Central Columbia Empire Reality
To E. P. Dodd, Hermiston Leader

By C. L. Upham
East Oregonian Hermistion Correspondent

Living to see the realization of his dreams of the Central Columbia Empire, E. P. Dodd, prominent Hermiston man, is confident of the success of that empire's future.

It's been a long, hard pull since that day in 1902 when E. P. was secretary of the first Umatilla county irrigation association but since those days he's always been in there pitchin'. Development of land through irrigation has always been his chief desire.

Versatile
Cowboy, newspaper editor, real estate man, legislator booster for irrigation and other progress, Mr. Dodd, 80, has had a career of color and activity.

Born in the Boise Valley near Caldwell, Ida. in a log cabin, he at the age of nine, carried a gun in the Bannock Indian war of 1878, though he was not allowed to shoot the weapon.

He grew up on a cattle ranch in the valley and rode the range until 19. He attended school at Smityh. Ia. for prep work; Stanford University for a year and three years at Indiana University where he obtained his B. A. degree.

Came Here
The Klondike fever was on in 1897 and he started for Seattle but got no further than Pendleton when reports of big storms up north, caused him to wait.

He bought the old Pendleton Tribune and operated it for nine years, 1898 to 1906. He also started the Freewater Times and for two years, between 1898 and 1906, owned and operated the Baker Herald.

When he moved to Hermiston there were but three buildings; that was in 1905, and he started a hardware store and later engaged in real estate. He was over a period of 20 years, president of the commercial club for 14 years.

He was president of the Umatilla Water Shed association and secured the West Extension to the Hermiston project including Irrigon and Boardman, and also the McKay dam. In 1920 he was sent to Washington D.C. to contact the department of the Interior. Dam work was finished in 1927 and water turned in canals for Stanfield and Westland areas. He formed the Tri-State Development league, later merged with the Inland Waterways Association. He served two years in the legislature.

Married Mr. Dodd has two daughters, Mrs. Jen Terjeson, Pendleton and Mrs. Dale Fischer, Eugene.