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2013
Messenger Index
EMMETT, IDAHO
It's all about business
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Emmett Idaho
851003
EMMETT, IDAHO
Welcome to Scene
Messenger Index
Rail helps settle Emmett Idaho Northern Railway Company was the first train to come through Emmett in 1902 on a red letter day.
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t’s all about business is the theme of the Messenger Index’s annual Scene magazine. The focus is on business from 1893 to those who have withstood the years of time and are still operating their businesses today. Local writers bring to life the history and stories of past business owners, their life struggles and joys of building their business from pioneer days to the 1960s. 2013 celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Idaho Territory Sesquicentennial as well as the 120th anniversary of the news- Diana Baird paper business in Gem County. Messenger Index These local stories prove that it takes a community to build a managing editor community. We are proud of the heritage these businesses have provided local residents.
Inside our pages
4................................................................ Roystone Hot Springs in Sweet 4.............. Albertsons tied to Emmett community through decade 5................................................................................... Gamage Barger Shop 6..................................................The Valley Pump and Equipment saga 7........................................Interesting businesses tried in Gem County 8...............................High Desert Feed has deep roots in community 9.............................................. Highland part of the Little family legacy 10........................................ Oldest family enterprise in Emmett valley 10.........................................................................The Emmett Golden Rule 11..............................................................................'The show must go on' 12................................................................................... History of Falk Store 13..................................... Toy, box business becomes Honco Lumber 14-15.....................................................................Remembering the 'Mill' 17...............................................................The Emmett Messenger Index 18..........................................................A lifetime of hotels and new cars 19......................................................Emmett businesses 1800s to 1970s 20............................................ Gem Supply marks 77 years in business 21...........................................................................The Ideal Movie Theatre 24.....................................About Emmett's businessmen and women 25-26................................................................... History of the Ola Hotel Cover photo: Andrea Scott’s photography promotes understanding and preservation of the cowboy buckaroo. The Idaho Buckaroo Project documents ranch life in Owyhee County. The cover photo represents the valley's oldest family enterprise, the Upson Ranch. (1885 Kjersgaard homestead ) Scene magazine is published by the Messenger Index 120 N. Washington Ave. • Emmett, Idaho 83617 Tonja Hyder, General Manager • Diana Baird, Managing Editor
By KARI SCHRECK
The first train steamed its way into Emmett causing joyous ertile soil, abundant celebration. The citizens of water, desirable cliEmmett were relieved from mate, access to the treaisolation at last. sures of timber and producAs foretold, the railroad’s tive mineral mines inspired arrival created a period of the 300 residents of Emmett expansion. In one year, the to refer to this isolated jewel town’s population more than as The Valley of Plenty. Emtripled from 300 to 1,000 resiKari Schreck mett was a plum, ripe to be dents. In 1910, newly formed picked, if only easy access Emmett Irrigation District to and from the valley were diverted water from the Payette River available. In September of 1896, to farms on the Emmett Bench. By Colonel William H. Dewey, nearing 1917, the Boise Payette Lumber Com70, who made his fortune in mining, pany built a large saw mill just west of road building and business develop- downtown Emmett. Canneries and ment in Silver City, recognized op- fruit sheds busily provided employportunity to cultivate wealth in this ment. A steady stream of fruit, vegenticing region. etables and lumber products bustling Dewey helped found the Boise, out of the train yard were evidence of Nampa and Owyhee Railways which economic well being. Eventually, the linked with the Oregon Short line sta- wooden Rail Road Depot was erected tion in Nampa. He purchased interest at 119 N. Commercial Ave. in central Idaho mining properties Colonel Dewey, the driving force and organized the Idaho Northern behind the railroad, died in May of Railway Company, extending the 1903, barely a year from the time of Murphy-Nampa rail line into Em- its completion. Farming, mining and mett. He prophesied that Emmett lumber production flourished in the would grow very rapidly within two valley for nearly a century. Although years of the railroad’s completion. the economy of Emmett has shifted, Emmett buzzed with anticipa- the railroad remains and the citizens tion. For two years, Emmett Index delight in hearing the now rare train featured news articles detailed the whistle. railroad’s development. In late March The Train Depot was added to the of 1902, the “Red Letter Day” arrived. U.S. Historical Registrar in 1995.
