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A digital collection comprised of historical photographs and documents pertaining to the history of the Dworshak Dam, selected primarily from the collection of A. B. Curtis, former mayor of Orofino, Idaho.

The images and documents span the years 1952 to 1972, documenting both the legislative history that led to the dam's construction and the construction itself.

To explore the collection by date or location, or to find out more about the collection, use the tabs above.

Questions?

Contact Devin: dbecker@uidaho.edu
(208) 885-7040





















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Browse the selections below to follow the development of the Dworshak Dam
from proposal to construction.

Flood Control Hydro-Electric Power Recreation: Every Citizen, Every Business, Every Organization in Idaho Will Benefit from Bruce's eddy Dam on the Clearwater River <br/> Brochure providing information on how citizens, businesses, and organizations will benefit from the Bruce's Eddy Dam, with information on improved fishing, power expansion and its vitality to economic growth, upstream storage and project design. |1961-07-01 Don't Dam the Clearwater! <br/> Brochure against the damming of the Clearwater River, and against the approval of funding for building the Dworshak Dam in particular |1957 Dworshak Dam Informational Brochure (2) <br/> Brochure and map describing the impact of the Dworshak Dam, including information on Visitors' Outlook, How It Works, Fish Facilities, Logging Operations, and Maps of the Columbia River Basin and the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Brochure was available at the Visitors' Center for the Dworshak Dam. |1969 Dworshak Dam Project 34 (Early-day view)<br />Early-day view of the proposed site. Note the foot bridge & eddy.<br />1952-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 32 (Group)<br />Group who worked the hardest for the project. Note on back: 'A public hearing was held in Orofino on the project November 20, 1952. ...<br />1952-11-01 Dworshak Dam Project 26 (Aerial view of dam site)<br />Aerial view of dam site. Showing a little farm land - the Merry place just under the plane.<br />1955-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 27 (Foot bridge)<br />Aerial view of dam site. Also shown is foot bridge to the Merry place.<br />1955-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 28 (Merry place)<br />Aerial view of dam site. Also shown is the Merry place.<br />1955-01-01 Engineers Start Surveys of Snake River Dam sites<br />Army Engineers has started new surveys of eight hydroelectric dam sites in the middle Snake river basin<br />1953-08-26 Objections to Army Engineers<br />Individual negotiation subject to review by a board of three competent local citizens this procedure did not take place<br />1953-09-24 Curtis Says Bruce's Eddy Dam Would Not Endanger Elk Herds<br />Bert Curtis, Republican nominee for First Congressional District, project on the Clearwater River would not endanger elk herds<br />1953-10-07 Orofino CC Asks Support for Four Clearwater Projects<br />Delegates of the Orofino Chamber of Commerce attended a joint meeting of the roads and highways and waterways<br />1953-10-23 Construction of Power, Storage Dams on Clearwater River Asked by Nine Chambers of Commerce!<br />1953-10-29 Engineers Map Snake River Storage Plans<br />Main elements of Army Engineers storage proposals for Snake river will be presented to the public<br />1953-11-11 Are Wildlife Objections Overstated?<br />Department objections to dams proposed on the Clearwater River<br />1953-11-14 State Game Commission To Oppose Dams on Snake<br />Opposition to the construction of proposed dams on the Snake river<br />1953-11-15 County Leaders Back Proposals for Snake Dams<br />Commissioners have given their full endorsement of construction of two proposed dams on the Clearwater river<br />1953-11-16 Fisherman to Oppose Dam<br />The Oregon Fish Commission opposed construction at this time any dam in the middle of Snake River which would block salmon runs.<br />1953-11-18 Idaho Game Official Says He Will Not Oppose Dams<br />Idaho fish and game commission indicated that he will not oppose any program for construction of two proposed federal dams in the Clearwater river drainage<br />1953-11-18 Clearwater Valley Citizens Invited to Review Army Engineers Dealings Here<br />Clearwater Valley Citizens Invited to Review Army Engineers Dealings<br />1953-11-19 27 Speakers Express Approval of Plan for Two Clearwater Dams<br />27 A.F.L. Central Labor Council, approve Army Engineers proposals for 2 Dams on Clearwater River<br />1953-11-21 Wildlifers Are Concerned Over Dam Proposals<br />Argument that there should be no dam due to wildlife<br />1953-11-23 Jordan 'Approves in Principle'; Plans Outlined for Three Dams<br />Gov. Len Jordan approves in principle of plans outlined at Orofino for two dams on the Clearwater River and one on the Middle Snake.