The History of Hawthorne

We have a great article about Hawthorne Boulevard's Historic Context prepared for the City of Portland's Hawthorne Transportation Project.

American Flags on Hawthorne

Have you noticed that Hawthorne Boulevard is lined with American flags on certain holidays? Have you ever wondered who takes care of the flags?

In 1986 the Central Eastside Lions Club initiated the “Hawthorne Boulevard of Flags” project. In 1996 the torch passed to Boy Scout Troop #24. They place and remove the flags for 8 holidays, as well as replacing any damaged flags. In return, a donation is made to the Boy Scout Troop, which they use to ensure that all scouts can participate regardless of finances. For the past several years, JaCiva’s has been covering the cost and would now like to give other Hawthorne businesses, property owners, and friends the opportunity to contribute.

The cost for each holiday is $100. The total budget of $900 per year includes eight displays, and any necessary flag replacement.

Please help us continue this tradition by sending any amount you can. Checks may be sent to HBBA, P.O. Box 15271, Portland, OR 97293-1271.

Flags are up on the following holidays:
Birthday of Martin Luther King, third Monday in January.
President's Day, third Monday in February.
Memorial Day, last Monday in May.
Flag Day, June 14th.
Independence Day, July 4.
Hawthorne Day, third Saturday in August. (8/16/2008)
Labor Day, first Monday in September.
Veterans Day, November 11th.

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Historic Plaques

In August 2007, historic plaques were installed at each end of Hawthorne Boulevard.

Hawthorne Day was declared by City Commissioner Sam Adams and County Commissioner Lisa Naito on August 16th, 2007. Hawthorne merchants, property owners, Portland Department of Transportation staff, the Commissioners, HBBA President Karin Edwards, past presidents Mary Sellin and Paul Neidergang, and others gathered to celebrate the completion of the long-awaited Transportation Project.
The cutting of the ribbon on the Bicycle Oasis served as the symbol of completion. A brass History of Hawthorne plaque was unveiled along with the medallions that have been installed on the curb extensions. The history plaques have been installed on Hawthorne at 50th and on the Multnomah County Building at SE Grand and 6th Avenue.

Hawthorne Day Street Fair

The Hawthorne Day street fair on August 18th, 2007, revived a long Hawthorne tradition. Highlights included nine live bands on four stages, vendors, special children’s activities at Kids At Heart, and a party at 50th to celebrate the unveiling of the Mt. Tabor entryway and Hawthorne plaque. Most businesses between 30th and 50th had special activities, resulting in a great day for Hawthorne businesses and patrons alike.
Thanks to sponsors Ben and Jerry’s, Realty Trust, Kids at Heart, Mortgage Loans Northwest, Hawthorne Wellness Center, Linda Scher, Chef Tucker's Patisserie, Bagdad, Presents of Mind, Red Light, Won Family Properties, Progressive Development Group, Powell's on Hawthorne, Chez Machin.

The next Hawthorne Day street fair will be on Saturday, August 16, 2008.

Hawthorne Banners

Hawthorne Boulevard received 54 new street banners from 12th to 50th Street beginning August 29, 2005. This project is part of the ongoing efforts of the Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association (HBBA) to promote area businesses and maintain the beauty and livability of the Boulevard.

The Hawthorne Boulevard Banners depict an elegant, north-facing view of the Hawthorne Bridge. The designers, John Laursen and Michael Evan, originally conceived the motif for the Hawthorne Medallions, bronze bas-relief markers that will be installed at a variety of sidewalk locations as part of the City of Portland's Hawthorne Transportation Plan. The Banners' design motif reinforces a sense of place while establishing strong district identity.

This project was funded by a grant from the APNBA (Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations) and private donations from Hawthorne businesses, including Fred Meyer, McMennamins, Pawsitively Clean, 3 Doors Down, Hot Lips Pizza, John O'Brien, Ancina Chiropractic Clinic, MBI Motors, FMR Investments, Micro, Inc, Hawthorne Auto Clinic and Rivermark Credit Union. Special thanks to Tara Choate, for coordinating these new banners.

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