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Fire at Eden's Gate: Tom McCall and the Oregon Story
Book by Walth, Brent
580 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1994
8 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Brent Walth
8 books2 followersOregon native Brent Walth started his journalism career at Milwaukie High School. He followed the guidance of his advisor, Bill Flechtner, to attend the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. He graduated from the UO in 1984 with a bachelor of science in journalism and political science. He was able to combine his two majors, covering the Oregon Legislature for the Daily Journal of Commerce when he was 23-years-old.
He worked as staff writer for Willamette Week and as the state Capitol bureau reporter for The Register Guard. In 1995, The Oregonian hired him as Washington, D.C., correspondent. He later served as a senior investigative reporter on the newspaper’s projects team.
In 2001, Walth and Rick Attig ’83 were part of a team from The Oregonian to win the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their six-part investigative series, “Liberty’s Heavy Hand.” The series exposed grave injustice and abuses committed at the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. The public outcry brought by the piece led to profound changes in Immigration and Naturalization Service policy.
He is the author of highly acclaimed 1994 book, Fire at Eden’s Gate: Tom McCall and the Oregon Story, a biography of Oregon’s environmental governor. In 1995, President Bill Clinton applauded Walth’s book, calling it “a remarkable biography of the remarkable Oregon Governor Tom McCall.”
His work has been cited in books and appeared in the 2006-07 edition of the Best Newspaper Writing. He is a five-time winner of the Bruce Baer Award, Oregon’s top reporting prize; recipient of the Gerald Loeb Award, the nation’s highest prize for business and financial reporting; and a finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer for explanatory reporting. In addition, he has won more than two dozen regional awards.
He received the University of Oregon Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award in 2002 and founded the Civic and Watchdog Journalism Scholarship in 2008, which is awarded yearly to a student who plans to pursue investigative reporting.
As a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 2006, Walth held the Louis Stark Fellowship for the examination of labor and workplace issues. As a fellow, he studied the causes and consequences of the widening income and wealth gaps in the United States, and the ways in which the media cover issues of economic disparity.
In 2011, Walth returned to Willamette Week to become the newspaper’s managing editor for news.
He lives in Portland with his wife of 21 years, Shannon, and their 14-year-old son, Griffin.
He worked as staff writer for Willamette Week and as the state Capitol bureau reporter for The Register Guard. In 1995, The Oregonian hired him as Washington, D.C., correspondent. He later served as a senior investigative reporter on the newspaper’s projects team.
In 2001, Walth and Rick Attig ’83 were part of a team from The Oregonian to win the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their six-part investigative series, “Liberty’s Heavy Hand.” The series exposed grave injustice and abuses committed at the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. The public outcry brought by the piece led to profound changes in Immigration and Naturalization Service policy.
He is the author of highly acclaimed 1994 book, Fire at Eden’s Gate: Tom McCall and the Oregon Story, a biography of Oregon’s environmental governor. In 1995, President Bill Clinton applauded Walth’s book, calling it “a remarkable biography of the remarkable Oregon Governor Tom McCall.”
His work has been cited in books and appeared in the 2006-07 edition of the Best Newspaper Writing. He is a five-time winner of the Bruce Baer Award, Oregon’s top reporting prize; recipient of the Gerald Loeb Award, the nation’s highest prize for business and financial reporting; and a finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer for explanatory reporting. In addition, he has won more than two dozen regional awards.
He received the University of Oregon Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award in 2002 and founded the Civic and Watchdog Journalism Scholarship in 2008, which is awarded yearly to a student who plans to pursue investigative reporting.
As a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 2006, Walth held the Louis Stark Fellowship for the examination of labor and workplace issues. As a fellow, he studied the causes and consequences of the widening income and wealth gaps in the United States, and the ways in which the media cover issues of economic disparity.
In 2011, Walth returned to Willamette Week to become the newspaper’s managing editor for news.
