A2 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM
THREE MINUTES WITH …
COMMUNITY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022
HERMISTON HISTORY
Plans in 1972 created a new path
forward for old Echo hotel
25 YEARS AGO
Feb. 25, 1997
LAURA
RIVERA
Umatilla
How’s business?
Business has been good. Get Fit Nutrition has been
open since July (2021). It slowed down a little bit in
winter, but it’s catching up. I think the weather made
things a bit slow. We’re doing good now, though.
How does a person run a successful business?
You have to be friendly, wanting to help everybody.
Here, we provide a healthy, nutritious product to
give people a good life. That’s my goal.
Could you tell me about your products?
Sure. We have protein shakes, energy drinks, cof-
fees, waffl es and more. I try to bring healthy foods to
people.
Heath seems to be important to you, right?
Yes. It’s really important to me. I have kids, and I
want them to be healthy. And I want to be healthy,
too. I want to have a healthy life with them, and I
want to keep up with them.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to work out. That’s my biggest hobby.
What sort of exercises do you do?
I like to lift weights, and I do cardio. I couldn’t tell
you what my records are, but I try to get strong. I
keep getting better. Mostly, I just like to keep lean
and tone. Also, I want to show moms that they can
be fi t, even after having kids. It’s really hard, but
they can do it.
How many kids do you have?
I have fi ve kids. My oldest is 17. The baby is 4.
How do you keep up with them?
I’m always busy. I have to be in three diff erent
schools. My daughter is going to graduate this year.
She helps me. She does a lot of work here at this
business.
Do you ever have confl icts when working with
your daughter?
Yes. Sometimes, it’s hard. We are alike, and it’s hard
to work with her. She wants to be the boss. Still, we
work pretty well together.
Editor’s note: “Three Minutes with…” is a regular
feature in the Hermiston Herald in which we
interview local people and ask them the questions
that matter to them. They reply with answers,
which express who they are. If you would like to
be the subject of an upcoming Three Minutes,
email our editor, Erick Peterson, at epeterson@
hermistonherald.com.
An old building in Echo has been
many things. Its latest owner has
plans for her own changes.
The building was founded
in 1882 as a hotel. Its outside
appearance was one depicting the
Wild West, with barn-red color-
ing, ragged appearance and front
door that sat uneven on its hinges.
Throughout the years, it has
been a flophouse, tavern, soda
fountain/bar, restaurant, pool
house and poker room. At one
point, the attic even was used to
store and sell caskets.
Fred Dorn, longtime Echo res-
ident, recalls an instance when
some townspeople got fairly
drunk and found themselves in
some of the caskets the following
morning.
JoAnne Carpenter is the hotel’s
current owner, having bought the
building in January of 1995. She
hopes to bring back the famed
diner aspect that attracted people
from distant areas, such as Pend-
leton and the Tri-Cities, for regu-
lar trips.
Apparently, ever since the
hotel became a semi-restaurant,
its prime ribs have gained quite a
bit of popularity.
Carpenter also wants to ren-
ovate the building back into its
original form, a bed and breakfast
inn, by reopening the four bed-
rooms upstairs.
50 YEARS AGO
Feb. 24, 1972
Local pastor Jack Naff has gone
beyond sermons to preach, having
utilized his musical skills to record
an album of religious songs.
Naff was born in Zilla, Wash-
ington. His singing abilities were
recognized at a very young age; at
just three years old, he sang over a
Yakima radio station. Naff contin-
ued performing in lodges, churches
and numerous other functions in
the Yakima Valley throughout his
youth.
Following his first year at the
University of Oregon, Naff went
to Hollywood and performed in
a nightclub for two years, before
returning to Oregon to finish his
education.
In 1957, he became the minis-
ter at the First Christian Church of
Madras, where he remained until
moving to Hermiston eight years
ago.
Naff’s album, which was cut by
Century Record of Saugus, Cali-
fornia, features 11 biblical songs.
They are “God Gave Me A Song,”
“He Touched Me,” “Lovest Thou
Me,” “I Believe,” “I Believe In
Miracles,” “Follow Me,” “Fill My
Cup,” “I Will Serve Thee,” “How
Big Is God,” “Until Then” and
“His Name Is Wonderful.”
75 YEARS AGO
Feb. 27, 1947
As World War II came to an end
and the strict precautions of war-
time were slowly falling away, U.S.
citizens undoubtedly rejoiced at the
news of increased sugar rations.
Hermiston Herald, File
The historic Echo Hotel stands on the corner of Main and Dupont streets in
1997.
Hermiston Herald, File
The Cold Springs Feed Canal in northern Stanfi eld broke, fl ooding a quarter of
the town in 1972.
tionally increased amounts from
55 to 75% of their original 1947
sugar base. Ration stamps will be
administered on the first of April,
July and October for Americans
to enjoy the precious commodity.
90 YEARS AGO
Feb. 25, 1932
Hermiston Herald, File
Jack Naff , pastor of Hermiston’s First
Christian Church, displays his album
recording of traditional sacred songs
in 1972.
