The Enigma of NE Broadway: Shadows of Portland's Pioneer Past

As the sun sets over the Rose City and shadows grow longer on its streets, the spectral stories of Portland's yesteryears awaken. On NE Broadway, where history and modernity meld, an eyeglass shop known as Eyes on Broadway stands as a beacon. But few know that beneath its polished floors and elegant frames lies a mystery dating back to the city's pioneer days.

Portland, circa 1889. Image: Dreamstudio

In the late 1800s, NE Broadway was the meeting point of three enigmatic figures: Samuel, the town's historian; Lila, a reclusive woman with piercing eyes and pale skin who only emerged at night; and a tall, hirsute figure who locals whispered was the elusive Bigfoot, having taken a humanoid form to blend with the townsfolk. As October approached and Halloween neared, these three would gather in what is now Eyes on Broadway, discussing the city's fate.

But as decades passed, tales began to emerge. Samuel, it was said, had once been a ghost, haunting the very streets he later chronicled. Lila, with her aversion to daylight and her predilection for red wine, was rumored to be one of the ancient vampires, while the 'humanoid' was indeed Bigfoot, the guardian of Portland's woodlands.

A rare rendering of Bigfoot as captured by an artist in 1892. Image: Dreamstudio

As legend has it, before parting ways, the trio left behind a sealed chest containing a relic of great power. The key? A logic puzzle that has baffled many a brave soul:

Puzzle:

  1. Each of the three figures had a favorite haunt: the Willamette Riverbank, the old forest clearing, or the town's underground tunnels.

  2. Every year, on the eve of Halloween, one would leave a unique mark at their favorite haunt: a feather quill, a drop of blood, or a footprint.

  3. The hints: a. Samuel, the ghost historian, never visited the forest clearing. b. Lila, the vampire, never left a feather quill. c. The footprint was found at the Willamette Riverbank, but it wasn't Bigfoot's mark. d. Bigfoot, in his humanoid form, frequented the underground tunnels but never left a drop of blood.

Given the hints:

  • Where was each figure's favorite haunt?

  • Which mark did each figure leave?

Choices:

  1. Samuel - underground tunnels - feather quill; Lila - Willamette Riverbank - drop of blood; Bigfoot - forest clearing - footprint.

  2. Samuel - underground tunnels - footprint; Lila - forest clearing - drop of blood; Bigfoot - Willamette Riverbank - feather quill.

  3. Samuel - Willamette Riverbank - feather quill; Lila - underground tunnels - drop of blood; Bigfoot - forest clearing - footprint.

  4. Samuel - forest clearing - drop of blood; Lila - underground tunnels - feather quill; Bigfoot - Willamette Riverbank - footprint.

  5. Samuel - Willamette Riverbank - footprint; Lila - forest clearing - drop of blood; Bigfoot - underground tunnels - feather quill.

Unraveling the puzzle means unlocking a relic tied to Portland's very essence. But beware: for in the process, you might awaken the spirits of the city's past, beckoning from the mists of time. And as Halloween approaches, Eyes on Broadway isn't just a destination for vision but for those seeking a glimpse into Portland's mystical history.

Dare to solve the puzzle? If you’re stuck, or to check you final answer, click below for the reveal.

Dan Meyers