The Stills in the Hills St. Johns Mainstreet Plans Island Improvements

Photo Tiffany Owens

North Portland’s Community Newspaper - Founded in 1904 [email protected] www.stjohnsreview.com 503-283-5086 Four North St. Johns Mainstreet plans island improvements Portland The St. Johns Main Street Coalition is working with schools to Burgerville and DeSantis Landscaping to re-land- receive scape the welcome island, or “gateway greenspace” improvements located next to Burgerville On January 30 Portland Public at the intersection of Ivan- Schools announced that twelve hoe St. and Philadelphia. schools will receive Bond related The island, owned and un- improvements during the sum- maintained by PBOT, is mer of 2014. In North Portland currently home to invasive the schools include: Chief Joseph, ivy, laurel, and is made James John, Beach, and Boise-El- iot/Humboldt. The others are: Ar- unsightly and unsanitary leta (K-8), Creston (K-8), Grout through trash and pests. (K-5), Hosford (6-8), King (PK- The Vision 8), Lane (6-8), Vernon (K-8), and St. Johns Mainstreet en- Woodlawn (PK-8). PPS reports visions transforming the that most of the schools on the list space into an attractive, were built over 65 years ago with active, welcoming island more than half built before 1940. at the entrance of St. Johns. The work will begin in June 2014 and PPS said they plan to fix The space will encour- leaking and deteriorating roofs, age auto and foot traffic make the schools seismic safety, to continue their journey into the events. the project and the Mainstreet big volunteer planting day at 9:00 and make accessibility and sci- downtown area, and will demon- The draft plan (pictured) pro- group is interested in other ideas am. The group anticipates the need ence classroom improvements. strate the pride St. Johns takes poses to remove a bulk of the ivy about how to further enliven the for two more volunteer days in This is the second year of the in the community. The paths and and laurel and replace them with a space through art, historic dis- March to help clear debris and in- eight-year School Building Im- benches will provide a space for mixture of landscaping, paths, and plays, information signs, or other stall the hardscaping. If interested provement Bond where up to community members to eat lunch benches. The plants are primarily additions. They are soliciting feed- in volunteering, contact them at eventually 63 schools will re- on a sunny day, and expand the native plants, and will receive on- back and suggestions both on the [email protected]. ceive upgrades and improvements over consecutive summers. space available during community going maintenance by DeSantis current design and for ideas for a This project has been made pos- Landscaping through a donation future phase 2. Send your com- sible with donations from Burger- from Burgerville. The paths will ments and ideas to info@stjohns- ville, DeSantis Landscaping, and a be made out of Decomposed Grav- mainstreet.org. District Improvement Grant from New shelter opens doors in el, an attractive and permeable If interested in helping, on the Portland Development Com- North Portland to homeless surface that requires little mainte- March 22, in partnership with the mission. nance. University of Portland and Re- families The re-landscaping is phase I of building Together, there will be a By: Linda Jo Devlaeminck

Portland Public Schools has the Community of Hope, families The Stills in the Hills identified more than 150 - fami can get the help they need while lies in North Portland, which are staying close to their neighbor- It’s impossible to understand a slaughterhouse on the West Coast homeless, or at risk of becoming hood schools and relationships. Jim Speirs fraction of North Portland with- insured that Portland’s reputation, homeless. For years these fami- On Wednesday, Feb. 12, (as this out recognizing the huge influ- as a “wide open city” was secure. lies have had to travel to down- paper was on the printing press,) Historical ence Henry Kaiser had on the Portland also earned the well-de- town Portland or East County to City Commissioners Amanda Fritz Editor area. Much has been written served status as “sin city” of the receive services. Now, thanks to and Mult. County Commissioner about the times and the huge West Coast during that period and Loretta Smith spoke at the Grand number of events that happened well beyond. Names such as Ben- Opening, which was held at 8911 as a result of the influx of peo- son, Autzen, Swift, Elkins, and Ar- European problems and having N. Leonard Street. As did David ple who cascaded into the area mor were becoming synonymous to pick sides of countries on the Brewer, Executive Director for when WWII broke out. Every- with the city. Shipbuilding and re- continent. On the other side of AllOne Community Services and thing about the town of Portland pair also became a mainstay of the the world, we knew of the atroc- Linda Jo Devlaeminck, Program changed; much the same can be area; the Willamette and Columbia ities and barbaric behavior of Director, Community of Hope. said about most of America, but Rivers providing ideal avenues for the Japanese in China, Manchu- Sponsored by AllOne Commu- the location of Portland to ship- transport and logistics design. ria, (which the Japanese had re- nity Services and the Church of building made us the bulls-eye of Shipbuilding and dry-dock ac- named Manchukuo) and Korea; North Portland, the Community transformation. In the past, many tivities did not start with the war, but America saw the vast Pacific of Hope provides shelter, classes, of my writings/articles have in- they had always been a part of the Ocean as a buffer to the conflict mentoring and support to home- cluded multiple references to region, but the approach of war in Southeast Asia and wanted no less single mothers and their chil- Kaiser and his impact on North ushered in a new dynamic; facto- part of sending troops to either dren. It gives them an opportuni- Portland. That influence cannot ries and plants across the country theater of war. ty to recover from the trauma of be over-stated. began gearing up for battle. The Still, the shadows of battle grew homelessness, build new skills, Portland already had industry, Roosevelt administration was well by the month. Roosevelt felt and work toward providing stable and North Portland had a con- aware of the isolationist feeling in America would have to become homes for their families. centration of heavy production the country; after all the “War to involved. At some point, he knew Funded by donations and staffed that set it apart from other parts End all Wars” (WWI) was bare- Continued on Page 3 of the area. Timber, railroads, ly twenty years old, and America Continued on Page 4 & 5 “Shelter” waterways, and the largest was tired of being dragged into “Stills in the Hills” St. Johns Review -PO Box 83068-Port OR 97283 #2 Feb. 14, 2014 515-840 Page 2 * St. Johns Review * #3 February 14, 2014 [email protected] * 503-283-5086 * www.stjohnsreview.com General Review Publishing info / Organization Meetings

