Ephrata Alumni Association

Herbert "Herb" Jenkins

Class of 1923

Herb Jenkins was popular for his “Minute with Herb” newspaper articles where he was able to share, with great humor, his early stories of local history (see below). As a young man growing up in Ephrata he had many memorable experiences.

To enjoy his story, click here:

While attending Ephrata High School he participated in football and track as well as played the violin in the school orchestra, the first year of organized instrumental music in the school. After graduating from Ephrata High School he attended and graduated from Washington State College in 1932 with a major in journalism.

After a short stint in the publishing business in California he returned to Washington State where he served as Editor of College Publications for Washington State College. In 1939 he returned to Ephrata to assist his ailing father in the family’s funeral business. During the early 1940s he acted as a correspondent for the Wenatchee Daily World.

Jenkins joined the Grant County Public Utility District on February 1, 1956, just one month before the bids were opened for the construction of Priest Rapids Dam. In addition to his regular duties with the district he handled all publicity for the $165,000,000 Priest Rapids Dam and for the $196,000,000 Wanapum Dam on which construction started three years later. More than 4,500 articles and photos were published on the construction of these two power projects.

Over the years Jenkins earned awards from the American Public Power Association and served on its various committees. He wrote articles for public power magazines and appeared on panels and programs pertaining to public power. He retired January 1971 as Information Officer for the Grant County Public Utility District after 15 years of service.