This week we present a very special port memory, one from an elevator superintendent who worked at the port’s grain elevator for more than 33 years. Here, in his own words, is his port memory: Bob Archer moved west from Colorado during World War II. He went to Roosevelt High School in Portland by day, […]
The seemingly peaceful nature of rivers as they roll by is a mere disguise for their immense power. Often times, we fail to realize this until its force becomes too powerful to control. On June 1, 1948, the largest flood on the Columbia River since 1894 brought shipping to a standstill for a month. On […]
May 18, 1980: Mt. St. Helens erupts, ravaging the solitude of the Cascade Mountains—and the Columbia River’s shipping industry. The last active period of this young volcano (formed about 40,000 years ago) had been in the 19th century, lasting until 1857. For more than 100 years following this period, Mt. St. Helens’ symmetrical beauty earned […]
This week we are especially excited to bring you May’s Centennial Moment, “Terminal 1 – Birthplace of the Port,” presented by Rick McWhorter, seasoned general foreman for the port’s maintenance department, and recently retired Mick Kadow, who worked as a pipe fitter in the same department for over 30 years. These two offered informative entertainment […]