<br />1953-11-23 Opposition Against Dams on Clearwater River Gaining Support<br />The fight against the proposed storage dams on the Clearwater river<br />1953-11-24 Dam Seen As Aid to L-C Highway<br />What should come first either the Dam or a new highway<br />1953-12-23 2 Clearwater Dams 'Bucked'<br />Federal fish and wildlife service may recommend against construction of two proposed dams in the Clearwater river in Idaho<br />1954-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 24 (Dam site)<br />Good shot of dam site long before construction started. Looking west.<br />1954-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 67 (Aerial view before construction)<br />Aerial view of site before anything happened<br />1954-01-01 Idaho Wildlife Group Votes to Void Orofino Hearing<br />Wildlife group votes to void Orofino hearing<br />1954-01-03 Wildlife Men Left in Dark of Dam Plans<br />U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representatives did not know the nature of Penny Cliffs and Bruce's Eddy dam until they arrived<br />1954-01-11 Rod & Gun Club Opposes Dams; Good Game Winter Reported<br />Lewis County conservation officer were visitors Monday night at the meeting of the Craigmont Rod and Gun Club at the Community Hall<br />1954-01-13 3 Projects for Power Presented<br />Basin Inter-Agency discuss proposals at Boise session<br />1954-01-14 Idaho Wildlife Federation 'Like Spoiled Child'<br />John Corlett presents his views; Idaho Wildlife Federation now stands uncompromisingly opposed to dams and dredges<br />1954-01-15 Another Paper Clouds Clearwater Issue<br />Promoting construction of two dams on the Clearwater River by comparing them with a high Hells Canyon dam on the Snake River.<br />1954-01-19 Water resources report<br />Tandy answers a few questions of Curtis's about the Penny Cliffs project<br />1954-04-12 Resolution number 2<br />The North Idaho Chamber of Commerce unanimously passes a bill allowing for the construction of the Bruce's Eddy and Penny Cliffs Projects<br />1954-05-08 Letter from Len Jordan<br />Governor Len Jordan questions the Corps of Engineers on the costs of the Clearwater dams projects<br />1954-07-01 Letter to Bert Curtis<br />Dworshak sends Curtis a copy of a letter he received from the Assistant Chief of Engineers concerning the status of the Middle Snake Report<br />1954-07-16 Notes on history of Dent area<br />Notes written by Bert Curtis on the history of the Dent area.<br />1955-03-08 Measurements of the impact of Bruce's Eddy and Penny Cliffs<br />A collection of statistics on the effects of the Bruce's Eddy and Penny Cliffs projects on land use, and wildlife habitat. Also included is an outline of a speech given to support the projects.<br />1955-03-10 Telephone conversation between Bert Curtis and Len Jordan<br />In the transcribed telephone conversation, Curtis and Jordan discuss the implications of the Hells Canyon hearings for the Bruce's Eddy Project<br />1955-04-16 Diary--I.E.W.A. meeting<br />The diary reports on hydro-electric development in the Northwest. Curtis gave a speech at the meeting in support of the Bruce's Eddy Project<br />1955-04-18 Letter to Len Jordan<br />A Letter to Len Jordan from Bert Curtis, advocating the Clearwater dam projects.<br />1955-04-19 Public Works Appropriation Bill<br />A conversation between General Sturgis and Senator Dworshak<br />1955-04-25 Resolution of the county board of commissioners<br />The county commissioners resolve to urge congress to pass legislation allowing for the construction of the Bruce's Eddy Project<br />1955-05-09 Telephone conversation between Bert Curtis and Len Jordan<br />Jordan and Curtis Discuss the Bruce's Eddy legislation<br />1955-06-14 Telephone conversation between Bert Curtis and Henry Dworshak<br />Curtis and Dworshak discuss the possibility of passing the Bruce's Eddy legislation<br />1955-06-22 Orofino Chamber of Commerce water resources committee report<br />The committee discusses the Bruce's eddy project<br />1955-06-23 Message from Senator Dworshak<br />A message to Senator Dworshak urging for a partnership on the Bruces Eddy Bill.<br />1955-07-15 'Our Future Power Supply: Action Needed' Highlights of discussion (sic) by Paul b. McKee, President, Pacific Power & Light Company, at Members Forum, Portland Chamber of Commerce<br />1955-10-17 Response to the Bruces Eddy Bill<br />A response to the Bruces Eddy Bill to Bert Curtis<br />1956-01-11 Letter to Len Jordan<br />Bert Curtis lobbies for the speedy construction of Bruces Eddy and Penny Cliffs.<br />1956-02-20 Telephone conversation between Bert Curtis and Kinsey Robinson<br />Curtis and Robinson discuss whether or not Bruce's Eddy will be constructed as a federal project or a private/public partnership.<br />1956-03-08 Message to Nixon<br />A message from Bert Curtis to Vice President Nixon, demanding the introduction of the Bruces Eddy project.<br />1956-03-09 Reply to Curtis from the Office of the Vice President<br />A response to Bert Curtis's letter to the Vice President<br />1956-03-15 A copy of the Bruces Eddy project bill<br />A copy of the Bruces Eddy Project Bill, with handwritten revisions by Bert Curtis<br />1956-03-19 Notes on the Bruces Eddy Bill<br />Notes on the Bruces Eddy Bill, written by Bert Curtis [?]