In better days, the Multnomah Block from yesterday’s post looked like this (white building on the right). This view west on SW Morrison at 18th shows the Multnomah Block as a tidy “Burnett Automotive City” selling pre-war Plymouths and De Sotos. Familiar landmarks include Civic Stadium across Morrison and the Kingston Hotel just up the street.
(City of Portland Archives)
Vintage Portland 
Great photo Dan and thanks for the input re the hazy building in yesterday’s post. I think you’re correct that it may be the American Bank Building.
As for today’s post: what is the building with the arched windows on the north side of Burnside at 20th Places (where Morrison intersects Burnside)? I think the sign says “PTOWN” but it’s difficult to tell. I’ve heard of a ballroom that used to be in that area of town, but I was under the impression that it was on the south side of Burnside.
I love the tidy little Shell Station on the left. In fact everything in this photo is neat and fresh scrubed looking.
I wonder what the speaker is for up on the telephone pole next to the Shell station. Any ideas? Broadcasting events outside of the stadium possibly? The Beavers were still @ Vaughn Street Ballpark until 1956.
Jim – I make out the sign as “Uptown”.
Sigh on the streetcar tracks (again), and lol at the gas station. Fill up before you drive into the stadium? 😉
Interesting “Through Traffic Stop” sign… does that mean you don’t have to stop if you’re turning right? Or does the “through traffic” refer to the cross-street not stopping?
Also, note the pointy white “miles to destination” signs peeking out from behind the lightpost on the SE corner. Would that indicate that 18th was a highway? Which one?
Station visible to the left is a Union 76. The Shell station is out of the field of vision.
Jay! Thanks for the eagle eyes. A little Googling of Uptown Ballroom eventually revealed this historical summary.
Wonderful photo! My Great-Grandfather bought a 1959 Pontiac Catalina from Windolph Pontiac in Dec. 1958. I now own the car after being out of the family for 25 years. Does anyone know of more photos of Windolph from any years? I would appreciate it very much. I have found very little about Windolph, except that he also manufactured tractors right around the corner behind Civic Stadium. The building still exists at 826 SW 21st, just down the street from the Portland Towers Apartments.
I recently bought a old book from Powell’s Bookstore and inside it was an old post card from this dealership. It is quite cool. it has a 2 cent stamp mark on it and it is asking a man from Tigard to come in a see the deals they have. I think it is from around 1951-2. It’s really neat. It looks like it is brand new too.
I have some Amusement guides called “Lets Go. dated from 1947,1954,1957 and booklets called “About Town” dated 1946,1947. in great condtion
just wondering who may want them. I used to care for Lillian Walker wife of Johnny Walker the owners of The Village on 130th & Stark.