Small Town America

Nearly 300 years of European exploration of the present day California coast fell short of finding the elusive Humboldt Bay. On May 13th, 1950, a settlement was founded on its shore. They called it “Eureka,” a Greek word meaning “I have found it!” Conflict, violence, ghosts, and a historically seedy underbelly, Eureka is now a lively seaport town brimming with interesting stories. Listen to the episode to learn more. Interview with Pro Tem Mayor, Kim Bergel. Songs include: Love Song - Sara Bareilles Love or Money - The Wackers Find us on itunes or wherever you find your podcasts. Just search "Small Town America."

The tiny town of Wallace, Idaho may only have less than 800 residents, but its history could fill an entire book. Settled as a regional center for the miners of northern Idaho, its quick population rise was closely followed by disasters and conflicts that all but defined the community. Though the town saw gradual departure of its residents throughout the 20th century, it continued to earn the national spotlight as it stood up to the powers at be, proving time and time again that size doesn't equate to strength and ingenuity. Listen to the episode to learn more about this storied community and what makes it such a significant link to the past of America. Interview with the awesome and self appointed Prime Minister of Wallace, Rick Shaffer. Available on Apple Podcast or wherever you find you podcasts, just search "Small Town America." Songs include: Intro: "My Man and My Mule" from Mr. Imperium - Composed by Harold Arlen, performed by Lana Turner, vocals by Trudy Erwin Outro: "Blue Moon Revisited" (featured in Dante's Peak) - Cowboy Junkies

Moab, Utah might seem like a typical western town - surrounded by desert and brimming with tales of classic cowboys like Butch Cassidy, it's easy to overlook the town's complexities. But, Moab has a vibrant and important history. Despite being nestled between two extraordinary national parks, this exceptional town has more than meets the eye. This week on Small Town America, Henry and Hannah get the chance to interview the recently elected mayor, Emily Niehaus, and also discuss the vibrant history of this amazing small town. Music includes: "Theme from Mission: Impossible" - Lalo Schifrin "The Raiders March" - John Williams Also available on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find your podcasts.

This week Hannah and Henry discuss the fascinating town of Telluride, Colorado. Featuring interviews with Mayor Sean Murphy, and Pepper Raper of the Telluride Historical Museum, learn about the human and geographic history, and the contemporary character of yet another incredible American small town. Music includes: Smuggler's Blues, Glenn Frey Dancing with the Mountains, John Denver

A continuation of the first interview with this Portland native of nearly a century. In this segment he goes into his friendship with Portland's beloved and notorious mayor, Bud Clark, as well as providing his unique and cherished perspective on many other things that have made this city special. ... Born in Portland in 1928 on April Fools Day, Donald Stark has witnessed not only the drastic changes within in city, but throughout the country. A Grant High School graduate, he attended the first Portland State University, located in what was once the city of Vanport, and later graduated from the University of Oregon. After earning his law degree he spent over 60 years serving as a prominent landuse lawyer in the City of Portland. His perspective shows that of someone with endless empathy and compassion, while also having a thoughtful objectivity to the events that have occurred throughout his life. There couldn't be enough time in an episode to cover all the important things this man has to say, but here is just the beginning.

Nestled in the valley below the majestic Teton Mountain Range, Jackson, Wyoming is arguably one of the most beautiful places in America. Access to skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, river surfing, and much more has made Jackson a destination for adventurers from around the world. But Jackson's contemporary fame doesn't overshadow the extensive native and pioneer history. On this episode of Small Town America we delve into all that has made Jackson what it is today and also get the chance to interview Jane Lavino of the National Museum and Wildlife Art.

In Taos, New Mexico it's not hard to recognize how history has been woven into its modern identity. From the enduring significance of the Taos Puebloan culture to the vibrant arts and environmental influences, Taos survives as a rarity in modern America. Listen to this week's episode to learn about the fascinating history and way of life in this amazing American town that has been the source of inspiration for so many.

Founded in 1711 after numerous failed colonization attempts by Europeans, Beaufort, South Carolina experienced slow growth due to numerous conflicts with native tribes and threats of Spanish invasion. Initially the economy was supported by ship building, but after it established a slave society, it served as an elite center for the Lowcoutry planters. Soon after the beginning of the Civil War, Beaufort was occupied by Union forces becoming a refuge for black men and women escaping slavery, including Robert Smalls. Beaufort is now a popular tourist destination due its historic roots and distinct character. Listen to this week's episode to learn more about the past, present, and future of this quintessential southern town. Disclaimer: Robert Smalls was not the first black man elected to Congress.

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish Conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country. The city of less than 14,500 people is now a popular tourist destination with a distinct and enduring history. In this episode we discuss its founding, it's role in the Civil War, how it impacted the Civil Rights Movements, and what it's doing now.

Developed along the Umatilla River, Pendleton, Oregon was incorporated on October 25, 1880. By 1900 the town had grown to be the fourth largest in Oregon and soon became known nationally for the Pendleton Woolen Mills and the Pendleton Roundup. To this day the residents take pride in their history and work hard to preserve their traditions. Listen to this week's episode to hear more about this vibrant American town including an interview with the Executive Director of the Pendleton Center for the Arts, Roberta Lavadour.