<br />1956-03-21 Robinson offers comments on the revised Bruces Eddy Bill<br />1956-06-05 Robinson expresses frustration at getting the Bruces Eddy Bill through Congress<br />1956-06-21 Dworshak Dam Project 53 (Senator Dworshak)<br />Early days of the attempt for authorization for dam. Mr. Curtis & Senator Dworshak are shown in Senate Hearing Room<br />1956-07-17 Bruce's Eddy 'Urgently Needed,' Chief of Engineers Declares<br />Commander of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Bruce's Eddy Dam is the most urgently needed project in the North West<br />1956-07-23 S. 145, Senate Bill 145, 85th Congress, First Session<br />S. 145, Senate Bill 145, 85th Congress, First Session<br />1957-01-07 Bruces Eddy information request<br />A letter to Bert Curtis requesting information on the Bruces Eddy Dam and Bert Curtis's response<br />1957-04-24 Letter to the Clearwater Dams Association<br />F.S. Smithers and Company inquires about the progress of the Bruces Eddy Project and Curtis' response, explaining the state of the Bruces Eddy Project<br />1957-05-15 A letter to Ole Gudda<br />Ole Gudda requests information from Bert Curtis regarding Bruces Eddy; Curtis explains the benefits of the Bruces Eddy Project (Curtis' response displayed; Gudda's letter will appear if photos is clicked)| | 1957-07-26 A Present-Status Look at Revision of the Columbia Basin 308 Report<br />Status report for Columbia River review<br />1957-09-22 Bruce's Eddy Dam Necessary Says Senator Dworshak<br />Senator Dworshak refused to authorize construction of two dams on Snake river and Bruce's Eddy dam<br />1958-02-05 Bruce's Eddy Project including The Bruce's Eddy Story by A.B. Curtis<br />The Bruce's Eddy story is a description of the Bruce's Eddy dam up to 1958 by A.B. Curtis. North Fork Clearwater River-Idaho, Power- Flood Control, Navigation- Recreation<br />1958-05-11 Bruce's Eddy notes<br />Notes on the use of various reservoirs<br />1958-05-24 Pfost Says Vote Doesn't Mean End of Road for High Dam Bill<br />Pfost Says Vote Doesn't Mean End of Road for High Dam Bill<br />1958-06-03 House Subcommittee Buries High Hells Canyon Dam Bill<br />Hells Canyon Dam legislation is subject of one of the nations great private-vs.-public power fights was buried.<br />1958-06-03 Curtis Praised For Efforts in Promoting Dworshak Dam<br />Friday for his part in promoting construction of Dworshak Dam at Ahsahka<br />1958-07-24 Bruce's Eddy Dam Project to 'Activate'<br />Proposed Bruce's Eddy Dam on the Clearwater River in Idaho becomes an active project<br />1958-10-18 Wildlife Federation Joining in Protest to Save Clearwater and Salmon for Anglers and Hunters<br />S.O.S. is going to be broadcast by Coeur d'Alene wildlife federation<br />1958-11-14 Resource Tour<br />A stop was made at the site of the proposed Dworshak Dam.<br />1959-01-01 Corps of Engineers Map showing power plants, dams, and rivers in the NW<br />Corps of Engineers Map showing power plants, dams, and rivers in the NW<br />1959-01-01 Brochure on How Bruce's Eddy Dam Benefits Idaho<br />Brochure on how Bruce's Eddy dam and reservoir helps 'Every citizen, every business, every organization' in Idaho. North Fork Clearwater River. List of organizations on the Clearwater Dam. Leaders of the Pacific Northwest in support of Bruce's Eddy flood control. Idaho's resources.<br />1959-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 31 (Directors)<br />Some of the directors of the Clearwater Dams Assn. Standing in front of marker on theatre building, Orofino, showing goal of $3,000 which was not reached. Note on back: ' Some of the directors of Clearwater Dams Association Left to right: Frank Gaffney, L.G. Beeson, , Mel Snook, Bob Oud, Dude Warren Gardner (city attorney), Choate, Chuck Musial.'<br />1959-01-01 Dworshak Dam<br />North Fork Clearwater river, Idaho. Under construction by Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers. Dworshak Dam.<br />1960-01-01 Outdoor recreation resources review commission: What it is and Does<br />Outdoor recreation resources review commission. List of Chairmen. Discussion of future outdoor recreation. Two majority and two minority members of the Senate. Congress directed commission to prepare a 'nationwide inventory of outdoor recreation'. List of Congress Officers. Dwight D. Eisenhower quote.<br />1960-03-15 Bruce's Eddy study<br />A study on the Bruce's Eddy Project<br />1960-09-21 Bruce's Eddy Could Be Started in 1962, Corps Official Says<br />Congress provides authorization and funds for the Bruce's Eddy.<br />1960-10-20 A letter to Paul H. Symbol<br />Bert Curtis discusses cottages surrounding the Dworshak reservior<br />1960-11-21 Information on Snake River Dams and Harbors<br />Brochure by the U.S. Army Engineer District Walla Walla, Washington Corps of Engineers. Lower Granite lock and Dam statistics. Information about the Damns and the Snake River, including Ice harbor lock and dam and the reservoirs that will be formed behind the four dams between the mouth of snake and Lewiston. Also includes information on the Initial hydroelectric power potentialities, safety rules, dam statistics, and a map of the dam sites on the Snake near Lewiston and Clarkston.