The Real "Josefsohn House"

The first time I walked past it, I knew the massive building on the corner of 19th and Johnson in northwest Portland would be the perfect model for Miriam's home.  Blue Thread describes the house this way:

"This part of Johnson is quite lovely," Charity said as we crossed the front porch. "Your rhododendrons and rose bushes are gorgeous. And your house is so…spacious."

Spacious is the word, I thought. Not charming. Unlike the other homes in the neighborhood, ours is a box of a house, all...