Portland Confidential: Sex, Crime, and Corruption in the Rose City

By Phil Stanford

Book Overview

From a Portland Tribune columnist comes Portland Confidential, the story of Big Jim Elkins, a conman and criminal who arrived in Portland in 1937 and helped unleash prostitution, bootlegging, gambling, and drug running.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1558687939
• ISBN13: 9781558687936
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Graphic Arts Center Pub Co
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.6" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Ahh Portland we hardly knew ya

My grandfather was a health inspector during this time and eventually quit because he refused to take bribes to look the other way regarding various establishments in Portland. This book is a quick and enjoyable read. The journalistic tone fits the subject matter and is, I think, a deliberate tone to suit the style. It is NOT a text book of the history of Portland. It is an entertaining look into the seedy past of a city not usually known for seediness. Though even today Portland has more strip clubs per capita than Vegas or LA, or any other city in the nation.

A Fantastic look into Portland's past

A very well written look into Portland's dicey past.Its informative for any newcomer to to learn about the cities past,and a must for any native to read.

my grandfather

my grandfather was Frank Tatum. He was murdered before I was born. It was a very good story. Now I have to find the obituary.

Portland Confidential

I just got this book last week, and I love it. Couldn't put it down. I live in Portland and love reading about its sordid history. Next, I'd love to see Phil write another book about Portland's older, seamier tales of slavery and forced prostitution that happened from the 1850's into the 1900's. Great job Phil! Please write more!