New Market Theater, c1872

The New Market Theater is shown here on SW 1st between Ankeny and Ash Streets, probably in 1872, the year it was completed. Construction appears to be just starting for the New Market Block, North Wing, which was completed the following year. The North Wing was demolished in 1956 but the cast-iron arches were saved and are in place today. It will be another 16 years before the Skidmore Fountain makes its appearance. It would be placed probably about at the end of the wooden sidewalk at lower center of the photo.

(Library of Congress)

SW 3rd & Ankeny, c1927

We’ve seen this building before, from almost the same angle. This one, taken about a year earlier, shows it without all the street construction debris we saw in the earlier photo.

(City of Portland Archives)

SW 1st and Ankeny, 1957

The building directly behind Skidmore Fountain in yesterday’s post is shown here in its final days. Its whole history is a bit fuzzy but the 1870′s-era stone building was apparently the first U.S. customs house in Portland. Other uses over the years included a furniture warehouse and, as was seen yesterday, home for the Pacific Tent & Awning Co. Thanks to Bud Holland who supplied this terrific 1957 photo showing the beginning of the demolition process. The building was leveled for a parking lot. Click here to read a 1957 article from The Oregonian about this building.

(Bud Holland)

Skidmore Fountain, 1939

When Skidmore Fountain was dedicated in 1888, the intersection of First Avenue and Ankeny and Vine Streets was in the fashionable shopping and entertainment center of Portland. Half a century later the heart of downtown had move south and west, leaving this area to a more humble trade. It has survived floods, vandalism, plans to move it to other locations, and acid cleanings by well-meaning public workmen over the years, but still stands in its original location.

(City of Portland Archives)

Helm Building, c1955

The Helm building stood between the Packer-Scott building and the Burnside Bridge between Front and 1st Avenues. The Helm was the remaining portion of the 1877 Dekum & Reed block. The western half (shown here facing 1st Ave.) was destroyed by an explosion in 1968. The right-most cast-iron column is still attached to the northwest corner of the Packer-Scott building (Mercy Corps headquarters). Check it out next time you’re down at Saturday Market.

(University of Oregon Libraries)

SW 3rd & Ankeny, 1928

The Raymond House hotel anchored the northwest corner of SW 3rd and Ankeny, while street level shops catered to their workingman customers in 1928. A portion of one of the “Great Light Way” arches is seen arcing over the intersection.

(City of Portland Archives)

Boston Packing Co. Building, 1928

The Boston Packing Co. was once situated on the improbably small triangular block bounded by SW 3rd Avenue and Ash and Ankeny Streets. The Multnomah Hotel is just off camera to the left. This building can be seen in the distance in this previous Vintage Portland post. The Union Gas station visible in the distance can also be seen in this post.

(City of Portland Archives)