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Roystone Hot Springs in Sweet By DAVID VAHLBERG Hot Springs on Highway 52 was recorded in the 1884 census as n 1860, as Idaho was bebelonging to George Croat origiing settled and people were nally from Hanover, Germany. moving west, the Indians in George used the warm water to the area now known as Sweet irrigate his vegetables and fruit put their teepees up along the trees. His melons grown from natural hot springs near Squaw Creek in the winter. During the David Vahlberg these springs were renowned far and wide for their good taste and salmon runs they fished in the same area as well as hunted. As white size and Mr. Croat or Coats as he befolks moved into the area displacing came known, made a good living from them, the natural, mineral rich, hot his orchards and field vegetables. water got the attention of many but for The next owners, Dr. Skippen and different reasons. Brian Neilson, built cisterns to hold the The area now known as Roystone hot water and cemented a big catch ba-
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sin, known as the Hot Hole, which is still in use today after 100 years. In the early 1900s, they erected buildings to shelter the hot springs as well as out-buildings. Roy Stone from Portland, Ore., purchased the land in hopes the hot spring waters would help his deteriorating health but died before he could make the trip to Idaho. His widow, Eva Stone, came to the property instead, naming it Roystone after her late husband. She was a nurse and believed the waters had curative powers for most ailments. So over the course of years a new hotel, capable of accommodating 50 guests,
was built with hot water for each room, as well as the much bigger plunge or communal pool. A dining room 28 feet by 43 feet, also used for dancing was a great spot for entertainment and featured a Sunday chicken dinner. Eva had special winter rates for treatments and baths. After Eva passed away the property was purchased by the Johns family, who currently own and maintain the hot tubs, picnic grounds and enclosed gazebo. Roystone Hot Springs is still going strong and a source of pleasure and comfort for over 100 years.
Albertsons tied to Emmett community through the decades By DIANA BAIRD
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Messenger Index
lbertson's Inc. was founded in 1939 by J.A. Albertson. The first store was built in Boise, located at Sixteenth and State streets and measured 10,000 square feet in size. Oct. 2, 1945, marked the opening of the original Emmett store. On Jan. 25, 1978, it was relocated to 135 S. Washington Ave., increasing its size from 12,000 square feet to 19,000 square feet.
Albertsons timeline 1906 – Joseph Albert Albertson born Oct. 17 in the Yukon in Canada. 1920s – Worked for 12 years as a clerk at the local Safeway store in Caldwell. Managed more than a dozen stores. 1939 – Albertsons founded by J. A. Albertson. First store built Sixteenth and State streets in Boise. 1940s – Sales totaled about $1.5 million per year. PAGE 4
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1941 – Nampa and Caldwell stores opened. 1945 – At the end of WWII, Oct. 2., 1945, Emmett store opened. Incorporated Albertson Corporation. Sales approached $3 million. 1950s – Four state territory included Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Corporate headquarters near the first store in Boise. 1951 – Opened the largest Albertsons, 60,000 square feet of retail space. 1957 – Added pharmacies in the stores. 1959 – Albertsons becomes a public company. Offered stock in the company. Operated 62 supermarkets, five drug units, one department store. Sales generated nearly $70 million with $1.8 million in profits. 1963 – Joe opened his 100th store in Seattle, Wash. 1964 – Expanded to Orange County, southern California. Partnered with Skaggs. More than 8,500 employees, over 200 stores and operating in nine states. $420 million in sales and listed on the New York Stock Exchange with 7,200 stock holders. 1972 – Purchased a wholesale company in Boise for distribution.
Messenger Index file photo
By the late 1950s, the Emmett Albertsons Supermarket on South Washington Avenue was a major business in Emmett. 1978 – Emmett store relocated to 135 S. Washington Ave. 1988 – Operated 465 stores in 17 western and southern states. Sixth largest publiclyheld food/drug chain in the U.S. 1991 – Albertsons owned 562 stores. 2003 – Emmett Albertsons moved to present location on Highway 16. 2005 – Albertsons, Inc. one of the largest
retail food and drug chains in the U.S. with almost 2,500 stores in 37 states. 2006 – Albertsons purchased by Supervalu, CVS, Kimco Realty and Ceberus Capital Management and known as Albertson LLC. 2013 – Supervalu announced it will sell its Albertsons in-store pharmacies to “AB Acquisition,” an affiliate of a “Cerberus” led investor consortium.
Messenger Index
EMMETT, IDAHO
Gamage Barber Shop As written in the 1905 The Emmett Index- A model barber shop harlie Gamage is the proudest man in downtown and has a right to be. Monday he moved into one of the handsomest, most elaborate and best equipped barber shops in the west. The furnishings are elegant and are the best that money can buy. The first thing that strikes the eye is the mirror. It is 17 1/2 feet long and over four feet high and is a marvel of beauty and perfection. Inserted in the mirror are electric lights, which at night make the glass shine like an immense precious stone. The shelf decorations are elegant and fully in keeping with the other furnishings. The chairs are of the
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latest hydraulic pattern from Koken. In the rear of the room are the bathrooms and conveniences may be found and there is an air of cleanliness that is truly inviting. Hot and cold water are available for all purposes. Mr. Gamage himself is a competent workman and thoroughly understands his business. He has had wide experience in the best shops of the south and west. His assistant, Harry Shropshire, has worked in the best shops of the Missouri River and has a reputation as a master workman. This is not a shop for men only but the comfort of ladies has been looked after and they may bathe in the strictest privacy and have their hair sham-
pooed and dressed in the latest sanitary manner and they are assured of the greatest courtesy. Children also will be treated in like manner. In fact, Charlie Gamage's shop in the old Thommen Hotel, is metropolitan in every appointment and is an institution to which Emmett people may point with pride. Mr. Gamage also controls the upstairs rooms and he has furnished them in a neat and inviting manner. Those desiring to live close in will find in these rooms just what they are looking for and the charges are very reasonable. In the 1900s, Gamage Barber Shop was located at 118 W. Main St. and in the 1940s at 134 W. Main St.
