Join us March 4th at Powell’s Books for the public release of Oregon History Comics: Vol. 1-10. Writer Sarah Mirk will present a brief slideshow about the project, followed by a round of history trivia (with prizes for the winners!). Meet some of the participating artists and check out and purchase original artwork made for the comic series, which will be on display for one-night-only.

From women’s suffrage in Oregon to the tragic Vanport Flood to the legendary all-ages venue, the X-Ray Café, Oregon History Comics presents oft-dry histories in an exciting and accessible format — through bold illustrations from some of Portland’s best and brightest comics illustrators. Whether you’re a history buff or just a casual comics reader, you’ll find value in this box set as a way of learning more about why Oregon is the way it is today.

Collected in the set are:
Faces of Lone Fir Cemetery — Sarah Mirk
Life and Death of the X-Ray Cafe — John Isaacson
Dead Freeways — Don Barkhouse
Portland’s Black Panthers — Khris Soden
The Streets of Chinatown — Harry Lau
Voices of Celilo Falls — T. Edward Bak
The Vanport Flood — Nicole Georges
The Lives of Loggers — BT Livermore
Votes for Women — Suzette Smith
Oregon Bikes — Shawn Granton

For more info and to pre-order Oregon History Comics, click here.

I believe you have my stapler...Hopefully not at our collating party this weekend

We’re just a couple weeks away from the release party for Oregon History Comics: Vol. 1-10 (Sunday, March 4th at Powell’s Books). The project, which has been 2 years in the making, features 10 Portland artists creating short comics illustrating little-known stories from Oregon’s past. At the event there will be a slideshow, history trivia (with awesome prizes…we promise!), original artwork on display and more. Get the full details on the events page.

Volunteers are needed to help collate and assemble the comics and box sets. We’ll be putting together everything at DPC HQ this upcoming weekend, Saturday and Sunday February 25-26. Help out for an hour or so and get a free comic. Or stay for a few and enjoy some pizza and beers! Drop a note to ask@dillpickleclub.org if you can lend a hand.

Box sets are now available for pre-order at our shop. If you’re a member, you get $5 off! More info on membership here.

Last year, GOOD issued a call for creatives in Portland, and chose six teams to represent the city. Each team was issued a challenge proposed by a local urban leader. At the event, the creative teams will present their solutions to their assigned challenge, with urban leaders joining them onstage for a brief Q&A with GOOD Ideas for Cities editor Alissa Walker. Afterwards, there’s drinks and more!

Here’s the details:
Thursday, February 16
Doors at 6:00 p.m.
Program begins at 7:00 p.m.

Ziba Auditorium
910 NW Marshall
Portland, OR 97209

The event is free; RSVP is required (there are limited tickets at the door). Full program info and more here.

Back in November, DPC disseminated a call for proposals based around our theme for 2012: PERIPHERIES.

You must be a member in order to vote on club programs. Not a member yet? Visit our “join” page; membership starts at just $50/ year, which goes to sustain our programs throughout the year. Members will be notified by e-mail as to how to vote.

This year’s tour schedule looks to be a full line-up, including trips exploring gentrification in N/ NE Portland, Portland’s queer history, an “Outer Limits” bike tour, a roving all-night dance party in abandoned buildings and much more. Read the entirety of the 15 proposal ideas after the jump…then sign up to be a member and vote!

2012 PERIPHERIES TOUR PROPOSALS

1. Oregon’s Migrant Labor
A daylong bus tour will focus on the conditions of migrant labor, specifically Mexican workers. Possible locations to be visited include Portland’s day laborers’ site, VOZ; migrant workers camps in Woodburn; PCUN, a farm worker’s union and community-run radio station; and IRCO, an immigrant and refugee community organization.

2. Housing and Urban Renewal
This tour will focus on the city of Portland’s urban renewal efforts—past, present and future—with attention to the need for economic development, the promotion of “neighborhood prosperity districts” and the displacement of low-income populations. Sites to be visited include Vanport, Cully, South Portland and New Columbia, while guests include urban historians, poets and representatives from the Portland Development Commission.

3. Rail in Portland: Steam Trains to Lightrail
From Portland’s steam trains to the future planning of lightrail, streetcar and regional high-speed service, this tour aims to educate why rail is so vital to the region. Sites may include historic trains, the construction site of Portland’s newest light rail bridge, the Steel bridge and a trip on a streetcar with TriMet planners, as well as talks by historians and transportation advocates.

4. Portland’s Empty Buildings (All-Night Dance Party)
This tour will provide first-hand access to several of our city’s empty buildings, as a way to explore the need for access to spaces where community can gather around art and culture. Led by artist Robert Tyree, the tour aims to educate participants about the viability of culture as a driver of both social and economic progress. Tour includes the option to participate in a dance party organized by Tyree, that relates to the notion of re-envisioning our city’s empty spaces.

