Irvington

Document Source:
Sam Lee, 1995

The Irvington Tennis Club was established in 1898 with a small clubhouse and two courts on property owned by C.H. Prescott in Northeast Portland in the block bordered by Tillamook and Hancock between 19th and 21st.

In 1905, the Irvington Improvement Association was formed, and it raised $10,000 to purchase the entire block between NE 21st and 22nd and Thompson and Brazee.

Six clay courts were constructed, and at the south end of the property a clubhouse was built and completed in 1905. In 1912, a two story addition to the clubhouse was built, to increase the Club's social functions.

The north end of the property was a small park that included a cement tennis court, handball court and sandpile. The Club contracted with the City of Portland to manage the park.

For several years, the Irvington Improvement Association leased the property to the Irvington Tennis Club. The title was transferred to the Irvington Club in 1909.

When the depression came in 1929, the Club almost foundered. To discharge its financial obligations, the Club sold the north end of the property in 1937.

For a number of years, starting in 1914, the Irvington Tennis Club was involved in an annual Irvington Children's parade. See picture.

World War II was another difficult period for the club. To eliminate the cost of daily care on the clay courts, the courts were paved in 1946.

To increase neighborhood participation and club membership, in 1957 the decision was made to convert one of the courts into a swimming pool and bath house.

To satisfy increasing interest to play tennis year round, in 1965 a new clubhouse was added and two courts were covered, and four years later two additional courts were covered.

In 1990, the Club initiated a major rebuilding program that included replacing the swimming pool and remodelling and repairing the old clubhouse.

Today, some 290 families enjoy year-round tennis, swimming and various social activities.