Below Left: An ad in the Oregonian December 19, 1959, page 27 and Below Right - Mentioned in a “Let’s Dine Out” ad in the Oregon Journal August 19, 1965, page 41. Lower Bottom. Per Portland Guide August 1968

Per papers called Chronology of Portland’s Gay Bars – author unknown, “The Timber Topper, gay up until 1970, then in 1974 became the Axe. 1135 SW Washington.”

In Doug Baker’s Book – Guide to Portland, “A recent acquisition of the Slavich brothers, who also operate Jerry’s Gable, this restaurant features the same engaging menu with the addition of a fabulous chowder billed as the “King Neptune” and truly a fine dish for loves of hearty soup briming with ocean delicacies. Tony Slovich presides over the kitchen here while his brother Jerry Jr. wears his chef’s hat primarily at the Gable. In season, they can provide the Pacific Northwest s’ finest oysters and matchless crab legs. There’s a good wine list and an intimate little bar offering stronger spirits…”

1965, February 9 Oregon Journal in Doug Baker Column, “One Man’s Night on the town, “I like to begin with a good dinner and there are a lot of ways to do that, steak or lobster at the Thunderbird, the king-sized seafood plates at Jerry’s Gable or the Timber Topper…”

TIDBITS:
THE AX HANDLE - 1974

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, 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.