4609 SE Hawthorne

Years: 1976-1977 ?

PORTLAND THRIFT CENTER

Approximately the same time Out of the Closet was opening, so was the Portland Thrift Center per article in the August 1976 issue of Northwest Gay Review [see below Left] and due to the successful opening, in the November 1976 issue of the Northwest Review there was a Letter to the Editor see below Right.

1977 flyer [see below Left] “Swanson Presents” [Drag artist Gloria Swanson running for Empress or Princess in the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court had this ad posted in the flyer promoting voting for her.] Ad placed in the Northwest Gay Review newspaper, April 1977 [below Right] - notice that the address is slightly different than previously advertised, however, if you look at the November 1976 Northwest Review – Letter to the Editor it states “two adjoining storefronts with address of 4609-4611.”

Research has not concluded what happened to the Portland Thrift Center or how long it existed. Below photo, where the barber shop sign is, was where Portland Thrift Center was located.