Dill, Clarence C. (Clarence Cleveland), 1884-1978

Clarence Dill came to Spokane in 1908. He taught at Lewis and Clark High School for two years then established a law practice. Dill became secretary to Washington governor Ernest Lister in 1913, and was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1914. He served as senator, 1922-1935. During that time he was instrumental in securing support for the construction of Grand Coulee Dam. An autobiographical book, Where Water Falls (1970), details his lobbying efforts for the dam. Dill’s other legislative and legal interests included public broadcasting, taxation, and American Indian affairs.

From the guide to the Clarence C. Dill Papers, 1913-1970, (Eastern Washington State Historical Society/Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Joel E. Ferris Research Library and Archives)