The Architectural Heritage Center presents It’s “Cooch” not “Cowch” – An Insider’s Guide to Portland Architecture and History this Saturday, February 19, 2011.
Few people learn about Portland’s history or its architecture in a formal way. For the majority of new residents, learning is by happenstance. A building that went unnoticed on the morning commute suddenly emerges from the mist with a nickname and its place in the city’s history is revealed. And learning is often by mistake. Have you ever been corrected for mispronouncing the name of a new or unfamiliar street or building?
We hope newcomers and old-timers alike will join us for this informative and sometimes whimsical overview of Portland’s architecture and history. Did you know there was a typo on the exterior of Portland’s 1913 Central Library? Was it ever fixed? Other than poking your head out the window, where can you find a weather forecast while downtown? Who’s “Freddie?” What shopping mall was once the largest in the United States? And what is “Big Pink” anyway?
Portland native Amanda Tillstrom, who has a Master of Arts degree and has worked on exhibits at the Oregon Historical Society and the AHC, will provide answers to these questions!
The presentation takes place at the AHC (701 SE Grand) from 10am until 11:30. Admission is $13 for members and $18 for the general public. Pre-registration is strongly recommended!
The funny thing is that when you talk to really old-time Portlanders, it really was “cowch” and it als really was “Glisssan” and not “Gleason.” Fun stuff though.
OK. But, is it “Gleeson” or “Glisson”?