Book
Portland's Goose Hollow
(2011)
Abstract
One of Portland’s oldest neighborhoods, Goose Hollow is steps from downtown and beloved for its quirky character, historic homes, spectacular views, and walkability. Over a century ago, the actual “hollow” was dramatically altered when the meandering Tanner Creek, in a deep gulch with several trestle bridge crossings, was diverted underground and infilled. The creek’s presence is still felt in the ravine carved through the Tualatin Mountains (spanned by the Vista Bridge) and in the neighborhood’s identity. This book provides definitive answers to how Goose Hollow got its name and how Tanner Creek Gulch was filled. Stories are also told of the Great Plank Road, City Park’s slow-moving landslide, and famous residents such as Daniel Lownsdale, C. E. S. Wood, Dr. Marie Equi, John Reed, and Bud Clark. Historic institutions such as Civic Stadium, Multnomah Athletic Club, Lincoln High School, and Washington Park are also featured.
Tracy J. Prince, Ph.D., scholar-in-residence at Portland State University’s Portland Center for Public Humanities, lives in Goose Hollow. By interviewing numerous Portland families and conducting archival research at the Oregonian, City of Portland, and the Oregon Historical Society, Prince uncovered the little-known history of this charming neighborhood. The foreword is written by legendary character, former mayor, and Goose Hollow resident Bud Clark.
Reviews
"Prince has been dedicated and meticulous in her research."
--Matthew Korfhage, Willamette Week
"Charming, spellbinding and intriguing, this brilliant work is a must-have for any true Portlander!"
--M. Chris Johnson, Portland Book Review
"an exceptionally comprehensive and enlightening history...The book has added substantially to the public record, exploring the neighborhood's evolution on social, architectural, and economic levels."
--Northwest Examiner
Contents:
Foreword by former Mayor Bud Clark
1. A Tannery, a Creek, and "A War About Geese": 1845-1879
2. Tanner Creek Gulch, Chinese Vegetable Gardens, and Cable Cars: 1879-1910
3. Streetcars, Automobiles, and Progress: 1889-1949
4. Urban "Renewal" and Reclaiming Neighborhood History: 1950-1985
5. Notable Residents and Contemporary Landmarks: 1845-Present
Keywords
- historical hydrology,
- Native Americans,
- Irish,
- Jewish,
- German,
- Chinese,
- American immigrants,
- Mayor Bud Clark,
- Tanner Creek,
- Johnson Creek,
- Couch Lake
Disciplines
Publication Date
April 11, 2011
Publisher
Arcadia Publishing
Series
Images of America
ISBN
978-0738574721
Publisher Statement
Dr. Prince discovered much previously unknown Portland history in her research for this book.
--She discovered two photos of Tanner Creek with water running in its banks--photos completely unknown to historians. (Tanner Creek has been buried 50 feet below city streets for a over century.)
--This is the only Portland history book that explains how the 50’ deep, 20 block long Tanner Creek Gulch was filled in.
--She tracked down the original 1870s Oregonian article on "The War About Geese" --the story where the neighborhood first got its name. This has never been seen in any other Portland history book and took hundreds of hours of research to find.
--She discovered previously unknown Native American history in the Tanner Creek Gulch (the hollow).
--Dr. Prince uncovered more pictures of Chinese gardeners and gardens than previously known. They provided produce to several generations of Portlanders, with Chinese vegetable gardens covering 21 acres of Goose Hollow from the 1870s to 1910.
Citation Information
Tracy J. Prince. Portland's Goose Hollow. (2011) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tracy-prince/5/