O p e n i n g d o o r s t o o u r p a s t , p r e s e nt & f u t u r e

37th annual

37th annual

SAVE THE DATE

for tickets or ticket locations visit:
AN IRVINGTON COMMUNITY
SUNDAY MAY 19TH A SS O C I AT I O N F U N D - R A I S E R W W W. I R V I N G T O N H O M E T O U R . C O M

AN IRVINGTON COMMUNITY
Questions? About hosting a home? About how to be on the tour? About how to buy a ticket? About charitable giving? committee@irvingtonhometour.com
A SS O C I AT I O N F U N D - R A I S E R

for tickets or ticket locations visit:

W W W. I R V I N G T O N H O M E T O U R . C O M

for tickets or ticket locations visit:

W W W. I R V I N G T O N H O M E T O U R . C O M

Irvington’s Historic Architecture

est. Early 1900s
Population: over 11,000 people
We are drawn to live here because of the intrinsic quality of Number of homes in Irvington: 2,377
history, architectural originality, and exceptional craftsmanship.
The stories that these homes could tell, the feeling of history they evoke, the stability they provide.
Captains of industry and a Governor
of our state have all been part of our
We are drawn to live in Irvington because of the community. Some community. Teachers, lawyers, business owners,
moved here when the homes had seen better days, some moved recently excited to be part of the grandmothers, doctors, bankers, tennis players, volun-
ongoing 120 year history. Irvington school and PTA were established in 1909 when this neighborhood teers, principals, bartenders, and realtors– we are all
was in a boom. Architects and builders– Ellis Lawrence, Albert E. Doyle, Raymond Hockenberry, Fred- neighbors. We are bound by the fact that we made our
eric Bowman, David L Williams, Josef Jaccobberger, and John Virginius Bennes– produced homes of way here and set up our homes to raise our families,
various styles: Arts and Crafts, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Prairie Style, Bungalow. be close to family, or start a new chapter in our lives.
We are all connected by sidewalks, house projects, front
porches, the search for the perfect paint color, or the
O p e n i n g d o o r s t o o u r p a s t , p r e s e nt & f u t u r e desire to be part of a whole, that resembles the past
just a little.
This home tour is a Every third Sunday of
37th annual

symbol of our commit- May, for the last 37

ment to the community years, our commu-
and homes where we nity comes forward to
live. The home tour raises funds volunteer, donate and
AN IRVINGTON COMMUNITY
A SS O C I AT I O N F U N D - R A I S E R

to support non-profits in our com- offer their homes for

munity and surrounding areas and
neighborhood projects.
Putting your home on the tour is a
step towards supporting non-prof-
its and beyond. By just sharing
your home’s journey you support theWf o Wr tW.
ickets or ticket locations visit:
belief that history and historic
homes are of value beyond mon-
etary and act as a binding agent
to each other and to this part of
Portland’s past.
a day. We seek original, we seek
restored, we seek chipped paint and
wavey glass. We look at the details
that show us the past. Come one
come all, enjoy the day and be part
of the process in whatever way you
can.
IRVINGTONHOMETOUR.COM
It’s always a surprise to see what
lies inside the doors of these
master-built homes. Every house is
already special, because they are
historic.
Hidden
knows that or is concerned. They are supposed to come
when a tenant calls them with an urgent report, but tenants
state that it takes security so long to arrive that the call seems
futile.
There is no sign-in area for guests, as one is accustomed
to seeing in many residences for senior citizens.
Besides security, there are few other support services.
There is a Resident Services Coordinator who is at the
building about 1 ½ days a week. There is a caseworker at the
building about 2-3 days a week for clients who need some
help with the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living but who
do not yet qualify for an Assisted Living Placement. There is a
Home Forward manager there 40 hours a week.
Many of us who live close to Dahlke Manor are friends
with people who live there. Dahlke Manor and its residents
have been great neighbors for many years, so we are
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
emerick-architects.com
PAGE 2 HISTORIC IRVINGTON NEWSLETTER SPRING 2019
motivated to help improve their situation.
We have met with management from Home Forward.
They seem well-intentioned. They invite our comments
and participation. They did improve the laundry room
after we met and the cockroaches are currently gone. The
renovation of the laundry room was already in the planning
phase. They repaired a broken window. They are waiting
for a report called “Crime
Prevention Assessment
Through Environmental “If someone wants
Design” which was done by
the City of Portland Office of
Civic and Community Life
to come in when I go
(OCCL). The OCCL has also
conducted a safety training through the door, I’m not
for residents. About 20 folks
(out of a potential 100 units)
attended. There was some
going to tell them they
good information shared,
but as one tenant stated, can’t. What if they see me
“If someone wants to come
in when I go through the later and beat me up?”
door, I’m not going to tell
them they can’t. What if they
see me later and beat me up?” Teaching tenants principles
such as the 3 steps of assertiveness is helpful, but it does
not compensate for the fact that the 100+ unit building for
seniors and people with disabilities is inadequately secured.
Management has discussed with us various barriers
to change. They lack funding to have an on-site security
guard or a receptionist who signs in guests. In the low-
income housing world, it is easier to get funding for new
development than it is to get funding for safety measures or
renovations. They point out that funds that could provide
security could also provide Section 8 vouchers for unhoused
families. Currently they pay $1000/month for the above
mentioned security services. On-site security for just 10
hours a day would be about $8000/month. Two larger Home
Forward buildings for seniors and people with disabilities
have on-site security. There are 7 other large buildings that
do not. One of the seven is having issues at a level similar to
Continued from front page
Dahlke Manor. In the past, they have evicted tenants who let
in restricted individuals. But a court system that has recently
developed more sensitivity to tenant’s rights has made that
strategy more difficult.
Concerned neighbors also wrote to the mayor’s office
on November 27, 2018. The City of Portland’s Response to
Homelessness states, ”Supportive housing - deeply affordable
housing combined with
support services - is often
the most effective way to
serve a significant share of
our neighbors experiencing
homelessness.” We thought
there would be a response
to our concern that Dahlke
Manor needs more support
services, but to date we have
not received anything but an
automated email.
We also contacted
Portland Tenants United,
who has helped other Home
Forward buildings to organize
around common concerns.
They are currently helping residents there conduct surveys to
get a broader view of priorities.
Our goal is that even the most frail and elderly of the
Dahlke Manor residents should be able to state that they
feel secure from crime and from unauthorized trespassers
when entering and exiting their building or their room.
The premises needs an on-site manager living there, as they
have had in the past, or at least on-site security guards.
Visitors should check in and out with a receptionist, and
wear a visitor tag in the building. Non-residents should not
loiter on the grounds. We are sympathetic to the barriers
that Home Forward management faces, but the current
situation is intolerable. Also, by allowing previously stable
low-income housing to decline, other communities become
wary of locating similar buildings in their neighborhoods. It
is disingenuous to accuse such communities of NIMBYism
while, at the same time, allowing such a prominent
community resource for low-income renters to deteriorate to
such a state.
Some Portlanders think of Irvington as an affluent
historic district. That is true, but Irvington is also a
quite diverse neighborhood, with people from different
backgrounds and of different incomes. The deep beauty of
Irvington is that we care about our neighbors. The Irvington
Community Association (ICA) has voted to support the
tenants and neighbors who are trying to improve safety and
other supportive services at Dahlke Manor. The work is
ongoing and is situated in the ICA Livability Committee.
Residents of Dahlke Manor and a volunteer from Portland
Tenants United are also part of that committee. We are
communicating with Home Forward. We have been
collecting information and learning about resources. Soon
we hope to generate and explore creative, community-based
solutions. Meaningful solutions will require your help.
Hopefully, your reading and active sharing of this article
will answer the wish expressed in the beginning by one of the
Dahlke residents. Now you know “what goes on in there.”
Please contact ------------ to join us in our effort, or at least to
be a support in specific projects or events. Let’s build upon
our strengths as a community. Let’s be sure that although
some problems may be hidden behind concrete walls, they
will not be hidden in the shadows of apathy.
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 ica board members • 2019
THE Are you looking for the minutes from our

