We’ve seen the 1881 Ladd Block before; this gives a bit of a closer look at this once-fine building in its later years. This view is to the north up SW 1st Avenue from Columbia Street.
(University of Oregon Libraries)
Archive for the ‘Downtown’ Category
Ladd Block, c1960
May 13, 2013SW 6th & Alder, 1939
May 9, 2013It was a wet, dreary day in 1939 the day this photo was taken looking north on 6th Avenue at Alder. The sidewalks seem unusually crowded; lunchtime maybe? That’s the old Oregonian Building on the far left.
(City of Portland Archives)
SW 5th & Washington, 1907
May 7, 2013Snow, trolley tracks and road apples, plus the occasional car, all presented challenges to pedestrians on SW 5th and Washington in 1907. The 1906 Swetland Building is dead ahead on the southeast corner. We’re looking south here.
(City of Portland Archives)
SW 4th & Washington, 1946
May 3, 2013There were some great business signs along SW 4th Avenue north of Washington Street in 1946. “Paradise Inn Chop Suey” is a classic. Except for the block on the immediate left, almost everything we see here is miraculously still standing.
(City of Portland Archives)
Fourth Street, 1907
April 29, 2013Fourth Street, now SW 4th Avenue, looked impressively wide in this 1907 image looking south through Stark Street. Pantages Theater was on the southwest corner and the extant 1898 Oregon Pacific Building can be seen another block down on the right. The tall building on the immediate left is the Chamber of Commerce building.
(City of Portland Archives)
SW 6th Avenue, 1914
April 22, 2013Wood frame buildings were still common on SW 6th Avenue in 1914. The street looked like an entertainment area of sorts with many bars, pool halls, theaters and restaurants. The new and elegant 12-story Wilcox Building, at left at the intersection with Washington Street, was a sign of a growing city. This view is south from Stark Street.
(City of Portland Archives)
Street Demonstration, SW 4th & Oak, 1932
April 11, 2013From the police historical “Red Squad” archives is this 1932 image of anti-war protesters purportedly outside the Japanese consulate on SW 4th Avenue. The view is to the north and the first cross street is SW Oak.
(City of Portland Archives)