<br />1961-01-01 Bruce's Eddy study<br />Information on the cost of the Bruce's Eddy Project<br />1961-02-01 Dworshak Dam Project 52 (Senator )<br />Senator Len B. Jordan, A.B. Curtis, & Hiram Fong in Washington, D.C. Note on image: 'To Bert Curtis Best Regards and Good Luck on Bruce's Eddy Len Jordan 9-19-62'<br />1962-01-01 Public Recreation Use Civil Works Projects<br />Cover of Public Recreation Use. Quote from President Kennedy. The Corps of engineers playing an important part in the national program. Public facilities available on project lands. 190,000 watercraft. 1415 picnic grounds. 3660 guest rental units. Cooperation with state and local governmental agencies. Summary of reported attendance on project lands. Map or recreation areas. List of summary sheet 1961. List of address of district engineer offices. Information on where to find additional information.<br />1962-05-01 A letter to James Beddow<br />Curtis inquires about the bridge over Benton Creek<br />1962-05-18 A letter to Henry Dworshak<br />Curtis informs Dworshak of federal plans to maintain control of the reservior shoreline<br />1962-05-18 A letter from Henry Dworshak<br />Dworshak informs Curtis that wildlife groups may be able to hold up the Bruces Eddy Project in the US House of Representatives. Attached is a transcript of remarks between Senator Henry Dworshak and Herbert G. West; at the Subcommittee on Appropriations<br />1962-05-22 A letter from Henry Dworshak<br />Dworshak advises Curtis that it might be wise to send a representative to Washington when the bill comes to a vote.<br />1962-06-15 Correspondence between Ray McNichols and Gracie Pfost<br />Pfost gives McNichols an account of the progress of the Bruces Eddy Project; A letter expressing encouragement at the progress of Bruces Eddy<br />1962-06-18 A letter from Gracie Pfost<br />Pfost expresses confidence that Bruces Eddy will be approved<br />1962-06-19 A letter to Gracie Pfost<br />Curtis expresses thanks for Pfosts work on pushing the Bruces Eddy Project<br />1962-06-25 A letter from Henry Dworshak<br />Dworshak explains that a congressional vote on Bruces Eddy wil likely not happen in the current session of congress<br />1962-06-27 A letter to Henry Dworshak<br />Curtis explains the economic situation in North Idaho, expresses shock that no Omnibus Bill has been introduced, and invites Senator Dworshak to a cabin retreat.<br />1962-07-17 Bruce's Eddy--local interest<br />Curtis speaks to the Inland Empire Section of the Society of American Foresters on the Bruce's Eddy project<br />1962-10-05 Stipulations Put Bruce's Eddy Dam in Poor Position<br />The House Rules Committee decided to send an omnibus water projects authorization bill to a House-Senate conference<br />1962-10-10 Sen. Church Says He'll Filibuster for Bruce's Eddy<br />Sen. Frank Church, threatened a one man filibuster if the Bruce's Eddy Dam project in northern Idaho is left out of the omnibus rivers and harbors.<br />1962-10-12 House Votes to Authorize Bruce's Eddy<br />House of Representatives approved an omnibus river development bill including authorization for Bruce's Eddy Dam<br />1962-10-13 Bruce's Eddy: The Future Now is Here<br />Plan for using 2.4 milling acre-feet of Snake River water is the assertion its quality is superior to Colorado River<br />1962-10-13 Congress Has Signed Death Warrant for North Fork Wildlife<br />Congress Has Signed Death Warrant for North Fork Wildlife<br />1962-10-13 An Eye Out ... around Orofino<br />The story of Bruce's Eddy dam<br />1962-10-18 Brochure Covering Federal Land Acquisition Policies and Procedures for the Bruces' Eddy Dam Reservoir North Fork Clearwater River, Idaho: Questions and Answers Concerning the Acquisition of Property by the United States Government <br/> Brochure prepared to serve as ""ready reference for landowners as to the basic policy of the Department of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, in the acquisition of privately owned property ... 1962-12-14 Dworshak Dam Project 1 (1963)<br />Aerial view of what the country at the dam site looked like before any construction. ...<br />1963-01-01 Recreation: Brochure on Recreation Civil Works projects (Army Corps of Engineers)<br />Information regarding the access, picnicking, camping, boat launching, hunting ...<br />1964-01-01 Federal Government Entering Land Grab Era, Curtis Says<br />Dworshak dam faces a dilemma farther north in the Coeur d'Alene mining district<br />1964-11-13 Western Pine Tree Farms<br />A handwritten note to Bert Curtis for his role in the Western Pine Tree Farms. Includes a Western Pine Tree Farms certificate.<br />1964-11-24 Dworshak Dam Informational Brochure (1) <br/> Brochure and map describing the impact of the Dworshak Dam, including information on Access Road Plans, Construction Facts, Fish Facilities, Logging Operations, Schematic Map, Operational Plan, and Project Statistics. |1965 Dworshak Dam Project 25 (Valley)<br />Aerial view of the valley before any work started. Looking right at the mouth of the N. Fk. of the Clearwater River and Ahsahka. Orofino in distance.