IRVINGTON
President: Bob Dobrich recent board meetings?
Bobdobrich@gmail.com
Vice President: Steve Cole Minutes are posted in full on our Web site

COMMUNITY
stevencole86@gmail.com...............................................503-788-0618
Treasurer: Jeff Jones at www.irvingtonpdx.com.
jcjones@pacifier.com......................................................503-281-1023

ASSOCIATION
Secretary: Doug Cooke
dougISC@tinderlab.com
Communications: Tiffanie Shakespeare
tshakesp@gmail.com
DIRECTORS P.O. B O X 12102 , P ORT L A N D, ORE GO N 97212
Huck Bales
heybales@gmail.com
Jim Barta The ICA meets on the second Thursday of every month (except July and August),
jbarta@securesite.net......................................................503-544-2429
Barb Christopher 7 p.m. in the library at the Irvington Elementary School, 1320 NE Brazee St.
barbfc@comcast.net.......................................................503-740-5216
Doug Cooke
douglSC@tinderlab.com Local issues are discussed and all Irvington residents are welcome to attend.
Nathan Corser
nathan.corser@ch2m.com..............................................503-493-0671

IHD FAQ
Bob Dobrich
bobdobrich@gmail.com
Jon Eaton
jaeaton@gmail.com
Dean Gisvold
deang@mcewengisvold.com...........................................503-284-3885
By Peter O’Neil
Susan Hathaway-Marxer
susan.marxer@comcast.net.............................................503-281-5629 ICA Board Member
Jason Messer

