Portland Customs House Plan

Several years ago the US government made a decision too sell the historical Customs house to a local developer who planned to convert the structure to a boutique hotel. It was a great idea and won out over other competing ideas for the property including using it as a community center.

Well after waiting and waiting for remodelling activity to start, we all figured out that the project was dead. Probably the economy.

Now we have a new proposal that seems to be gaining traction. The Portland International School has submitted an application to acquire the building. It has now been approved and the school plans to use green building techniques to renovate the empty space and preserve the historical character.

Sounds like a terrific plan. Now they just need to figure out how to raise the money. The building is being be donated to the school under a federal program but the costs to update the building will run many millions of dollars.

I am hoping they can pull it off.

- To learn more about the historical significance of the Portland Customs House go to this link - Customs House.

Saving the Morris Marks House

On SW 12th Ave, in downtown, sits a relic from the past. Among modern buildings and condominium towers, is a rare Italianate House. Some call it a Mansion, but it's a two-story, single-family residence in a somewhat flamboyant style. The Morris Marks House was built in 1880 by the legendary architect Warren H. Williams and is one of two remaining residences from this prominent Portland architect.

PSU's Historical Preservation club is holding an informational meeting on April 16th, 6-8pm at West Café, 1201 SW Jefferson St Portland. They are looking for ideas on how to save the house from possible demolition. The current owners have other plans for the site and are willing to give the house to any person or group that would move it to a new location.

For more information, contact Clem Ogilby at 503-572-5323 or http://www.morrismarkshouse.com/.

Photo from Preservationdirectory.com

Farmers Return to Downtown Portland

The downtown Farmers Markets are getting back to business. The large market on the Park blocks by PSU is now in operation every Saturday thru December 19. The Wednesday market will open on April 29th and run thru the end of October while the Pearl District gathering will being in June.


Please be aware that there are new restrictions on pets. Due to over crowding and other concerns, shoppers will no longer be allowed to bring their dogs and other pets to the two South Park Blocks markets. The new pet rules are similar to those in place at farmers markets in Beaverton, Hillsdale, Seattle and San Francisco.



More information can be found at the farmers web site.

Lecture: "The Civil War in Oregon"

If you are a history buff would might be interested to know about a cultural event happening tomorrow, Tuesday March 24th. A lecture regarding the Civil War will be presented 7:30pm at The Newmark Theatre, Antoinette Hatfield Hall, 1111 S.W. Broadway in downtown Portland.

Speaker Robert K. Sutton is the current Chief Historian of the National Park Service. Prior to this, he served as the Superintendent of Manassas National Battlefield Park and directed the Historic Preservation and Historical Administration public history programs at Arizona State University. He has published several books, articles, and reviews on public history. One of his primary interests is preparing for the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Presented as part of the 2009 Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians Forum.

See the Oregon Historical Society website for ticketing information.