Is the divide between Western and Eastern Washington real or imaginary? Photos by Jon Martin and Dominic Black.
Behind The Cascade Curtain
The Cascade Curtain is a handy shorthand for the political and cultural gulf between the east and west of Washington state. But does it really exist?
In this four–part series Dominic Black finds out, exploring the similarities and differences between the wet side and the dry side. We'll hear from politicians, farmers, religious leaders and artists, and uncover the roots of our views of different parts of Washington state.
"Behind The Cascade Curtain" was funded by the KUOW Program Venture Fund. Contributors include Paul and Laurie Ahern and Puget Sound Energy.
What Is The Cascade Curtain?
Monday, August 15, 2011
The divisions in Washington state can appear as mighty and unarguable as the Cascade Mountains themselves. The reality is more complex than might first appear.
Waitsburg: When East Meets West
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
When east meets west in Waitsburg, Washington, the Cascade Curtain seems strikingly immediate. In a town where 10–year residents are still considered newcomers, we explore the tensions that arise as changes take root in a traditional community.
Past And Present Illustrates Washington's Divisions
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The town of Richland, Washington, highlights the complexity of the divisions in Washington state. It's a place that is weighted with symbols, history and contradictions that offer some intriguing perspectives on the state as a whole.
Other Side Of The Curtain
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What's it like being an outsider on either side of the Cascade Curtain? We'll hear what life is like for Keli Carender, a tea party activist living in Seattle, and George Fearing, a Democrat living in Eastern Washington.
Web Extra: Jeff Sanders
Monday, August 15, 2011
Jeff Sanders, professor of history at Washington State University, on how people settled in Washington state in the 19th century and how railroads influenced the nature of those settlements.
Web Extra: Knute Berger
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Knute Berger on the growth of cities in the east during the 19th century, and how they changed the political landscape of the state over time.
Web Extra: Lee Ann Powell
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Lee Ann Powell on how employment policies ensured that African–American employees working at Hanford could not live in Richland.
Web Extra: Keli Carender
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Keli Carender on living with politically like–minded people.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Professor Jeff Sanders, Lee Ann Powell, Knute Berger, Dave Bledsoe, George Fearing, Keli Carender, Regina Speer, Professor Dick Morrill, Markeeta Little Wolf, Mike Hubbard, Jeff Broom, Anna King, Bill Bishop, Jim German, Claire Johnston, Brett Moser, Jack Millar, Leroy Cunningham, Waitsburg Hardware and Mercantile, and The White Stallion Waitsburg.
Written, produced and presented by Dominic Black.
Edited by Jim Gates.