W
j.messer@comcast.net.....................................................503-312-4175
Alex Michel
indow Repair or Replacement
Liz Morgan Welcome to another installment of
liz@jhldesign.com Irvington Historic District Frequently Asked
Barbara Nagle Questions. Here’s this issue’s question:
nagleb2004@yahoo.com
Peter O’Neil
Wouldn’t it be great to replace all our old sash windows
peter@blackrabbit.com...................................................503-471-3402 with new double pane versions? New windows are soooo
Josh Plager much better than the old ones. Energy efficient, clean and
joshplager@gmail.com smooth, easy to open and close.
Tiffanie Shakespeare more is lost through walls, floors, and ceilings (31%).
tshakesp@gmail.com......................................................503-680-2840
Well…… A 10% loss is not insignificant, of course, but there are
Sean Stone Can old windows be replaced in Irvington? Yes, in some many ways to improve that number without installing new
Lizabeth Tyler circumstances. But the better question is should they be windows.
lizabethmtyler@gmail.com replaced?
Anna Withington Much of the draftiness and cold air we feel around
Portland’s Bureau of Development Services (BDS) decides our old windows is simply because they need repair and
COMMITTEE CHAIRS how homes in historic districts may be altered, and BDS adjustment. They may be loose in their jambs, the sash
Beautification resists window replacement for many good reasons. Windows weights may have been cut off or broken, the sash weight
Jason Messer • j.messer@comcast.net are an essential part of a home’s architecture, so one needs to
Capital Projects pockets need insulation, and they might have cracked or loose
Nathan Corser • nathan.corser@ch2m.com reach a high bar in order for BDS to approve changes to that glass.
Charitable Giving architecture. The windows would need to be beyond repair, All of these problems can be repaired. Because repairs
Susan Hathaway-Marxer • susan.marxer@comcast.net and the replacements would need to be facsimiles of the lost tend to be much more cost effective and environmentally
Bob Dobrich • bobdobrich@gmail.com
windows. friendly, a cottage industry of window rehab folks has
Community Connections
Bob Dobrich • bobdobrich@gmail.com Replacement is a high cost process. Not just in price, emerged here in Portland. It’s easy to hire someone or you
Disaster Preparedness
but also in sustainability. Windows made of old growth can do it yourself. And repair by the way, is exempt from
Huck Bales • heybales@gmail.com local wood (usually fir) are far more environmentally friendly BDS Historic Resource Review. One caveat whether you
Historic Preservation and more durable than new windows manufactured with repair or replace your windows: older windows may have
dwindling resources. With proper maintenance and repair been painted with lead based paint. Lead paint is dangerous
Home Tour today’s old windows can last longer than new ones.
Brian Schaeperkoetter • brianschaeperkoetter@gmail.com
especially for children, so it must be handled properly.
At the request of the Irvington Community Association a Most of our original double hung windows have pockets
Land Use
Dean Gisvold • deang@mcewengisvold.com few years ago Portland’s Architectural Heritage Center created in the walls adjacent to them to allow room for weights that
NECN Representatives a Window Repair and Weatherization Guidebook. (Available help move the windows up and down. Often the ropes tied
at Irvingtonpdx.com for free.) Here’s how the AHC describes to the weights have been cut. Without the weights, it’s very
Newsletter
Steven Cole • stevencole86@gmail.com
reasons for repairing old windows: difficult to open the window. But it’s also easy to repair. Just
Newsletter Advertising Google “sash weight repair” and you’ll find dozens of videos
Jeff Jones • jcjones@pacifier.com Why Should I Keep and how-to articles. In fact, you can find lots of demos on
Parks and Repair My Old
Jason Messer • j.messer@comcast.net repairing just about every old window problem.
Jeff Jones • jcjones@pacifier.com
Windows? The sash weight pockets themselves are voids that can let
Safety Committee • Because the original cold air through. The pockets, though, can be insulated and
windows were designed still operable with a technique that’s pretty easy to do, but too
Trees specifically to fit your
Kyna Rubin • Krubin317@gmail.com long to describe in this short article. But, you know, Google
Website
home. Not just in shape it.
Tiffanie Shakespeare • tshakesp@gmail.com and size but in materials, Old windows come loose over time in their openings.
too. This can make the windows difficult to operate and allow
NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCES
Abandoned Vehicles (24-hour hotline)..............................503-823-7309 • Because the original air infiltration. A qualified window repair person and even
Abandoned Vehicles (daytime)..........................................503-823-6814 windows have character talented do-it-yourselfers can repair the jambs, install proper
Animal Control.................................................................503-988-3066 defining features that you
Bicycle Program................................................................503-823-2925
weather stripping, and repair the sash weight mechanisms so
Garbage Service Info/Problems.........................................503-823-7202
love, such as wavy glass, the windows fit tight and operate smoothly.
Graffiti Cleanup (Info/assistance)......................................503-823-5860 real divided light sashes, Interior window inserts such as the local Portland product
Graffiti Hotline (Police)....................................................503-823-4824 and ogee lugs. called Indow Windows are also very effective. Again from the
Landlord/Tenant Mediation..............................................503-282-1964 • Because you
NE Coalition of Neighborhoods ......................................503-823-4575 Window Repair and Weatherization Guidebook:
NE Crime Prevention.......................................................503-823-4763
appreciate the longevity Interior storm windows and interior thermal window
NE Precinct (Police)..........................................................503-823-2122 of irreplaceable old growth wood and high quality inserts can provide much of the insulation benefits of window
Neighborhood Mediation..................................................503-823-3152 craftsmanship. replacement at a lower cost and with dramatically lower
Noise Reporting & Control..............................................503-823-7350 • Because you recognize value in being able to repair
Office of Neighborhood Involvement ..............................503-823-4519 impact on the historic character of a home. These products
Parking Enforcement.........................................................503-823-5195
something when it needs repair, rather than replacing it also provide a sizable reduction in the amount of noise that
Rider Advocates................................................................503-823-4223 because it cannot be repaired. can enter a home through the window area.
Street Light Outages & Tree Trims....................................503-823-5216 • Because original windows really can be made as energy Another easy quick fix is to caulk around the exterior trim
Tree Planting Information.................................................503-823-4489 efficient as any replacement.
Zoning/Code Enforcement...............................................503-823-7526 of each window to prevent air infiltration. Properly installed
• Because you can save money and energy by repairing exterior storm windows can reduce energy loss, too, and the
LEGISLATORS your original windows whereas you may never recoup the installation or removal of storm windows is exempt from
State Representatives expense of replacement windows or be able to repair them historic review. Cracked glass is easily replaced, and even
Tawana Sanchez Rep. should they need work.
TawanaSanchez@oregonlegislature.gov ..........................503-986-1443 drapes and other window coverings can reduce energy loss.
Barbara Smith Warner To expand on a couple items in the AHC list, beyond the All in all, it is usually much more cost effective in dollars
Rep.BarbaraSmithWarner@state.or.us ...........................503-986-1445 esthetic reasons for repairing and restoring old windows, there and cents, esthetic value, and sustainability to repair your
State Senators
are energy efficiency reasons to keep them, too. windows than to replace them. If you’d like to learn more
Michael Dembrow Windows are not the energy boogeyman we have been led and see a list of local window repair craftsmen and women,
Sen.MichaelDembrow@state.or.us.................................503-986-1723 to believe. According to the US Department of Energy, more see Window Repair and Weatherization Guidebook at
Lew Frederick, District 22 energy is lost through doors (11%), plumbing penetrations
Sen.LewFrederick@oregonlegislature.com......................503-986-1722 irvingtopdx.com
(13%), and fireplaces (14%) than windows (10%), and far Keep those IHD questions coming!
SPRING 2019 HISTORIC IRVINGTON NEWSLETTER PAGE 3
 Spring Cleaning
T
he annual neighborhood cleanup is coming! It’s time to start cleaning out your garage, basement, attic
or shed. This year’s cleanup will once again be held jointly with Sullivan’s Gulch. Metro continues its
restrictions on acceptable items. However, based on last year, there is still plenty of stuff to get rid of in the
neighborhood.
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9 am to 2 pm (or when dumpsters full)
Where: Holladay Park Church, NE 21st and Hancock (enter the parking lot from 21st) How Much: Contribute
what you can (no set fees except for possibly specialty items listed on the ICA website). Remember donations help
support neighborhood projects, charities and events.

