citations & references:

The February 1974 Northwest Gay Review, page 12 under Socially Speaking – Portland ‘A new and exciting bar has opened in Portland – or shall we say Reopened. The Axe Handle is opening what once was the Timber Topper. The Topper was gay about four years ago, but until now has been straight retirement. The Axe Handle is owned and operated by Cliff, a local gay person. Says Cliff, “We’ve got a quiet place. You can come here and really relax. No pretensions or anything” Besides your favorite drinks, the Axe Handle provides a pool table and a comfortable size dance floor.”

The Washington Hotel

The Washington Hotel, 1135 S.W. Washington, now the Washington Apartments. The tavern was formerly a gay bar under the name of the The Alley or Orleans Alley. Timber Topper (1970-1974), the Axe Handle (1974). Few people know, however, that the hotel was designed in 1911 by architect Lionel Deane, who was arrested with other men the weekend that the Portland vice scandal began in November 1912.