2013 Community Events Easter Egg Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 30 Emmett Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wed & Sat, April thru October nd Member Services Friends of the Library 2 Annual Second Hand Rose Fashion Show . . . . . . . April13 4th Annual GCCC Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 13 Small Business Education Emmett Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 13, 14 & 27 Networking Events & Wings and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 20 Luncheons Rotary Youth Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 26 FREE Business Listing on Chamber Website Youth Appreciation Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 27 Advocacy Walter Knox Memorial Hospital Health Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May 11 Ribbon Cutting & Grand Gem County Sheriff’s Posse Charity Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May 18 Openings Memorial Day Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May 27 Business Credibility Gem County Sheriff’s Posse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 8 79th Annual Emmett Cherry Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 12 thru June 15 Emmett Optimist Annual Firework Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 4 Cruise Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 20 Gem/Boise County Fair and Rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 31 thru August 3 Emmett’s Most Excellent Triathlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 10 “Cherry Town USA” Relay for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 16 thru 18 Gem County Chamber Gem County Community & Business Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 12 of Commerce River Through Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 5 & 6 1022 S. Washington Ave. 20th Annual Harvest Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 11 & 12 Emmett, Idaho 83617 Idaho Renaissance Faire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .October 12 &13 Phone: 208-365-3485 Fax: 208-365-3220 WKMH Auxiliary Festival of Wreaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .November 21 thru 23 chamber@emmettidaho.com Magic on Main Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .November 30 www.emmettidaho.com Festival of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .November 30 854507
Emmett Businesses 1800s to 1970s (this list is not exhaustive) Information gathered by Diana Baird and Art Gratton 101 Canal St. – Gem Fruit Union, now Nancy Callahan Attorney 101 W. Main St. – 1800s Golden Rule Store, Edwin C. Rundstrum manager. Now Huskie Park corner 102 E. Main St. – 1950s Loveless Auto Parts, Nolan building 102 E. Park St. – 1800s First packing shed E. D. Hayes Packing House 102 W. Main St. – 1940s Farber 5 and Dime now Wells Fargo parking lot and 1940s First Security Bank now Wells Fargo Bank
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EMMETT, IDAHO
The Valley Pump and Equipment saga Commitment to family, people, community
ness to its present location in 1951. The lot was going to be a Hudson dealership and the foundation was already in place, so Kenny used it. The original building ended where By AL SCHNEIDER the show room ends now and alley Pump and Equipthe shop area was added later. ment was started by KenValley Pump sold and installed neth and Mary White in domestic plumbing items, heat1945. The business first operating equipment, milkers and ed out of the Charlie Banner Ashardware. sociated Service Station on the Over the years, the company north side of the Payette River Al Schneider evolved into selling farm mawhere T.J.T., Inc. is now located. Kenny started with a pickup and a tool chinery, water systems and irrigation box and current owners, Dennis and materials. The first sprinkler irrigaBill White (who still have the tool box), tion system in the valley was sold and believe it is the oldest continuously installed by Valley Pump. The Ma and operating family-owned business in Pop business has grown to employ 13 Emmett. valley residents and has always had a Kenny and Mary moved the busi- White in command. Dennis started
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by shoveling coal as a child and became a partner in the mid '70s. He adds, “There was never a discussion with Dad that I would be in this business and there was never a discussion with Bill.” When asked if he would take over fully when his dad retires, Bill Submitted photos simply offered, “Well, Dad will re- Above: Emmett Valley Pump has been a mainstay for hundreds tire when he dies.” of Gem County families for nearly 70 years. This photo was opening day The core of in 1945. Below: Kenny White stands in front of Valley Pump and the culture of this Equipment, which the family began in 1945. company can be seen in its commitment to the people of the Valley. Employees are unusually loyal and residents of the area are beneficiaries of the company's empathy. A mantra of the company is to make payroll before worrying about the business. In addition, “If we got paid for six out of every seven jobs we do rather than six out of 10, we'd be in better shape,” Bill said. He tells the story of his dad sending an employee out to a place with hand-scratched directions Denny had gotten over the phone. The work was done, the directions tossed; there was never a phone number or a name and consequently no bill either. Denny merely shrugs, “If they need water, we have to get them water.” Bill adds, “My dad has a work harder mentality. Basically, this company was built through youth football, basketball and basethe American Dream and hard work.” ball. They did the excavation, laid Another hallmark of Valley Pump the pipe and put in the hydrants at and Equipment is its dedication to the the softball field; all at no cost to the community at large. They have given monetary and in kind donations to high school. They built the baseball football, softball, baseball, scouting, fence and are currently building a new the county fair, the Idaho Renaissance backstop. When asked why they conFaire and rodeo among others. They tinue to give so much, Bill and Denny are the oldest sponsor for Optimist explained, “You just have to take the Football and Bill currently coaches attitude it's for the kids.”