North Portland Meetings 2014 REVIEW ISSUES The following free listings are meetings for North Portland organizations. Feb. 14...... Deadline Feb. 5 Valentines Day Issue Feb. 28...... Deadline Feb. 19 Updated information is the responsibility of each organizations. Mar. 14...... Deadline Mar. 5 St. Patrick’s Day Issue ======Mar. 28...... Deadline Mar. 19 Apr. 11...... Deadline Apr 2 Easter Issue Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Assn: Apr. 25...... Deadline Apr 16 May 9...... Deadline Apr 30 St Johns Parade & Mothers Day Quarterly Meetings: 6:30-8pm, Kenton Firehouse, 2209 N. Schofield May 23...... Deadline May 14 Memorial Day Issue Boy Scout Troupe 52: June 6...... Deadline May 28 Father’s Day Issue June 20...... Deadline June 11 Meets Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Johns Christian Church, 8044 N. Richmond. We welcome boys July 4...... Deadline June 25 Independence Day Issue ages 11-17. For membership info, contact Anthony at 503-913-7085. July 18...... Deadline July 9 Aug 1...... Deadline July 23 Bridgeton Neighborhood Association: Aug 15...... Deadline Aug. 6 General Meeting: 3rd Mondays at 8pm, Port Yacht Club, 1241 NE Marine Dr. Aug 29...... Deadline Aug 20 Labor Day Issue Cub Scout Pack 52: Sept 12...... Deadline Sept 3 Sept 26...... Deadline Sept 17 Meets Mondays at St. Johns Christian Church, 8044 N. Richmond. Oct 10...... Deadline Oct 1 East Columbia Neighborhood Assn: Oct. 24...... Deadline Oct 14 Halloween Issue Nov 7...... Deadline Oct 29 Veteran’s Day Issue Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30pm at the Columbia River RV Park Community Nov 21...... Deadline Nov 12 Thanksgiving Issue Room, 10649 NE 13th. Dec 5...... Deadline Nov 26 Dec 19...... Deadline Dec 10 Christmas Issue Friends of Cathedral Park Neighborhood Assn: General Meeting: odd months at BES Water Lab; 7pm. Board Meetings on even months at St Johns Mc- more duty. Menamins, 7:30. All meetings on 2nd Tuesdays of the month. Letters To But enough for now --call or E-mail Friends of Baltimore Woods: me if you want to discuss, or need more info or comment. General meeting: 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30pm at the BES Water Lab, 6543 N. Burlington. The Editor Regards, Friends of Pier Park: Meeting: Ray Guimary Third Tuesday, 6:30pm at St. Johns Community Ctr., 8427 N Central Subject: Vet’s Day reflections RHS ‘47 & U.S. ARMY (Infantry) Hayden Island Neighborhood Network: Dear Editor, 1950-1952 Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 7pm, at former HIYC, 12050 N. Jantzen Dr. on Hayden Island. I enjoyed your perceptive analysis P. S. Also be advised that those (on the and personal reflections of the -Viet home front) who questioned our dubi- Interstate Corridor Business Association: nam War and vets treatment (Review: ous involvement in Vietnam -- would General Meeting: 1st Wed. every 3 mos., 8-9am @ Nite Hawk Restaurant, Rosa Parks Way & Interstate Jan 17 & 31, 2014). However, an ear- have their loyalty questioned!!! Kenton Business Assn: lier generation received some of the 1st Thursday of the month, 9am at Kenton Firehouse 2nd fl. 2209 N. Schofield same. Do some history of Korean “ep- Kenton Neighborhood Assn: isode(s)” of the 1950’s. Remember “Korea -The Forgotten War ?” This Cont. From Page 1 Board Meetings: 2nd Wed., 7pm, Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N. Brandon was a poorly managed stalemate end- “Shelter” innton eighborhood ssociation L N A : ing in the trenches similar to World by Program Director Linda Jo Dev- Meetings: 1st Wed. of odd months; 7-9 at Linnton Comm. Ctr., 10614 NW St. Helens Rd. War I. laeminck and almost 100 volunteers, North Portland Land Use Group: Returning vets didn’t receive “Victo- the Community of Hope is located in Meets 4th Thursday of the month at Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N Brandon. 7pm ry” parades and instead were generally space donated by Red Sea Church in regarded almost with embarrassment St. Johns. The grassroots effort is driv- Occupy St Johns: like a black sheep relative turning up en by an interfaith group of believers. Meets Weds. 7:00pm at Anna Bannanas, 8716 N Lombard at a family reunion. And vets could According to David Brewer, “the Overlook Neighborhood Assn.: be required to sign “loyalty” oaths collaborative Church of North Port- General Meetings: 3rd Tues of each month except Aug & Dec at Kaiser Town Hall, 7-9pm. Board Meet- to qualify for state and Federal jobs. land has been praying, planning, and ings: 1st Tues. each month at Overlook Hse, 3839 N. Melrose Dr. “Loyalty “ oaths for returning vets!!? working on this effort for some time, There are many more instances of and it’s very exciting to see it come to Peninsula Optimist Club: bad policies and poor treatment -- for fruition. We want to see these families Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays (except holidays) at noon at Christie’s Restaurant, 5507 N. Lombard. General example, recalling WWII vets with restored to wholeness and using their public is welcome to attend meetings to learn about the club. There will be a guest speaker at most meet- four or five YEARS of fighting- ser gifts and skills for the benefit of them- ings. Questions—contact Sharon at 503-490-2889. vice (Ted Williams, for example,) for selves and the community.”

