Oregon Experience

The Second World War brought major changes — economic, social and demographic — to the state of Oregon. The war years also left profound impressions on the individuals who lived through them, whether in military service or on the home front. "Oregon at War" is a one-hour special that explores both the big picture and the personal stories of Oregon and Oregonians during World War II.

In 1852, beer came to the Northwest quenching the thirsts of loggers, miners, fisherman and farmers. Today Portland is the beer capital of the world. The story of the industry through compelling and amusing anecdotes of the Oregon beer community.

Governor Tom McCall signed The Beach Bill in 1967, forever granting the public recreational access to Oregon's beaches. But the landmark legislation almost died in committee. This is a story of vision and passion to preserve the beaches of Oregon for generations to come.

As a young West Point graduate, Charles Erskine Scott Wood fought in the tragic Nez Perce War of 1877. And he’s credited with recording Chief Joseph’s famous surrender speech. Artist, writer, civic leader and prominent Portland attorney CES Wood left a lasting legacy. Charles Erskine Scott Wood was a true Renaissance man whose life and career bridged the 19th & 20th Centuries. As a young West Point graduate, Lt. Wood traveled west, first to engage in Alaskan adventures, then to fight in the tragic Nez Perce War of 1877.

The people of Baker City knew him as a successful businessman and his home town’s most active booster. But few realized just how successful “Mr. Baker” had been. This is a story of ambition and achievement and one ordinary man’s relationship with the small town he loved. Leo was a successful Baker City businessman, whose 98-year lifetime spanned the 20th century. He was born there, near the Idaho border and far from most other places in Oregon. Leo Adler left an astonishing financial legacy to the people of his community. Initially endowed with his gift of $22 million, the Leo Adler Foundation annually administers generous tuition grants to hundreds of young people. His appreciation for his hometown will enhance education, social services and community-building for many, many decades to come.

On April 1, 1908 Lola G. Baldwin was sworn in “to perform police service” for Portland, Oregon and became the nation’s first policewoman. As Superintendent of the new Women’s Protective Division, Detective Baldwin crusaded for the moral and physical welfare of young, single working women. Her goal was to prevent them from being lured into lives of prostitution and crime by offering positive alternatives and by making the city safe. April 1, 2008 marked the 100th Anniversary of the hiring of Lola Baldwin as America’s first policewoman. To honor Detective Baldwin’s achievements, Portland Mayor Tom Potter proclaimed April 1, 2008 as Lola Greene Baldwin Centennial Day.

"The Art Makers" presents a story rich with wonderful paintings and colorful characters. These include: Harry Wentz, who encouraged countless students to paint traditional subjects with fresh, modernistic techniques; C.S. Price, who evolved his painting into uncharted expressionist and abstract territory; and Louis Bunce, whose bold mural for the Portland Airport opened a hornet's nest of public opinion.