Name: Ep. 70: Late, Great Pacific Northwest Sports Broadcasters by Cascade of History
Duration: 1 h

On this summertime edition of CASCADE OF HISTORY, we present a 2003 panel discussion with a quartet of Pacific Northwest sports broadcasters who have all since passed away: Rod Belcher, Bob Blackburn, Lee Desilet and Ron Forsell. The panel was part of a series called "Talk of the Town" curated and moderated by Cascade of History producer/host Feliks Banel when he was deputy director of Seattle's Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). Support for the original program came from what's now Humanities Washington and 4Culture.

This episode of CASCADE OF HISTORY was originally broadcast at 8pm Pacific Time on Sunday, July 21, 2024 via SPACE 101.1 FM and streaming live via space101fm.org from studios at historic Magnuson Park – formerly Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Ep. 70: Late, Great Pacific Northwest Sports Broadcasters

Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Aaron Goings, whose most recent book, "Red Harbor: Radical Workers and Community Struggle in the Pacific Northwest" was published in September 2025 by University of Washington Press.

Aaron Goings is Professor of History at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington and author of several critically acclaimed books, including "The Port of Missing Men" and "The Red Coast."

For more information on "Red Harbor: Radical Workers and Community Struggle in the Pacific Northwest":
https://uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295754000/red-harbor/

Mr. Goings will give a presentation about "Red Harbor" at the Polson Museum in Hoquiam, WA on Saturday, November 8. 2025:
https://uwapress.uw.edu/events/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D189920853

He will also be appearing at Orca Books in Olympia, WA on Thursday, December 4. 2025.

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.

BONUS EPISODE: "Red Harbor: Radical Workers and Community Struggle in the Pac NW" Author Aaron Goings

On this CLAMMY and FISHY BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY, Feliks Banel (clam)digs into the audio archives to tell the twisted tale of the Ivar’s Billboard Hoax, aka "Underwatergate." Though, once you've listened, it may have you wondering if there was ever hoax at all, or if it was actually some kind of elaborate coverup.

In 2009, Seattle-based Ivar’s seafood restaurants released a series of videos documenting the search for and discovery of UNDERWATER BILLBOARDS in Puget Sound. As the story goes, they were placed in the 1950s by restaurateur and showman Ivar Haglund to reach burgeoning submarine traffic. The 2009 undersea search was all very exciting, and many were completely hooked. But then, Jim Dever, with KING 5's Evening Magazine at the time - and still a great friend of CASCADE OF HISTORY - had the exclusive exposé, produced in cooperation with Ivar’s, and featuring Ivar’s CEO Bob Donegan. As Dever's report made it seem, the whole thing was a brilliant stunt that fooled a lot of people - but it angered a few, too, who thought Ivar's had gone too far.

Fast forward to November 2015, and naïve history radio correspondent Feliks Banel set out to tell the backstory with help from Paul Dorpat. Dorpat is a beloved historian - and friend and biographer of Ivar - who had served as official historian of the vintage underwater billboard hunt. When the hoax had been revealed in 2009, Dorpat – longtime author of the weekly “Now & Then” history column - was criticized by many, and even temporarily suspended by The Seattle Times for his role in the stunt.

As you listen to Paul Dorpat's 2015 version of events, try to keep clam.

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.

CLAMMY & FISHY BONUS EPISODE: Paul Dorpat Doubles Down on Ivar's "Underwatergate" Billboard Hoax

Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Graeme Menzies, whose book "Trading Fate: How a Little Known Company Stopped British Columbia from Becoming an American State” was released earlier this year by Heritage House Publishing of Victoria, BC.

Mr. Menzies recounts the Nootka Crisis – a clash between the Spanish and the British on the northern coast of what’s now Vancouver Island - in the late 18th century.  But, he also focuses on the somewhat forgotten business venture of “Trading Fate’s” subtitle – the King George's Sound Company - which was deeply entwined with what happened at Nootka, and with what ultimately happened between diplomats sorting things out between Madrid and London.

For more information on "Trading Fate: How a Little Known Company Stopped British Columbia from Becoming an American State”:
https://heritagehouse.ca/products/trading-fate

Mr. Menzies will give a presentation about "Trading Fate" at Indigo Books on Robson Street in Vancouver, BC on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/store-locator/vancouver-indigo-robson.html

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.