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 35 (Construction)<br />During early construction stages a road was built up the south side of the river to the contractors shops location. Note on back: ' Land clearing has started at elevation 1605 on the distant hills. This will be the pool level.'<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 36 (Steel piling)<br />Steel piling about the mouth of the lower end of diversion tunnel. Also a start of site preparation.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 37 (Start Key way construction)<br />Good view of the start of key way construction. Note on back: ' The strings of lights across the river are so they could work around the clock, and also note the diversion tunnel and building of the batch plant to run concrete to the job.'<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 46 (Army Corps of Engineers)<br />Many times Army Corps of Engineers visited for short talks on the project. Here are Gen. Yates, A.B. Curtis, & Col. McElwee at the airport.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 48 (Lower North Fork of the Clearwater)<br />Lower North Fork of Clearwater River. Also shows Ahsahka, Idaho and Canoe Camp<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 50 (Three-cableway system)<br />Shows three-cableway system to place concrete in dam. Photo of artist's drawing. Note on back: 'Artist's painting of three-cableway system being used to place concrete in Dworshak Dam. ...<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 51 (Clearwater River)<br />Site on N. fk. of Clearwater River<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 55 (Gen. Hyzer)<br />Gen. Hyzer & Col. McElwee were in on Dworshak Project all the way in the beginning<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 68 (Access site)<br />Site before diversion tunnel was started. Clearing work for the dam location has been started. Also, Murphy Bros. have built the access road up to top of dam site on north shore.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 69 (Diversion tunnel)<br />Dam site and diversion tunnel has been started from both ends. Note on back: 'The tunnel met exactly in the middle of the ridge. You can see the coffer dam just being started on the lower end and Orofino is in the distance. Clearing has been done on both sides. Murphy Bros. has built the road.'<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 70 (Machine)<br />The machine being assembled that will drill a hole 40 ft in diameter for the diversion tunnel. The whole thing was pushed through the mountain!<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 116 (coffer dam)<br />Photograph showing the start of construction of the coffer dam.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 125 (diversion tunnel)<br />Photograph shows the diversion tunnel under construction. You will note on the right hand side the air line going in to operate the jack hammers. Also, the road to haul out the rock as it was drilled and blasted.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 2 (Possible bridge sites)<br />Possible bridge sites and relocated county road. ...<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 131 (Dworshak site)<br />Photograph at Dworshak site, a footbridge takes men across the river to the gravel operation.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 135 (diversion tunnel)<br />Photograph of inside of the diversion tunnel, which is 40' in diameter, concrete lined. Here we see the workmen putting up steel reinforcements, for concrete line.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 139 (diversion tunnel)<br />Photograph of the 'Finish Machine' in the diversion tunnel. It is round and pushes through the tunnel to do the polish and finish work. The tunnel is 40' in diameter.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 3 (Mr. Curtis' Suggestion)<br />Mr. Curtis' markings as a suggestion that did not work.<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 6 (Artist's idea)<br />Army photo showing artist's idea of construction<br />1965-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 8 (General Yates)<br />General Yates gave his ideas on the project. Note on back: ' There was some input on the project and they [Engineers] received it very well - mighty considerate. Mr. Curtis, left, introduced the General and the press is working.'<br />1965-01-01 Letter from a dam hater<br />A North Idahoan expresses unhappiness at the construction of the dam.<br />1965-01-17 Timber negotiations<br />Tysor and Bradbury negotiate the price the government is willing to pay to clear timber from the Dworshak Reservior site<br />1965-03-12 Things to do today<br />Curtis [?] writes a joke on a calendar<br />1965-06-02 Dworshak Dam Project 49 (June 2, 1965)<br />Aerial view of site before diversion tunnel & other work got underway. You can see the foot bridge & road upstream to location.<br />1965-06-02 Notes for a speech<br />Notes Curtis [?] wrote for a speech<br />1965-06-03 Ownership information<br />Statistics on the ownership of land surrounding the Bruce's Eddy Pool<br />1965-06-04 Speech given to the US Senate<br />Curtis delivers a speech to the Senate in support of the Bruce's Eddy Project<br />1965-07-01 Dworshak Dam Impact Viewed Tremendous<br />Frank D. McElwee urged northern Idaho leaders not to underestimate the impact of the Dworshak dam.