5. Lloyd District/North Portland Summer Gentrification Stroll
This walking tour, led by community historian O.B. Hill and Walk There! author Laura Foster, intends to generate discussion about several important African American cultural and historical sites in relationship with the municipal planning and development efforts in the Lloyd and Albina/Eliot neighborhoods. Tour would include sites such as the Rose Quarter; Dawson Park; former jazz clubs from the Jumptown era; Legacy Emanuel Hospital; Hill Block Building; and Tropicana Bar Be Cue, one of the longest-running African-American restaurants in the area.

6. The Oh So (Queer) History of Portland
This walking tour aims to educate and inform about Portland’s LGBTQ community. Speakers may include Peter Boag (author of several books on gays in the Pacific NW), local celebrity drag queen Darcelle and maybe even Mayor Sam Adams. Locations may include Cascade Aids Project, Just Out newspaper, sites along SW Stark St and Paddy’s (Portland’s first gay bar).

7. Outer Limits Bike Tour
This bike tour, led by Hidden Portland author Carye Bye, will visit interesting and unusual businesses, art and local features on the peripheries of NE Portland. The tour focuses on the Parkrose neighborhood, an area with an unusual mix of long-time residents and recent immigrants. Sites include Fairley’s Pharmacy Soda Fountain, Sandy Jug, Ed’s House of Gems, the Bingo-Totem hotspot, Pioneer Cemetery #1, a fortune cookie factory, a German bakery and more.

8. Portland’s Former Swamps
This tour explores the demise of Portland’s swamps, and the impact of the Lewis and Clark Exposition and Guild’s Lake Courts housing development on the environment, our safety and our understanding of the past (both locations are superfund sites). Locations include Guild’s Lake, Donne Lake and Kittridge Lake, while guests would include historians and elders from the areas.

9. Oregon State Hospital
This bus tour, led by Jason Renaud of the Mental Health Association of Portland, would take participants to visit Oregon State Hospital, one of the most controversial and complex institutions in the state of Oregon. The tour would visit the hospital to see the new facilities and meet the superintendent, and include a facilitated discussion about the facility’s history, decision-making and treatments.

10. Vancouver, Our Neighbor to the North
This public transit and walking tour explores Portland’s sister city to the north, Vancouver, Washington. Tour would include a visit with city administrators, a walking tour of downtown businesses, as well as a historical and cultural perspective from selected guests (from Fort Vancouver to the more recent relocation of low-income Portlanders).

11. East Portland Tour
This bus tour would focus on the complexities of East Portland, including the area’s racial and ethnic makeup, crime and drugs, lack of transportation and access to food, and rapid urban growth—as well as its hopes for the future. Possible sites include the SE 82nd Asian community; Rosewood Café and Community Center, Highland Christian Center, and Police Activities League Youth Center. Guest speakers could include mayoral-hopeful Jefferson Smith, Jean DeMaster (Executive Director, Human Solutions), as well as representatives from the Portland Police Bureau.

12. Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary
This bus tour would take participants along Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), a city policy that protects rural lands and encourages denser urban development, while exploring why and how urban and rural communities depend on one another. Speakers include professors from urban planning and other disciplines, planners from Metro, local farmers, land owners outside the UGB; and developers.

13. Historical Goose Hollow
This tour, led by Portland’s Goose Hollow author Tracy Prince, explores the history of the area, including its blue-collar origins. Tour would include a slideshow of historic images then a guided walk of the area as well as Tanner Creek—once a vital part of Portland but now almost forgotten.

14. There’s No Place Like Home
This walk would examine the conditions of Portland’s un-housed. Possible sites and guests include Sisters Of The Road Cafe, Right 2 Dream Too, First Presbyterian Church, Street Roots offices and a reading with authors from a Write Around Portland workshop who have faced homelessness. Conversation would also include a look at affordable housing in downtown Portland as well as practical ways in which people can help.

15. Portland’s Native Americans
This tour would focus on the history of Native Americans (Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya and Molalla tribes) in Portland and the surrounding area, as well as the current challenges and opportunities facing the community. Sites and guests could include Native American Youth and Family Center, Native American Student and Community Center at Portland State University and more.

The night started with a jazz set by Portland alt rock legend Pete Krebs. MC Joe Haege got the program rolling with a brief interview with DPC member David Raphael, while KGW’s Joe Smith roamed Holocene holding a Pickle Baby while doing a live broadcast on Live at 7. Smith looked a bit bewildered; watch the clip on KGW’s site here.

