Dworshak Dam Collection

Early-day view of the proposed site. Note the foot bridge & eddy.

Group who worked the hardest for the project. Note on back: " A public hearing was held in Orofino on the project November 20, 1952. Here is a photo of those who worked hardest for the project. Left to right: Bill Erickson (now deceased); Robert Werner, publisher of the Clearwater Tribune, Orofino; A.B. Curtis (the guy that gets all the blame, and the Mayor of Orofino); Col. Tom Tandy, the District Engineer of Corps of Engineers (at the time), Walla Walla (now deceased); and U.S. Judge Roy McNichols (then an attorney at Orofino, now in Boise). Photo made in Tandy's office in Walla Walla where many sessions were held on the project. Photo made a few days prior to the November 20th meeting. (A.B. Curtis - 1976)"

Army Engineers has started new surveys of eight hydroelectric dam sites in the middle Snake river basin

Individual negotiation subject to review by a board of three competent local citizens this procedure did not take place

Bert Curtis, Republican nominee for First Congressional District, project on the Clearwater River would not endanger elk herds

Delegates of the Orofino Chamber of Commerce attended a joint meeting of the roads and highways and waterways

Main elements of Army Engineers storage proposals for Snake river will be presented to the public

Department objections to dams proposed on the Clearwater River

Opposition to the construction of proposed dams on the Snake river

Commissioners have given their full endorsement of construction of two proposed dams on the Clearwater river

The Oregon Fish Commission opposed construction at this time any dam in the middle of Snake River which would block salmon runs.

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

Clearwater Valley Citizens Invited to Review Army Engineers Dealings

27 A.F.L. Central Labor Council, approve Army Engineers proposals for 2 Dams on Clearwater River

Argument that there should be no dam due to wildlife

Gov. Len Jordan approves in principle of plans outlined at Orofino for two dams on the Clearwater River and one on the Middle Snake.

The fight against the proposed storage dams on the Clearwater river

What should come first either the Dam or a new highway

Good shot of dam site long before construction started. Looking west.

Aerial view of site before anything happened

Federal fish and wildlife service may recommend against construction of two proposed dams in the Clearwater river in Idaho

Wildlife group votes to void Orofino hearing

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representatives did not know the nature of Penny Cliffs and Bruce's Eddy dam until they arrived

Lewis County conservation officer were visitors Monday night at the meeting of the Craigmont Rod and Gun Club at the Community Hall

Basin Inter-Agency discuss proposals at Boise session

John Corlett presents his views; Idaho Wildlife Federation now stands uncompromisingly opposed to dams and dredges

Promoting construction of two dams on the Clearwater River by comparing them with a high Hells Canyon dam on the Snake River.

Tandy answers a few questions of Curtis's about the Penny Cliffs project

The North Idaho Chamber of Commerce unanimously passes a bill allowing for the construction of the Bruce's Eddy and Penny Cliffs Projects

Governor Len Jordan questions the Corps of Engineers on the costs of the Clearwater dams projects

Dworshak sends Curtis a copy of a letter he received from the Assistant Chief of Engineers concerning the status of the Middle Snake Report

Aerial view of dam site. Showing a little farm land - the Merry place just under the plane.

Aerial view of dam site. Also shown is foot bridge to the Merry place.

Aerial view of dam site. Also shown is the Merry place.

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.""

Notes written by Bert Curtis on the history of the Dent area.

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.

These are clippings and a map, that are listed in the photo series

In the transcribed telephone conversation, Curtis and Jordan discuss the implications of the Hells Canyon hearings for the Bruce's Eddy Project

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

A Letter to Len Jordan from Bert Curtis, advocating the Clearwater dam projects.

A conversation between General Sturgis and Senator Dworshak

The county commissioners resolve to urge congress to pass legislation allowing for the construction of the Bruce's Eddy Project

Jordan and Curtis Discuss the Bruce's Eddy legislation

Curtis and Dworshak discuss the possibility of passing the Bruce's Eddy legislation

The committee discusses the Bruce's eddy project

A message to Senator Dworshak urging for a partnership on the Bruces Eddy Bill.

