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Somehow we got extremely lucky on a Saturday afternoon. Portland’s famous Union Station was pretty much empty besides staff and a few folks waiting for their trains.
What I love about this station is the old school vibes it holds. It began construction in 1890 and officially opened in February of 1896, costing $300,000 to build. There have been renovations in both 1996 and 2004 but the old charm still stands with it’s long wooden benches, marble interiors and detailed ceiling.
I’ll admit that I’ve never actually ridden on the Amtrak train but I have picked up family and friends at this location before. It’s something on my list to do, especially with my son. When I was researching the history of this station I learned something interesting about the famous “Go By Train” clock tower.
The neon signs were added to it in 1948 then went dark in 1971. In 1985, two local non-profit groups, the National Railway Historical Society (Pacific Northwest chapter) and the Oregon Association of Railway Passengers, led a fundraising campaign for public donations to enable the signs to be restored to operation. They replaced the old neon bulbs with new ones and the signs were turned back on in 1985. The “Union Station” signs remain illuminated continuously, while the “Go by Train” signs flash on and off, in a sequence of “Go”, then “Go by”, then all three words, then off and on and repeat
My Zara pants and top are part of history too……
Because I got them on sale and they are no longer available. Actually these pants I own in the two color options they had because they are so comfy and easy to dress up or down. You seriously need to invest in some paper bag pants and stripes for spring. Below are some of my favorite options (I’ve tried the Anthro ones on and they are awesome)
Luckily this hat is still available and is the perfect baker boy cap to give your outfit a crisp touch.
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