BONUS EPISODE: "Trading Fate: How a Little-Known Company Stopped British Columbia from Becoming an American State" Author Graeme Menzies

Feliks Banel’s guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Charlie Robin, CEO of The Capitol Theatre Committee, non-profit operator of the historic Capitol Theatre in Yakima, Washington.

Charlie Robin joined CASCADE OF HISTORY to share the history of the 1920 Capitol Theatre, and to explain how the State of Washington's Historic Theatre Grant Program has helped support preservation of a facility and institution which is clearly treasured by the Yakima community.

The next Historic Theatre Grant Program application deadline is coming up on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Historic Theatre grants are a program of the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) and are administered by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply to the Historic Theatre Grant Program:
https://preservewa.org/programs/grants/historic-theater-grant-program/

For more information about The Capitol Theatre in Yakima:
https://capitoltheatre.org/

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.


BONUS EPISODE: History of the Capitol Theatre in Yakima, WA and the Historic Theatre Grant Program

Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Melissa Slager, who earlier this year published a historical novel called "Contests of Strength," which focuses on the Cascadia Tsunami of January 26, 1700 and its impact on the Makah people living near what's now Cape Flattery and Neah Bay. While researching and writing her book over a period of 14 years, Ms. Slager worked closely with members of the Makah Tribe, and learned the Makah language.

Melissa Slager will be discussing her research at the Everett Public Library in downtown Everett, WA on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at an event which is free and open to the public. In her presentation, Slager will describe the impact of the devastating 1700 tsunami, and how indigenous survival stories worldwide offer a template for surviving the next "Big One."

For more information about the event at Everett Public Library:
https://epls.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=7339&month=11&year=2025&day=8&calType=0

For more information about "Contests of Strength" and author Melissa Slager:
http://melissaslager.com/contests-of-strength

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.


BONUS EPISODE: Cascadia Tsunami Historical Novel "Contests of Strength" Author Melissa Slager

Feliks Banel’s guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Courtney Cooper Neese, owner with her husband of the historic Roslyn Theatre in Roslyn, Washington.

Courtney Cooper Neese joined CASCADE OF HISTORY and told the story of purchasing the Roslyn Theatre just four years ago, and how she's focused on being a "guardian of the culture" - and history - of a beloved community resource, from limiting changes to the look and feel of the interior, to learning how to make "gravy style" popcorn. Courtney Cooper Neese also broke some exciting news about the old Vogue Theatre in nearby Cle Elum, Washington.

The Roslyn Theatre has participated in the State of Washington's Historic Theatre Grant Program, and Courtney Cooper Neese explains how grants have helped restore, improve and preserve the structure and ensure its continued viability.

The next Historic Theatre Grant Program application deadline is coming up on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Historic Theatre grants are a program of the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) and are administered by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply to the Historic Theatre Grant Program:
https://preservewa.org/programs/grants/historic-theater-grant-program/

For more information about The Roslyn Theatre:
https://roslyntheatre.com/

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.

BONUS EPISODE: Historic Roslyn Theatre in Roslyn, WA - plus BREAKING NEWS about the Vogue Theatre in Cle Elum, WA

Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Mark Knutzen, president of the Burlington Historical Society in the Skagit County town of Burlington, Washington.

In a far-ranging conversation, Mr. Knutzen describes the history of Burlington and Skagit County, as well as his group's effort to preserve and share artifacts and stories from Burlington and surrouding areas. The all-voluntter group is working with the City of Burlington, and hopes to create a history center within the city's old 1916 Carnegie Library.

Until then, the Burlington Historical Society presents special programs at least twice a year, including a World War II homefront history event taking place on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 1pm to 4pm at the current Burlington Library at 820 East Washington Avenue. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature several speakers, including two who remember when the U.S. was plunged into World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor - and who were living in Skagit County at the time.

For more information about the WWII homefront history event at Burlington Library on Sat., Nov. 15, 2025 from 1-4pm via the Burlington, WA Historical Society's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cb1KMmiuA/

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.


