History for Chron

Oct. 12, 2023 Updated Fri., Oct. 13, 2023 at 3:33 p.m.

By Allyssa Dotson allyssad@spokesman.com (509) 459-5583

The construction of the Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River faced issues of winter approaching and high water levels. Workers’ two goals were to have the first stage of concrete in place on the north half of the river channel before the cold weather stopped all concrete work and to schedule a call for the construction of a cofferdam before high water came in the spring.

The construction of the dam was occurring 24 hours a day with 920 employees. Chief Joseph Builders, the prime contractor, was seeking an additional 120 workers to meet their goals on time. An average of 1,800 cubic yards of concrete was placed in a day.

George Van of Kansas was awarded $55,000 in a settlement with Missouri-Pacific Railroad. The motor rail-car hit a hog and derailed, causing Van to lose his left leg. Van told the court he was thrown under the wheels and was tossed from the track. He had asked for $125,000.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.