The Grand Coulee Summer

The Boys in the Boat

This thread follows Joe Rantz’s dangerous work at Grand Coulee and the friendships formed among the dam workers.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Seeking Tuition Money Seeking Tuition Money from "The Boys in the Boat". A Summer Job Need After a difficult college year, Joe is short of money and worries that he may not be able to remain at Washington.

Seeking Tuition Money from "The Boys in the Boat". A Summer Job Need After a difficult college year, Joe is short of money and worries that he may not be able to remain at Washington.

A Summer Job Need After a difficult college year, Joe is short of money and worries that he may not be able to remain at Washington. He drives east to find work at the developing dam site. Choice Joe applies for the better-paid jackhammer job rather than ordinary labor. His strength and rowing experience qualify him for work suspended high on the canyon walls.

Life on the Cliff Face Life on the Cliff Face from "The Boys in the Boat". Work Above the Canyon Labor Joe operates a heavy jackhammer while hanging from ropes over the Columbia River.

Life on the Cliff Face from "The Boys in the Boat". Work Above the Canyon Labor Joe operates a heavy jackhammer while hanging from ropes over the Columbia River.

Work Above the Canyon Labor Joe operates a heavy jackhammer while hanging from ropes over the Columbia River. The heat, dust, noise, and falling-rock danger make each workday physically punishing. Purpose The exertion recalls the cleansing effect of hard rowing, but here Joe’s survival depends on nearby workers watching one another. Shared danger creates a form of cooperation he has not chosen merely for advantage.

Meeting Johnny White Meeting Johnny White from "The Boys in the Boat". A New Ally Encounter Joe discovers that Johnny White is also working at Grand Coulee.

Meeting Johnny White from "The Boys in the Boat". A New Ally Encounter Joe discovers that Johnny White is also working at Grand Coulee.

A New Ally Encounter Joe discovers that Johnny White is also working at Grand Coulee. White has taken demanding jobs to build muscle and earn money for college. Friendship Their similar economic pressures make conversation easy. Joe finds a companion who understands hard work without needing him to hide his circumstances.

Chuck Day Joins Them Chuck Day Joins Them from "The Boys in the Boat". Rivalry Put Aside Meeting Chuck Day arrives at the dam as well, bringing a fiercely competitive temperament and a taste for jokes and adventure.

Chuck Day Joins Them from "The Boys in the Boat". Rivalry Put Aside Meeting Chuck Day arrives at the dam as well, bringing a fiercely competitive temperament and a taste for jokes and adventure.

Rivalry Put Aside Meeting Chuck Day arrives at the dam as well, bringing a fiercely competitive temperament and a taste for jokes and adventure. He and Joe had previously been rivals in the crew program. Confederacy Joe, Johnny, and Chuck set aside their crew-house competition. Work and time together turn the rivals into friends before the next season begins.

Return With a Purpose Return With a Purpose from "The Boys in the Boat". Money and Memory Return Joe leaves the dam with enough earnings to attempt another year at college.

Return With a Purpose from "The Boys in the Boat". Money and Memory Return Joe leaves the dam with enough earnings to attempt another year at college.

Money and Memory Return Joe leaves the dam with enough earnings to attempt another year at college. The season of dangerous labor has strengthened his body and renewed his sense of possibility. Lasting Effect The friendships and mutual vigilance of the summer provide a lived example of cooperation. Joe will need that lesson when he next struggles to trust his boatmates.

June 1935

Summer 1935

September 1935