Portland Places: Portland Firefighters Park

I originally posted the PORTLAND PLACES: Portland Firefighters Park page on my old website on March 17, 2010.

Portland Firefighters Park on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Park is almost hidden in plain sight, along West Burnside just a block from Providence Park.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The park is a memorial to the Portland firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The Firefighters Memorial in the park is named in honor of Portland Fire Chief David Campbell, who died in the line of duty on June 26, 1911 after serving as Fire Chief for 18 years.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

Campbell and his men had responded to a fire at Union Oil in southeast Portland. As they fought the fire, Campbell observed that the building was weakening. He ordered a retreat and entered the burning building himself to make sure all his men were clear, and as he did so an explosion caused a wall to collapse on top of him, killing him instantly. 

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The land for the memorial was donated to the City of Portland in 1918 by Katherine A. Daly, specifically as a place to honor Chief Campbell. However, it was not until 1927 that the memorial fountain was finally designed, by Paul Cret of Philadelphia with Ernest F. Tucker as a Portland representative, and construction began.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The memorial is constructed of Caen stone, a light colored, easily worked limestone imported from France and used between the 11th and 19th centuries for many significant European buildings, including Canterbury Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

The monument was dedicated by Mayor George L. Baker on June 26, 1928 who at the time declared: "It is a memorial for all the Portland firemen who give their lives in the line of duty. I pledge that their names will be enshrined on plaques."

Portland Firefighters Park on February 27, 2010

Over the years that followed, the streets surrounding the triangular plot of land were widened so that by the 1960s, the memorial was tightly surrounded by city streets.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

In 1963 and 1964, the streets were altered to make room for a small park to surround the memorial, created by the Portland Junior Chamber of Commerce with assistance from the Oregon Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and local businesses and labor unions.

Portland Firefighters Memorial on February 27, 2010

Every year on June 26th, a service is held at the memorial in honor of Chief David Campbell and all Portland firefighters who died in the line of duty, and awards are given to current firefighters who have acted with extraordinary bravery. If the memorial is up to date, Portland hasn't lost a firefighter in the line of duty since 1977.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

The Portland Firefighters Memorial features some detailed architectural elements.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

Perhaps most impressive details are the green men sculpted into the corner pedestals.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

There are two basic styles of green man used here: three of each style.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

There seem to be slight differences between the three of each style, but this could just be the result of over 80 years of weathering of the soft limestone.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Memorial Lantern on February 27, 2010

On top of each of the two pedestals with the green men is a large decorative bronze lantern.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Lantern on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Memorial Lantern on February 27, 2010

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

Here are some more examples of the decorative architectural elements sculpted into the memorial's limestone.

Portland Firefighters Memorial Detail on February 27, 2010

David Campbell Bronze Relief on February 27, 2010

The main feature of the memorial is a bronze bas-relief of David Campbell above the fountain, sculpted by University of Oregon artist Avard Fairbanks in 1927.

Around the base of the fountain are the names and dates of service of the 36 members of the Portland Fire Department who gave their lives in the performance of their duty. They are listed here in the same order they are in at the memorial.

F. WAGNER 1885-1890 F. McCORMICK 1910-1919 W. WILBUR 1917-1926 E. GUSTAFSON 1915-1916 F. PLATT 1914-1937 V. SPENCER 1951-1966

T. O'KEEFE 1884-1891 K. GUNSTER 1913-1921 C. RYAN 1924-1928 H. JOSEPHSON 1927-1928 E. BRADFORD 1913-1945 J. L. DEVANEY 1949-1977

J. HEWSTON 1883-1892 O. LEHMAN 1910-1921 W. McCREERY 1928-1928 F. KEARNEY 1925-1934 A. BERG 1919-1948 J. REED         -1881

T. GRENFELL 1883-1896 J. BALDWIN 1917-1922 R. LAISNER 1912-1930 H. MORROW 1913-1934 D. SHAW 1912-1949 H. KRIMBEL 1920-1930

D. CAMPBELL 1881-1911 O. GABRIEL 1913-1922 C. G. MARKSTROM 1930-1940 H. GARDNER 1923-1935 V. BROWN 1928-1957 J. ALLERTON 1923-1945

