Brief History

Timber mills, coal mines and a carnival.

In the late 1800s, Lake Whatcom emerged as both the key to the growth of Bellingham, Washington, and a thriving weekend playground. From steamboats plying the lake, transporting both goods and passengers, anglers seeking what was touted as the "finest trout fishing in the world," the lake became central in the daily lives of local residents. Rail and trolley lines constructed along the shoreline supported the timber and coal mining industries and a popular amusement park drew crowds of adventure seekers.

Join author H. Leon Greene as he explores the development of Lake Whatcom and how it shaped life in the region today.

Oregon's long tradition of volunteer search and rescue dates back to the territorial days, when Good Samaritans and mountain men came to aid those in need. On the coast, surfmen of the U.S. Life-Saving Service protected mariners traversing the "Graveyard of the Pacific." In the early twentieth century, outdoor clubs like the Mazamas, the Skyliners and the Obsidians served as informal search and rescue units, keeping Oregonians safe in the mountains, rivers and wilderness areas. After World War II, Oregon's volunteer teams began to professionalize and became some of the most effective units in the country. Join author Glenn Voelz as he recounts the history of Oregon search and rescue.

A small town no more.

Happy Valley’s transformation from an isolated, rural farming community to one of the most popular places to live in the Portland metro area didn’t happen all at once. With its fertile volcanic soil, it was once the ideal place to settle for many families coming to the Oregon Territory, including the Deardorffs and the Talberts. As the town slowly grew, residents like James Robnett, the first mayor and Ed Rebstock, known as “Mr. Happy Valley,” left their marks on the locals and the land. When the town’s population exploded in the 1990s, newcomers brought prosperity and growing pains as they sought a balance between green spaces and urban amenities.

Join author Mark W. Hurlburt as he traces the origins of Happy Valley.

Reachable only by ferry, Vashon Island is a breathtaking rural retreat from the bustling activity of nearby Seattle and Tacoma. The island's first inhabitants, the sx̌ʷəbab", took advantage of its evergreen forests and rich marine resources. In 1792, George Vancouver was the first Anglo to discover the island and named it after Captain James Vashon. By the late 1800s, the first white settlers had established farms and greenhouses that supplied nearby cities with berries, tomatoes and cucumbers. Ferries drove development in the later half of the century, introducing new industries and tourism to the area. While both influenced by and isolated from the mainland, the island developed its own unique character treasured by locals. Merging human and natural history, author Bruce Haulman presents the rich heritage of this thriving community.

Located in the shadow of Mount Rainier, South Hill was once a rural area known for timber and farming. From its beginnings as a Puyallup Tribe hunting ground to the post-World War II building boom, South Hill has undergone a striking transformation. Follow the trials of the pioneers who passed through on the Naches Trail and the settlers who grew hops for local brewers. Uncover the origins of Thun Field and its lesser-known predecessor, the S&S Airport. Relive the glory days of the Puyallup Raceways and celebrate the triumph of local Olympic gold medalist Megan Quann. Join author Carl Vest and the South Hill Historical Society as they explore the roots of South Hill.