Parkrose History

Parkrose, established December 1, 1921, is a branch post office of Portland serving an area northeast of the city. Prior to the incorporation of Maywood Park in 1967, the whole area was considered Park Rose and the name in 1990 is still in general use although a sizable part is within the corporate limits of the new community. A subdivision located adjacent to northeast Portland, the plat of Park Rose was filed on October 5, 1911, and the name was doubtless suggested because of the proximity of Rose City Park, the plat of which was filed in March 1907. It is said that a Portland businessman, Frank E. Beach, was the originator of the name Rose City as applied to Portland.

---Oregon Geographic Names 1992; Oregon Post Offices 1847-1982Article printed in the Parkrose-East County ENTERPRISE,
September 27, 1961

Parkrose will reach half a century of existence as a community Friday, September 29th. Those years passed in review Monday night when many old-timers met at dinner with newer residents of the community to launch a week-long commemorative celebration.

Fifty years ago Parkrose was only a dream. The area was mostly virgin land, heavily timbered with tall firs. There were few homes and fewer roads. Those sections in use were principally farmlands immediately south of the Columbia River, and the river not yet diked, frequently overflowed almost to present Sandy Blvd.

Originally settled by Andrew and George P. Pullen, E.J. Quimby and A. Luther in the 1840's, it was September 29, 1911, that announcement was made of the creation of Parkrose Acres as a potential residential, commercial, industrial and shopping development. A syndicate organized by John L. Hartman and Edward L. Thompson had purchased or optioned for purchase 2,300 acres of land, with 1,000 feet of frontage on the Columbia River, and an optimistic future was predicted for the new community.

Less than four years later, construction started on the new famous Columbia River highway, considered on the great engineering feats of the times. It was the first major step in connecting eastern and western Oregon by modern highway and was destined to become an important part of our national highway system with Sandy Blvd. in Parkrose becoming the link that connected it with Portland.

Before many years, an international airport had mushroomed nearby, pushing out into the area where Hartman and Thompson had visualized the construction of docks and development of water commerce.

Through the years Parkrose became known for its desirable residential qualities, and thousands of families were attracted to it. Many of its farms have become industrial property, and more will follow that pattern. It survived the horrors of the spring flood of 1948 and the slashing surgery that accompanied the Banfield freeway. The strength and vitality of the community has been such that it has surmounted every setback and moved to greater accomplishments.

Although the ambitious plans of Hartman and Thompson were not destined for early fruition, as Parkrose starts its second 50-year lap its potential is even better than these men foresaw. Great industries are moving into the area and more are promised. A 65-acre tract is being held by one of Oregon's largest firms for future development as a commercial and business center. Beautiful homes continue to rise on an unprecedented scale, together with fine schools and churches. Broad arterials are reaching out and there is the possibility of an interstate bridge to bring the area into contact with the state of Washington.

In 1911, the horse was still the mainstay of transportation in Multnomah County, a new subdivision in Portland called Laurelhurst was projected and NE 40th Avenue was considered "way out in the country". The changes - everywhere - since that time are enormous. They are however only forerunners of what is to come. Parkrose can look forward to the future with anticipation and confidence. With 50 solid years of growth sustaining it, its prospects are bright. And knowing this, it is a pleasure for everyone to say, Happy Birthday Parkrose! May there be many more!"