W. HIGDON 1911-1912 A. WEFEL 1905-1923 E. W. BILLS 1930-1940 W. HEATH 1892-1935 J. METCALFE 1938-1960 G. WARNER 1924-1946

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

A relatively recent addition to Portland Firefighters Park is Portland's old fire bell, which was placed here in June of 2000.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

Ordered after the great fire of 1873 nearly destroyed Portland's entire west side, the 4,200-pound silver & bronze bell was cast by the Meneely Bell Foundery of West Troy, New York in 1874.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

It was originally installed at the top of a 70-foot tower behind Vigilance Hook & Ladder Company #1 at Fourth and Yamhill and could be heard as far away as Oregon City.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

At that time, even horse-drawn fire engines were still in the future, and the volunteer firefighters ran to fires on foot, carrying their equipment and pulling the steam-powered fire engines by hand.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

Installation of a telegraph system with alarm boxes began in 1875, and in 1913 the fire bell was retired.

The Messenger Fire Bell on February 27, 2010

The bell was displayed at special events for a few years before being put into storage, where it remained until being placed here.

Bell Tower Plaque on February 27, 2010

Because of its location, the current firefighters memorial is inadequate to host large crowds for events like the annual commemoration of David Campbell's heroic death. Thus, a new, larger memorial is planned for construction on the east side of the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge, with a dedication originally planned for the 100th anniversary of Campbell's death on June 26, 2011, but not yet built. This existing historic memorial will remain, although the bell may be moved to the new memorial. Therefore, here is the text of the plaque on the current "bell tower" which may or may not be moved with the bell.

We want to give special thanks to the following
organizations and individuals for the construction
of this great Bell Tower.

Portland Firefighters Association Aron Faegre Architect Jerry Abdie Engineer Brick Masons Apprenticeship Program Alaskan Copper and Brass Company Parr Lumber Company Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program

Mutual Material Portland General Electric Portland Police Association Safway Scaffolding Lone Star Northwest Portland Maintenance Bureau Carl Lauersen Artist

David Campbell Memorial Association
President Peter Linsky
Secretary-Treasurer Chief Robert Wall
Trustees: Betty Hedberg, Worth Caldwell, Jim Hebe and
Firefighter Paul Corah

June 2000

Related Links:
Portland Firefighters Memorial
Portland Fire & Rescue

This concludes the original content of my PORTLAND PLACES: Portland Firefighters Park page. To see additional blog entries about Portland, click on the Portland label.

Ira C. Keller Forecourt Fountain

…Continued from Keller Auditorium.

Ira C. Keller Forecourt Fountain on February 15, 2010

The Forecourt Fountain in front of the Civic Auditorium was designed by Angela Danadjieva and submitted to the city by architect Lawrence Halprin. It was completed in 1970 and covers nearly an acre. 13,000 gallons of water flow over its waterfall-inspired terraces every minute.

Ira C. Keller Forecourt Fountain on February 15, 2010

Historical Photos:
Forecourt Fountain, May 1972 (UO)
Forecourt Fountain, May 1972 (UO)
Forecourt Fountain, May 1972 (UO)
Forecourt Fountain, 1984 (UO)

Ira C. Keller Forecourt Fountain on February 15, 2010

In 1978, the Forecourt Fountain was named after Ira C. Keller. Keller arrived in Portland in 1953 at the age of 54 and founded Western Kraft Corporation, a nationwide manufacturer of paper and packaging products. He served on the City of Portland Planning Commission from 1954 to 1958, then became the first chairman of the Portland Development Commission from 1958 until 1972, which was established with the objective, in Keller's words, "To help the people of Portland preserve the unique friendliness of our lovely city and do it simply, frugally and equitably which is the Portland way." In 1972 he was a founder and chairman of the Foundation for Oregon Research & Education, and helped found and fund the Oregon Graduate Center, serving as President from 1972 to 1977 and a Chairman from 1976 to 1978. He was also Chairman of Oregon Health Sciences University from 1976 to 1978. In 1995, Keller was the first recipient of the Heart of Portland Award from the Association for Portland Progress (now the Portland Business Alliance) in 1995.

