Many Portlander’s know Darcelle XV as the beloved “world’s oldest working drag queen,” who has been a staple of the Portland LGBTQ+ and nightlife scene for five decades. But what many may not know about Walter Cole—Darcelle XV when he is in drag—is that he lives in the historic “Elmer and Linnie Miller” Residence in Northeast Portland. The home was recently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Walter Cole in his home, the Elmer and Linnie Miller Residence.
The new exhibit will feature the work of Portland photographer Tom Cook, and showcases Darcelle XV in the historic residence.
According to a press release: “Cook’s portrait series captures the unique character of the 1896 Queen Anne style house and its longtime owner, Walter Cole, best known as the female impersonator and performer Darcelle XV. The home’s décor has taken on the lavish style of Darcelle XV while still maintaining its original layout and details. Among the house’s features are stained glass windows created by Jerry Bosco and Ben Milligan, glass artists, work and life partners, and founders of the Bosco-Milligan Foundation, under which the Architectural Heritage Center operates.”
On top of being an example of historic architecture, the home has been a gathering place for political activists and gay rights events over the years. The residence also shows the indelible mark that Darcelle has left on the home.
Elmer and Linnie Miller House, Portland, Oregon.
The exhibit will be open to Architectural Heritage Members July 24–25, and will open to the public after that on Thursdays–Sunday’s from 11am–5pm. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, safety protocols will be in place for those who visit the exhibit, and masks will be required.
“My home is overdone, over-decorated and over jeweled, just like Darcelle, but it reflects me,” Cole recently told The Oregonian. “If someone gave me a framed photo, I wouldn’t have one spot on the wall to hang it.”
Darcelle XV sitting in the Elmer and Linnie Miller Residence.
Owned and operated by the non-profit Bosco-Milligan Foundation, we empower people in the Portland region to preserve both landmark buildings and the regular “vernacular” vintage homes and storefronts that collectively define our neighborhoods, traditional downtowns, culture, history, and quality of life.
Seattle, WA. Here’s a look at a colorful fundraiser popular with people in the Emerald City. For 26 years fans have visited the Sheraton Seattle’s Annual Gingerbread Village benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The theme for this year’s celebration is Welcome to Whoville. Donations are collected for JDRF and more than 200,000 people are expected to visit the village before it closes on January 2nd.
The village is set up in chronological order to tell the story of how the Grinch Stole Christmas. The five jumbo-sized gingerbread houses have a total of over 1,200 pounds of dough, 800 pounds of icing, 200 pounds of white chocolate, 250 pounds of almond paste and hundreds of pounds of candy.
First up in the display is Whoville Town and Mount Crumpit. Organizers say it took close to 8,000 hours to put together the stroll through the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss.
Next, it’s the Grinch’s Lair where he plots with his loyal dog Max.
The next gingerbread house the mischievous Grinch hard at work in his sleigh stealing Christmas. He drives the sleigh up Mount Crumpit.
Next is the presentation of the Whoville Christmas Celebration, with the Whos surrounded by the Christmas tree with their joy and love for Christmas.
Last is the depiction of the Whoville Feast, where Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Max and the Whos of Whoville find their peace.
Viewing hours of Gingerbread Village through January 1st, are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave. Seattle 98101
From JDRF:
Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes with a new case diagnosed every 30 seconds. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic, debilitating disease that usually strikes children and young adults, coming on suddenly and causing dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life. However, insulin is not a cure, nor does it prevent the constant threat of complications.
JDRF funds more T1D research than any other non profit in the world. The JDRF mission is to improve diabetes treatments and ultimately find a cure for T1D. Over 80% of JDRF expenditures goes directly to our mission.
Gingerbread Village Teams:
Team CallisonRTKL and Hargis, Chef Lee Baldyga, Nora Milad
Team 4D, Chef Jay Sardeson, Grace Pilo
Team Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties & Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl, Architecture, Chef David Mestl, Zane Alexander
Team MG2, Chef Joleen Anderson, Natalie Brogan
Team Bailly & Bailly, Chef John Armstrong, Olive Tolbert
Portland, February 1st. 2014. The Year of the Horse began on January 31, 2014! People born in the Year of the Horse are generally popular, smart, and strong. Community Leaders say you can learn more about this most colorful and joyous of all Chinese festivals during the two-week celebration at Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden
The celebration started on Friday, January 31 with “Rolling in the Wealth,” a traditional good fortune and prosperity activity of rolling oranges and gold coins through Lan Su’s front door. “Rolling in the Wealth” is followed by the Lee’s Association Dragon & Lion Dance team, a visit from the Portland Police Mounted Patrol Unit, and a martial arts demonstration.
The Portland Police Mounted Patrol Unit stopping by to say hello for the Year of the Horse.
The garden will have Lion dances every Saturday and Sunday during the festival.
The celebration ends with three nights of Lantern Viewing and dragon processions (February 12-14).This photo by Diane Cook & Len Jenshel Photography from National Geographic shows the garden at Chinese New Year during the lantern viewing festival.
The celebration ends with three nights of Lantern Viewing and dragon processions (February 12-14).
Buy your admission tickets now to cut down on the time in line. Now with no online service fees!
Please note: For the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff, entry may be limited at peak times of visitation to meet fire code regulations. Expect lines at times on opening day and weekend days. Plan for the most auspicious visit by arriving early! “Rolling in the Wealth” orange and coin rolling is limited to the first 100 visitors.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures. Built by Chinese artisans from our sister city Suzhou (home of China’s famous ancient gardens), it’s the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China. Much more than just a beautiful garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony.
Once inside the garden’s walls, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled through time to another era in a faraway world. Lan Su is a window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer – by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Enter the wonderland.
Inspirational Space
Lan Su is modeled after the Ming Dynasty gardens of China, which were designed as spiritual utopias: places where individuals could escape the problems of everyday life and discover their true selves by connecting with nature. Like those ancient gardens, Lan Su is a peaceful and soothing place – a respite from city life that is designed to inspire, facilitate personal growth, and spark creativity.
A Window into Chinese Culture
Lan Su is a rare treasure that offers an extraordinary glimpse into Chinese culture. Visitors of all ages can explore the garden, its history and meanings through a wide variety of fun and enriching activities, including: guided and self-guided tours, mahjong, tai chi, calligraphy, musical performances, art shows, tea tastings, and an ongoing lecture series featuring everything from Chinese medicine and acupuncture to healthy cooking and eating.
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