Hawthorne, Portland, Oregon facts for kids
The Hawthorne District is a lively part of Portland, Oregon. It's found in Southeast Portland along SE Hawthorne Boulevard. This area stretches from 12th to 60th Avenues. The main shopping and dining spots are between 30th and 50th Avenues. You can find many cool places here. There are clothing stores, tasty restaurants, cafes, and even places that make their own special drinks.
Contents
A Look Back: Hawthorne's History
Hawthorne Boulevard got its name from J.C. Hawthorne. He helped start Oregon's very first mental hospital. The street was first called "U" Street. Then, in 1862, it was renamed Asylum Avenue. This was because of the hospital.
In 1883, a new state hospital was built in Salem. The old private hospital closed. People in East Portland didn't like the name Asylum Avenue anymore. So, in April 1888, the city changed the street's name. They called it Hawthorne Avenue to honor J.C. Hawthorne. Later, in March 1933, it was renamed Hawthorne Boulevard.
Local residents have worked together to protect their community. For example, they stopped a big fast-food restaurant from being built. Instead, the empty space was used for new homes and local shops. This shows how much people care about the district.
Local Businesses and Community
The Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association helps local businesses. They work with shops and restaurants from SE 12th Ave. to SE 60th Ave. Many business areas work closely with their neighborhood associations.
The Hawthorne Boulevard runs along or through several neighborhoods. These include Buckman, Hosford-Abernethy, Sunnyside, Richmond, and Mount Tabor. This means the district connects many different parts of Portland.
Fun Places to Visit
The Hawthorne District has some famous spots. These places are great for exploring and having fun:
- Mt. Tabor Park: This park is built on an extinct volcano. It offers amazing views of Portland. It's a perfect spot for a picnic or a walk.
- The Bagdad Theater and Pub: This is a historic movie theater. It's a popular place to catch a film and enjoy some food.
- Powell's City of Books, Hawthorne Branch: A smaller branch of the famous Powell's bookstore. It's a great place to find your next favorite book.
- Western Seminary: A school for higher education.
Hawthorne's Unique Style
The Hawthorne area is known for its unique culture. Many different social groups enjoy spending time here. For a long time, it has been popular with people who like vintage styles. It's also a favorite spot for Generation X and those who enjoy a relaxed, artistic vibe.
More recently, it has become popular with hipsters. The area is full of interesting old homes and apartments. You'll also find lots of shops and restaurants that are owned by local people. This gives the Hawthorne District a special, independent feel.
