Portland, Oregon Thread

[Dr. Oliver Cross]

As there is a gathering planned to-morrow, and I fear I do not know when, 'twould be a very nice thing indeed were someone to list a time here.

This is intended as a general purpose thread for anything steamy and Portlandic.

[Zwack]

When:
Sunday Sep 14, 2008
at 2:00 PM

Where:
Laurelhurst Park
Se Ankeny and SE 39th
Portland, Oregon 97212
United States

From the "Portland Steampunk Society" myspace listing...

Z.

[Mrs. Sullivan]

Further info for the Croquet and Champagne Party... "You will find us in the NE almost center of Laurelhurst park. Just go down Ankenny to the main entrance by the permanent rest rooms and walk up the right hand path. Remember that this is a period event and a period atmosphere we are creating so be sure to wear your best Victorian, Edwardian, Steampunk or pre 20th century attire. Kids and dogs are fine."

We'll be bringing wine, champagne, cheese, crackers, fruit, and some homemade chocolate chip cookies. We will not be bringing the dogs (affectionately called "the Snorks") as their manners are not quite up to snuff...

[Dr. Oliver Cross]

This was a wonderful afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, one which I hope we can have the pleasure of emulating sometime soon. And to that note, I have had a brainstorm. (Or a stroke. I know not which.) What would all of you fine folk say to meeting in two weeks' time at the Pittock Mansion Grounds? Specifically on Saturday, September 27th, at 2 o'clock pm, for the purpose of a picnic? What say you all?

[Hydrargyrum]

Two weeks' time works for this personage. I'm afraid that I've been so focused in my studies and completing class projects in the past months that I haven't even given the geographical board a glance. With this week being finals and having about three weeks before Fall quarter, such a meeting would be the perfect midpoint.

As an aside: If I were to procure some extra funds via some miracle in the next week, are there any recommendations for a shop I could purchase a new vest or pair of pants on college student wages? I've only had my blue vest for some time now, and it causes a bit of confusion when I live next to Union Station already. The pants are more of a concern because I'm unsure as to what sort would be effectively period.

[Zwack]

For a waistcoat I highly recommend goodwill, not new, but they usually have a selection.

If you want new then Target stock a variety of waistcoats these days at a very reasonable price.

As for Period correct trousers, we are anachronists, it's not a problem if it's not period correct... Ideally they would be high waisted trousers provided with buttons for you to attach your braces to, I can't suggest where you might find period correct new clothing locally.

(translation for Americans... Waistcoat = Vest (a British vest is an undergarment). Braces = Suspenders (in Britain suspenders are an item of feminine undergarments designed to hold the woman's stockings up). Trousers = Pants (in Britain pants are another undergarment).)

I hope that this helps,

Z.

[Mrs. Sullivan]

A picnic at the Pittock Mansion would be lovely! The date and time work well for me, however I will need to carpool as Mr. S. will be working that day. Do you know what the rules are regarding alcoholic beverage on the grounds? We should probably plan on sticking to non-alcoholic refreshment.

As for clothing, I have had wonderful luck at the local thrift shops! I find Value Village to be a virtual treasure trove of clothing. A few months ago I was able to purchase almost an entire starter wardrobe for Mr. Sullivan. I purchased a dress shirt, high waisted black cashmere/wool trousers (with buttons in the waistband for suspenders), two waistcoats (one brocade-like, the other wool), two sets of suspenders(button on, not clip), and a leather belt for $35. I go to the VV on 82nd Ave., but I think there are other locations.

(A note on the trousers - they are not vintage, but most likely from a set of formal wear, or an "upscale" business suit.)

Good luck thrifting! (Actually I am home on vacation all week - if anyone would like to go on a thrift shopping expedition, contact me!)

[MaggotyAnne]

Pfft, you Oregonians think you're so special, living near a bunch of other steampunks. Way out in the sticks we have to really work to express ourselves and find eachother.

[chucklehead]

i'm sorry couldn't make it
i would love to make the pittock mansion tho.
hopefuly the weather will be a bit cooler.

[Dr. Oliver Cross]

Then I think we shall formally declare that this picnic will occur, on the aforelisted day and time at the aforestated location; this is to say at 2 o'clock pm at Pittock Mansion, on 27 September, AD 2008. As for getting you to the Mansion, Mrs. Sullivan, I fear I can do you no aid there, as I myself do not drive. I intend to take public transportation myself, you see.

As for spending a day exploring the city for bargains at those locations around this fair city which vend used materials, I'd greatly enjoy that, provided you could provide the transportation. List a date and time, as I am as available as you.

[Hydrargyrum]

Likewise here, I've been calculating the estimated time to walk from my house to there... Guessing about an hour or so, a pleasant hike in what one would hope would be good weather.

[Zwack]

We may or may not be able to make the Pittock Mansion picnic depending on when we are staying with the in-laws at the beach. (sometime around then, but it might be the weekend or it might be the following week...)

If we do go then we can probably transport a couple of people from the East side en route... (we're out by SE 122nd).

Z.

[Mrs. Sullivan]

I generally take public transit myself, as it is most convenient when one works downtown. I do drive, but do not have an available car, as Mr. S. is rebuilding the engine to my 1970 VW Fastback. My greatest concern is that I believe there is a hike of approximately a mile from the nearest public transit stop to the mansion itself. I fear I may experience an apoplexy attempting such an athletic feat!

If Mr. & Mrs. Z are able to attend and do not mind a passenger, I live near 82nd Ave. & Johnson Creek Rd. in SE Portland.