He lives in Portland with his wife of 21 years, Shannon, and their 14-year-old son, Griffin.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 24, 2010
during his two term tenure as oregon's governor (republican, 1967-1975), tom mccall came to be one of the most well-known and beloved figures not only in state history, but also in american politics. written by pulitzer prize winning journalist brent walth, fire at eden's gate chronicles mccall's personal life and political career. much like its subject, this engaging biography is characterized by its abundance of both verve and aplomb.
born into wealth and privilege (the grandson of copper magnate thomas lawson and massachusetts governor samuel w mccall), the tale of tom mccall's ascendancy to elected official is a fascinating one. armed with a journalism degree from the university of oregon, mccall went on to do considerable work in radio and television (increasing his public profile all the while) before first running for office, and losing, in 1954. after a brief stint as secretary of state, mccall won the 1966 gubernatorial election. fiercely independent and widely respected, in mccall's eight years as governor he served to reshape the political landscape of oregon like no one else had in the state's history.
credited for developing and signing some of the nation's most progressive ideas into law, mccall remained a republican throughout his political career more as an homage to his grandfather than because of any deep ideological leanings (the republican party would eventually foment a deep loathing for what they perceived as his failing loyalties). frustrated by the two party system and its inability to enact any meaningful change, mccall regularly called for a "third force" in american politics. mccall's success as a politician was due, in no small part, to his unwavering and outspoken devotion to oregon, her constituents, and her future well-being.
mccall's legacy is an extraordinary one, and the changes he brought to the state came be to known nationally as "the oregon story." always with a quip or sound byte at the ready, none of his candid remarks attracted more attention than his infamous (and often mischaracterized) comment to "come visit us again and again... but for heaven's sake, don't come here to live." worried about the irreparable environmental degradation that inevitably follows rampant growth and development, mccall set in place some of the nation's most innovative and forward-thinking legislation.
under mccall, oregon became the first state to enact a "bottle bill," offering a deposit and refund system for reusable cans and bottles and effectively banning non-returnable beverage containers. the law had (and continues to have) the simultaneous effect of increasing recycling while decreasing litter. mccall spent much of his administration focused on environmental issues, including the cleanup of the notoriously polluted willamette river (detailed in a 1972 national geographic cover story). as governor, he also instituted the first statewide land use planning system (urban growth boundaries!) and strengthened a law protecting public ownership of all oregon beaches.
mccall was not without his critics (though many of them were often political opponents or chastised business executives), and his life was not without its share of personal setbacks and hardships. fire at eden's gate does not seek to canonize the late governor, but instead recreates a tumultuous era in state and national politics. the book portrays mccall as a dedicated public servant who cherished nothing more than his role as the state's elected trustee. rare is the politician that cares about anything more than the trajectory of their own political career, but tom mccall was, indeed, a rare and refined individual.
in an era when political discourse has come to be ruled as much by moneyed interests as it has by fallacious and vitriolic onslaughts, it is beyond refreshing (to say nothing of encouraging) to read about an elected official who was beyond the pettiness of partisan politics. tom mccall was a man of great character, possessed by an integrity and sense of justice alien to most elected officials. the mark left upon our state by his tireless work is an indelible one, and all oregonians present and future shall continue to enjoy the benefits therefrom.
fire at eden's gate is an exceptional work that recalls the labors of an exceptional leader. that the book seems so effortlessly well written only enriches the story's wide appeal. whether for crafting a portrait of an important political figure, or for distilling the unique essence of an american epoch, or simply because it is an altogether intriguing work of nonfiction, fire at eden's gate is an important, singular, and unforgettable work.
"heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. they are people who say: this is my community, and it's my responsibility to make it better." ~tom mccall
born into wealth and privilege (the grandson of copper magnate thomas lawson and massachusetts governor samuel w mccall), the tale of tom mccall's ascendancy to elected official is a fascinating one. armed with a journalism degree from the university of oregon, mccall went on to do considerable work in radio and television (increasing his public profile all the while) before first running for office, and losing, in 1954. after a brief stint as secretary of state, mccall won the 1966 gubernatorial election. fiercely independent and widely respected, in mccall's eight years as governor he served to reshape the political landscape of oregon like no one else had in the state's history.
