I could tell this was not going to be a normal day. I encountered just about every obstacle possible trying to cross the 50 plus intersections along my downtown running course. In fact, it took an extra 3 minutes to complete, as I eventually made it back safely. It must be a sign that today is Halloween. I did see a few costumes along the way – at least I think they were costumes. Since we now live in a secure apartment building, we will not be seeing trick-or-treaters at our door. As a result, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner out, including wine pairings. 

As I was running through Tom McCall Waterfront Park this morning on day #3959 of my continuous streak, I took note of the Japanese American Historical Plaza that is at my half-way point. The sun is usually in my eyes as a try to read some of the stone markers, so I went to the Oregon Encyclopedia for answers:

“Using thirteen engraved stones of basalt and granite, the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Portland tells an important story of the Japanese in Oregon. Landscape architect Robert Murase created the theme and design of the plaza to tell the story of the hardships suffered by Japanese immigrants and the indignities imposed by the incarceration of persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II. The plaza shows how the rights of Japanese Americans on the West Coast were denied, and honors the bravery of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces while their families were in the camps.”

“The story continues with poems inscribed on stones. The stone at the center of the plaza lists the ten internment camps. The base of this stone is surrounded by flagstones with jagged sides laid out in irregular patterns reflecting the broken dreams of the internees.”

“Poets Lawson Inada (Ashland), Shizue Iwatsuki (Hood River, deceased), Masaki Kinoshita (Portland, deceased), and Hisako Saito (Portland, deceased) composed the inscribed poems.”

It’s difficult to imagine the torn loyalties of these people who were displaced from their homes and separated from their families simply because of their ancestry. It reminded me of our trip to the Historical Society Museum earlier this week and the plight of Native Americans who were forced from their homes by the white man. There are so many injustices that are part of our history. I’m fortunate to have a home, along with the freedom and good health to run every day. In retirement, I’m trying to learn more about my day-to-day surroundings in the city where I live. We’ll probably be somewhere else in two years, and certainly don’t want to regret missing anything. 

As I continued my run, I spotted some sculptures along Davis Street, but the tiny recognition plaque would have required me to stop. Instead, I later found an article by Sara Hottman of The Oregonian. “The Regional Arts & Culture Council, based in Northwest Portland, has facilitated the installation of four illuminated sculptures along Northwest Davis Street as part of the Portland Mall Revitalization Project. The project seeks to increase pedestrian connectivity from Old Town-Chinatown to the Pearl District. Artist Dan Corson’s sculptures, illuminated at night, were inspired by Nepenthes, carnivorous plants found in tropical climates whose name means “without grief.” In Greek mythology, “Nepenthes,” Corson notes, was a potion that eliminated sorrow and suffering.”

I only noticed three of the four sculptures and have yet to see them at night. The Northwest Davis Street pathway includes cultural landmarks like Portland Center Stage, Powell’s Books, the Museum of Contemporary Craft, art galleries, and the historic Davis Street Tavern. It will give me other things to pay attention to on my daily tour of the town.  As Halloween day leads into night, I’ll be curious to find out what other unusual sights I’ll find in Portland. Hopefully, there won’t be any more obstacles in the way.