Hi-diddly-ho! I was enjoying a morning tour through the Alphabet District of Nob Hill in Northwest Portland, and I felt as though I was being stalked by a cast of goofy cartoon characters. The neighbourhood is all close-knit Colonial Revival houses, coffee shops, and burger and beer taverns where you could easily find yourself trapped for hours – and yet there is something else at work here.
First, we walked past a sign for Quimby Street. Then, in quick succession, we crossed Lovejoy Street, Kearney Street and Flanders Street. To the south of the neighbourhood, I was told there is a Burnside. I also learnt about Montgomery Park and Van Houten Avenue. I’m no map geek, but I am, I confess, a super fan of The Simpsons – and I found myself drawn into the story of its origin in Portland like Homer to Duff Beer.