Piedmont Neighborhood Assn.: Luv u Unavailble Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group Education Forum: February 12, March 10, April 7, at 6:30 6543 N Burlington, under the St Johns Bridge at the BES Water Quality Control Lab—meeting rooms. Questions, Jackie 503-799-7855 or www.portlandharborcag.info Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group Offers a gathering of thoughts on the Superfund. Concerns about the contamination in the Portland Har- bor Superfund? Join the community to meet with the agencies in charge. Meetings include Informational presentations; Opportunity to render your opinion. Meet agency leaders in charge of clean up. 2nd Wednes- day-Monthly at BES: 6543 N Burlington, beneath the St Johns Bridge 6:00 PM. www.portlandharborcag. info Portsmouth Neighborhood Assn: Board Meeting: 3rd Tues of ea mo, 6pm, Bridge Meadows, Bridge Community Room, 8502 N. Wayland $13/per year Public Safety Action Committee: Meets 4th Wed. ea. mo., 7-9pm, Kenton Firehouse, 2209 N. Schofield. Contact: Mark Wells: markwells@ portlandoregon.gov St. Johns Boosters: General Meetings are 3rd Tues at Central Hotel, 7pm. Meal provided. Board meetings are 1st Tuesday at 7pm at Central Hotel. St. Johns Lions Club: Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays each month at Patti’s Deli, downtown St. Johns St. Johns Main Street: Meets at 8250 N. Lombard. Fore more info go to: stjohnsmainstreet.org St. Johns Neighborhood Association: General Meeting is 2nd Mon. at the St. Johns Community Ctr, 8427 N. Central. Contributors: Barbara Quinn, Jim Moulton, Robin Wright, Ryan niversity ark usiness ssociation U P B A : Deibert Meets in 2014: 2/25; 4/22; 6/24; 9/23; 11/18 at 7pm at Darcy’s at the corner of Fiske/Lombard from 6-7:30pm. University Park Neighborhood Association: Meets: Jan., Apr., July & Oct on 4th Monday 7pm at the Chiles Center at the UP, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd.. ======www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086 * [email protected] #3 February 14, 2014 * St. Johns Review * Page 3 CommunityCommunity News News

North End Players set to perform enthrawling play By Ellen Spitaleri history book. As we near the 70th hearsing a scene and get so caught Set in the late days of World anniversary of D-Day, I thought up in their acting that I stop writ- War II, “Number the Stars” uses this story served as a great remind- ing notes or thinking about block- fictional characters to tell the true er of all the things our soldiers ing, and just watch,” she said. story of Nazi-occupied Denmark fought for.” “It is so cool to see them grow- and the miraculous rescue of Den- Harris said the play is “most ap- ing as actors and such a blessing to mark’s Jewish population from propriate for ages 10 to adult and be a part of training the next gen- relocation and extermination. This will be especially interesting to eration of local actors. I wouldn’t stage adaptation of Lois Lowry’s teens and anyone with a great in- be surprised if a few of these award-winning book is North End terest in World War II. While there kids were treading the Broadway Players’ winter show, opening on are references to the Holocaust, boards or lighting up a Hollywood Feb. 28 and continuing through no graphic details are discussed or big screen a decade from now,” March 15. shown onstage. This play is a great Harris said. It follows two Danish teens, chance to get the young person in Two young cast mates include: one Christian and one Jewish, and your life interested in theater.” Maeve O’Connor, 12, who has one their families as together they face “Number the Stars is one of the of the more difficult roles, in that personal danger, the loss of loved largest productions North End she plays Ellen, a young Jewish ones and their own fears. From Players has ever produced with girl, under threat from the Nazis. the everyday comedy of teenage a cast of 26 plus technical crew, This is her first major role in a dra- love to the terror of interrogation ranging in age from 9 to 78. There ma, and what she likes best about by soldiers and the courage of an are first-time actors in the cast, the show is that it is very moving. underground resistance smuggling along with several NEP favorites And, Cody Walker, 18, who plays people to freedom, “Number the and veteran actors with decades of a Nazi officer. His challenge, he Director Sue Harris explains a scene to Maeve O’Connor, standing, and Stars” is a beacon of light set in a experience. said, was to make his character Mercy McVicker and Amelia Harris. Photo by Ellen Spitaleri world of darkness that will warm The show has serious set de- believable enough so that the audi- your heart and move your soul, mands, Harris noted, with scenes ence will accept him as the enemy, Adapted by Dr. Douglas W. Larche intermission. noted Sue Harris, the director of switching back and forth among “as opposed to being so unbeliev- from the book by Lois Lowry. Location: The Bert Mann Theater the show. This is her debut as a di- nine different locations over the able that no one wants to listen to Directed by: Sue Harris at St. Andrews & All Souls Epis- rector for NEP, and said she chose course of the play. “We’ve had to you.” Show dates: Feb. 28, and March copal Church, 7600 N. Hereford to do the show because she has get very creative with set design “Number the Stars” tickets are 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Ave., one block off Lombard. loved the story, ever since she first and lighting to effectively and ef- only $12 a ticket which offers a there is one Saturday matinee at 2 Tickets: all seats $12. read Lois Lowry’s book as a child. ficiently communicate these tran- great show in an intimate space p.m. on March 8. The Thursday, For more information and to pur- “I felt it was a story that would sitions to our audience,” she said, where dessert can be eaten while March 6, show at 7:30 p.m. is pay- chase tickets, visit the website at really resonate with the people of noting that the second hardest watching. Pie, cookies, sodas, cof- what-you-will. Running time is neptheater.com or call 503-705- Portland; it is the story of local challenge was the curtain call, fig- fee and tea are just $1 to $2 each two and one-half hours, with one 2088. people doing the best they can to uring out how 26 people can bow and parking is free. make life better for their whole simultaneously on an 18-foot wide Fast Facts: community,” she said. Harris stage. added, “I also felt it was a way Working with such a young cast to educate the current generation has been the most fun for her, Har- of young people about important ris said. “The energy is infectious; events that they, three generations a dozen young people onstage removed, might otherwise gloss create this natural buzz that runs over as just another lesson in their through every scene. I’ll be re- Page 4 * St. Johns Review * #3 February 14, 2014 www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086 * [email protected] Continued from Page 1: Stills in the Hills By Jim Speirs

