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« SO MUCH DOES THESE DAYS | Main | HEY GAMERS »
September 01, 2021
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Okay, here's one for you DG. What's that contraption spanning the intersection. Such apparatus shows up occasionally in old pictures of downtown, but what was it for? It doesn't seem to have any use in traffic control -- to the extent there was much traffic to control.
Posted by: Joel | September 01, 2021 at 03:39 PM
Another shot of how gorgeous, and clean, Stumptown used to be.....
Posted by: Jann M | September 01, 2021 at 05:22 PM
Joel these are a well known part of Portland history known as the "Great Light Way". Businesses along SW 3rd ave. were concerned that customers were being attracted West to what today is SW Broadway, so they banded together and had the lighted arches installed in 1914 from SW Yamhill to NW Everett to attract customers. The last arch was removed in 1940, and if you Google "Portland's Great Light Way" there are several stories and photos.
Posted by: DG | September 02, 2021 at 07:32 AM
Joel, from my professional background in infrastructure lighting, upon a detailed look at the photo, it looks like the structure was for illuminating the intersection via catenary string lighting on the four arms, and a center luminaire with a symmetrical throw pattern to compliment the catenary system.
Posted by: John Petty | September 02, 2021 at 11:36 AM
Thanks for the info, guys.
Posted by: Joel | September 03, 2021 at 04:25 AM
Yes, thanks, I love the info I learn in here. I think the lights were gorgeous. Like Hotel Portland, M&F, Jantzen Beach Amusement....
Posted by: Jann M | September 03, 2021 at 11:00 PM
Are you sure that's not a disco ball up there in the center? /joke
Posted by: Dave_E | September 05, 2021 at 05:18 PM