On Nov. 9, the Stimson Lumber Tree arrived in downtown Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square. In between then and the tree lighting on Nov. 23 at 5:30 p.m., workers trim the tree and wire in a branch here and a branch there, to increase the fullness and fine tune the shape.
Here's a bit of info about the tree, from the square's Web site: For the fifth year in a row, Stimson Lumber Company is generously donating a 75-foot tall Douglas-fir to the City of Portland for all to enjoy this winter season! Grown on Stimson forestlands near Gaston, Oregon, these trees are managed by professional foresters for the sustainable growth and production of timber. Stimson's forestlands have been independently certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program. Stimson Lumber is proud to present this tree to the City of Portland which will light up Pioneer Courthouse Square throughout the months of November and December.
Last year when the bus mall still ran on SW 6th Avenue, which borders the east side of the square, I got off the bus after work and made my way to a spot in the crowd. I wanted to be sort of out of the way--you know how people constantly walk back and forth in big crowds. It seems I'm a natural magnet for those walkers, a door if you will. I managed well enough because I got close to a pillar and enjoyed watching people until the flip of the switch. I took a few photos with the old CoolPix and left shortly afterwards, headed for another bus to take me to the apartment. Unless extenuating circumstances prevent it, I will be there again this year.
Across SW 6th Avenue is the building that gives the square its name, the Pioneer Courthouse. I need to find out what those little blue sheds are, there in front and to the side of the building. What do y'all think they could be?
They look like security booths.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend!
Great photos. I think they may be security booths as was suggested above.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my NorthBayPhoto blog.
There goes someone walking in front of your photo again. :) Those blue sheds could be where they control the lights in area? Or, it could be a place where city workers go to snooze. :P
ReplyDeleteElectrical equipment or decorations for the tree? lol. When in doubt, ask Mamma!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a big beautiful tree. There is so much going on in Portland you almost make me wish I lived in a city. Atlanta would be a great city to blog about but so far I haven't found an active blog from there that I like.
I like that you got a picture of the tree all naked!
ReplyDeleteYes, please post a pic once the tree is decorated!
ReplyDeleteHow nice is that they are sustainable forestry people. I love the environmental awareness where you live. The blue booths? A place to get in out of the rain? no clue!
ReplyDeleteHi Lynette, the other jet stream is to the right above the telephone wires, very faint. Hope you can find it!
ReplyDeleteDon't know what the sheds are but you certainly captured the feel of a rainy day!
ReplyDeleteMari-Nanci
What a beautiful big Christmas tree. Please be sure to go back and take another picture of it all lit up.
ReplyDeleteI do know what the blue sheds are!
ReplyDeleteLong long ago they were the entrances to underground public restrooms!
Seriously!
I Miss Portland!