Oswald West, Oregon's rascally one-term governor, wrote historic legislation in 1913 that set aside Oregon's beaches as Oregon's first coast highway. By 1919, building began in earnest and moved the highway east of the beaches and punched it through four hundred miles of the most rugged and remote terrain on the continent. This breathtaking story concludes in 1936 with an array of five stunning bridges designed by Oregon's premier architect, Conde B. McCullough and resulted in creating one of the most spectacular coastal highways in the world.
Ribbon I takes the traveler, both the "armchair" and actual behind-the-wheel type, along historic US Highway 99 from the rugged mountains that separate Oregon and California, through the Sacramento Valley, and all the way to the steps of the state capital in Sacramento. The evolution of California highways and roadsides is examined in detail - auto courts, beautiful bridges, roadside attractions. Road guide and maps will lead you to exciting remnants of recent history.
The journey through the heart of California continues with Ribbon II in a fully revised and greatly expanded Second Edition. Motor through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, up over the Tehachapis along the Ridge Route, through sprawling greater Los Angeles, through citrus country, and across the desert to the Mexican border. Visit Roadside Attractions, enjoy an expansive crazy-quilt of crops, gaze up at water towers, explore historic highway remnants and competing neon arrows after dark. 30 all-new maps, a detailed road log and plenty of new material so even owners of the earlier edition will want this one.
The northern part of historic US99 is the focus of Ribbon III, through green and cool Oregon and Washington. An even bigger and better book! Cross Siskiyou Summit, the highest point on the highway, traverse the verdant Rogue and Williamette Valleys, cross the mighty Columbia, skirt foggy Puget Sound and end up under the Peace Arch at the Canadian border. Visit little towns and big cities, see neon signs, classic motels and vintage concrete.
The history of the Deschutes River Railroad War is discussed here... Deschutes River Railroad Wars
"A wonderful story of a boy becoming a man during turbulent times facing racial discrimination, abuse, poverty, yet overcoming obstacles through resiliency and hard work . . . Inspirational at the very least! Yet this story also merges history of the Pacific Northwest, the Civilian Conservation Corp program and the building of Deception Pass Bridge between Whidbey & Fidalgo Island. The book is extremely well written; a beautifully orchestrated work of emotion, humor, history, drama, and triumph! I recommend this book highly." - Doc Tim, Amazon