Books – OREGON REAL ESTATE ROUND TABLE

Unearthing Forgotten Stories: Exploring Ghost Towns of the Pacific Northwest

If you’ve ever wandered off a forest road and stumbled across a crumbling foundation or rusted-out mine shaft, you know the strange magic of ghost towns. These remnants of boom-and-bust settlements whisper forgotten stories from the Pacific Northwest’s wild past—and a new book is helping to bring those voices back.

In Ghost Towns of the Pacific Northwest: Your Guide to the Hidden History of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, author Philip Varney (with contributions from photographer John Drew) invites readers on a journey into the shadows of history. This is no dry historical record, it’s a vivid, photo-rich travel companion designed for curious adventurers, amateur historians, and weekend road-trippers alike.

More Than Just Empty Buildings

This book covers over 50 ghost towns and former mining hubs, each with its own backstory of ambition, collapse, and resilience. You’ll visit the skeletal remains of gold rush settlements in British Columbia, explore the weather-worn logging towns of the Olympic Peninsula, and learn about once-bustling Oregon communities now slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Each entry includes directions, historical background, and what remains on site-perfect for those who like to blend history with hiking. The book also includes stunning photographs that capture the eerie beauty of deserted streets, moss-covered ruins, and rusting machinery.

A Portal to the Past

What sets this guide apart is its thoughtful blend of storytelling and practical guidance. Varney doesn’t just catalog abandoned sites-he brings them to life. You’ll meet characters who once shaped these towns, discover how local industries rose and fell, and come away with a deeper understanding of the forces that carved the Pacific Northwest into what it is today.

Plan Your Own Ghost Town Road Trip

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or just love regional history, Ghost Towns of the Pacific Northwest is a perfect addition to your bookshelf or glovebox. It encourages a slower kind of travel—one rooted in curiosity, reflection, and respect for what came before.

So pack a map, a camera, and maybe a flashlight-there’s more out there than you think. And thanks to this book, you won’t be traveling entirely alone.

Available at our bookstore: https://vanportoregon.com/amazon-bookstore/
Or you may get this book directly from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FHu41d

June 25, 2025

Discover Jacksonville’s Story in Pictures: A Look at Images of America: Jacksonville by Margaret LaPlante

If you’ve ever wandered through the streets of Jacksonville, Oregon, and felt the echo of the past in its old wooden buildings or quiet, shaded roads, you’re not alone. In her captivating book Jacksonville (Images of America), author and historian Margaret LaPlante takes readers on a visual journey through one of Oregon’s most charming and historically rich towns.

Published as part of Arcadia Publishing’s well-loved Images of America series, this book is a nostalgic tribute to Jacksonville’s gold-rush roots, frontier resilience, and cultural evolution. Through over 200 vintage photographs, many of which come from private collections and local archives, LaPlante tells the story of a town that once bustled with miners, merchants, and pioneers.

What’s Inside?

The 1850s gold rush that put the town on the map
The rise and fall of the railroad that changed its fate
Personal stories from early residents
The preservation efforts that turned Jacksonville into a National Historic Landmark

The book is organized thematically and chronologically, covering key moments in Jacksonville’s history:

Every page pairs historical images with thoughtful captions that provide just enough context to bring the photos to life. You don’t have to be a historian to appreciate it—LaPlante writes with accessibility and heart.

Why It Matters

Jacksonville isn’t just a town-it’s a snapshot of the American West in transformation. While many former boomtowns faded into ghost towns, Jacksonville survived thanks to local efforts to preserve its character. This book captures that spirit and gives readers a rare chance to see how daily life looked more than a century ago.

Whether you’re a history buff, a Southern Oregon local, or simply someone who enjoys flipping through old photographs, Jacksonville (Images of America) is a gem. It’s also the perfect companion for a walking tour of the town, helping you see beyond the modern-day storefronts to the stories etched into every brick and beam.

Where to Get It:

Get it from our Boorkstore: https://vanportoregon.com/amazon-bookstore/
Or get it here: https://amzn.to/4kPOUdN

June 24, 2025

Rediscovering Portland’s Legacy: A Powerful New Biography on Bill Naito

Portland has long been shaped by bold thinkers, visionary leaders, and everyday heroes who saw potential where others saw obstacles. One of the most inspiring among them was Bill Naito — a man whose legacy still echoes through the streets, parks, and civic institutions of the city he helped transform. Now, in a compelling new biography by Erica Naito-Campbell, his story is finally being told in full.

Portland’s Audacious Champion: How Bill Naito Overcame Anti-Japanese Hate and Became an Intrepid Civic Leader is more than a biography – it’s a testament to resilience, civic pride, and the power of community-driven leadership.

Through meticulous research and personal insight, author Erica Naito-Campbell – Bill Naito’s granddaughter- paints a vivid portrait of a Japanese American entrepreneur and activist who faced systemic discrimination with dignity, determination, and visionary action. From surviving the racism of wartime America to revitalizing downtown Portland and championing public spaces, Bill Naito’s journey is one of courage, creativity, and a deep love for his city.

This is a must-read for Portlanders, history lovers, and anyone looking to be inspired by a story of perseverance and impact. Whether you’ve walked past the Naito Parkway signs or visited the beloved Saturday Market he helped preserve, this book will deepen your appreciation of one man’s quiet but profound influence on the cityscape.

Get your copy today and discover the audacious heart behind Portland’s civic spirit.

