Summer 2022
Until this spring, I had not been to the Goldendale Observatory in many years. I remembered little about it except the metal dome that slid open for telescope viewing. The rest was forgettable. For astronomy enthusiasts, it’s always been an interesting place because it houses one of the world’s largest public telescopes. But ever since its hasty construction in the early 1970s, the observatory itself has been little more than a nondescript building surrounded by halfhearted landscaping. Astronomy presentations were held in a stuffy classroom with uncomfortable chairs.
Well, things have changed considerably. A multi-phase renovation that began in 2013 has transformed the observatory into a hip, modern structure with manicured grounds and a parking lot designed to block headlights from interrupting nighttime stargazing. It’s still home to one of the world’s largest public telescopes — also upgraded during the renovation — and its staff hosts some of the most informative and entertaining interpretive programs in astronomy you’ll find anywhere. You can take it all in free of charge; it’s a Washington State Park, so you’ll need a Discover Pass to park on-site. We explore the observatory and all it has to offer starting on page 50.
Another state park-themed story in this issue celebrates the centennial of the Oregon State Parks system (page 58). Local landscape photographer Peter Marbach spent two years visiting and photographing many of the more than 250 state parks for an exhibit that opened in May at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland. It runs for six months, and Marbach’s extensive body of photographs will also be part of the permanent digital library collection at OHS.
Writer Don Campbell takes an in-depth look at The Dalles Art Center and its increasing presence in the community (page 40). Since taking the helm in 2018, director Scott Stephenson has modernized the center by implementing new computer software, digitizing membership lists and curating innovative exhibits. But his work reaches beyond the walls of the center’s home in the historic Carnegie Library building by engaging the community in art projects and collaborations — the results of which can be seen around The Dalles, from a collaborative sculpture installed in front of the art center to a mural that celebrates iconic elements of the city.
You’ll find a lot of other interesting stories in these pages, too, including a piece on skincare products company Aster Raine (page 10), a story about Willow Wine Cellars and its founders’ unpretentious take on wine (page 28), and a visit to La Clínica, a mobile healthcare unit making rounds in the Gorge (page 64). We hope you enjoy this issue. Have a fun-filled summer!
— Janet Cook, Editor
