On This Day in Portland Art History...
Image: James Heimer
November 19, 1924
The Roseway Theater opens at NE 72nd Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. It’s one of the few movie houses in town that will remain continuously operational until it temporarily shutters in 2020 during COVID-19.
Image: James Heimer
September 6, 1950
A 34-year-old Beverly Cleary publishes Henry Huggins, her first novel. People sometimes cite this as an inspiring “it’s never too late to start!” anecdote, but forgive us—34 feels young to publish one of the most influential children’s books of all time.
Image: James Heimer
September 2, 1957
Elvis Presley comes to Portland for the first time, playing to 14,600 screaming fans at Multnomah Stadium (now Providence Park). Archives suggest no Heartbreak Hotels were operational at the time.
Image: James Heimer
October 5, 1974
Decemberists front man Colin Meloy is born in Helena, Montana. In the coming decades, he will be responsible for teaching countless Portlanders words like “panoply” and “prevaricate.”
Image: James Heimer
October 27, 1989
Ballet Oregon and the Pacific Ballet Theatre merge to become the Oregon Ballet Theatre. Their first show is a repertory of four original works, which feels like a lot of dancing. When did the company members get a pointe break?