EMMETT, IDAHO
Messenger Index
Interesting businesses tried in Gem County The crew of the F. H. Hogue plant is filling barrels with Royal Anns and brine. At the Gem Fruit Union plant, the cherries are stored in huge wooden tanks of brine for later pitting and processing.
By DIANA BAIRD
smooth finish. He will also turn out chimney flues and fancy blocks for hroughout the years of busi- fencing and pillars. We believe there ness in Gem County a variety will be a good demand for his prodof interesting businesses have uct. been tried. Some were successful and some closed within a few years. 1913 Emmett Examiner: The broom Local entrepreneurs tried: a toy factory, raising angora goats in 1899, factory to start up a cement block factory in 1905, a Enough broom corn in country broom factory in 1913, a box factory to keep plant busy in 1944, a potato chip factory in 1947, A broom factory is the latest ina maraschino cherry processing dustry secured for Emmett. It will plant in the 1950s and processing start operations in a few days and pickles in 1956, to name a few. will create a market for all the broom corn grown in this section. Leonard 1899 The Emmett Index: Wilson N. Clark of Bramwell is the proprietor of the factory. He is an experihomestead raises angora goats enced broom maker. He has secured Marion and Conda Wilson pur- the north store room in the Stanley chased 150 head of angora goats in building and has moved his machin1899. By the next year they had 1,800 ery in there. Mr. Clark will start in a that were worth about $7 each. The small way but he expects to build up angora goat is raised more extensive- a thriving and busy manufactory in ly in California, Nevada, New Mexico the future. He has secured enough and other southern states. The long, broom corn to keep the plant runwhite hair of the angora goat is high- ning until the next crop comes in. ly prized in manufacturers. Having Broom corn thrives in this section a silky appearance, fits it for lace, and does well on dry land. Where it shawls, braids and other decorative can be irrigated it produces enorpurposes. They eat about the same mously and is a profitable crop. grasses that sheep fed upon and The broom factory starts operatheir habits are about the same. tion Present capacity 100 brooms – Is 1905 The Emmett Index: A cement paying $100 per ton for broom straw block factory has located in Emmett Emmett's new broom factory J. H. Cronk, who recently moved started operations Monday mornto this city from Ord, Neb., has decid- ing. As the machinery is new, it will ed to engage in the manufacturing of take a week or two to get things runcement blocks. He has received the ning smoothly and the output will be necessary machinery and will begin small for a time. With two men emturning out cement blocks as soon as ployed the capacity will be 100 comhis shipment of cement arrives. plete brooms per day. An additional The use of cement blocks in the hand which will be added shortly construction of all classes of build- will still further increase the output. ing is growing very rapidly. They are The factory is getting a good supsaid to be more durable than either ply of broom corn and is paying $100 brick or stone and very handsome in per ton. That the establishment of appearance. this plant will greatly stimulate the Mr. Cronk will make both solid growing of this product there can be and hollow blocks and rough and no doubt and the prospects are that
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next year the acreage will be large. The output is of splendid quality, Mr. Clark thoroughly understands his business and is turning out a good broom. When you need a broom insist on having one made in Emmett and thereby encourage this new industry.
1944 The Emmett Messenger: Dewey box factory begins operation Operation of Emmett's latest industry was begun Monday with sawing operations started at the Dewey box factory located in the Dewey packing house with John Dewey, Jr. as co-manager of the plant. Box shook for fruit and vegetable crates will be manufactured on an extensive scale upon completion of minor repairs at the plant, which is expected to fill a vital need in the valley. Operations have been delayed longer than was anticipated because of the scarcity of dry lumber from which the boxes are made. (Box shook was used to make the fruit and vegetable crates.)
Footing complete for new Gem Fruit Union maraschino processing plant Footing for a new $10,000 Gem Fruit cherry processing plant at the old Emmett dehydrator location were scheduled for completion today by contractor Joe E. Smith and Sons, who expected to finish the building in March. The new building 70x100 feet, will be used for processing maraschino cherries and will afford capacity for twelve 16-foot tanks. When completed the structure will provide probably the largest clear commercial floor space in Emmett. The roof will be supported from 14-foot pilasters by four 70-foot wood trusses and there will be no support posts in the floor area. Center clearance will be 24 feet. Wall construction is expected to start Monday will be of cinder blocks and the arched roof will be built-up asphalt. The building will have seven overhead doors, five in the north side and two in the east end. One will be of sufficient capacity to admit large trucks into the building. The building will have a dirt floor.