<br />1965-07-17 Orofino Awaits the Big Boom<br />Clearwater County 100 years ago, producing a boom that spawned a flock of villages and present city of Lewiston.<br />1965-09-12 Dworshak Dam Project 23 (Ahsahke)<br />A nice view of Ahsahka & the forks of the river. Note on back: ' Note the work by Murphy Bros. of Spokane has just started in the construction of the access road up to dam site. See the clearing on the left. Ahsahka mill, lower, and Orofino in the distance, upstream on upper right. Canoe camp is marked by wax pencil. This is where Lewis and Clark stopped in 1805 and changed their horses for canoes to continue their trip to the mouth of the Columbia. This is now a part of the Nez perce Historical Park. Bet they never thought of a dam when they were there. (A. B. Curtis)'<br />1966-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 33 (Site)<br />Site with dam superimposed on the photo. Coffer dam not built yet when photo taken. Note on image: ' Dworshak Dam Phantom Features'<br />1966-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 40 (Ground-breaking ceremony with Col. McElwee)<br />Ground-breaking ceremony Col. McElwee at speakers podium. Also shown are Wm. DreVlow, Pete Hyzer, Len Jordan, & Mrs. Henry Dworshak.<br />1966-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 41 (Senator Jordan)<br />Senator Jordan makes the main speech at ground-breaking ceremony. Behind him are Mr. Gerry Schupe, general contractor for Dravo Corp. winner of the contract, and Jack Carter.<br />1966-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 45 (dynamite)<br />At the program a dynamite shot was made to signify that a start had been made. Note on image: ' This shot was made from the platform. See the dust and rock flying. Mrs. Dworshak touched the button.'<br />1966-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 47 (Briefing)<br />Many briefings were made on the status of the project<br />1966-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 151 (diversion tunnel)<br />Photograph of the lower end of the diversion tunnel.<br />1966-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 22 (Work underway)<br />Strip work underway. Note on back: 'Aerial view. Strip work underway and here you will see the new access road on the south side of the river built by Murphy Bros. of Spokane. This comes into the upper side of the dam, for construction. Riverside-Orofino far downstream, 1.5 miles.'<br />1966-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 163 (dicersion tunnel)<br />Photograph looking down at the river and diversion tunnel on August 11, 1966.<br />1966-08-11 Curtis Eyes Future<br />Bert Curtis, the man you helped get the Dworshak Dam into construction<br />1966-11-06 Dworshak Dam Project 175 (arial view)<br />Arial photograph of the area under construction. You can see the lower coffer dam, upper coffer dam and dry area between, as well as the diversion tunnel. Arial view from high elevation.<br />1967-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 178 (coffer dams)<br />photograph shows the two Coffer dams and the upstream side of diversion tunnel.<br />1967-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 179 (clearing operation)<br />Photograph showing the clearing operation.<br />1967-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 202 (coffer dam)<br />Photograph showing the construction site up and down stream from cofferdams in place and diversion of North Fork of Clearwater River flowing through a tunnel.<br />1967-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 18 (Boom Rock)<br />This place is called Boom Rock or better known as Little Canyon - on N. Fk. of Clearwater River. This will be location of Dent bridge. Note on back: ' Upstream from the dam we planned a bridge crossing of the pool and later you will see this bridge. Here the men are testing the bedrock and support to see if it is good enough to hand a high bridge to. The bridge will be 610 ft. above the river bottom. From this you will be able to see what the country looked like before the lake. Of course, this will never be seen in our lifetime unless somebody blasts the dam out! This place is called Boom Rock or better known as Little Canyon on the North Fork of Clearwater River. Location of Dent Bridge. (A.B. Curtis)'<br />1967-01-01 Dworshak Dam Preparation Work is Progressing Well<br />Dworshak Dam Preparation Work is Progressing Well<br />1967-07-24 Dworshak Dam Project 19 (Key way)<br />Key way. You can see it coming down the mtn. Also, the Coffer dam under construction. This finally became 110 ft. high. Note on image: 'Key Way under construction 8-3-67 D. Dam<br />1967-08-03 Dworshak Dam Project 50 (Concrete)<br />First bucket of concrete by Dravo Corp., the general contractors. Note on back: 'J.L. Wixson, project manager for Dworshak Dam Constructors, pulls the cord and releases the first bucket of concrete in Dworshak Dam. The big bucket holds 8 cubic yards of concrete. (Note to editors: This picture was shot shortly in advance of official 'first bucket' ceremony.) From Duane L. Cronk & Associates, 100 Bush St., San Francisco 94104 For: Dravo Corporation, 225 108th N.E., Bellevue, Washington 98004'<br />1968-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 60 (A.B. Curtis at first concrete pour)<br />A.B. Curtis - taken at the time of the first concrete pour on the job.