Stories from the Depression Era in Hells Canyon

On March 6, 2025 the Cambridge Museum hosted, “Stories from the Depression Era in Hells Canyon” at the Cambridge Public Library. Jared Farrens, Idaho Power Resource Professional, presented to a full room of interested people. Jared told many stories about the people and practices of those who lived in Hells Canyon during the depression. His presentation included stories about the Red Ledge Mine, Wheelbarrow Lady, Duncan’s Tunnel, Violet Wilson Shirley, and Si Bullock. Jared has a real gift for storytelling and the attendees found his presentation interesting and entertaining.

Jared was raised in Cambridge and still lives here today. He has worked for Idaho Power for the past 18 years and has been working at the Hells Canyon Creek Visitors Center, on the Oregon side of Hells Canyon, for the past five years. Each workday takes Jared 65 miles each way from his home. He travels through four counties and two states. Three years ago, one of his work goals was to create an hour-long presentation on Hells Canyon. Jared has always had a passion for Hells Canyon and so this was something he was excited about doing.

Jared has had an interest in history since he was young. His first school backpack trip into Hells Canyon, when he was 15 years old, led to him asking the adults on the trip all about Hells Canyon’s early homesteaders. Jared has always been intrigued by the ditches that are dug in the rock, that were used to bring water into those early homesteads. The people who dug those ditches were tough and they worked hard every day, just to survive in Hells Canyon. He mentioned that people should probably not forget where we came from. In our automated world of plenty, it is hard to believe that only a generation ago farming was done with horses.

Jared truly loves Hells Canyon and likes to share his passion about this canyon with others. He has been hiking with the local students since 2004 when his brother Kelly, who is ten years younger, asked if he would come along on the school’s annual spring backpack trip. Eighth graders through seniors are invited to go on this adventure. The trip usually lasts six days and seven nights, with one layover day at Sheep Creek.

If you are someone who shares an interest in Hells Canyon, Jared recommended five books to his audience. Those titles are, “Snake River in the Hells Canyon,” “Home below Hells Canyon,” “A Hells Canyon Romance,” “My Heaven in Hells Canyon,” and “Temperance Creek.” You can borrow these titles from the Cambridge Public Library, or if you’d like your own copy many of these titles are available at Windy Acres, here in Cambridge.