Butte, Montana, once called "The Richest Hill in the World" due to its mineral wealth, is also known for its rich and riveting history. Settled in 1864 as a mining camp, the town soon attracted investments from the wealthy east coast elite, and by the turn of the 20th century was the largest city between Chicago and San Francisco. Increased production led to failing safety standards and strenuous working conditions resulting in the tragic accident that caused the deadliest hard rock underground mine fire ever in America. Disclaimer: Henry accidentally pronounces Dumas "doo-mah" - we now know it's pronounced "dooh-mus."

This was one of the first episodes we recorded and it is by far one of the most important to us: Born in Portland in 1928 on April Fools Day, Donald Stark has witnessed not only the drastic changes within in city, but throughout the country. A Grant High School graduate, he attended the first Portland State University, located in what was once the city of Vanport, and later graduated from the University of Oregon. After earning his law degree he spent over 60 years serving as a prominent landuse lawyer in the City of Portland. His perspective shows that of someone with endless empathy and compassion, while also having a thoughtful objectivity to the events that have occurred throughout his life. There couldn't be enough time in an episode to cover all the important things this man has to say, but here is just the beginning.

Small Town America has been so thrilled to be able to produce shows that the listeners appreciate. Much of our being able to do so comes from the feedback we get. Whether it be suggestions on towns we should cover, things we've mispronounced or misrepresented, personal stories, or otherwise, we want to hear it all and use it to do our best to represent you and the towns you love. Here's a semi-bonus episode where we discuss the input we've received and cover things we may have forgotten. Disclaimer: Hannah accidentally refers to the "Radon Girls" instead of the "Radium Girls." To learn more about these women and their heartbreaking story visit the Radium Girls wikipedia page at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radium_Girls

Nestled in the Salish Sea between the state of Washington and the nation of Canada lays an archipelago known as the San Juan Islands. The 172 named islands and reefs have been a magnet for human habitation for millennia with history ranging from the invention of early fishing techniques, to becoming the site of a notoriously humorous "war." The San Juan Islands' stoic beauty is littered with these stories and more. Listen to this week's episode to learn about this wonderful piece of America.

Compton, California was incorporated in 1887 with fewer than 600 residents. The city of now over 97,500 has since experienced a devastating earthquake, racially charged police violence, riots, corruption, the formation of a music genre, and has been home to and the inspiration for numerous artists, athletes, and political figures. But there's much more to tell of the story of Compton. Listen to this week's episode to hear what makes this such an incredible American town.

Seemingly alone, the town of Burns sits on the vast lava plains of Oregon that date back millions of years. This ranch and logging town was undisturbed, other than by the harsh winters and sometimes sweltering summers, until they gained national recognition in 2016 for the Bundy brothers and their occupation at the nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. But aside from this unwelcome fame, Burns' history is unique and also true to the heart of what makes small towns across America remarkable.

Ashland, Oregon, known for its idyllic beauty and world renowned Shakespeare Festival, has been one of Oregon's most popular tourist destinations for almost a century. This eccentric town has attracted people from all walks of life including Hollywood actors and directors, authors, artists, and businessmen. It's hard to believe that all its fame depended on whether the Shakespeare Festival would feature boxing. Listen to the episode to learn more about this eccentric town tucked in the forests of southern Oregon.

Oregon's original capital and the last stop on the Oregon Trail, Oregon City has a long and compelling history. Established in 1829 by the Hudson's Bay Company, in 1844 it became the first U.S. city west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated. Aside from many of Oregon's historical figures with roots there, it is also home to the Oregon City Municipal Elevator which continues to operate as one of only four municipal elevators in the world and “Elevator Street” remains the only “vertical street” in North America. Listen to this episode to hear even more of this small town's fascinating history. Also, apologies, we accidentally say 1944 instead of 1844 in the intro.

Fort Astoria was founded as the first permanent US settlement this side of the Rocky Mountains in 1811 by the American Fur Company, which was owned by famous New York millionaire John Jacob Astor. However, the British took control from 1813-1818 and Fort Astoria was renamed Fort George. It came back into American hands during the “Oregon Country” period, when the Brits and US shared joint occupation of the Pacific Northwest until 1846, when President James K Polk managed to secure everything between the 49th parallel and California.

It seemed unlikely that the United States, which was squeezed between unfriendly Spanish colonies to the South and even more unfriendly British colonies to the north, would manage to cross the vast plains of the Midwest, the treacherous Rockies, and the high deserts of the Great Basin with enough settlers to establish a new State. And yet as early as 1812, just six years after the Lewis and Clark Expedition, it was becoming clear that American capitalists saw promise in "Oregon Country".

The John Day Fossil beds hold testament to 44 million years of plant and animal life and present visitors with some of the most stunning geological features in the country. Hillsides formed over millions of years appear painted with blood red and blue-green stripes, while rocky bluffs tower over sweeping ranchlands and meandering valleys.

When US explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived in October of 1805, the residents of the area spoke Sahaptian and Chinookian, and lived in wooden plank lodges roofed with bark. Clark referred to the area as the “Great Mart”, as it was teeming with traders hocking baskets, boxes, furs, seashells, and precious blue beads.

While the small town is home to just 16,000, its presence makes a considerable impression on new visitors. The largest bay in Oregon, the largest airport and the largest hospital on the Oregon coast are all squeezed into about 15 square miles. But it makes sense that Coos Bay would be home to the largest town on the Oregon coast, as this part of the Coastline has been home to human settlements for thousands of years.