It is no mystery that Portland has changed immensely over the past decades. Much of what was once considered the fabric of the city is now gone or transformed into something entirely different and trendy by today’s new standards. Here are some things that will have you reminiscing on the days gone by and what our city has lost over the years. While you can’t do these things anymore, we are sure you would love to:
- Grab A Cup of Coffee At Coffee People
Marilyn M / Flickr Started in 1983, owners Jim and Patty Roberts grew the local chain to 40 shops in Portland and expanded to have a national presence. But in 2007, it all began to fall apart and the final Coffee People, all at the airport, closed in 2016. Thankfully, you don’t have to just remember their coffee though. You can still enjoy their great coffee at their new three-location company Jim & Patty’s Coffee People, but we miss being able to buy their coffee all over town when they were at their peak.
- Get Married at 24 Hour Church of Elvis
Mike Krzeszak / Flickr This art exhibit which featured coin-operated art window installations, changed locations four times before closing permanently in 2013. Run by local artist Stephanie “Stevie” G. Pierce, the 24-Hour Church of Elvis offered legal and not legal weddings, and though its name would suggest otherwise, was open from noon to 5 and 8 pm to 11 pm.
- Browse The Bins at Django’s
Curtis Cronn / Flickr This was once a popular place to shop for used music, but sadly was bought by an investor and went out of business. Music lovers were able to lose a whole day in this store sifting through the bins for the perfect find.
- Swim at Jantzen Beach
Washington Department of Transportation / Flickr Jantzen Beach Amusement Park opened in 1928 and flourished for decades as a hot spot for entertainment, roller coasters and swimming. After over 40 years in business the park shut down in 1970, and was transformed into a shopping mall by 1972.
- Hear Jazz at Brasserie Montmarte
Marilyn M / Flickr This jazz club opened in 1978 and quickly made a name for itself as a Parisian-style bistro with great food and entertainment. After 37 years in business, the Brasserie shuttered its doors for good in 2015.
- Browse the Velveteria
Jennifer Pickens / Flickr This velvet painting museum had a short, but sweet run in Portland from 2005 to 2010. Consisting of over 2000 pieces of velvet art from Caren Anderson and Carl Baldwin’s personal collection, thankfully, the museum lives on even though it is gone from Portland. It just changed locations to Los Angeles, CA.
- Sip Cocktails at Hung Far Low
Ian Sane / Flickr A mainstay in Chinatown for decades, this traditional Chinese restaurant opened in 1928 and served up food and strong cocktails that at the time were considered exotic. In 2005, the restaurant began a decade long run on 82nd Avenue before closing its doors in 2015.
- Ride Free In The Fareless Square
Michael Anderson / Flickr If you remember when you could ride the Trimet for free in downtown, you surely miss these long gone days. Starting in the 1970s, the fareless square grew over the years and then became the Free Rail Zone in 2010 when the buses required payment again. By 2012, rates were back to normal everywhere and the end of an era occurred.
What else do you miss from the old days of Portland? Let us know in the comments below.
Marilyn M / Flickr
Started in 1983, owners Jim and Patty Roberts grew the local chain to 40 shops in Portland and expanded to have a national presence. But in 2007, it all began to fall apart and the final Coffee People, all at the airport, closed in 2016. Thankfully, you don’t have to just remember their coffee though. You can still enjoy their great coffee at their new three-location company Jim & Patty’s Coffee People, but we miss being able to buy their coffee all over town when they were at their peak.
Mike Krzeszak / Flickr
This art exhibit which featured coin-operated art window installations, changed locations four times before closing permanently in 2013. Run by local artist Stephanie “Stevie” G. Pierce, the 24-Hour Church of Elvis offered legal and not legal weddings, and though its name would suggest otherwise, was open from noon to 5 and 8 pm to 11 pm.
Curtis Cronn / Flickr
This was once a popular place to shop for used music, but sadly was bought by an investor and went out of business. Music lovers were able to lose a whole day in this store sifting through the bins for the perfect find.
Washington Department of Transportation / Flickr
Jantzen Beach Amusement Park opened in 1928 and flourished for decades as a hot spot for entertainment, roller coasters and swimming. After over 40 years in business the park shut down in 1970, and was transformed into a shopping mall by 1972.
This jazz club opened in 1978 and quickly made a name for itself as a Parisian-style bistro with great food and entertainment. After 37 years in business, the Brasserie shuttered its doors for good in 2015.
Jennifer Pickens / Flickr
This velvet painting museum had a short, but sweet run in Portland from 2005 to 2010. Consisting of over 2000 pieces of velvet art from Caren Anderson and Carl Baldwin’s personal collection, thankfully, the museum lives on even though it is gone from Portland. It just changed locations to Los Angeles, CA.
Ian Sane / Flickr
A mainstay in Chinatown for decades, this traditional Chinese restaurant opened in 1928 and served up food and strong cocktails that at the time were considered exotic. In 2005, the restaurant began a decade long run on 82nd Avenue before closing its doors in 2015.
Michael Anderson / Flickr
If you remember when you could ride the Trimet for free in downtown, you surely miss these long gone days. Starting in the 1970s, the fareless square grew over the years and then became the Free Rail Zone in 2010 when the buses required payment again. By 2012, rates were back to normal everywhere and the end of an era occurred.
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