Gustavus Sohon was born in Tilsit, Germany on December 10, 1825. After emigrating to America, he enlisted as a private in the United States Army at the age of 26. He was ordered West for service on the Pacific Coast. A gifted linguist (he spoke English, French, and German), Sohon quickly learned the Salishan languages of the Flathead and Pend d’Oreille Indians. He also made drawings of the country and important landmarks while working on expeditions. At the request of Washington Governor Stevens, Sohon was transferred to his command. Stevens had been very impressed with Sohon’s work. On later expeditions Sohon worked as map maker … » More …
In June 1937 art students and instructors from Washington State College descended on Nespelem on the Colville Reservation.’ They painted portraits of Chief Kamiakin’s children and grandchildren, along with scenes of life among the Confederated Tribes. Images and captions from Indian Summers: Washington State College and the Nespelem Art Colony, 1937–41 by J.J. Creighton and published by Washington State University Press, 2000.
The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle hosted rock and roll royalty from the Beatle to Led Zeppelin and Nirvana. Students from Washington State University Everett pulled together photos and stories to share that incredible musical history.
In 1964, at the height of Beatlemania, few hotels would host the Fab 4. During their world tour, however, The Edgewater welcomed them. An ambulance was used to … » More …
The treacherous Arctic is the setting of a harrowing true story of shipwreck, disaster, and survival in the early twentieth century. Acclaimed adventure writer Buddy Levy, also a creative writing and English professor at Washington State University, talks with Washington State Magazine associate editor Adriana Janovich about his latest book, Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Voyage of the Karluk.
The second of three nonfiction historical narratives by master storyteller Levy about survival and exploration in the Arctic wilderness, this book tracks the voyage of the Karluk to the Bering Sea and its destruction in the ice, leaving crew, Inuit guides, and … » More …
The mission of the Fallen Cougars Project is to create a digital memorial to the 250 Washington State College World War II war dead. By researching and displaying short biographical portraits, the Fallen Cougars Project aims to reintroduce these largely forgotten WSC students into the 21st century Cougar Nation.
Through historical film footage and interviews, student researchers and project director Ray Sun, associate professor of history at Washington State University Pullman, explore the meaning of the project and what it means to them personally.
One made the coffee every morning. “That was just standard operating procedure,” she explains, noting one boss never called her by her name. It was always “Young Lady.”
Another, in her first job out of high school, babysat for astronauts after work. Still another, a mathematician, was asked to fill in for two weeks for a secretary who was on her honeymoon. When she … » More …
