Discover Fascinating History Stories with Feliks Banel

Pacific Northwest History

pacific science center IMAX sale...
Feliks Banel

Pacific Science Center wants public input on plans for iconic courtyard, pools

The Pacific Science Center angered historic preservationists when they floated the idea of partially filling in the reflecting pools.
3 years ago
granddaughter shipwreck survivor...
Feliks Banel

Granddaughter of shipwreck survivor shares memories of 1875 disaster

A shipwreck survivor was floating in the Strait of Juan de Fuca for an incredible 80 hours before a Coast Guard cutter rescued him in 1875.
3 years ago
almond roca sign replaced...
Feliks Banel

Iconic Almond Roca neon sign in Tacoma to be replaced

The classic neon “Almond Roca” sign and clock, which has cast a warm glow over the candy factory in Tacoma, will be replaced.
3 years ago
aurora bridge origins name...
Feliks Banel

Uncovering the mysterious origins of the name ‘Aurora Bridge’

What do you call the big piece of transportation infrastructure which carries State Route 99 high over Fremont and the Lake Washington Ship Canal?
3 years ago
seattle spirit...
Feliks Banel

19th-century ‘Seattle Spirit’ still here, but in disguise

"Seattle Spirit" was first identified in the 1800s when the city was snubbed by Northern Pacific Railway and residents said they'd build their own railroad.
3 years ago
tacoma holy rosary church...
Feliks Banel

Battle for Holy Rosary Church’s survival stretches from Tacoma to the Vatican

Four years into a struggle to save a beloved Tacoma church, the community group organized to secure its preservation is taking their battle to the Vatican.
3 years ago
Seattle Alkis...
Feliks Banel

Seattle’s first organized baseball game was played in 1877

When and where, exactly, did Seattleites witness the city’s first organized baseball game?
3 years ago
prairie line...
Feliks Banel

‘Prairie Line’ walking tour revisits Tacoma’s 1873 win over Seattle in rail rivalry

Soon is the anniversary of a key event in Pacific Northwest history: when the Northern Pacific Railroad chose Tacoma over Seattle.
3 years ago
lake union picnic...
Feliks Banel

Seattle’s Lake Union was named at July 4 picnic in 1854

The old story goes that the names of Lake Union and Lake Washington were suggested during a speech given at a 4th of July picnic in Seattle in 1854
3 years ago
KIRO’s Vashon transmitter was guarded by soldiers during World War II. (Jim Hatfield)...
Feliks Banel

‘Momentous occasion’ on Vashon Island during World War II is reason to celebrate

It's been 75 years since KIRO Radio launched a new transmitter on Vashon Island during World War II and boosted its broadcasting power to 50,000 watts.
3 years ago
Memorial Stadium Seattle...
Feliks Banel

Memorial Stadium landmark nomination missing key history and context

Seattle Public Schools have officially submitted a landmark nomination to the Landmarks Preservation Board for Seattle High School Memorial Stadium
3 years ago
Hope...
Feliks Banel

When Bob Hope broadcast live from Fort Lewis

“Yes, sir, how do you do, ladies and gentlemen?” said Bob Hope, the well-known comedian during his live broadcast at Fort Lewis in 1942.
3 years ago
Apart from the Smith Tower and the Alaskan Way Viaduct, the Seattle skyline looks 
much different i...
Feliks Banel

Forgotten radio scripts discovered in Washington state archives

A collection of long-forgotten radio scripts created in 1952 to promote Washington State Ferries was recently discovered.
3 years ago
Fort Stevens...
Feliks Banel

Mysteries remain 75 years after Japanese attack on Columbia River

World War II came to the mouth of the Columbia River 75 years ago this week when a Japanese submarine fired on Oregon’s Fort Stevens.
3 years ago
photo mystery lake washington...
Feliks Banel

Solving the 1870s photo mystery of Lake Washington coal shipping

Local history can sometimes be a “local mystery.” And occasionally, one possible explanation for some aspect of local history gets turned on its head when new information appears.
3 years ago
Hindenburg...
Feliks Banel

Seattle man was a key figure in the airship era

This weekend will mark the 80th anniversary of the crash of the German airship Hindenburg in Lakehurst, New Jersey.
3 years ago
public service music...
Feliks Banel

The best WA public service music made for (and paid by) the masses

Here’s a sampling of some of the best public service music in Washington state that was made for, and paid for, by the people.
3 years ago
Monuments, Canada...
Feliks Banel

Historic line through the woods separates Washington from Canada

An organization called the International Boundary Commission, a joint effort of Canada and the United States with roots that go as far back as the 18th century, is responsible for marking the US/Canada boundary.
3 years ago
cabin Whidbey island...
Feliks Banel

Mystery cabin uncovered on Whidbey Island

A homeowner on Whidbey Island set out recently to clear cabins from her family property, but, she quickly set those plans aside.
3 years ago
sign welcome home veterans...
Feliks Banel

Giant forgotten sign said ‘WELCOME HOME’ to returning veterans

The Evergreen State’s greeting to the returning troops had a special element that other places lacked: a giant sign, now long forgotten.
3 years ago
The House of Tomorrow was built in 1940 near Puyallup and is in a floodplain; when it's demolished,...
Feliks Banel

House of Tomorrow demolition plan has a ‘yesterday’ feel

In Pierce County, the House of Tomorrow will soon become just a memory of yesterday with the demolition of the historic home because of a floodplain.
3 years ago
Northwest Regional Emmy...
L.B. Gilbert

KIRO Newsradio’s Feliks Banel wins Northwest Regional Emmy

A KIRO Newsradio staff member has brought home another big award, with Feliks Banel winning a Northwest Regional Emmy.
3 years ago
Northwest history...
Feliks Banel

Gold Mines, Old Forts and other Northwest history mapped by Oregon man

An Oregon service station owner loved old maps and Northwest history so much, he launched a family business that’s still going strong.
3 years ago
The volunteers who made the monument dedication possible, along with guests who attended the event ...
Feliks Banel

Monument in Cascade foothills honors long-missing aviators

It’s not quite the final chapter, but the story of two lost Navy aviators reached a significant milestone just in time for Memorial Day.
3 years ago