Something’s happening today, something that could make me feel ancient and monolithic. But that’s not going to happen! I’ve found the cure for feeling old and rooted by going to see something older and more rooted than myself. I’m talking about the Grand Coulee Dam.
Wasn’t I there when I was about three?
I have a vestigial memory of that, 9, though the mind can create such things even if they didn’t really happen. I see myself there with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Denny and Annie, one of those trips to Eastern Washington to see the great grandmas, great aunts and great uncles. Warnings about not getting too close to the edge.
Could be real. Could be something you saw on television.
Could be, Lily. But this time, I’ve seen it for sure:
The Grand Coulee Dam: relatively ancient. Started in 1933 and operating since 1942.
Wow, that’s huge!
As I drove down the steep incline and it came into view, all I could say was Oh-My-God. And talk about rooted in place! It took eight or nine years to build (whereas I took only 9 months), years that spanned the Depression and the start of World War II. The dam, on the Columbia River in Washington State, has produced hydroelectric power since 1942.
Whereas you produce books and blogs.
Speaking of the Arts, the Department of the Interior hired folk singer Woody Guthrie to write songs about the Columbia River, and the construction of federal dams. The songs were used in the soundtrack of a documentary produced by the Bonneville Power Administration, released in 1949. You can watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXgp8BExpUo
If you sift out the obvious propaganda there’s really quite a bit of history floating around in there. I found the clips of workers and families especially intriguing, and get a load of the ancient forces of Nature! It’s easy to forget the world that came before us, including geological history, and what the needs, struggles and dangers of a different time inspired people to do.
Thinking on dams and the military-industrial complex supported by hydroelectric power has changed considerably since this film was released in 1949. It’s hard for me, personally, to stomach the brief interval of cheer leading for nuclear arms research and development downstream at Hanford.
Consider this an opportunity to measure ourselves against the decisions and products of an earlier time. We think we know more about how the world should work now than they did then, but how will our efforts turn out, and how will future generations view us?
I’ve checked out a book from our local library to balance the documentary rah-rah-rah with a more scholarly view (c. 1994):
Ancient: The history of the land opens this book.
Great big thoughts to consider from today’s personal vantage point of turning 65. Since encountering Grand Coulee Dam this past Monday I feel relatively young and nimble, not ancient and monolithic! Pretty sure I’ve got the pep to blow out the candles on my cake:
Ancient? It’s all a matter of perspective. . .
Happy birthday!
Thank you, Margo!
Happy Birthday, M’dear! Another wonderful trip around the sun!
Thank you, Erin!
Happy Birthday lovely lady!!!!
Thank you, Penney!
Happy birthday!
Thank you, Lynn!
Happy Birthday, Susan! I would never have guessed that you have reached the magic age: eligible for Medicare!!
xoxo
And just in time- -much better insurance than I had through the State exchange (though I am glad that was available the years I had it). A magic age indeed!