BONUS EPISODE: Skagit County WWII Homefront History from Burlington, WA Historical Society

Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is George Abbott, whose book, "Unceded: Understanding British Columbia’s Colonial Past and Why It Matters Now" has just been published by UBC Press in Vancouver, British Columbia.

George Abbott has a long history as a public servant in British Columbia, including serving in the provincial cabinet as Indigenous Relations Minister, and he recently joined the British Columbia Treaty Commission. In his book "Unceded," Mr. Abbott provides a detailed and unvarnished history of British Columbia's oftentimes tragic record of treatment of Indigenous people, but he also provides hope for reconciliation - by documenting progress that has been made, as well as what might come next.

For more information on "Unceded: Understanding British Columbia’s Colonial Past and Why It Matters Now" from UBC Press:
https://www.ubcpress.ca/unceded

For more information on the British Columbia Treaty Commission:
https://bctreaty.ca/about-us/what-we-do/

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.


BONUS EPISODE: "Unceded: Understanding British Columbia’s Colonial Past and Why It Matters Now" Author George Abbott

Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Jason Miller, publisher and editor of The CONCRETE HERALD newspaper in Concrete, Washington.

Miller provides an update on a debate in Concrete about the future of the office building of the old Superior Cement Company, a historic structure on the west end of Concrete just north of State Route 20. A private business operator wants to buy the building and the real estate and restore the building for commercial use; some Concrete citizens want the city to retain ownership of the building and the real estate, which currently function somewhat like a public park. The issue was discussed at a city council meeting on Monday, November 10, 2025, and a public meeting will be held by the Concrete Chamber of Commerce at the Concrete Theatre on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6pm. In this episode, Miller reports on what happened at Monday's official meeting, and previews what may happen at Thursday's quasi-official meeting.

For more information about the November 13, 2025 meeting taking place at 6pm at the Concrete Theatre:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16hVqC6zcF/

For more information about the CONCRETE HERALD and Jason Miller:
https://concrete-herald.com/

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.


BONUS EPISODE: Concrete, WA Residents Debate Future of Superior Cement Bldg. at Public Meeting on Thurs, Nov. 13, 2025

On this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY, we present archival audio from a November 13, 2024 live remote radio broadcast from Alki on a dark and rainy morning in West Seattle. The broadcast marked the 173rd anniversary of the arrival of the Denny Party - the founders of the City of Seattle.

Feliks Banel's guest is Ken Workman, whose great-great-great-great grandfather is Chief Seattle of the Duwamish and Suquamish. 

FELIKS BANEL: “What does Seattle Founders’ Day mean to you, and is it right to observe or commemorate this day?”

KEN WORKMAN: “It’s sort of a sorrowful day, in that our world has changed. For thousands and thousands of years, we’ve lived alongside nature, and then these newcomers came at the invitation of my grandfather, Seattle. And so, as far as Founders’ Day in Seattle, this place is so new, it’s a wonderful thing, but it’s also kind of a sad thing."

For more information about the Duwamish Tribe:
https://www.duwamishtribe.org/

CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle.

Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.


BONUS EPISODE: Should We Celebrate Seattle Founders Day? LIVE from Alki on Nov. 13, 2024 with Chief Seattle Descendant Ken Workman

CASCADE OF HISTORY is the only LIVE radio show presenting news and stories about people doing cool things with and for history in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. We talk about people, artifacts, books, maps, photos, places, landmarks, public lands, state and national parks, trails, highways, and the historic events that can bring us all together.

The show is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time on SPACE 101.1 FM (and streaming via http://www.space101fm.org ) from studios located on the shores of Lake Washington in historic Magnuson Park in Seattle, former site of Sand Point Naval Air Station (though sometimes CASCADE OF HISTORY originates from remote locations around the region). The podcast feed consists of the weekly broadcast, plus frequent bonus episodes with timely and topical interviews, vintage local audio or other Pacific Northwest history-related content - and sometimes even BREAKING NEWS.

Producer and host Feliks Banel is an Emmy-winning and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning broadcaster, and former deputy director of Seattle's Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI).

Send your questions, comments, guest suggestions, news tips and other correspondence to cascadeofhistory@gmail.com.

Ep. 70: Late, Great Pacific Northwest Sports Broadcasters

Cascade of History

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