Welcome to the underground 💀

Digging deeper in the Shanghai Tunnels

A rickety wooden staircase goes up to a metal trap door

Who is... down? | Photo by @benmcbeephoto

A network of subterranean passageways once existed beneath Portland’s turn-of-the-century hotels and bars, connecting Old Town Chinatown establishments to the Willamette River. Their original purpose was to facilitate the more-efficient transfer of goods from ships docked at the waterfront, avoiding traffic on the streets above.

Today, the still-accessible areas of these catacombs are referred to as the Shanghai Tunnels (a term rooted in racism, related to nefarious activities surrounding the historic opium trade).

Like many of the goings-on in the city’s underground between the 1850s and early 1940s — organized crime, gambling, drug and human trafficking — the line between fact and myth is murky.

For decades, Cascade Geographic Society and its founder Michael P. Jones led the tunnels’ excavation and exploration.

Many changes occurred to bring us to the present experience, but those curious to see it for themselves can join guides Natasha Cimmiyotti and Jason Weis on a Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour.

The starting point is Old Town Pizza & Brewing, the original site of the Merchant Hotel where “ladies of the night” were purported to operate.

Standing in a narrow courtyard, guests will stare up at brickwork and cast iron elements, and listen to the tragic tale of Nina (pronounced “Nigh-na”), who was cast down an elevator shaft following a botched information exchange. Look for her name carved into the wall near the booth where she was said to have landed — and never left.

Two images show a room of old bricks with names carved and graffiti — Many people (and phantoms?) have added their names to the back booth.

In the basement, you will learn about the tactics used by crimpers to allegedly imprison sailors and out-of-work men, forcing them to serve on trans-Pacific voyages. Crossings often took three or more years, so you can understand the hesitation to join voluntarily. Pro tip: Bring a mask, it is very dusty.

Once you return to the light, wash away the chills with a sample flight of beer — at least until you see the video of a candle flying off the bar, “Paranormal Activity” style.

There is a separate virtual tour if cramped spaces aren’t your thing.

What are your thoughts on things that go bump in the night?

Are you a staunch believer, resolute skeptic, or somewhere in between?

We want to hear your best ghost stories, unexplainable noises, and any other metaphysical encounters around Portland.

SCARE US, DO YOUR WORST

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Monday, October 24

Carly Rae Jepsen | Mon., Oct. 24 | 8 p.m. | Roseland Theater, 8 NW Sixth Ave., Portland | $47.50+ | Hey, we just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s this concert, so see it, maybe?
Musical Theater Dance for Actors Who Move | Mon., Oct. 24, Mon., Nov. 21 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland | $5.00 - $25.00 | This class is for actors who thrive in movement and would like to strengthen and improve their dance technique and auditioning skills.

Tuesday, October 25

CoComelon Live JJ’s Journey | Tue., Oct. 25 | 6 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland | $93.75+ | Round up the kiddos and join the hit show’s JJ on a uniquely interactive, unforgettable Broadway musical style adventure.
Food as Medicine Everyday: Seasonal Cooking | Tue., Oct. 25 | 6-8 p.m. | The Food as Medicine Institute at NUNM, 2220 SW First Ave., Portland | $49.00 | Learn more about the nutritional benefits of seasonal fall produce, as well as new recipes.
Music and the Machine: An Evening with YACHT | Tue., Oct. 25 | 7-10 p.m. | Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland | $30.00+ | YACHT will perform their Grammy-nominated album Chain Tripping live after a screening of the documentary that breaks down how the Portland-born band teamed up with artificial intelligence to create it.

Wednesday, October 26

An Evening with Phil Rosenthal of “Somebody Feed Phil” | Wed., Oct. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland | $39.50 - $55.00 | Spend a night talking culinary with the award-winning creator of Netflix’s most popular food and travel show (which visited Portland).
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Miami Heat | Wed., Oct. 26 | 7 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | $17.00+ | The visitors are bound to fizzle out when Dame and Ant are raining down threes on them.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

IT'S RAINING EVENTS, HALLELUJAH

Weather

55º | Rain | 84% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:39 a.m.
Set: 6:09 p.m.

Plan Ahead

Pop-Up Magazine, the acclaimed live multimedia performance, will make a stop at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall this Wed., Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Not quite sure what to expect? Imagine a comedy show, play, concert, podcast, and film, all in one. This tour’s theme is love stories — ah, amor. ❤️

Outdoors

Skiers and snowboarders — days of shedding the slopes are around the corner. The team at Mt. Hood Meadows recently announced that it is targeting Fri., Nov. 25 (the day after Thanksgiving) for its opening date. The resort plans to operate until Sat., April 29, 2023, conditions permitting.

History

Beatrice Morrow Cannady was a significant civil rights activist in early 20th-century Oregon. As the editor of The Advocate, a Black newspaper, she challenged racism on many fronts. Now, her historic home in Portland’s Grant Park is up for sale, and photographer Intisar Abioto and her family are working to purchase and preserve the building. (Portland Monthly)

Arts

Chris Burnett, a graphic designer with an affinity for hummingbirds, recently debuted his first-ever gallery show, “Colibri,” at FISK. You can see the collection of mixed-media collages now until Sun., Dec. 4, and learn more about the creator who’s worked on projects from Odd Future’s dripping donut logo to assignments at Nike WHQ. (Portland Monthly)

Holiday

It’s Diwali, the “Festival of Lights” in Hindu tradition. Celebrated on the darkest day of the lunar month, observers light candles, lanterns + fireworks to reflect the triumph of light over darkness. Celebrate both at the Bollywood Thriller + Diwali Costume Party on Fri., Oct. 28. ✨

Closing

After eight years of business, ChefStable Catering will pause all of its services on Sun., Nov. 6. Factors cited include COVID-19, rising operating costs, and shifting perceptions about gatherings. “Our gratitude to our clients and community cannot be overstated, and we hope to continue the relationships we have built,” the company shared in a statement.

Announced

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Seasonal

Don’t let chilly temperatures keep you from visiting the pumpkin patch or going to outdoor sporting events. Stock up on HotHands Hand Warmers + keep the feeling in your fingers all season long. Or try this rechargeable electric hand warmer with three different heat levels.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Floating toward the future 💦

Future North Portland Aquatic Center gets an additional $5 million in funding

A woman helps a young boy learn to swim in a pool

Swimming is a vital skill, sadly lacking in many Portland kids due to a lack of access. | Photo via Portland Parks & Recreation

What will be one of the largest single investments Portland Parks & Recreation has made for the city in 30 years recently received a splash of cash.

Portland Parks Commissioner Carmen Rubio allocated an additional $5 million in Parks System Development Charges (SDC) funding for the future North Portland Aquatic Center, bringing the total financial support to $16.7 million.

When completed, the full-service indoor facilities will provide health and well-being resources for approximately 22,000 households in North Portland and beyond.

Still in its infancy, the process will involve extensive community engagement, ensuring the venue will adequately meet the needs for increased swim lessons, greater recreational enjoyment, and more water fitness classes.

A very preliminary timeline puts completion at the end of 2029. To sign up for updates, you can add your email to the contact list.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ben.

Editor’s pick: The only thing better then the rain we got over the weekend, you ask? The Portland Thorns will play in the NWSL championship game on Sun., Oct. 29 after hanging 10 (they actually scored two wonder goals) on San Diego Wave FC in the semifinal match.

My voice will be gone for the rest of the week after celebrating that incredible game winner from Crystal Dunn in the 93rd minute.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? These Portland-inspired Halloween costumes will make you the talk of Stumptown.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Terri Kiesenhofer | Advertise with us.

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