Dam's bid call heads busy 1948 January

Stories from January 1948 will bring back memories for longtime residents and perhaps boring history for newer residents.

Most exciting news was announcement of bid call for prime contract for Hungry Horse Dam. Entire cost for the 525-foot high concrete dam and its power plant was estimated at $100 million. Prime contract to be let in March 1948 was expected to be between $25 million and $50 million.

Hungry Horse Dam construction meant jobs and all aspects involved in creating new towns and communities. One million dollars was almost unheard of 65 years ago.  

Required projects already underway included building 14 miles of Spotted Bear Forest Service road out of the reservoir area. F. R. Hewett, Spokane, held that $632,448 contract.

Work on the 1,100-foot long 36-foot in diameter diversion tunnel had 85 men employed by Guy F. Atkinson Co. Contract for clearing l,335 acres near the dam site was held by R & S Construction Co. for $408.320. There were 35 men employed with 100 workers anticipated.

Columbia Falls Town Council voted to make formal request to have the town declared third class was delayed when it was ascertained cost could reach up to $600. There were more than 1,000 residents.

Mayor John O’Connell presided as a special improvement district was created to build a concrete sidewalk around the town square.

Chamber of Commerce committees were appointed as follows:

Highways and transportation: Leon Lenon, Martin Kittleson, Mayor John O’Connell, former Mayor Chris Raaen, J.J. Reese, Robert Smith.

Membership committee: Lee Dickey, Elmer Afseth, John Clapper, H.H. Davall, Bill Nadeau.

Hospitality committee: Dudley Greene, retiring Chamber president; Claude Bolick, James Connole, Ernie Massman, Mel Ruder.

Fish and game committee: James Cumming, J. D. Fenholt, Pat Kelly, Tom Lee, Vic Nadeau, L. E. Scott..

Boy Scout committee: James Marantette, Father Hugh Faley, Matt Mateka, Boots Schoenberg, Pastor Ralph Werner.

Entertainment committee: Boots Schoenberg, Pete Anderson, Calvin Crouch, Phil Grubaugh, Frank Kirkpatrick.

Sports committee: Matt Mateka, Clarence Clapper, Dulane Fulton, Clarke Hendrickson, P.T. Smithey.

Chamber officers were Chet Seymer, president; E. J. Marantette, vice president; Mel Ruder, secretary; George Watt, treasurer; with J.J. Reese, James Connole and H.H. Davall, directors.

Annual dues were $10.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.