the United States would be sucked construction of Kaiser Towns was outcome from each batch differ- into a whirlwind of death and de- a phenomenon unparalleled in the ent. Life in the Kaiser Towns was struction such as the planet had American experience. Throughout very monotonous and often bor- never experienced. How, when, or the area, from Pier Park, Colum- ing; there was nothing but work why the United States might en- bia Villa, Terminal four, Guides and little time for play. However, ter the war became a moot issue Lake, Parkside Homes, and the these folks quickly adapted to their on December 7, 1941. Suddenly, largest being Vanport, these cities different life and location. (Re- America was at war, and just as were created almost overnight. cords show birth rates in the Kai- suddenly it became apparent how (By 1945, Vanport was the second ser Towns were much higher than ill prepared we were for the con- largest city in Oregon.) the surrounding population. This flict. Our anemic army was virtu- The self-contained communities confirms the obvious: the tedium ally non-existent; we had a small had their own stores, daycare facil- of Kaiser Towns was offset by and obsolete navy and allies who ities, schools, movie theaters, and other activities!) Their knowledge were being crushed by the seem- more; they were their own worlds, and skills grew by the month and ingly undefeatable Axis combina- separate and apart from the other feeling homesick, they soon began tion. The long, bloody and costly inhabitants of the area. Reasons producing a bit of their heritage. struggle would ultimately be won for this distinction were many. As nearly all the Kaiser Towns as much by U.S. production as ac- First, the towns were to be tempo- were located in North Portland tual battles, and America was now rary, for the war would not go on and in close proximity to the ship- posed to tip the scales in the allies indefinitely and we would even- yards, it didn’t take long for some favor. The only question was could tually prevail. At least we hoped resourceful folks to look to the it be done fast enough? Could the that were the case! The Kaiser hills and see opportunity. industrial might of America be folks were visitors, not intended to Just across the St. Johns Bridge harnessed quickly, for if not, the stay indefinitely. But in 1942 there was the huge expanse of Forest outcome was clearly defeat. were no guarantees; defeat was a Park and its surrounding area. In The Pacific Ocean is enormous distinct possibility. Other reasons 1942 there were very few people beyond most people’s understand- for separation of the populations living on Skyline, and places like ing. For those who have not sailed were less subtle and probably Linnton were a fraction of the size it, the measurements defy the more prejudicial. Many people liv- of today. Additionally, the area we imagination. In 1941-42 that ex- ing in the Kaiser Towns were from now know as Terminal 4, Terminal panse represented an operational Appalachia and the Ozarks. Not 6, and Rivergate were wide-open quandary never before considered. bad people by any stretch, but ones expanses of foliage, trees, and Obviously, the need to combat who many native Portlander’s had road-less wilderness tracts. A per- the Japanese on the far side of the never had contact with or under- fect environment for the produc- Pacific was a logistics nightmare. stood. Many of these people were tion of moonshine. All the ingre- Additionally, the Roosevelt ad- only here for the money. Deep dients were close at hand, but most ministration had a “Europe first” inside the Ozarks, war with the importantly was the availability of policy that compounded the prob- Japanese was an abstract; but the water. A still requires a constant lems of fighting a two front war. money Kaiser was paying, plus the amount of water to circulate and To expedite the Pacific struggle, housing, food, medical, and related cool the vats making the liquor. America needed ships; transport benefits was something unheard of Without the proper combination of vessels in numbers unheard of be- in their native region. They were water, a still can (and did) explode, fore or since. For this titanic job, our southern partners for sure, but making detection a possibility. But FDR turned to Henry Kaiser, one an odd group none-the-less. They here, in nearly rural North Port- of America’s premier shipbuilders talked funny, dressed weird; they land, a moonshiner could set up to develop, organize, and imple- ate different food and they seemed shop without any fear of discov- ment the greatest shipbuilding jug- like complete foreigners. ery. A moonshiner who worked for gernaut the world had ever seen. A significant number were il- Kaiser (and nearly all of them did,) Kaiser was given a “Carte Blanc” literate and an arrogant and often found they had another added ben- to do whatever was necessary to condescending Portland looked on efit to employment. Because of the get the job done. The West Coast the unwelcome strangers for what construction of ships, there was al- turned into a location ideal for the they were; necessary manpower ways metal scrap and pipe around, construction of ships that ultimate- who filled a need and then would so a person wanting to construct a At Albina, community is ly played a crucial role in winning return to where they came. Inte- still had all the quality fixtures at (and always has been) our middle name! the war. gration of these “outsiders” was his fingertips. It was like an adult North Portland became a near never a consideration, and Port- candy store; brass and copper tub- Proud to be part of the local community perfect location for Kaiser to set land kept a wary eye on the unusu- ing, varieties of fittings, vats of for over 18 years. up shop for construction facilities al mix of people who now walked metal and easy access to scrap that and for the production of tankers our streets. was produced daily. and liberty ships. The confluence As the war continued, the Kai- Law enforcement personnel in the of the Willamette and Columbia ser shipbuilding expanded. Van- area were unfamiliar with moon- Rivers made for a setting that turn- couver and Swan Island became shine or its production. Police of keyed into shipbuilding activities legendary locations of fabled rep- the day were far more preoccu- and production lines nearly over- utation. Twenty-four hours a day, pied with keeping the peace in the Support the Review advertisers. night. the shipyards buzzed with activi- dozens