Highlights of a discussion with Paul B. McKee, president of the Pacific Power & Light Company at the Portland Chamber of Commerce. Includes graphs and maps regarding Northwest Water resources and power supplies: ""Loads & Resources, Historic & Projected Northwest Power Pool Area,"" ""Dollar Expenditures to Meet Projected Needs,"" ""Northwest power pool facilities,"" ""residential customer data,"" ""total cost of electricity,"" ""power costs and industry,"" ""comparison of power costs,"" ""Portland vs. other cities.""

A response to the Bruces Eddy Bill to Bert Curtis

Burt Curtis lobby's for the speedy construction of Bruces Eddy and Penny Cliffs.

Curtis and Robinson discuss whether or not Bruce's Eddy will be constructed as a federal project or a private/public partnership.

A message from Bert Curtis to Vice President Nixon, demanding the introduction of the Bruces Eddy project.

A response to Bert Curtis's letter to the Vice President

A copy of the Bruces Eddy Project Bill, with handwritten revisions by Bert Curtis

Notes on the Bruces Eddy Bill, written by Bert Curtis [?]

Robinson offers comments on the revised Bruces Eddy Bill

Robinson expresses frustration at getting the Bruces Eddy Bill through Congress

Early days of the attempt for authorization for dam. Mr. Curtis & Senator Dworshak are shown in Senate Hearing Room

Commander of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Bruce's Eddy Dam is the most urgently needed project in the North West

Corps of Engineers Map showing power plants, dams, and rivers in the NW

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.

Brochure against the damming of the Clearwater River, and against the approval of funding for building the Dworshak Dam in particular

S. 145, Senate Bill 145, 85th Congress, First Session

A letter to Bert Curtis requesting information on the Bruces Eddy Dam and Bert Curtis's response

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

Ole Gudda requests information from Bert Curtis regarding Bruces Eddy; Curtis explains the benefits of the Bruces Eddy Project

Status report for Columbia River review

North Fork Clearwater river, Idaho. Under construction by Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers. Dworshak Dam.

Senator Dworshak refused to authorize construction of two dams on Snake river and Bruce's Eddy dam

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

Notes on the use of various reservoirs

Pfost Says Vote Doesn't Mean End of Road for High Dam Bill

Hells Canyon Dam legislation is subject of one of the nations great private-vs.-public power fights was buried.

Friday for his part in promoting construction of Dworshak Dam at Ahsahka

Proposed Bruce's Eddy Dam on the Clearwater River in Idaho becomes an active project

S.O.S. is going to be broadcast by Coeur d'Alene wildlife federation

A stop was made at the site of the proposed Dworshak Dam.

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.

A study on the Bruce's Eddy Project

Congress provides authorization and funds for the Bruce's Eddy.

Bert Curtis discusses cottages surrounding the Dworshak reservior

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.

Information on the cost of the Bruce's Eddy Project

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.

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""

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.

Curtis inquires about the bridge over Benton Creek

Curtis informs Dworshak of federal plans to maintain control of the reservior shoreline

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

Dworshak advises Curtis that it might be wise to send a representative to Washington when the bill comes to a vote.

Pfost gives McNichols an account of the progress of the Bruces Eddy Project; A letter expressing encouragement at the progress of Bruces Eddy

Pfost expresses confidence that Bruces Eddy will be approved

Curtis expresses thanks for Pfosts work on pushing the Bruces Eddy Project

Dworshak explains that a congressional vost on Bruces Eddy wil likely not happen in the current session of congress

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.

Curtis speaks to the Inland Empire Section of the Society of American Foresters on the Bruce's Eddy project

The House Rules Committee decided to send an omnibus water projects authorization bill to a House-Senate conference

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.

