PDX NE: Walking with Ramona

It is not unusual to see maps with sites related to Beverly Cleary and her books and characters. 

We recently used one provided by Multnomah County Library, released in conjunction with the addition of artwork to the Hollywood branch showing many of Cleary's characters.

About two years ago I wrote about a bust of Cleary at the Central location, but Hollywood is where Cleary herself would have visited.

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2024/07/libraries-milwaukie-estacada-and.html 

It is not the same location; that building is now the Fleur de Lis Bakery and Cafe, which does feature historic photos of the old library on its web site.

https://fleurdelisbakery.com/about 

That's one thing that is kind of fun; so much looks the same.

The Hollywood theater hasn't changed.

The library has gotten much bigger, as has the old school. Once called Fernwood for real and Glenwood in the books, it is now Beverly Cleary School.

I am sure the playground looks different, but there is still a sense of how things would have been.

I used to be surprised that there was a wading pool in the park, as they usually don't have those now. Seasonal fountains, however, have become popular, and became a way to restore the pool.

For readers and re-readers, there probably already was a picture, but seeing the sites makes it become more real. 

The familiarity does not have to be all local. I remember my parents taking me hunting for night crawlers, but I don't know if it was at Grant High School like Henry Huggins, and that's certainly not where they went in King of the Hill.  

However, if you are local and appreciated that connection, then it is kind of special to find yourself on Klickitat Street.

COVID: While you can go inside some of the places, the only place you need to enter is the library, and even that is right at the entrance, with a preview on the outside.

(But yes, I did wear a mask while inside.That's just smart.)

Accessibility: This is mostly good, but the standard access point you are directed to for the sculpture garden on 33rd is up a short flight of stairs. There are other entry points that are not as close to the sculptures. If stairs are a problem, plot a different course, maybe from the playground side.

https://multcolib.org/articles/take-walk-ramonas-neighborhood
 

Sweet Home, Oregon: East Linn County Museum

Okay, we would probably not have made our way to the East Linn County Museum if we had not wanted to try out the nearby classic A&W restaurant, but it gave us another reason to go.

It's a nice county museum.

Like many similar places, its strength lies in the wealth of local donations and the dedication of volunteers.

This was pretty well-organized and the volunteers were friendly.

One of the helpful organizational tools was a handout with a guide to all of the portraits and brief biographies.

Some of the lives were more colorful than others.

They were still sorting some of the collections, so it may be even better now.

One of the interesting artifacts was a tree section with various years marked for their historical interest.

Logging was a big part of the local history, as demonstrated by an eye-catching display as you approach.

There were many tools and personal effects.

There were also some interesting models.

Some reflected well-known local bridges, also depicted in art.

Clearly the museum is important for local education.

Sometimes a town has grown much bigger than its historical roots. Sweet Home still has a small town feel, possibly making the past seem not so long ago.

Comprising a fairly small property, there is still a lot to explore and it can be done at leisure.

COVID: While I did stay masked inside, I will also note that the door was kept open on the warm day, allowing some ventilation, and it was not crowded. While they do get regular traffic, it does not appear to be heavy (unless you are there during a field trip).

Accessibility: This is mostly good. There is ramp access for the main building, but there is one area in kind of a sub basement that would not be navigable.

 If you are in the area, you should stop by.

https://www.countyoffice.org/east-linn-museum-sweet-home-or-b8d/ 

Brunch at Salty's on the Columbia

I had some trepidation about a restaurant known for its seafood, but Salty's won me over.

I don't object to a riverside restaurant being known for its seafood either; there's just a good chance that it's not for me.

Honestly, they might be for anyone.

We were impressed with the customer service even before we got there.

They called the day before to verify that we knew it was a buffet and the price, as well as to see if there were any issues with stairs, elderly diners, or children.

We took that as a chance to ask whether there was a dress code. Given the price point ($90 each for persons 16 and older), we thought maybe we should be a little fancier.

There is not a dress code. Given that you are on the Columbia, passing two marinas and a boat yard on the way, people could easily come in from boating, fishing, or hiking. It makes sense.

We called on the way, having lost one member of our party and also running a little late. They told us not to worry, and we were seated very quickly.

Everyone was very friendly and helpful, from the parking valets (their service is free) to the host who seated us to the individual cooks.

While it is obvious where to get the made to order crepes and omelets, it was a cook who let me know that with the crepe pans there was also a grill for pancakes or French toast. 

Those mix-ins for sweet crepes could also be used to make, for example, banana pancakes.

The food was very good, including some things that don't always impress me. For example, usually when I have biscuits and gravy, I think that my own are better. Not so much here. 

Creme brulee is often kind of bland, but theirs was delicious. It makes me wish I had tried their eggs Benedict. 

We had thought this would probably be something that we just tried once, but we think we want to go again. It is still a special occasion place, at least for us, but one worth repeating.

COVID: It is a place where you are eating. It does look like they have some outdoor seating, though that was not something we tried. That day's weather was a big part of why we were running late.

Accessibility: This was really good. First of all, the free valet parking removes parking issues. 

Yes, there is an upstairs, but if you let them know that you can't do stairs they will get you on the main floor where you should be fine. We would have been fine with stairs, but ended up on the main floor anyway. If there are any concerns, ask the staff. 

We found them wonderful.  

https://www.saltys.com/brunch-portland/