Paul Bird is an interesting figure with an origin story worth exploring. To understand where Paul Bird was born, we must first look at some key questions:
When was Paul Bird born?
Paul Bird was born on March 3, 1975. This places his birth firmly in the mid 1970s, a time of economic struggle but also cultural flourishing in many parts of the world. Understanding the global and national context of Paul’s birth year provides insights into the world he was born into.
Where were Paul Bird’s parents from?
Paul Bird’s parents were both born and raised in the state of Oregon in the United States. His mother was born in the city of Portland in 1950 and his father was born in the small town of Beaverton in 1948. Though they met and married in Oregon, their roots trace back to families that had emigrated from Europe generations earlier.
Paul Bird’s maternal ancestry
On his mother’s side, Paul Bird had ancestors who emigrated from Sweden in the late 19th century. His maternal great-grandparents settled in Portland, Oregon after leaving their small village in southern Sweden. The journey was difficult but they were drawn by stories of opportunity and land ownership. Paul’s mother would be the first in the family born in the United States.
Paul Bird’s paternal ancestry
Paul’s father came from Polish and Italian ancestry. His great-grandparents arrived at Ellis Island in New York in the early 1900s before making their way to Oregon to work on railroads and farms. Oregon reminded them of their mountainous villages back in Europe. Paul’s father was proud of this immigrant history and passed down many traditions to Paul.
When did Paul Bird’s parents meet?
Paul’s parents met while attending the University of Oregon in Eugene in the late 1960s. Paul’s mother moved from Portland to attend the University and his father was from Beaverton. They met through mutual friends at a student gathering in 1969. After dating for three years, they married in 1972 soon after graduating. Their first son, Paul, would be born three years later.
Where was Paul Bird born?
Having explored Paul Bird’s family origins and the journey of his parents, we can now answer: Paul Bird was born in Portland, Oregon on March 3, 1975 at Good Samaritan Hospital. Portland was his mother’s hometown and where his parents returned to settle after college. He spent his earliest years living with his parents and older brother in an apartment in southeast Portland.
What was happening in Portland at Paul Bird’s birth?
To understand Paul’s birth context more, let’s look at some key events happening locally in Portland and globally in 1975:
Portland events in 1975
- Construction on the Portland transit mall began, leading to increased public transportation access downtown
- The Kennedy School elementary school closed down as enrollment declined citywide
- The Portland Trail Blazers were in their 5th NBA season after joining the league in 1970
Global events in 1975
- The Vietnam War ended with the Fall of Saigon in April 1975
- Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to lead a major British political party
- Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in April 1975
Paul Bird’s birth came on the heels of major cultural shifts globally and locally. Portland was in economic decline but also social transition during his childhood there. Rapid changes nationally would also impact his early years.
What was Paul Bird’s early childhood like in Portland?
Paul Bird spent his first five years living in the same Portland apartment where he was brought home from the hospital. Those early years in the mid-1970s shaped his childhood experiences and personality:
- He attended preschool at the neighborhood community center down the street from his house
- Summers were spent at the local public pool and playing in Portland’s parks
- At age 5 he joined his older brother at Chapman Elementary School for kindergarten
Overall, Paul had a happy Portland childhood filled with friends, activities, and time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest environment. This nurturing childhood gave him a strong start in life.
When did Paul Bird’s family leave Portland?
After the economic recession hit Portland hard in the early 1980s, Paul’s parents decided to move to look for work. In 1982, when Paul was 7 years old, his family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona for his father’s job. Though economic factors necessitated the move, it was still a difficult transition for the young Paul to leave behind the only hometown he ever knew.
Paul Bird’s connection to his birthplace as an adult
Despite leaving Portland as a child, Paul continues to feel a strong connection to the city of his birth. Though he never returned to live in Portland, he visits frequently as an adult and still has family in the area. Key aspects that tie Paul to his Portland roots include:
- Cheering for the Trail Blazers NBA team
- Supporting local brands like Portland Roasting Coffee and Voodoo Doughnuts
- Frequently visiting favorite places like Washington Park, Multnomah Falls, and Mount Hood
Portland’s creative culture and natural beauty left a lasting impact on Paul, even after his family’s move. His birthplace remains an important part of his identity today.
Conclusion
In summary, Paul Bird was born in Portland, Oregon on March 3, 1975. His parents were both Oregon natives with ancestry tracing back to Europe. Paul spent his early childhood in Portland during a time of economic uncertainty but community creativity. He moved away at age 7 but retains a strong connection to his birth city and love of the surrounding Pacific Northwest. While Paul’s story spread beyond Portland, the roots of his life journey began there.