SKU: 48060583872

Tough Enough: Twenty-Five Years in Hells Canyon

Sale price$12.20 Regular price$13.56
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $3.39 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 2 - Aug 7

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Tough Enough: Twenty-Five Years in Hells CanyonThe roar of jet boats, the shouts and calls of fishermen and floaters echo between canyon walls. Is that what Congress anticipated when they allotted funds to purchase, preserve and protect in its natural state this last free flowing stretch of the Snake River to establish the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area? Many books have been written, many stories told about life in Hells Canyon during the years prior to World War II. Tough Enough: Twenty

The roar of jet boats, the shouts and calls of fishermen and floaters echo between canyon walls. Is that what Congress anticipated when they allotted funds to purchase, preserve and protect in its natural state this last free-flowing stretch of the Snake River to establish the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area?

Many books have been written, many stories told about life in Hells Canyon during the years prior to World War II. Tough Enough: Twenty-five Years in Hells Canyon updates that accounting bringing to life the story of the Lem Wilson family who moved to the Canyon in 1951. On the remote Oregon side of the Snake River the Wilsons developed a large sheep ranch expecting to spend the rest of life ranching there with their three sons. Twenty-five years later they were gone--ownership of land and home surrendered to the Forest Service, when for the first time in United States history the Federal Government chose to employ the law of eminent domain to take privately owned agricultural land for public recreational use.

Based on anecdotal memories recorded by Doris Wilson, Tough Enough portrays a haunting tale of this one family's experiences living and ranching on the remote Oregon side of the Snake River where roads, electricity and other modern conveniences did not exist. This is the their story, told from their point of view as they experienced the changing cultural environmental, political and economic forces that swept through the region following World War II. Some may agree with their interpretation, others may not, yet the Wilson story is relevant today as it presents an important and fascinating tale as decision makers are called to respond to similar issues in our nation today.

Written as creative non-fiction Tough Enough tells the Wilsons' story in three ten-year segments. Setting the stage, the first part of the book focuses on the domestic scene as Doris partners with her husband to develop the large sheep ranch that, for years, has been Lem's life-long dream.

Section two reaches beyond the household setting, as the 1960s bring threatening winds of change. New governmental rules and regulations impact the ranchers' way of earning a living. A new vocabulary descends on the region introducing words like ecology and environment.

The years of the great depression have passed, and consumers with newfound money freely spend, purchasing expensive new "toys" and daring to challenge the turbulent rapids of the Snake River. Sportsmen invade the canyon claiming the river for their own personal playground.

In the third section, Lem and Doris reluctantly acknowledge and have to deal with the inevitable outcome of these changing times. Ultimately they decide to set aside 28.5 acres of their land to be sold for use as small individually owned vacation home-sites and begin the subdivision process. Congress, backed by environmental enthusiasts wanting to see Hells Canyon held in its current wild and natural state, orders Forest Service officials to include recreational use when making management decisions for federally owned public land.

Seeking to acquire ownership of the Wilson's and other privately owned land in Hells Canyon, Forest Service officials employ the law of eminent domain to take the ranchers land. In response the Wilsons and two other landowners file suit against the government seeking more compensation for their land. Tough Enough tells the story of this difficult time and the eventual outcome.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Sixty-Plus Publishing
Published: 12/15/2016
ISBN: 9780998438603
Pages: 244
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.55d
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 48060583872

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.0 ★★★★★
Based on 19 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
S
StayinGroovy
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Sleek, Durable, and Super Practical
Color: Black, Color: Black
Very nice quality overall—the material feels soft but still durable, like it’ll hold up well over time. The sleek black design is super versatile and pairs easily with different outfits or bags. The wristlet strap is a great addition, and the connector feels sturdy and well made. Inside, there are plenty of card slots, and the exterior coin pouch is a nice bonus for quick access. The snap closure is strong and secure, which makes it feel reliable for everyday use.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
J
John Henry
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Versatile Wristlet for Travel or Everyday Use
Color: Vanilla/Soft Pink, Color: Vanilla/Soft Pink
This is a very nice wristlet with a clean, polished look. The color combination of the off-white exterior and dusty pink interior gives it an elegant and timeless feel, as expected from this brand. One of the features I liked most is the ability to carry a phone inside. It did fit my phone without a case, and the snap closure helped keep it secure. With a bulkier case, the fit was more limited, so that’s something to keep in mind. It can be used on its own with the wristlet strap or placed inside a larger purse, which makes it versatile for different situations. There’s plenty of room for essentials, including multiple credit cards, an ID window, a zippered pouch for coins, and space for cash. The layout is well thought out and keeps everything organized. The stitching and overall construction appear well done, with no visible flaws. Overall, this is a stylish, functional wristlet that offers good organization and flexibility for everyday use or travel.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
Brenda
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Purse
Good quality and I love my mini purse! Easy to grab and go!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
Shania Williams
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect size
Absolutely love this bag I don’t really carry much so this is the perfect size to fit everything that I need.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2025
H
Verified Purchase
Hasintha
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
I love it
I love it
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2025

recommand products