You could stand on SE 12th Avenue near Division Street today, squint, and just about imagine this scene. That 76 station no longer pumps gas but the building is still there. In 1937 Elliot Avenue met this intersection directly from the northeast; now it jogs slightly to the west joining 12th a bit to the north of Division. See another angle on that gas station here.
(City of Portland Archives)
This view looks east on W. Burnside from NW 11th Avenue. It’s still a pretty recognizable area after all these years. We’d be looking into the coffee shop at Powell’s City of Books in the lower left corner today instead of a new car showroom.
(City of Portland Archives)
There are many classic signs to be savored in this 1939 photo of a popular Portland intersection; the Wentworth & Irwin logo at far left is a beauty. The view is east on W Burnside and 10th Avenue, with SW Oak angling off to the right. I believe you can see one of the surviving “Great Light Way” arches down Oak at 3rd Street.
(City of Portland Archives)
The Multnomah Block once stood at the north end of Civic Stadium (PGE Park), bounded by W. Burnside and SW Morrison, SW 18-19th and 20th. This view is east down Morrison to 18th. It housed Roy Burnett Motors and several other businesses when it suffered a fire in 1941. In 1944 the shell was converted to The Civic Court Apartments. That in turn was demolished in the mid 2000s and replaced with The Civic condo and The Morrison apartment buildings.
(City of Portland Archives)
West Burnside was once home to many Portland auto dealers. This 1937 photo, looking west from 10th Avenue, shows why.
(City of Portland Archives)
VP fan James Fossi worked at the old Alexander’s Chrysler at 2340 NE Sandy Blvd for 13 years. When Timberline Dodge bought the dealership, they threw away the photo albums. He’s asking if there are pictures of the old dealership. The closest I can come is this 1947 view of Sandy and 24th looking east. I think that would put the auto dealership in the building where the Willamette Builders’ Supply Co. sign is, just off the right edge.
(City of Portland Archives)
