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Portland 2017 vs Portland Today

The beautiful Portland Elk was donated to the city of Portland by Mayor David P. Thompson in 1900. Surviving over 100 years it is one of Portland's most iconic works of public art. I think I first saw it years ago in the film My Own Private Idaho and finally had a chance to photograph it myself in 2017 (top photo). The elk and fountain were donated to the city to honor elk that once roamed the Willamette Valley.

 

After being graffitied over 20 times during recent "protests" and set on fire, Portland's Regional Arts and Culture council removed the elk for public safety reasons after significant damage to the granite base.

 

“Engaging in criminal activity including vandalism and property damage is not peaceful demonstration,” said Portland Police Bureau Chief Chuck Lovell in a statement. “We ask for the public’s help in identifying and sharing information about those responsible so they can be held accountable.”

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Uploaded on July 28, 2020