Historic Portland Discussion

[Portlander]

Congress Square Plaza under construction around 1982. Portland Press Herald archives

 

[Portlander]

Note the gas pump to the left and I think the underground bowling alley was where the striped awning is on the right. Portland Press Herald archives.

 

[TC_zoid]

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Congress Square Park under construction around 1982. Portland Press Herald archives

When were the chess tables removed? It's still a wonderful cultural component in some of Manhattan's parks (Washington Square and Central). What do you say we get back to "thinking" again? These tables can also be used to eat your lunch with a friend (see attached suggestive photo for a new idea). I'm assuming they were removed to deter the presence of the homeless and general miscreant populations. In NYC there is or was, not a notable safety problem because it has police walking a beat with their nightsticks at hand. I'd put a little kiosk/station in Congress Square with a friendly officer from ten to ten every day. The better of the public must own this park again. And on weekends perhaps have local restaurants do surprise micro tastings. Commission a statue of Portland's original two iconic chefs alongside. Be creative. I'm dreading the upcoming new design ideas for the park. The winner will undoubtedly prioritize "art" (ego} first and how the people use it second, or third, or not at all. Remember Tracing the Fore? They were de facto saw blades sticking up from the grass.

 

[Portlander]

I'm assuming they were removed to deter the presence of the homeless and general miscreant populations.

You are correct TC in addition to eventual wear due to numerous Maine winters.

 

[markhb]

Tracing the Fore chiefly served to keep barhoppers such as myself from passing out on the grass c. 1:30 Am. I was done with those days by the time they installed it, though.

@Portlander , that Tydol station... I'm going to mention that post in the Portland History Facebook group; they once posted a pic of a Tydol station and wondered where it had been. I don't recall clearly enough to be sure but I strongly doubt anyone expected that location!

 

[Portlander]

Another shot showing the Tydol station. I wish they would have kept the classic roof ornaments when the hotel was renovated in the 60's!

 

[Portlander]

Another photo of the Eastland Hotel in color and I'm guessing from the early 50's.