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DOCUMENT BESOME

ED 053 833

RC 005 507

TITLE

INSTITUTION
SPONS AGENCY
PUB DATE
NOTE

Smaller Communities Program: Wallowa County, Oregon.
Combined Economic Base Report and Applicant
Potential Report; An Evaluation of the Economic and
Human Resources of a Rural Oregon County.

Oregon State Dept, of Employment, Salem.

Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.

Mar 68
89p.

EDRS PRICE
DESCRIPTORS

IDENTIFIERS

EDRS Price MF-J0.65 HC-S3.29

Economic Factors, *Economic Research, Employment
Services, Jobs, ♦Low Income Counties, ^Manpower
Needs, Manpower Utilization, *Occupational
Information, Resources, Rural Areas, *Rural
Economics, Surveys
Oregon

ABSTRACT

of the Oreg
the program
stated, the
economic ad
the occupat
of this obj
labor area
pertaining
document in
Northwest,
socioeconom
agriculture
payrolls an
vocational
graph, 13 t

Prepared by the Smaller Communities Services Program
on Department of Employment, this 1968 report summarizes
findings with relation to Wallowa County, Oregon. As
overall objective of the program was promotion of the
justment of specific rural, low-income areas — including
ional adjustment of individual residents. In furtherance
ective, a mobile team of 1 supervisor, 1 counselor, 1
analyst, and 6 temporary personnel collected information
to Wallowa County. The findings are reported in the
terms of the area’s relationship to the Pacific
recreation areas, general description of the area,
ic factors, historical notes, population trends,

, nonagr icultural industries, employment distribution,
d spendctble income, natural resources, the labor force,
training, study methodology, and occupational groups. One
ables, and a 9-item bibliography are included. (MJB)

/X005507

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LTl

U.S. DE
EDlJ
0 F«

THIS DOC
DUCED EX
THE PERSf
INATING l
IONS ST
REPRESEN
CATION PO

COM?

AJ-

occupatio,

ECONOMK

WALLO

STATE

DEPARTMEN1

U S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,
EDUCATION & WELFARE
OFFICE OF EDUCATION
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRO-
DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM
THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIG-
INATING IT POINTS OF VIEW OR OPIN-
IONS STATED DO NOT NECESSARILY
REPRESENT OFFICIAL OFFICE OF EDU
CATION POSITION OR POLICY

SMALLER
COMMUNITIES
PROG

APPLICANT'

OCCUPATIONAL K
AND

ECONOMIC BASE REPORT
FOR

WALLOWA COUNTY
OREGON

PUBIIC CMPlOYHEPn SERVICE

local 6TATC national

STATE OF OREGON
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT

SMALLER COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
WALLOWA COUNTY. OREGON

COMBINED ECONOMIC BASE REPORT AND APPLICANT POTENTIAL REPORT
AN EVALUATION OF THE ECONOMIC AND HUMAN RESOURCES
OF A RURAL OREGON COUNTY

STATE OF OREGON
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT

J. N. PEET, COMMISSIONER

PREPARED BY

OREGON STATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
ELDON CONE, DIRECTOR
HAROLD TAPP , RURAL AREA REPRESENTATIVE

MARCH 1968

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Frontispiece 1

Table of Contents 3

Relationship to Pacific Northwest 4

Introduction 3

Recreational Areas 6

General Description 7 - 10

Historical H - 12

Population Trends 13 - 14

Agriculture 15 - 17

Nonagr icultur al Industries 18 - 21

Employment Distribution 22 - 25

Payrolls and Spendable Income 26

Natural Resources 27 - 29

The Labor Force 30 - 41

Methodology 42 - 43

Occupational Groups Defined 44 - 46

Bibliography 47

Acknowledgements 48

;

RELATIONSHIP TO PACIFIC NORTH

The map t
cation oi'
Pacific C>

There arc
south cen
Enterpr i s
e levatioi.,
Joseph, vv,
elevation

Listed be
miles, fr
politan a

Port
Seat
Sal 1
San

It is 31 ~
route fro

LATIONSHIP TO PACIFIC NORTHWEST

The map to the left depicts the general lo-
cation of Wallowa County in relation to the
Pacific Coast and Northwestern United States.

There are two excellent airports in the
south central part of the county; one at
Enterprise with a 2,500 foot runway and an
elevation of 3,900 feet, and one south of
Joseph, with a 3,900 foot runway and an
elevation of 4,200 feet.

Listed below are the distances, in airline
miles, from Enterprise to the nearest metro-
politan areas, in all directions:

Portland 270 Miles

Seat t le 310 11

Salt Lake City 440 ”

San Francisco 660 11

It is 317 miles by the most direct highway
route from Enterprise to Portland.

INTRODUCTION

The Smaller Communities Services Program of the Oregon Department of Employment is
used as a means of expanding the services of the agency to cope with the needs of
rural, low income areas. Many of these areas are served only partially and inade-
quately by the present system of permanent Employment Service local offices. The
overall objective of the program is promotion of the economic adjustment of these
areas, including the occupational adjustment of the individual residents. In fur-
therance of the overall objective, the major responsibilities of the program are to

(a) Determine the current and potential manpower resources of the area.

(b) Determine the current and projected future manpower needs of the area.

(c) Provide employment counseling and placement assistance to residents
of the area with relation to jobs both within and outside the area.

(d) Assist the community in cataloging and evaluating its economic re-
source .

(e) Cooperate with other agencies and community groups in developing
programs for economic development.

The Smaller Communities Services Program is operated by the Oregon Department of
Employment under the authorization of, and with funds provided by, the Bureau of
Employment Security of the U. S. Department of Labor.

The herein report is a
County, Oregon. These
period of three months
one labor area analyst
ly for the study. The
to printing.

summary of the program findings with relation to Wallowa
findings are the result of field work performed over a
by a Mobile Team composed of one supervisor, one counselor,
and six temporary personnel hired in Wallowa County express-
report was received and approved by county officials prior

*******

ERLC

WALLOWA COUNTY RECREATIONAL AREAS

On the adjacent map, the i
of recreational facilitie
these symbols:

Forest Camp . .
State Park . . .

Commercial Re

Some of the Forest Camps,
at high elevations in the
the county, require four-iv
to reach.

Map of Wallowa County showing location of recreation
areas. Numbers on above map correspond to numbers of
maps which are available from the U.S. Forest Service
on a 2 n to one mile scale.

SMALLER COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
WALLOWA COUNTY, OREGON

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

AREA DEFINITION AND LOCATION

Wallowa County is located in the extreme northeastern
corner of the State of Oregon, being bounded on the east
by the State of Idaho, on the north by the State of
Washington, on the west by Umatilla and Union Counties,
and on the south by Baker County.

Enterprise, the county seat, is located in the south
central part of the county and is 317 highway miles, or
approximately 270 airline miles nearly due east of the
nearest metropolitan area, Portland, Oregon, and approxi-
mately 640 airline miles northeast by north of San
Francisco, California.

TOPOGRAPHY

Wallowa County has a total land surface of approximately
3,200 square miles, all lying at a considerable eleva-
tion, and more than half of which may be classed as
mountainous with peaks ranging up to a maximum of 10,000
feet. A broad dissected plateau occupies the central
portion of the county, with elevations ranging from ap-
proximately 2,800 feet to 4,000 feet. There are also
some minor finger valleys scattered along the Imnaha
drainage in the eastern part of the county. Drainage of
the area is generally to the north through deeply in-
cised canyons. Principal rivers are the Minam and
Wallowa which flow into the Grande Ronde at the north-
western edge of the county, and the Imnaha which flows
into the Snake River npar the northeastern corner of the

CLIMATE

Generally speaking, the dim.
the semi-arid intermountain '
throughout most of the year
the normal year having measu
days tend to be hot on the c
are cool. Winters can be se
higher elevations. There is
ing season of slightly more
average is not an absolute;
and has, although this is a
wide range in annual precipi
high of 60 ‘nches in the sou
low of 12 inches on the cent
precipitation at Enterprise,
also at near an average elev
13 inches. Most of this co
early spring and practical]
is in the form of snow. Som
summers on the higher peaks,
glaciat ion .

SMALLER COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
WALLOWA COUNTY, OREGON

GENERAL

DESCRIPTION

OCATION

rated in the extreme northeastern
>f Oregon, being bounded on the east
o, on the north by the State of
?st by Umatilla and Union Counties,
i^aker County.

ty seat , is located in the south
county and is 317 highway miles, or
rline miles nearly due east of the
area, Portland, Oregon, and approxi-
iles northeast by north of San
a .

total land surface of approximately
all lying at a considerable eleva-
half of which may be classed as
aks ranging up to a maximum of 10,000
cted plateau occupies the central
y, with elevations ranging from ap-
et to 4,000 feet. There are also
lleys scattered along the Imnaha
ern part of the county. Drainage of
y to the north through deeply in-
cipal rivers are the Minam and
into the Grande Ronde at the north-
county, and the Imnaha which flows
near the northeastern corner of the

county. All of the streams rise within the county and
the major ones have their headwaters in the high Wallowas
which form the southern boundary of the county. There
are more than 50 lakes in the higher elevations, but only
five of these are fifty or more acres in extent. Wallowa
Lake, which covers 1,600 acres, is the largest and also
the most accessible.

CLIMATE

Generally speaking, the climate is that of the rest of
the semi-arid intermountain west. Sunshine prevails
throughout most of the year with less than 100 days in
the normal year having measurable precipitation. Summer
days tend to be hot on the central plateau but the nights
are cool. Winters can be severe, particularly in the
higher elevations. There is an average frost-free grow-
ing season of slightly more than four months, but the
average is not an absolute; frost can come in any season,
and has, although this is a rare occurrence. There is a
wide range in annual precipitation which ranges from a
high of 60 inches in the south central mountains to a
low of 12 inches on the central plateau. Annual average
precipitation at Enterprise, the county seat (which is
also at near an average elevation) is slightly more than
13 inches. Most of this comes in the late winter and
early spring and practically all at the higher altitudes
is in the form of snow. Some snow remains during most
summers on the higher peaks, but there is no appreciable
glaciation.

(Continued next page)

Description (Cont. )
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER AREAS

Wallowa County has no Federal highways within its bound-
aries but is served by State Route 82, which connects
with U . S . Highway 30 at La Grande, and State Route 3,
which links the county with the State of Washington to
the north. A branch line of the Union Pacific Railroad
serves the Wallowa valley with connections to the main
line, also at La Grande. Aside from the two State high-
ways mentioned, there are no paved roads leading out of
the county, although there are two unimproved roads lead-
ing out of the north part of the county. The Grand Can-
yon of the Snake River, which forms the eastern boundary,
and the high Wallowas and the Sawtooth range, which form
the southern boundary, would present some pretty sticky
problems to anyone thinking of building a road in either
direction .

Thus, the only effective relationship is with Union County,
of which La Grande is the county seat. This relationship
extends to some similarities of climate, labor force char-
acteristics and industry. There is some commuting out to
work in Union County by Wallowa County residents, but
practically no commuting in.

GENERAL

Of slightly more than two million acres of land in Wallowa
County, approximately 856,000 acres, or about 42.2 percent,
are in private ownership. Of this acreage in private own-
ership, 721,367 acres, or nearly 36 percent of the total
land area, is in farms and grazing land. Of the total
1,177,256 acres in public ownership, 1,158,125 are feder-
ally held and the balance is about equally divided between
state and local holdings.

Almost one-half of the federally held lands are in poorly
accessible terrain, partly above the timber line, and gen-
erally of no value except for recreation purposes. The
remainder is mostly in timber stands, although some of
these stands have been removed from multiple use to form
a part of a wilderness area of nearly 200 square miles,
partly in Wallowa and partly in Union and Baker Counties.

Almost all of the nearly thr
in farm land lies on the cer.
Wallowa Valley. However, thi
farm lands on each side of i
part of its length. The cou
cessible portions by approxi
highway, 41 miles of paved c
225 miles of surfaced or gr
common carrier passenger tra
county, although the mail st
once daily as far as La Gra

THE INDUSTRIES

The industry of Wallowa Coun'
on pages 15 through 21; ho
will be very brief.

The basic industry of Wallow
manpower usage and wage and
Of some 525 farms in the corn
ed as commercial and 298 ot
excess of $5,000 each. Full
exceeded the total employmen
industry. Total value of fa
in excess of $5,860,000. Li
ucts usually account for appi
total farm sales. Here, as <
mechanization of farms has a
agricultural employment.

Lumber and wood products proc
the bulk of the manuf act urine
the dominant nonagr icultur al
ever, this segment of industi
recent years and presently o
its former prominence. Retai
is in an upward trend, both v
employed and percentage of tl‘
Trade is to some extent seasc:
factors as tourism and seasor
dustries .

* * *

U.S. Dept, of Commerce, Bu

Agricultural Census.

ihways within its bound-
e 82, which connects
, and State Route 3,
tate of Washington to
Union Pacific Railroad
;innections to the main
from the two State high-
d roads leading out of
vo unimproved roads lead-
county. The Grand Can-
rms the eastern boundary,
iwtooth range, which form
sent some pretty sticky
ailding a road in either

Almost all of the nearly three-quarters of a million acres
in farm land lies on the central plateau known locally as
Wallowa Valley. However, there are scattered strips in
farm lands on each side of the Imnaha River, over a good
part of its length. The county is traversed in the ac-
cessible portions by approximately 80 miles of State
highway, 41 miles of paved county road, and approximately
225 miles of surfaced or graded county road. There is no
common carrier passenger transportation operative in the
county, although the mail stage does take passengers
once daily as far as La Grande.

THE INDUSTRIES

The industry of Wallowa County will be more fully treated
on pages 15 through 21; hence, the description here
will be very brief.

nship is with Union County,
seat. This re latior^hip
climate, labor force char-
is some commuting out to
bounty residents, but

n acres of land in Wallowa
res, or about 42.2 percent,
is acreage in private own-
36 percent of the total
ng land. Of the total
hip, 1,158,125 are feder-
ut equally divided between

held lands are in poorly
, the timber line, and gen-
creation purposes. The
rands, although some of
rom multiple use to form
learly 200 square miles,
(Union and Baker Counties.

The basic industry of Wallowa County, both in relation to
manpower usage and wage and salary income,/ is agriculture.
Of some 525 farms in the county in 1964,—' 404 were class-

ed as commercial and 298 of these had product sales in
excess of $5,000 each. Full time farm operators, alone,
exceeded the total employment in any one nonagr icultural
industry. Total value of farm products sold in 1966 was
in excess of $5,860,000. Livestock and livestock prod-
ucts usually account for approximately two-thirds of the
total farm sales. Here, as elsewhere, consolidation and
mechanization of farms has caused a downward trend in
agricultural employment.

Lumber and wood products processing, which account for
the bulk of the manufacturing employment, was at one time
the dominant nonagr icultural industry of the county. How-
ever, this segment of industry has seriously declined in
recent years and presently offers no signs of resuming
its former prominence. Retail trade, on the other hand,
is in an upward trend, both with regard to actual numbers
employed and percentage of the overall total employment.
Trade is to some extent seasonal, being affected by such
factors as tourism and seasonal employment in other in-
dustries.

********

1/ U.S. Dept, of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1964
Agricultural Census.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS

HOUSING

Wallowa County has suffered an almost 16 percent popula-
tion loss in the past 16 years, with more than 75 percent
of the loss coining in the past seven years. Construction
of new housing has therefore been at a minimum, although
there has been isome activity in this respect in and
around the Enterprise area. The 1960 census lists 32
percent of the housing in Wallowa County as being either
deteriorated, dilapidated, or lacking in plumbing. As
near as could be determined by the Mobile Team, the per-
centage of substandard housing in the county is still
about the same today. Some housing has been abandoned
and has probably progressed from deteriorating to dilapi-
dated. However, it appears likely that some of the popu-
lation which left the county in the past seven years were
probably residing in substandard housing during their stay
in the county.

By far, the majority of the presently occupied housing is
well-kept, neat in appearance, and generally indicative of
householder pride. The same standards seem to apply to
most of the occupied business premises, although there
are a few spots in all the incorporated areas which should
be removed in the interests of general appearance.

Sound modern housing, either for rent or for sale, is scarce
although reasonably priced when found. Facilities for
transients are minimal except at Enterprise, and even in
that town they are sometimes scarce. There are four trail-
er courts in the county, with a total space for 33 trailers,
aside from the spaces at Wallowa State Park near Joseph,
which can be used on a limited term basis only.

