ON THE BLUFF THE WORLD WE WANT
The Blanchet House Celebrates 70 Years
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND ARCHIVES
Oregon Historical Society honors the institution’s contributions to Portland
(Left to right) Past board members Joe Van Gulik, Pete Van Hoomissen, Robert Wack, and co-founders Gene Feltz, Tom Moore, Jim O’Hanlon, and John Moore, 2004
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PORTLAND
THIS YEAR, THE Blanchet House of Hospitality marks its 70th anniversary of serving those experiencing poverty and homelessness in Portland. Rooted in social justice and the values of the Catholic Social Workers Movement, the Blanchet House’s founding mission was a simple one—feeding free meals to those in need. Today, Blanchet House’s services have stayed true to the original vision while also expanding to meet the needs of the time. To honor the anniversary, the Oregon Historical Society will host an exhibit, from March 4 to June 5, 2022, displaying photographs, news clippings, and historic artifacts narrating the Blanchet House’s founding, history, and contributions. That history, from its very beginning, is a remarkable one. The Blanchet House’s founding and early years are next to lore for the University of Portland community and those who know Portland’s history. In the years after World War II, a group of University of Portland students, all men, sought to start a social club. They hoped to host dances and enliven the school’s