At 7PM the pickle tasting commenced, with samples of 10 pickle creations from some of Portland’s top restaurants. It was crowded, hot and steamy down at the pickle line, and participants snacked on complimentary bread and pickle donuts while they waited. Pickle tasters could be seen debating the merits of the various samples, while they dutifully filled out their respective ballots and cast their vote for the “People’s Choice Award”.

At 8PM, the program continued with remarks by Haege, DPC Director Marc Moscato and DPC member Robin Anderson. Filmmaker Matt McCormick debuted this lovely film describing the programs and mission of the organization…

Our judges then conferred to select this year’s “Pickler of the Year”…which again went to the folks at Chop Butchery. Not to be outdone, this year’s new category, “People’s Choice” went to newcomers Brass Tacks Sandwiches.

After sets by Denver and Cecilia un die Sauerkrauts (who were totally amazing), our friends at Comedy is OK premiered a new video on the Dill Pickle Club (most of which is shot in our offices!). Take a gander below…

The night winded down with a set by DJ Anjali, and people left with pickles in tow. Missed out? Don’t worry. There are still plenty of pickles left, as well as beautiful letterpressed posters. Check out our shop and pick up a jar of one-of-a-kind pickles or a souvenir poster (just $5 cheap!).

Check out a slideshow courtesy Sarah LaPonte below. And stay tuned for a forthcoming documentary video from the event. See ya at Perfect Pickle 2013!

Design by Keegan Meegan Co.

The Second Annual Perfect Pickle
Monday, February 6th 6-12PM
Holocene | 1001 SE Morrison St | 21+
Dill Pickler Members & up free | Not a member?
General: $10 (All proceeds will support DPC programming)
Get tickets now.

MC Joe Haege will keep the night moving while we taste and imbibe with this year’s entrants for the PERFECT PICKLE! Will Chop keep their title or will another take its place? Come find out! Pickle tasting 7-8PM

DPC is very excited to be featuring pickles lovingly prepared by these great restaurants:

Biwa
Brass Tacks
Chop
DOC
Grain & Gristle
Olympic Provisions
Paley’s Place
Picklopolis
Salt Fire & Time
Unbound Pickling
Verde Cocina
Yume Confections

And we have really smart, savvy (and salty!) Perfect Pickle judges this year:

Byron Beck, byronbeck.com
Dave “Killer Bread” Dahl
Erin deJesus, EaterPDX
Anne Marie DiStefano, Bread and Brew
Lola Milholland, Edible Portland

All of this pickle madness will have a wonderful backdrop of some terrific local music as well:

Pete Krebs 6PM
Denver 8:30PM
Cécilia und die Sauerkrauts 9:30PM
DJ Anjali & The Incredible Kid 10:30PM

Oh yeah–the Pickles are for sale for $25, there will be an awesome raffle, OK Comedy is putting together a video, Voodoo Doughnuts is preparing a special “Perfect Pickle” doughnut (if you dare!) and much, much more!

RSVP on facebook.

Get your tickets through the Portland Mercury.

If you haven’t checked it out, we’ve gone on a blogging rampage — including posts about tonight’s music, interviews with our contending chefs, information about the awesome raffle, a spotlight on this year’s judges and the brand new publication we’re releasing.


Help us by spread the word and invite all your friends – through our Facebook event page, this viral video – and, of course, in real life. We’ve also put together the FAQ guide below for all your last minute questions.

See you in a few!

Q: What’s the deal with getting in free?

A: Members at the Dill Pickler level and higher get into the Perfect Pickle for free. When you sign up to be a member, you not only help raise funds for our programs, you also save money and get a free ticket to tonight’s event. Get the details and sign up on our membership page.

Q: How much does general admission cost if I’m not a member? Can I buy tickets at the door?

A: General admission is $10. We recommend getting advance tickets here. Tickets will also be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: So this is a fundraiser and membership drive, right?

A: Right! Membership and individual donations account for almost half of our operating budget. We need your support to continue to provide excellent education programs.

Q: What’s this raffle I hear about?

A: We’re raffling off baskets filled with gift certificates, limited edition artwork, books, tickets and more. See the whole list here. Tickets start at just $5 each, and if you buy in bulk, can be as cheap as $1!

Q: How should I prepare for the Perfect Pickle?

A: Bring a clean palette, your dancing shoes, and a can-do attitude. And cash – this is a fundraiser! Needless to say dress to impress.

Q: How can I try the pickles?

A: The pickle tasting is from 7-8PM. You can also purchase quart jars of pickles for $25 each.

Q: Do I get dinner at the event?

A: We’ll have some Voodoo Doughnuts and Dave’s Killer Bread, but you might want to make dinner plans. Holocene (which has great food!) has a menu you can order from, so don’t sweat it.

Q: Why can’t I buy hard alcohol at the Perfect Pickle?

