A new hope
PART THREE -- 1951 - 1975
With nuclear bombs and missiles stationed here and Hanford nearby, Spokane and the Inland Northwest began the third quarter of the 20th century in the grip of the Cold War. Then the late 1950s brought an economic downturn, and Spokane's city center suffered, like downtowns elsewhere across America. People were fleeing to the suburbs, followed by new shopping centers. But Spokane rebuilt its core for Expo '74, and the jewel called Riverfront Park is its legacy, thus ending the quarter century on a very high note.

"A Century in Review" is a celebration of the 20th century in the region. This section looks at the area's history from 1951-1975. The first edition, published March 28, covered the first quarter of the 1900s. The second, published June 20, covered 1926-1950. The final keepsake section will be published in November. The sections are filled with stories and photographs that appeared in The Spokesman-Review and the Spokane Chronicle during each quarter century. We hope you enjoy the look back.