In Search of Small-Town America: Volume 3
In Search of Small-Town America: Volume 3
Oregon, Washington and Alaska
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Oregon, Washington and Alaska
• 211 Pages
• 250 Photographs
• 20,00 Words approx.
• 95.8 MB Pdf Download
The Northwest – and Into the 'Great Land'
In Search of Small Town America Volume 3 is a compelling part of the In Search of Small-Town America series, chronicling travel experiences across Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Like other volumes in the series, this book combines narrative travel writing with evocative photography to document life in small towns – places often skipped, by mainstream travel guides.
What the Series Is All About
This ambitious project – also known as the “50-50 Project” – follows the author’s year-long solo road trip through all 50 U.S. states, visiting countless small towns and recording observations, stories and images that highlight America’s local culture.
Why Volume 3 Is Special
Volume 3 stands out for its focus on the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, offering unique insights into communities shaped by dramatic landscapes and the exploitation of natural resources.
Behind the “50-50 Project”
The Journey Across All 50 States
The In Search of Small Town America series is rooted in an extended 350-day journey that spanned more than 32,000 miles and included visits to around fifteen hundred small towns, plus just a few larger cities, across the United States.
A Personal Travel Chronicle
Rather than a conventional travel guide, the series is written as a personal diary – a blend of candid observations, thoughtful reflection and a keen eye for detail.
Chapter 6 – Oregon
West Coast Culture and Scenic Views
Oregon’s section covers a mix of coastal and inland landscapes. The narrative touches on the changed nature of the state's logging towns – quiet daily routines interspersed with lively local scenes and unexpected encounters.
Chapter 7 – Washington
Roadside Life and Big Industry
The Washington chapter will be read in two halves, as it's interrupted with the flights to, and from Alaska. The frenzy of Sea-Tac Airport and landmarks like the Grand Coulee Dam appear alongside a charming weekend parade.
Chapter 8 – Alaska
Adventure, 'Safe' Highways and Life in the Wilderness
Alaska’s portion of the book takes readers into wild, remote landscapes where long roads meet towering mountains and the daily rhythm of life feels unique – distinct from the rest of the country. The 'Nenana Ice Classic' and the stories behind the Alyeska oil pipeline.
Narrative Style and Voice
Diary-Like Travel Writing
The author’s style is that of a travel journal – intimate, conversational and reflective. Readers experience the highs and lows of the road, as if they were travelling alongside the narrator.
Humour, Insight and Authentic Moments
With a mix of humour and thoughtful observation, the narrative brings small moments to life, offering insight into what makes each community distinct and memorable.
Photography that tells a Story
Visuals that Enhance the Journey
This volume includes 250 photographs, capturing scenes and people that enrich the written narrative, and immerse the reader in place and time.
Capturing Small-Town America
From rural Main Streets to roadside oddities and scenic landscapes, the pictures provide an essential visual dimension to the story.
Themes in Volume 3
Americana and Culture
Volume 3 explores themes of local identity, cultural shifts and the resilience of small towns, especially in regions shaped by rugged terrain and frontier history.
Hidden Stories and Everyday Life
The narrative celebrates everyday experiences and lesser-told stories, highlighting the value of ordinary moments in shaping a place’s character.
Why This Volume Matters
Preserving Vanishing Town Culture
As in other volumes, this book documents small towns caught at a moment in time – preserving stories and images that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
A Unique Western Perspective
Focusing on Oregon, Washington and Alaska gives the volume a distinct regional voice compared to other volumes in the series.
Who Will Enjoy Volume 3
Road Trip Enthusiasts
If you love travel stories that wander off the beaten path, sparking curiosity about local life, this volume is a perfect companion.
Lovers of Americana
Readers who appreciate culture, history, and nuanced observations about everyday life will find plenty to enjoy.
Photography Fans
With its rich photographic content, Volume 3 also appeals to anyone who loves visual storytelling.
How Volume 3 Fits Into the Series
Continuity With Other Volumes
Like all volumes in the series, Volume 3 continues the larger narrative of exploring America’s small towns, in personal and reflective ways.
Unique Regional Flavour
Its focus on the Pacific Northwest and Alaska provides a fresh perspective within the broader In Search of Small-Town America collection.
