Dorothea Lensch

Dorothea Lensch

Dorothea Lensch served as the first Director of Recreation from 1937 to 1973. She revitalized the Parks Department by expanding existing programming and developing new programs that included the arts, dance, and other forms of play. During a time of economic, political, and social upheaval, as well substantial growth within Portland, Lensch led the community by promoting her belief that recreation was central to a strong and healthy community.

The Portland City Archives has extensive records relating to Dorothea Lensch and her work for the City of Portland.  Dorothea kept excellent personal records and her work as a city official was documented within the Parks Department. Many of the records documenting her time with the city came to the archives through the Portland Bureau of Parks and Recreation and Dorothea donated materials from her personal collection.

_{^{Lensch mountain climbing, 1950.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-013.142.}}

“The joy of living, the anticipation of each day is the vibrant essence
of recreation. It is this that brings participation in the social art, recreation.”

~Dorothea Lensch, My Philosophy of Recreation, 1954

_{^{Dorothea Lensch and other City officials lawn bowling, 1949.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2005-005.67.5.}}

_{^{A group of summer dance school students of Dorothea Lensch, 1948.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-013.124.}}

_{^{A group of summer dance school students of Dorothea Lensch, 1948.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-013.120.}}

_{^{Left: Lensch with Olympic swimming gold medalist Pokey Watson, 1969. City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-013.159.
Middle: My Philosophy of Recreation by Dorothea Lensch, 1954. City of Portland (OR) Archives, Recreational Magazine Editorial, 2001-013, 1954.
Right: Dorothea Lensch, 1970. City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-045.697.}}

_{^{Lensch dancing a in leotard, 1927.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-013.129.}}

“Dorothea Lensch is one of the few uncommon great leaders in the field of public recreation in the United States today. Her achievements in this field will be a legacy that the city will enjoy and benefit from in the years to come.”

~Frank Ivancie, 1972

_{^{Dorothea Lensch dancing, 1927.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-013.131.}}

_{^{Lensch’s retirement announcement, 1972.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, Lensch Retirement, A2001-013, 1972.}}

_{^{Lensch at the KXL studio, 1948.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-013.117.}}

_{^{Lensch speaking at Sapporo Women’s Hall dinner party, 1964.
City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2001-013.108.}}

Hattie Yamada

Return to Homepage

City of Portland Archives and Record Center

The Archives and Records Management Division operates the City of Portland Archives
and Records Center, making city administrative and historical records accessible to the public
and City employees for research and inspection in accordance with Oregon’s public records laws.

Research

Please contact us via email
or phone to schedule an appointment.

Location

1800 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 550
Portland, OR 97201

Contact Information

(503) 865-4100
PARC@portlandoregon.gov

---