House of Representatives approved an omnibus river development bill including authorization for Bruce's Eddy Dam

Plan for using 2.4 milling acre-feet of Snake River water is the assertion its quality is superior to Colorado River

Congress Has Signed Death Warrant for North Fork Wildlife

The story of Bruce's Eddy dam

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." TOC: PREFACE, 1. WHY IS THE LANDOWNER'S PROPERTY NEEDED?, 2. WHAT LAND WILL BE BOUGHT BY THE CORPS?, 3. WHAT PERSONAL PROPERTY WILL THE CORPS BUY?, 4. WHAT IS AN APPRAISAL?, 5. WHAT IS AN OFFER TO SELL?, 6. WHEN WILL THE PROPERTY OWNER BE CONTACTED RELATIVE TO PURCHASE OF HIS PROPERTY?, 7. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CORPS' OFFER IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THE PROPERTY OWNER?, 8. WHAT IS A CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING?, 9. WHAT HAPPENS IF OWNER'S TITLE IS DEFECTIVE?, 10. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CORPS TAKES ONLY PART OF AN OWNERSHIP?, 11. WHAT RESETTLEMENT EXPENSES CAN THE PROPERTY OWNER EXPECT FROM THE CORPS IN ADDITION TO PAYMENT OF FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR HIS PROPERTY?, 12. WHAT SALVAGE RIGHTS TO BUILDINGS DOES THE PROPERTY OWNER HAVE?, 13. WHEN WILL THE PROPERTY OWNER GET HIS MONEY?

Aerial view of what the country at the dam site looked like before any construction. Note on back: ""This is Bruce's Eddy, the first name of the dam. Later it was changed and the name by Congressional action became Dworshak, after Senator Dworshak. Here you see the right angle turn of the river. Just below this is the location of the structure to be as you will later see. The little foot bridge across the river went over to the Merry place. People who lived on the little farm that you will note. The road went from Orofino to Dent, upstream some 20 miles. In far distance, downstream, you will see Ahsahka (just a little of it) and the Riverside area of what became later a part of Orofino.""

Information regarding the access, picnicking, camping, boat launching, hunting and boating of recreational places set up by the Army Corps of Engineers. Discusses the shore line beaches in the United States, natural resources, and the 500 harbors along the costal shores in the U.S. Includes Pictures of people out in the woods and on the water, talking about locking priority, boating, weather, water skiing; A map of locations of recreation opportunities; Lists of recreational use and facilities; A graph of reported attendance; List of address of district engineer offices; and information regarding where to find additional information.

Dworshak dam faces a dilemma farther north in the Coeur d'Alene mining district

A handwritten note to Bert Curtis for his role in the Western Pine Tree Farms. Includes a Western Pine Tree Farms certificate.

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.

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.""

Steel piling about the mouth of the lower end of diversion tunnel. Also a start of site preparation.

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."

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.

Lower North Fork of Clearwater River. Also shows Ahsahka, Idaho and Canoe Camp

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. It is 2915 feet between the head towers (right) and tail towers (background). The bucket, weighing 25 tons with its load of concrete, travels across the river gorge at 2200 feet per minute and down the dam site at 950 feet per minute. The batch plants are at lower left. The sand and aggregate comes into the plants on conveyor belts. The fresh concrete is transported to the cableway loading dock in rail-mounted hopper cars. (Note bucket being loaded at middle right of picture.) Dworshak is being constructed under a $131-million contract by Dworshak Dam Constructors, a joint venture of five contractors sponsored by Dravo Corporation. From: Duane L. Cronk & Associates, 100 Bush St., San Francisco 94104 For: Dravo Corporation, 225 108th N.E., Bellevue, Washington 98004"

Site on N. fk. of Clearwater River

Gen. Hyzer & Col. McElwee were in on Dworshak Project all the way in the beginning

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.

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.""

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!

Photograph showing the start of construction of the coffer dam.

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.

