Journalist By Nature: A Return To The Streets

When snow closes the trails in the woods the cement sidewalks of the city become our weekly walking interest. The usually flat terrain is not challenging but it keeps us moving through the cold winter months until we can return to the needle-strewn trails of Mt. Hood. Today's city walk, so named from Laura Foster's Portland City Walks, toured the Irvington to Sullivan's Gulch neighborhood. This 4.6 mile walk weaves through the neighborhood north and east of Lloyd Center Mall.

Irvington is a banquet of architectural diversity originating in the late 1800's as a platted area for professionals and executives. The homes are generally large, multi-storied, porched and bordered by wrought iron or stone fencing. Most have been well-maintained through more than 100 years of existence, many currently sporting colorful paint combinations and appropriate restorations.

The range of architectural styles touches on Colonial revival, Craftsman, Queen Anne, Prairie, neo-classical foursquare, Bungalow and English manor. Foster's book fills you in on the history of each house, its original owner and the various businesses that flourished in young Portland because of these people.

The trees and shrubs, planted so many years ago, have grown to gigantic proportions and in some cases dwarf the houses. Some of the trees lining the streets are from foreign origins, such as the Pterocarya fraxinifolia or Caucasian wingnut trees of Iran or the out-of-zone plantings that successfully thrive courtesy of the Cistus Nursery owners who live in the neighborhood.

Homeowner took our picture

One of the amazing experiences on these city walks is the unsolicited willingness of homeowners to invite our group of talkative and curious women into their yards and homes to view the unique features of their properties. Today one woman came out of her house to listen to the "history lesson" as we viewed her gingerbread-trimmed porch and discussed the origins of the neighborhood and her street in particular. Later in the walk another woman saw us chatting about her house and invited us in to see her Christmas party decorations and to tour her richly colored and appointed interior. We felt as if we had made two new friends today!

After three hours of strolling we determined to make a beeline for the Cadillac Cafe for lunch. This Portland landmark showcases a pink Cadillac in its garage showroom and serves hearty and tasty fare for breakfast and lunch. The waitstaff is quietly attentive and polite, the atmosphere upbeat and the line to be seated winds around the building. Plan accordingly, especially on weekends for breakfast.

A stop at the Helen Bernhard Bakery on Broadway completed our city walk for the day. We will resume our explorations of the city in the new year, so until then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!