Story of Gem County's Historical Society

In July of 1972, an announcement was printed in the Messenger-Index, stating that the former Library building and lot was to be sold for $6,250. Mrs. Harry Lyon noticed the add and thought this might be the building in which to start a museum. Reason said, "Do not get involved in another project, this will take time and effort; but conscience answered, if this opportunity is not pursued, when will a museum be started. More of our precious artifacts will be taken out of the county or hauled to the dump. Items of historical significance for future generations will be lost. The past should co-exist with the present for the enrichment of the future." Conscience won, and a museum was on the way.

Lee Bolt, who was mayor at the time, was asked what he thought of the idea. He said, "That would be a sensible place to start at a moderate cost, and I will help you get started. The first thing to do is select a nominating committee."

The committee named: Dave Valberg, Edgar Wilson, Mable Eldredge, Agnes Smith, Katherine Hunt, C.E. Rood, and Dale Mabe to serve as directors.

At the court house on September 21, 1972, Ruth Lyon invited Dr. Arthur Hart, director of the Idaho State Museum, to meet with the Gem County commissioners, members of the City Council and interested individuals. Dr. Hart explained the importance of a Gem County Historical Society and answered questions concerning the establishment of a museum. the assembly discussed incorporating and the proposed purchase of the present library building. The Articles of Incorporation for the new Gem County Historical Society were signed by: Keith Reynolds, Mable Eldredge, Dave Valberg, and Elaine Waldner. The new society received its official document of Incorporation in September of 1972. Officers named were: Mrs. Harry Lyon, President, Robert Callender, Vice-President, Agnes Smith, Secretary, and Mrs. Edgar Wilson, Treasurer.

Mrs. Lyon and officers of the society met with the County Commissioners and asked for $6,250. from the Revenue Sharing Fund. The Objectives of the museum were outlined as that of collecting and preserving old artifacts, pictures, papers and to exhibit them in an interesting manner, and to collect oral history from old timers, and to conduct learning sessions for students or other groups who might be interested, by showing and explaining these items.

The good news that the request had been granted came on January 21, 1972. Now the project would move along faster than had been anticipated. Time would not have to be spent on money raising projects for purchasing the building. The City Council showed its interest by giving $300. to the Museum fund for payment of the yearly utilities.

Members of the association discovered another probable source of financial assistance in the form of the American Revolution Bi-centennial Commission. Mr. J. Meredith Neil, Boise, Executive director of the Idaho Bi-centennial Commission, was invited to speak at the February 1973 meeting. He described the work of the commission, outlining its aims and purposes. Mr. Neil answered questions concerning funds that would be distributed by the Idaho Bi-centennial Commission. He said that a society could apply for matching funds for historical projects. The Gem County Historical Society decided to apply for $6,250. matching funds for the conversion of the library building into a museum. Six months later, August 1, 1973, the good word came that the application had been approved. The society was jubilant. Thanks to the Idaho Bi-centennial Commission, there would be enough funds to make the old edifice into a colorful and interesting building for housing Gem County's historical items.

It was June, 1973, before the contents of the former library building could be moved into the new structure. After the library moved, renovation began with Robert Callender and Albert Naher in charge. A rough textured ceiling was installed, part of the bookcases were removed, the remaining ones were converted into exhibit cases with glass fronts. One section of the building was partitioned off, and it will house a Victorian parlor. A see through wrought iron gate was hung at the stairway entrance so that guests could view the rough barn wood stair well wall, which displays horse collars and haymes, ice saw, tongs, wagon wrench, ox shoes and other rustic antiques. Brown and gold carpet was installed and the walls and display cases were painted deep gold. the last step in conversion was the installing of wrought iron bars over the windows and doors.

In the meantime the society held monthly meetings with the members taking turns exhibiting and explaining antique artifacts. Dr. John A. Caylor, of Boise State University, was the guest speaker at the April, 1974 meeting. His topic was: The Importance of Local History.

Two field trips have been enjoyed, including one to Pickett Corral, a hide out for horse thieves in early days, and the site of Falk Store, which was a trading post located on the Umatilla to Boise Basin Trail. The other field trip was to the ghost town of Pearl.

Mr. Fred Walters from the Idaho State Museum met with a committee of members in April 1974 and explained the process of labeling and documenting collections. When the artifacts have been marked and labeled, a committee will set up display cases and at long last, announce, "The Museum is Open".