SCHOOLS

Wallowa County schools have a total enrollment of 1,580
and a total instructor personnel of 97, exclusive of cer-
tificated personnel in administrative and librarian posi-
tions. Latest report available (that for the 1964-65

school year) indicates approximate
the instructor personnel had at le
degree. The county ranks fourth a
in median school years completed l:
of 25 years. Contact with high sc
of registration, counseling and to
Unit with the impression that an e
done from an academic standpoint,
school. Vocational training faciJ
are limited and there are no faciJ
training beyond high school. WhiJ
people contacted in the course of
interested in vocational training,
that even fewer were interested in
such training. (

CHURCHES 4

Almost one-half of the people ovei
Iowa County are church members. T
churches embracing 12 different dc
four of the congregations have mem
Three have less than fifty member^
churches are pastored by lay minis
or no financial support from theij

FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVIC

Most of the major fraternal organi
clubs have active groups in Wallow
service clubs, the Jaycees and Lio
Three national farm organizations
county .

RECREATION

Wallowa County offers what is prob
recreational area in the State of
ing, boating, swimming and mountai
the more prevalent activities. Fo
scenery alone is well worth a trip
is both stream and lake fishing av
abounds in big game and upland bir
fowl. Wallowa Lake, which covers

(

ACTORS

school year) indicates approximately three out of four of
the instructor personnel had at least a baccalaureate
degree. The county ranks fourth among all Oregon Counties
in median school years completed by persons over the age
of 25 years. Contact with high school youth in the course
of registration, counseling and testing left the Mobile

t 16 percent popula-

Unit with the impression that an excellent job is being

more than 75 percent

done from an academic standpoint, at least through high

years. Construction

school. Vocational training facilities in high school

a minimum, although

are limited and there are no facilities for vocational

respect in and

training beyond high school. While only a few of the

j census lists 32

people contacted in the course of the Household Study were

unty as being either

interested in vocational training, it seems worth noting

y in plumbing. As

that even fewer were interested in leaving the county for

obile Team, the per-
e county is still

such training.

has been abandoned
eriorating to dilapi-

CHURCHES

hat some of the popu-

Almost one-half of the people over the age of 13 in Wal-

past seven years were

lowa County are church members. There is a total of 18

sing during their stay

churches embracing 12 different denominations, but only
four of the congregations have memberships of 100 or more.
Three have less than fifty members. Some of the smaller

v occupied housing is

churches are pastored by lay ministers, who receive little

nerally indicative of
ds seem to apply to

or no financial support from their churches.

es, although there
xed areas which should

FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICE CLUBS

al appearance.

Most of the major fraternal organizations and service
clubs have active groups in Wallowa County. Among the

t or for sale, is scarce

service clubs, the Jaycees and Lions are the most active.

d, Facilities for

Three national farm organizations have chapters in the

erprise, and even in
There are four trail-

county .

1 space for 33 trailers,
te Park near Joseph,

RECREATI ON

basis only.

Wallowa County offers what is probably the best outdoor
recreational area in the State of Oregon. Fishing, hunt-
ing, boating, swimming and mountain climbing are among
the more prevalent activities. For the less active, the

enrollment of 1,580

scenery alone is well worth a trip into the area. There

97, exclusive of cer-

is both stream and lake fishing available. The area

>e and librarian posi-

abounds in big game and upland birds, as well as water-

it for the 1964-65

fowl. Wallowa Lake, which covers approximately 1,600

(Continued next page) ^

ERIC

Description (Cont. )

acres, has excellent facilities for small boat launching.
Camping spaces are available on a first-come basis in a
state park south of the lake. In addition, there are
several private facilities including one ski lift, as
well as some forest camps within easy range. The lake
and the state parks are easily reached over a paved, all-
weather road. Excellent airports near Enterprise and
Joseph offer accommodations for private planes. The
whole area is dotted with forest camps.

WALLOWA LAKE FROM THE SUMMIT OF HOWARD MOUNTAIN. PHOTO COURTESY

There are no locally <
Television viewing is
Isolation and limited
of cultural attractior

There are municipal 1 i
Joseph. There is als-
with excellent selecti
mobile service to the
and Imnaha.

for small boat launching,
a first-come basis in a
In addition, there are
uding one ski lift, as
n easy range. The lake
reached over a paved, ali-
as near Enterprise and
private planes. The
l camps.

There are no locally originating entertainment facilities.
Television viewing is available via cable and translator.
Isolation and limited population restricts the importation
of cultural attractions to a degree.

There are municipal libraries at Enterprise, Wallowa and
Joseph. There is also a we 1 1 -maintained county library
with excellent selection at Enterprise, which offers book-
mobile service to the communities of Flora, Troy, Lostine
and Imnaha,

i FROM THE SUMMIT OF HOWARD MOUNTAIN. PHOTO COURTESY WALLOWA CHIEFTAIN.

HISTORICAL

Wallowa was the last of all Oregon Counties to be settled.
Although it doubtless experienced some visits from hunt-
ers and trappers during the early years, it was generally
by-passed by the western tide of immigration. When one
looks at the general topography of the county, this is
not hard to understand. Actually, the county is easily
approachable only from the west. Hence, it was not until
good free land started to become scarce in the more set-
tled areas to the west and north that anyone thought of
pushing over the hills to the east and into the soil -rich
Wallowa Valley. The first visitors of record were the
Tulley brothers, F. C. Bramlett, and a man named Masterson
in 1871. Bramlett came directly from Douglas County, but
the other three drove stock over from the Cove District
in Union County. Bramlett settled on land a few miles
east of the present town of Joseph, and so became the
first resident in what is now Wallowa County. The other
three, with several others (Proebstel, Coright, Beggs,
Johnson and Powers, to name a few) returned and took up
land in 1872. This group also appears to have built the
first road into the valley. Settlement must have contin-
ued to be very slow, since early historians note that a
James Wilson, who arrived in 1875, was the twenty-first
settler in the valley. By 1878, the settlement had ex-
tended to the present Imnaha where one John Johnson was
the first settler to take up land.

The first post office appears to have been established at
Lostine in 1878, followed by one at Joseph in 1879. By
1884, Joseph also had a newspaper, "The Chieftain," since
moved to Enterprise.

1/ History of Union and Wallowa Counties.

Western Historical Publishing Co. (1902)

The first school in the county
fluence of Bear Creek and the l\
in the present town of Wallowa i
1876. Sad to relate, the schoc
undertaking, turned out to be
continued. A public school wa-
in 1879 and was taught by "a t c
period of three months. A new
same year at the settlement ol
Harold Burleigh. It was not ur
built at Joseph, with a second
tine in the same year. By 188'
organized, there were 24 schoo!
total enrollment of 749 out f :
age. However, there were no lr
prior to 1908.

As late as 1902, only a little
850,000 acres of land in privf
propriated. A historian of \i
claims were filed against 56. cl
same historian notes that therl
tion from the cattle growers o|
of a railroad being built inte
ed a railroad "hostile to the:
historian, because it would "c|
cessitating the building of
work for the cowboys and herdel
for (sic) their point of view. I
and settlement, and the conveij
into small farms, thus compel,
flocks and herds to retrench
abandon his pursuit entirely.’!

Eventually, in 1908, the railJ
main line of the Union Pacifi f
and probably no one benefited
the ranchers. As an aside, i
the average size of all rancho
from just over 1,200 acres in
in 1964--and is still climbing
was under 600 acres prior to
the ranch owners at the turn
have been without foundation.

Counties to be settled.

emigration. When one
the county, this is
the county is easily
Mence , it was not until
carce in the more set-
hat anyone thought of
and into the soil -rich
s of record were the
nd a man named Masterson
rom Douglas County, but
rom the Cove District
on land a few miles
, and so became the
owa County. The other
tel, Coright, Beggs,
returned and took up
ears to have built the
ement must have contin-
nistorians note that a
, was the twenty-first
he settlement had ex-
re one John Johnson was

-iave been established at
at Joseph in 1879. By
"The Chieftain," since

rount ie s .

. (1902)

The first school in the county was built near the con-
fluence of Bear Creek and the Wallowa River (approximately
in the present town of Wallowa) by one M. S. Anderson in
1876. Sad to relate, the school, which was a private
undertaking, turned out to be unprofitable and was dis-
continued. A public school was set up on the same site
in 1879 and was taught by "a teacher named Hase"l/for a
period of three months. A new school was built in the
same year at the settlement of Alder, being taught by one
Harold Burleigh. It was not until 1881 that a school was
built at Joseph, with a second school being built at Los-
tine in the same year. By 1887, when the county was first
organized, there were 24 schools in the county, with a
total enrollment of 749 out of 1,396 persons of school
age. However, there were no high schools in the county
prior to 1908.

As late as 1902, only a little over 440,000 of the present
850,000 acres of land in private ownership had been ap-
propriated. A historian of that day noted that homestead
claims were filed against 56,000 acres during 1901. The
same historian notes that there was considerable opposi-
tion from the cattle growers of the area to the proposal
of a railroad being built into the valley. They consider-
ed a railroad "hostile to their interests," states the
historian, because it would "cut through the ranges, ne-
cessitating the building of ... fences and making extra
work for the cowboys and herders. What is still worse
for (sic) their point of view, it encourages immigration
and settlement, and the conversion of large cattle ranges
into small farms, thus compelling the owner of extensive
flocks and herds to retrench and perhaps to eventually
abandon his pursuit entirely." 1 /

Eventually, in 1908, the railroad connecting with the
main line of the Union Pacific at La Grande was built,
and probably no one benefited from it quite as much as
the ranchers. As an aside, it seems worth noting that
the average size of all ranches in Wallowa County went up
from just over 1,200 acres in 1959 to nearly 1,400 acres
in 1964--and is still climbing. Since the average size
was under 600 acres prior to the railroad, the fears of
the ranch owners at the turn of the century appear to
have been without foundation. (Continued next page)

■

HISTORICAL (Cont.)

Unlike the other counties in eastern Oregon, Wallowa has
never had a "mining excitement," although some prospect-
ing has been done and some mineral values have been dis-
closed. From a historical standpoint, the area is
chiefly noted for being the home base of the redoubtable
young Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indian tribe. The
Chief, who might well have been the man who invented the
phrase "strategic retreat," in that he beat his white
adversaries over every mile of a 1,400 mile retreat, only
to lose his war to the elements in the last ten miles,
also bears some historical resemblance to Homer. More
than half a hundred towns in northeastern Oregon, south-
eastern Washington and northern Idaho, who sought Chief

One of the Joseph citizens i
across the street. As one ;
quaintly put the matter, th<
in use, immediately came to
was wrong. The upshot of tf
robbers were either killed <
fortunately, the one who go:
carrying the money. Today,
ture of the area and conseq.
County would probably be th*
bank robber would choose to
100 percent success of the i
early days, it does seem ock
made at that time.

Joseph 1 s scalp while he was alive, now honor him with
historical markers erected to his memory. His body is
now buried at Nespelem, Washington, despite occasional
attempts to place it elsewhere.

At this late date, it appears that the cause of Chief
Josephs war had its origins in Wallowa County, although
not a single battle of the war was fought in that area.

Because Wallowa County has been almost exclusively an
agricultural area from its first settlement, it has miss-
ed much of the uproarious wildness that characterized

Anyone reading the Wallowa i
day is bound to be struck b;>,
which are no longer in exist
Prairie Creek, and Lost Pra#
not today recognizable as to
long time residents still rc
once were by name. Most of
these former towns have move
the county, or have left the
of roads in the county has i
this .

the beginnings of most western counties. The cattlemen
got along with the sheepmen--and vice versa. There were
never any of the bitter feuds between families or groups
that occurred in some other localities. But not all of
the citizens were completely law abiding; there was the
matter of the Chinese massacre in the spring of 1887,
for instance. Ten Chinese miners in the Snake 3iver Can-
yon were set upon and killed by a group of six white men,
whose names were later learned, but none of whom were
punished. A considerable amount of gold was taken from
the miners after the massacre. According to reports of
the time, one of the desperadoes decamped with the gold,
leaving the rest with no profit for their trouble.

* * +

Then there was the case of the two bank robberies, about
four years apart. The first, in Enterprise, in 1891, ap-
pears to have been a well-organized affair, and completely
successful. The second in Joseph, in 1895, was not so
successful— or more unlucky, depending on one’s viewpoint.

Oregon, Wallowa has

One of the Joseph citizens witnessed the holdup from
across the street. As one chronicler of the episode
quaintly put the matter, the citizens, seeing the guns

lough some prospect-

in use, immediately came to the conclusion that something

ilues have been dis-

was wrong. The upshot of the matter was that all of the

* the area is

robbers were either killed or captured except one. Un-

3 of the redoubtable

fortunately, the one who got away was the one who was

ndiari tribe. The

carrying the money. Today, because of the isolated na-

nan who invented the

ture of the area and consequent get away problems. Wallowa

le beat his white

County would probably be the last place in Oregon where a

)0 mile retreat, only

bank robber would choose to operate. But, in view of the

ie last ten miles,

100 percent success of the only two efforts made in the

'e to Homer. More

early days, it does seem odd that more efforts were not

stern Oregon, south-

made at that time.

>, who sought Chief
m honor him with

Anyone reading the Wallowa County annals of an earlier

nory. His body is

day is bound to be struck by the number of place names

Respite occasional

which are no longer in existence. Leap, Chico, Fruita,

he cause of Chief

Prairie Creek, and Lost Prairie, to mention a few. are
not today recognizable as towns, although a few of the

long time residents still refer to the areas where they

owa County, although

once were by name. Most of the one-time population of

ought in that area.

these former towns have moved into the larger towns of

st exclusively an

the county, or have left the county altogether. Advent
of roads in the county has largely been responsible for

tlement, it has miss-

this .

hat characterized
ies. The cattlemen

********

c versa. There were
n families or groups
es . But not al 1 of
ding; there was the
e spring of 1887,
the Snake River Can-

oup of six white men,
none of whom were
gold was taken from
rding to reports of
amped with the gold,
their trouble .

Fank robberies, about
;erprise, in 1891, ap-
affair, and completely
‘n 1895, was not so
ng on one's viewpoint.

POPULATION

The population of Wallowa County has been subject to vio-
lent fluctuation at times during the past quarter of a
century. In general, the trend has been down. The House-
hold Study conducted by the Mobile Team of the Smaller
Communities Program in September of 1967 located a few
more people than previously estimated, but the difference
is very slight.

The high point in county population was reached at an
estimated 8,400 persons in July of 1943. The 6,100 popu-
lation found in 1967 represents a 27 percent loss from
the all time high, or an approximate 20 percent loss,
from the U.S. Census figure of 1940. As nearly as can be
determined, the 1940 figure was fairly close to the one
which had been maintained for nearly twenty years.

A number of reasons enter into the population loss in the
county. To begin with, the basic industry of the county
is agriculture. The loss of farm families because of
mechanization and consolidation is pointed up by the fact
that the number of farms in the county was reduced by 38
percent in the ten years ending in 1964 and estimated
farm employment was down by almost 30 percent during the
same period.

Secondly, the abnormal population peak of 1943, along
with the two lesser peaks since that time, appear to have
been caused by cyclical employment in the lumber industry.
In Wallowa County, as elsewhere, lumber workers tend to
migrate in or out of a given area, as the need for workers
expands or contracts. There are now but two small mills
operating in the county, and their operations appear to
be fairly steady and assured for the immediately foresee-
able future.

It now appears the population
at, or near, the present leve
in farm population and employi
families of workers in the set

One factor worth noting is the
population. In ”950, 12.7 pet
above the age of 20 in Wallow;
over age bracket. By 1960, t J
16.8 and, at the time of the
of 1967, one of every five po^
ty were also above the age of
the national figure for these

Another noteworthy trend in tl
Wallowa County is the fact thJ
number the males in the totai
ber females in the under 17
numbered in the 18 through 4-
is an at least partial explai*
dition to the loss of populat]
entire households, Wallowa Coi
exporter of persons in the lbl
households residing permanent!
data available, it appears thl
be footloose than the single

Continued improvement of roaol
hold the population at the prl
the Household Study, approximl
muting out of the county to w|
employment . Considering the
to nonmanufacturing, and con^l
employment to population, it
muter jobs may be holding aro|
lation in the county.

loPULATION

It now appears the population of the area will stabilize
at, or near, the present level, with continuing losses
in farm population and employment being offset by the
families of workers in the service and trade industries.

