Digest

The episode begins with an introduction to The Dollop, a podcast where Dave Anthony reads a story from American history to Garrett Reynolds, who has no knowledge of the topic. The episode then delves into the life of Harry Truman, born in West Virginia in 1896. Truman's family moved west to Washington state in 1907, where they worked in the logging industry. They settled in Napa Vine, Washington, and later moved to Naseca, where they built a farm. Harry became an outdoorsman and learned to make moonshine. In 1926, the Truman family moved to Spirit Lake, Washington, where Harry built a gas station and a grocery store. However, his wife, Helen, eventually left him due to the isolation. Harry continued to bootleg whiskey and poach animals in the area. The episode then focuses on the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. Harry Truman, who refused to evacuate, was killed in the eruption. The episode explores the media's portrayal of Truman as a folk hero and the tragedy of his death.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Dollop: Harry Truman and Mount St. Helens

This episode of The Dollop tells the story of Harry Truman, a logger and bootlegger who refused to evacuate Mount St. Helens before its eruption in 1980, becoming a tragic folk hero. The episode begins with an introduction to The Dollop, a podcast where Dave Anthony reads a story from American history to Garrett Reynolds, who has no knowledge of the topic.

00:00:17

Harry Truman's Early Life

The episode delves into the early life of Harry Truman, born in West Virginia in 1896. His parents were Newberry and Rosa Bell, and he had a strange middle name, \"R.\" Truman's family moved west to Washington state in 1907, where they worked in the logging industry.

00:05:13

Harry Truman's Life in Washington State

The Truman family settled in Napa Vine, Washington, and bought a donkey engine to help with their logging business. They later moved to Naseca, where they bought 160 acres and built a farm. Harry became an outdoorsman and learned to make moonshine.

00:07:11

Harry Truman's Journey to Spirit Lake

Harry Truman and his family moved to Spirit Lake, Washington, in 1926. They built a gas station and a grocery store, but Harry's wife, Helen, eventually left him due to the isolation. Harry continued to bootleg whiskey and poach animals in the area.

01:23:26

Harry Truman's Fate and the Eruption of Mount St. Helens

The episode discusses the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. Harry Truman, who refused to evacuate, was killed in the eruption. The episode explores the media's portrayal of Truman as a folk hero and the tragedy of his death.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Harry Truman's middle name and why was it so unusual?

  Harry Truman's middle name was \"R,\" which was unusual because no one knew what it stood for. It was likely added to distinguish him from another Harry Truman who lived in the area.

• What was Harry Truman's occupation before he moved to Spirit Lake?

  Harry Truman worked as a logger and a bootlegger. He also owned a gas station and a grocery store.

• Why did Harry Truman refuse to evacuate Mount St. Helens?

  Harry Truman believed that the volcano would not erupt or that he would be safe in his lodge's basement. He also felt a strong connection to the mountain and did not want to leave his home.

• How did the media portray Harry Truman in the lead-up to the eruption?

  The media portrayed Harry Truman as a folk hero, highlighting his stubbornness and refusal to evacuate. They often interviewed him and featured him in news stories, which contributed to his fame.

• What was the impact of the eruption of Mount St. Helens on Harry Truman's life and legacy?

  The eruption of Mount St. Helens killed Harry Truman and destroyed his lodge. He became a symbol of the tragedy and a reminder of the power of nature. His story continues to be told and remembered, even though he was a relatively unknown figure before the eruption.

Show Notes