Continue to Portland Plaza…

Plaza Blocks: Lownsdale Square

Soldier’s Monument at Lownsdale Square on February 15, 2010

The northern Plaza Block is called Lownsdale Square. It is named for Daniel H. Lownsdale (1803-1862), a prominent landowner, civic leader and philanthropist who arrived in Portland from Kentucky in 1845 and took a 640-acre land claim that included most of what is now downtown Portland. Lownsdale surveyed and sold property from this claim, starting the growth of the city and establishing the layout of downtown that remains to this day.

Soldier’s Monument at Lownsdale Square on February 15, 2010

Lownsdale promoted the construction of the Great Plank Road to the farmland in the Tualatin Valley and donated Lownsdale Square and the Park Blocks to the city. A marker honoring Lownsdale was placed here by the Lang Syne Society of Portland in 1990.

Soldier’s Monument at Lownsdale Square on February 15, 2010

In the center of Lownsdale Square is the Soldiers' Monument, a memorial to Oregon soldiers lost during the Spanish-American War. The granite obelisk is topped with a bronze sculpture of a soldier by Douglas Tilden. The monument was "erected by the citizens of Oregon to the dead of the Second Oregon United States Volunteer Infantry" in 1904, or at least the granite obelisk was. The bronze statue may not have been completed until 1906. The completed Soldiers' Monument was reportedly dedicated on May 31, 1906.

Fort Sumter Cannon at Lownsdale Square on February 15, 2010

At the base of the Soldiers' Memorial are two Howitzer cannons used in the defense of Fort Sumter in 1861 during the Civil War. They were provided by Colonel Henry E. Dosch. One faces north and the other south referencing the fact that Fort Sumter was controlled by both sides during the Civil War. On their plaque, Sumter is misspelled as "Sumpter," which incidentally is the correct spelling of the name of a town in eastern Oregon.

Company H Fountain at Lownsdale Square on February 15, 2010

On the west side of Lownsdale Square is the Fountain for Company H, in honor of Company H of the Second Oregon Volunteers for service in the Philippines from May 15, 1898 to August 7, 1899. It was dedicated to the city by their mothers, sisters and wives in 1914. Architectural draftsman John H. Beaver won the honor of designing the limestone fountain in a contest.

Men’s Restroom at Lownsdale Square on February 15, 2010

Lownsdale Square also contains a men's restroom. At one time, Lownsdale Square was intended specifically for men, while the other Plaza Block, Chapman Square, was intended for women and children and features a women's restroom. The gender separation of the two blocks no longer remains but the separate restroom buildings do.

Continue to Chapman Square…

Plaza Blocks: Elk Fountain

Elk Fountain on February 15, 2010

Probably the best known component of the Plaza Blocks, the Elk Fountain sits between them in the middle of Main Street between SW Third and Fourth Avenues.

Elk Fountain on February 15, 2010

The fountain was presented to the City of Portland by former mayor and president of the Oregon Humane Society David P. Thompson in 1900 as a drinking trough for horses and dogs.

Elk Fountain on February 15, 2010

The granite fountain was designed by architect H.G. Wright. The bronze elk statue by sculptor Roland Perry, named simply Elk, was intended as a reminder of the elk that lived in the West Hills and came into the area to feed in Portland's early years.

Elk Fountain on February 15, 2010

Historical Photos:
Elk Fountain, December 29, 1955 (UO)
Elk Fountain, July 29, 1982 (UO)

Continue to Lownsdale Square…

South Park Blocks #21: Farewell to Orpheus

Farewell to Orpheus by Frederic Littman on February 15, 2010

Farewell to Orpheus was sculpted by Frederic Littman in 1968. It was installed at this fountain on the north side of Montgomery Street in 1973.

Farewell to Orpheus by Frederic Littman on February 15, 2010

Farewell to Orpheus was "Provided for your enjoyment by private donors through the Portland State University Foundation and the City of Portland Urban Renewal Program."