■Iowa County has been subject to vio-
■ imes during the past quarter of a
■the trend has been down. The House-
Iby the Mobile Team of the Smaller
In September of 1967 located a few
Kiously estimated, but the difference

One factor worth noting is the trend toward aging in the
population. In 1950, 12.7 percent of the population
above the age of 20 in Wallowa County were in the 65 and
over age bracket. By 1960, this percentage had risen to
16.8 and, at the time of the Household Study in September
of 1967, one of every five persons above the age of twen-
ty were also above the age of 65. This is nearly double
the national figure for these same age groups.

Another noteworthy trend in the population statistics for
Wallowa County is the fact the females now slightly out-
number the males in the total . Males continue to outnum-
ber females in the under 17 age group, but are badly out-
numbered in the 18 through 44 year age brackets. There
is an at least partial explanation of this trend; in ad-

linty population was reached at an
Ins in July of 1943. The 6,100 popu-
represents a 27 percent loss from
: an approximate 20 percent loss,
figure of 1940. As nearly as can be
figure was fairly close to the one
\ined for nearly twenty years.

dition to the loss of population through out-migration of
entire households, Wallowa County has been a consistent
exporter of persons in the 18 through 24 year group, from
households residing permanently in the county. From the
data available, it appears the single male is more apt to
be footloose than the single female.

nter into the population loss in the
ih, the basic industry of the county
loss of farm families because of
isolidation is pointed up by the fact
;irms in the county was reduced by 38
^ars ending in 1964 and estimated
lown by almost 30 percent during the

Continued improvement of roads into the area may help to
hold the population at the present level. At the time of
the Household Study , approximately 150 workers were com-
muting out of the county to work, mostly in manufacturing
employment. Considering the ratio of manufacturing jobs
to nonmanufacturing, and considering further the ratio of
employment to population, it appears that these 150 com-
muter jobs may be holding around 600 of the present popu-
lation in the county.

al population peak of 1943, along
:>eaks since that time, appear to have
"Cal employment in the lumber industry,
s elsewhere, lumber workers tend to
a given area, as the need for workers
There are now but two small mills
nty, and their operations appear to
assured for the immediately foresee-

*********

ERIC

jOWA COUNTY POPULATION TRENDS 1950-1967

1950

TOTAL

1960

MALE

FEMALE

TOTAL

1967

MALE

FEMALE

2,145

2,375

1,237

1,138

2,033

1,036

997

213

246

125

121

214

122

249

173

184

100

362

282

131

151

245

111

134

1,084

824

401

423

610

289

321

1,074

913

474

439

810

384

426

835

902

480

422

681

355

320

710

664

357

307

562

284

278

592

723

380

343

766

359

407

7,264

7,102

3,665

3,437

6,105

3,024

3,081

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

'' 111
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urn

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PRC

)JEC

TED

ERIC

AGRICULTURE

The latest (1964) Agricultural Census shows 721,367 (or
35.5 percent) of Wallowa County * s 2,033,920 acres of land
surface in farms. At the time of the census, there were
525 separate holdings classed as farms, with an average
acreage of 1,374. That Wallowa County is following the
national and state trend toward fewer and larger farms
is established by the fact that the 1959 Agricultural
Census shows 600 separate holdings averaging 1,215 acres
in extent. During the five-year period ending in 1964,
the average valuation per farm was up from $57,441 to
$85,976. Average value per acre increased from $48.08
to $62.16. During this period the number of farms in
every size category below 2,000 acres showed a decrease.
In some size categories the decrease was as much as 25
percent. However, the number of farms with 2,000 or more
acres increased by almost 15 percent.

Approximately 40,000 acres of Wallowa County farm lands
are under gravity irrigation, with some additional land
being under pump. Almost all of the irrigated land lies
along the Wallowa and Lostine Rivers, near the central
part of the county.

Generally, there is a fairly good depth of soil over most
of the Wallowa Valley, although there is a slight drain-
age problem in some of the lowlying areas, which is ag-
gravated at times by early season over -irrigation . Com-
mercial fertilization is a practice in connection with
only about 31,000 acres of the total farm land, although
this practice is increasing. The total value of farm
sales appears to fluctuate somewhat from year to year.

In 1964 the total value was off more than 15 percent from
1959, but 1966 was again up to the 1959 figure. Current
estimates for 1967 are up more than $1 million from 1966.

Usually, the greater part of
come is from livestock and J il
also shown a consistent upwarj
the income fluctuation comes,
has been as high as $3 milli'
over a period of eight years.1

Household Study interviewers
time operators on 424 farms
were another 72 farm owners
either full time employed oJ
for full time work off the ft
tired and using farm producti
come. The total of 424 farrf
has been a further drop in til
three years since the Agricu]
ever, the Household Study di(
size of farm, hence no addit :
in that respect.

More than one-half of the la4|
acres) is in forage crops,
from 1.5 to 3.3 tons per acn
season. This yield is excluj
post-harvest pasturage.

Small grains account for mos
of the cultivated acreage, wl
peas, either for drying or pj

Livestock and livestock prodl
proximately 65 percent of thl
in an average year. Beef cal
around 75 percent of the toll
average year. Dairying, whil
of both agricultural and nonl
dwindled to a point where il[
percent of the total agricujl

Several factors militate agal
cation. Perhaps the greatest
amount of grazing area in go|
able on public lands. Unlik
apparently has never been sol
deer and elk herds in some af
browsing and cropping, kept

us shows 721,367 (or
,033,920 acres of land
he census, there were
rms , with an average
mty is following the
ver and larger farms
1959 Agricultural
averaging 1,215 acres
riod ending in 1964,
up from $57,441 to
icreased from $48.08
number of farms in
res showed a decrease,
se was as much as 25
arms with 2,000 or more
nt .

Usually, the greater part of the total agricultural in-
come is from livestock and livestock products, which has
also shown a consistent upward trend since 1959. Most of
the income fluctuation comes in crops. Total crop income
has been as high as $3 million and as low as $1.7 million
over a period of eight years.

Household Study interviewers located a total of 332 full
time operators on 424 farms in September 1967. There
were another 72 farm owners residing on farms who were
either full time employed off the farm, were available
for full time work off the farm, or were partially re-
tired and using farm production to supplement other in-
come. The total of 424 farms would indicate that there
has been a further drop in the number of farms in the
three years since the Agricultural Census of 1964. How-
ever, the Household Study did not go into such data as
size of farm, hence no additional information was gained
in that respect .

More than one-half of the land under cultivation (39,000
acres) is in forage crops. Hay yields (all types) average
from 1.5 to 3.3 tons per acre, depending largely on the
season. This yield is exclusive of forage secured by
post-harvest pasturage.

Small grains account for most (30,000 acres) of the rest
of the cultivated acreage, with small lots usually in
peas, either for drying or processing.

owa County farm lands
some additional land
he irrigated land lies
rs, near the central

depth of soil over most
lere is a slight drain-
lg areas, which is ag-
over -irr igat ion . Com-
;e in connection with
al farm land, although
total value of farm
fit from year to year.

:>re than 15 percent from
? 1959 figure. Current
^n $1 million from 1966.

Livestock and livestock products are the source of ap-
proximately 65 percent of the total agricultural income
in an average year. Beef cattle, in turn, accounts for
around 75 percent of the total livestock income, in an
average year. Dairying, which was once an important part
of both agricultural and nonagricultural economy, has
dwindled to a point where it provides only around three
percent of the total agricultural income.

Several factors militate against agricultural diversifi-
cation. Perhaps the greatest of these factors is the
amount of grazing area in good condition which is avail-
able on public lands. Unlike some areas, the summer range
apparently has never been seriously overgrazed. The large
deer and elk herds in some areas have, through continuous
browsing and cropping, kept deleterious brush on the range

(Continued next page)

■27

AGRICULTURE (Cont.)

to a minimum, with the result that the ranges are gener-
ally in good shape. The Chesnimnus ranger district of
the U.S. Forest Service has one of the largest grazing
districts in the nation in point of grazing permits. The
volume of grazing permits for the Bear-Sleds ranger dis-
trict is not available, but it seems worth noting that
only 166,000 of the total 264,000 acres in this district
is in commercial forest land. Presumably a portion of
the remaining 98,000 acres do carry some grazing permits.
In addition, some of the privately owned forest lands
offer grazing permits for a small fee.

The second factor which tends to keep the area tied to
the livestock industry is the climate or, more specifi-
cally, the growing season. Because it is possible, even
though not probable, that frost can come at any time dur-
ing the normal growing season, most of the agricultural
operators are reluctant to turn to any type of crop that
can be affected by a late spring, early fall or even a
midseason frost. Even so, the early history of agricul-
ture in the area does show extensive fruit raising activi-
ties, particularly in the area around Joseph and Enter-
prise. Around the turn of the century, Wallowa County
apples were consistent prize winners at state-wide exhibi-
tions. At the time of the latest agricultural census
(1964) a total of approximately 8.5 tons of fruit of all
kinds were reported harvested, with a total sales value
of less than $1,000.

Finally, there is the fact that most of the full-time ag-
ricultural operators have holdings of a size to make cat-
tle raising economically feasible. Where this is feasi-
ble, cattle raising is certainly the least bothersome
method of wresting a livelihood from the soil. There is
not the dependence on outside help, nor is there a hectic
harvest season involved.

The position of Agriculture in the county could probably
be bettered by some additions to the staff of the Exten-
sion Service. The county is the only one in the state
which does not have the services of a Home Extension
Agent. The net result is a work load division on the two
agents who are in service, which they cannot reasonably
be expected to handle. Their jobs are made doubly difficult

by the apathy of the if
to serve, toward cone.
This tendency toward
ing; certainly it ant'
years. But it is al >
Agriculture is to rem:

'iS-f.

:«s^l

JK*/.

j* h,

ELK HUNTERS SELDOM GO HOt
COUNTY. PHOTO BY WALTER

ult that the ranges are gener-
hesnimnus ranger district of
s one of the largest grazing
point of grazing permits. The
for the Bear-Sleds ranger dis-
t it seems worth noting that
i’64,000 acres in this district
nd . Presumably a portion of
do carry some grazing permits,
rivately owned forest lands
a small fee .

nds to keep the area tied to
the climate or, more specifi-
Because it is possible, even
frost can come at any time dur-
son, most of the agricultural
turn to any type of crop that
spring, early fall or even a
the early history of agricul-
extensive fruit raising activi-
area around Joseph and Enter-
the century, Wallowa County
ze winners at state-wide exhibi-
latest agricultural census
lately 8.5 tons of fruit of all
ted, with a total sales value

that most of the full-time ag-
holdings of a size to make cat-
easible. Where this is feasi-
rtainly the least bothersome
Lihood from the soil. There is
ide help, nor is there a hectic

re in the county could probably
ons to the staff of the Exten-
is the only one in the state
rvices of a Home Extension
a work load division on the two
which they cannot reasonably
eir jobs are made doubly difficult

by the apathy of the majority of those they are trying
to serve, toward concerted action on a county wide basis.
This tendency toward individualism is one of long stand-
ing; certainly it antedates the present agents by many
years. But it is also one that needs to be modified if
Agriculture is to remain the prime industry of the county.

********

ELK HUNTERS SELDOM GO HOME EMPTY HANDED FROM WALLOWA
COUNTY. PHOTO BY WALTER KLAGES , COURTESY WALLOWA CHIEFTAIN.

TABLE II

AGRICULTURAL INCOME TRENDS WALLOWA COUNTY 1964-1967

LIVESTOCK & LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS

1964

1965

1966

1967

Cattle and Calves

Hogs

Sheep and Wool*

Dairy Products

Poultry (Incl. Turkeys)

Miscellaneous Animals

$2,205,000

264.000

583.000

204.000

14.000

20.000

$2,925,000
325, COO
531,325
197,000
13,000
15,000

$3,588,000

306.000

445.000

218.000
11,000
40,000

$3,777,000

322.000
512,436

188.000
1 1 , 000
31,000

Total Livestock

. $3,290,000

$4,006,325

$4,608,000

$4,841 ,436

CROPS

All Grains**

All Hay

Grass and Legume Seeds

Forest Products

Miscellaneous Crops

Soil Bank and ACP Payments

$1,310,091

170.000
88,000

112.000
6,000

162,274

$1,372,135

228,000

79.000
160,000

69.000
107,721

$1,634,204

328,009

42.000
100,000

37.000
125,921

$1,816,144

1,053,000

15.000

75 .000

10.000
115,351

Total Crops

$1,848,365

$2,015,856

$2,267,134

$3,084,495

Total Gross Agricultural Income

$5,138,365

$6,022,181

$6,875,134

$7,925,931

* Includes wool incentive payments.

** Includes diversion and price support payments.

NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES

GENERAL

Although agriculture provides more jobs for Wallowa Coun-
ty workers than any other single industry, the total of
all nonagricultural workers, including the self-employed,
is approximately four times the number of full time agri-
cultural workers, farm operators included.

who work part time in full time job^
solve the cause of this proved inccr.
assigned ranged from inability to sc:
an emergency basis to a reluctance o
selves to work a full time job. The
substantiated somewhat by the numbei
ported part time employment, and a]-
not have worked more if work had bee
Some employers also frankly stated 1
to split a job between two workers L
gency kept one of the two off the jo
could generally rely on the other o>.
until the absent worker returned. h
lying reason for this situation may
ment picture is confused, in that mo
working than there were actual jobs,
one could be willing to concede thai
week is an accomplished fact.

Many of the county’s workers find employment in both ag-
riculture and nonagricultural industries, and a sizeable
percentage of all workers are simultaneously employed in
both agriculture and nonagricultural industry. Cases in
point are the owners of small producing farms who also
hold full time wage and salary jobs in other industries.
There are also a few persons who are self-employed in
nonagricultural industry, who operate farms in addition.

The extent of the distortion is poii
that almost 38 percent of the wage .
the county are female. This compare
age of around 35 percent, and a stat
gon of approximately 32 percent. Ir.
areas in Oregon already studied by t
percentage of females in the wage an
been in the neighborhood of 25 percc

MANUFACTURING

In order to avoid a duplication of counts, the Mobile
Team was forced to establish criteria for categorizing
those persons in dual employment. Had this not been done,
employment summaries in Table III would have shown more
people working than were actually employed in the county.
Generally speaking, the decision as to the occupational
or industrial group in which an individual worker belong-
ed was made on the basis of which of the dual jobs re-
quired the greater portion of the time of the individual
worker. At the time of the study (September 10-16, 1967)
there were 118 dually employed workers in the county, of
whom more than 70 were combining farm operation with non-
agricultural wage and salary work.

The Mobile Team encountered one other unusual situation
in the county which further clouds the picture of total
employment in the county. This is the number of females

Manufacturing accounts for approximn
all the nonagricultural wage and sal
County. This segment is almost excl
wood products processing, with the e
newspaper and two dairy products pre
the nature of lumber processing, ver
ployed, and these mostly in the cler
setting this fact, insofar as future
be concerned, is the further fact th
every three workers in manufacturing
45. Since most of those above the a
under the age of 55, this would indi
ward early withdrawal from the labor
this industry. Actually, from an an
dential householder reports, it appe
pattern formed by owners of small ac

JLTURAL INDUSTRIES

nrovides more jobs for Wallowa Coun-
ther single industry, the total of
urkers, including the self-employed,
times the number of full time agri-
ra operators included.

workers find employment in both ag-
cultural industries, and a sizeable
kers are simultaneously employed in
nonagr icultur al industry. Cases in
of small producing farms who also
md salary jobs in other industries,
persons who are self-employed in
.try, who operate farm's in addition.

duplication of counts, the Mobile
-tablish criteria for categorizing
1 employment. Had this not been done,
in Table III would have shown more
vere actually employed in the county,
the decision as to the occupational
in which an individual worker belong-
isis of which of the dual jobs re-
:irtion of the time of the individual
of the study (September 10-16, 1967)
e employed workers in the county, of
re combining farm operation with non-
:i salary work.

untered one other unusual situation
further clouds the picture of total
unty. This is the number of females

who work part time in full time jobs. Attempts to re-
solve the cause of this proved inconclusive. Reasons
assigned ranged from inability to secure replacements on
an emergency basis to a reluctance of the workers them-
selves to work a full time job. The latter reason is
substantiated somewhat by the number of females who re-
ported part time employment, and also reported they would
not have worked more if work had been offered to them.

