Oneida Dam construction photographs
Scope and Contents
This photograph album contains images related to the construction of the Oneida Dam, including photographs of the dam site, mechanical components, horse-drawn machinery used to prepare the site, worker encampment. Also features individual and group photographs of the men and women who worked on the project, though in what capacity is not always noted. Also included are photos related to the construction of the Cove dam, which was part of the 4-dam project along the Bear River in southeastern Idaho. Photograph titles are taken from captions on the images. One additional folder contains loose negatives and correspondence, seemingly unrelated to the construction.
Dates
- Creation: 1913-1924
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
Conditions Governing Use
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Oneida Dam construction photographs must be obtained from the Photograph Curator and/or the Special Collections Section Head.
Biographical / Historical
The Oneida Dam, located on the Bear River in southeastern Idaho near the town of Preston, was constructed in stages, begining in 1914, by the Utah Power & Light Company as part of a broader effort to develop hydroelectric power in the region. The dam created the Oneida Reservoir and was designed to regulate river flow and supply water to the Oneida hydroelectric plant, which continues to generate renewable energy. As one of the earliest hydroelectric projects in Idaho, the Oneida Dam played a significant role in supporting agricultural development and electrification in the Bear River Basin.
The Cove Dam, built in 1917, was decommissioned and removed in 2006 after it was determined to be too costly to repair. Its removal also allowed for habitat improvement for dwindling population of Bonneville cutthroat trout.
Extent
1.25 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Photographic album of 93 images related to the construction of primarily the Oneida Dam near Bear River, Idaho, but also includes images of the construction of the Cove Dam near Grace, Idaho.
- Title
- Guide to the Oneida Dam construction photographs
- Author
- Finding aid created by Madeline Gheen, Heather Housley and Daniel Davis
- Date
- 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)
scweb@usu.edu