Offbeat Oregon History podcast

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Luther Cressman was Oregon’s real-life Indiana Jones (Part 1 of 2)

IN THE SUMMER of 1981 a little action-adventure movie titled Raiders of the Lost Ark came out, and fans have been speculating ever since on who the character of Indiana Jones might be based on. Oregon archaeology legend Luther Cressman's claim to the title is as strong as anyone's. (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/24-02.luther-cressman-oregons-indiana-jones-630.html)

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  Was legendary city of Quivira on Oregon Coast?

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  Skipper’s refusal to leave ship angered rescuers

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  “Camp Castaway” was an inconvenient miracle

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  Bridge-building scandal aroused Portlanders’ fury

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  State government was ‘decapitated’ by crash

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  Rancher saved pioneer aviator's life on a stormy night

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  Pioneer aviator survived 5 crash landings in 2 days

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  Story of murderer Danford Balch still cloaked in mystery

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  Massive passenger liner won race with fiery death

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  Helicopter crash was devastating blow to Oregon journalism

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  Governor’s kindness led to fatal consequences for town marshal (Part 2 of …

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  Governor’s kindness led to fatal consequences (Part 1 of 2)

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  Circuit Preacher Tales III: Longshoreman’s Funeral

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  Circuit Preacher Tales II: Shanghaiing up a flock

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  Circuit Preacher Stories 1: The Rev. Wells’ wild ride

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  Lonely Oregon boy grew up to be a comics legend (Part 2 of 2)