credited for developing and signing some of the nation's most progressive ideas into law, mccall remained a republican throughout his political career more as an homage to his grandfather than because of any deep ideological leanings (the republican party would eventually foment a deep loathing for what they perceived as his failing loyalties). frustrated by the two party system and its inability to enact any meaningful change, mccall regularly called for a "third force" in american politics. mccall's success as a politician was due, in no small part, to his unwavering and outspoken devotion to oregon, her constituents, and her future well-being.
mccall's legacy is an extraordinary one, and the changes he brought to the state came be to known nationally as "the oregon story." always with a quip or sound byte at the ready, none of his candid remarks attracted more attention than his infamous (and often mischaracterized) comment to "come visit us again and again... but for heaven's sake, don't come here to live." worried about the irreparable environmental degradation that inevitably follows rampant growth and development, mccall set in place some of the nation's most innovative and forward-thinking legislation.
under mccall, oregon became the first state to enact a "bottle bill," offering a deposit and refund system for reusable cans and bottles and effectively banning non-returnable beverage containers. the law had (and continues to have) the simultaneous effect of increasing recycling while decreasing litter. mccall spent much of his administration focused on environmental issues, including the cleanup of the notoriously polluted willamette river (detailed in a 1972 national geographic cover story). as governor, he also instituted the first statewide land use planning system (urban growth boundaries!) and strengthened a law protecting public ownership of all oregon beaches.
mccall was not without his critics (though many of them were often political opponents or chastised business executives), and his life was not without its share of personal setbacks and hardships. fire at eden's gate does not seek to canonize the late governor, but instead recreates a tumultuous era in state and national politics. the book portrays mccall as a dedicated public servant who cherished nothing more than his role as the state's elected trustee. rare is the politician that cares about anything more than the trajectory of their own political career, but tom mccall was, indeed, a rare and refined individual.
in an era when political discourse has come to be ruled as much by moneyed interests as it has by fallacious and vitriolic onslaughts, it is beyond refreshing (to say nothing of encouraging) to read about an elected official who was beyond the pettiness of partisan politics. tom mccall was a man of great character, possessed by an integrity and sense of justice alien to most elected officials. the mark left upon our state by his tireless work is an indelible one, and all oregonians present and future shall continue to enjoy the benefits therefrom.
fire at eden's gate is an exceptional work that recalls the labors of an exceptional leader. that the book seems so effortlessly well written only enriches the story's wide appeal. whether for crafting a portrait of an important political figure, or for distilling the unique essence of an american epoch, or simply because it is an altogether intriguing work of nonfiction, fire at eden's gate is an important, singular, and unforgettable work.
"heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. they are people who say: this is my community, and it's my responsibility to make it better." ~tom mccall
June 11, 2013
Fascinating story, well researched, of Oregon's Governor Tom McCall, who put Oregon on the map as an innovator in public policy during his term (1967-1975).
Oregon probably isn't on many Americans' mental maps. It has a small population and a lot more trees than people. But in the 60s, it had pollution from paper mills, an influx of residents, and development pressure on its long coast line. During Tom McCall's term, Oregon established public ownership of the beaches, the nation's first bottle bill, water pollution measures, and established urban growth boundaries to limit sprawl. Tom McCall took a bold stand that he didn't want new businesses and jobs if those jobs would hurt Oregon's natural environment.
A highlight of the book is the story of Tom McCall's grandparents. One grandfather was an impulsive copper baron, risen from poverty to ridiculous wealth to poverty again. He was dedicated to fantasy of adventure - gambling and building castles with his fortune. The two castles he built were called Dreamwold and Westernwold. His other grandfather was a serious Massachusetts governor and scholar. Tom was a mix of these two extreme personalities: a hard drinking, gambling, socializing, scholar, politician and concerned journalist.
Another interesting book the story tells is about the time when Tom McCall was convinced to host the Vortex music festival, the only government sponsored Woodstock-like festival ever in order to avert a riot in downtown Portland.
I'm not sure how much non-Oregonians would care about this book, but I loved it and admire all the research and work that went into crafting a five star book.