Some employers also frankly stated that they preferred
to split a job between two workers because, if an emer-
gency kept one of the two off the job for a few days, they
could generally rely on the other one to work full time
until the absent worker returned. Whatever the under-
lying reason for this situation may be, the total employ-
ment picture is confused, in that more persons are shown
working than there were actual jobs. Unless, of course,
one could be willing to concede that the twenty-four hour
week is an accomplished fact.

The extent of the distortion is pointed up by the fact
that almost 38 percent of the wage and salary workers in
the county are female. This compares to a national aver-
age of around 35 percent, and a statewide average in Ore-
gon of approximately 32 percent. In most of the rural
areas in Oregon already studied by the Mobile Team, the
percentage of females in the wage and salary workers has
been in the neighborhood of 25 percent.

MANUFACTURING

Manufacturing accounts for approximately 27 percent of
all the nonagr icultur al wage and salary jobs in Wallowa
County. This segment is almost exclusively lumber and
wood products processing, with the exceptions being one
newspaper and two dairy products processors. Because of
the nature of lumber processing, very few women are em-
ployed, and these mostly in the clerical occupations. Off-
setting this fact, insofar as future replacement need may
be concerned, is the further fact that more than one of
every three workers in manufacturing is above the age of
45. Since most of those above the age of 45 are also
under the age of 55, this would indicate a tendency to-
ward early withdrawal from the labor force of workers in
this industry. Actually, from an analysis of the confi-
dential householder reports, it appears that there is a
pattern formed by owners of small acreages, of working in

the lumber industry through their middle fifties. Whether
they give up their nonagricultur al employment at about
that time because holding two jobs is too physically de-
manding, or because their financial needs become less
stringent by that time, is a matter for conjecture. At
any rate, it does seem worth noting that almost one-
fourth of those employed in the lumber industry have at
least a partial attachment to the labor force outside
that industry.

Most of the raw material processed by the lumber industry
in Wallowa County is either pine or fir. There are no
plywood, hardboard, or by-products plants in the county.
Since most of the processing is primary, the percentage
of skilled jobs in the overall total is relatively small.
Employer hiring requirements are not stringent, except
in the technical and management occupations. Although
nearly one-half of the jobs in this industry have been
lost from the county in the past ten years, there is no
oversupply of experienced labor, unless one includes the
approximately 100 residents of the county who are commut-
ing out of the county to jobs in lumber elsewhere. Pre-
sumably, most of these workers would prefer to work clos-
er to home, and could so be classed as surplus lumber
workers in Wallowa County, even though they are steadily
employed. There is an ample supply of raw material in
the form of standing timber to keep lumber processing at
its present level indefinitely, if the log harvest is
used within the county . In fact, the present operations
could be expanded, if all of the logs harvested were pro-
within the county. There is room for even greater
expansion, if secondary processing were to be added to
the present operations. In addition, some types of sec-
ondary processing provide work that would be suitable
for women, or at least is being done by women in other
pine processing areas.

So far as could be learned by the Mobile Team, there are
no present plans for expansion of any sort in the wood
products industry of Wallowa County. There will be a
sizeable replacement need in the next five years, if op-
erations stay at the present level. It appears likely
that most of the replacements will be hired at the entry
level, however, with little in the way of training or
experience required.

So far as could be ascertained,
other than wood products is presc
cause of distance from markets, t
no further expansion of the prese

GOVERNMENT

Almost one of every three wage an
Wallowa 1 County work in some capac
cause of this unusually high perc
public education was analyzed sep
ernment employment.

(a) Education - Close to on
cent) of all the wage and salary
are employed by the educational 3
three-fourths of the workers in e
professional or administrative j
are in clerical occupations, and
service and miscellaneous other

Professional jobs in education al
quirement of baccalaureate degree
the latest available report indie
cent of those employed in these
required minimum of education. 1
percentage of the teachers lacki
gree, the county also has an unu
of younger teacher s--although pre
latter group do have a degree.

No expansion of employment in th<j
presently contemplated, although
gram would probably be helpful,
in any of the occupations used wd
bile Team.

(b) Noneducat ion - More thar
and salary workers in the county i
ious branches of government in fj
cation. Roughly one-half of thei
ment, at the city or county leveJ
local government facility is the]
employs slightly more than half
ment workers.

ERIC

their middle fifties. Whether

So far as could be ascertained, no new manufacturing

ultural employment at about

other than wood products is presently contemplated. Be-

wo jobs is too physically de~

cause of distance from markets, there will probably be

inancial needs become less

no further expansion of the present plants.

a matter for conjecture. At

h noting that almost one-

GOVERNMENT

the lumber industry have at

to the labor force outside

Almost one of every three wage and salary workers in
Wallowa' County work in some capacity for Government. Be-
cause of this unusually high percentage, employment in

ocessed by the lumber industry

public education was analyzed separately from other gov-

■ pine or fir. There are no

ernment employment.

products plants in the county.

ig is primary, the percentage

( ;.) Education - Close to one in every ten (9.6 per-

rail total is relatively small.

cenv) of all the wage and salary workers in the county

s are not stringent, except

are employed by the educational facilities. Approximately

?ment occupations. Although

three -four ths of the workers in education are employed in

s in this industry have been

professional or administrative jobs, another one-tenth

; past ten years, there is no

are in clerical occupations, and the remainder are in

-abor, unless one includes the

service and miscellaneous other occupations.

s of the county who are commut-

es in lumber elsewhere. Pre-

Professional jobs in education all carry the normal re-

<ers would prefer to work clos-

quirement of baccalaureate degree as a minimum. However,

e classed as surplus lumber

the latest available report indicates that some 28 per-

even though they are steadily

cent of those employed in these jobs had less than the

le supply of raw material in

required minimum of education. In addition to the high

r to keep lumber processing at

percentage of the teachers lacking a baccalaureate de-

tely, if the log harvest is

gree, the county also has an unusually high percentage

n fact, the present operations

of younger teacher s--al though practically all of this

of the logs harvested were pro-

latter group do have a degree.

There is room for even greater

ocessing were to be added to

No expansion of employment in the educational field is

n addition, some types of sec-

presently contemplated, although an adult education pro-

work that would be suitable

gram would probably be helpful. No shortages of workers

being done by women in other

in any of the occupations used were reported to the Mo-
bile Team.

1 by the Mobile Team, there are

(b) Noneducation - More than one of every five wage

ision of any sort in the wood

and salary workers in the county are employed by the var-

rwa County. There will be a

ious branches of government in functions other than edu-

in the next five years, if op-

cation. Roughly one-half of these are in local govern-

^nt level. It appears likely

ment, at the city or county level. The largest single

?nt s will be hired at the entry

local government facility is the county hospital, which

le in the way of training or

employs slightly more than half of all the local govern-
ment workers.

(Continued next page)

.vErJc

GOVERNMENT (Cont.)

% -

Approximately 40 percent
Service occupations and t

A wide variety of skills are involved in local govern-
ment employment. However , aside from the professional

to seasonal fluctuation. '

and technical occupations used in the hospital, hiring

Except for skilled mechar

requirements are rather sketchy. No expansion in local

hiring requirements in t r

government is presently planned but, because of the high

Generally speaking, for t

percentage of females and the numbers of present workers

completion of high schor 1

in the upper age brackets, a sizeable replacement need

waived occasionally. En

in the next five years is indicated.

Employment with state agencies is minimal. Most of the

training their own employ
cational requirements arc

state services are offered on a casual or itinerant ba-

Both the preponderance oi

sis from La Grande, Baker or Pendleton. There is no

of those now employed whc

present prospect of additional state employees being out-

point to sizeable replace

stationed. The Oregon State Game Commission and the

In addition, if the recre

State Highway Commission, with a total of approximately

anything like its potent’

20 permanent employees are the only sizeable state agen-

considerable expansion it

cies in the county. Normally, all jobs with any of the

sonally. New hires wilJ^

state agencies are filled from Civil Service lists.
Federal employment in the county lies mainly with two

An oversupply of potently
able .

agencies: the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Postal

Department. The Postal service uses a total of 24 work-

SERVICE AND MISCELLANEOLc

ers, with no expansion being presently in prospect, and

This industry division, t

very little replacement need indicated. The Forest Serv-

11 percent of the total r

ice has a total of 70 employees, not including those on

jobs in the county, offe]

contract work. Except for a very few entry laborer jobs

ety of any of the major :

all occupations used by this agency have strict Civil

percent of the division v

Service requirements concerning education or experience

are employed in the perse

which cannot be waived. There are a number of seasonal

keeping occupations. Abe

jobs with this agency which carry less stringent require-

workers in this division

ments, and which vary from vear to year.

few are past the age of t

Except for the professional and a few of the technical

The Service industry o ff(

occupations, there is an ample supply of workers in the

portunity for expansion c

area for the filling of any presently prospective needs.

the county. Since most c
nection with recreation,

TRADE

the employment increase \
However, because of the ‘

ilmp loyment -wi se , Trade is the third largest segment of

source, it also appears ‘

industry in Wallowa County. Wage and salary workers in

longer than in those are;

this industry are predominantly female, A goodly percent-
age of those employed work on a part-time basis, curing

cationer s .

at least a part of the year. There is normally a seasonal

Most of the jobs which cc

rise in employment, which occurs during the tourist season.

would require a minimum c

ERLC

s are involved in local govern-
er, aside from the professional
ns used in the hospital, hiring
sketchy. No expansion in local
planned but, because of the high
nd the numbers of present workers
ts, a sizeable rep ■ *'"«ment need
is indicated.

gencies is minimal. Most of the
red on a casual or itinerant ba-
er or Pendleton. There is no
itional state employees being out-
State Game Commission and the
>n, with a total of approximately
are the only sizeable state agen-
>rmally, all jobs with any of the
:ed from Civil Service lists.

;he county lies mainly with two
?st Service and the li.S. Postal
. service uses a total of 24 work-
being presentl/ in prospect, and
: need indicated. The Forest Serv-
>mployees, not including those on
for a very few entry laborer jobs
' this agency have strict Civil
ncerning education or experience
There are a number of seasonal
vhich carry less stringent require-
rom year to year.

Approximately 40 percent of the jobs in Trade are in the
Service occupations and these are the ones most subject
to seasonal fluctuation.

Except for skilled mechanics for dealerships, employer
hiring requirements in this industry division are minimal.
Generally speaking, for the sales and clerical positions,
completion of high school is required, although this is
waived occasionally. Employers express a prefeience for
training their own employees, hence experience ana edu-
cational requirements are seldom important.

Both the preponderance of female workers and the number
of those now employed who are in the upper age brackets
point to sizeable replacement need in the next few years.
In addition, if the recreation industry is expanded to
anything like its potential, there will probably be a
considerable expansion in Trade employment, at least sea-
sonally. New hires will probably be at the entry level.

An oversupply of potential workers appears to be avail-
able.

SERVICE AND MISCELLANEOUS

This industry division, which accounts for approximately
11 percent of the total nonagricu It ur al wage and salary
jobs in the county, offers the widest occupational vari-
ety of any of the major industries. Approximately 57
percent of the division workers are female, most of whom
are employed in the personal service or public house-
keeping occupations. About three of every ten of the
workers in this division are above the age of 45, and a
few are past the age of 65.

onal and a few of the technical
in ample supply of workers in the
any presently prospective needs.

is the third largest segment of
mty. Wage and salary workers in
^minantly female. A goodly percent-
vork on a part-time basis, during
.year. There is normally a seasonal
ich occurs during the tourist season.

The Service industry offers what is probably the best op-
portunity for expansion of any of the industry groups in
the county. Since most of the expansion would be in con-
nection with recreation, it follows that a large part of
the employment increase would be of a seasonal nature.
However, because of the type of natural recreational re-
source, it also appears that the season could be much
longer than in those areas which cater only to summer va-
cationers.

Most of the jobs which could be created by expansion
would require a minimum of training or experience, and

ERJC

H3B&SI329

3 £

could be readily filled by local availables. A few of
the jobs would probably entail outside the area recruit-
ing, but none should be difficult to fill. In addition
to the number of jobs which might be created by potential
expansion, there wi.ll be a sizeable replacement need in
the next five years. Some of these, such as those in the
repair trades, may not be easy to fill, due to lack of
any local training programs.

TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES

Although providing very little in the way of wage and
salary employment, this division does offer considerably
more in the way of public service than is usual for a
small, remote area. As is usual in less populated areas,
some of the Utilities are lodged in Government. On the
other hand, there are a few jobs in Transportation which
would ordinarily belong to Government in most areas.

Most of the major occupational groupings are represented
in division employment, but less than ten percent of the
jobs are held by females. Nearly one-half of those em-
ployed are past the age of 45, which would indicate a
modest replacement need. Offsetting this, there is no
presently planned employment expansion; hence, the future
need for workers will probably be minimal. The railroad
into the area is being rebuilt with heavier steel which
will make for greater capacity but will probably not mean
additipnal workers.

CONTRACT CONSTRUCTION

Less than three percent of the nonagr icultur al wage and
salary workers of Wallowa County are employed in this
division. Employment is highly seasonal and the division
offers almost no wage and salary work during the winter
season. There is a very high ratio of self-employed con-
tractors to wage and salary workers.

No construction projects of any size are presently con-
templated in the county; hence, employment will probably
continue minimal for the immediately foreseeable future,
with no anticipated demand for additional workers.

finance, insurance and real e

Wage and salary workers in th
outnumbered by those who are
total employment is near minii
chance for expansion in the w
in the Service industries. Mi
division job holders are fema
is surprisingly young for thi
Presently, most of the hires
classifications, with complet
about the only hiring require
of expansion would probably i
hires in the sales or managers
of promotional material.

The financial segment of thi>
one locally owned independent
wide chain and one extension
Lending capacities of the twc^
sufficient to cope with any r
mand .

TIMBER PRODUCTS ADD TO THE

ERIC

local availables. A few of
itail outside the area recruit-
lifficult to fill. In addition
Ich might be created by potential
la sizeable replacement need in
|e of these, such as those in the
easy to fill, due to lack of
|ms .

[tions and utilities

little in the way of wage and
|ivision does offer considerably
service than is usual for a
usual in less populated areas,
lodged in Government. On the
few jobs in Transportation which
po Government in most areas.

ional groupings are represented
>ut less than ten percent of the
Nearly one half of those em-
f 45, which would indicate a
Offsetting this, there is no
ent expansion; hence, the future
bably be minimal. The railroad
built with heavier steel which
acity but will probably not mean

)f the nonagri cult ural wage and
i County are employed in this
highly seasonal and the division
i salary work during the winter
high ratio of self-employed con-
iry workers.

" of any size are presently con-
hence , employment will probably
immediately foreseeable future,
nd for additional workers.

FINANCE, INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE

Wage and salary workers in this division are considerably
outnumbered by those who are self-employed. Presently,
total employment is near minimal, but there is a good
chance for expansion in the wake of probable expansion
in the Service industries. More than one-half of the
division job holders are female, but the entire group
is surprisingly young for this particular industry.
Presently, most of the hires are effected in the entry
classifications, with completion of high school being
about the only hiring requirement. Any serious amount
of expansion would probably involve at least a few new
hires in the sales or management levels because of a lack
of promotional material.

The financial segment of this division is represented by
one locally owned independent bank, one unit of a state-
wide chain and one extension of a Union County bank.
Lending capacities of the two institutions are probably
sufficient to cope with any reasonably foreseeable de-
mand •

TIMBER PRODUCTS ADD TO THE WEALTH OF WALLOWA COUNTY.

DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATIONAL GROT
T4BLE 111 WALLOWA COUNTY

(Week Ending

September

16, 1967)

MAJOR

OCCUPATIONAL

GROUP

Total

Employment
In Group

% of
Total
Empl .

Female s
in

Group

Female s
% of
Group

Under

22 to
34

NONFARM SELF-EMPLOYED

292

13.7

18.1

FARM OPERATORS

332

15.6

14.7

UNPAID FAMILY WORK -1/

106

5.0

45.3

FARM WAGE WORKERS,
YEAR AROUND

3.3

-- -

FARM WORKERS, SEASONAL

No seasonal workers reported in survey week.