Get it here: https://amzn.to/43LpFSR
Visit our Bookstore for more books: https://vanportoregon.com/amazon-bookstore/

June 16, 2025

Uncovering the Power Behind Portland: A Look into The Growth of a City

If you’ve ever strolled through the streets of Portland, Oregon, and wondered how the city came to be the vibrant, complex place it is today, you’re not alone. Fortunately, historian E. Kimbark MacColl has done the heavy lifting for us. His acclaimed book, The Growth of a City: Power and Politics in Portland, Oregon, 1915–1950, offers a rich and revealing look into the forces—political, social, and economic—that shaped Portland during a period of dramatic transformation.

This volume is the second in MacColl’s renowned trilogy on Portland’s political history, and it stands as a crucial chapter in understanding how the city evolved from a relatively small urban center into a major hub of the Pacific Northwest. Far from a dry recounting of dates and names, The Growth of a City dives deep into the personalities, power struggles, and behind-the-scenes decisions that influenced everything from infrastructure development to racial dynamics and labor relations.

Whether you’re a student of history, a curious Portland resident, or someone interested in urban politics and planning, this book offers valuable insights. MacColl’s meticulous research and compelling narrative style bring early-20th-century Portland to life, highlighting both its progress and its growing pains.

With modern cities facing many of the same issues—inequity, housing challenges, and debates over governance—The Growth of a City is more than a history lesson. It’s a lens through which we can better understand today’s political landscapes.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this essential piece of Portland’s past!!

Get it here: https://amzn.to/3HAs1MY
Or check our Bookstore: https://vanportoregon.com/amazon-bookstore/

June 12, 2025

Step Back in Time with Historic Baker City, Oregon: A Journey Through the Past

For anyone who’s ever strolled down Main Street and admired the brick storefronts or wondered about the lives behind Baker City’s grand historic homes, a new book offers the answers you’ve been looking for. Historic Baker City, Oregon, lovingly compiled by the Baker County Friends of the Library, is more than just a local history, it’s a tribute to the soul of a community.

Through carefully selected photographs, engaging stories, and fascinating historical detail, this book captures the heart of Baker City’s past. From its booming days during the gold rush and the arrival of the railroad to its present-day charm as a preserved historic treasure, the city’s vibrant story unfolds page by page.
A Community Effort to Preserve the Past

Created by the dedicated volunteers of the Baker County Friends of the Library, this project reflects a deep commitment to local heritage. Proceeds from the book go directly to support the Baker County Library District, so every purchase helps preserve both history and access to knowledge.

What You’ll Find Inside:

-A compelling narrative written with both care and accuracy
-Over 100 archival photos, many rarely seen before
-Stories of local pioneers, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens .
-Highlights of iconic buildings and landmarks

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Baker City resident, or someone who simply appreciates a well-told story, Historic Baker City, Oregon is a book to treasure.

Where to Buy: https://amzn.to/43N6g40

Bookstore: https://vanportoregon.com/amazon-bookstore/

June 10, 2025

A Look at Lost Portland, Oregon

Portland is a city that wears its quirkiness with pride—but beneath the murals, microbreweries, and modern skyline lies a layered history that many never get to see. In Lost Portland, Oregon, author and historian Val C. Ballestrem takes readers on a fascinating tour through the city’s lost landmarks and fading architectural heritage.

Ballestrem, a respected local historian and education manager at the Architectural Heritage Center, masterfully combines historical storytelling with rare photographs and archival material to bring the city’s past to life. The book highlights more than just demolished buildings—it paints a picture of a Portland that once was, from long-forgotten theaters and hotels to neighborhoods forever changed by urban renewal, highway construction, and shifting social priorities.

Each chapter serves as a window into a different piece of Portland’s past. You’ll read about the grand Marquam Grand Opera House, the razed South Portland neighborhood, and other vanished spaces that were once cornerstones of the community. Ballestrem doesn’t just recount facts—he tells stories, making Lost Portland, Oregon a compelling read for anyone curious about how cities evolve, what gets preserved, and what slips away.

This book is ideal for history buffs, architecture lovers, and Portland residents who want to better understand the city’s ever-changing landscape. It’s also a call to think about preservation—not as nostalgia, but as a way to honor the character and complexity of a city’s identity.

Why Read Lost Portland, Oregon?

Discover hidden stories behind well-known neighborhoods

Learn about the city’s architectural history and changing skyline

Explore thought-provoking discussions on preservation and progress

Whether you’re a lifelong Portlander or a newcomer intrigued by the city’s roots, Lost Portland, Oregon is a beautifully curated journey into the heart of what once was—and a reminder of why remembering matters.

Available now: https://amzn.to/3FH8OIY

You may also visit our bookstore for more books: https://vanportoregon.com/amazon-bookstore/

June 9, 2025

Tag: Books

Unearthing Forgotten Stories: Exploring Ghost Towns of the Pacific Northwest

More Than Just Empty Buildings

A Portal to the Past

Plan Your Own Ghost Town Road Trip

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Discover Jacksonville’s Story in Pictures: A Look at Images of America: Jacksonville by Margaret LaPlante

Why It Matters

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Rediscovering Portland’s Legacy: A Powerful New Biography on Bill Naito

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Uncovering the Power Behind Portland: A Look into The Growth of a City

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Step Back in Time with Historic Baker City, Oregon: A Journey Through the Past

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A Look at Lost Portland, Oregon

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