296
THE ILLUSTRATED WEST SHORE.
new Hock, i great amount of repairing b done. All the through trains
to these shops for examination, cleaning and general overhauling before
out on another long run.
'-Mr1 yAy,
- . ,.,.,fttii J'
1IIK AI.BIN. AI.BINA.
J. II. Strftrn, Propr.
Of course Albina has all the conveniences of the modern city, such as
electric lights, water works, graded streets, good side-walks, street railways,
public schools, churches, newspapers, benevolent organizations, etc iadeed it
is better off in this respect than a town of its size would be if it were not a
suburb of a large and rich city like Portland. This is one of the prominent
advantages Albina has. The school bouses and churches are modem struct
ures, commodious and of neat architectural style.
The improvements in view this year for the town include the construction
of boulivards, on which $100,000 will be expended. These broad driveways
will be something entirely new in the northwest and will be unsurpassed n the
charm of the scenes brought before those who seek recreation there. The
illustrations of business houses and residences, appearing in this paper, give an
idea o( the substantial character of the buildings of the town, and also show
that architectural skill is employed in their construction. The big steel bridge
of the I'nion Pacific railway company affords direct communication with
Portland, and two ferry lines run across the river between the two cities.
As time paws, the bonds of fellowship between Albina and Portland
become more firmly knit. Even now the question of consolidation of the
three cities, Portland, East Portland and Albina, is discussed with deep inter
est, and it is prolable that this may be done next month. It is in the fact that
hundreds of people employed in Portland are building themselves homes in
Albina, ami the two cities are becoming one in a practical sense. The high
and comparatively level land around Albina offers most attractive sites for
homes, and is selling more rapidly for that purpose than residence property
anywhere else at an equal distance from the business portion of Portland.
Prices here are still low, as compared with property in other localities, and
sales are made largely on the installment plan, thus bringing a home within
the reach of every industrious and frugal nan. Not only will the great
number of men finding employment in Albina nuke their homes there, but
thousands who woik or engage in business in Portland will cross the river for
residence.
The same causes that have led to the establishment of a number of large
industries in Albina will operate to found still others on that side of the river.
The accessibility of raw materials and the cheapness of land for large manu
facturing plants are prominent advantages for the town, and to these may be
added the fact that workmen can secure good, healthful and pleasant homes
for a small outlay of money. When one considers the location of the city
with reference to the tributary country, the great strength of its position be
comes apparent The Columbia river drains one of the largest and richest
agricultural areas in the United States, and besides the water transportation
possible, the only practically level railway from the great inland empire to
tidewater is along th; south bank of that stream. Then the equally rich
Willamette valley to the southward finds its only natural outlet down the river.
Thus there converges at this point, by reason of the nature of the country, the
commerce of by far the larger portion of the entire northwest There are
boat lines on both rivers. Railways ramify the valleys in all directions and
bring produce down to meet ocean steamers. Sea craft of all kinds ascend
the Columbia and Willamette this far and exchange their cargoes of merchan
dise from foreign lands for the products of this country (0 carry back. This
must in a little time be a large city.
Albina's new fire proof hotel was built and is owned by J. H. Steffen,.
who has the distinction of having built the first house in Albina, and was.
Albina's first mayor. He was burned out last year, but with his accustomed
enterprise he set to work and erected "The Albina" at a cost of $25,000,.
and which is the finest building in that city. It is arranged with all modem
conveniences, heated by steam and lighted by gas made by Mr. Steffin's own
plant It has sixty rooms and so arranged that every one is an outside room
and well ventilated. The dining parlor is fitted in grand style, one notica
ble feature being a new style dining table that for convenience cannot be sur
passed. It is a circular table with an extra leaf, or second story, which re
volves on a pivot On this is placed the food, whDe the plates, etc., are on
the table proper. Anything on the table can be brought within reach of a
guest by simply a touch of the upper leaf, which turns easily, and passes the
article without trouble to any other person or the service of a waiter.
The fine structure on Russell street, in which is located the bank of
Albina was erected by Messrs. Manefee & Peacher, two of Albina's foremost
cituens. The building is an elegant three-story fire proof building, well
finished, and the owners are deserving of credit for adding this ornament to
the thriving and progressive city of Albina. J. P. Manefee, the part owner,,
has been in the real estate business in Albina for upwards of five years, and
enjoys the confidence of the people and the reputation of doing a square real
estate business. His brother, R. E., is associated with him, and the firm of
Manefee Brothers do the leading business of the city. Their knowledge of
values is of great assistance to their customers, and having on their lists a
very large number of choice inside as well as suburban properties, they are
able always to offer property suitable for all classes. Their reliability is un
questioned, and those having business to do in the real estate line will make
no mistake if they become the clients of Menefee Bros.
The Bank of Albina has a capital of $100,000 with Van B. DeLashmutt
as president; D. F. Sherman, vice president; J. M. Pittenger, cashier, and
Fred B. Shulti, assistant cashier.
I!
BANK OF ALBINA, ALBINA.