Archives West Finding Aid

The Samuel Moment papers comprise correspondence, chronological files, State of Oregon and US Government publications, documents, public transcripts, subject files, printed materials, and photography materials. The collection documents Moment's participation in the dispute involving Congress, Pacific northwest governors, environmentalists, and local power companies over the size and placement of dams on the Snake River during the Eisenhower administration.

Correspondence, subject files, and documents have each been arranged chronologically in an effort to preserve the sequence of these complex events and to trace Moment's participation in them. Series I, Correspondence includes Moment's professional correspondence with the participants, as well as participants' correspondence with each other. Series II, Chronological Files contains proposed Congressional Legislation for federal dam projects; background materials gathered by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the law firm of Davidson, Nikoloric, Weiss, and Miller (attorneys for interveners); notes on pre-hearing testimony; office memos; speeches; and opposition newsletters. Series III, State of Oregon Publications and Series IV, United States government publications cover a variety of issues from the Hydro Electric Act of Oregon, 1954, to the Federal Power Commission (FPC) hearings report on the nomination of Jerome K. Kuykendall to the FPC.

An interesting and rich source of documentation is Series V, Legal Documents which is arranged chronologically and cross referenced to Series II, Chronological Files. The series extends beyond the date of resolution of the Hells Canyon dam to 1964 and covers FPC opinions on Washington Public Power Supply (WPPSS) license application. Series VI, Public Transcripts contains Moment's complete testimony before the FPC hearings in 1956.

Series VII, Subject Files contains miscellaneous papers related to the Democratic party, juvenile delinquency, pollution, and recreation. Series VIII, Printed Materials consists mostly of newspaper articles. Series IX, Photographs includes miscellaneous photographic prints.