Volume One Number Four

Consolidation of Portland
Central City Centennial Celebration
Portland, Oregon 1891-1991

Consolidation of Three Cities:
Portland, Albina & East Portland
The Consolidation Wins Big

June 2 -- No election has ever taken place in Portland, or in Oregon, in which the people took so lively an interest. Consolidation was a question of vital interest to all, and the watchword was "work and vote." All put their shoulders to the wheel and gave a strong push and a push together.

Too long have the people of Portland neglected public affairs. It was not so yesterday. Every man, consolidationist and anti-consolidationalist went to the polls with a determination to vote and stayed there until he cast his vote, no matter how long the line. Business men were seen in line in the First Ward who had never been known to take part in elections before. Public sentiment was worked up the highest pitch. There was centralization of forces, concentration of energy, unity of interest and devotion to the issue. These, combined, won the day.

The City of Portland Triumphs

July 1 -- Consolidation is now a fact. The elections of June 1 and June 15 have brought about a new city entity, the city of Portland, comprising the old civic structures of Albina, East Portland, and the town on the west bank, named by a flip of a coin.

Now, on July 1, 1891, We face a new future as the largest western city north of San Francisco. The old corrupt city administration has been usurped, and a new breathe of responsible city government has been installed. The citizens of the city of Portland can look forward to the future with pride and a sense of accomplishment. --Morning Oregonian

Our fourth edition, The Consolidation of Portland, was devoted entirely to commemorating the 100th anniversary of the consolidation of Portland, East Portland and Albina. This edition was sponsored by the Portland Oregon Visitors Association (POVA) and the Oregon Historical Society (OHS). On the day of celebration, July 1, 1991, the editor handed out newspapers while walking in the parade right behind Mayor Bud Clark's horse-drawn carriage.

Bridget E. Smith, editor & publisher

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Historical Gazette
Published in Portland, Oregon
© 1991-