The smiling country: A history of the Methow Valley

by Sally Portman

Real seller with inventory on hand. Trade Paperback. Sun Mountain Resorts, 1993. Near Fine. Book is in excellent condition with previous owner's initials on cover and name/date at half title page. Binding is solid and square, covers have sharp corners, exterior shows no other blemishes, text/interior is clean and free of marking of any kind except as noted above.

Genres: History

319 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Kalista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by the local librarian, this book paints a wonderful picture of life in the mountains of northern Washington. Portman consistently demonstrates how much the locals love their corner of the world, despite how difficult it is to reside there.
The book is not written chronologically but rather in chapters of related events. Portman tells the history of the Methow Valley from the early Indians, fur trappers, miners, farmers and earliest businessmen. You get a sense of how much the residents care for their valley and strive to protect it. From the battle against a big ski resort to the troubled times during drought, the closeness of the community and their willingness to help their neighbors even to this day are something of a wonder in themselves. The wonderful descriptions will make you want to visit this unique wonderland just to see for yourself if its as beautiful as she says!