This 1900s view of Portland Harbor from the east bank of the Willamette River in the vicinity of today’s Memorial Coliseum is from the precious scrapbook of family photos shared with us by Laurelhurst resident Bob Elston. You’ll recall the photos Bob shared last year, which led us into a reconstruction of 1900s life near the corner of NE 3^rd and Broadway where his family grew up, and then into a deep dive to explore the history of the eastside gulches. It’s amazing where a few pictures can take us (we’re always looking for photos of the neighborhood and old houses, so go have a look at that box in the attic). Check out the name of this boat setting sail from the east bank, and click around to look at the details on the west bank as well.

It’s been a quiet spell here on the AH blog. My history work is avocation and passion, but I have a real job too, which has always come first, with history research and writing relegated to what’s left over after a more than full-time commitment of time and energy. This fall, I’ll be transitioning away from that commitment and shifting into a new chapter with a totally different role and pace. When that happens, the subjects of exploration here on the blog—and a desire to further engage with helping connect past and present—move into first position.

The result: more blog activity and insights into the stories of our old houses and neighborhoods; maybe a new branch or two of inquiry; a ramp-up in my ability to take on and complete individual house and building history requests; other ideas?

Thanks for following along on the journey these last nine years, for the ideas and photos you’ve shared. Looking forward to expanding the Alameda History conversation here in this next chapter.