The International Emergency
Food Council allotted 6,800,000
tons of sugar, 1,200,000 tons
greater than the previous year, for
the U.S., enabling the Office of
Temporary Controls and Depart-
ment of Agriculture to increase
these desired rations.
Domestic uses of sugar will
get an additional 10 pounds of the
sweet substance, with each person
now receiving 35 pounds of sugar.
Industrial users of sugar, like
candy-makers, bakers and soda
bottlers, will also receive propor-
The project of building a road
connecting Umatilla and Wallula has
been halted to examine other details
and factors, which irritated locals
who believe such a pause will cause
delay.
However, R.H. Baldock, assis-
tant state engineer, announced this
wouldn’t be the case.
In fact, Baldock claims that the
highway could still be completed by
next summer.
The new State Highway Commis-
sioner ordered the project to be held
up to determine if a diff erent eleva-
tion was necessary.
Baldock said that if the Umatilla
Dam were constructed to 330 feet
as proposed, then 70% of the road
would be 13 feet underwater. That
would be a big issue.
The original plan was to grade the
road in the summer and surface it
next year, so even if the grading was
delayed until the fall of this year the
project would still be on schedule.
———
McKenzie Rose, a sophomore
at Echo High School, searched
Hermiston Herald archives to
compile these article summaries.
BY THE WAY
Steak and auction planned for upcoming Hermiston event
A sizzling time is planned during the annual Hermis-
ton Sports Boosters Steak Feed & Auction. The 21 and
older event is Saturday, March 5, 5-10 p.m. at the East-
ern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport
Road, Hermiston.
Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at https://
hermistonsportsboosters.square.site. Also, while on the
site, check out the Bulldog apparel and other team swag.
For questions, contact 541-567-5215 or hermistonsports-
boosters@gmail.com.
• • •
Just who are the top people and businesses in Herm-
iston? We will soon know the answer to this question,
thanks to an upcoming event.
The Hermiston Chamber of Commerce hosts the
52nd Annual Distinguished Citizens Awards Gala at
6 p.m. on March 2. It will be at the Hermiston Commu-
nity Center, 415 S. Highway 395.
Business of the Year, Man of the Year, Woman of the
Year, Merit of Honor, Educators of the Year, Outstand-
ing Young Citizens and Fire Service Awards all will be
announced. These awards recognize people and busi-
nesses for their contributions in 2021.
The Awards Gala is planned to be similar to those
in previous years, except with a little more space and
reduced occupancy.
Contact the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce at 541-
567-6151 to purchase tickets or reserve a table.
• • •
Brick builders of all ages are invited to view the
Lego building competition. JB Brick Co. linked
up with the Hermiston Public Library for a little
friendly fun. Although all participant slots are filled,
people can marvel at the creativity and skills of fellow
Lego lovers.
The event opens to the public Saturday, Feb. 26, noon
to 3 p.m. at the library, 235 E. Gladys Ave. The Lego
action features two contests: Build at Home with fi nished
entries on display and judged, and the 100 Brick Speed
Challenge, which begins at 1 p.m. Awards will be pre-
sented at 2:30 p.m.
For questions, call 209-756-9898. For more informa-
tion, visit www.jbbrickcompany.com/event.
• • •
The Hermiston Chamber of Commerce encourages
people to help celebrate during upcoming ribbon cuttings:
• Friday, March 4, noon at South Hermiston Indus-
trial Park (to get there, head south on Highway 395,
take a right on Southeast 10th Street and another right on
Cook Avenue.) Cookies and water will be served.
• Thursday, March 10, 5 p.m., Stellar Realty North-
west Team Carver & Company, 120 E. Hurlburt Ave.
Hermiston. Appetizers served.
• Thursday, March 31, 3 p.m., Boylan Realty, 210
S.W. Third St., Hermiston.
For more information, call the chamber at
541-567-6151.
• • •
Local veterans have an upcoming opportunity to get
ready for the inevitable. American Legion Post and
Auxiliary Unit 37, is sponsoring a veterans seminar,
titled “What You Need to Know Before You Go.”
The session covers estate planning and wills, veter-
an’s death benefi ts, mortuary information and health tips
for senior veterans. The seminar is Saturday, March 19,
1-5 p.m. at Agape House, 500 W. Harper Road, Hermis-
ton. Refreshments will be provided.
Vets are encouraged to bring family members to assist
with gathering intel on the above subjects. For more
information, call 541-720-1815.
• • •
The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center menu
for Thursday, Feb. 24, is spaghetti, garlic bread, salad
and dessert. The menu for Tuesday, March 1, is to be
announced.
In-house meals will be served from noon to 12:30 p.m.
People planning to dine in are asked to call by 11 a.m.
For a Meals on Wheels delivery in Hermiston, call
541-567-3582 before 10 a.m. to place an order. To pick
up a meal from the center at 255 N.E. Second St., call
before 11 a.m. Meals are $5 and can be picked up between
11:30 a.m. and noon.
• • •
The Boardman Senior Center is open for dine-in
lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon at 100 Tatone
St. Meals are $4 for seniors and $5 for others. Take-out
lunches are available by calling 541-481-3257.