Singer and composer Carl Allen (photo left) will sing the songs of the Great Depression of the 1930s, while weaving in facts and anecdotes of the era, at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at the Hoquiam Timberland Library. Allen will also invite the audience to share their own stories of that time, or their parents’ or grandparents’ stories. This Humanities Washington public presentation for grade school ages and adults is free of charge and is sponsored by the Friends of the Hoquiam Timberland Library.

Stories and songs about the Great Depression abound and form part of our heritage here in the Northwest, says Allen. The Depression was a time that turned the lives of ordinary people upside down in a way not seen before. It shaped the nation’s psyche and indelibly marked the lives of everyone who lived through it.

Allen has performed live for many years at various venues as well as on radio and television. He provided the musical sound track for three Public Television documentaries: "The River," about life along the Columbia, "Rainier, the Mountain," for the 100th anniversary of Mt. Rainier National Park, and "Exceptional People: Emmett Watson," about the late Seattle newsman.

For more information, the public can call the Hoquiam Timberland Library at (360) 532-1710.