11/09/2022
My name is Milo Reed and I am a historian based in Portland, Oregon. I have started this account to follow up on a recently completed research project for the Portland Parks Foundation. As part of efforts to restore the Thompson Elk Fountain, I looked at the history of political protests at Lownsdale Square in the South Park Blocks throughout the 20th century.
During the course of my research I realized that the methods I used weren’t well suited to addressing the two major movements that have most recently been associated with the Thompson Elk Fountain, namely Occupy Portland and protests demanding justice for George Floyd in the summer of 2020. I feel that this history should come from the participants themselves & I have created this page as a means to connect anyone who wishes to share their experiences.
I also wanted to create a space where I could showcase my findings in a more informal setting and start a dialogue about what these spaces means to Portlanders in the 21st century. I invite everyone to post personal stories about interacting with this magnificent piece of public art, particularly in the context of political expression.
Please note; I am not asking for general political opinions, opinions on the Thompson Elk Fountain restoration process, or any information that could put one in legal jeopardy. I hope to hear from the many communities that make this city the kind of vibrant, cultural hub that could birth such a quirky local landmark & contribute to its colorful history.
