Ode to an Old House
Thursday, July 12th, 2007 | General
“Back to the old house”
Fond memories ensue as I approached the house where Ryan used to live.
Charming Renaissance and Baroque revival of the 1880’s
to my alarm it was surrounded by a fence.
Construction behind it exposes the back, which few have ever seen before
deep concern for its survival, I whisper to myself “they cannot, they must not..tear it down”
This relic of historical Portland, must not end up a crumbled obliteration..it must be saved,
moved, restored to its original state.
Luckily for us Portland has saved monumental historic houses in the past such as,
The Ladd Carriage House
Luckily, I was there when they released this treasure of time book, Classic Houses of Portland, Oregon 1850-1950.
I was even lucky to have it signed by William J. Hawkins III. This was when I was working as a Legal Asst. for a personal injury lawyer. The office was located inside a featured house, the Theodore B. Wilcox House (1893). Still located at 931 SW King Avenue. I would walk up that steep Salmon Hill next to the MAC club after school to get there.
For Ryan, this place holds a special place in his heart. Mine too, as it was the place I helped him move into shortly after we became a couple. The porch was the ultimate resting place and story upon story of the neighbors and happenings at the 1201 the coolest most retro bar, just accross the street, Ryan’s watering hole, and the place that completely severed any liquor appeal to Ryan.
Embraced in nostalgia I could only approach so far, as the fence even had a lock on it. I am reassured that it may only be moving or slightly restored. Who knows. But it is one of the last standing remnants of the magic in the construction of houses back in the 1880’s.
Ode to an old House
The cheapest studio in Portland
Marble carved fireplace, virtually unusable
porch with cushioned chairs, cushions stolen off of it
Beads adorned the entry, still did not keep the fly’s out in the threshold of summertime
T.V. on Fridge, antannae did little to help with reception
tiny oven, tiny sink, tiny counter top, tiny cubboards, for one…. perfect
toilet in hallway shared with shower upstairs shared
Neighbors as eccentric and brilliant as they come, they take good care of pet fish when gone…
Haven from the fast paced world outside, catching fireworks from the porch during Rose festival or 4th of July.
Friends to drop by unnanounced, sit and chat inside or on porch
Masked bandit hiding, peaked head through cracked door..no cause for alarm
Rings around pictures, carpet and in cabinets upon the move out
Ready for a new journey in a new place, but will never forget the memories created in the perfect studio
in the perfect place.
2 Comments to Ode to an Old House
Yes, I loved that place. It was a pain to live there at times, but still a great spot. Thanks for the post!
Of course. We will want to keep an ear and eye out to the happenings around it.
July 12, 2007