Portland’5 Podcast – S01E05 - Historical Happenings & Ghostly Encounters

Portland Radio Project

The Portland’5 Podcast is an exploration of Portland’s theatre community through the lens of its five iconic downtown venues. Art matters. Art brings joy, inspires the mind, and unites communities. Art changes lives. In this episode, it’s all about the history of two of the theaters we know and love. But since it is almost Halloween, we would be remiss if we did not have a few ghost stories to share. First, we stopped at the Keller Auditorium to hear from Gage Rutherford, an Event Custodian Lead who just completed his History B.A. with a thesis focus on the Keller. He enlightened us on what the Keller (formerly known as the Civic Auditorium, and much more) has been through since its establishment in 1917. Next, we talked with Melody Isom, an Event Custodian Utility Lead and close colleague of Gage, who had a frightful encounter with the paranormal in the Keller’s laundry room. Heading over to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, we heard from Scott Abts, Marketing & Promotions Coordinator for Portland’5, who regaled us with tales of a ghostly broom, a box office shoot-out, and what evidence of it remains to this day. **After listening to this episode, be sure to check out the gallery of our spooky tour below.** Guests Gage Rutherford, Event Custodian Lead, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts Melody Isom, Event Custodian Utility Lead, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts Scott Abts, Marketing & Promotions Coordinator, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts