Polonia first started in Portland at the end of the 19th century. They met in a building called the "Bialy Orzel" (White Eagle) on the Willamette River. A white eagle on a red background is the symbol of Poland. On the first floor was a Polish restaurant, and on the second floor meetings of various Polish groups took place. This building still stands today and is currently a McMenamin's Brew Pub and Restaurant.
In 1892 eleven people meeting at the White Eagle decided to register with the Polish National Alliance (PNA) in Chicago. This was the first PNA group in Portland, "Patriotic Group Number 195". And so the first official organization of Polonia in Portland, Oregon was established.
