More on Dixie Mattress and the Portland Hall of Shame

Kimberly A.C. Wilson of the Oregonian has a piece out today covering the local blog activity around my Portland Hall of Shame series—specifically the Dixie Mattress Co. installment. She also interviewed the Dixie Mattress folks, the president of the neighborhood association and the president of the Belmont Area Business Association.

Be sure to check out Lelo in Nopo's post that includes relevant links.

Comments

[Julio]

We saw the article in the Oregonian this morning, and I've got to say that we've shared the same sentiment for a decade! That place is an eyesore, and it would take SO little to clean it up. The dust and stacked mattresses, not to mention the bars, look depressing and drag down that section of the street.

I think that building and home owners have at least some responsibility to keep things looking respectable. It's not that it needs to turn into another coffee shop but rather that they just need to be good neighbors. The business has no real interaction with the neighborhood, so why is it there and not in some windowless, industrial building (since that's apparently what they're trying to make that charming brick building into)? I feel like Dixie Mattress is just flipping the bird at Belmont. The bars may have made sense 30 years ago, but times change, as do interpretations. Instead of being a necessary, protective measure, the bars now imply "we don't want anything to do with you." And I'm not even going to say anything about the confederate flags...

[Stephanie]

I too have lived in the neighborhood for a long time and I couldn't agree with you more, Steve. It would take so little effort to tidy up that storefront, but the owners don't seem to want to be bothered. Not very neighborly, if you ask me.

As for the comment in the Oregonian article that stated that the Confederate flags are on the sign because that's where the owner was born... um, huh? Born where? Hazzard County? The Confederate flag is a symbol many people find hurtful and offensive. If the owner wants to celebrate her Lousiana roots, why not fly the Lousiana flag? Everyone likes pelicans, right?

:-)

[DTR]

Hi Steve, found out about the place from Jack Bog's blog and (rare moment approaching) enjoyed your articles on Portland's Hall Of Shame. Don't let the LOL INTERNET DRAMA put this to an end. Truth is, there are several businesses out there that make the ones you've previously featured look good. Go out to 82nd, Powell, Division, (especially beyond I-205), Stark (past Mt. Tabor), NE Glisan - you'll find 'em.

Thanks.

[DTR]

Left out Foster Road. That's another treasure trove.