by David Sweet
There are a number of mature Monkey Puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana) in Sabin and other parts of inner-city Portland. These curious trees are native to Chile and Argentina where they thrive on the lower slopes of the Andes. An ancient species, they are sometimes called a living fossil. The story of how they happen to be here provides a link to an interesting chapter in Portland history. Portland was booming in the 1880’s and ‘90’s, but the national economy was rocked by a series of recessions and depressions, caused by an unregulated financial industry. After the Panic of 1893, it was suggested that, to aid recovery, Portland should host an international fair, marking the turn of the century. This idea blossomed into the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in 1905, marking 100 years after the Expedition of Discovery floated down the Columbia. The exposition was held at Guilds Lake in Northwest Portland, near where the Montgomery Park building stands today. The Exposition was a huge success, attracting more than 1.6 million visitors in it’s 5½ month run, and actually turned a profit for its investors. It was said that Portland had joined "the great march of progress." Some suggest that this event was responsible for Portland’s explosive growth over the next five years, from 161,000 to 270,000. Among the 21 nations exhibiting in Portland that year was Chile. As a gesture of goodwill, the Chilean delegation distributed seedlings of the Monkey Puzzle, the national tree of Chile. Portlanders planted these in their yards, and some have grown into the stately and unusual trees that grace our neighborhood today. The growth of these trees into towering giants reminds us of the event that triggered the growth of our city. Interested in growing food in public spaces, while working with your neighbors on a fun project? Become a Sabin Community Orchard Steward!
The Sabin Community Orchard is a collaborative project between the Portland Fruit Tree Project and the Sabin Community Association, designed to provide delicious fruits and berries - and an opportunity to learn about edible gardening. It's located on a small city-owned lot on Mason Ave, between 18th and 19th. Orchard Stewards commit to: * attend an orientation meeting on Tuesday, February 12 * participate in monthly work & learn parties, from 2:00 - 4:00 on the third Sunday, February - November * be the note-taker for one or two of the work & learn parties, and share your notes with others * one mid-summer watering shift to keep the young trees and shrubs healthy To apply, request an application by calling 503-284-6106 or by emailing [email protected] with "Sabin Orchard Steward Interest" in the subject line. Applications are due Friday, February 1. No experience is necessary, though gardening or orchard experience is a plus! Although Irving Park isn't within Sabin boundaries, many residents use the park's facilities. It's a safe bet that most folks are unaware of the park's history as a popular horse-racing track. Here's how it happened...
In 1865, Captain William Irving and his wife Elizabeth established a 635-acre land claim on the east side of the Willamette River. At that time, the area was mostly farms and forests. After the Captain died in 1872, Elizabeth and her son sold off the eastern portion of the family's property. In 1887, she leased 90 acres to her nephew, W.S. Dixon, who then sub-leased it to the Multnomah Fair Association. The MFA constructed a horse-racing track, with grandstands and paddocks. The Irvington streetcar line, built in 1890 to link downtown to the eastside, provided easy access to the popular racetrack. In 1905, there was a lawsuit over the betting operations at the track. After an extensive legal battle, Elizabeth regained control of the land, and in 1907, the racetrack was demolished. Soon after that, Elizabeth donated 14 acres to the city of Portland to establish Irving Park where the horse stables had once stood. Elizabeth died in 1922. Did you know that the New Testament church on NE 13th and Failing used to be a grocery and meat market called Danewolf's? Mary Smith's grandparents, Henry and Marie Danewolf, built the store in 1919. They made and sold German sausage and bakery treats such as rivel kuchen, a coffee cake that may be topped with fruit or caramelized sugar. The Danewolf family lived in a space attached to the store. You can read more about Mary's memories on the Volga Germans website, created by local historian (and former Sabin resident) Steve Schreiber.
by Matt Henderson
In 2010, we staged a quaint and traditional Christmas Nativity which drew friends and a few neighbors to the Xhurch at NE 20th and Going. Last year, our Alien Nativity attracted hundreds of visitors and garnered international media attention with its kitsch extra-terrestrial motif. This year's installation will abstract even further away from the original, presenting a visual feast while riffing on topics like infinity, the coming Technological Singularity, immortality through technology, modern spiritualism and THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT! Please consider making a donation to support this year's unconventional nativity scene, right here in Sabin! At the October Work and Learn Party, the orchard stewards and community members learned about responsible tree care and pest and disease management. Arborist James Kinder of Green Options Tree Care generously volunteered his time and expertise to advise us on how to keep the orchard’s trees healthy. He taught the orchard volunteers about the importance of proper planting and showed us that trees shouldn’t be deeply mulched right around the tree trunk. We also learned how to make pruning cuts that a tree will be able to safely heal.
November’s Work and Learn Party will focus on putting the orchard to bed for the winter. Please join us - it's a great opportunity to meet the neighbors and learn about fruit tree care. When: Sunday, November 18, 2:00-4:00 Where: Sabin Community Orchard, NE Mason between 18th and 19th Avenues Contact: [email protected] The Little Green Schoolhouse, a home-based pre-school, is having an open house for prospective families on Saturday, November 3 and Saturday, December 1 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. They'll have snacks and crafts, and you'll have an opportunity to meet lead teacher and owner Lori Soltys, a licensed classroom teacher with a Masters in Literacy. Lori is also an experienced occupational therapist and yoga instructor. The school's focus is on early literacy, movement, art and music.
Please RSVP at 503-282-0474 or [email protected]. |
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