Dixie Mattress Closes

If you have ever driven down SE Belmont in Portland you might have noticed the Dixie Mattress Company at 3326 SE Belmont across the street from the Zupan's grocery store. The reason you would have noticed it is that (a) it's called the Dixie Mattress Co and (b) it had big rebel flags on either end of the sign. It really stood out in this hippie neighborhood and I always wondered how they got away with this openly racist sign, and furthermore who would do business with them?

The second question seemed moot as the place always looked like it was closed and locked up. Turns out, the place was owned by two old sisters that did mattress repair and they literally did not care what people thought of their sign. They were from the South and proud of it.

Well, this point of controversy is now gone and all that remains, for the time being, is the sign on top of the store (pictured). The rebel flags were quickly painted over as the storefront is papered up for rehab. The Dixie Mattress Company is closed for business. While I am glad this raciest sign is gone, it is still weird to see this old part of Portland die.