At Congress Square, you'll find the Eastland Park Hotel next to this ugly, concrete park hollowed out in the 70s, by more of that urban renewal animal. The hotel opened on June 15, 1927 after a 'name the hotel contest' awarded $100 in gold to city resident CE Weeks for the name Eastland. One more interesting side note: the governor at the time Ralph O. Brewster, flying over Portland Harbor, dropped the keys to the front door of the hotel into the water stating that the hotel would never close. The mural at the base of the hotels beckons us back to a bygone era of the 40s and 50s, while to the left (just out of view) another sad reminder of a time passed: the Union Station clock in its glass encased tomb. At the tip top, just below the Eastland sign, are the windows to the Top of the East, a fine spot to sip a drink and watch the sun setting over the city.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tip Top
At Congress Square, you'll find the Eastland Park Hotel next to this ugly, concrete park hollowed out in the 70s, by more of that urban renewal animal. The hotel opened on June 15, 1927 after a 'name the hotel contest' awarded $100 in gold to city resident CE Weeks for the name Eastland. One more interesting side note: the governor at the time Ralph O. Brewster, flying over Portland Harbor, dropped the keys to the front door of the hotel into the water stating that the hotel would never close. The mural at the base of the hotels beckons us back to a bygone era of the 40s and 50s, while to the left (just out of view) another sad reminder of a time passed: the Union Station clock in its glass encased tomb. At the tip top, just below the Eastland sign, are the windows to the Top of the East, a fine spot to sip a drink and watch the sun setting over the city.
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I would like to hang out at the Top of the East and watch the sunset. Nice
ReplyDeleteParty on the roof top! Good idea. Nice old buidling with alot of history!
ReplyDeleteI bet there is a good view from the rooftop. Interesting story.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness i have missed a lot of your blog. such goings on. From missing cups to finding sisters. Great---life can be wonderful.
I shall pay more attention. MB
Great shot here with the old/new building juxtaposition and neat facade mural. 1927 wow...Hope the $100 winner squirreled the money away before the Depression hit!
ReplyDeleteNice shot.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth : )
I always like high places with a view!
ReplyDeleteFascinating historical overview! Funny that the name "Eastland" would win! They must have some better options than that. Maybe Mr. Eastland was on the panel of judges? ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow, lots of interesting stories behind the opening of the hotel. Nice to know...
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Cezar
This is our hotel of choice in Portland. We fell in love with Portland while staying here.
ReplyDelete