Dr. Cross, if you would like to go thrift shopping, there are a number of stores on SE 82nd Ave. that we could try. I am available Weds., or perhaps we could go on Thurs. with Mr. S. in the VW Bus (more room for large purchases - we could also go to the Bins then, if you're feeling adventurous).

PM me for phone # and details.

[Dr. Oliver Cross]

I would be honoured to accompany you tommorow. I fear that, although having a vehicle would be nice, I'm simply not armed enough for an assualt on the bins. Although if you bring munitions or blades enough, I might be willing to change that evaluation and head out on an expedition on Thursday. I am, after all, working on one day or the other, but I don't know as of yet which day. As I set my own schedule, I can be free either day, whichever would work best for you.

As for the issue of the location of Pittock Mansion, I know from experience that the public transport stop you speak of is three tenths of a mile from the mansion, and should you find yourself having difficulties, I'm certain that any of us driving there would be willing to pull over and pick you up!

[stormfeather]

'd love to go to the binds on Wed., but alas I do not have your phone #.
I'll try e-mailing or pming

[Mrs. Sullivan]

I talked to Mr. S and he is willing to drive us around on Thursday. Lorien, is that good for you? Would love to have you join us! Otherwise we'd be taking the (Tri-Met) bus and that could be an all day thing.

I was thinking we could get to the bins around 11 am, poke around a bit, get some lunch in Sellwood and then either hit the Antique Mall or more thrift stores on 82nd.

I'm sending you both my home & cell #s.

Mrs. S.

[stormfeather]

Sounds good. Since I'm coming from West of the Willy I'll just meet you there....
Thursday, The bins in Milwaukie at 11ish.

[Dr. Oliver Cross]

Then I presume I'll join you? I'm free both days. I'd prefer for this to take place on Wednesday, actually, but unless we can get the date stated betwixt now and roughly midnight, I fear Thursday will have to be the date. Also, I intend to forward my phone number to both of you as well.

[stormfeather]

Pfft, you Oregonians think you're so special, living near a bunch of other steampunks. Way out in the sticks we have to really work to express ourselves and find eachother.

Ah darling... but when you rub two sticks together... well then!

[stormfeather]

A friend of mine will be in town this weekend, and as a prelude to
attending the Talk Like a Pirate Day festivities:
Friday September 19th, 7pm
TLAP Day at the Highland Stillhouse
201 S 2nd St
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 723-6789)
http://www.highlandstillhouse.com

I was thinking of floating a PIRATE LADY TEA HOUSE CRAWL!!!!!!
Planned start about 1-2 pm ending at the Stillhouse, perhaps for an
early dinner- arriving 5 ish?....

I say we all just wear what we want...
All pirates welcome, corporate raiders, Steampunk airship pirate or
more traditional sea hag pirate... as long as we are slutty, and talk
like pirates!! Yes, boys can come along if they wear dressies.

Tea houses:
The route is in the works. Suggestions welcome.
Average prices 3.50 for pot of tea and $8.00-10.00 or so for dessert or savories

PM me for info, and to tell me you wanna join up with our
motley crew of wenches and commandeer some tea houses!

-Stormfeather

[stormfeather]

Brass Googles is back up !

[Dr. Oliver Cross]

AAAAAAAND... it's back down.

[stormfeather]

It was fun rummaging with you all at the bins today. Mrs Sullivan looked smashing in her rufffly bloomers and easy to spot with the goggles atop her bowler!
I scored some good stuff (and I saw lovely things in other's baskets)
My best deal was lovely Dietz No. 76 original cold blast brass railroad lantern!
This website is worth a look if you like lanterns or need parts!
http://www.lanternnet.com/

At the croquet meet up, peeps were talking about group attendance at Portland Underground/Shanghai tunnel tours..

Well I've been on the Cascade Geographic Society Shanghai Tunnel Tour that starts at Hobos in Old town: http://www.shanghaitunnels.info/
It was okay, though perhaps an evening tour would have been better. I've heard these really depends on who your tour guide is how much fun they are.

Has anyone tried out Portland Walking tours Beyond Bizarre Tour?
3/4 of the tour is on City streets and then they hand out Ghostbuster gear for the underground...
http://www.portlandwalkingtours.com/tours/beyond_bizarre.php
meets OUTSIDE of Old Town Pizza at 226 NW Davis St
10 pm over 21 tour
Reservations highly recommended (you only get to play with the ghost detect gadgets if you pre-reg)....This one seems to sell out, especially around Halloween.

BTW: The Lady Pirates will be starting our teahouse raid with High Tea at the swanky and haunted Heathman Hotel at 2 pm tommorrow...Thensailing off toward other tea dens as the fancy sees fit. Pinkies up, laddiebuck!

[Zwack]

Unfortunately we won't be able to make the Pittock Mansion picnic next weekend as we're going to stay with the in-laws at the beach. Sorry about that, hopefully someone else will be able to give Mrs Sullivan a ride.

On the plus side we've just got back from Value Village and I bought four shirts (three collarless, one a dress shirt with a wing collar, I didn't buy the last collarless shirt) and a pair of high waisted trousers (modern but lightweight wool) with buttons for braces on them.

My stepson bought a cool old leather office chair. (I need to replace one wheel on it)...

And my wife found some more hats.

Z.

[Zwack]

Given the fact that a bunch of posts have gone missing...

I believe it was suggested that the Pittock Mansion date be moved and then reasons for not moving it were also given.

Z.

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