Alert
South and Southwest Portland Increased Air Activity

We are aware of the higher volume of helicopter and propeller airplane activity over South and Southwest Portland. This appears to be related to federal law enforcement and/or military activity and is not a development the Port of Portland can control.

Historic Commission Meeting Records

Creator: Commission of Public Docks; Port of Portland

Dates: 1925-1955

Description: Minutes and related documents from both the Port of Portland Board of Commissioners and the Commission of Public Docks.

Collection Background/History: Established by the Oregon Legislature in 1891, the Port of Portland originally managed the dredging and maintenance of shipping channels. The City of Portland formed the Commission of Public Docks in 1920 to oversee the construction and operation of docks and terminals. In 1970, the two entities merged, creating the modern Port of Portland.

Today, the Port’s responsibilities include not only maritime operations, such as deepening the Columbia River shipping channel and managing three marine terminals, but also the development and management of three airports and six business parks. Meanwhile, the former Dock Commission remains significant for its historical role in the development of Portland’s dock infrastructure.

Collection Highlights & Research Value
This collection offers a valuable glimpse into the critical decisions, policies, and public priorities that shaped Portland’s maritime and aviation sectors throughout the mid-20th century. It also illustrates the evolution of the Port as a public agency responding to economic and infrastructural challenges over time.

Note on Digitized Materials: The Commission meeting minutes were scanned from bound volumes. You may notice:

  1. Multiple meetings documented on the same page
  2. Scans containing partial minutes from meetings before or after the date included in the document name.

This reflects the original record format. To ensure you view the complete minutes of a particular date, open the scanned document covering that date.

Related Records:
Port of Portland Commission Minutes and Related Materials dated July 8, 2015 - Present

Source Citation:
Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Org. Lot 10. Sharon M. Howe, 2004. Accessed online 01 July 2025.
Oregon Encyclopedia. Carl Abbott, n/d. Oregon Historical Society. Accessed online 01 July 2025.

Commission Minutes

Docks Commission Minutes