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In the folklore of the top five world’s fairs are Paris, Tokyo, New York, Spokane. It doesn't even make sense or fit, but Spokane did that. For six months, millions flocked from every corner of the globe to experience what is regarded as one of the most significant world’s fairs in history. This 7-episode series merges personal stories, historical insights, and immersive soundscapes to explore the Fair's lasting impact. It delves into topics such as urban renewal, environmental awakening, th ...
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Stayed tuned for Episode 6, coming next week! For 10,000 years, the Spokane River has been the lifeblood of the Spokane Tribe. In episode 6, we use Expo ‘74 as a lens to better understand the Tribe’s profound relationship with and commitment to the river, showcasing the unwavering resilience that has sustained their culture for generations. “If you…
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Expo ‘74 was a pioneering World’s Fair due in large part to its groundbreaking environmental theme, which channeled the rapidly growing eco-consciousness of the late 1960’s and early ‘70’s. But beyond bold messaging, how did this theme materialize in 1974? Where did the Fair's environmental commitments hit their mark, and in what areas did reality …
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1974 proved a watershed year for America - the Vietnam War was on its dying breath, the Watergate scandal rocked the nation's faith in government, the Civil Rights Movement raged on, and the Cold War persisted. Episode four zooms out from Spokane to examine how geopolitical dynamics, pivotal national events, and cultural shifts shaped this global F…
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The pursuit of progress can be both noble and complex. What was lost and who was forgotten to make way for Expo ’74 and Spokane’s urgent renewal? “Because the buildings no longer exist, it's harder to see the history of the people who helped Spokane grow and prosper in the early 20th century. It may not have been pretty, but it was an important par…
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How does a relatively small and unassuming city facing economic hardships, defy expectations and host a World’s Fair? Episode 2 chronicles the remarkable journey of King Cole and the small group of locals who persisted against all odds to make it happen. “At the time that was seen as crazy. Spokane was a very small city. It would've been the smalle…
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As we delve into the origin of and context surrounding the 1974 World’s Fair, or Expo ’74, Spokane’s storied past comes into view. We learn that the story of Spokane is inextricably intertwined with the story of the Spokane River. “Having the river, harnessing the river, losing the river in that process, having a city, losing the city through expan…
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