A new book by Polina Olsen connects the past to the present with a short walk around the city. The Downtown Jews, A Walking Tour through Portland’s Early Business District (ISBN 978-0-9787183-2-9, $4.95) shows you how Portland’s first Jewish citizens lived by taking you to stores they owned, buildings they built, places they celebrated and monuments they dedicated.
See where the city’s first Jewish newspaper published and where an early B’nai B’rith lodge met; learn about the sheriff from 1880 who helped build Temple Beth Israel’s first synagogue. Most of the buildings you’ll see pre-date 1900. All have a fascinating history. Old photographs, advertisements, and newspaper clippings are included.