Negatives documenting company activities, including electrical infrastructure, employees, power generation and distribution throughout Portland, the Willamette Valley and the Oregon Cascade Range. Additional general images include streetcars and trains, street lighting, power line installation, Rose Festival floats, office buildings, car barns and bridges. Of particular note are dam building projects at Bull Run and along the Clackamas River (1910-1930), and early electric stations in Oregon City at Willamette Falls.
Photograph showing the interior of Station C in northwest Portland, near the intersection of NW 21st Avenue and NW Sherlock Avenue. Large wheeled mechanisms are visible.
Photograph showing the interior of Station C in northwest Portland, near the intersection of NW 21st Avenue and NW Sherlock Avenue. Large wheeled mechanisms are visible, and a man can be seen looking at the camera while sitting near the building wall.
Photograph showing the interior of Station C in northwest Portland, near the intersection of NW 21st Avenue and NW Sherlock Avenue. On the generator nearest the camera is written “General Electric Company.”
Photograph showing the installation of the boilers at Station E (northwest Portland, near the intersection of NW 21st Avenue and NW Sherlock Avenue). Two men stand at the top of wooden scaffolding while looking at the camera. A pile of bricks can be seen at the base of the wall, next to wooden debris and a wheelbarrow.
Photograph showing a group of workers during the construction of the boiler room at Station E (northwest Portland, near the intersection of NW 21st Avenue and NW Sherlock Avenue). Several men sit in a row at the base of the structure, with two sitting above. A man in a suit stands at the back on the right side of the frame.
Photograph showing the boilers at Station E in northwest Portland (near the intersection of NW 21st Avenue and NW Sherlock Avenue) Written at the top of each boiler is “Cahall Horizontal Boiler, The Aultman & Taylor MCH Y Co. Builders, Mansfield, Ohio.” A lamp hang from the ceiling near the left side of the image.
Photograph showing interior construction at Station E (northwest Portland, near the intersection of NW 21st Avenue and NW Sherlock Avenue). Several men look at the camera on the left and right sides of the frame. In the center, a piece of machinery is hand painted with “Portland General Electric, Portland, Or.” Another man stands on top of the unit.
Photograph taken from a distance, showing the completed smokestack of Station E (northwest Portland, near the intersection of NW 21st Avenue and NW Sherlock Avenue). The large stack can be seen in the middle of the frame, next to a smaller wooden building. Several other stacks and utility poles can be seen in the distance.
Photograph showing a group of suited men sitting at a long table. In front of the individuals are table settings, as well as printed pieces of paper. Most of the men are looking at the camera. On the negative is written "49-103."
Photograph showing a man speaking into a microphone while standing in front of a group of seated individuals. The room is wood paneled, and a roll-down screen can be screen can be seen next to the man. Written on the negative is "49-118." (Image note: see related image PGE 49-117).
Photograph showing a group of people facing forward while standing in front of a wall-mounted Portland map. In front of the group is a table with cake and plates. Written on the negative is "50-445." (Image note: see related image PGE 50-443).
Photograph showing a crowd of people standing next to a "B-1 Lemon-Lime Soda" soda stand with ice. Behind a man with a hat are several wooden crates with empty soda bottles, also with "B-1 Lemon-Lime Soda" painted on the side. Also visible is what appears to be an insulated box with "Damascus Milk Co." written on the side. Written on the negative is "50-612."
Photograph showing people seated at picnic tables under a broad tree, with food and drinks visible on the tables. In the background, several people stand in front of an outdoor stage. Written on the negative is "50-615."
Photograph showing a man with seven youth at a table. All the individuals are facing towards a table, while the adult leans downward. On the table is wood, wire and paper with drawings. Written on the negative is "50-661."
Photograph showing a group of youth standing around a table with one adult. The group looks downward at the table, while two of the youth polish a wire project. Written on the negative is "50-662."
Photograph showing two linemen working at the top of a wooden utility pole. They are both attached to the pole via harnesses and belts, and are facing towards the pole. The man on the right is leaning down towards an electric line and has a cigarette in his mouth. Written on the negative is "51-685."
Photograph showing a classroom with seated school children and a teacher. Two Christmas trees and holiday decorations can be seen in the image. Five electric lights hang from the ceiling. Written on the negative is "50-700."
Photograph showing a classroom with seated school children and a teacher. A small Christmas tree can be seen on the desk of the teacher. Five electric lights hang from the ceiling. Written on the negative is "50-701."
Photograph showing five people facing forward and standing behind a table, on which sits a large 4-H Club trophy. On the trophy is written "Trophy Presented by Portland General Electric Company to Oregon 4-H Club Leaders Associations." The photographed individuals are wearing "4-H Club Leader" ribbons with a clover motif.
Photograph showing five men in suits next to a table with cups, a punch bowl, and flowers. The man on the left is standing behind a microphone, with the others look towards the first man while seated or standing.
Photograph showing a man in a suit speaking into a microphone, behind which stands a group of people with chairs. The standing individuals are each holding a piece of paper (awards?), and a seated audience can be seen in the foreground of the image.
Photograph taken from a side angle, showing a lineman at the top of a utility pole with a hard hat, harness, and tools. He is facing towards the pole, has a cigarette in his mouth, and is using a screwdriver in his right hand. Trees and a building can be seen in the background. Written on the negative is "53-116."
Photograph showing four men in suits leaning down towards a soap box derby vehicle. On the side of the vehicle is "Portland Oregonian" and a flag is hung on the wall behind the group with "All American Soap Box Derby, Portland, Ore." Another man in a suit can be seen to the left with a large news camera, with "KLOR Channel 12" written on the side. On the right edge of the frame is a flag with a soap box derby logo and "Vancouver, Wash." Written on the negative is "56-142."
Photograph showing the north side of Northeast Glisan Street looking towards Northeast 43rd Avenue. Two utility workers install a light at the top of a wooden utility pole, while a group of people watch from the ground. Houses, automobiles and other utility poles and electric lies can be seen in the frame.
Photograph showing a group of men from the Underground Department facing the camera. Individuals in the first two rows are kneeling, while the other behind are standing. Many of the men are wearing overalls or patterned flannel shirts.
Photograph showing a man standing on top of an pole derrick truck used for underground work. He is facing forward and looking at the camera with both hands on levers. Next to him is a metal arm attached to the truck, with a hook and pulley at the end. In the background is SW 5th Avenue, looking south towards SW Stark Street. The J.K. Gill Building can be seen on the left (corner of SW 5th Avenue and SW Stark Street), as well as the Yeon Building (522 SW 5th Avenue).