban framework created by our predecessors a century earlier. Pre-registration is strongly suggested, either here at our website or using the form in the newsletter.
Sponsored by: Arciform, LLC. Specializing in the restoration and remodel of historic and vintage homes. (503) 493-7344 www.oldhomesnewlife.com
Date: Saturday, January 12
Time: 2–3:00 p.m.
Members: $10, General Public: $15
Supported by a grant from: Trust Management Services