The Mississippi Historic District Treasure Hunt, part of the festivities during the Mississippi Avenue Street Fair on Saturday, May 17, is a great way to learn about the richness of our community while taking a circuitous route through the neighborhood. It is full of people, the houses in which they live, and the trees which grow along with them. Some are old. Some are new. Some are big, or small or slightly askew.

What follows are 20 clues for the May 17 Treasure Hunt. They try to explore the diversity and depth of our area. Answer them correctly, and receive an autographed copy of The Monkey Thieves, a children’s book written and published by neighborhood resident, Jeff Gantert.

How it works: Use the map of the Historic District and follow the directions given amongst the questions. You’ll be able to figure out all the answers from standing on the sidewalk; you won’t need to go on private property. Bring the correct answers to Jeff Gantert’s booth at the Arts and Crafts section of the Mississippi Street Fair on Saturday, May 17, to claim your prize. The walk should take approximately 45 to 90 minutes.

Remember: Please be respectful of people’s privacy and watch out for traffic, looking both ways before crossing the street.

To begin: Start at 3927 N. Michigan Ave. between Shaver and Failing.

1) The Plum Tree Garden Cottage is a miniature replica of the c.1910 main house, what is the type of tree that graces the entrance to the Cottage? _______________________

Head south along Michigan Ave.

2) How many round columns are on the front porch of the house at 3811 N. Michigan Ave., built c.1884? ______________________________

3) The houses at 3714 N. Michigan Ave. were built in 1940. What is the color of the small cottage in the back of the main house? ____________________________

Turn right on Beech Ave., then right on Missouri Ave.

4) The 1883 Farmhouse at 3804 N. Missouri has a big cedar tree in front of it. It is one of the oldest residences in our district. Among its residents is an animal you’d typically see in a barnyard. What type of animal is it? (Please don’t antagonize him!) ____________________

Head up Missouri Ave., north, towards Mason Ave.

5) The newly remodeled Failing St. Pedestrian Bridge connects our community to the Overlook neighborhood. How many steps lead up to the bridge? _________

6) There are several churches in our district. Who is the pastor of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist church at the corner of N. Missouri and N. Shaver?_____________________________

7) The c. 1890 house at 4045 N. Missouri Ave. is of the Queen Anne style. What is the name of the large weeping Portland Heritage tree that cascades over the house and yard? _________________________

Turn right on Mason Ave., left onto Michigan Ave.

8) The large Victorian house at 4134 N. Michigan built c.1896 still has the old address above the door. What is the color of the old carriage house behind it? __________________

9) Who is the pastor of the Greater Faith Baptist Church at the corner of N. Michigan and N. Skidmore? _____________________________

Continue north on Michigan Ave., left on Prescott Ave. and right onto Michigan Ave.

10) A beautiful 170-year-old chestnut tree graces the historic site at 4619 N. Michigan Ave. Since 1887, the building has served as a retirement home, an assisted living facility and now as drug- and alcohol-free low-income residences. What is the name of the building? _____________________________

Right on Blandena St., Right on Mississippi Ave.

11) What is the color of the house built c.1915 at 4550 N. Mississippi Ave.? ______________

12) The Vesia Loving apartments at 4529-4535 N. Mississippi Ave. were named after a prominent neighborhood activist (who actually lives on Michigan Ave.). How many garages does it have? ______________

Left on Prescott St., Right on Mississippi Ave.

13) The John Palmer House sits on the top of the hill at the corner of Mississippi and Skidmore. This grand ornate Victorian is listed on the National Historic Register. What year was it built? __________

Keep heading south on Mississippi Ave.

14) Another Portland Heritage tree resides at the house at 4124 N. Mississippi Ave, , c. 1896. What kind of Elm tree is it? _____________________

Left on Mason St., left on Albina Ave.

15) Another National Historic Register House, c. 1909, is located at 4107 N. Albina Ave. For whom is the house named? ____________________________________

16) The entrance to 4236 N. Albina Ave., c. 1900, is graced by how many Japanese maples on either side of the walkway? __________________________

Right on Skidmore, right on Borthwick Ave.

17) The c. 1909 house at 4134 N. Borthwick ave. has how many round columns on its front porch? ___________________________

Right on Mason, Left on Albina Ave.

18) Who is the Pastor at the House of Prayer for All Nations at the corner of Mason and Albina? ____________________________

19) The c. 1890 turreted building at 4003 N. Albina Ave. uses two colors of paint on its wood trim. What are the two colors? ___________________________

20) The c. 1884 house at 3925 N. Albina Ave. has a funny-shaped window on its east-facing side. What shape is it? _________________________

You did it! Thanks for taking the time to walk around our neighborhood.

Now, bring your answers to the Arts and Crafts section of the Mississippi Avenue Street Fair and claim your prize!