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Diablo Dam incline railway climbing Sourdough Mountain, 1930. Courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives, 2306.
Children waving to ferry, 1950. Courtesy Museum of History and Industry.
Loggers in the Northwest woods. Courtesy Washington State Digital Archives.

This Week Then

11/14/2024

Floodwaters

News Then, History Now

Ocean Bound

On November 15, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition finally reached the Pacific Ocean. Four days later, Captain William Clark visited the future site of Long Beach and carved his name into a small pine tree. The tree is long gone, but a bronze sculpture near this oceanside resort community now marks his historic visit.

Assailant Not Found

On November 19, 1856, Nisqually Chief Quiemuth was resting inside the Olympia home of Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens. Tired of war, Quiemuth had peacefully surrendered himself into custody soon after the capture of his half-brother, Chief Leschi, and was awaiting transfer to Fort Steilacoom. Shortly before dawn he was shot and stabbed by an unknown assailant, and the murder remains unsolved.

Wreck on the Sound

On November 18, 1906, the Mosquito Fleet steamer SS Dix-- enroute from Seattle to Port Blakely -- collided with the schooner SS Jeanie two miles north of Alki Point, killing 39 passengers and crew. It is the greatest maritime disaster ever recorded on Puget Sound.

Social Affair

President John F. Kennedy arrived in Seattle on November 16, 1961, to toast the University of Washington's centennial and the 25th anniversary of Senator Warren Magnuson's congressional career, while also taking time to send a stern Cold War message to the Soviet Union.

Beyond Compare

In 1931 the Fox Theater opened in Spokane and became the grandest theater in the city. In 2000 it was saved from the wrecking ball by the Spokane Symphony, and after an extensive remodel it reopened on November 17, 2007, as the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox.

Into the Air

In 1992 the Port of Seattle authorized planning for a new runway at Sea-Tac following an endorsement from the Puget Sound Air Transportation Committee. Local communities like Burien were not happy, and although a search for alternative sites was undertaken, Sea-Tac remained the preferred location. After 16 years of planning and controversy, the airport's third runway opened on November 20, 2008.

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Image of the Week

Chief Joseph and his nephew Red Thunder attend a UW football game after an invite from Professor Edmond Meany.

On November 20, 1903, Nez Perce Chief Joseph and his nephew Red Thunder attended a UW football game after an invite from Professor Edmond Meany.

 

Quote of the Week

"Are the days of winter sunshine just as sad for you, too? When it is misty, in the evenings, and I am out walking by myself, it seems to me that the rain is falling through my heart and causing it to crumble into ruins."

--Gustave Flaubert

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