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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Slice

One of the guys who built the big dam

How many of the men who built Grand Coulee Dam are still alive and living in this area?

It can't be very many. It was constructed between 1933 and 1942.

One, Ed Kern, turns 100 this week.

According to a neighbor in Odessa, Keith Schafer, Mr. Kern is doing well.

Remember that PBS "American Experience" on the Grand Coulee Dam a few years ago? Mr. Kern was in that, talking about how hard the work was and that the men were still glad to have it. Remember, that was during the Depression.

Keith said there are plans for Mr. Kern's son to drive his father over to Grand Coulee this week for a visit.

He's a lot older now, of course. But maybe the big dam will recognize him anyway.



The Slice

The online home for Paul Turner's musings and interactions with disciples of The Slice.