Oregon probably isn't on many Americans' mental maps. It has a small population and a lot more trees than people. But in the 60s, it had pollution from paper mills, an influx of residents, and development pressure on its long coast line. During Tom McCall's term, Oregon established public ownership of the beaches, the nation's first bottle bill, water pollution measures, and established urban growth boundaries to limit sprawl. Tom McCall took a bold stand that he didn't want new businesses and jobs if those jobs would hurt Oregon's natural environment.
A highlight of the book is the story of Tom McCall's grandparents. One grandfather was an impulsive copper baron, risen from poverty to ridiculous wealth to poverty again. He was dedicated to fantasy of adventure - gambling and building castles with his fortune. The two castles he built were called Dreamwold and Westernwold. His other grandfather was a serious Massachusetts governor and scholar. Tom was a mix of these two extreme personalities: a hard drinking, gambling, socializing, scholar, politician and concerned journalist.
Another interesting book the story tells is about the time when Tom McCall was convinced to host the Vortex music festival, the only government sponsored Woodstock-like festival ever in order to avert a riot in downtown Portland.
I'm not sure how much non-Oregonians would care about this book, but I loved it and admire all the research and work that went into crafting a five star book.
April 1, 2014
I read this book because, as a relative new-comer to Oregon, I couldn't resist learning more about the governor who said of Oregon, "Come visit us again and again. This is a state of excitement. But, for heaven's sake, don't come here to live."
I was expecting a dry history but what I got was a wonderful story about a man and politician who was both heroic and flawed but who was above all else a lover of Oregon and its lands, rivers and beaches.
As Oregon pulls out of the recent recession and once again begins to grow, its citizens could benefit from studying McCall's legacy: public access to all beaches, a reborn Willamette River, bottle deposits and land-use planning.
In the end, what McCall was calling for was not no growth but planned growth that would respect the qualities that make life in Oregon so worth living. As he said near the end of his life, "…Oregon is demure and lovely, and it ought to play a little hard to get. [not be] a hungry hussy, throwing herself at every stinking smokestack that's offered."
I strongly recommend this book but, if after reading it, you find yourself drawn to visit just don't come here to live.
I was expecting a dry history but what I got was a wonderful story about a man and politician who was both heroic and flawed but who was above all else a lover of Oregon and its lands, rivers and beaches.
As Oregon pulls out of the recent recession and once again begins to grow, its citizens could benefit from studying McCall's legacy: public access to all beaches, a reborn Willamette River, bottle deposits and land-use planning.
In the end, what McCall was calling for was not no growth but planned growth that would respect the qualities that make life in Oregon so worth living. As he said near the end of his life, "…Oregon is demure and lovely, and it ought to play a little hard to get. [not be] a hungry hussy, throwing herself at every stinking smokestack that's offered."
I strongly recommend this book but, if after reading it, you find yourself drawn to visit just don't come here to live.
June 20, 2016
Masterful. I don't know that a person can understand the state of Oregon until he has read this biography.
November 4, 2023
Tom McCall is one of those names as an Oregonian that you should just know. But in this book he definitely is a person first. And as many names, a fairly flawed person. I probably don't end up moving to Oregon without a Tom McCall. This is a fairly long and somewhat slow book. And Tom is not a particularly successful person by the standards of today. For me it has been the Urban Growth Limit and the People's Coast. But for the book it was the bottle bill. And cleaning up the Willamette (the first time). And early conservation including the invention of odd/even rationing as relates to gasoline. Throughout this book, the ideas weren't always McCall's, but he was the one championing them. Worth reading. Worth knowing.
December 28, 2017
Oregon could have been less than what it is: its beaches developed and paved, its cities even more chopped up by freeways, its waters more polluted, its natural areas open to the highest bidder. That instead it's a minor miracle of open beaches, public parks, and clean water is largely due to a maverick Republican governor. "Fire at Eden's Gate" tells Tom McCall's story from birth to death, and in doing so, paints a vivid picture of Oregon in the mid-20th century. Fun for students of politics, and essential for anyone who has a stake in what Oregon has yet to become.