What’s Accepted:
• General household debris and waste
• Metals and appliances
• Block styrofoam (must be clean; no packing peanuts)
• Electronic waste (TVs, computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, etc.)

Peter O’Neil What’s NOT Accepted:

Historic Irvington Expert
Realtor® • No construction debris, roofing, demolition and remodeling debris (including unpainted lumber, sorry)
Seniors Real Estate Specialist® • No curbside recycling items (including branches, yard debris or kitchen scraps)
Earth Advantage® Broker • No hazardous waste (pesticides, batteries, fluorescent lamps)
Licensed in the State of Oregon
• No Paint (no aerosol spray, no turpentine, thinners, cleaners, etc.)
poneil@windermere.com
503.863.7877
The word is still out on the Reuse area (“Things too good to throw away”) - Items not claimed will be picked up
by Community Warehouse. In addition, we may have some additional recycling. You can check the ICA website for
“Peter is reliable, thoughtful, hard-working, and
a terrific problem solver.” - Zoe A., Home Seller
an update; Irvingtonpdx.com.

Irvington Park:
I live in the neighborhood.
I work in the neighborhood.
I walk Archie in the neighborhood.

No one knows Irvington better!

1220 NW Lovejoy St Ste 130

Portland OR 97209
Our Neighborhood Park
D
id you know Irving Park is one of Portland’s
oldest parks without a community-led
Friends group? That will soon to be
changing, as motivated neighbors across the Irvington,
Sabin, King, and Eliot neighborhoods come together to
officially establish Friends of Irving Park, a committee of
the ICA.
Friends of Irving Park intends to be a beacon for
greater community engagement, ensuring the park
remains a safe and inviting green space for all of the area’s
diverse people and needs. By rallying public support
and mobilizing volunteers, the group aims to focus on a
range of livability challenges facing the park—including
solutions for addressing the growing off-leash dog issue.
A series of community gatherings are currently being
planned for later this spring, inviting those interested in
learning more to come join the conversation, share their
feedback, and find out how to participate.

Need a Home Loan? Look for future announcements, volunteering

opportunities, and events at FriendsofIrvingPark.org
or by following their Facebook page. Questions or
New and updated options comments can be sent to hello@friendsofirvingpark.org.
Additional information will be posted on our website:
now available! irvingtonpdx.com

