postcard
Document/Book
Accession Number
2013.002Alternate Name
souvenirDescription
A colorized photographic postcard depicting a large building with two equally-sized domed spires at the front facade. "Temple Beth Israel, Portland, Oregon" is type-written across the top. The back of the card has space for the address and correspondence.Narrative
This postcard of Portland’s Temple Beth Israel was printed circa 1905. The Temple’s design is credited to architects Williams & Smith of Portland, Oregon. This firm also designed Craigdarroch Castle for Robert and Joan Dunsmuir in Victoria, BC.The firm’s principals were David Lochead Williams (1866-1937) and Arthur Lorenzo Smith (1852-1941). The Secretary of the firm was architect Warren H. Williams (1844-1888), father of David Williams. Construction on the temple began in April 1888, four months after the death of Warren H. Williams.
Referencing the laying of the cornerstone, the April 24, 1888 issue of the Oregonian newspaper reported: "After the box was placed in the cornerstone, Mr. Blumauer (President of the Board) formally placed the building under the custody of Architect A. L. Smith, to whom he expressed the hope that good material would be used, to the end that when the synagogue is ready for the congregation it shall be received with the utmost satisfaction. Rabbi Block thanked contractor N.J. Blagen for the zeal he had displayed in prosecuting the work so far." The temple was destroyed by fire in 1928.
