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.

Click to Enlarge

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 Hawthorne 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 bronze bas-relief 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 Street Fair

The Hawthorne Street Fair happens every August, based on a long Hawthorne tradition. Hawthorne was the original street fair in Portland, which started a trend that has spread to many eastside districts. Hawthorne Street Fair highlights include five live bands on the main stage plus additional stages, vendors, special children’s activities at Kids At Heart, and activities at most businesses between 30th and 50th. The street fair always results in a great day for Hawthorne businesses and patrons alike.

For information about the next Hawthorne Street Fair, see the "happenings" section.

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 installed in the sidewalks (see above). 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.