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PAGE 4 HISTORIC IRVINGTON NEWSLETTER SPRING 2019

Irvington and the Home Owner’s Loan
Corporation during the Great Depression
Tony Greiner, Librarian, Portland
Community College
anthony.greiner@pcc.edu
T
he Great Depression
of the 1930s affected
Portland as much as it
did the rest of the country.
Keeping home-owners in their
houses, and keeping the home-
lending industry afloat was one
of many problems faced by the
new President, Franklin Roosevelt
when took office in March, 1932.
Roosevelt and his cabinet quickly
launched a number of programs,
collectively known as the New
Deal.
One of these New Deal
programs, the Home Owner’s Loan Corporation
(HOLC) was established to help people who had
purchased a house but were not making payments,
leading them to risk foreclosure.
Before the collapse of the economy, a house was
typically purchased with a 50% down payment, with the
balance borrowed from a bank. Interest-only payments
would them be made for 5-10 years, and then the
balance came due and was paid in another lump sum.
This is similar to the “Balloon Payment” plans used
before the most recent recession.
The HOLC was formed in 1933, and over a span of
two years refinanced about 1,000,000 mortgages. Most
of the homeowners had not made a mortgage payment
in two years, or paid city taxes in three. HOLC offered
a new approach to home-lending, typically refinancing
for 15 years, and making loans that were self-amortizing
, which means a part of the principal was paid off each
month, as is typical today. These loans were also offered
at a rate of 4 ½-5%, lower than the 5-6% typical of
mortgage lenders. Refinancing was quite a task- there
were no credit scores, and no centralized place where
homeowner payment history could be found. Still, the
HOLC jumped in to its task with vigor.
This re-financing offered a good deal all around.
The influx of government cash allowed lenders to loan
to others, and get bad loans off their books. Borrowers
benefited by having a longer payment period at a lower
rate, and local governments began to again get property
tax revenues.
Nationwide, 80% of the recipients who received
HOLC re-financing repaid the loan in full. The other
20% eventually faced foreclosure, and the house would
then be sold on the open market.
About the time the HOLC stopped its refinancing
program, it created housing maps of many of the cities
where it did business, including Portland. Exactly why
these maps were created isn’t clear, as the HOLC had
by then stopped its refinancing and was moving to
managing their investments. Still, they were not maps
that located where specific loans were made. Rather, the
maps rated and divided city housing areas into zones A
(“Best”), B (“Still Desirable”), C (“Definitely declining”
, and D (“Hazardous”) and color-coded them on the
maps as Green, Blue, Yellow and Red. The ratings did
not necessarily refer to a Red zone as being hazardous to
live in, but rather, hazardous to make a loan to. Some
have called these “red-lining” maps, but historians debate
the matter, and red-lining practices certainly predate the
maps.
Still, they definitely rated neighborhoods not only by
the quality of the housing but also by the people who
lived there. Even if bigotry did not play a part in the
HOLCs lending, prejudice certainly played a part in
these ratings.
This bigotry is odd because when it came to
refinancing, the HOLC was a remarkably fair
organization. The agency saw its mission as supporting
people most in need- regardless or race or ethnicity, and
indeed, those categories which were not included on
the application forms. Nationwide 80% of the loans
made by the agency were to home owners who lived in
areas later ranked as category C or D. Historian Amy
SPRING 2019 HISTORIC IRVINGTON NEWSLETTER PAGE 5
African-American.
Irvington as a desirable neighborhood did survive
the Great Depression, and has remained an area with
many single-family dwellings. It remains to be seen if it
will keep this character and survive current efforts such
as the Residential Infill Project (RIP), Better Housing
by Design and the efforts of Mayor Wheeler, Governor
Brown and House Speaker Tina Kotek’s efforts to outlaw
single-family zoning in the state.
Those who wish to explore the maps and descriptions
of Irvington and other parts of the city, or examine the
maps and descriptions of other cities in the country can
visit
https://tinyurl.com/irvHOLC
Find the section labeled “Historical Records” and
then click on “Home Owners Loan Corporation map
of Portland, 1937” to be taken to the University of
Richmond website that hosts the maps.
Hillier found that the agency “did not avoid making
loans to African Americans, Jews, or immigrants, or to
neighborhoods where they lived.”
Those who want to explore the debate on the
maps are invited to read the “Research Report: Were
SERVING FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS IN
the HOLC Residential Security Maps the Origin of
NORTHEAST PORTLAND
Redlining” by Helen Ryan in the Winter 2018 Oregon
Historical Quarterly. (Available in most libraries.)
For now, let’s look at the Irvington area map, and the STEPHEN BACKER
BROKER — PIENOVI PROPERTIES
description that accompanied it.
sbacker@pienoviproperties.com
The 1937 map for Portland rated over half of the (503) 459-2319
city’s residential areas in the lowest two categories, C and
D. (Yellow and Red) Most of Irvington in category B,
colored blue. There was a section, on the west side of
the district that was labeled C, and colored yellow. To
the east, the Grant Park area was rated A, and colored
Green. West of Irvington, across what was then Union,
now MLK, and north of Fremont was rated category D.
The blue area of Irvington, (B11 on the map) has this
description:
Zoned single-family residential with the exception of
a few blocks in extreme southwest which is zoned multi-
family, and contains a few better grade apartments. This
is an old and deservedly popular district and at an earlier
period would have rated 1st grade, but owing to its age
and high per cent of land improvements it is felt that it
should not be accorded higher at the present time than
a low blue grade. HOLC loans in area approximate 122
for an aggregate of $411,000.
Whoever filled out the form to describe the area left
blank the spaces for Foreign-born and Negro families,
and no families were known to be on relief (welfare.) The
estimated family income for the area was $2500-5000
a year. Repairs were good, home ownership in the area
was 59%, and the property values were $4200 to $6500
per house. Rents ranged from $35-$50, presumably per
month.
Favorable influences for the neighborhood were its
“convenience to schools, churches, recreational areas and
shopping centers, nearness, convenience or transportation
to city center.”
But there were “Detrimental Influences.” Cited was
its bordering areas “where subversive racial elements
exist.” Looking at the descriptions of those neighboring
areas, it becomes clear that the subversive racial elements
were people born in other countries, Russia in particular,
but also southern Europeans and the “Negros, Japanese
and Chinese scattered throughout the area.” The racism
and racial identification of the era was clearly more
It’s a retirement thing.
Imagine a life where you have the
detailed than the White-Black-Brown-Asian categories we
freedom to do more of the things
tend to use today.
