Mac McMann opened the Old Oregon Bookstore in 1959 in Portland, Oregon. The store had the good look of those great old stores. There was a big section of square paned windows in front. You could see through to the dark shelves inside.
Mac's wife, Phyllis, often joined him in the store.
Mac got into houses and bought fine book collections. He browsed other shops and Salvation Army book tables. Soon after Old Oregon opened, Mac found something incredible at a table. It looked like nothing and it was priced to match. Mac knew its real worth. He bought it for pennies and sold it for thousands. The Oregonian newspaper carried a story. It was big news.
In those days, book dealing was a knowledge-intensive profession. A book dealer survived and prospered on what he knew. McMann survived and prospered for decades.
Preston "Mac" McMann and Frank Scioscia were part of the lively book community in Portland after WWII, but the two of them were special friends. The men continued their book friendship after Frank moved to California. Their families intermingled for life.
The photos show a post card from Mac to Frank.
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