NONAGR I CULTURAL WAGE

AND SALARY

PROFESSIONAL, TECH. &
MANAGERIAL

139

6.5

38.8

CLERICAL

165

7.7

142

86.0

SALES

131

6 . 6

61.0

SERVI CE

248

11.7

188

75.8

FARM, FISHING &
FORESTRY

3.0

-- -

PROCESS WORKERS

1.0

-- -

MACHINE TRADES

137

6.3

-- _

BENCH WORK

23.2

STRUCTURAL OCCUPATIONS

105

4.8

-- -

MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS 300

14.1

8.2

TOTAL

2,128

100.0

650

30.7

170

444

1/ Includes agricultural.

2/ Less than 26 weeks. 3/

)N OF EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS , SEX AND AGE

WALLOWA COUNTY

(Week Ending September 16, 1967)

Total
mployment
In Group

% of
Total
Empl .

Female s
in

Group

Females
% of
Group

Under

22 to
34

35 to
44

45 to
54

55 to
64

65 &
Over

292

13.7

18.1

101

332

15.6

14.7

106

5.0

45.3

3.3

No seasonal workers reported in survey week.

NONAGRICULTURAL WAGE AND SALARY

139

6.5

38.8

165

7.7

142

86.0

131

6.6

61.0

248

11.7

188

75.8

3.0

-- -

1.0

-- -

137

6.3

-- -

3-9

23.2

105

4.8

-- -

S 300

14.1

8.2

2,128

100.0

650

30.7

170

444

599

511

274

130

agricultural .

2/ Less

than 26

weeks .

3/ Does not

include

commuters

-out .

DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY, SEX AND AO

INDUSTRY

GROUP

Total Wage
And Salary
Employment

Females

Group

Under

22 to
34

35 to

44 ,

CONTRACT

CONSTRUCTION

MANUFACTURING

357

TRANS., COMM., &
UTI LI TIES

TRADE

256

194

FINANCE, INSURANCE
& REAL ESTATE

SERVICE & MI SC.

144

GOVERNMENT

(Noneducation)

303

1X2

GOVERNMENT

(Education)

127

TOTAL

1,328

504

133

377

379

ION OF EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY, SEX AND AGE GROUPS

TABLE IV

Total Wage
And Salary
Employment

Females

Group

Under

22 to
34

35 to
44

45 to
54

55 to
64

65 &
Over

357

110

256

194

144

303

112

127

1,328

504

133

377

379

307

119

lE^C

■

ERIC

TABLE V

DISTRIBUTION OF BMP

INDUSTRY

GROUP

Total Wage
And Salary
Employment

Females

Group

Professional

Technical

Managerial

Clc

CONTRACT

CONSTRUCTION

MANUFACTURING

357

TRANS., COMM., &
UTILITIES

TRADE

256

194

FINANCE, INSURANCE
& REAL ESTATE

2 1

SERVICE & MI SC.

144

GOVERNMENT

( Noneducation)

303

112

8 i

GOVERNMENT

(Education)

127

TOTAL

1,328

504

139

165

DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATIONAL

Total Wage
And Salary
Employment

Females

•in

Group

Professional

Technical

Managerial

Clerical

Sales

Servi'

357

256

194

102

144

303

112

127

1,328

504

139

165

131

248

GROUPS WITHIN INDUSTRY DIVISIONS

Farm ,
Fishing ,
Forestry

Processing

Machine

Trades

Bench

Work

Structural

137

105

DIVISIONS

Machine

Trades

Bench

Work

Structural

Misc *

Self-

Employed

208

159

137

105

300

292

ERIC

-■ ~ m r*

» 4 o

PERCENT OF TOTAL

PAYROLLS AND SPENDABLE INCOME

GOVERNMENT

SERVICE & MI SC.

TRANSPORTATION,
COMMUNICATIONS '
& UTILITIES

Total reported net income fo
sources in Wallowa County in
which complete data are avai
$9.7 million. On the basis
by the Mobile Team, this wou
net income of $5,094 per hou
After an allowance of 25 per
taxes of all kinds the net
proximately $7.3 million, oj
marketing program.

The bar chart to the left of
payrolls, as compared to ind

Only a little over one-thir*
county comes from payrolls c
surance. Surprisingly enoug
the highest salaried jobs in
siderably lower average wage
However, in addition to car r
salaried professional worker
many minimum salaried worker
laneous occupations. Highe:
Transportation, Communicati

CONTRACT

CONSTRUCTION

FINANCE,
INSURANCE &
REAL ESTATE

PERCENT OF
SALARY WORK

PERCENT OF

ERLC

PAYROLLS AND SPENDABLE INCOME

Total reported net income for tax purposes from all
sources in Wallowa County in 1965 (the latest year for
which complete data are available) was approximately
$9.7 million. On the basis of total population as found
by the Mobile Team, this would indicate an approximate
net income of $5,094 per household or $1,588 per capita.
After an allowance of 25 percent of the net income for
taxes of all kinds the net spendable income would be ap-
proximately $7.3 million, or enough to support a sizeable
marketing program.

The bar chart to the left offers information on industry
payrolls, as compared to industry employment.

Only a little over one-third of the total income of the
county comes from payrolls covered by unemployment in-
surance. Surprisingly enough Government, which carries
the highest salaried jobs in the county, also pays a con-
siderably lower average wage than does Manufacturing.
However, in addition to carrying a large bloc of well-
salaried professional workers, Government payrolls show
many minimum salaried workers in the Service and Miscel-
laneous occupations. Highest average wages are paid in
Transportation, Communications and Utilities.

FINANCE,
INSURANCE &
REAL ESTATE

PERCENT OF TOTAL WAGE
SALARY WORKERS

AND

PERCENT OF PAYROLL DOLLARS

ERIC?

NATURAL RESOURCES

WATER

Over a period of many years, the water resource of Wallowa
County has been given the attention of many professional
engineering firms and governmental agencies . Among the
agencies who have studied this resource more than once,
and for more reasons than one, are the U.S. Geoloyical
Survey, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Corps of Engineers,
the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries,
the Soil Conservation Service, and the Oregon State Water
Resources Board. Data developed by these agencies and by
private engineering firms have all been incorporated in a
rather comprehensive report entitled ’’The Grande Ronde
River Basin” (Oregon State Water Resources Board, Sept.
1960) under the subheadings ’’Wallowa Basin” and ’’Imnaha
Basin . "

In general, the herein report adopts the findings of the
above mentioned report, in toto . There is one exception:
in their report, the State Water Resources Board takes
the position that there is no potential for industrial
expansion in Wallowa County which might cause an increas-
ed need for water. While this position is probably cor-
rect insofar as immediate probabilities are concerned,
the area does have some potentials which might alter the
situation in the future. Factually, any industrial ex-
pansion, of whatever nature, will cause an increased need
for water, if for no other purpose than domestic or muni-
cipal use. The findings of the Mobile Team pretty conclu-
sively establish that no available labor pool exists in
Wallowa County. Hence, any degree of industrial expansion
would necessarily mean added inhabitants.

In any case, the well-supported
Water Resources Board are, in ve

1. The surface water supply
present or foreseeable future ne<
and Imnaha River sub-basins, who
cipal, or irrigation use. Possil
late season irrigation needs in

2. Apparently, no studies ha
ground water supply, probably bei
foreseeable need. However, it d<
in quantity does exist. There a:
in the Wallowa sub-basin, with a
mately 150 square miles, all wit!
a ground water source. This prol
true for the Imnaha sub-basin, j
through a fold too narrow to al J <
luvial- mater ial . In addition, tl
Imnaha and its tributaries is mo
for alluvial material being depo:

3. There is little or no nee<
ures in either basin.

4. There is little or no pot<
power development in either basil
the terrain will not allow for ct
of any size.

RESOURCES

s, the water resource of Wallowa
attention of many professional
irnmental agencies. Among the
this resource more than once,
one, are the U.S. Geological
ion, U.S. Corps of Engineers,
ieology and Mineral Industries,
ice, and the Oregon State Water
r eloped by these agencies and by
have all been incorporated in a.
:t entitled "The Grande Ronde
? Water Resources Board, Sept,
as "Wallowa Basin" and "Imnaha

i>ort adopts the findings of the
i toto. There is one exception:

? Water Resources Board takes
:• no potential for industrial
ty which might cause an increas-
this position is probably cor-
probabi lit ies are concerned,
:>tentials which might alter the
Factually, any industrial ex-
te, will cause an increased need
F purpose than domestic or muni-
af the Mobile Team pretty conclu-
ivailable labor pool exists in
ly degree of industrial expansion
ied inhabitants.

In any case, the well-supported findings of the State
Water Resources Board are, in very brief:

1. The surface water supply is sufficient for any
present or foreseeable future needs in both the Wallowa
and Imnaha River sub-basins, whether for domestic, muni-
cipal, or irrigation use. Possible exceptions would be
late season irrigation needs in the Wallowa Basin.

2. Apparently, no studies have been made of the
ground water supply, probably because the lack of any
foreseeable need. However, it does seem likely a supply
in quantity does exist. There are three alluvial areas
in the Wallowa sub-basin, with a total area of approxi-
mately 150 square miles, all with excellent potential as
a ground water source. This probability does not hold
true for the Imnaha sub-basin. The Imnaha flows generally
through a fold too narrow to allow for deposition of al-
luvial material. In addition, the gradient of both the
Imnaha and its tributaries is mostly too steep to allow
for alluvial material being deposited.

3. There is little or no need for flood control meas-
ures in either basin.

4. There is little or no potential for hydro-electric
power development in either basin. Generally speaking,
the terrain will not allow for construction of reservoirs
of any size.

(Continued next page)

NATURAL RESOURCES (Cont.)

5. Full development of a water based recreational
industry is more or less hampered by the same factors af-
fecting power: any reservoirs created would necessarily

be too small to allow for a combination of boating, water-
skiing, fishing, etc. Presently a recreational asset to
the area are more than 50 small lakes around the head-
waters of the Wallowa and Imnaha Basins. Not mentioned
in any of the data made available to the Mobile Team, is
the fact that some of these lakes are gradually being
filled by eroding detritus from the surrounding steep
terrain. Since these small lakes are important not only
to recreation but to wild life, it appears some steps
should be taken looking to their replacement, even though
the replacements will of necessity also be rather small.

In general, all of the data made available to the Mobile
Team (including the cited report of the Water Resources
Board) agree that impoundment of the late spring and early
summer surface water run-off for use in regulating stream
flows through later release would be highly desirable.

There is likewise a general agreement that any one im-
poundment constructed would necessarily be so small as
to have little practical value for this purpose. In short,
more than one impoundment would probably be necessary,
which causes some doubt as to the economic feasibility.

TI MBER

The latest available timber inventory for Wallowa County
is contained in Forest Survey Report #134, published in
April of 1960, by the Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Any data with regard to the timber resource of the county
subsequent to that date are piecemeal, and apt to be con-
fusing. As a matter of fact, even Report #134, which is
very complete and detailed, is in some respects confusing
to the lay reader.

As an instance: The Oregon Blue Book, which is an official
publication of the State of Oregon, gives the total land
surface of Wallowa County as being 2,035,840 acres. The
U.S. Department of Commerce, in their evaluation of the
same area found 2,033,920 acres. However, the Forest

Service, in their report n
acres. The difference is
and therefore relatively u
that the missing 20,000 ac
million board feet of timb

Report #134 notes a total
land of some 878,110 acre-
approximate ly 34 percent ,
volume of 7,289,000,000 bo
live sawtimber was also sh
board feet were reported t
than one percent of the tc
of the softwoods, approxim
osa pine, and approximate!
Th<? remainder of the softw
a half dozen species, with
predominating. (

The average annual cut fra*
was noted as being slight.!,
feet, during a five-year pi
the time of the report, ap
total timber harvest was f
remaining 35 percent, or ft|
feet , came from federal ow

Presently the timber harve
million board feet annual];
between federal and privat-
nished by the Oregon State
are only 239,000 acres of |
with a total volume of 585
able timber, which is bein
lion board feet annually,
owned timber is approximate
annually, to which there mi
which presently averages a
There are some indications
eral lands could be slight
done or not, it appears the
approximately 100 million l
seeable future.

In connection with the date
be noted that the figure oi

■based recreational
By the same factors af-
Bed would necessarily
Btion of boating, water-

Service, in their report note a total of only 2,011,830
acres. The difference is only an approximate one percent
and therefore relatively unimportant except for the fact
that the missing 20,000 acres could possibly carry several
million board feet of timber.

■recreational asset to
Bes around the head-
Bsins. Not mentioned
Bo the Mobile Team, is
Bre gradually being
B surrounding steep
Bre important not only
■ appears some steps
Bplacement, even though
1 also be rather small.

Bailable to the Mobile
B the Water Resources

Report #134 notes a total acreage in commercial forest
land of some 878,110 acres, of which 296,200 acres, or
approximately 34 percent, were privately owned. A total
volume of 7,289,000,000 board feet (Scribner Scale) of
live sawtimber was also shown, of which 1,488,000,000
board feet were reported to be in private ownership. Less
than one percent of the total volume was in hardwoods and,
of the softwoods, approximately 34 percent was in Ponder-
osa pine, and approximately 28 percent was in Douglas fir.
The remainder of the softwoods were shown scattered among
a half dozen species, with white fir and western larch
predominating.

Be late spring and early
Be in regulating stream
be highly desirable,
ent that any one im-
arily be so small as
this purpose. In short,
obably be necessary,
economic feasibility.

The average annual cut from all commercial forest land
was noted as being slightly in excess of 90,000,000 board
feet, during a five-year period preceding the report. At
the time of the report, approximately 65 percent of the
total timber harvest was from privately owned lands. The
remaining 35 percent, or approximately 31.5 million board
feet, came from federal owned lands.

ory for Wallowa County
rt #134, published in
hwest Forest and Range
artment of Agriculture.

resource of the county
eal, and apt to be con-
Report #134, which is
some respects confusing

!ok, which is an official
\ , gives the total land
i 2,035,840 acres. The
leir evaluation of the

Presently the timber harvest is estimated at nearly 100
million board feet annually, and is about evenly divided
between federal and privately owned timber. Data fur-
nished by the Oregon State Tax Commission indicate there
are only 239,000 acres of privately owned forest land,
with a total volume of 585 million board feet of merchant-
able timber, which is being harvested at a rate of 50 mil-
lion board feet annually. The allowable cut from federal
owned timber is approximately 46.6 million board feet
annually, to which there must be added a nonregulated cut
which presently averages around five million board feet.
There are some indications that the present cut from fed-
eral lands could be slightly increased. Whether this is
done or not, it appears there is a faily firm supply of
approximately 100 million board feet of logs for the fore-
seeable future.

However, the Forest

In connection with the data on timber resource, it should
be noted that the figure of 239,000 acres and 585 million

.ERIC

board feet of sawtimber furnished by the Oregon State Tax
Commission for 1967 does not necessarily represent a de-
cline from the figure of 296,000 acres and approximately
1,5 billion board feet furnished in Report #134 by the
Department of Agriculture. The two agencies have differ-
ent methods of estimating and, by Tax Commission methods,
both the acreage and the sawtimber volume in 1958 was con-
siderably less than the figure cited in Report #134.

MINERALS

Much of Wallowa County is in rugged and partially inac-
cessible terrain. In addition, the winter climate is
particularly rigorous and the combination makes prospect-
ing for, or development of, mineral deposits more than a
little difficult. The majority of the known commercial
mineral deposits are located in the Wallowa mountains, in
the southern half of the county. The Wallowas are made
up of a fault block about 50 miles long, averaging about
one-third as much in width, and having a northwest trend.
The northeast scarp is generally abrupt, rising from 4,000
to 6,000 feet above the floor of the Wallowa River valley.
The southwest side of the range benches off, and drops
more gradually into the Powder River Basin.

Principal rock types are greenstones of Permian and
Triassic age overlain with marine sandstones and shales
of Mesozoic age, interbedded with crystalline limestone
or marble and intruded during the Cretaceous age by grani-
toid rocks of the Wallowa batholith, particularly in the
central portions of the ranges. Subsequent to the grani-
tic intrusions and during Tertiary time massive lava flows
covered most of the area, un-eroded patches of which ob-
scure large areas of the older rocks insofar as prospect-
ing may be concerned.

Generally, both the granitoid batholith and the layered
formations are cut by dikes. These are mostly basaltic
and noncommercial in character but some dikes relating
to the granitoid intrusions occasionally carry some min-
eralization of economic potential. However, most of the
known metallic mineral occurrences are located along, or
near, lime stone -gr anodior ite contacts in a tactite zone
and frequently contain copper, scheelite, gold, silver
and molybdenite.