you want with less of the worry.
The western side of Irvington had a “C” rating. The At Holladay Park Plaza,
description of the area is oddly military: “This area… we’re living that life. You can too.
is putting up a stout resistance to the encroachment of Call today for a tour: 503.280.2216
subversive elements, and is in the last stage of a declining
area. It seems inevitable that within a few years it will
become ‘hazardous’ territory. Already some Japanese,
Chinese, and Slavs have crossed Union and are domiciled
in the block to the east of that thoroughfare. There were
34 HOLC loans made in that part of the neighborhood. 1300 NE 16th Ave., Portland, OR 97232
www.retirement.org/hpp
Few families were on relief, and the estimated family
income ran from $1200 to $3000 a year. Rents ran from Holladay Park Plaza is a Pacific
$25-$40. About one percent of the area’s residents were Retirement Services Community
 SB 10 - Worst Legislation in a long time
Opinion
By Dean Gisvold
D
id you know that the mandates in Senate
Bill 10 (SB 10), sponsored by Senate
President Peter Courtney, are so far reaching
that SB 10 will eliminate most of the single family
zoning in cities with transit. In the Portland Metro area,
SB 10 will cause TriMet to determine the level of density
and where it is located, not the planners or the City.
The latest developer-backed bill to rezone Oregon
cities is SB 10, and by far the worst. SB10 will rezone
all residential areas within 1/2 mile of a “frequent service
transit line” to 45 to 74 units per acre.  That is about 5
to 8 housing units per typical 5,000 sq. ft. (0.11 acre)
residential lot, or about 24 to 40 persons per 10,000
sq. ft. This is a “Manhattan” level density, equal to or
higher than population density in downtown, the Pearl,
and Goose Hollow.
SENIORS
do you…
have places to go?
people to see?
things to do?
We are a network of engaged seniors, volunteers of all ages,
resource partners, and professional service providers.
3 Transportation Assistance
3 Social Events & Activities
3 Home Chore Assistance
Northeast Village PDX
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Age at Home
To learn more, call 503-895-2750
or visit: nevillagepdx.org
NEVPDX_ad_7-27-17_comps.indd 1
7/27/17 8:40 PM
PAGE 6 HISTORIC IRVINGTON NEWSLETTER SPRING 2019
Objections to SB 10 include:
• Bypasses Oregon’s Land Use Goals
• Overrides comprehensive plans
• Disregards land use planning
• Increases demolitions of affordable housing
• Creates unaffordable housing
• Displaces most vulnerable residents
• Eliminates Single-Family Zoning
• No parking requirements
• No infrastructure requirements
• No transportation planning
• Environmental protections overridden
• No protection for residential tree canopy
• No protection for historic resources
• No restrictions on vacation rentals
• Promotes rentals over home ownership
• No affordability requirements
You can go to TriMet’s frequent service page and
find the bus or MAX line closest to you. However, if
you live in Irvington, you don’t have to look far -- the
No. 8 bus is a prime example of good work by TriMet,
a very frequent service transit line that travels through
the middle of Irvington and other neighborhoods to the
north. Because the No. 8 falls well within the definition
in SB 10, this will create a mile-wide swath of extreme
housing density, a half mile on each side of NE 15th. If
you’re within 1/4 mile of a MAX station, your area will
be rezoned to 140 units per acre, or about 32 persons per
5,000 lot. I live on NE 15th, a standard 50x100 lot, on
which SB 10 would allow 8 housing units.
Please note that the SB 10 definition of priority
transportation corridor (“bus routes with service every 15
minutes or less during peak commuting hours) is broader
Another Successful Holiday Party
T
he Irvington Community Association’s
Holiday Party, which is open to everyone in
the neighborhood, typically occurs on the
second Thursday of December, the date of our regularly
scheduled neighborhood meeting. Scheduling issues with
the Irvington Club required that we move the party to
the first week in December. The move certainly did not
hurt as the afternoon to evening celebration was our best
attended event yet.
This year the format of the party was also adjusted
and food for the dinner was provided by Pastini Pastaria
Italian Restaurant on Broadway. The Broadway Pastini
location was the first of the Pastini restaurants, whose
owner lived in Irvington when the restaurant was first
opened.
Santa Claus was also able to sit down and stick
around for photos while listening to Christmas wish
requests from our little ones during the afternoon kids
party. Thanks to Wood Block Chocolates on 17th, just
north of Broadway, for helping Santa and his guests as
well as for providing yummy chocolate samples!
We are grateful to the Irvington Tennis Club for
their generous use of their facility. We also appreciated
than the TriMet definition of frequent service (buses that
“run every 15 minutes or less, most of the day, every
day”). This means that additional bus lines, like No. 17,
which travels on NE 24th, could fall within the SB 10
definition.
Do we want to rezone all of Portland’s neighborhoods
to blocks of 3 to 10‑story apartment buildings? I think
not.
Did you see The Oregonian piece on the money
flowing to Oregon legislators regarding logging, the
environment, etc., because the money is also flowing
in the same direction from real estate interests,
homebuilders and their investors. There are two bills,
HB 2001 and SB 10 in the Oregon legislature that need
our strenuous opposition.
Another Speaker Kotek bill, HB 2003, has some good
ideas, but also some homebuilder drafted provisions.
If we could work cooperatively with the other side,
something good is possible, but experience suggests
otherwise. Approach HB 2003 with caution; for now, I
am opposed.
Here’s what you can do. Email your views on SB 10
to the Senate Housing Committee at shous.exhibits@
oregonlegislature.gov .  Also email or call the Chair
of that committee, Senator Shelia Fagan, with your
views. Sen.ShemiaFagan@oregonlegislature.gov and
503‑986‑1724. Or you can mail comments to:
Senate Committee on Housing
Oregon State Capital
900 Court Street NE, Room 347
Salem, Oregon 97301
Do it now, please!
all of the planning of the Community Connections
Committee of Bob Dobrich, Jon Eaton, Steve Cole, Liz
Tyler and Carrie Hooten. Thanks also to Jason Messer
for obtaining the beer provided by Culmination Brewing
in the Kern neighborhood. In addition, thanks to Emily
Cole for serving beverages as well as other ICA board
members who helped greet people, serve food and assist
in the kitchen to help with the festivities.
Thank you also to our other sponsors of this event:
New Seasons and Whole Foods.
Events like these in our community are what
contribute to the wonderful neighborhood that we have
in Irvington. We appreciate the support and sponsorship
of this event by the Irvington ICA and its primary
fundraiser, the Spring Home Tour.
We welcome the interest of anyone willing to be
involved in the future events like this and other future
events like the Home Tour or other social gatherings
like the Movie Night in the Park. Please contact Bob
Dobrich, president@irvingtonpdx.com, or any other
board member if you are interested in participating on
any level with the ICA.
Great Gifts For Gardeners!
Doug-Firs and Norway Maples Dominate
Park Trees Surveyed This Year
By Kyna Rubin

