Columbia Basin Job Corps site turns 40

Compiled by Dennis L. Clay

Herald staff writer

In April of 1965, cities in the Columbia Basin were working on locations for the proposed Job Corps center. Also, after reviewing the following memo, there were proposals for several centers. Read on.

Job Corps at 40

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Job Corps program. We will explore the beginning of Job Corps across the nation and specifically the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center. Several documents have arrived on my desk about the local center, newspaper articles, telegrams and memos, which will be shared with you.

Memorandum dated April 14, 1965; subject Job Corps Centers, Pasco and Ephrata from L.V. Downs

"Mr. Wayne Harris, Job Corps Officer in the commissioner's office, called this morning regarding a letter of March 26, 1965 from Andrew Genor, Chairman of the Industrial Committee, Pasco Chamber of Commerce to this office concerning the possibility of establishing a Job Corps Center in the Pasco area near the Columbia Basin College. A copy of this letter has been sent to Senator Magnuson, who in turn forwarded it to the Secretary for action.

"The Secretary, in his reply to Senator Magnuson stated that the letter has been forwarded to the Resource Program Review Staff for review, following which they would write him again.

"The Secretary's Transmittal to the Commissioner's office requested an early evaluation of the proposal expressing the belief that the proposed liaison with the college had merit. I advised Mr. Harris that Mr. Genor had delivered the letter to this office in person and that we discussed the matter at that time.

"We have been expecting to get specific support from the City of Pasco and the School board; both of them were to write us endorsing the proposal. In addition, we have not yet contracted the Fish and Wildlife Service or the Corps of Engineers regarding a work program for Job Corps personnel on McNary and Ice Harbor reservoir areas.

"Mr. Harris asked that we send him an air mail letter direct, with a copy to the Regional Director, outlining the situation as it stands now so they could report to the Senator. He will send us a copy of the correspondence from the Senator and the Secretary, but requested we not wait until the copies of these letters are received before sending the above report. Meanwhile, we will call Mr. Genor to try to get the letters from the city and School board.

"Mr. Harris was asked if he knew anything about a Job Corps camp for FDR Lake area. We have made no community contacts regarding it as the area is administered by the National Park Service. We believe there could be a good program there but the National Park Service does not appear to be doing anything about it. We will hold any action regarding this location in abeyance until we can clear through his office whether the National park Service is taking any steps regarding establishment of a Center on the Lake.

"We were informed that the Region has submitted four new proposed sites besides the one at Ephrata. In addition to the seven camps already under construction, the Bureau has about 30 additional sites, which will be considered when the Department gives an indication of how many camps the Bureau can establish next year. Later he volunteered the information that they had to come in with five more new camp proposals in addition to the ones at Ephrata and Camp Marsing on the Snake River.

"The Office of Economic Opportunity still has not approved the Ephrata camp site, but all indications are that this site will be included in the next announcement. The OEO was in favor of the plan submitted to utilize the old buildings at the Ephrata site, but the question of whether the boys should do the necessary remodeling work or contract it out will have to be determined later. If the camp is activated as a 100-man center initially, the boys could probably do the work on the building. However, if it is established as a 200-man camp at the outset, the work will necessarily have to be contracted. Mr. Harris mentioned the fact that the Ephrata site had water and sewer available was most important in the eyes of the OEO and emphasized that they were looking for locations were utilities were available or could be extended without excessive costs."

E-mail from Cheryl

Facts from the past gleaned from the Columbia Basin Herald and The Neppel Record by Cheryl (Driggs) Elkins:

From the Neppel Record in 1916:

News from Neppel

"George Howell put in a few days of last week installing up-to-date fixtures and cabinets for the smoked meat section of The Fair Department Store.

"R.L. Ireland and daughter, Miss Mary, motored in from their ranch northeast of Neppel last Tuesday on a business mission."

"The Misses Wilma and Jenny McMenus and Pearl Finney of Odessa arrived in Neppel last Monday evening and are visiting at the Simeon McDonald home."

"W.B. McManamon, familiarly known as 'Brick,' was in Neppel this week on his way to Ephrata. He has charge of the big Round-up to be given at the county seat July 3, 4 and 5."

Sporting items from the area and nation

"Ty Cobb is now hitting .347."

"Traps have been installed on the new grounds of the Wenatchee Gun Club."

"The Spokane Indians return to the Natatorium Park grounds Monday to engage the Butte forces of Joe McGinnity for seven games. Great Falls follows with seven games."

"The American game of football, so far as Stanford University is concerned, was given it quietus Monday when a proposition to restore the American game, but as a minor sport, with rugby as the major, was rejected by the executive committee."