of taverns and corralling Theyhelp bring it to you!! Kaiser knew of the urgency. He ty; each month the output of ships prostitutes who flourished with the now had the location; he had the increased as the war gobbled up opportunity of the times. Bootleg vision, he had the knowhow, he lives, material and energy like an liquor was of little concern; win- had the experience, he had the ogre from another planet. The Kai- ning a war was the theme and if government backing, he had the ser Trains continued to bring more moonshine became a byproduct of tenacity, and he had the material, arrivals to the factories each week. war production, so be it! but what he didn’t have was the As the war persisted, displaced Stills and the tacit recognition of manpower. There simply were not people from other parts of Amer- their existence became common. enough men and women in the im- ica began incorporating some of How many stills dotted the near- mediate area to fill the personnel their native behavior into our local by countryside is anybody’s guess, needs for such a vast undertaking. economy. but it’s assumed there were dozens Able-bodied men (and some wom- Moonshine became a part of of gin mills across North Portland en) were volunteering for service North Portland and surrounding hills. The desire in the military, so it drastically Moonshine, white lightnin’, dev- for, and use of moonshine quickly depleted numbers available to fill il’s brew - whatever the label, the gained popularity among locals, wartime employment rolls. To ad- association is clear. A huge part of so a person could easily and accu- dress this problem, Kaiser began a Americana and a way of life to this rately say moonshine was instru- very aggressive recruitment cam- day, the making of moonshine is mental in bridging the cultural gap paign across America to get work- as much of America as apple pie. between Appalachia and North ers to Portland and his shipyards. Like it or not, moonshine is part of Portland! Friends were made and In order to house these new the fabric of the nation and its pop- connections established. The dis- workers, Kaiser had to build new ularity is growing as I write this ar- tinctly different business thrived “mini-cities” to accommodate the ticle. (Hey, the NSCAR season is during those years. different arrivals. “Kaiser Towns,” approaching! Let “Thunder Road” Finally, after four long years, as they were commonly referred run wild.) the war ended and everything to, sprung up in a number of loca- There are many combinations to changed. Eleven million service tions in North Portland. An incred- the production of shine. The in- men returned home and many of ible undertaking on its own, the gredient mixture varies, and the the folks from Appalachia went www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086 * [email protected] #3 February 14, 2014 * St. Johns Review * Page 5 Continued from Page 1: Stills in the Hills By Jim Speirs back east, while others integrated a million miles an hour; visions of into Portland. The Kaiser Towns Sci-Fi movies raced, we’d discov- were torn down by the early to ered a crash landing site of a UFO! mid-fifties, (except the Villa,) and “The Day the Earth Stood Still” with them the evidence of moon- came to mind. That’s all it could shiners and stills nearly disap- be; why else would such a strange peared. collection of metal, coiled pipe, I said nearly. brass tubs, and piles of assorted In the late 1950’s a few kids from junk be found in this offbeat lo- our Boy Scout Troop was on an cation? Could a mother ship have outing in the West Hills. Where, I crashed near St. Johns? We were can’t recall, but it wasn’t too far off electrified by the discovery. Troop Germantown Road. As we trekked 450 had discovered an alien space- along, several hundred yards from craft! I looked to the trees and Germantown, we stumbled upon skies, thinking of abductions. The an overgrown mass of twisted possibilities were endless; and to metal and pipefittings. It was total- kids it seemed like a miracle. We ly out of character and none of us scanned the ground for bodies of had any idea what it was or why space aliens. Nobody wanted to it was there. Naturally, as kids we leave; this was our treasure, a se- wanted it to be something of great cret reserved for a few boy scouts. value; an archeological discovery For months, we begged to go I can’t help but wonder if some- secrets. Once, a long time that would put us on par with Dr. back, but the scout leader always where in the dense growth of For- ago, the hills were alive Leaky! We were far ahead of our deferred. It wasn’t until many est Park, a relic of the past waits to with music and magic – but time; Indiana Jones had nothing on years later, when I accidently ran be discovered? Forest Park holds not the Julie Andrews type! us! We circled the rusted pile and into my old scout leader that I re- couldn’t figure out a thing. Clearly, called the event and was told what it had been there for a long time, we’d found. At the time, adults felt About the Author: but the amount of metal and debris it better not to discuss stills and li- Jim Speirs is a lifelong resident of North Portland, fourth generation. let us know we’d found something quor; it wasn’t a Boy Scout thing; He is a published author and enjoys writing about North Portland’s very different. Being young, we’d so we were never told what it was. history. He was a teacher of Political Science at Portland Community College and Chemeketa Community College and taught the politics of never heard of stills or moonshine. Talking with the old scout lead- WWII, Viet Nam, and Korea at both colleges. He still lives and works As we scratched our heads the er and recalling the find, it made in North Portland. Jim has seven published books: Death In Spades; adult scout leader told us to stand perfect sense; we’d found a still, a Flood of Change, and Tales of North Portland: Volumes I, II, III, IV, back, it might be dangerous. After remnant from another time. and V. All are from his many articles in the St. Johns Review news- a few minutes it was determined Now, many decades later, I’m paper throughout his years as Historical Editor. The Tales series are that whatever it was had to be inert sure the old still site is probably a available for purchase in several locations in North Portland. Contact so we again approached the inter- new beautiful house overlooking Jim @[email protected] to find out where. esting items. My imagination ran the Willamette River. Regardless,