D
ouglas-firs abound, at least in this past
summer’s park tree survey. They’re first
among the ten most common species found
among the 10,000 trees in 53 parks inventoried by 300
volunteers and city Urban Forestry staff in 2018. The
park tree inventory began in 2017 and is scheduled for
completion in 2019 after covering a total of some 200
parks.
Irving Park trees are not included in these numbers,
as our park was inventoried last year, in summer 2017
(results appeared in the winter 2017 ICA newsletter).
Findings from this past summer’s survey were
presented by the city’s Urban Forestry staff at its Tree
Summit held on October 27, 2018.
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ) makes up almost
a quarter of the ten most prevalent species found. That’s
happy news, as Doug-firs are native trees that can grow
to 200-300 feet in the wild. In our parks they get to
over 100 feet. Being tall and evergreen, they provide
abundant, year-round environmental services to city
residents. (The hyphen signals that Doug-fir is not a true
fir. True firs have erect seed cones that sit only at the very
top of the tree.)
I’d cite the benefits of Douglas-firs in Irving Park,
except that our park has none. Instead, take just one
of the many Doug-firs measured in nearby Wilshire
Park. At 120 feet high and a diameter of 40 inches, its
structural or replacement value, measured in terms of the
environmental benefits it provides, is about $11,000. This
Volunteers continue to collect data from area trees are finding that Douglas Fir trees make up for almost one quarter of
calculation, based on the tree’s annual carbon storage and
the 10,000 trees found in 53 city parks.
sequestration (in pounds), storm water interception (in
cubic feet), and air pollution removal (in ounces), was
Data collected from park trees in 2018 show that 62 Every year they intercept 100,000 cubic feet of storm
made by Urban Forestry staff using i-Tree Eco, software
percent of trees surveyed are large (over 50 feet tall). In water and remove 21,000 pounds of air pollutants. These
developed by the U.S. Forest Service.
contrast, only 20 percent of street trees surveyed in the numbers don’t include other benefits such as shade,
According to Urban Forestry science and policy
past several years are large-form. wildlife habitat, and the general sense of well-being we
specialist Jeff Ramsey, in the entire park survey to date,
Hefty evergreen conifers like Douglas-fir and Western get from trees’ presence. Studies show that being among
city foresters and volunteers have counted 3,540 Doug-
redcedar offer the most environmental bang for the buck, trees lowers blood pressure and improves other health
fir trees in 100 parks. Even if the average replacement
and a healthy 39 percent of parks trees surveyed this measures.
value of a park-based Douglas-fir is, say, only $10,000,
past summer are conifers that keep their foliage all year. For full park and street tree survey results, including
that makes the Doug-firs counted so far alone worth
However, broadleaf evergreens such as magnolias and interactive maps, see www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/
$35,400,000.
live oaks also provide high environmental value because article/433143.
Occupying second place, at 7 percent of the top-ten
they intercept storm water in winter, and their year- Portland’s park tree inventory is scheduled to end next
park trees, unfortunately, is Norway maple. This non-
round leaves offer aesthetic value as well. Among the park year. In summer 2019 eastside parks that will be surveyed
native tree was widely planted across the country years
trees inventoried this year, only 1 percent are broadleaf include Grant Park, Westmoreland Park, and Mt Scott
ago to replace elms lost to Dutch elm disease. Norway
evergreens, a finding that Urban Forestry staff say shows Park, among others. Urban Forestry will be training old
maple is a tough urban tree that easily adapts to poor
the need to plant more broadleaf evergreens in parks. In and new volunteers to participate. If interested, in spring
soil and pollution, and provides lots of shade. But its
contrast, almost 60 percent of park trees are broadleaf 2019 visit www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/53181.
dense canopy crowds out native trees and deters native
deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in winter.
understory plants. And it’s a prolific seed producer that’s
The city has spent so much time and effort surveying
considered an invasive species in the Pacific Northwest
street and park trees in order to get a handle on what’s
and elsewhere. The city no longer plants Norway maples,
out there in terms of species, size, canopy spread, and
but nor does it take down those currently standing in our
condition. Having this information informs urban
parks and streets. Norway maple constitutes 42 percent of
forestry planning. But these measures are also used to