Please see Businesses, page 8
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High Desert Feed has deep roots in community By BILL BUTTICCI
the move, a large 40-ton scale was installed for weighing large hen L. K. Suam and truck loads of grain, hay or liveH. D. Vail started the stock going to the sale. first local feed and In 1969, Mr. Lyon retired and seed store in 1925, little did they sold the store to his two sonsknow that the business would in-law, Jack Carlsen and Frank become a monument in our local community. This store is still Bill Butticci Garatea. In 1981, Frank retired and Jack continued the business in operation, although it bears the name of High Desert Feed under to 1992. Jack retired and closed the the ownership of Kurt and Debbie Cox business as the loss of the small famat 512 N. Washington Ave. Harry Lyon ily dairies and cattle operations made started his career working for the store it difficult to keep the business going. When I worked at the store from 1979 in 1925 and became the manager in 1932. He eventually went on to become to 1983, we were running two grain dethe sole owner of the business. Harry livery trucks with custom-made feed is one of a few pioneers who shaped for local dairies and delivering hay and our community. He did great things split wood. The store employed five in making our 4-H and FFA programs full-time and three part-time employees. We were still selling baby chicks what they are today. The original store was first located in the spring and loading railroad cars downtown in the old boarding house with wheat from local farmers at the which eventually burned down. Fire elevator silos on the railroad tracks by in a grain processing environment is the city park. The feed store provided common as grain dust is highly com- income for our local businesses as the bustible. After the fire in 1947, Harry trucks, machinery and tools were in built a new store on an acre lot on constant need of repair or replacement. Washington Avenue. The new store We had three fires in this short time as had much more room and new state- we lost the grain elevator which was reof-the-art equipment for that time. placed and the other two were quickly The new store also had a seed cleaning taken care of with no loss. Farmers Feed and Seed did more plant, grain elevator and storage bins along with a hay barn. Shortly after for our community than just provide a
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product or service for our ranchers and farmers. The store provided jobs for young people such as myself while attending high school and college. We learned what a real day’s work was and that deals Messenger Index file photo could be made on a Farmers Feed and Seed was another business that thrived on the handshake as honesty and integrity Valley of Plenty's agriculture roots. are what defined be staying home. They wanted to travyour character. el to see their grandkids but couldn’t The feed store was much more than afford the trip that month. Jack asked a store but a gathering place. There was him how much he thought he needed an old wood stove in the center of the to get to his children. The rancher told store with a few chairs around it close him, Jack walked over to the register, to the sales register. Customers would pulled out the money and handed it to come into town to buy their needs and the man. Jack said, “Pay me back when they would sit around the stove with you can.” They gave a handshake and Jack and Frank on those cold winter off the man went with a bounce in mornings. I heard some pretty amaz- his step. A month later the rancher reing stories from these characters as I turned for the morning gathering and waited to load their feed. paid his debt. I remember one morning a retired The store was used recently in the rancher came in to visit. Jack asked making of the independent film “Soda him how he was and if he had plans Springs.” The movie can be purchased for the coming holidays. The elderly online and documents our commurancher said he and the misses would nity very well.
Businesses Continued from page 7
1947 The Emmett Index: Potato chip plant added to Emmett's new industries Snow Flake Chips manufactured in Emmett The rambling Emmett dehydrator plant in Emmett, purchased last fall by Jack Hetherington (on a shoestring) is rapidly developing into a manufacturPAGE 8
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ing center that in the next few months promises to develop into several plants of many and varied enterprises. The first to use the building is Gem State Food Products, which occupies only a small portion of the huge plant. Harold Reichenberg and Paul Barrick of Wenatchee, Wash., are the operators and with modern machinery and the know-how, they manufacture and market potato chips under the trade name of "Snow Flake Chips."
It's an exceptional product and is rapidly meeting the flavor of the public and is marketed over this section of the Northwest. At the present time the chip factory produces twelve dozen packages an hour but it is increasingly daily as outlets find that they are putting out a superior product. Next time you order potato chips ask for the "Snow Flake Chips" manufactured by the Gem State Food Products. It's an Emmett product.
1956 The Emmett Index: New industry starts Pickle harvest for processing Pickles in the raw begin rolling in this week to a new station being built at the former Emmett Ice Company site, where Bob Calender and Albert Nathason have joined in the new enterprise. Tanks shown are the first of 20 to be built from clear redwood lumber.