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Color Business & Service Directory Prices: 3 Months (6 issues) = $228 ($38 each); 6 Months (12 issues) = $420 ($35 each); 9 Months (19 issues) = $627 ($33 each); 12 Months (26 issues) = $832 ($32 each) Page 6 * St. Johns Review * #3 February 14, 2014 [email protected] * 503-283-5086 * www.stjohnsreview.com Police & Fire Reports in North Portland

STABBING IN N. PORT- area and located the male adult December 26, 2013, at 4:58 p.m., News Release from Portland Po- Eastern, 35 to 40 years old, dark, LAND’S CATHEDRAL PARK victim who has been transported when officers responded to the re- lice Bureau short hair buzzed on the sides, and NEIGHBORHOOD - to a Portland hospital with what port of shots fired at Northeast 6th Posted on FlashAlert: January a slight mustache and goatee. The SUSPECT IN CUSTODY are believed to be non-life-threat- Avenue and Simpson Street. Offi- 31st, 2014 10:17 AM vehicle is described as a medium News Release from Portland Po- ening injuries. The suspect was cers located evidence of gunfire in Downloadable file: Conor_McMa- to dark-colored Dodge Caravan lice Bureau also located in the area and tak- the intersection and contacted sev- hon_Suit.jpg or similar model vehicle with two Posted on FlashAlert: January en into custody without incident. eral witnesses who provided lim- Portland Police Bureau Assault front doors and a rear slider and it 27th, 2014 1:07 PM Preliminary information indicates ited suspect vehicle information detectives, in cooperation with appeared to have a fare meter (sim- On Monday January 27, 2014, at that there was a dispute prior to to police as well as a description Crime Stoppers of Oregon, are ilar to a taxi) on the dashboard. 12:20 p.m., North Precinct offi- the stabbing. There is no danger to of a subject running in the neigh- asking for the public’s help in Crime Stoppers is offering a cash cers responded to the report of a the public and the investigation is borhood after the shots were fired. identifying a hit and run assault reward of up to $1,000 for infor- stabbing at North Kellogg Street continuing. Gang Enforcement Team investi- suspect that seriously injured a mation, reported to Crime Stop- and Tyler Avenue. Officers and ======gators responded and began an in- 20-year-old Conor McMahon. pers, that leads to an arrest in this medical personnel arrived in the GANG ENFORCEMENT vestigation which ultimately led to On January 1, 2014, at 3:34 a.m., case, or any unsolved felony, and TEAM ARRESTS 19-YEAR- the arrest of Simmons. Simmons North Precinct officers respond- tipsters can remain anonymous. OLD MAN FOR DECEMBER was charged with Attempted Mur- ed to North Lombard Street and Conor’s family has offered an GANG SHOOTING der, Attempted Assault in the First Jordan Avenue on the report of an additional cash reward for infor- News Release from Portland Po- Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weap- injury crash. Officers arrived in mation that leads to the arrest and lice Bureau on, and Unlawful Possession of a the area and located 20-year-old conviction of the suspect in this Posted on FlashAlert: January Firearm. He was booked into the Conor James McMahon down in case. To be eligible for this addi- 29th, 2014 11:45 AM Multnomah County Jail and will the street suffering from serious tional reward, tipsters would have Downloadable file: Deanthony_ be arraigned on Thursday. Anyone injuries. Witnesses told police that to speak to the detective directly. Paul_Simmons_19.jpg with additional information about a vehicle appeared to intentional- Conor’s family is willing to do in- On Wednesday January 29, 2014, this case is asked to contact De- ly strike McMahon then continue terviews. Interested media should Portland Police Bureau Gang En- tective Meghan Burkeen at (503) driving eastbound on Lombard contact Sgt. Pete Simpson with the forcement Team detectives arrest- 823-2092 or meghan.burkeen@ Street. McMahon was transported Portland Police Bureau. Leave a ed 19-year-old Deanthony Paul portlandoregon.gov. The Portland to a Portland hospital for treatment Crime Stoppers tip online at http:// Simmons in connection with a Police Bureau Gang Enforcement to his injuries. Investigators have crimestoppersoforegon.com/sub- gang shooting in December 2013. Team and Gun Task Force are learned that the McMahon and a mit_online_tip.php text CRIMES Simmons was arrested at a resi- continuing to actively investigate friend were waiting for a ride at (274637) and in the subject line dence in the 2600 block of N Wil- gang and gun crimes in the City the intersection of Lombard and put 823HELP, followed by the lis Boulevard after members of the of Portland. Anyone with infor- Jordan when a vehicle pulled up tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) Police Bureau’s Special Emergen- mation about gang and/or illegal to them and asked if they needed a and leave the tip information. Visit cy Reaction Team (SERT) served gun crimes in the City of Portland ride. McMahon and his friend de- http://www.tipsoft.com to down- a search warrant in the early morn- is encouraged to provide informa- clined and the vehicle pulled away load the Crime Stoppers App for ing hours. A second search warrant tion to the Portland Police Bureau. westbound, did a u-turn then sat the iPhone or Droid. Investigator: was served at a residence in the If you see an illegal gun crime in idling in the street approximately Det. Todd Prosser, Portland Police 17300 block of Northeast Halsey progress, call 9-1-1. one block to the West. The driver Bureau, (503) 823-0400 Street by the Gresham Police De- ======then accelerated and drove east- [email protected] partment Special Weapons And CRIME STOPPERS bound striking McMahon as he ======Tactics (SWAT) Team. Investiga- FEATURED CASE #14-01 stood in the street, who stepped out Police Reports are furnished to tors recovered a handgun from the CONOR MCMAHON HIT to look down Lombard for their theReview by the PPB via email residence on North Willis Boule- AND RUN UPDATE - FAMILY ride. The suspect is described as and are listed and written here as vard. This investigation started on REWARD (PHOTO) a male white, Hispanic or Middle they are received.

