This photograph, taken by F. Sowell around 1912, shows Edward Klees pulling taffy at Oaks Amusement Park. Image credit: Oregon History Project. My oldest memory tied to Portland's Oaks Park mostly reminds me of the Don McLean song American Pie. When it was first popular on the radio, early in the 1970s, I was an … Continue reading Oaks Park: Portland’s Coney Island on the Willamette
Portland
Portland Wrestling: A league of its own
Illahee Wrestlers poorly mimic Portland Wrestling. (I'm not sure how they got me to smile for this photo!) As a kid I was called a tomboy, not a girly girl. I'm hopeful that our kids of today aren't dropped into either of those buckets, and instead invited to be wherever on a continuum they want … Continue reading Portland Wrestling: A league of its own
Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
I was disappointed to have this week's Listen and Learn event at the Multnomah Athletic Club cancelled (due to low registrations), so instead imagined a way to still share parts of this interesting story. So here you have it! Whether you are looking for a break at work, telecommuting, or in quarantine due to that … Continue reading Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
J.K. Gill’s returns
I thank my friend Sally for alerting me to a story I was surprised to have missed when it was released a month prior. Perhaps it’s time to update my google news feed search from Brazilian Blowout (as, no doubt, any news today on that depresses me these 10 years after we issued formaldehyde warnings) to … Continue reading J.K. Gill’s returns
They keep coming
Five of the six Gill Brothers: J.K., Benjamin, James, John, and Samuel. I’m never going to get rich on book sales: that was never a dream or expectation. What I also didn’t expect or imagine, was the number of connections arising because of me publishing my books. And yet, they keep coming. I didn't think … Continue reading They keep coming
On the day you were born
Quality Pie Shop: image thanks to Stumptown Blogger. Usually I'm not a very successful audiobook listener. Often, my mind wanders, and before I know it I'm talking to myself or beginning to compose something on my own, consumed by my thoughts. Yet, sometimes when I have a long, solo car drive, I take advantage of … Continue reading On the day you were born
Like a bridge over troubled water
As I stopped to catch a photo of the cemetery another biker offered to take a picture of me. What the heck? Riverview Cemetery, Portland. My alternative title for this blog was, “E-bike success story #2.” But then I thought, this is more than that. What it’s really about, is how much we all need … Continue reading Like a bridge over troubled water
J.K. Gill: In 5 minutes or less
After delivering my Ignite West Linn: History on Fire talk yesterday, I surveyed the crowd as to who had ever set foot in a J.K. Gill store. More hands were up than down, leading me to imagine many more than just those in the Willamette Ale & Cider House on a June Sunday afternoon might … Continue reading J.K. Gill: In 5 minutes or less
Time for another Ignite: History on Fire
Today is the fourth West Linn Ignite: History on Fire, sponsored by the West Linn Historical Society. Join us from 4:00 - 5:00 pm at the Willamette Ale & Cider House (1720 Willamette Falls Drive, West Linn). Here's what's "on tap" for history shorts: Greg Nokes: The Troubled Life of Peter BurnettPam Krecklow: Historic County … Continue reading Time for another Ignite: History on Fire
Early bookselling: Ticknor & Fields to Gills
Bookstores place second on my list of most favorite human-made spaces, bested only by libraries. Libraries unquestionably rank at the top by exuding an overwhelming welcome, and forgiveness for choices I may make: I can explore and expand my interests and it's okay if I don't always make it to the last page. I sometimes … Continue reading Early bookselling: Ticknor & Fields to Gills
