That's right. House of Sound was an old record and clothing store on Williams Avenue. Abandoned for as long as I can remember, but with a big beautiful sign that said House of Sound. They tore the building down this year as gentrification finally took over Williams (one of the last hold-outs in Portland). From what I understand Williams Ave. was the center of Portland's black cultural community in 50s and 60s, with Jazz and Social Clubs, churches and businesses like this. Some of the social clubs and bares were still in existence when I was kid, and some of the churhes are still there. Vanessa actually got the sign before the building was torn down and has been working with the guys who owned the place on this installation (should be cool!). One half of the sign I think will end up at the Going St. Market (owned and run by Charles who was one of the owners of House of Sound) and the other half will end up at Mississippi Records (on N.Mississippi Street). There's some context for you!

Posted by: Icky at February 25, 2009 2:11 PM

Actually Charles was not one of the owners, but he grew up working there and had tons to do with what the House of Sound was. His uncle was one of the owners.
Yeah, I think the show will be a good show, come check out the puppeteers and jass band opening night!

Posted by: vanessa at February 25, 2009 11:50 PM