S U B S C R I B E to the R E V I E W Business & Service Directory $13 Per Year Send to: Name:______Address:______City/St/Zip:______Mail form with payment to: PO Box 83068, Portland OR 97283 Classified Ads

LESSONS/CLASSES VOICE & PIANO LESSONS Jensen’s Voice & Piano Studio offers lessons with college credits available. For an appointment or more information call Pauline at 503-286-1168. ======Classifieds are $15/30 words. 15cents each additional word. Prepaid.

1 Year (26 issues) $22 each = $572; 9 Months (19 issues) $23 each = $437 6 Months (12 issues) $25 each = $300; 3 Months (6 issues) $28 each = $168 www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086 * [email protected] #3 February 14, 2014 * St. Johns Review * Page 7 Community News

James John holds St Johns Parade FUNDRAISERS & PROJECTS Kindergarten Committee FOBW Fundraiser now: styrofoam, tires, metal scraps, Visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/ Feb 14, 5-8pm. At: Burgerville, at N. building materials, household junk (no kentonproject for more information. open house Feb 13 selects a theme Ivanhoe and N. Philadelphia just off garbage), small appliances, Goodwill the St. Johns Bridge from 5pm-8pm. items, etc. $10 donation per load suggested, and we are currently seeking Peninsula Optimists James John, 7439 N. Charleston, Burgerville will host a fundraiser for Scholarship The Parade Committee is proud Friends of Baltimore Woods. A per- volunteers. Email knachair@gmail. is holding their Kindergarten Open com for more info! This is the 2nd Annual Fundraiser to announce that they have chosen centage of proceeds go to preserving Dinner, Wednesday, February 26th, House on Thursday, February 13 and acquiring land in the Baltimore from 3:30-4:30pm. The school ad- their theme for the upcoming St. 4:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at Christie’s Woods corridor. Come by and say Kenton Sewer Repair Restaurant, 5507 N Lombard. This ministrators invite parents to come Johns Parade to be held May 10, hello stay for dinner while helping Project fundraiser’s purpose is to grow the sign up for the 2014-2015 school the Friends. Have you noticed surveyors or engi- scholarship fund so that the Opti- year. 2014. Mark your calendars!! neering crews inspecting the streets in mists can give more scholarships At the event parents will be able This year, selection for naming Central Hotel Project Up- your neighborhood lately? These in- with larger monetary awards. For to learn more about the school’s date and Social Hour dividuals are likely involved with the about 10 years the Optimists have the theme was offered to Roos- Kenton Sewer Replacement Project, neglected their own scholarship programs, meet the principal and Meet at the Central Hotel for an evelt High School students who update on the project progress and gathering the information they need to fund by having donated $55,000 staff, visit classrooms and answer complimentary appetizers, punch determine the best construction tech- to the Theodore Roosevelt Wom- questions. came through with flying colors by and coffee, Saturday, Feb. 15, from niques and how to minimize the incon- en’s Scholarship Association, a venience of construction for neighbor- great cause. Now that the TRWSA Parents will need to provide: choosing: Magic, Music & March- 5 to 6pm. • Proof that their child will be 5 Monthly Livability Team Clean- hood residents and businesses. The endowment fund has reached al- Portland Bureau of Environmental most $250,000, the Optimists are years old on or before September ing!! The Parade Pins will now be up Sunday, February 23, 9am; Out- side Posies Bakery & Cafe, 8208 N Services is in the final stages of design now working to build up their own 1st (i.e. birth certificate, hospital designed. Denver Ave for the repair and replacement of about scholarship endowment fund. certificate, baptismal record) Stay tuned for Parade informa- 7,000 feet of sewer pipes in Kenton, Tickets are available for $15.00 at: which will help prevent costly breaks Copy Pilot 4748 N Lombard; Chris- • Proof of immunization Annual Neighborhood • Proof of residence (2 pieces) tion as it becomes available in fu- and sewer leakages in the future. Con- ties Restaurant 5507 N Lombard; Clean-up struction on this project is anticipat- Edward Jones 7326 N Leavitt; St. within the boundaries of James ture REVIEW issues. Saturday, April 26, 10am-2pm; Lo- ed to begin in June or July, and take Johns Twin Cinema 8704 N Lom- John School (i.e., current utility cation TBD. Start collecting items approximately one year to complete. bard. bill, credit card billing statement, bank statement, car insurance statement, pay stub, real estate Horizontal documentation) Questions? Call the school of- Business & Service Directory fice (503) 916-6266