Practical Tips for Reading
Digital Format Benefits
Available as a Pdf download, Volume 3 is easy to read on tablets, computers or e-readers – whether you’re at home or on the road.
Use as Travel Inspiration
Many readers use the series as inspiration for their own travels, or to better understand the character of small towns across the U.S.A.
Final Thoughts
Why You Should Read This Volume
In Search of Small-Town America - Volume 3 blends narrative, photography and cultural insight, in a way that brings Oregon, Washington and Alaska to life – revealing stories you won’t find in typical travel guides.
The Spirit of Small Town America
This volume celebrates the spirit, resilience and distinctiveness of small communities across the Pacific Northwest – and far beyond northwards.
FAQs
1. What states are featured in Volume 3?
It explores Oregon, Washington and Alaska.
2. How many pages and photos are included?
The volume includes 211 pages and 250 photographs.
3. What format is this book available in?
It’s available as a Pdf digital download.
4. Is it part of a larger series?
Yes – In Search of Small-Town America spans 17 volumes, documenting all 50 states.
5. Who will enjoy this volume most?
Road trip lovers, fans of Americana and photography enthusiasts – all will appreciate it.
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Content
Chapter 6 - Oregon: The west coast, and a high preponderance of Chinese restaurants. Inside the beauty parlour, and a run-in with the staff at the bank. A white, clapboard church – made home, and kindergarten classrooms.
Chapter 7 - Washington: The American automotive service-industry at its very best. North on a ‘737’, and returning to the ‘Mainland'. Washed-out in Washington State, the incredible spectacle of the Grand Coulee Dam, and a charming weekend Street Parade, as a fitting finale.
Chapter 8 - Alaska: The wonders of online-booking, and a big, gas-guzzling SUV. A fair dose of 'Northern Exposure', the Nenana Ice Classic, and the Alyeska oil pipeline. The Mecca Bar, and Chilkoot Charlie's.
Collapsible content
Digital Downloads
‘In Search of Small-Town America’ is available as a series of digital files – downloaded in PDF format – to your desktop computer, tablet or mobile device. For each completed transaction, use the link to the top right of the confirmation, and the file will download direct from the site. You’ll also receive an order confirmation and a further download link via email.
*The Complete Library’ is a large ‘zip-file’ – so please allow more time for it to download. Follow its progress in your Downloads Folder – and double-click to expand it.
What Readers are Saying…
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Wayne Jackman
Read moreThe work is a unique and innovative mix of superb photographs, and an eloquent but quirky, daily diary – as the author voyages on a daunting solo trip through every State in America – in one year!
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Susan Toft
Read moreThis is unlike anything I've ever read before, with an intriguing combination of pictures and prose, interwoven in such a perceptive, and imaginative way. This is 'Click-Lit' – and I'm coining the phrase.
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Michael Hearn
Read moreI was captivated by this work, and the ambitious intention, but the methodical way in which the author has carried it out in such wonderful detail of words and images, is nothing short of astonishing.
His aim is to discover and document the small town ethos that was once all pervasive in this wonderful Country, but is now sadly, in slow but steady decline. It needed to be documented. And this is it! Add to this mix some fascinating facts, and often biting observations, and you have a gripping account of one man's quest to record the hidden and fading treasures that constitute 'Small-Town America'. The sole drawback is – America has only fifty States. I wanted more.
Wayne Jackman – Award-winning scriptwriter and author
This is 'Click-Lit' – and I'm coining the phrase.
I entered a truly special world when I opened this book. It felt that I travelled every mile, along with the author. The triumphant highs, the stoic lows – joy, tears and laughter. Absolutely beautiful photography, amusing but insightful words, and with a generous helping of social history thrown in. I have been educated and very thoroughly entertained.
Susan Toft – Retired Publican and consummate reader
The reader will be struck by how well the diary entries are linked with the photographs, with either leading the eye to the other. As with every honest diarist, from Pepys onward – his disappointments, his successes, the expletives, the arguments – and so we read on, to find out 'what happened next'. And not only are we treated to a rich and intelligent narrative, and a collection of thought-provoking pictures, we are also learning something about the Country, as the journey progresses.
Michael Hearn – Retired Librarian and book collector