National Cash Register Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Cash Register (NCR) Building |
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The National Cash Register Building in 1905
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| Former names | St. Johns First Congregational Church |
| Alternative names | St. Johns Theater & Pub |
| General information | |
| Coordinates | 45°35′19″N 122°45′6″W / 45.58861°N 122.75167°W |
| Opened | 1904, 1905, 1906 |
| Cost | $5,000 |
| Renovation cost | $1,000 (1905); $1,200 (1906) |
| Owner | NCR Corporation (1904–05); St. Johns Congregational Society (after 1905); McMenamins (present) |
| Designations | Portland Historic Landmark |
The National Cash Register Building is a special building with a long history. It's also known as the St. Johns Theater & Pub. This building was first built in St. Louis, Missouri, for a big event called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. The next year, it was moved to Portland, Oregon, for another large event, the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition.
After these events, the building was moved a third and final time. It went to the area of St. Johns, Oregon, which is now part of Portland. The NCR Corporation gave the building to the St. Johns Congregational Society. Today, it is home to a McMenamins theater and pub, a popular place for entertainment.
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Building's Journey
From St. Louis to Portland
The NCR Corporation built this special building for the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. This big fair was held in St. Louis, Missouri. The building cost about $5,000 to construct. It was designed to be taken apart easily. This made it simple to move from one place to another.
After the St. Louis fair, the building was moved to Portland, Oregon. This move happened in 1905. It cost about $1,000 to take the building apart and transport it. The building was set up again for the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland.
"NCR Day" at the Exposition
On September 4, 1905, there was a special "NCR Day" at the Portland exposition. The NCR Corporation celebrated its building. They handed out badges and sang songs. A newspaper called The Morning Oregonian reported that the building was "crowded all day." Many people came to see it.
Finding a Permanent Home
After the Portland fair ended, the NCR Corporation decided to give the building away. They donated it to the St. Johns Congregational Society. This group was located in St. Johns, Oregon. On June 3, 1906, the building was officially opened as a church. Reverend Fred J. Warren led the dedication ceremony.
Other church leaders and members from different churches came to the event. The First Congregational Church of Portland gave a special gift. They donated beautiful stained glass windows. These windows had words like "The Bible and the Cross and Crown" on them. Another group, the Congregational Church Building Society, gave $1,200. This money helped pay for moving the building to its final spot.
Later Uses
By 1930, the building was being used by the YWCA. This organization helps young women. Over time, the building changed hands again. Today, it is a popular place for movies and food. It is now a theater and pub run by the McMenamins company.