<br />1968-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 72 (Crew)<br />A gathering of the crew at the time of the first bucket of concrete poured at the project on June 22. Note on back: Left to right Carroll Johnson, Cableway Supt.; Dave Pruitt, Drill & Rock Supt.; Floyd Huntington, Cableway Supt.; Harold Taylor, Quarry Supt.; Hadley Garrison, Safety Supt.; Ed Hershberger, Project Engineer; John Bellegante, Shift Supt.; Ron Maxwell, General Supt.; Whitey Wixson, Project Manager; Bill Steffenson, Shift Supt.; Gene Jones, Carpenter Supt.; Pete Enevold, Electrical Supt.; Bill Little, Batch Plant Supt.; Bill McGee, Rigging Supt.; Vern Anderson, Master Mech.; Art Gress, Assist. Purchasing Agent; Jim Robertson, Plant Engineer; P.J. Parton, Pipe Supt.; Wayne Baldwin, Excavation Supt.; Ernie Meyers, Labor Supt.<br />1968-01-01 Dworshak Dam site 05<br />Photograph of the Dworshak Dam.<br />1968-01-01 The Army Concrete Machine is Running Amuck<br />The Army Concrete Machine is Running Amuck<br />1968-01-03 Dworshak Dam site 01<br />Photograph of the sign for the Dworshak Dam Visitor Viewpoint.<br />1968-05-30 Dworshak Dam site 03<br />Photograph showing construction above the diversion tunnel.<br />1968-05-30 Dworshak Dam site 02<br />Photograph of the Clearwater river.<br />1968-05-30 Bruce's Eddy statistics<br />Statistics on Bruce's Eddy dam and reservoir<br />1968-07-01 Dworshak Dam Project 87 (batch plant)<br />Photograph taken in July. A nice color shot fo the batch plant, mini railroad that hauls the carload of concrete to the cable system, & yellow fly ash towers & crushed rock.<br />1968-07-01 Dworshak Dam Project 88 (solid granite)<br />Photograph taken in July. A closeup of the solid granite that provided the base for the dam, and , of course, the concrete. Note on reverse reads 'You will see here come faults that had to be routed out and the placement of the concrete in them. Also note the little patch of water, this had to be routed out to solid base.'<br />1968-07-01 Dworshak Dam Project 90 (diversion tunnel)<br />Telephoto shot taken in July looking down at the mouth of diversion tunnel and fish catching facility.<br />1968-07-01 Clearwater dam boosters<br />The Water Resources Committee of Orofino calls for members to send information that supports the construction of Bruce's Eddy to Washington DC<br />1968-07-02 Factsheet<br />Quick facts pertaining to Dworshak Dam<br />1968-07-03 Dworshak Dam Project 75 (Fish hatchery)<br />Largest steelhead fish hatchery in the nation under construction. Aerial view on Sept. 28.<br />1968-09-28 Dworshak Dam Informational Brochure (2) <br/> Brochure and map describing the impact of the Dworshak Dam, including information on Visitors' Outlook, How It Works, Fish Facilities, Logging Operations, and Maps of the Columbia River Basin and the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Brochure was available at the Visitors' Center for the Dworshak Dam. |1969 Dworshak Dam Project 73 (First million yards of concrete)<br />The first million yards of concrete was reached on May 28.<br />1969-01-01 Dworshak Dam Project 20 (Aerial View)<br />Aerial view taken down-stream from the dam, looking upstream- lower end of diversion tunnel, & the Coffer dam under construction.<br />1969-01-09 Letter to Bert Curtis<br />The Corps of Engineers seeks local views and ideas regarding Dwarshak Dam and Reservior<br />1969-03-06 How dare you flood my birthplace!<br />Verge informs Curtis [?] of a note on the Dworshak [?] register from a man from Dent, Idaho<br />1970-08-04 Public meeting on lower Clearwater River<br />Information on a study conducted to investigate the further development of the Clearwater River between Lewiston and Ahsahka.<br />1970-11-19 Maps of Dworshak<br />Maps outlining the use of lands surrounding Dworshak Dam and the reservoir<br />1970-11-20 Dworshak Dam and Reservoir<br />Information on Dworshak Dam and Reservoir<br />1970-11-21 Planned Idaho Bridge to Serve Vast Forest Area<br />Planned Idaho Bridge to Serve Vast Forest Area<br />1971-07-01 Radio transcript<br />A scathing indictment of the Dworshak Dam, broadcast over the radio<br />1971-09-28 Dworshak Dam Project 101 (spillway)<br />Photograph showing the spillway & base of dam as it nears completion.<br />1972-01-01 Last Massive Bucket of Concrete Poured For Giant Dworshak Dam<br />A ceremony marked placement of the final buckets of mass concrete at Dworshak Dam<br />1973-01-27 Correspondence between Richard Connell and Bert Curtis<br />Connell thanks Curtis for all of his work with the Dworshak Dam ; Curtis wishes Connell well in his future projects<br />1973-06-20 A.B. Curtis Project<br />These are clippings and a map, that are listed in the photo series<br />1985-03-20