A: Due to OLCC licensing, DPC is running the bar tonight, and can only sell the (generously) donated beer and wine. We recommend stopping by Holocene another night and getting a fantastic cocktail when you’re back.

win all this great stuff! (and more not pictured)

Among the items in the raffle are:

• $50 gift certificate to DOC
• $50 gift certificate to Grain & Gristle
• $25 gift certificate to Brass Tacks
• $25 gift certificate to Salt, Fire and Time
• Salami from Olympic Provisions
• 2 $25 gift certificates to Beacon Sound
• 2 free haircuts at Bishops
• 2 one-of-a-kind handmade notebooks from Publication Studio
• Gigantic gift basket from Bob’s Red Mill
• 2 $20 gift certificates Groundwork Organics
• Gift pack of 5 new books from OSU Press
• Scout Book pack from Pinball Publishing
• 6 new records from Mississippi Records
• Prints from Buy Olympia/ Land
• Membership to Oregon History Society
• Dill Pickle Club books, posters, T-shirts and tote bags
• (Last but certainly not least) jars of the pickles!

There’s only one way to win these goods…show up at Monday’s event. Get your tickets now.

David Barber of Picklopolis

Q: Tell us a bit about your pickles. Any special processes you used in crafting them?

A: Since 2004 Picklopolis Garlic-Dill Pickles have been barrel fermented naturally using only salt, water, spices and garlic. We never heat process them.

Q:What is your interest/ background in cooking.

A: I have been cooking professionally for 40 years. I started making pickles with my father when I was 6 years old. My first pickle was watermelon rind from a watermelon I grew myself. I still use the same recipe.

Q: What is your cooking philosophy?

A: Use the best ingredients, sourced as close to the end product as possible. The more we know about how our food got into us, the healthier and happier we will be.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Portland’s food community?

A: The intense interest in diversity.

Q: Why should you be crowned “Pickler of the Year”?

A: Picklopolis Pickles are the best Pickles in Portland. The Kingdom of the Brine rules!

Thanks David. See you Monday at the #perfectpickle!

Who will reign the Perfect Pickler?

We are just days away from the 2nd Annual Perfect Pickle (this Monday! Holocene!) and we wanted to demystify the awarding of Portland’s Top Pickler of the Year. Who decides? Who are these  fermentation fiends? What are their qualifications?

This year, we have been very lucky to procure some of the smartest and saltiest judges, including:

• Byron Beck, of byronbeck.com
• Dave “Killer Bread” Dahl
• Erin deJesus, of EATERPDX
• Anne Marie DiStefano, of Bread and Brew
• Lola Milholland, of Edible Portland

This year we also look forward to our new Perfect Pickle category: “People’s Choice” and all of you pickle aficionados will get your chance to taste and judge this most prestigious accolade.

Check out our profiles of our judges (w/ bios and pics) after the jump!

Byron Beck: Byron Beck is a self proclaimed “Internet Talk Show Host/Blog Guy/Contributor who serves up the latest gossip, news, rants and raves.” Now the former Willamette Week columnist and man-about-town can add “talk radio show host” to his resume which will launch on KXL Feb. 13.

Erin deJesus, EaterPDX: Erin DeJesus is a pop-culture obsessed writer and editor whose work — about everything from indie all-girl choirs to DIY-ing a loved one’s funeral — has appeared in publications like Bust, Bicycling, and More Intelligent Life. Since 2011, she’s been the editor of Eater PDX, the Portland restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog. Read up at pdx.eater.com.

Anne Marie DiStefano

Anne Marie DiStefano, Bread and Brew: Anne Marie DiStefano is a freelance writer, writer’s assistant, and the restaurant critic for the Portland Tribune. Her column, Bread & Brew, appears every second week. Her celebrity judging experience includes the amateur potato cooking contest at the Oregon State Fair and Lompoc Brewing’s Chowder Challenge.

Dave "Killer Bread" Kah

Dave “Killer Bread” Kahl

Dave’s story: “I was a four time loser before I realized I was in the wrong game. 15 years in prison is a pretty tough way to find oneself, but I have no regrets. This time around, I took advantage of all those long and lonely days by practicing my guitar, exercising, and getting to know myself–without drugs. To my utter amazement, I started liking what I was seeing. It’s been said adversity introduces a man to himself, and I found this to be true. A whole lot of suffering has transformed an ex-con into an honest man who is doing his best to make the word a better place…one loaf of bread at a time.”

Lola Milholland, Edible Portland: Lola Milholland is the assistant editor of Edible Portland, a publication of the nonprofit Ecotrust. She has a super intense interest in food that she has explored in stories for Edible Portland, meatpaper and Gastronimica. She is really excited about a multi-media project she is working on this coming year called Oregon Mushroom Stories.