Posted in Portland August 24, 2017 by Katherine Green

Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Portland And They’re Incredible

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.

1. 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.

2. Things on NE 82nd Avenue were notably sparse in the 1930s.

3. While today goats are a novel farm animal in the city, in 1904 goats training on Morrison was everyday business.

4. Like 82nd Avenue, SE 28th Ave. near Eastmoreland, had a bit more open space in 1923.

5. In 1931, NW 6th Ave & Burnside was a hot spot in the city, much like it still is today.

6. Front Avenue, now called Naito Parkway, was a bustling center of commerce in 1910.

7. 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.

8. Erected in 1914, this lighted arch display, called the Great Light Way, lit up the 3rd Avenue from 1915.

9. By 1910, the streets of Portland looked much like today, with cars, bikes and trolleys shuffling people around the city.

10. 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.

These photos are incredible! Which is your favorite?

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