Northwest author Nate Schweber spoke in the P1FCU Performing Arts Center at LHS Nov. 14, as part of the regional “Everybody Reads” program.
About 60 students and 20 visitors filled the auditorium to hear Schweber talk about his book, This America of Ours, published on July 5, 2022. Before this event, Schweber also gave presentations at Whitman County Library, Neill Public Library, WSU Holland and Terrell Library, and Moscow Library.
The non-fiction book transports readers to a prevailing era in American history, during the decade of the 1950s. This era was when Bernard and Avis DeVoto waged an unrelenting battle against government overreach linked to McCarthyism. Through their ideas and unfaltering voices alone, the DeVotos stood as champions of public lands and historic freedom, inspiring a legacy of environmental conservation and profound voices of outrage.
Bernard DeVoto, a Harvard-educated writer deeply connected to Montana’s wilderness, used his platform in Harper’s Magazine to challenge the government’s plans to sell off public lands for profit. His writings, published during the height of McCarthyism, underscored the importance of preserving America’s natural beauty while warning against unchecked exploitation. Avis DeVoto, his equally formidable partner, balanced her roles as writer, editor, and advocate, demonstrating the critical role of collaboration in their shared mission.
Schweber’s written portrayal captures the DeVotos’ public victories and sacrifices. Drawing on archival research and personal letters, he reveals how their unwavering commitment came at a significant personal cost, making their story one of resilience as much as activism. Beyond its historical narrative, This America of Ours serves as a call to action, urging readers to honor the DeVotos’ legacy by becoming active stewards of the environment.
In his speech at LHS, Schweber highlighted the enduring relevance of the DeVoto family’s fight. The Everybody Reads program, aimed at fostering community engagement through shared literary experiences, emphasizes activism, history, and environmental responsibility. Schweber’s participation has allowed audiences to delve deeper into his research and insights, drawing connections between past and present.
Growing up in Missoula, Montana, the wilderness surrounding Schweber was the same environment the DeVotos worked tirelessly to protect. However, in his speech, he said that he discovered their story only after moving to Brooklyn, New York, where he currently resides. His narrative bridges his passion for conservation with a broader historical perspective, showcasing how individual efforts can ripple through generations.
The DeVotos’ courage during the McCarthy era resonates today as modern threats to public lands and ideological extremism persist. Schweber’s work not only celebrates their heroism but also challenges readers to consider their role in preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage. Suppose Bernard and Avis could court public opinion with typewriters. In that case, Schweber asks, “What might we achieve with the tools at our disposal today?”
Programs like “Everybody Reads” reinforce the importance of shared stories in inspiring collective action. Schweber’s This America of Ours is not just a history lesson but a rallying cry—an urgent reminder that the battle for America’s wilderness and democratic values continues.