Continue to 22: Simon Benson House…

South Park Blocks #2: Shemanski Fountain

Shemanski Fountain on February 15, 2010

Joseph Shemanski was born in Sluzewo, Poland in 1869 and emigrated to the United States at age 18. He worked as an errand boy in San Francisco and came to Portland two years later and opened a store on Third Avenue that sold clocks. He prospered with the Eastern Outfitting Company selling men's and women's clothing. Along with his brothers Isadore and Alfred in San Francisco and Seattle, Shemanski had interests in other Eastern Outfitting stores along the Pacific coast. Shemanski served as President of the Jewish Education Association and the Temple Beth Israel and Ahavai Shalom synagogues. At the suggestion of his friend Constance Mattingly, Shemanski petitioned the City Council to allow him to give the gift of a fountain to the citizens of Portland "to express in small measure gratitude for what the city has done for me." The Italianate trefoil fountain was designed by Mattingly's friend Carl L. Linde, an architect who designed many residences, hotels and apartments including the nearby Sovereign Hotel, and was drawn by designer Thayne Logan. The three lower drinking basins at the corners were placed because Shemanski felt that dogs and other pets should have a place to drink, as horses did at the Elk Fountain at the Plaza Blocks.

Rebecca at the Well on February 15, 2010

The original design had a large central planter under the cupola, but Shemanski felt a sculpture would better complete it, and commissioned University of Oregon art professor Oliver Laurence Barrett to produce the bronze sculpture of Rebecca at the Well, depicting the wife of Isaac from the Old Testament. The fountain was unveiled on September 3, 1926. Joseph Shemanski died in 1951.

Shemanski Fountain on February 15, 2010

By 1987 the fountain had noticeably deteriorated, and Shemanski's grandchildren and great-grandchildren donated the funds to restore it. The plumbing was repaired, the fountain was cleaned, missing urns and finials were replaced and chipped corners were repaired and the fountain was coated with a protective sealant. Molds for replacement pieces were made from surviving fragments. The fountain is made of cast stone, which is mixed like concrete with a variety of aggregates and color dyes, then etched with acid. Architectural Reproductions made over 50 samples before achieving an acceptable match to the fountain's original material.

Shemanski Fountain on February 15, 2010

Historical Photo:
Shemanski Fountain, 1959 (SPL)

Continue to 3: Roosevelt Hotel…

International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park in Portland, OR

…Continued from Reservoirs.

International Rose Test Garden on February 15, 2010

The International Rose Test Garden was founded by Jesse A. Currey in 1917. The garden was originally located where the parking lots are now. The oldest rose in the current garden is the Grand Duchess Armstrong, planted by the Grand Duchess in 1943.

International Rose Test Garden on February 15, 2010

Today the garden consists of 4.5 acres with over 7,000 rose plantings of approximately 550 varieties.

International Rose Test Garden on February 15, 2010

The garden is divided into a number of smaller gardens organized around themes or sponsored and maintained by particular groups. (These photos were taken in February when roses aren't in bloom.)

Shakespeare Garden on February 15, 2010

One of these garden is the Shakespeare Garden, dedicated by the LaBarre Shakespeare Club on April 23, 1946.

Shakespeare Garden on February 15, 2010

The Shakespeare Garden includes an engraving of William Shakespeare with the quotation from him: "Of all flowres methinks a rose is best."

Frank E. Beach Memorial Fountain on February 15, 2010

The Frank E. Beach Memorial Fountain in the International Rose Test Garden was dedicated in 1974. Frank E. Beach was a rose enthusiast who is credited with dubbing Portland "The Rose City." The stainless steel sculpture by Oregon artist Lee Kelly is titled Water Sculpture.

In a Garden Plaque on February 15, 2010

On this plaque at one of the International Rose Test Garden's staircases is the poem In a Garden by Dorothy F. B. Gurney, which reads:

The kiss of the sun for pardon
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.

Rose Garden Amphitheater on February 15, 2010

Adjacent to the International Rose Test Garden is the Washington Park Rose Garden Amphitheater.

Rose Garden Amphitheater on February 15, 2010

The Washington Park Rose Garden Amphitheater hosts concerts in the summer.

View from International Rose Test Garden on February 27, 2010

These views of downtown Portland and the US Bancorp Tower are from near the International Rose Test Garden's Rose Garden Store.

View from International Rose Test Garden on February 27, 2010

Continue to Portland Japanese Garden…