Vanport was a 'temporary' city built for the sole purpose of housing WW II shipyard workers (3 shipyards in Portland, OR and 1 in Vancouver, WA). It was totally planned out before construction began, and was complete with schools, churches, community centers, shopping, parks, etc. At its peak it housed approx. 45,000 people. It remained a viable city until the 1948 flood devastated it, wiping out every thing and killing several people. IIRC, the guy in the white shirt and hat had been walking with his family along the top of a dike, escaping the rising waters, when he spotted the little boy in trouble, left his family in a safe location, and rescued the boy. Very famous picture. Thanks for posting @Witchhammer !
I should have added... Vanport occupied the area that now includes Portland International Raceway (drag strip and road course, as well as athletic fields and a golf course. A lot of people paid a terrible price for today's recreation.
The Jalopy Journal
