If you think Portland’s weirdness started with food trucks and quirky TV shows, Joe Streckert has news for you. In his book Storied & Scandalous Portland, Oregon: A History of Gambling, Vice, Wits, and Wagers, Streckert digs deep into the city’s smoky past, unearthing tales of mischief, mayhem, and the colorful characters who made Portland what it is today.
This isn’t your typical history book. Streckert, known for his engaging writing and deep love for Portland’s eccentricities, tells the city’s story through its vices, gambling dens, brothels, con artists, and hard-drinking politicians. It’s a book that embraces the idea that history isn’t just dates and dusty documents-it’s about people, personality, and, in Portland’s case, plenty of scandal.
What makes the book shine is its balance between entertainment and education. You’ll meet legendary figures like Bunco Kelley, the infamous shanghai artist who kidnapped people for ship crews, and follow the evolution of Portland’s underground from 19th-century opium dens to mid-century speakeasies. Streckert writes with wit, but never loses sight of the broader social and historical context.
Whether you’re a history buff, a true crime aficionado, or just a Portlander curious about your city’s shadier roots, Storied & Scandalous delivers. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to wander through Old Town and imagine what once happened behind those brick façades.
A must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story, a little scandal, and a fresh take on Portland history. Joe Streckert proves that the City of Roses has always had a wild streak and he tells it with flair.
Get the book here: https://amzn.to/4mLmd3h
BOOKSTORE: https://vanportoregon.com/amazon-bookstore/
OREGON REAL ESTATE ROUND TABLE 