Goose Hollow Banner History

In 2009, GHFL board member Tracy Prince had the idea that Goose Hollow banners spread throughout the neighborhood would promote a stronger sense of neighborhood identity.  At that time, many Portland residents seemed unaware of the boundaries of Goose Hollow and thought it only included the area adjacent to the Goose Hollow MAX Station and the Goose Hollow Inn.  The Goose Hollow banner project and the street sign caps were conceived as a way to educate folks that Goose Hollow includes the area from I-405 to Washington Park and from W. Burnside to the low slopes of the West Hills.  She wrote a grant through Portland's Office of Neighborhood Involvement. The Multnomah Athletic Club also contributed funds toward this project.

After Prince researched the founding date of the neighborhood (1845), she and Scott Schaffer (former board member) designed the banner.  Prince's initial research for the banner project served as her inspiration to write an entire book (published April 11, 2011 here and here) on the history of Goose Hollow.

The goose depicted on the banner has been an emblem of the neighborhood association since the mid 1970s.  This goose design first appeared on the sign for the Goose Hollow Inn, established in 1967. Proprietor and former mayor Bud Clark enthusiastically supported the use of his goose image to promote the neighborhood.  Now geese can be seen flapping throughout all of Goose Hollow, and are an important resource for neighborhood identity and cohesion.

Banner may be purchased from Elmer's Flags (503-282-1214 or contact@elmersflag.com).  The quoted price is $166 for the current flag, or $79 for a single/reverse design.  Smaller (18"x12") reverse printed flags can be purchased; minimum order is 12 pieces for $15.00 each [e.g. minimum $170 order].  Further volume pricing may be available.  Or you may download and print out your own tabloid-sized banners.