Dave Knows Portland

Embezzler, philanderer, racketeer, Senator: The life and times of John Mitchell Hipple, a.k.a. Senator John Hiram Mitchell (5 November 2013)

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Embezzler, philanderer, racketeer, Senator: The life and times of John Mitchell Hipple, a.k.a. Senator John Hiram MitchellJoin Finn John, author of the Offbeat Oregon column and Wicked Portland: The Wild and Lusty Underworld of a Frontier Seaport Town, tonight at the Jack London bar (basement of the Rialto, SW 4th and Alder) as he presents Embezzler, philanderer, racketeer, Senator: The life and times of John Mitchell Hipple, a.k.a. Senator John Hiram Mitchell

And you thought Ted Cruz was sleazy? Hey, Tailgunner Ted has nothing on Oregon’s most influential 19th-century U.S. Senator — who is, by the way, the only one to have ever served in the Senate under an a.k.a. He took the alias to duck the law after he stole $4,000 from his employer in Connecticut and fled to California with his mistress, leaving his wife and children penniless.

Presentation begins at 7:30 PM, and it’s free.

Ghastly Northwest Tales: A Historic Halloween (31 October 2013)

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Ghastly Northwest Tales: A Historic HalloweenKick Ass Oregon History presents Ghastly Northwest Tales: A Historic Halloween on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at the Jack London bar (basement of the Rialto, SW 4th and Alder).

Master of ceremonies and resident historian Dough Kenck-Crispin will reveal Rotten, Vile Yarns of the Pacific Northwest, including tales of Satanic ritual cult murders of the dark and perpetually rainy Pacific Northwest.

Guest historians Joe Streckert and Finn John will discuss creepiness inherent in seemingly uncreepy spaces… the tragic tales of a water spanning structure, and more . . .

And what would a KAORHST event be without a little Burlesque Dancing? The evening will also feature delightfully dark dancing by local ecdysiasts Sophie Maltease, Fleur de Sel, and Hyacinth Lee. The trio will be presenting burlesque full of both tricks and treats fitting for All Hallows’ Eve.

The evening also features a costume contest with fabulous prizes and dancing thanks to DJ NoN of Decadent 80s fame.

And holy shit, there’s going to be a mime, Bennett the Artist.

Doors open at 8 pm. Admission (i.e. the suggested donation) is a mere $6. The Jack London is 21 and over only.

Stumptown Stories: When Oregon was Russian (15 October 2013)

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The Jack London BarKick Ass Oregon History‘s Ribald Resident Historian Doug Kenck-Crispin presents When Oregon Was Russian on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at the Jack London bar (basement of the Rialto, SW 4th and Alder).

Tuesday! Please join Doug Kenck-Crispin from Kick Ass Oregon History for “When Oregon was Russian” – looking at the fascinating history and influence of Russia in the exploration and exploitation of the Pacific Northwest.

And as a bonus, Doug has declared: if you’re really, really good – I’ll talk a little about the almasty – Russia’s Bigfoot! Cause why the hell not, right?

The Stumptown Stories: Free Tuesday Lecture Series, geared to anyone who is curious about the world and community in which we live and loves to learn new things, takes place most Tuesdays at Jack London bar. Free to get in, but must be 21 or over – there’s a full bar!

The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. Always free. Always fascinating.

Oregon Experience ‘Portland Noir’ Documentary Screening (11 October 2013)

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Portland NoirWatch a preview screening of Oregon Experience‘s Portland Noir on Friday, October 11, 2013 at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan).

From shanghaied sailors to opium dens, Portland’s illicit past is legendary. In the 1880s, the city had an international reputation for vice and violence. But what is real and what is lore? ‘Portland Noir’ unveils the true story behind the city’s sordid history.

The screening is free. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. Minors permitted with parent or guardian.

Mysterious Skeletons of Old Oregon: If only these bones could talk … (1 October 2013)

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Mysterious Skeletons of Old Oregon: If only these bones could talk ... Finn John, author of the Offbeat Oregon column Wicked Portland: The Wild and Lusty Underworld of a Frontier Seaport Town, presents Mysterious Skeletons of Old Oregon: If only these bones could talk … on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at the Jack London bar (basement of the Rialto, SW 4th and Alder).

What is it about a human skeleton that makes it so different from your run-of-the-mill zombie or vampire? Skeletons are real; they’re dead, but were once alive; they can’t talk, but once could; and their cold and lifeless condition suggests that something dramatic, perhaps tragic, happened to them. If only they could talk ….

Oregon has a few skeleton-related mysteries — mysteries that we could clear right up if only those bones could tell us their story. Unfortunately, they can’t do that. But on the first Tuesday of October, at The Jack, we’ll rattle a few of Oregon’s most mysterious skeletons and maybe roll a few theories around.

The presentation begins at 7:30 PM, and it’s free. Come early (6:30 PM) for Breakfast: From Silver Screen to Small, presented by Portland ecologist and food writer Heather Arndt Anderson.