In 1938, Dick & Sally Stratford bought their first home at 4042 S.E. Ankeny Street in Portland, just east of 39thstreet (see photos below). The purchase price of the 1,400 square foot home originally built in 1916 was about $2,500.
For sure, it was a “starter home” and needed some repairs and maintenance. Sally tells the story of how one Saturday during the summer, dad decided to paint the living room or the main area off the front door. By the time he got seriously working on the project, it was the afternoon and the weather was hot and humid. Dad was on a ladder painting the top wall by the ceiling, but the heat just became too uncomfortable. He took off his shirt and pants and was then painting in his underwear.
This was an opportunity that mother could not let pass. She snuck out the back door of the home, went around to the front door and … rang the doorbell. Dad about fell off the ladder thinking someone would see him in this state of undress. As mother told this story, she had this playful smile of her face and laughed at such a perfect prank. This is a clue into her unceasing sense of humor and her impish disregard for what some might consider “proper.”
Sally Stratford 