For the Northwestern bibliophiles, did you know that Powell's started in Chicago? I did not. There is a small Powell's bookstore (the original) about 5 blocks east of the University of Chicago. Seeing the exact same font on the sign and the name is pretty strange if you aren't expecting to stumble upon it.
It was my favourite used bookstore in Chicago (the Seminary Co-op on the University campus beats it on all fronts except price). Great atmosphere and a suitably academic inventory.
IIRC, the son started the Chicago store and sent his dad to Portland to start the Portland store. The son is now in Portland.
Walt Powell (dad) was of Ukrainian origin. The name was changed at Ellis Island, or something like that. He was a salty old guy.