We've seen lots of pictures of Portland's growth, but not so super old photos of Portland, Oregon, that reflect its early history. In this series of historic Portland photos, we can 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 old Portland photos, 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 old pictures of Portland, Oregon, are incredible! If you've been in the city for a while, these historic Portland photos will really make you consider your Portland roots and how deep they run. Which of these pics is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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