6 minute read
My History is Our History
BY CHERIE BUCKNER-WEBB
Here at home or anywhere in the U.S., when I tell folks I’m from Boise, Idaho, they often offer a stunned look, followed by a predictable question. “But where are you from originally?” The question confirms a common misconception that Blacks only reside in the South or major, metropolitan cities. As a fifth generation, Black Idahoan, I proudly share that, “Black folks are everywhere, even in Idaho.”
Black History Month seems like the perfect time to provide a snapshot of the rich history of Blacks in Idaho from the vantage point of my role as one of the founding board members of the Idaho Black History Museum.
Situated in Julia Davis Park, the Idaho Black History Museum (IBHM) was established March 10, 1995 by a group of visionary Idaho citizens committed to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of Blacks in Idaho and the world. The museum is housed in the historic St. Paul Baptist Church, one of the oldest structures built by Blacks in the state of Idaho in 1921.
I must admit I have a precious connection to that little church. I was “raised up” in those pews and I am indebted to the church community that so powerfully contributed to values I hold dear. Familial, societal, educational, spiritual and religious–the values instilled in that little one room church will guide me forever. My great-grandfather, William Riley Hardy, founded the St. Paul Baptist Church in 1908. For years, the congregation met as a “house fellowship” in member’s homes, Gottlieb Lach’s Blacksmith Shop, and the GAR Hall as the congregation struggled to locate a permanent location.
The elders stayed the course and their prayers were answered in the person of Mrs. Gestal of 124 Broadway Avenue. That courageous Basque woman contacted Rev. Hardy and offered to sell the congregation the lots. No small gesture as some backlash followed from the larger Boise community. But Mrs. Gestal was a formidable woman. She would not be deterred by intimidation.
-Arthur Hart, Director Emeritus, Idaho Historical Museum
The Idaho Black History Museum (IBHM), was established March 10, 1995 by a group of visionary Idaho citizens committed to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of Blacks in Idaho and the world.
A building permit was issued and groundbreaking commenced. Rev. Hardy, also a skilled carpenter, enlisted the help of many, including his father-in-law and church trustee, Louis Stokes to complete construction of the St. Paul Baptist Church in 1921. In 1982, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1994, the congregation had a great opportunity to obtain another church located in downtown Boise, a much larger facility than the church on Broadway. Even though the new building needed updates, church leadership and most of the congregation thought it perfect. That “most” did not include Rev. Hardy’s baby girl, my grandmother, Mary Cecilia Hardy Buckner.
She started working me immediately, “Don’t let them sell the church. Your grandfather would be so hurt. I raised your father in that church (she was growing faint by then). I’m in this wheelchair, so you know I can’t convince anyone. Cher, do something.”
Well, my grandmother could work a nerve. She started an all-out guilt attack. She worked all the folks and she was a master. She reminded them of her gifts–the embroidered “tea towels,” her famous graham cracker pie, her sumptuous dinners, her anniversary cards and birthday cakes. She mentioned every wedding, funeral, church program or special service where she had played the piano for all to hear. (I think she kept a diary of all her selfless Christian acts, just in case). No one was spared her guilt-giving. And most of them turned to me–to save them from Mary Buckner!
I joined forces with a few brave souls and to change the narrative from “this old building” to “This piece of our history, representative of moving from marginalized to full citizenship together, through faith, sweat, tears and grace.” Further, we shared that “St. Paul is a testament to the anchor the church represents in the Black community–a safe place, a gathering place, a solid foundation where our people could take refuge and be revived. It stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of Black folks in an often exclusionary world, persevering, finding light in darkness, uniting, building and shaping community.”
Phillip Johnson, Executive Director Idaho Black History Museum
Obviously, I had learned from the master! And clearly, talked a little too much. In fact, I talked myself right into the Presidency of the Board of Directors of the Idaho Black History Museum.
Ultimately, members of St. Paul agreed to donate the original building to the newly created Idaho Black History Museum so that the church would be of service to the community. One caveat, however, we had to move it quickly since the property was on the market.
The museum is, indeed, the house the community built. When the congregation obtained new facilities, the property sold quickly. IBHM was fortunate the Ada County Commissioners allowed the building to be placed, “temporarily” on county property, while the IBHM Board, fundraised, gained support for, and searched for a permanent site. Associated Pacific Movers moved the building for free from Broadway Avenue to the future site of the Ada County Court House on Front Street. There it sat for three years, while the board searched, fundraised, shared the vision, and prayed, a lot.
During that time, many churches with Black congregations were being torched across the U.S. We were deeply concerned for the security of the precious old building. The Ada County Commissioners came to the rescue again. They set up a chain link fence around the historic church, St. Luke’s Hospital directed spotlights from their property to illuminate it and Boise Police Department kept it as a concern.
In 1998, after approval from Boise Parks and Recreation and Boise City Council, IBHM was authorized to move to Julia Davis Park. The site is adjacent to the Idaho Historical Museum, Boise Art Museum, Rose Garden, The Discovery Center and Zoo Boise, the heart of the Boise Cultural District–a perfect fit for the Idaho Black History Museum.
Groundbreaking was held August 18,1998.
Associated Pacific Movers magically eased the 28’ x 40’ building down narrow city streets and into the park as people lined the route, alternately cheering and holding their breath. John Spencer, owner of Associate Pacific Movers, seemed to caress the building as he slid it into place, his crew ever attentive. Tears, cheers, applause, and hallelujahs resounded. Upon inspection, every single stained-glass window in that little church was intact.
The Idaho Black History Museum was the vision and mission of so many dedicated folks from across the state with a wide range of age, race, ethnicity, as well as professional and educational backgrounds. The same is true of the current keepers of the flame, the innovators, eager to explore new ways to endow and enrich the exhibits of IBHM in ways its founders, like my great-grandfather, never imagined.
Today, our family legacy continues with my son, Phillip Thompson, 6th generation Idahoan, serving as President of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Idaho Black History Museum. In his words:
We look forward to seeing you there.
About the Author
The Honorable Cherie Buckner-Webb is an Idaho State Senator, Certified Professional Coach, Consultant and Motivational Speaker
Visit!
Idaho Black History Museum
508 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Hours of visitation: www.ibhm.org