Limestone, suitable for industrial,
chitectural purposes, is probably t
all mineral deposits in the area,
of this resource is currently hampc
mass markets, and consequent transp
ever, this limitation must be recog
and almost certainly will, eventual
demands in the northwest increase a
supply become depleted.

The older formations in the Snake R
precious metal and copper prospects
tential, but due to the inaccessabi
have never been more than superfici

There are some known gold placer de
value on the Imnaha River. Because,
and the narrow fold through which t
deposits have never been prospected

Withdrawal of the Eagle Cap Wildern*
consideration certain lands which o
greatest potential for scheelite ar.<
because of the lack of any consider
ment work having been done even in
to the deposition of metallic and/o
it appears that much of the terrain
formations (pre-Tertiary) is worthy
ther investigation. However, this
as an outright recommendation.

RECREATIONAL

Wallowa County has what is undoubtc
tential for recreation based indust
Counties. Unlike many other areas,
offer a basis for almost year aroum
boating, swimming and camping durin
large herds of elk and deer for the
snows and relatively bare slopes fo

Considering all of the natural adva:
roads and facilities for air travel,
more has not been done to exploit t

I by the Oregon State Tax
ssarily represent a de-
acres and approximately
in Report #134 by the
wo agencies have differ-
Tax Commission methods,
r volume in 1958 was con-
ted in Report #134.

ed and partially inac-
he winter climate is
ibination makes prospect-
al deposits more than a
f the known commercial
he Wallowa mountains, in
The Wallowas are made
? s long, averaging about
saving a northwest trend,
abrupt, rising from 4,000
the Wallowa River valley.
:enches off, and drops
iver Basin.

ones of Permian and
c sandstones and shales
h crystalline limestone
e Cretaceous age by grani-
ith, particularly in the
Subsequent to the grani-
ry time massive lava flows
ded patches of which ob-
ocks insofar as prospect-

tholith and the layered
ese are mostly basaltic
at some dikes relating
sionally carry some min-
1. However, most of the
es are located along, or
tacts in a tactite zone
cheelite, gold, silver

Limestone, suitable for industrial, agricultural and ar-
chitectural purposes, is probably the most valuable of
all mineral deposits in the area. Commercial development
of this resource is currently hampered by distance from
mass markets, and consequent transportation costs; how-
ever, this limitation must be recognized as one that can,
and almost certainly will, eventually change as industrial
demands in the northwest increase and present sources of
supply become depleted.

The older formations in the Snake River Canyon may contain
precious metal and copper prospects having commercial po-
tential, but due to the inacce ssabi lity of the area, these
have never been more than superficially prospected.

There are some known gold placer deposits of undetermined
value on the Imnaha River. Because of the steep gradient
and the narrow fold through which the river flows, these
deposits have never been prospected to bedrock.

Withdrawal of the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area removes from
consideration certain lands which offered probably the
greatest potential for scheelite and limestone, hence
because of the lack of any considerable amount of develop-
ment work having been done even in those places favorable
to the deposition of metallic and/or industrial minerals,
it appears that much of the terrain occupied by the older
formations (pre-Tertiary) is worthy of at least some fur-
ther investigation. However, this is not to be considered
as an outright recommendation.

RECREATIONAL

Wallowa County has what is undoubtedly the greatest po-
tential for recreation based industry of all of Oregon's
Counties. Unlike many other areas, the natural resources
offer a basis for almost year around activity: fishing,

boating, swimming and camping during the summer months;
large herds of elk and deer for the hunting season; deep
snows and relatively bare slopes for skiing.

Considering all of the natural advantages, including good
roads and facilities for air travel, it seems strange that
more has not been done to exploit this resource.

ERLC

LABOR FORCE SUMMARY

THE LABOR FORCE OF WALLOWA COUNTY
(Week ending September 16, 1967)

LABOR
( 52 weeks end

1. TOTAL, 16 and over

4,072

TOTAL having done some

2 . Retired * • ■

3. Unable to work 1 /

4. Able, but not available

5. Available, but not seeking work

6. TOTAL, not in active labor force 1,749

423

1,012

223

Employed full time all
Employed 40 to 51 week^ (
Employed 30 to 39 week^

7. Unemployed & actively seeking work 51

8. Self-employed, nonagr icultur al industry 292

9. Farm operators 2/ 332

10. Unpaid family workers 3/ 106

11. Farm wage workers (year around) 70

12. Nonag. wage and salary workers 1,472

13. TOTAL, active labor force 2,323

14. Commuting to work outside county 144

15. Empl . nonag. wage & salary, in county 1,328

16. Percent of #15, working 30 or more hours 78%

Employed 25 to 29 weeks
Employed less than 25 w

Seeking work 20 weeks o

(a) 20 to 25 week

(b) 26 weeks or m

Worked part-time all 5.''

1 / Under age 65.

2 / Does not include farm operators working majority of time
3 / Includes both agricultural & nonagr icultur al family entei
4/ Includes self-employed, both farm & nonfarm, and farm waq

FvH

LABOR FORCE SUMMARY

' WALLOWA COUNTY
tember 16, 1967)

LABOR FORCE STATUS
(52 weeks ending September 16, 1967)

4,072

423

1,012

g work 223

T force 1,749

king work 51

tural industry 292

332

106

around) 70

irkers 1 , 472

2,323

county 144

-y, in county 1,328

30 or more hours 78%

TOTAL having done some work 4/ 2,581

Employed full time all 52 weeks 1,128

Employed 40 to 51 weeks ...... 397

Employed 30 to 39 weeks 256

Employed 25 to 29 weeks 169

Employed less than 25 weeks -584

Seeking work 20 weeks or more of last 52

(a) 20 to 25 weeks 11

(b) 26 weeks or more 32

Worked part-time all 52 weeks 47

Under age 65.

Does not include farm operators working majority of time off the farm.
Includes both agricultural & nonagricultural family enterprises.
Includes self-employed, both farm & nonfarm, and farm wage work.

cri ERJC

, y

—

LABOR FORCE OF WALLOWA COUNTY

Of the 6,105 persons in Wallowa County in September of
1967, 4,072 or approximately 67 percent were 16 years of
age, or older. Of the 4,072 persons who have passed
their 16th birthdays, a total of 2,323, or slightly more
than 57 percent, are in the active labor force. The
number who are actively in the labor force closely ap-
proximates 38 percent of the total population.

In addition to those actively in the labor force, there
is a pool of employable availables amounting to slightly
more than three percent of the total population. These
people stated to the Mobile Team a willingness and abil-
ity to accept employment, but were not in active search
for work. In the main, this group is composed of females
and their passive attitudes toward employment, appears
to stem partly from lack of financial motivation, and
partly from previous lack of success in finding work. A
few do have a good degree of financial motivation, but
have not, for domestic reasons, been engaged in gainful
employment for many years.

Of the more than 2,300 persons in the active labor force
2,160 were either employed or self-employed in some type
of work, either agricultural or nonagr icultural during
the week ending September 16, 1967. Another 106, or
slightly more tnan four percent, were engaged to varying
degrees in unpaid family work, both farm and nonfarm.
"Unpaid family work" as that phrase may be used in this
report, means any work in connection with a farm or other
enterprise operated by the immediate family of the worker,
and for which l.'ie worker is not paid in cash or in kind.

It specifically does not include domestic duties nor does
it include farm or household chores performed by a minor
for a relative who is responsible for his keep.

Another 51 or slightly more than
labor force were totally unemplo
work at the time of the study,
move-ins, and some were recent 1
Service. Only a few were long-t

The active labor force of the coi
than two-thirds male: 30 percent
ployed, 80 percent of the unpaid
percent of those unemployed duri:
female s .

Wallowa County has what is probat
age of females in nonagr icultur a
3 ny county in the State of Oregoi
misleading, however, because of 1
ing part time, some of them in fi
not for these part time workers
total active labor force might be
would probably remain in the cat*
seeking work. Most, it is belie\
group who are ready to work, but

As a group , the labor force of Wl
older than average, with a high p
employed, both agricultural and r
past the normal retirement age oi

Almost ten percent of the nonagri
workers of the county commute to
ployment. Almost without excepti
the lumber industry, and most of
ing Union County for their employ
weekend commuters — those who work
or Raker., returning home on weeke

Table VII on pages 33 through 3 c
position of the labor force in te
for which they appear qualified.

RCE OP WALLOWA COUNTY

ons in Wallowa County in September of
proximately 67 percent were 16 years of
f the 4,072 persons who have passed
ays, a total of 2,323, or slightly more
are in the active labor force. The
tively in the labor force closely ap-
cent of the total population.

ose actively in the labor force, there
oyable availables amounting to slightly
arcent of the total population. These
the Mobile Team a willingness and abil-
loyment , but were not in active search
main, this group is composed of females
attitudes toward employment, appears
sm lack of financial motivation, and
:jus lack of success in finding work. A
degree of financial motivation, but
astic reasons, been engaged in gainful
iy years.

2,300 persons in the active labor force
employed or self-employed in some type
gricultural or nonagr icultural during
sptember 16, 1967. Another 106, or
■j four percent, were engaged to varying
family work, both farm and nonfarm,
rk" as that phrase may be used in this
'work in connection with a farm or other
?.d by the immediate family of the worker,
, worker is not paid in cash or in kind.
>es not include domestic duties nor does
l* household chores performed by a minor
3 is responsible for his keep.

Another 51 or slightly more than two percent of the active
labor force were totally unemployed and actively seeking
work at the time of the study. Some of these were new
move-ins, and some were recent layoffs from Trade and
Service. Only a few were long-time unemployed.

The active labor force of the county is slightly more
than two-thirds male; 30 percent of those gainfully em-
ployed, 80 percent of the unpaid family workers and 70
percent of those unemployed during the study week were
female s .

Wallowa County has what is probably the highest percent-
age of females in nonagricultural wage and salary work of
any county in the State of Oregon. The percentage is
misleading, however, because of the number of women work-
ing part time, some of them in full time jobs. Were it
not for these part time workers, it seems likely that the
total active labor force might be reduced, although some
would probably remain in the category of those actively
seeking work. Most, it is believed, would revert to the
group who are ready to work, but not seeking employment.

As a group, the labor force of Wallowa County is slightly
older than average, with a high percentage of the self-
employed, both agricultural and nonagricultural, being
past the normal retirement age of 65.

Almost ten percent of the nonagricultural wage and salary
workers of the county commute to other counties for em-
ployment. Almost without exception, these are workers in
the lumber industry, and most of these commute to adjoin-
ing Union County for their employment. There are a few
weekend commuter s--those who work as far away as Pendleton
or Baker., returning home on weekends, only.

Table VII on pages 33 through 36 offers a tabular ex-
position of the labor force in terms of the types of work
for which they appear qualified. In addition to the

(Continued next page)

active labor force, there is included in the tabulation
approximately 80 percent of the more than 200 persons who
stated they were willing and able to accept employment,
but were not actively seeking work. Occupational classi-
fications for this group were assigned on the basis of all
information available, including that gained through coun-
seling interviews in many cases.

Also included in the tabulation are all self-employed per-
sons, as well as unpaid family workers. Self-employed
farm operators are shown under major group 4, whereas
those in nonagr icu ltur al self-employment are listed gen-
erally in major group 1, either as managers or, as in the
case of doctors, lawyers, and other professional persons,
in the professional group. Some of the nonprofessional
self-employed persons are also shown under a working title
other than manager. Thus, many of the self-employed con-
tractors are shown as structural workers, rather than as
contractors, because they seldom hire outside help. This
was also true of some of the owners of small, family op-
erated establishments in Trade and Services, where the
time spent in management was negligible when compared with
the time spent in other work in the establishment.

Table VUI-a on page 37 depicts the education and voca-
tional training of all persons above the age of 18 in the
county. Table VUI-b on the same page provides the same
information for those persons above the aoe of 18 who
were found to be in the labor force. The higher degree
of educational attainment by those in the labor force is
not unusual, but does perhaps need some comment. Gener-
ally, the bulk of those with fewer years of education or
vocational training are in the upper age brackets, and
are no longer in the labor force. Also, there is a small
scattering of females who left school early to be married,
and who have never been in the labor force. Perhaps the
most noteworthy factor brought to light by these two ta-
bles is lack of vocational training among the county’s
inhabitants. As shown by Table IX, on page 38 this lack
of interest in vocational training is still a prominent
factor in the Wallowa County labor force.

enrolled in grades 10 throuc
the Mobile Team: 64 seniors

All of those registered eitt
educations with the complet;
in some doubt about whethej
schooling. About one-thirci
cational training upon comp
one-half were planning to 1
ployment elsewhere.

Exclusive of those who expc
there should be approximate
11th year dropouts entering
time basis, annually. This
the number of jobs that is
employment of the county ea
times the number of replace
workers who will probably 1
Thus, it can be seen that
Wallowa County to continue
force entrants.

Of the prospective labor f c
Mobile Team, almost all ap
toward sc If- improvement , p
elders. Many of the junio
the labor force on a part
have excellent job attitud

* *

Certainly worth more than passing attention are the po-
tential labor force entrants of the county. These are
the youngsters who could normally be expected to complete
high school in the next three years. Of the total 384

ided in the tabulation
»re than 200 persons who
to accept employment ,
Occupational classi-
gned s on the basis of all
hat gained through coun-

He all self-employed per-
Hrkers. Self-employed
Bjor group 4, whereas
■loyment are listed gen-
■s managers or, as in the
H=r professional persons,
the nonprofessional
Mown under a working title
If the self-employed con-
Bworkers, rather than as
■hire outside help. This
Irs of small, family op-
Id Services, where the

■ igible when compared with

■ he establishment .

■he education and voca-
ftove the age of 18 in the

■ page provides the same
■ve the age of 18 who
Ice. The higher . degree

■ e in the labor force is
■d some comment. Gener-

■ r years of education or
)per age brackets, and

Also, there is a small
::hoo 1 early to be married,
ibor force. Perhaps the
) light by these two ta-
mg among the county’s
[X, on page 38 this lack
rig is still a prominent
or force.

g attention are the po-
the county. These are
y be expected to complete

enrolled in grades 10 through 12, 193 were registered by
the Mobile Team: 64 seniors, 61 juniors and 68 sophomores
All of those registered either planned to terminate their
educations with the completion of high school, or were
in some doubt about whether they would continue their
schooling. About one-third of them were planning on vo-
cational training upon completion of high school. Over
one-half were planning to leave the county to seek em-
ployment elsewhere.

Exclusive of those who expect to continue their education
there should be approximately 60 high school graduates or
11th year dropouts entering the labor force on a full
time basis, annually. This is approximately five times
the number of jobs that is expected to be added to the
employment of the county each year, and roughly three
times the number of replacements that will be needed for
workers who will probably leave the labor force each year
Thus, it can be seen that the present prospects are for
Wallowa County to continue to be an exporter of labor
force entrants.

Of the prospective labor force entrants counselled by the
Mobile Team, almost all appeared to be well motivated
toward self-improvement, perhaps far more so than their
elders. Many of the juniors and seniors are already in
the labor force on a part time basis, and were found to
have excellent job attitudes.

'ars, Of the total 384

!•

>•

f‘; 1

OCCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE LABOR FO

PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION

SECOI

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 1

PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL &
MANAGERIAL
Sub-Group (00 - 01)

Emp loyed*

Unemployed

Available

Employed*

Architecture & Engineering

Life Sciences (04)

Medicine & Health (07)

Education (09)

Archival Sciences (10)

Law & Jurisprudence (11)

Religion (12)

Writing (13)

Art (14)

Managers & Officials, N.E.C. (18)

221

Miscellaneous in Major Group (19)

TOTAL in Major Group

384

* Includes nonagricultural self-employed.

iCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE LABOR FORCE

-PRIMARY CLASS I FI CATION -

Employed* Unemployed Available

-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATI ON-

Employed*

Unemployed Available

,-E.C. (18)
Group (19)

3
O

221

384

1
O
O
O

1
o
o
2

1
1
2
1
O

1
o
o

1
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
2

1
1

ral self-employed.

(Continued next page)

ERLC-

LABOR FORCE (Cont.)

PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION

Employed

Unemployed

Avai labi

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 2
CLERICAL & SALES
Sub-Group (20)

Stenography, Typing, Filing

Computing & Account Recording (21)

Material & Production Recording

Misc. Clerical (23 & 24)

Sales, Services (25)

0 <

Sales Tangibles (26 - 29)

130

22 *

T0TA.L in Major Group

320

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 3
SERVICE

Sub-Group (30 & 35)

Domestic & Misc. Personal Service

Food & Beverage Preparation or Serv.

,(31) 116

Barbers, Beauticians & Related (33)

Lodging & Related (32)

11 i

Amusement & Recreation (34)

Apparel Service (36)

Protective Service (37)

Building & Related (38)

TOTAL in Major Group

261

PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION

SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION

Employed

Unemployed

Available

Employed

Unemployed

Available

(21) 55

)g 32

130

320

'/ice 65

r Serv . ( 31) 116

d (33) 19

, 27

261

( er|c

^jflEBBTLaaaaa

PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION

SEC(

Employed

Unemployed

Available

Employed

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 4
FARMING, FISHING & FORESTRY*
Sub-Group
Plants (40)

Animals (41)

445

Misc. Farm (42)

Fishery & Related (43)

Forestry (44)

Agricultural Service (46)

—

TOTAL in Major Group

539

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 5
PROCESSING
1 Sub-Group

Food & Related (52)

— ;

Wood & Wood Products (56)

—

TOTAL in Major Group

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 6
MACHINE TRADES OCCUPATIONS
Sub-Group (60 - 61)

Metal Working or Machining

Mechanics & Machinery Repair (62 - 63)

Printing Occupations (65)

Woodworking (66)

Machine Trades, N.E.C. (69)

— —

—

TOTAL in Major Group

167

* Includes Farm Operators.

PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION

SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION

Employed

Unemployed

Available

Employed

Unemployed

Available

445

• —

—

539

■

—

(62 - 63) 98

f 3

—

167

(Continued next

page)

,ERJC

LU.-|-i~-n i

U KJ

fcv.

O §L

ERICf

LABOR FORCE (Cont . ) PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION SECC

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 7

BENCH WORK OCCUPATIONS
Sub-Group (70 - 72)

Emp loyed

Unemployed

Available

Employed

Repair of Metal Products

Rep. of Textile or Leather Prod. (78)

TOTAL in Major Group

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 8
STRUCTURAL OCCUPATIONS
Sub-Group (82)

Electrical

Excavating, Grading & Related (85)

Sub-Group (84,86,89)
All Other Construction

—

TOTAL in Major Group

129

MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: 9
MISCELLANEOUS

Sub-Group (90)
Motor Freight

Misc. Transportation (91)

Material Handling (92).,

126

Logging (94)

118

Utilities (95)

Other Miscellaneous (93,96,97)

—

TOTAL in Major Group

431

•PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION

SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION

Employed

Unemployed

Available

Employed

Unemployed

Available

d.(78)

(85)

129

126

118

431

1
O
6

3
O
O

EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE LABOR FORC

WALLOWA COUNTY

(Week Ending September 16, 1967)

EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF PERSONS 18 AND OVER
(Whether in the labor force or not)

SCHOOL YEARS COMPLETED

MALE

FEMALE

YEARS OF VOCATIONAL

TRAIN

0 through

4 years

One year

5 through

8 years

206

159

Two years

9 through

11 years

413

386

Three years

12 years

929

1,192

Four or more

13 through

15 years

None

16 years or

192

153

TOTAL 18 years of age

& over

1,866

1,992

TOTAL

EDUCATION AND

TRAINING OF PERSONS IN THE LABOR FORCE
(18 years old and over)

SCHOOL YEARS COMPLETED

MALE

FEMALE

YEARS OF VOCATIONAL

TRAIN

0 through

4 years

One year

5 through

8 years

133

Two years

9 through

11 years

362

Three years

12 years

851

553

Four or more

13 through

15 years

None

16 years or

127

TOTAL 18 years of age & over
in the labor force

1,537

722

TOTAL

EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE LABOR FORCE

WALLOWA COUNTY

(Week Ending September 16, 1967)

EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF PERSONS 18 AND OVER TABLE VI I I -a

(Whether in the labor force or not)

MALE

FEMALE

YEARS OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING

MALE

FEMALE

One year

379

680

206

159

Two years

136

413

386

Three years

929

1,192

Four or more

None

1,331

1,203

192

153

1,866

1,992

TOTAL

1,866

1,992

EDUCATION AND

TRAINING OF PERSONS IN THE LABOR FORCE
(18 years old and over)

TABLE

VUI-b

MALE

FEMALE

YEARS OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING

MALE

FEMALE

One year

249

406

133

Two years

362

Three years

851

553

Four or more

None

1,191

231

127

1,537

722

TOTAL

1,537

722

ERIC

EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE LABOR FORCE

TABLE IX VOCATIONAL TRAINING

INTERESTS

EDUCATION OF THOSE AV/\

(Persons 18 years of age and over)

BUT NOT SEEKING W

WALLOWA COUNTY
September 10 - 16, 1967

Of the 223 persons in Wallowa Count

MALE

FEMALE

willing to accept employment, but w
ing work, only 175 registered for w

TOTAL Persons in Age Group

1,866

1,992

vided the Mobile Team with enough i
an occupational classification. ( To

TYPE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING PREFERRED:

Pertinent data with regard to educa

Technical

training and current attachment to

Clerical

contained in Table X, below.

Sale s

Service

SCHOOL YEARS COMPLETED I

Farm, Fishing & Forestry

Processing

0 through 4 years J

Machine Trades

5 through 8 years .1

Bench Work

9 through 11 years J

Structural Occupations

12 years 1

Miscellaneous Occupations

13 through 15 years 1

Total Interested in Vocational
Training

136

16 and over J

Interested in Professional
Training

YEARS OF VOCATIONAL Til

TOTAL Interested in Training

152

None 1

One year 1

Not Presently Interested
In Training

1,775

1,840

Two years 1

Three years 1

Four years . 1

OF THOSE INTERESTED IN VOCATIONAL
(a) Total now employed

TRAINING:

TOTAL YEARS WORKED IN pI

(b) Willing to leave the area

for training

None 1

Less than one 1

One to two 1

(d) Could finance own training:

Two to three 1

1. If available locally

128

Three or more M

2. If out of area

(e) Assistance needed, amount:
1. Free tuition, only

****** -1

2. Tuition, plus

subsistence

3. Tuition, subsistence

3Q and allowance

EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE LABOR FORCE

TRAINING INTERESTS
ears of age and over)

OWA COUNTY
10 - 16, 1967

MALE FEMALE

p 1,866 1,992

EDUCATION OF THOSE AVAILABLE FOR,

BUT NOT SEEKING WORK

Of the 223 persons in Wallowa County who stated they were
willing to accept employment, but were not actively seek-
ing work, only 175 registered for work, or otherwise pro-
vided the Mobile Team with enough information to enable
an occupational classification. (Table VII, pages 33-37).

NG- PREFERRED:
4

4
1

y 27

:>ns 1

at ional

136

Pertinent data with regard to education, vocational
training and current attachment to the labor force are
contained in Table X, below.

SCHOOL YEARS COMPLETED TABLE X

O through 4 years O

5 through 8 years 14

9 through 11 years 136

12 years 67

13 through 15 years 2

16 and over 4

ning

95 152

1,775 1,840

YEARS OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING

None 121

One year 36

Two years 44

Three years 22

Four years . . * 1

OCATIONAL TRAINING:

ed 84 13

the area

9 5

1 the area

9 4

m training:

locally 73 128

;a O O

>d , amount:

. only 22 19

2 O

sistence

a 7 5

TOTAL YEARS WORKED IN PAST FIVE

None 103

Less than one..*.. 72

One to two 26

Two to three 17

Three or more ........** 5

*********

ERIC.

LABOR FORGE ENTRANTS

•PRIMARY CLASSIFICATIONS

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

QUALIFIED

ENTRY ,
6 DIGIT

ENTRY ,
5 DIGIT

Professional, Technical
& Managerial (Group I)

Clerical & Sales (Group II)

Service (Group III)

Farming, Fishing and
Forestry (Group IV)

Processing (Group V)

Machine Trades (Group VI)

Bench Work (Group VII)

Structural (Group VIII)

Miscellaneous (Group IX)

Total Primary

Classifications.

ENj
6 D]

Total Sec

Kirom information gained through interviews with high
school seniors, it appears there will be in excess of 60
young persons entering the labor force on a full-time
basis, annually, in Wallowa County.

percentage of these also
there are no present plan-.:
the county , to the point w
be provided for them.

Also on the basis of these interviews, it appears that
approximately one-half of those going directly from high
school to the labor force plan to out-migrate. There
are no data with regard to those who plan to continue
their education, but it seems safe to assume that a fair

Nevertheless, since these
the county, and there is u
not prefer to stay in the
provided for them, it seem
could be learned of their

LABOR FORGE ENTRANTS

TABLE XI

PRIMARY

CLASSIFICATIONS

SECONDARY

CLASSIFICATIONS

ENTRY ,

ENTRY,

ENTRY ,

QUALIFIED

6 DIGIT

5 DIGIT

6 DIGIT

5 DIGIT

4 DIGIT

15 3 O

0 2 1

11 O O

Oil

VI)

)

0 3 3

0 10

0 12
0 2 0

IX)

Total primary Classifications,

Total Secondary Classifications 47

ed through interviews with high
pears there will be in excess of 60
g the labor force on a full-time
allowa County.

percentage of these also plan to leave the county, since
there are no present plans for industrial expansion in
the county, to the point where gainful employment could
be provided for them.

these interviews, it appears that
f of those going directly from high
orce plan to out-migrate. There
!rd to those who plan to continue
it seems safe to assume that a fair

Nevertheless, since these youth will become available in
the county, and there is no reason to believe they would
not prefer to stay in the county if employment could be
provided for them, it seems advisable to categorize what
could be learned of their occupational potential.

ERLC

H3B&SI329 .

. va

LABOR FORGE STATUS BY AGE GROUPS
(PERSONS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER)

WALLOWA COUNTY

(Week Ending September 16, 1967)

AGE GROUP

TOTAL IN GROUP

EMPLOYED^

UNEMPLOYED AND
ACTIVELY SEEKING WORK

AVAILABLE

SEEKI

16 through 21
years

459

178

22 through 34
years

794

484

35 through 44
years

810

652

45 through 54
years

681

546

55 through 64
years

562

282

65 years and
over

766

130

TOTAL

4,072

2,272

223

1/ Includes commuter s-out „

LABOR FORCE STATUS BY AGE GROUPS
(PERSONS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER)

WALLOWA COUNTY

(Week Ending September 16, 1967)

GROUP

7ER1C

EMPLOYED^

UNEMPLOYED AND
ACTIVELY SEEKING WORK

AVAILABLE, NOT
SEEKING

NOT

AVAILABLE

178

246

484

260

652

546

282

265

130

605

2,272

223

1,526

COMMUTING PATTERNS

/ PLACES COMMUTING TO

COMMUTING (

FROM

TOTAL

ELGIN

LA GRANDE

UMATILLA

OTHER*

Lost ine

Wallowa

Enterprise

Joseph

F lora

TOTAL COMMUTERS

144

* Includes weekend commuters.

Areas commuted from and/or to, as shown in Table XIII may be misleading to some extent. For
instance in areuS "Commuted from," the name of the town denotes only a mailing address. Most
of those commuting lived outside the incorporated areas. Similarly, in areas "Commuting to, M
La Grande includes some workers commuting to places between La Grande and Elgin. "Other" in
the "Commuting to" column includes workers commuting to the State of Washington, as well as
some workers who are employed in Umatilla and Baker Counties and return home on weekends, only.

Practically all of those commuting are lumber workers. Most of those commuting to Elgin and
La Grande are mill workers, while those commuting to Umatilla County are loggers. Two pro-
fessional workers and five clerical workers are also in the commuter group to La Grande. In-
cluded as commuters are four truck drivers who work part time in Wallowa County and part time

1 in Union County for a firm headquartered in Union County.

r There are no commuters into Wallowa County, so far as could be determined.

METHODOLOGY

In order to determine current manpower use and secure a
projection of future manpower need in Wallowa County,
all employers of five or more workers were personally
interviewed, and all employers having one, but less than
five workers on their payrolls were contacted by tele-
phone. All employers were asked to detail their current
employment by occupation, sex and age; whether there
were any current vacancies in any occupation; and their
estimates of employment in each occupation for September
1969 and September 1972.

Employers of five or more persons were asked to state
their minimum requirements, in terms of training and/or
experience in hiring for individual occupations, and
whether or not in-plant training was provided.

Concurrently with the gathering of data in respect to
current manpower use and future manpower need, procedure
was set in motion to gather data with respect to the
skills and educational profile of all county residents
above the age of 16, whether in the labor force or not.
This procedure consisted of a Household Study, encompass-
ing every household that could be located in the county.
Actual work of gathering data for this study was done by
local residents, hired in five different localities
throughout the county expressly for this purpose. Thor-
ough training was afforded to those hired, prior to the
start of the study. Since each study worker was thorough-
ly familiar with the area to which they were assigned,
there is no reason to believe that any household in the
county escaped attention. Of some 1,904 households con-
tacted by survey workei s , complete data were secured for
1,822. Partial data, consisting of the total in the
household, and age, sex, marital status and physical con-
dition of each member, were secured from 48. households.
There were 34 instances where no data could be secured
directly from the household, but the study workers were
able to secure the total number of persons in the house-

hold from neighbors, or
data secured from the 1.
95.7 percent of the tota
and, with the age, sex, r
acteristics data contain*
accounted for 98.2 percer

Schedules used by the Hot
signed to cover the folic
tion:

1. Length of time the
and type of present resit
farm, rural nonfarm or ir
there are no urban areas

2. Total number in hoi!

ken into three groups: t ij

10 to 15 years of age, ar

3. Age, sex, marital n
household and physical cc
household over the age of

4. Attachment to the J
household over the age of

5. Attachment to the i
member over the age of
the survey week.

6. Occupation (s) in h
the age of 16 reported h;j
survey week, or the 52 we

7. For each household
sought work during the 52
week, the principal work
five years, if any, and t

8. Which members of th
to move elsewhere for per
work desired and the mini

DOLOGY

hold from neighbors., or by other means. The complete
data secured from the 1,822 households accounted for
95.7 percent of the total population found in the county
and, with the age, sex, marital status and physical char-
acteristics data contained in the abbreviated reports,
accounted for 98.2 percent of the total population.

t manpower use and
r need, in Wallowa
e workers were per
rs having one, but
Is were contacted
'sked to detail the
>x and age; whether
n any occupation;
ach occupation for

secure a
County ,
sonally
less than
by tele-
ir current
there
and their
September

Schedules used by the Household Study workers were de-
signed to cover the following 15 items of basic informa-
tion:

1. Length of time the household had been in the county,
and type of present residence location; whether rural
farm, rural nonfarm or in an incorporated area. (Note:
there are no urban areas in Wallowa County) .

ersons were asked to state
in terms of training and/or
dividual occupations, and
ining was provided.

ring of data in respect to
ture manpower need , procedure
data with respect to the
ile of all county residents
r in the labor force or not.

: a Household Study, encompass-
;uld be located in the county,
it a for this study was done by
ive different localities
?ssly for this purpose. Thor-
to those hired, prior to the
each study worker was thorough-
t o which they were assigned,
we that any household in the
Of some 1,904 households con-
-omplete data were secured for
isting of the total in the
arital status and physical con-
2 secured from 48. households,
ere no data could be secured
d, but the study workers were
umber of persons in the house-

2. Total number in household, regardless of ages, bro-
ken into three groups: those under 10 years of age, those

10 to 15 years of age, and those 16 years of age and over

3. Age, sex, marital status, relationship to head of
household and physical condition of each member of the
household over the age of 16.

4. Attachment to the labor force of each member of the
household over the age of 16 during the survey week.

5. Attachment to the labor force of each household
member over the age of 16 for the 52 weeks ending with
the survey week.

6. Occupation (s) in which each household member over
the age of 16 reported having worked, either during the
survey week, or the 52 weeks ending with the survey week.

7. For each household member who reported having
sought work during the 52 weeks ending with the survey
week, the principal work performed during the preceding
five years, if any, and the type of work sought.

8. Which members of the household, if any, were ready
to move elsewhere for permanent work, with the type of
work desired and the minimum wage acceptable.

" 5 °

ERIC

E JMff

9. Which members of the household, if any, were ready
to leave home for temporary work, with the type of work
desired and minimum wage acceptable.