February 9, 2017
I only made it half way through this one. It's kind of a dry read much of the time, plus the subject never seems to become the likable guy you're expecting. It occurred to me at one point that the author may not like his subject, and from that point on the book made a little more sense. This book's saving grace was the laying open of mid-century Oregon politics which was revelatory, if a little disheartening.
November 13, 2018
For lovers of Oregon, this book reveals that Tom McCall’s two terms changed the course of the state and set us on a path of controlled growth and environmentalism that we still follow today. As a political story, it shows how McCall was an independent, courageous, and honest politician, responsible for many policy innovations that turned out well.
June 30, 2023
Excellent book. Supremely well written. Some of Walth’s passages are sublime. McCall is a fascinating, extraordinary person, certainly worthy of such a treatment. Walth has written a brilliant biography and told the story of a vital chapter in Oregon’s hisstory. The issues have evolved, but we need a McCall today.
March 7, 2022
A must read book to understand a key piece of Oregon’s history - especially if you’re interested in conservation.
September 21, 2024
I had heard a lot about Tom McCall, but now I know so much after reading this biography.
August 16, 2021
I was fascinated by McCall after touring The Oregon Historical Society. He was attached to many groundbreaking projects (beach rights, bottle bill, land use, income tax reform). And somehow, he was a Republican. This adept biography fills in the blanks and tells the story of McCall and his development of progressive Oregon. This is no hero's tale, however -- McCall emerges as a thoughtful and ambitious man, but deeply flawed and often floundering. The success that he did enjoy came from his determination and timing. This book provides strong insight into McCall and state issues, which aren't so different than today, 50 years later. But it gets deep in the weeds at points. I don’t know how interesting much of it would be to non-Oregonians.
July 8, 2014
Fascinating story, well researched, of Oregon's Governor Tom McCall, who put Oregon on the map as an innovator in public policy during his term (1967-1975).
Oregon probably isn't on many Americans' mental maps. It has a small population and a lot more trees than people. But in the 60s, it had pollution from paper mills, an influx of residents, and development pressure on its long coast line. During Tom McCall's term, Oregon established public ownership of the beaches, the nation's first bottle bill, water pollution measures, and established urban growth boundaries to limit sprawl. Tom McCall took a bold stand that he didn't want new businesses and jobs if those jobs would hurt Oregon's natural environment.
A highlight of the book is the story of Tom McCall's grandparents. One grandfather was an impulsive copper baron, risen from poverty to ridiculous wealth to poverty again. He was dedicated to fantasy of adventure - gambling and building castles with his fortune. The two castles he built were called Dreamwold and Westernwold. His other grandfather was a serious Massachusetts governor and scholar. Tom was a mix of these two extreme personalities: a hard drinking, gambling, socializing, scholar, politician and concerned journalist.
Another interesting book the story tells is about the time when Tom McCall was convinced to host the Vortex music festival, the only government sponsored Woodstock-like festival ever in order to avert a riot in downtown Portland.
I'm not sure how much non-Oregonians would care about this book, but I loved it and admire all the research and work that went into crafting a five star book.
Oregon probably isn't on many Americans' mental maps. It has a small population and a lot more trees than people. But in the 60s, it had pollution from paper mills, an influx of residents, and development pressure on its long coast line. During Tom McCall's term, Oregon established public ownership of the beaches, the nation's first bottle bill, water pollution measures, and established urban growth boundaries to limit sprawl. Tom McCall took a bold stand that he didn't want new businesses and jobs if those jobs would hurt Oregon's natural environment.
A highlight of the book is the story of Tom McCall's grandparents. One grandfather was an impulsive copper baron, risen from poverty to ridiculous wealth to poverty again. He was dedicated to fantasy of adventure - gambling and building castles with his fortune. The two castles he built were called Dreamwold and Westernwold. His other grandfather was a serious Massachusetts governor and scholar. Tom was a mix of these two extreme personalities: a hard drinking, gambling, socializing, scholar, politician and concerned journalist.