Every tree
all Irving Park trees.
enhance the public’s understanding of these trees’ literal
This same tree, by the way, dominates Portland’s
value. Many of us treasure trees for their beauty alone.
street trees. Constituting 9 percent of the city’s more than
200,000 street trees (which were inventoried from 2010
to 2016), Norway maple is first on the top-ten list of
But their monetary value speaks loudly too, thanks to
i-Tree Eco calculations. Together, the almost 10,000
park trees surveyed in 2018 are worth $81.4 million.
needs
most common curb trees. All of Portland’s maples—and
many other species as well--are susceptible to being wiped
out by the Asian longhorned beetle, if it were to arrive
a champion.
here, via our ports, in wood pallets from China. That
vulnerability explains city foresters’ desire to diversify the
tree species planted in the city, and why no maples appear PRUNING
on Portland’s approved street tree list. CABLING & BRACING
The remaining top-ten species found in the 2018
survey are a mix of natives and non-natives: Western INSECT & DISEASE
redcedar (not a true cedar, by the way), Northern red MANAGEMENT
oak, Pin oak, Incense cedar, Vine maple, London plane
FERTILIZATION
tree, Red maple, and Bigleaf maple.
Some positive news is that based on data collected to SOIL CARE
date, 40 percent of our park trees are native. That figure
is much higher than that for our native street trees in Call us at 503-722-7267
part for practical reasons: natives like Doug-fir, Western bartlett.com/Clackamas-OR
redcedar, Incense cedar, and Bigleaf maple are large-form
trees at maturity. With expansive grounds and few if any
power lines, parks are welcome territory for these large
native trees. But they are too big to plant on any but our
largest-size strips between sidewalks and roads. In fact,
natives such as Doug-fir and Western redcedar are only
permitted on curbside planting strips that are at least six
feet wide with no high voltage power lines above.

SPRING 2019 HISTORIC IRVINGTON NEWSLETTER PAGE 7

 Spring 2019
Hidden behind the walls
The following was submitted by an Irvington resident who wishes
to remain anonymous.
T
he large quiet man who has been trying to
help his neighbors in the building shakes his
head and says, “I just wish people knew what
goes on in here.”
Tenants describe various problems and incidents. The
trash is overflowing. Cockroaches skuttle through the
laundromat. Strangers enter the building and sleep, defecate,
or inject drugs in the hallways. Pools of bloody fluid are
found in the elevator. Intruders roam the building and
rattle door knobs, apparently looking for a door that was
accidentally left unlocked. A disturbed tenant goes on a
rampage, brandishing a knife, swearing, and slashing a door.
An elderly woman who reported a disturbance has garbage
piled in front of her door with a note that states, “This is the
payback, stupid b----, quit telling us what to do.” Another
tenant who reports a disturbance finds pools of urine under
her door for several days in a row. There are other reports
Piles of trash, pools of urine, drug dealers and thugs are common problems at Dahlke Manor, run by Home Forward, a
division of the Portland Housing Authority.
GRESHAM, OR
PERMIT NO. 88
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE
PRSRT STD
IRVINGTON
of intimidation. Many decline to speak up, stating they fear
retaliation from other tenants who are dealing drugs. Others
state they are hopeless that things will change. A tenant in
his 80’s, with a history of community organizing, expresses
trepidation about becoming involved, “I have nowhere else to
go.”
The entry doors should only open with a fob, but it is
common knowledge that if you wait long enough, you can
walk in behind someone who is entering, as the doors remain
open for quite a pause. Some residents are intimidated into
letting people in. A gentleman is pushed off his walker as a
stranger rushes the door. Almost daily residents report that
people who have previously been excluded from the building
enter at will, even when management is present.
Neighbors observe obvious drug deals in the parking lot.
Many untagged cars are parked around the building, and a
group of young individuals move packages in and out of the
cars which they exchange for cash. They are not residents
of the building, but they are seen entering and exiting the
building with apparent ease. On occasion, fights break out in
HISTORIc
the streets.
This is not a decrepit tenement in New York City, but
Dahlke Manor, managed by Home Forward (Portland’s
Housing Authority) and located securely within the
boundaries of the Irvington neighborhood. This is not
just low-income housing, but housing for our seniors and
community members with disabilities. Many of the residents
who live there have lived and worked in Portland for many
years, contributing much to the community, but now they
need rental assistance and a safe place to live. Gratefully, they
have rental assistance. Regretfully, they do not have adequate
safety.
There are no on-sight security staff who know the
residents or who can be summoned quickly. Home Forward
contracts with an off-site security company. Only once a
night are they required to do a thorough patrol, which is
defined as inspecting at least 50% of the floors. They briefly
come by 2 other times in a night. Tenants state they have seen
them come in, sit in the lobby, make a phone call, and then
leave. Neighbors have seen security staff nonchalantly walk by
groups of young adults in the parking lot who have been seen
exchanging goods and cash. These young men do not live
at Dahlke Manor, but it is unclear if the security company
Please see Hidden continued on page 2
Trade Roots
Providing Support for Our Community-
and around the World
Shop Local-Think Global
Clothing, jewelry, accessories and gifts
~1831 NE Broadway~
www.traderootsinc.com
Portland, OR 97212
P.O. Box 12102
Irvington Community Association