History of the Cottage |
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sThe Columbia Cottage was built by the neighborhood, for the neighborhood. After efforts to gain City funding for a clubhouse in 1939 failed, North Portland community groups fundraised $10,000 to fund the project themselves. It was dedicated June 16, 1940. It was used in WWII as the Oregon Guard’s State Headquarters, and subsequently served as a community hub hosting countless events and gatherings of all types including lectures, clubs, dances, recitals, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
But 50 years later, it was only being used as a shed for City mowers and tools. A proposal was made in 1992 to tear it down and to replace it with a parking lot. A new generation of neighbors rallied to save this piece of North Portland history, forming Friends of Columbia Park to successfully advocate for the preservation and restoration of the cottage.
Thirty years later, Friends of Columbia Park is still going strong. The group maintains the cottage and manage rentals so that North Portland neighbors and community groups will always have a charming, affordable gathering place in the heart of Columbia Park.
But 50 years later, it was only being used as a shed for City mowers and tools. A proposal was made in 1992 to tear it down and to replace it with a parking lot. A new generation of neighbors rallied to save this piece of North Portland history, forming Friends of Columbia Park to successfully advocate for the preservation and restoration of the cottage.
Thirty years later, Friends of Columbia Park is still going strong. The group maintains the cottage and manage rentals so that North Portland neighbors and community groups will always have a charming, affordable gathering place in the heart of Columbia Park.