EMMETT, IDAHO
Messenger Index
Highland part of the Little family legacy A century farm, established in 1889
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By KRISTA COLE
o understand the extent of the Little Legacy would require volumes and cover many lives and Idaho counties. What Andy Little began when he moved to Emmett in 1894 is now into the fifth generation and involves sheep, cattle, ranching, farming, banking, foundations, politics, community and many family branches. Andy Little immigrated from Scotland and began working sheep for another rancher. He soon bought
his first band of sheep. From their sister Judy are all still ranching and have businesses that first band, Little eventuhere in Emmett. We share this ally grew his sheep operation office with Jim. Judy and her to over 100,000 sheep on 27 husband ranch and now have ranches covering over 7,000 7 Rivers Livestock Commissquare miles. Little was the sion.” biggest wool producer in the nation, some say the world Krista Cole In the old days, sheep were and was appropriately known run from Notus to outside Idaas the “Idaho Sheep King.” ho City. There were a lot more “Our office is in the same loca- open areas and permits were not as tion as when my great-grandpa was hard to come by. running it,” David Little, manager “The business has seen change said. “The original business has con- over the years,” David said. “It starttinued through the family. Over the ed with sheep and wool. The Van years, some of the kids stayed in, Duessen Ranch still has sheep and some didn’t. But my dad (Lt. Gover- does farming. Our outfit has cattle. nor Brad Little), his brother Jim and We are calving (in late winter) and
will be selling in the fall. Raising cattle is a lot different from sheep; you run sheep along trails and cattle stay put. We move the herd north in the summer and back here in the winter. Before it got so busy, we used to trail cattle up part of Highway 55 by Cougar Mountain Lodge. People got a little annoyed with waiting for that many head of cattle on the road. "Our family really believes in this land, conservation and keeping ranching and farming going. My dad was the youngest son, I’m his youngest son; maybe my son (Henry) will be the next to keep the business going.”
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EMMETT, IDAHO
Oldest family enterprise in Emmett valley By VAUGHN JENSEN
pulled by teams of horses. Since that time Vanderdasson road has been graveled and is ecently as we sat in the comfortable now paved. Before Highway 52 was built this kitchen of his 100 plus year home on was the main road for travelers heading west. Vanderdasson Road, Robert "Bob" UpSome say the old barn a mile to the west was son told me his mother was born in this home once a stage stop and may have been part of and died here as well. Although Bob was actuthe pony express network. ally born in the hospital that once sat where This ranch diverts its water from the Seven the City of Emmett now houses its fire trucks Vaughn Jensen Mile Slough, an old river channel, so it actually he has spent all of his 70 plus years living in sits on an island. This home once illuminated with this house and working on this ranch. Although he the light from candles and kerosene lamps, now has has leased the grazing in recent years he still irri- a computer that gathers information from the World gates and manages the water. Wide Web. This land has had the feet of six (or is it The lumber for this home was hauled on wagons seven) generations stand upon it. The kitchen has
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been the place of preparation of the meals of threshing crews, haying crews and both joyous and sad family gatherings for over 100 years. The walls of this home have sheltered those who lived here through wars, depression, recession, birth and death. This land watered and nurtured by these generations has provided nourishment, sustenance, shade and a firm foundation for its inhabitants. Stand quietly here on the ranch and listen intently. Can you hear the creak of wagon wheels, the groan of the Rumley powering the threshing machine, the cows being called for evening milking, the jet overhead or the car that now passes in the distance.
The Emmett Golden Rule By DIANA BAIRD
T
Messenger Index
he 1904 dry goods department store was in housed in a 25x40 feet room. E.C. Rundstrom was the manager of the Boise store from 1900 to 1904, until he moved to manage the Emmett store. Rundstrom lived on the old Woody homestead, a 10acre tract of land planted in prunes.
Absolute satisfaction and money back plan The following article appeared in the 1913 edition of the Emmett Index. Nine years ago, the branch of the Golden Rule was opened by manager Edwin C. Rundstrom. Today, the present space is more than seven times larger than the original store. The store is roomy, well lighted and has a fifty foot frontage, making one of the best display spaces in Emmett. The people of Emmett have evidenced by their continued and growing patronage that they have the utmost confidence in the Golden Rule. The same liberal policy of absolute satisfaction in every transaction, the money back plan when the customer requests it and the generous make it right spirit which characterizes the dealing of this store have helped it wonderfully to grow in favor. The Emmett store also enjoys all the advantages secured by an eight-store buying power working under the cash system in both its buying and selling.
Golden Rule building sold H. H. Cochran purchaser at $13,500, building PAGE 10
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leased to Golden Rule As written in the 1917 The Emmett Index The brick building occupied by the Golden Rule store was on Saturday sold to H.H. Cochran for $13,500. It is the biggest real estate transaction recorded here for many years and the negotiations, which had been carried on for two months, were conducted by the Wilton Agency. The Golden Rule will continue to occupy the building, a five-year lease having been signed. The building was constructed in 1910 by E. C. Rundstrum and Mrs. R. Cooke. It has a frontage of fifty feet and a depth of one hundred feet, is one story in height and has a basement under the entire building. The old frame was removed by Al White's tractor and will be converted into a residence. This building is one of the landmarks in the city. It was built about 35 years ago in the old town west of the canal and was occupied by Hawley & Davis' Saloon. When the Idaho Northern came to town it was on the right of way. A lot was purchased on Main Street in the new town and traded for the old lot and the building was moved to it. Then H.C. Riggs moved his butcher shop into it. Since then, it has had various owners and tenants, the last tenant being R. G. Newcomer, jeweler. The property Messenger Index file photo was purchased last fall from D. M. John by E. L. Holverson. E. C. Rundstrom, manager, Emmett Golden Rule
EMMETT, IDAHO
Messenger Index
‘The show must go on’
Messenger Index file photo
The Emmett Drive-in Theater operated a snack shop. It was given new life as a barn that's still in use on the old drive-in property on South Johns Avenue.
