We’ve enjoyed re-exploring the Vernon neighborhood this week, preparing for and leading a walking tour to make visible the many invisible layers of history there. Which reminded us of stories we’ve shared here. If you are a newcomer to this blog and haven’t seen these stories, you have some layers of history to sort through.
The original Vernon School occupied the entire block from Going to Wygant between NE 22nd and NE 23rd. This view of the school’s south side is looking north-northwest about 1912. The main entrance was on the north side in the center. Photo courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society.
The beautiful ghost of Old Vernon school, which took up the entire block between Wygant, Going, 22nd and 23rd. And the nearby Practice House which literally brought home economics home.
The amazing story of how the city pursued condemnation of property that is today’s Alberta Park.
The neighborhood outcry and organized protest effort in 1958 regarding construction of Fire Station 14 at NE 19th and Killingsworth. Today, we’re glad it’s there, but it wasn’t always that way.
The storefronts of Alberta Street and the tale of the 208 small businesses operating in 1930 between MLK and NE 33rd.
The beautiful little Mildred Hall at NE 23rd and Sumner (formerly the Norwegian Danish Congregational Church).
Lizzie Goldstein and her award-winning dairy of six cows, and the 80 neighbors who supported her when the city wanted to shut her down.
The Alberta Shul and later the Mt. Sinai Community Church.
The big green water tanks just south of Prescott.
We also bumped into an anniversary: setting of the cornerstone at the (new) Vernon School, 93 years ago today.
So many stories. Here’s to Vernon!
Alameda Old House History 
Doug, in your Vernon research, did you come across the big water main break at Alberta and 28th in the 1920s? I recall reading that the 30-inch pipe broke and flooded streets, businesses and homes, leaving thick layers of mud everywhere. Those huge mains are everywhere, so let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself.
Thanks Stephen. Indeed, I found it and have shared a photo and the news story from July 24, 1920. How did you come to learn about the flood of 1920?
Doug, I was researching the history of my own part of 28th in the papers (thanks to Newspapers.com) when the story popped up about the water main break at 28 and Alberta. Thanks for covering this interesting story so quickly.