Possible bridge sites and relocated county road. Note on back: ""During the planning stages we wanted a bridge across the main river just below Ahsahka. It was to be an Army construction type of bridge and we were working with the State Highway to get it to be a bridge for public use. Army wanted it to haul cement and route for workers to come to the job- a saving for labor transportation, etc. The state was to put some money into it and make it a public bridge, the Army wanted to tear it down after construction. To make a long story short, the state was willing but the Army backed out of the deal and elected to divert the travel across the bridge at Orofino rather than go to the expense of a new bridge. The markings are Army. This shows the forks of the river well. (A.B. Curtis)""

Photograph at Dworshak site, a footbridge takes men across the river to the gravel operation.

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.

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.

Mr. Curtis' markings as a suggestion that did not work.

Army photo showing artist's idea of construction

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.""

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.

A North Idahoan expresses unhappiness at the construction of the dam.

Tysor and Bradbury negotiate the price the government is willing to pay to clear timber from the Dworshak Reservior site

Curtis [?] writes a joke on a calendar

Aerial view of site before diversion tunnel & other work got underway. You can see the foot bridge & road upstream to location.

Notes Curtis [?] wrote for a speech

Statistics on the ownership of land surrounding the Bruce's Eddy Pool

Curtis delivers a speech to the Senate in support of the Bruce's Eddy Project

Frank D. McElwee urged northern Idaho leaders not to underestimate the impact of the Dworshak dam.

Clearwater County 100 years ago, producing a boom that spawned a flock of villages and present city of Lewiston.

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)""

Site with dam superimposed on the photo. Coffer dam not built yet when photo taken. Note on image: "Dworshak Dam Phantom Features."

Ground-breaking ceremony Col. McElwee at speakers podium. Also shown are Wm. DreVlow, Pete Hyzer, Len Jordan, & Mrs. Henry Dworshak.

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.

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."

Many briefings were made on the status of the project. In the photo, Don Basgen is presenting.

Photograph of the lower end of the diversion tunnel.

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.""

Photograph looking down at the river and diversion tunnel on August 11, 1966.

Bert Curtis, the man you helped get the Dworshak Dam into construction

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.

photograph shows the two Coffer dams and the upstream side of diversion tunnel.

Photograph showing the clearing operation.

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.

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)""

Dworshak Dam Preparation Work is Progressing Well

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

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"

A.B. Curtis - taken at the time of the first concrete pour on the job.

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.

Photograph of the Dworshak Dam.

The Army Concrete Machine is Running Amuck

Photograph of the sign for the Dworshak Dam Visitor Viewpoint.

Photograph showing construction above the diversion tunnel.

Photograph of the Clearwater river.

Statistics on Bruce's Eddy dam and reservoir

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.

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.'

Telephoto shot taken in July looking down at the mouth of diversion tunnel and fish catching facility.

The Water Resources Committee of Orofino calls for members to send information that supports the construction of Bruce's Eddy to Washington DC

Quick facts pertaining to Dworshak Dam

Largest steelhead fish hatchery in the nation under construction. Aerial view on Sept. 28.

The first million yards of concrete was reached on May 28.

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.

Aerial view taken down-stream from the dam, looking upstream- lower end of diversion tunnel, & the Coffer dam under construction.

The Corps of Engineers seeks local views and ideas regarding Dwarshak Dam and Reservior

Verge informs Curtis [?] of a note on the Dworshak [?] register from a man from Dent, Idaho

Information on a study conducted to investigate the further development of the Clearwater River between Lewiston and Ahsahka.

Maps outlining the use of lands surrounding Dworshak Dam and the reservoir

Information on Dworshak Dam and Reservoir

Planned Idaho Bridge to Serve Vast Forest Area

A scathing indictment of the Dworshak Dam, broadcast over the radio

Photograph showing the spillway & base of dam as it nears completion.

A ceremony marked placement of the final buckets of mass concrete at Dworshak Dam

Connell thanks Curtis for all of his work with the Dworshak Dam ; Curtis wishes Connell well in his future projects