Emmett Drive-in Theater was a favorite among Gem families
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By ERIKA HARMON
f you didn’t arrive early for the 8:45 p.m. showing of “Fort Apache” in Technicolor at the Emmett Drivein Theater on Aug. 21, 1949, you didn’t get in. The heavily promoted grand opening of the drive-in attracted so many locals that hundreds of cars were turned away. But the successful opening would be short lived. On the second night in business, about two hours before show time, a high wind from the southeast caught the corner of the 1,400-square-foot screen and stretched the cables that held it in place. The wooden bracers snapped under the strain and the screen went down. “We had a dandy,” Floyd Brown, an 89-year-old lifelong resident, said of the wind that blew through that evening. He remembers it well because he was the man who set up the sound system. An engineer and owner of Brown’s Radio & TV Shack on Main Street, Floyd made sure each
car slot had its own speaker and Johns said. box supplied by cables that ran Morrow and other business through pipes buried in the owners in town helped proground. And he remembers mote the drive-in by offering that the screen collapse haltone drawing entry for every ed the fledgling business, but 50 cents a customer spent. In only briefly. return, Odell provided free Days after the drive-in’s Erika Harmon advertising on the big screen. fateful opening, Paul Charters Morrow also offered a special told the Emmett Messenger in the fall: buy five gallons of newspaper, “The show must go on.” gas and get the sixth free. Back then, And it did. The following Sunday, five gallons of gas went for $1.65. Charters and co-owner J. T. Latimore The free gallon helped keep the car held a second successful opening on and heater running during the and the drive-in remained in busi- movie. ness on South Johns Avenue for nearFamilies turned out by the carly 40 years. load and it wasn’t unusual for a line Most people remember Virgil to form at the drive-in’s entrance. Odell as the drive-in’s owner. He and Carmen Nichols remembers workPreston Capell, both from Nampa, ing both sides of the ticket booth, bought the business in March 1950. with two lines of cars pulling in from Odell moved his family to Emmett South Johns. The drive-in attracted and was on site most days. He held families all week long, with larger a weekly drawing for $50 cash and crowds on the weekends. The Mesclimbed up onto the flat roof of the senger advertised upcoming films snack shop, illuminated by car head- and admission prices - 50 cents for lights, to call out the license plate adults and 14 cents for children, innumbers of the lucky winners. “That cluding tax. Kids under 10 got in free. was about a week’s wages back in the The snack shop sold popcorn, soft ‘50s,” Glenn Morrow, then-owner of drinks and candy and car hops dethe Emmett Flying-A Service station livered to car windows while the proat the southwest corner of Fourth jectors rolled.
The drive-in remained popular for years. Fourth of July brought huge crowds for an annual after-dark fireworks display. Families made time for regular movie nights and teens eventually claimed the back rows of the drive-in as their own. But the Emmett Drive-in Theater, like so many others, came to an end. The big screen, made of white corrugated tin, eventually became a barn roof. The barn has since collapsed and the roof is partially hidden in tall grass not far from Emmett High School. The angle irons that held the screen upright now support a bridge over a local canal and the snack shop’s hotdog rollers have been given extended life at concession stands during high school fundraisers. Those old speaker wires still surface on the drive-in property, now home to Ron Jackson and his family. And the building that once housed the snack bar and projector room – now a barn – is still in the same spot, still in use. While any written account of the drive-in’s closure – estimated by many to have been in the mid-1980s remains elusive, there are still pieces of its history throughout Gem County.
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EMMETT, IDAHO
History of Falk Store By BRENT JENSEN
In the early 1870s, Nathaniel Falk, a Bavarian immigrant, ermanent settlement of operated a small mercantile the Payette River Valley business on Main Street in began early in the 1860s, Boise City. In 1876, Nathan, soon after gold was discovered along with his brothers David in the Boise Basin. The primary and Sigmund capitalized on freight route from the steam the flood of travelers along this boats on the Snake River to the Brent Jensen route up the Payette River. They Boise Basin mining communibuilt a general mercantile store ties followed established stage and that was said to be the only mercantile pack train routes up the Payette River store between Baker City, Ore. and the Valley. Livery stations were estab- Boise Basin. Nearly everyone traveling lished along the route for travelers and through in that era stopped at Falk’s stock to “freshen up” as they made the Store. The village flourished and bore journey. The livery station that later Falk’s name. became known as Falk, was selected By the turn of the century, traffic because of an artesian well that pro- to the Boise Basin had diminished, as vided fresh drinking water for thirsty the rush for gold was over. Business in animals and travelers. the small community at this time was
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from local residents who were establishing the area as the “Valley of Plenty” for its agricultural contributions. Early in the century, the original Falk Store burnt down. During prohibition, the saloon was closed. In 1926, Alvin Sims purchased the converted saloon and operated the Falk Store General Mercantile. The family lived at the back of the store. Bullet holes in the ceiling were reminders of the early saloon days. Ice cream was delivered on Tuesdays. Customers would then make run on the store before the dry ice evaporated. Caravans of Gypsies come through the Payette River Valley. Neighboring merchants would call by phone and notify Falk Store that Gypsies were on their way. All the kids were assigned
positions throughout the store to keep an eye on them. Gypsy’s would fill the pockets of their heavy coats with items from the store. When the Great Depression hit the community, many customers were unable to pay their mercantile accounts. Things did not get better; in fact, a new State Highway 52 was just completed south and parallel to the Union Pacific Rail Road line. The new highway diverted traffic away from the Falk Store. In a desperate attempt to keep the store open, in 1937, the store was moved across the UPRR tracks to a 40-acre site south of the new highway. The effort was “too-little, too-late” and eventually the store was torn down and sold for lumber to satisfy creditors.