Latino conference can empower families as advocates The fourth annual Latino Family Conference, co-sponsored by Portland Public Schools, empowers parents to participate in and advocate for their chil- dren’s learning, March 1 at Roosevelt High School. The education-focused conference builds on the strength of the Latino community by providing information and workshops on how to support the success of Latino students. Gear-Up, Hacienda CDC, North- west Family Services, the Latino Network, Susan G. Komen and University of Portland are co-sponsoring the event with PPS. Workshop topics include: · Navigating the public school system · Getting involved in your student’s school · Advocating for your student’s education · Preparing for college 503-504-7109 Details: Saturday, March 1; 8 am to 3 pm at Roosevelt High School, 6941 N. Central St. Meals/Childcare: Breakfast, lunch, child care and translation provided free of charge. Registration: Free; just come on the day of the event. Information: Sylvia Barajas-Everson, Portland Public Schools, [email protected]

Pricing: 1 Year (26 issues) $22 each = $572; 9 Months (19 issues) $23 each = $437 6 Months (12 issues) $25 each = $300; 3 Months (6 issues) $28 each = $168 Page 8 * St. Johns Review * #3 February 14, 2014 [email protected] * 503-283-5086 * www.stjohnsreview.com

Native Oak Grove Planting planned Local historical significance tied to the trees Volunteers are needed to help grove. According to Chris Enlow plant a new Oregon oak grove at of Keen, the grant supports respon- Baltimore Woods on February 15. sible outdoor recreation as well as Keen Footwear, a worldwide out- healthy land and water. Keen was door wear company based in Port- particularly impressed with the land, recently awarded Friends Friends’ efforts to preserve Oregon oak with the classic horizontally along with items that might be of Baltimore Woods $1,000 from oak given the fact that only 2% spreading limbs and great height. needed on the journey to the next their Hybrid-Care In Our Back- remain in the Willamette Valley. Judging by its circumference, it life. yard program to fund the new “Helping preserve the last 2% of may be around 200 years old and Feb. 15 in St. Johns planting fund- oak is something we really want to apparently somehow missed being ed by Keen Footwear get behind,” said Enlow. He added cut down in the last two centuries. What: Be a part of history by that, “Some folks in our office live It is quite possible the tree was helping plant the new Oregon oak out in St. Johns and so it’s truly in here when William Clark canoed grove. You can watch the trees our backyard.” the Willamette River on April 3, grow as you walk and bike the fu- Jim Barnas founder of the Friends 1806 with the Corps of Discovery. ture npGreenway Trail. of Baltimore Woods suggested the What size and magnitude were the When: Feb. 15, Saturday, at funds be used to create a new oak original native oak near St. Johns? 8:45AM. Planting will start grove consisting of visible, larger One Port of Portland employee re- promptly at 9am. young trees at the gateway of Bal- called that when excavating at T4, Where: Meet at St. Johns Christian timore Woods near N. Baltimore a stump of 18 ft. diameter was un- Church, 8044 N. Richmond Ave. and N. Decatur. “The larger trees covered that had been used as fill. on the corner of Richmond and will be a source of inspiration for One has to wonder what size and N Central. Volunteers will meet volunteers and the community,” age the trees might have attained if for hot coffee and breakfast treats. said Jim. The group is purchasing left in place. The planting starts promptly at a total of 18 trees from 5 to 8 feet The Chinookan people who 9am and goes until 1pm. Friends tall to plant at the site to form the originally inhabited the north Port- of Trees will provide gloves and new grove. The planting is part of land peninsula, valued the trees tools, so all you need to do is show the Friends of Trees planting day highly and depended on its acorns up dressed for the weather and in north Portland. as a food staple. The acorns were wearing sturdy shoes. Neighbor- Oregon oak trees were removed gathered, soaked, and pounded hood volunteers will also provide from the area In the 1800s when into flour for use in cooking or to a potluck lunch for all volunteers large trees were cut and slid down be traded. The trees were once so after the planting is complete. the slope to use as fuel for the numerous and the acorns so plen- steamboats. Though there are two tiful, that the largest acorn soak- remaining 100-year old oak groves ing site in the nation is located on in the corridor, the new grove will Sauvie Island (Oct. 2007, Sunken help identify the project. The site Village Unearths Native American is also located on James John’s Culture on Sauvie Island, Portland original Land Claim of 1847, and Tribune). Local natives also re- so would likely have been cleared garded the oak as spiritually sig- for farming. Nonetheless, a few nificant and a “thin spot” between large oak trees remain in Balti- heaven and earth. For that reason Happy Valentine’s Day more Woods. The one on Alta they placed canoes with deceased Support the REVIEW advertisers and Decatur St., is a massive old loved ones in certain oak trees They Help Bring It To You!!

For Valentines Day

Consider giving

Jim Speirs “Tales of North Portland” books. They will make a great Valentines Day gift.

Contact him at: [email protected]