Another interesting book the story tells is about the time when Tom McCall was convinced to host the Vortex music festival, the only government sponsored Woodstock-like festival ever in order to avert a riot in downtown Portland.
I'm not sure how much non-Oregonians would care about this book, but I loved it and admire all the research and work that went into crafting a five star book.
April 9, 2009
This is a fascinating book for wedgie Oregonians like myself who came of age during the Tom McCall era. I was amazed by how much I didn't know was happening in Oregon & the US during the early 1970's and how McCall and Oregon were in the vanguard of many environmental issues--public beach protection, the bottle bill, tough pollution standards for industry, land use laws to contain sprawl, etc. McCall was a maverick in the true sense of the word--an odd Republican who was in the wrong party, fighting and sometimes succumbing to the establishment and his own personal demons to protect the environment of Oregonians.
Brent Walth, (also a wedgie, U of O graduate and Oregonian newspaper journalist), has done extensive research into a variety of issues and history, both regional and national, and compiled them into a readable account of Tom McCall's life and times. Ultimately, it's a sad story--both for McCall and for Oregon as his progressive policies were blamed for Oregon's economic decline of the late 70s/early 80s--some were overturned, others never able to be adopted by other states. I look back on seeing McCall's body lying in state in the rotunda of the Oregon state capitol in 1983 as the end of an era.
Brent Walth, (also a wedgie, U of O graduate and Oregonian newspaper journalist), has done extensive research into a variety of issues and history, both regional and national, and compiled them into a readable account of Tom McCall's life and times. Ultimately, it's a sad story--both for McCall and for Oregon as his progressive policies were blamed for Oregon's economic decline of the late 70s/early 80s--some were overturned, others never able to be adopted by other states. I look back on seeing McCall's body lying in state in the rotunda of the Oregon state capitol in 1983 as the end of an era.
August 18, 2017
I picked this up because of a recommendation of a friend, and because the Oregonian listed it as one of the ten best non-fiction books about oregon. I wasn't disappointed. This doesn't quite reach the heights of the best biographies, where you are totally engrossed with another person's life, but it is an engaging and inspiring account of probably oregon's best govenor. This may be a bit of state pride talking, but i did like it.
November 11, 2019
Tom McCall was a unique and charismatic leader who shaped Oregon’s environmental and land use policy in the 1960’s and 70’s. He was an outstanding communicator with the courage to stand for what was best for Oregon- not just special interest groups.
This book was an engaging and fascinating portrait of Tom McCall. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Oregon history or environmental issues.
This book was an engaging and fascinating portrait of Tom McCall. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Oregon history or environmental issues.
March 17, 2013
Walth's history of Tom McCall is an excellent rendition of him as a political figure as well as his personal life was an interesting read. He is probably the lone elected official that I met at a Salem restaurant when he was Governor of Oregon. He was a colorful person whose ideology did not match that of most Republicans and reading about it 38 years later is fascinating.
June 7, 2008
This book is on my top 10 list. Now I know I am a geek about Oregon History even those who are not particularly interested in history (my wife) enjoyed it. I found it a little slow at first so push through the first couple of chapters and it will grab you.
June 25, 2013
How can Oregon find another politician like Tom McCall? This is a must-read for anyone who wishes an insight into a seriously flawed politician, wholly committed to the future of the state of Oregon.
January 9, 2008
A book to get fired up about Oregon. Great story, the writing is ok. Anyone who wants to learn about OR and its place in the 20th century should read this.
January 11, 2008
Read the prologue and you'll be hooked. It gave me goosebumps the first time I read it...
July 18, 2009
The great starting place to learn Oregon politics.
April 23, 2018
For those with a deep seeded love for the state of Oregon, the book will fill you with pride and move you to tears. The shortcomings of our 30th Governor only make him all the more endearing.
April 16, 2013
Excellent book - great view of whoTom McCall was and how he changed Oregon. A must read to understand our path to Oregon today.
December 6, 2013
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how Oregon today got this way. And it's a good read too.
Read
September 13, 2018The book is objective in all respects.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews