Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Washington Water Power Company Records, 1888-1964
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Washington Water Power Company
- Title
- Washington Water Power Company Records
- Dates
- 1888-1964 (inclusive)18881964
1893-1914 (bulk)18931914 - Quantity
- 19.1 linear feet
- Collection Number
- SPC 972-0006 (collection)
- Summary
- Records, in various formats, selected by Mr. Kimball Jack, used in writing a company history. Material covers a wide variety of topics related to the history of WWP, Spokane and Washington State, including electric street cars, Natatorium Park, and the Central Basin irrigation canal project among others.
- Repository
-
Eastern Washington University
Archives & Special Collections
Eastern Washington University Libraries
320 Media Lane - 100 LIB
Cheney, WA
99004-2453
Telephone: 5093592475
archives@ewu.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Correspondence, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks and publications maintained as a portion of the company library. The material spans the years 1888-1964. Most of the correspondence is from 1893-1914 and most of the publications from 1930-1960. A large portion of this material relates to the public vs. private utility ownership controversy.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
Use of this collection is subject to the rules concerning access to archival and manuscript collections at Eastern Washington University. For more information, see: http://www.ewu.edu/Library/Services/Archives.xml
Copyright restrictions may apply. For more information or permission to publish, contact Eastern Washington University Libraries, Archives & Special Collections at (509) 359-2475, or archives@ewu.edu
Preferred Citation
Washington Water Power Company Records; SPC 972-0006; box number; folder number; Archives & Special Collections, Eastern Washington University.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Arrangement
Correspondence has been arranged in four series: general correspondence from 1889-1907; incoming correspondence from 1893-1907; outgoing correspondence from 1901-1902; and classified correspondence from 188-1964.
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
SPC 972-0006: Washington Water Power Company Records, 1888-1964, (bulk 1893-1914) Return to Top
Gift; Kimball Jack; 1972.
Previous accession number for SPC 972-0006: 72-4.
The Washington Water Power Company records in the Archives at Eastern Washington University are drawn from portions of the records no longer needed for use by this active corporation. Much of this material was selected by Kimball I. Jack for use on writing a short historical essay on the company. The collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and a number of publications maintained as a portion of the company library. The material spans the years 1888 to 1964. Most of the correspondence is from 1893 to 1914, and most of the publications from 1930 to 1960. A large portion of this material relates to the public vs. private power ownership controversy.
Use of this collection is subject to the rules concerning access to archival and manuscript collections at Eastern Washington University.
Records no longer required for daily operations of this corporation. Selection was apparently done by Mr. Kimball Jack, an executive who used the material to write a history of the firm.
The scrapbooks were maintained by the WWP Company's Department of Public Relations, for use in developing public relations and publicity programs. These have been microfilmed, and are stored in the microfilm cabinet, not with the rest of the collection. Also on microfilm is a copy of a report by the WWP to the Federal Power Commission in 1939, stored in the microfilm cabinet.
Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
---|---|---|---|
I: Historical and Descriptive |
|||
1: Newspaper Clippings
This clipping file was maintained by the Public Relations Department of the
Washington Water Power Co. for use in the development and implementation of public
relations activities and programs. Much of the 1930-52 material deals with the
public power issue.
|
1930-1966 | ||
Box/Folder | |||
1/1-21 | 1930-1939 | ||
2/1-18 | 1938-1951 | ||
3/1-18 | 1940-1952 | ||
4/1-8 | 1943-1966 | ||
2: Scrapbooks
These scrapbooks were maintained by the Public Relations Department of the
Washington Water Power Co. There are two types of scrapbooks, the first arranged
chronologically, while the rest are classified according to subject.
|
1894-1965 | ||
2.1: Chronological |
1894-1957 | ||
Book 1: Spokane papers
The major subject is Spokane's street railway system.
|
1894-1911 | ||
Book 2: Spokane papers
The major subject is the Merchants Central Heating Co. franchise
controversy.
|
1914-1916 | ||
Book 3: Spokane papers
The major subject is the Merchants Central Heating Co.
|
1916-1917 | ||
Book 4: Spokane and regional papers
The major subject is a proposed street car fare hike.
|
1921 | ||
Book 5: Spokane and regional papers
The major subject is public power.
|
1929-1936 | ||
Oversize | |||
Book 6: Washington and Oregon papers
The major subjects are public power and the demise of the street car.
|
1935-1936 | ||
Book 7: Spokane and regional papers
The major subject is public power.
|
1936-1938 | ||
Book 8: Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland
papers
The major subject is public power.
|
1936 | ||
Book 9: Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland
papers
The subject is hydroelectric power around the state and the nation.
|
1938 | ||
Book 10: Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland
papers
The major subject is public power in Washington State.
|
1936-1938 | ||
Book 11: Spokane papers
The subject is the Spokane municipal power election.
|
1940-1941 | ||
Book 12: Spokane papers
The subject is the Spokane municipal power election.
|
1941 | ||
Book 12: Spokane papers
The subject is public power.
|
1940-1941 | ||
Book 14: Local papers
The subject is an Adams County PUD election.
|
1942 | ||
Book 15: Spokane and regional papers
The subject is the Spokane Natural Gas Co. prior to its merger with the
Washington Water Power Co.
|
1952-1957 | ||
2.2: Classified |
1941-1965 | ||
Companies and Agencies "A - K"
|
|||
Companies and Agencies "L - V"
|
|||
Inland Empire Industrial Research,
Inc.
|
|||
Metals, Minerals, & Mining "A -
C"
|
|||
Metals, Minerals, & Mining "D -
M"
|
|||
Metals, Minerals, & Mining "'N -
Z"
|
|||
Various Subjects "A - D"
|
|||
Various Subjects "E - H"
|
|||
Various Subjects "I - J"
|
|||
Various Subjects "K - M"
|
|||
Various Subjects "N - P"
|
|||
Various Subjects "R"
|
|||
Various Subjects "S - Z"
|
|||
Box/Folder | Box/Folder | ||
4/9-24 | 5/1-39 | 3: Customer Service Advisor's Handbook
Working and copy files from a handbook designed to aid employees in public
relations and sales work.
|
1939 |
4: Reclassification of Electric Plant - Statements A -
I Inclusive
A report to the Federal Power Commission by the Washington Water Power Co. It
includes a brief history of the company and its operations written by Lou
Throilkill.
|
1939 | ||
Box/Folder | Box/Folder | ||
5/40 | 6/1-9 | 5: Technical Reports & Data
Material describing the company's electrical power distribution system in the city
of Spokane, and studies on the feasibility of a municipal power system in
Spokane.
|
1938-1941 |
II: Correspondence
This sub group consists of general correspondence, incoming correspondence, outgoing
correspondence, and classified correspondence.
|
|||
Box/Folder | |||
7/1-3 | 6: General Correspondence
General correspondence from the files of the Washington Water Power Co. and some of
its predecessors.
Arranged alpha-chronologically.
|
1889-1926 | |
7: Incoming Correspondence
Arranged alpha-chronologically.
|
1893-1907 | ||
Box/Folder | |||
7/4-15 | "A - Br" |
||
8/1-23 | "Bu - Franklin Trust Co. 1901" |
||
9/1-20 | "Franklin Trust Co. 1902 - General Electric
1899" |
||
10/1-17 | "General Electric 1900 - March 1903" |
||
11/1-18 | "General Electric April 1904 - Rep" |
||
12/1-15 | "Rev - Y" |
||
8: Outgoing Correspondence
Consists of one item - the WWP Co. letter book for the period from January 1, 1901
to August 12, 1902. It records equipment and supplies ordered by General Manager
David L. Huntington.
|
1901-1902 | ||
9: Classified Correspondence
General correspondence arranged by topic or subject, and chronologically.
|
1888-1964 | ||
Box/Folder | |||
13/1 | 9.1: Electric Bond & Share Co.
(EBASCO)
EBASCO is the electric utilities holding company which controlled WWP through its
subsidiary, the American Power & Light Co.
|
1939-1964 | |
13/2 | 9.2: Experimental Electric Vehicles
WWP promoted electric automobiles and trucks operated by rechargeable storage
batteries, but had limited success.
|
1901-1918 | |
9.3: David L. Huntington
Huntington was General Manager from 1896 to 1911, and President from 1910 to
1912. This correspondence has been divided into two categories: That concerning
the WWP Co, and that concerning the University of Washington when Huntington was a
member of the Board of Regents.
|
1894-1927 | ||
Box/Folder | |||
13/3-5 | 9.31: Huntington - WWP Co. |
1894-1927 | |
13/6-16 | 9.32: Huntington - U. of W.
Much of this correspondence deals with construction of the steam heating and
lighting plant at the U. of Washington.
|
1906-1909 | |
Box/Folder | |||
14/1-6 | 9.4: Natatorium Park
This was the amusement park and swimming pool operated by the 7UP at the end of
one of their city trolley lines. Mostly concerns booking performers by John W.
Pace, park manager.
|
1909-1916 | |
14/7-8 | 9.5: National Electric Light & Power Association
(NELPA)
A business organization for the electric utility industry. Most correspondence is
pertaining to the convention held in Seattle in 1912.
|
1912-1916 | |
Box/Folder | |||
14/9 | 15/1-2 | 9.6: Okanogan District
Primarily a file maintained by J. F. Farquhar, the WWP's General Agent, on
accounts in that district.
|
1923-1930 |
15/3-6 | 16/1-19 | 9.7: Street Railways
Correspondence relating to the construction and operation of the street railways
and interurban lines in and around Spokane. The bulk of the material pertains to
lines merged with the Washington Water Power Co.
|
1888-1945 |
9.8: WWP - Interdepartmental
Inter office general correspondence which has been divided into four
categories.
|
1907-1928 | ||
Box/Folder | |||
17/1 | 9.81: General Operations |
1907-1928 | |
17/2-5 | 9.82: Irrigation Accounts |
1923-1924 | |
17/6-10 | 9.83: Collections |
1913-1919 | |
17/11-14 | 9.84: Payroll |
1917-1918 | |
Box/Folder | |||
17/15 | 9.9: Kimball Jack
Miscellaneous correspondence and writings of Kimball I. Jack, including some of
his research notes, short essays on historical topics (usually WD related), and a
few selected items of correspondence from the TTWP files which he retained.
|
||
III: Financial and Legal Documents |
|||
Box/Folder | |||
18/1-4 | 10: Financial Documents
Bond contracts, sales contracts, and cancelled checks.
|
1889-1939 | |
11: Legal Documents
Transcripts from three hearings concerning the activities and operations of the
Washington Water Power Co.
|
1910-1936 | ||
11.1: Re: Permit |
1910 | ||
Box/Folder | |||
18/5-6 | Volumes 4 and 5 |
||
19/1-3 | Volumes 6, 10 and 18 |
||
Box/Folder | |||
19/4 | 11.2: Cause No. 6616 Volume 1 |
1933 | |
19/5-8 | 11.3: Cause No. 6736 Volumes 1-4 |
1936 | |
IV: Publications |
|||
Box/Folder | Box/Folder | ||
19/9-11 | 20/1-11 | 12: Electric Bond & Share Co.
(EBASCO)
Technical publications concerning the operation of an electric utility company.
|
1933-1943 |
20/12-30 | 13: Northwest Electric Light & Power Association
(NELPA)
Reports of proceedings at annual meetings.
|
1911-1929 | |
20/31-40 | 14: Newcomen Society
Published copies of addresses given at their meetings. This is a society composed
mostly of business men, dealing with the study of technological and business
history.
|
1955-1960 | |
21/oversize | 15: New York State Barge Canal Plans
This book of engineering drawings and plans would have been used in designing the
Central Basin irrigation canal, a project supported by WUP. It would have brought
water from north eastern Washington to the Columbia basin. The project died when the
Federal government approved the Grand Coulee project.
|
1920 | |
20/41-54 | 16: Washington Water Power Co.
Miscellaneous publications including annual reports, employee hand books, publicity
materials, reports on local Public Utility District and municipal power elections.
Note: Several large format photo books, and small photo posters designed for
publicity work were too large to store here. They are in Container No. 20.
|
1911-1964 | |
17: Classified Publications
Publications from various sources, including atomic power, public power,
miscellaneous, and oversize publications.
Arranged by subject.
|
1914-1962 | ||
Box | |||
22 | 17.1: Atomic Power
Publications pertaining to the generation of electric power by nuclear steam
plants.
|
1956-1960 | |
23 | 17.2: Public Power
Publications dealing with the controversy over public or private ownership of
electric utilities. Tennessee Valley Authority, Grand Coulee Project, and Public
Utility Districts are covered.
|
1935-1961 | |
Box | |||
24 | 25 | 17.3: Miscellaneous Publications
Publications from a variety of sources, on a variety of subjects. They include
technological items, trade journals, advertising and publicity materials. Note:
Several publicity books too large to file here are in Container No. 26, and two
volumes of Scientific American supplements are
stored with the oversize items.
|
1914-1960 |
17.4: Oversize Publications
Materials too large to store in the boxes containing the series that they belong
to.
|
|||
Box/Folder | |||
26/oversize | Publicity Materials |
||
Scientific
American Supplements |
|||
Box/Folder | |||
27/oversize | Volume 78 |
July 1914-December 1914 | |
28/oversize | Volume 79 |
January 1915-June 1915 | |
V: Photographs |
|||
Box/Folder | |||
29/1-6 | 18: Photographs
Photos of employees and employee activities, executives, operations and plant in
Spokane, and out of Spokane, Natatorium Park, and the street railway.
|
1899-1964 | |
VI: Materials Removed from the Chronological
Scrapbooks |
|||
Box/Folder | |||
17/16 | 1: Correspondence
Incoming, 1909-1911, 1930 These pieces were removed from books 1 and 5.
Arranged alphabetically by author.
|
1909-1911; 1930 | |
18/7 | 2: Stock Ledger
Book 1 was done over the pages of an 1896 stock ledger - several pages of which
have been retained.
|
1896 | |
3: Promotional Literature
These materials include leaflets, pamphlets, mass mailings, posters,
advertisements, and statements from the following' political campaigns.
Each piece is arranged alphabetically according to source.
|
1916-1942 | ||
Box/Folder | |||
26/1 | a: Merchants Central Heating Co.
franchise |
1916 | |
26/2-5 | b: Spokane Municipal Power Ordinance |
1940-1941 | |
26/6 | c: Adams County Public Utility District |
1942 | |
4: Photographs |
|||
Box/Folder | |||
29/7 | a: Book 11
Photographs of Washington Water Power Co. advertisements used during the 1941
campaign against the proposed Spokane. Municipal Power Ordinance.
|
||
29/8 | b: Book 15
Spokane Natural Gas Co. Building.
|
||
5: Miscellaneous Materials |
|||
Box/Folder | |||
26/7 | a: Book 4
Spokane Chamber of Commerce bulletin, June 28, 1921 discussing the raising of
streetcar fares by the Washington Water Power Co.
|
||
26/8 | b: Book 5
Map showing Public Utility Districts in Washington State after the 1936
election.
|
SPC 982-0183: Washington Water Power Company Collection, 1959-1969, 1972Return to Top
Consists of two motion picture prints advertising prepared for WWP Co. by Coons, Shotwell & Associates, a Spokane advertising agency.
Two groups of television commercials for the Washington Water Power Company prepared by Coons, Shotwell & Associates. One reel contains of WWP commercials for the period 1959-1969, in black & white; the other reel consists of WWP natural gas commercials in color from 1972.
Mr. Robert Shotwell of Coons, Shotwell & Associates; 1982.
Previous accession number for SPC 982-0183: 82-244.
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Power resources--Research
- Public utilities--Law and legislation--Washington (State)
- Street-railroads--Washington (State)--Spokane
Personal Names
- Huntington, David L.
Corporate Names
- Ebasco Services Incorporated
- National Electric Light Association
- Newcomen Society of the United States
- Washington Water Power Company--Records and correspondence (creator)
Geographical Names
- Natatorium Park (Wash.)
- New York State Canal System (N.Y.)--Records and correspondence
- Spokane (Wash.)--History
Form or Genre Terms
- business records
- clippings (information artifacts)
- correspondence
- scrapbooks
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Jack, Kimball I. (contributor)