Great Northern owned, staffed, and maintained the South Portal office. The building was classic GN; I remember the slate roof, and about three steps from the walkway up to the doorway. Lever and rod operated switchpoints. Orders for Great Northern and Northern Pacific passenger trainmen at the counter and to Great Northern freight trainmen via hoops.

The Northern Pacific owned, staffed, and maintained the South entrance to the King Street Station.
All keys, padlocks, hand throws and muscle. Orders from the NP dispatcher by telephone. The cabin was large enough for the coal stove, coal supply, chair and telephone. Located between the northbound main and the curb of Fourth Avenue South.


There was a North Portal office, on a steel tower. Electrical conduits and/or concrete foundation may be found.