Small Town America

Nearly 300 years of European exploration of the present day California coast fell short of finding the elusive Humboldt Bay. On May 13th, 1950, a settlement was founded on its shore. They called it “Eureka,” a Greek word meaning “I have found it!”

Conflict, violence, ghosts, and a historically seedy underbelly, Eureka is now a lively seaport town brimming with interesting stories. Listen to the episode to learn more.

Interview with Pro Tem Mayor, Kim Bergel.

Songs include:

Love Song - Sara Bareilles

Love or Money - The Wackers

Find us on itunes or wherever you find your podcasts. Just search "Small Town America."

The tiny town of Wallace, Idaho may only have less than 800 residents, but its history could fill an entire book. Settled as a regional center for the miners of northern Idaho, its quick population rise was closely followed by disasters and conflicts that all but defined the community. Though the town saw gradual departure of its residents throughout the 20th century, it continued to earn the national spotlight as it stood up to the powers at be, proving time and time again that size doesn't equate to strength and ingenuity. Listen to the episode to learn more about this storied community and what makes it such a significant link to the past of America.

Interview with the awesome and self appointed Prime Minister of Wallace, Rick Shaffer.

Available on Apple Podcast or wherever you find you podcasts, just search "Small Town America."

Songs include:

Intro: "My Man and My Mule" from Mr. Imperium - Composed by Harold Arlen, performed by Lana Turner, vocals by Trudy Erwin

Outro: "Blue Moon Revisited" (featured in Dante's Peak) - Cowboy Junkies

Moab, Utah might seem like a typical western town - surrounded by desert and brimming with tales of classic cowboys like Butch Cassidy, it's easy to overlook the town's complexities. But, Moab has a vibrant and important history. Despite being nestled between two extraordinary national parks, this exceptional town has more than meets the eye.

This week on Small Town America, Henry and Hannah get the chance to interview the recently elected mayor, Emily Niehaus, and also discuss the vibrant history of this amazing small town.

Music includes:

"Theme from Mission: Impossible" - Lalo Schifrin

"The Raiders March" - John Williams

Also available on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find your podcasts.

This week Hannah and Henry discuss the fascinating town of Telluride, Colorado. Featuring interviews with Mayor Sean Murphy, and Pepper Raper of the Telluride Historical Museum, learn about the human and geographic history, and the contemporary character of yet another incredible American small town.

Music includes:

Smuggler's Blues, Glenn Frey

Dancing with the Mountains, John Denver

A continuation of the first interview with this Portland native of nearly a century. In this segment he goes into his friendship with Portland's beloved and notorious mayor, Bud Clark, as well as providing his unique and cherished perspective on many other things that have made this city special.

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Born in Portland in 1928 on April Fools Day, Donald Stark has witnessed not only the drastic changes within in city, but throughout the country. A Grant High School graduate, he attended the first Portland State University, located in what was once the city of Vanport, and later graduated from the University of Oregon. After earning his law degree he spent over 60 years serving as a prominent landuse lawyer in the City of Portland. His perspective shows that of someone with endless empathy and compassion, while also having a thoughtful objectivity to the events that have occurred throughout his life. There couldn't be enough time in an episode to cover all the important things this man has to say, but here is just the beginning.

Nestled in the valley below the majestic Teton Mountain Range, Jackson, Wyoming is arguably one of the most beautiful places in America. Access to skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, river surfing, and much more has made Jackson a destination for adventurers from around the world. But Jackson's contemporary fame doesn't overshadow the extensive native and pioneer history.

On this episode of Small Town America we delve into all that has made Jackson what it is today and also get the chance to interview Jane Lavino of the National Museum and Wildlife Art.

In Taos, New Mexico it's not hard to recognize how history has been woven into its modern identity. From the enduring significance of the Taos Puebloan culture to the vibrant arts and environmental influences, Taos survives as a rarity in modern America.

Listen to this week's episode to learn about the fascinating history and way of life in this amazing American town that has been the source of inspiration for so many.

Founded in 1711 after numerous failed colonization attempts by Europeans, Beaufort, South Carolina experienced slow growth due to numerous conflicts with native tribes and threats of Spanish invasion. Initially the economy was supported by ship building, but after it established a slave society, it served as an elite center for the Lowcoutry planters.

Soon after the beginning of the Civil War, Beaufort was occupied by Union forces becoming a refuge for black men and women escaping slavery, including Robert Smalls.

Beaufort is now a popular tourist destination due its historic roots and distinct character. Listen to this week's episode to learn more about the past, present, and future of this quintessential southern town.

Disclaimer: Robert Smalls was not the first black man elected to Congress.

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish Conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country. The city of less than 14,500 people is now a popular tourist destination with a distinct and enduring history. In this episode we discuss its founding, it's role in the Civil War, how it impacted the Civil Rights Movements, and what it's doing now.

Developed along the Umatilla River, Pendleton, Oregon was incorporated on October 25, 1880. By 1900 the town had grown to be the fourth largest in Oregon and soon became known nationally for the Pendleton Woolen Mills and the Pendleton Roundup. To this day the residents take pride in their history and work hard to preserve their traditions.

Listen to this week's episode to hear more about this vibrant American town including an interview with the Executive Director of the Pendleton Center for the Arts, Roberta Lavadour.