Monthly Archives: July 2011

A Return to the 99W

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Saturday night, I made a long awaited return to the 99W Drive-In, in Newberg.  The 99W had been a wonderful treat during high school, and was long missed in my four years away at college.  In our first year back in the Portland area, Patrick and I didn’t make it to the 99W due to our lack of automobile (for where we live having a car is rather impractical), and lack of friends with a combination of interest in going and car.  Thankfully, my friend Katie has since been able to fill that void.

The 99W is one of four remaining drive-ins in Oregon (others include Dallas’ Motor-Vu, Milton-Freewater and La Grande – not in Oregon? Locate your local drive-in here).  Located 22 miles outside of Portland, the 99W is a nostalgic refuge for people from all over the Portland-Metro area and even those in Vancouver, Washington.  Owned by the same family for over 50 years, the 99W is proud of its history and its status as an American icon.  Prior to showings, Brian Francis, the owner, offered a hearty welcome, announced birthdays and their wonderful vintage reel of the “Star Spangled Banner” glittered across the massive screen.  What is so wonderful about the 99W is that it is fully aware of its fragility.  Prior to each screening is a reel that shows images of dilapidated and closed drive-ins throughout America, stating that at one point America had over 4,000 drive-ins, and today just over 400 remain.  The reel thanks the patrons for their support and provides concrete evidence of the intense need for people to continue to support their local drive-ins, lest they disappear.

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A Little Slice of Home at Disneyland

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A few years ago I purchased a plaid woolen skirt, a staple of any vintage wardrobe, at the shop I used to work at in college.  I pulled it out because I noticed it was a lightweight wool, instead of the thick and rather heavy versions that are common ’round these parts.

Then, to determine the age, I looked at the label…and to my delight I also observed another label.

While the Pendleton label dates this skirt to the 1970s, which was a bit of a disappointment, I was very pleased with this Disneyland label! So how does a piece of Oregon end up in Disneyland…?  Here’s the scoop.  Pendleton Woolen Mills, located in Pendleton, Oregon, opened up shop 1909.  Oregon became a perfect place for the wool industry, not only was Oregon perfect for raising sheep, there was a demand for it due to the continuous rain of the state.  Mens shirts and blankets were really all that were sold until 1949 when the company introduced womens wear and the acclaimed 49′er jacket was born.  The company continued to grow and became the “Rolls Royce” of woolen wear in the United States.

When Disneyland opened in 1955, Pendleton was one of three companies that chose to actually lease out a store front (the others included Kodak and Wurlitzer).  The Pendleton location was in Frontierland, a fitting location, and lasted until April 29, of 1990.


While Pendleton’s Disneyland location is now gone, Pendleton itself is still thriving selling clothing, blankets and home goods around the country.  The former Disneyland location is now home to Bonanza Outfitters.

The Star Spangled Man

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Last night, dressed ask cute Army vixens, myself and friend Katie (along with the hubby too) went to see Captain America at midnight among a crowd much smaller than that of Harry Potter, but none the less entertaining.

The thing I have always loved about midnight showings is the passion that film buffs have for these films, especially when the origin of the subject is other than film, for example Harry Potter and in this case as well.  Katie and I found it an ample opportunity to don ladies military uniforms, which granted us much attention, and we were thrilled when we saw a real life Captain America enter the cinema.

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Harry Potter Casts His Final Spell

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Thursday night, thousands of people of all ages lined up outside cinemas across the country to watch as a very long chapter in their lives came to a close, Harry Potter.  And, yes, I was among them.

I was in the sixth grade when I first heard of Harry Potter.  My homeroom teacher, Ms. Rupp read us the first book aloud, and I was hooked.  Prior to reading Harry Potter, I already had a fixation with witches and such, and the series tied into my interest well, along with being an extremely well written piece of literature with its vivid details and brilliant characters.  By the time Harry Potter hit the States, the first three books were already out, children plowed through them, and before you could say “Dumbledore” you had bookstores throwing midnight bashes for the book releases!  In 2001, the first film was made and for the most part, the crowds loved it, earning each following film midnight showings.  As for myself, I attended two midnight book releases, and five midnight film showings.  While I wouldn’t call myself obsessed (there were no Gryffindor banners hanging in my room or wands tucked in jeans pockets) I was certainly highly entertained and read the books multiple times, even staying up until five in the morning to finish some books, and loving every page.

I am extremely impressed with the true spell Harry Potter has cast over my generation.  There is little that can compare and there are many that don’t understand, mostly due to age, but this started when I was in the sixth grade at age 11 (the same age Harry is in the first book), and here I am now, a married woman at the age of 23, still in love and still enthralled.

Expo Finds and Historic Autos

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Last weekend brought the largest antique show along with the Portland Historic Races at Portland International Raceway.  I spent Saturday shopping the booths at Expo, picking up a range of wonderful finds…

First I got this fabulous matador and bull pin, a few patterns, this 1961 Holiday on Ice program, which I’m adding to my collection that I break out every Christmas, and then, last but certainly not least, these amazing covered wagon earrings. They really made my day!

Of course there are a few finds not pictured that will find their way to my Etsy store soon hopefully this weekend.  I would like to take this time to make note that I have been requested to sit on a Grand Jury, and this means that for the next 30 days I will only be making shipments on Saturdays. Please keep this in mind when making purchases.

On Sunday my dad and I enjoyed a sunny day at the races watching a wide array of vintage automobiles, everything from 60s Alfas to early 90s Stock Cars, race around Portland’s race track.

The Historic Races are a great opportunity to get an up-close look at a wide range of cars, European cars and American cars while also seeing them in action. If you’re in Portland next July, both events are well worth your time.

You Sew Girl!

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Over the course of cleaning out my various closets, I sorted through my collection of  vintage sewing patterns and decided to part with a fair amount, which I’ve been listing on Etsy lately.

In my shop you’ll find a collection of great patterns from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.  I even have some from the 40s that I’m thinking of listing.  You can look forward to more patterns and a few hats from my personal collection to be listed next week – none over the weekend since this weekend brings Expo and the Baxter Historic Races.  Just over 24 hours until one of the best antique shows of the year! I can’t wait!

Celebrating the Red, White & Blue

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Yesterday we celebrated our country’s independence, and Patrick, Katie and I celebrated by taking a train along the coast to Rockaway to view their fireworks show.

Since the train departed from Garibaldi, we took a mini road trip to the coast, filled with chit chat, gossip and cupcakes.

We arrived early and milled about the train depot, taking advantage of the small playground and collection of old equipment.

Aboard the train, we were complimented on our dress by the variety of older ladies seated around us, as well as by many people who inquired and asked us the question that we are no stranger to… “Do you dress like this everyday?”

The trip itself was pleasant and filled with lovely things to look at.  Once at Rockaway, we stepped off the train and snagged some popcorn to enjoy the show.

The train ride was put on by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.  OCSR hosts historic train rides aboard vintage rail cars daily during the summer and on the weekends during the other seasons.  They also put on special events, such as this one,  and others including one for picking pumpkins, meeting Santa Claus and Mother’s Day.