About the Collection

About the Dam

Finding Aids

questions?

Contact Devin: dbecker@uidaho.edu
(208) 885-7040

About the Collection

The Dworshak Dam Collection is a collection that is still under development. It currently includes almost 500 items, including both photographs and documents, that portray the history of the Dworshak Dam, from proposal to construction. The collection was drawn from the papers and photographs of A.B. Curtis, which were donated to the University of Idaho Library by Mr. Curtis in October 1982. The physical collection is stored in four archival file boxes that occupy approximately four linear feet of shelf spaces

About A.B. Curtis

A.B. "Bert" Curtis was born on a ranch near Salem, Oregon, August 1, 1903. His parents, Charles Garret Curtis of Independence, Missouri, and Elizabeth Ann Milne, who was born near Dundee, Scotland, were early pioneers. When the family moved to Orofino, Idaho, in 1912 Charles Curtis operated the Cottage Hotel for a time before he returned to ranching.

Having attended high school in both Orofino, where he was on the football team, and Plummer, from which he graduated in 1921, Bert entered the University of Idaho where he remained for one year. He then attended Lewiston State Normal School where he received his teacher's diploma after two years of study. He taught and coached athletics in Fernwood for a while, then returned to the University of Idaho for two more years. He married Alene Honeywell of Clear Lake, South Dakota, in Moscow on December 21, 1928. They have five children, four sons and a daughter.

In 1918 he began his 50 year association with the Clearwater Timber Protective Association when, due to the manpower shortage caused by the war, Theodore Fohl hired the 15 year old Curtis as a waterboy, carrying water to the firefighters. He spent his summers until 1925 working for the association, then in May 1926 he began full-time work. In 1927 he was appointed Assistant Chief Fire Warden for the association and a year later was appointed Chief. In 1945 he was made Chief Fire Warden and Manager of the Potlatch Timber Protective Association, and in that same year he became State Fire Warden. In 1966 the Clearwater and Potlatch Timber Protective Associations were combined and Curtis remained Chief Fire Warden of the new organization until he retired in August 1968.

In 1950 Curtis was elected mayor of Orofino, a position he held for 23 years, during which the city completed a large water and sewage treatment plant. In 1958 he tried unsuccessfully to unseat Gracie Pfost, the Democratic incumbent representing Idaho's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He was a strong supporter of Senator Henry Dworshak on the Bruces Eddy (now Dworshak) Dam issue, and was one of the primary figures in obtaining approval and funds for the construction. In 1972 he was awarded the Department of the Army Certificate for Patriotic Civilian Service for his assistance to the Corps of Engineers in building the dam. Among his other awards are the Idaho Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen award (1968), and a 38 years of distinguished service award presented by public and private Idaho forestry associations in 1976.

He has been active in the Chamber of Commerce, Association of Idaho Cities, was an original incorporator of the Clearwater Economic Development Association, was active in the Idaho Municipal League, served on the Inland Waterways Association, and from 1965 to 1970 he represented the timber industry as a member of the Public Land Law Review Commission. His memberships in forestry organizations include the American Forestry Association, Society of American Foresters - Inland Empire Section, and the Western Forestry and Conservation Association. He was also a founding member of the University of Idaho Advisory Research Council, president of the Alumni Association, and a member of the Athletic Advisory Committee. He was president of two mining concerns, Orofino Lime Products and Oxford Copper Mining Company near Pierce.

Curtis died in 1985.

Scroll Timeline to Browse by Year (Photos are in red; the rest are documents) | Go to Full-Page Timeline

1952 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975