COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Portland is a community of 6,437 (2000 census) in East Central Indiana. Situated on the Salamonie River, the city was founded in 1836. The local governmental seat of Jay County, Portland's community assets include a newly expanded hospital, a nationally recognized arts center; a learning center, a public library with over 100,000 volumes, and a community center. Heavy industry, medical services, and education are the primary employers in the area. Famous natives include Elwood Haynes, the inventor of the clutch-driven automobile (1894) and a member of the Portland First Presbyterian Church, and Twyla Tharp, an Emmy and Tony Award-winning choreographer.