Conclusion.

This article discusses the support that J Harlen Bretz received from the local scientific community and general public in the 1920s and 1930s for his theories on the unique land features and geology of the Columbia Plateau. Despite ridicule and scorn from some in the geology profession, Bretz found strong support from scientists, teachers, media, and the general public. This support was evident in meetings and publications of the Northwest Scientific Association, as well as in articles in magazines and newspapers with nationwide distribution. The article highlights the collaborative environment in which high school teachers, college professors, and professional engineers worked together to unravel the story of the local geology and the Scablands. While Bretz likely could have made his discoveries without this group, their support encouraged him and helped him gain acceptance for his Ice Age Floods theory. [Extracted from the article]