10. Which members of the household, if any, were avail-
able for seasonal agricultural work, including the crops

All respondents who report
complete registrations for.
scheduled points throughou
who reported being ready t
ing work.

interested in and the minimum wage desired.

11. For those household members who were operating a
farm, whether or not they were available for full time
nonfarm work, with the type of work, wages desired, maxi-

Those respondents who repo
training were furnished pr
and given appointments at
throughout the area for re

mum commuting distance willing to travel and whether or
not taking such a job would reduce the size of the farm
operation .

12. Which household members, if any, were commuting to
work outside the county, with the type of work involved
and the location.

13. The number of years of completed schooling for each
member of the household over the age of 16, the number of

In addition to the data de
man resource of the area, <
ing the natural resources,
problems of the area. Mos
through research into repo
agencies, (see Appendix A (
sarily compiled through ac
industries, government off*
both within and without th<

years and type of vocational training, if any, and whether
or not this vocational training had ever been used in his
work, or of help in obtaining work.

14. Which members of the household, if any, were now
interested in vocational training, and the type of train-
ing, if interested.

15. For those members of the household who were inter-
ested in vocational training, the extent to which they
would be able to finance their own training.

All data with regard to pre
future manpower need, alone
occupational profiles of ti
to key punched documents ar
ly in the Central Office oi
ployment . Actually, only i
formation is published in 1
limitations of space and ge
ing additional information
potential of the people of
request to:

With regard to items 4 and 5 of the basic data, the sched-
ules were also designed to show whether or not the sched-
ule respondent was self-employed, either farm or nonfarm,
a wage worker, either farm or nonfarm, or was engaged in
unpaid family work. Also, if the respondent was employed
less than thirty hours during the survey week, whether
they were in addition either seeking work, ready for work
but not looking, engaged in domestic duties, attending
school, retired, or unable to work. This same informa-
tion was also developed for the 51 weeks preceding the
Household Study, including the number of weeks spent in
each category.

Smaller Communi
Oregon State En
Room 413 - Labo
Salem, Oregon

: the household, if any, were ready

All respondents who reported seeking work were asked to

jorary work, with the type of work

complete registrations for work with the Mobile Team at

\ge acceptable.

scheduled points throughout the county, as were those

: the household, if any, were avail-

who reported being ready to work but not actually seek-
ing work.

cultural work, including the crops
minimum wage desired.

Those respondents who reported an interest in vocational

)old members who were operating a

training were furnished preliminary registration forms,
and given appointments at specific times and places

:hey were available for full time

throughout the area for return of these forms.

2 type of work, wages desired, maxi-
? willing to travel and whether or

In addition to the data developed with regard to the hu-

would reduce the size of the farm

man resource of the area, data were also developed cover-

members, if any, were commuting to

ing the natural resources, business trends, and economic
problems of the area. Most of this was accomplished
through research into reports of studies made by various

ty , with the type of work involved

agencies, (see Appendix A on page 47) but some was neces-

^ars of completed schooling for each

sarily compiled through actual contacts with operating
industries, government officials and professional workers,
both within and without the 'county.

Id over the age of 16, the number of
itional training, if any, and whether

All data with regard to present manpower use and possible

I training had ever been used in his

future manpower need, along with data used to set up the

staining work.

occupational profiles of the labor force were transferred

i : the household, if any, were now

to key punched documents and will be retained indefinite-
ly in the Central Office of the Oregon Department of Em-

lal training, and the type of train-

ployment. Actually, only a portion of the developed in-

trs of the household who were inter-

formation is published in this brochure, because of
limitations of space and general interest. Anyone wish-
ing additional information concerning the occupational

raining, the extent to which they

potential of the people of the area should address his

ice their own training.

request to:

4 and 5 of the basic data, the sched-
2 d to show whether or not the sched-
lf-employed, either farm or nonfarm,
farm or nonfarm, or was engaged in

Smaller Communities Services Program

Also, if the respondent was employed

Oregon State Employment Service

s during the survey week, whether

Room 413 - Labor and Industries Bldg.

either seeking work, ready for work

Salem, Oregon 97310

ged in domestic duties, attending
hable to work. This same informa-
2 d for the 51 weeks preceding the
j-ding the number of weeks spent in

ERJC t o 1

OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS DEFINED

PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL OCCUPATIONS

FARMING, FISHERY , FORf

This category includes occupations concerned with the
theoretical or practical aspects of such fields of human
endeavor as art, science, engineering, education, medi-
cine, law, business relations and administrative, manage-
rial and technical worlt.

This category includes
ing, harvesting, catch
and animal life and th
concerned with providi
t ivit ies .

Most of these occupations require substantial educational
preparation (usually at the university, junior college,
or technical institute level) .

CLERICAL OCCUPATIONS

This category includes occupations concerned with pre-
paring, transcribing, transferring, systematizing, and
preserving written communications and records, collecting
accounts and distributing information.

SALES OCCUPATIONS

Includes all occupations primarily concerned with assist-
ing or influencing customer choice of products, commodi-
ties or services. It also includes some occupations in
customer service closely identified with sales transac-
tions but where there is no actual participation in the
sales process (eg: carpet layers, drapery hangers, de-
livery boys, etc.).

SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

Includes those occupations concerned with the performance
of services for persons which require either contact or
close association with the individual for whom the serv-
ice is performed; occupations concerned with protection
of public or private property, occupations related to
the servicing of buildings; occupations in cleaning,
dyeing, and pressing; and attendants in amusement and
recreation facilities.

PROCESSING OCCUPATIONS

Includes occupations a
compounding, heat or c
ing materials or prodi4
adherence to formulas
ed in some degree. Op
is often involved.

MACHINE TRADES OCCUPAX

This category includes
ing, tending, operatin
machines to work such
and - stone. The relati
is of prime importance
plexity at which the w
levels, understanding
combined with the exer
knowledge of related s
print reading, etc. A
coordination of the ey
cant factor. This cat
repairmen .

BENCH WORK OCCUPATIONS

This category includes
hand or bench machine
used to fit, grind, ca,
inspect, repair or sim

CUPATIONAL GROUPS DEFINED

CCUPATIQNS

rned with the
fields of human
iducation, medi-
strative, manage-

ntial educational
junior college,

?rned with pre-
ematizing, and
.cords, collecting

FARMING, FISHERY, FORESTRY AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS

This category includes occupations concerned with grow-
ing, harvesting, catching and gathering land and aquatic
and animal life and the products thereof, and occupations
concerned with providing services in support of these ac-
tivities.

PROCESSING OCCUPATIONS

Includes occupations concerned with refining, mixing,
compounding, heat or chemical treating or similarly work-
ing materials or products. Knowledge of a process and
adherence to formulas or other specifications are requir-
ed in some degree. Operation of equipment or machinery
is often involved.

MACHINE TRADES OCCUPATIONS

?rned with assist-
:oducts, commodi-
? occupations in
i sales transac-
icipation in the
:y hangers, de-

th the performance
ither contact or
or whom the serv-
r with protection
ons related to
in cleaning,
amusement and

This category includes occupations concerned with feed-
ing, tending, operating, controlling, and setting up
machines to work such materials as metal, paper, wood,
and' stone. The relationship of the worker to the machine
is of prime importance in establishing the level of com-
plexity at which the work is performed. At the higher
levels, understanding of machine functions is frequently
combined with the exercise of worker judgment based on
knowledge of related subjects such as mathematics, blue-
print reading, etc. At the lower levels of complexity,
coordination of the eyes and hands is the most signifi-
cant factor. This category also includes mechanics and
repairmen .

BENCH WORK QCCUPATI ONS

This category includes occupations where body members,
hand or bench machine tools or a combination thereof are
used to fit, grind, carve, mold, paint, sew, assemble
inspect, repair or similarly work a variety of objects.

ERIC

ERJC

The work is usually performed in a set position in a
mill, shop, or plant, at a bench, work table or conveyor.
The more complex of these occupations requires the use of
worker judgment; in the less complex, the worker follows
a standardized procedure.

STRUCTURAL WORK OCCUPATIONS

Includes occupations concerned with fabricating, erecting,
installing, paving, painting, repairing, and similarly
working structures or structural parts, such as bridges,
buildings, roads, motor vehicles, cables, airplane en-
gines, girders, plates, and frames. They involve the
use of hand or portable power tools in working such ma-
terials as wood, metal, concrete, glass and clay. Ex-
cept for factory line production, the work is usually
performed outside a factory or shop environment.

MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

Includes occupations concerned with transportation serv-
ices; packaging and warehousing; utilities; amusement,
recreation, and motion picture services; mining and log-
ging; graphic arts, and activities not elsewhere classi-
f ied .

MINING AND PACKAGING OF HIGH GRADE PEAT MOSS IS ONE OF
THE NEWER INDUSTRIES OF WALLOWA COUNTY.

INDUSTRIES DEFL

CONTRACT CONSTRUCTION

This group includes all firms primarij
struction by contract, whether of bui.
pipe lines, excavating or general con:
includes specialty contractors, such
conditioning, roofing, flooring, elect
or plastering. Construction is constt
additional alteration or demolition,
pre-fab materials or equipment by a cc
within this division. However, when ■
is made by the vendor or manufacturer
or equipment, it is not considered as

MANUFACTURING

With the exceptions hereinafter noted4
eludes all establishments primarily er
combining or adding to materials or si
purpose of enhancing the value or usal

Not included in manufacturing are sucl
processing of raw materials on a farm

THE STREAMS OF WALLOWA COUNTY ARE WELL
FINGERLINGS BY THE STATE OPERATED HATCH

a set position in a
. work table or conveyor.
Lions requires the use of
;>lex, the worker follows

th fabricating, erecting,
^airing, and similarly
parts, such as bridges,
cables, airplane en-
is. They involve the
dIs in working such ma-
. glass and clay. Ex-
. the work is usually
bop environment.

ith transportation serv-
utilities; amusement,
ervices; mining and log-
es not elsewhere classi-

ADE PEAT MOSS IS ONE OF
COUNTY.

INDUSTRIES DEFINED

CONTRACT CONSTRUCTION

This group includes all firms primarily engaged in con-
struction by contract, whether of buildings, highways,
pipe lines, excavating or general construction. It also
includes specialty contractors, such as painting, air
conditioning, roofing, flooring, electrical, plumbing,
or plastering. Construction is construed to mean new,
additional alteration or demolition. Installation of
pre-fab materials or equipment by a contractor comes
within this division. However, when such installation
is made by the vendor or manufacturer of the materials
or equipment, it is not considered as construction.

MANUFACTURING

With the exceptions hereinafter noted, this division in-
cludes all establishments primarily engaged in altering,
combining or adding to materials or substances for the
purpose of enhancing the value or usability.

Not included in manufacturing are such activities as
processing of raw materials on a farm, fabrication at a

THE STREAMS OF WALLOWA COUNTY ARE WELL SUPPLIED WITH
FINGERLINGS BY THE STATE OPERATED HATCHERY AT ENTERPRISE.

MANUFACTURING (Cont. )

construction site by a contractor, or processing for re-
tail sale on the premises of firms ordinarily engaged in
retail trade.

Treated in this study as separate divisions of manufac-
turing are:

1. Lumber and wood products, which includes logging and
other operations in connection with commercial tree farms;
primary processing of lumber and veneer, prefabrication

of wooden buildings or structural members thereof, and
manufacture of shaped wooden products.

2. Paper and allied products, which includes the manu-
facture of pulps from wood and other cellulose fibres;
the manufacture of paper and paperboard, and the conver-
sion of paper and paperboard into various products.

3. Other manufacturing, which includes all manufactur-
ing operations not specifically covered in groups one

and two, above.

TRANSPORTATION

Railroads, motor carriers, warehousing, water transpor-
tation; airlines, freight forwarding, pipe lines, and
local and suburban transportation.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone and telegraph; radio and television broadcast-
ing, and commercial shortwave systems.

UTILITI ES

Light, heat and power, whether electric or gas; water
supply, and sanitary services.

WHOLESALE TRADE

Includes all establishments primarily engaged in selling
merchandise to retailers or other industrial, commercial,

or professional users withe
chandise purveyed.

RETAIL TRADE

Includes all establishment*
merchandise for personal, i
and in rendering service ir

FINANCE, INSURANCE AND REA1

In addition to banks and ti
business of whatever nature
it agencies, holding compar
modifies and contracts, owi
of real estate.

SERVICE AND MISCELLANEOUS

Under service, this group :
ing places; trailer parks;
and amusement services; mec
other professional service:
(other than government opei
organizations and other sei
animal husbandry, and hort:
formed on a fee or contrac'

Under miscellaneous is inc^
ing, forestry and mining, i
encompasses more than one i
salary employment.

GOVERNMENT

This industrial group incli
and international activiti<
cial and administrative fui
owned and operated busines:
ties, hospitals, and other

Treated separately are all
educational field.

Btractor, or processing for re-
Bof firms ordinarily engaged in

or professional users without regard to the type of mer-
chandise purveyed.

RETAIL TRADE

Separate divisions of manufac-

Includes all establishments primarily engaged in selling
merchandise for personal, household or farm consumption
and in rendering service incidental to the sale of goods.

Bucts, which includes logging and
Btion with commercial tree farms;
Ber and veneer, prefabrication
Buctural members thereof, and
Ben products.

FINANCE, INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE

In addition to banks and trust companies and insurance
business of whatever nature, this division includes cred-
it agencies, holding companies, brokers, dealers in com-
modities and contracts, owners, lessors and developers

Bducts, which includes the manu-
1:1 and other cellulose fibres;
S\nd paperboard, and the conver-
Brd into various products.

of real estate.

SERVICE AND MISCELLANEOUS

Under service, this group includes hotels and other lodg-

, which includes all manufactur-
ically covered in groups one

ing places; trailer parks; personal, business, repair,
and amusement services; medical, legal, engineering and
other professional services; educational institutions
(other than government operated) ; non-profit membership
organizations and other services such as agricultural f
animal husbandry, and horticultural services when per-

, warehousing, water transport
forwarding, pipe lines, and
ortat ion .

formed on a fee or contract basis.

Under miscellaneous is included such activities as fish-
ing, forestry and mining, where no individual activity
encompasses more than one percent of the total wage and
salary employment.

radio and television broadcast-
wave systems.

GOVERNMENT

lether electric or gas; water
?ices .

This industrial group includes all federal, state, local
and international activities such as legislative, judi-
cial and administrative functions as well as government
owned and operated business enterprises, such as utili-
ties, hospitals, and other such services.

its primarily engaged in selling
or other industrial, commercial,

Treated separately are all government activities in the
educational field.

fl ~ o
C ERJC

APPENDIX

Selected Reference Materials:

U.S. Bureau of the Census, Part 39, Vol. 1, 1960 report. (

History of Union and Wallowa Counties. Western Hist. Publ. Co. (1902). >

The Grande Ronde River Basin. Oregon State Water Resources Board (1960).

Wallowa Valley Improvement District No. 1. Soil, Agricultural and Economic
Report. Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station (1933).

Bulletin #3 (1938); Bulletin #14A (1939); and Bulletin #12, (1941). Oregon
State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.

Census of Agriculture for Years 1954, 1959, and 1964. U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Annual Reports, Agricultural Extension Service
Wallowa County, Oregon „ 1964 through 1967.

Summary of Oregon Certified Personnel Information
Oregon Department of Education. (1965).

Certificate of Population Enumerations and Estimates of Incorporated Cities and Counties.

Portland State College (1967).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Smaller Communities Services, as a unit of the Oregon Department of Employment,
takes this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of
the following groups in making this report possible:

To the Wallowa County Board of Commissioners, and specifically to Stanley
Farris, Chairman of the Board, for their sponsorship of the project, in-
cluding the donation of a telephone and other utilities.

To the Wallowa County Library for the donation of office space used by
the Mobile Team while in Wallowa County.

To the Community Action Panel, for furnishing clerical help and other
valuable assistance in furtherance of the project.

To the schools of the county for the use of their facilities in inter-
viewing, registering, counseling, and testing of adults.

A word of thanks is also due to the many employers who took time out from their own
business day to cooperate in furnishing information for the study, which could not
otherwise have been secured. This is also true of the many householders who willingly
complied with requests for information in connection with the study.

Finally, a word of thanks to the Press and Radio media of the county, who kept the
public well-informed of the objectives and progress of the study.

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