Public spirited citizens joined the ranks. In 1918 active agitation began to see if something could be done to reclaim the rich Columbia Basin lands. All recognized the colossal magnitude of the task. Almost from the beginning of this century settlers dreamed of re-diverting the waters of the river through this ancient channel to water their thirsty farms and grazing lands. Hence, they appear over and over again in this narrative.Ī BRIEF CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF GRAND COULEE DAMĮarly explorers through the Grand Coulee area recognized the Coulee as a former great channel of the Columbia River. The little school house and post office were the pioneer's discussion centers, his polling place, his picnic grounds, his fun spots, with dances, box socials and entertainments. In the early days the ferries played an important role as did the school house and post office.
Interesting facets of these development up to the present time may be seen through the growth of the schools and churches, as well as the gradual improvement in the conditions under which the pioneers lived, and those which their descendants now enjoy. C., is this inscription: "What is Past is Prologue." As a Washington cabbie once translated it, "You ain't seen nothin' yet!" How true! For with the coming of the Dam, the future development of this area holds unlimited horizons. On the Archives Building in Washington, D. Through the lens of these past experiences, we perceive the new blessings ahead. The past events and experiences related in these pages record the life in each era of the development of this area, from the time of the Indians to the coming of the first white settlers who homesteaded the land, down to the building of the Grand Coulee Dam. History is written for the purpose of creating a better appreciation of the present. Then would logically follow the story of the towns around it. Since there would be no Community Development Program in this area if it were not for the Grand Coulee Dam, the construction of which caused new communities to come into being, it is natural that we give here a brief history of the building of the Dam. However, in a few cases some with a few years less than fifty years residence were contacted and their interesting memories included. In working on the historical phase of the Community Development Program, it was decided that only the oldest pioneer families would be contacted. To compile a complete history of the area surrounding the Grand Coulee Dam and extending out into the adjacent counties would require years of research and innumerable contacts, which is quite beyond the Committee at this time. The Grand Coulee is the steep-walled trench line valley formerly occupied by the Columbia River. We appreciate the privilege of using the Coulee Dam High School typewriters, and we are grateful to the Grand Coulee High School for the use of their typewriters and mimeograph.Ĭoulee means a bed of a stream. Robert Smick, head of the commercial department of the Coulee Dam High School whose classes cut the greater portion of the stencils used. We deeply appreciate the great assistance given us by Mr.
We appreciate the many hours contributed by the typing committee Marge McClain, Chairman Evelyn Schanzenback, Margaret Griffin, Eulalia Tollefsen, and Marge Denton. This history could never have been written without the cooperation of many people of this area who so willingly contributed factual, as well as personal information. Helen Rinker (1913-1986: wife of my 1st cousin 1x removed) Ruth Kelley, Co-editor (1915-1965: my 1st cousin 1x removed) GRAND COULEE DAM AREA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STUDY HISTORY REPORTĮarly History of the Grand Coulee Dam Area PART I - HISTORY OF THE GRAND COULEE DAM AREA - April, 1958
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