The tradition is back and bigger than ever! The Portland Festival is a 100% volunteer-run celebration created by the community, for the community. Now in our 52nd year, we are working hard to showcase the energy and heart of one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods.
Tag: Portland History
The Portland Festival Is Back: Let’s Build Our 52nd Year Together
If you’ve lived in Portland for any length of time, you know that the Portland Festival is the heartbeat of our neighborhood. For over half a century, it’s been the weekend where we all come together, catch up with old friends, and celebrate what makes our community special. After a short break, we’re proud to bring this beloved tradition back for its 52nd year this June.
The Bridge Over The River: K&I
The Kentucky and Indiana Bridge, shortened colloquially to K&I, opened in 1886 as one of the first bridges to cross the mighty Ohio’s 981-mile run. It was designed to be multi-modal, meaning it would function as a crossing for trains, streetcars, stagecoaches, and pedestrians alike. Construction began in 1881 with private funding from the efficiently named Kentucky and Indiana Bridge Company. In a business move that would’ve made the late Steve Jobs beam with pride, the K&I Bridge Company also owned the ferry operation that would be cannibalized by the bridge’s construction and subsequent obsolescence of boat travel as a necessity for river crossings.
A Jolly Good Time, Presented by Portland Save A Lot
Mary Jolly works for the city at the Health Department and loves to support new and expecting parents. Her career wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for her Portland friends and family being there for her as she was raising her children. Support and love helped spark a passion to make sure every family had what they needed to thrive. Paul is a stay-at-home dad that volunteers in the community, is involved in the kids’ school and helps out the neighbors when he can.
Bank Street Turret Building: A Story of Rebirth, Vision and Courage
The beautiful old “turret” building on the northeast corner of 26th and Bank Street has stood abandoned and neglected for years. Her age was showing. Now, she has been reborn.
Honoring Local Leaders Judy Schroeder and Gary Watrous, Presented by Portland Save A Lot
Gary & Judy met at UK when he was teaching architecture and she was studying community development. Eventually, after they got married (nearly 54 years ago!) she persuaded him to move back home to Louisville and Portland where they happily raised their three kids, and did much more along the way!
The Louisville and Portland Railroad Company: Louisville’s First Transportation Token
To unravel the mystery of Louisville, Kentucky’s first transportation token you have to go back to the early 1830’s. Louisville developed into a major commercial center and river port because of its location above The Falls of the Ohio River. Boats were forced to stop, unload their cargo and then carry it around The Falls in order to continue their trip South. Portland, Kentucky grew up just South of The Falls because the lucrative transfer business provided the foundation for a strong economy.
Schoppenhorst Chapel Continues to Serve Portland Community After 100 Years
Readers of the Portland Anchor know the value and importance of the monthly obituaries. The warmth and humanity that these brief articles convey goes a long way towards demonstrating the pulse of a neighborhood, the deep bonds of generations of families and the unique details and personality traits that made someone’s life special. “It’s hard to summarize someone’s life in such a small snippet,” said pastor Joey Hightower, who serves part time at the Legacy Funeral Center Schoppenhorst Chapel at 1832 West Market Street. “It’s like going back in time, and it’s amazing to be part of such a rich history and staple in community for more than 100 years,” Joey said.
Squallis Puppeteers Returns to Portland With New Headquarters
Squallis Puppeteers have moved into the neighborhood with a new headquarters next door to the Portland Museum! Read their history here in Portland from Executive Director Nora Christensen.
Portland’s Grand St. Charles Hotel
The St. Charles Hotel was one of the most recognized landmarks of the old town of Portland. Located on the southwestern corner of Ferry Street (today’s 36th Street) and Second. Just two blocks from the busy Portland Wharf, it served visitors and travelers for many years in relative splendor.