The 12-story high Jackson Tower was initially referred to as The Oregon Journal Building. It was a historic office building in Downtown Portland, Oregon. It was built to carry on the operations of the now out-of-date Oregon Journal. The building was renamed Jackson Tower in 1951 as a tribute to the newspaper’s founder, Charles Samuel Jackson. The elegant tower boasts an enormous public clock. During the night, the tower is illuminated with thousands of marquee lights that paint a beautiful site. A visit to the Jackson Tower is undoubtedly a great visual delight.
This former protective home for abandoned children is now a walk through history. Dating back to 1907, the building, old photographs and other items are all straight out of another time. There is a lot to see inside and out, including the Kerr Nursery, listed as a National Historic Place. Have lunch in the restaurant between 11:30a and 1p and contribute to a good cause, as the proceeds go to the agency, which still provides assistance for children in the community. There is no charge for admission.
Relief columns grace the formal entrance of this solemn site located at the south end of the Japanese Memorial at Waterfront Park. Haiku-engraved broken stones and 100 cherry trees line the walk. The plaza recalls the 110,000 Japanese-Americans who were put in internment camps during World War II, and the broken stones represent the broken dreams of these people. Although the stroll or bike ride is a sobering journey, the year-round beauty of the memorial is a testament that we may still learn from our mistakes.
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