EMMETT OFFICE
1302 S Washington Ave., Emmett, Idaho 83617
(208) 365-4495 Office (208) 955-2693 Fax
Now 2 convenient locations to help you with all of your real estate needs!
Offices in Emmett & Eagle PAGE 12
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EMMETT, IDAHO
Messenger Index
Toy, box business becomes Honco Lumber
I
By STEVE NEBEKER
n the spring of 1983, I was hired by Doug Honn to work at his small little wood mill on Cascade Road called Honco Enterprise. I had previously worked at another wood mill when Doug offered me the position at his business. While I worked at Honco, I helped build pallets, ran a molder to build custom wood siding, ran a large band saw that cut thick boards into thinner sized boards, operated the forklift, drove the delivery truck and also helped maintain and service the equipment and Steve vehicles. Nebeker I worked with about 10 other employees, some who had worked there for a long time. The business was small but we produced quality products and the owner, Doug Honn, was great to work for. While I worked there, I was told that the business was once called De Dee Box Factory. I later found details that this business was started in 1945 by Robert and Viola Wheeler. They named the business De Dee Box Factory and they produced several types of wooden toys and small wooden boxes. In 1972, Doug and Barbara Honn purchased the business and in 1981 its name was changed to Honco Enterprises Inc. Doug’s son, Tyler Honn, later took over the operations of the mill and continued running it until the fall of 2010. In 2010, the business was sold to Jake Gorbet who still operates it today. The mill currently employees five full time employees (one who has worked there 37 years) and they produce a wide range of wood products from wood pallets to engineered wood products. These products are sold locally and nationally to professional contractors as well as the back yard do-it-yourself customer. Honco Lumber is located at 1432 Cascade Road in Emmett. Their phone number is 3655029 and their webpage is honcolumber.com. Visiting this little wood mill brought back many memories of the good old days and the time I spent working with a great group of guys at a historic business in Emmett.
Above: The De Dee Box Factory crew in 1945 were: Back row: Doac Camball, Vic Nielsen and Sam Hunt. In the front row are Tiny Stacks, Donna Nielsen, Mary Redfelt, Della Camball and Naomie Johnston. (Courtesy Gem County Historical Museum) Below: In 1945, the De Dee Box Factory produced wooden toys and boxes. Shown are the ABC block set consisting of 25 blocks per set. Blocks were highly glossed 13/8 inch cubes. All the edges were rounded. Alphabet, numerals and pictures appear on all sides of the cube, in four-color scheme. Overall size was 7x7x1 1/4. (Messenger Index file photo)
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EMMETT, IDAHO
Remembering the 'Mill' Boise Cascade Corporation
It was hard work for those who chose it. The wages earned helped pay for educations and a better way of life. The lumber, plywood and beam and deck By ROBERT (BOB) HOFF plants provided the financing he history of the lumfor residential housing, land ber industry in Gem and many other opportunities. Robert County has been well "Bob" Hoff Like someone once said, documented over the “Nothing lasts forever.” Enyears. The many owners and vision- vironmental issues, free trade acts, aries have filled volumes of the Mes- disappearing resources, economic senger Index (aka The Emmett Index) climate changes—they all took their papers over the last 120 years. If you toll and nothing remains of the status grew up in the valley, perhaps you can quo. I’m sure that in time the coming still hear the "Mill’s" steam whistle generations will find new avenues announcing the end or the start of and opportunities to provide for their yet another shift. Or you may remem- families but for now we have our ber the smell of fresh sawdust or pine memories of the “Mill.” pitch on your parent’s clothes. "The Mill,” as most of us called
T
Messenger Index file photo
an edition of the Idaho Press-Tribune
1950s: Assistant Mill Superintendent R. S. Burchell estimated this log to contain 3,000 board feet of lumber as he watched the huge yellow pine pass through the washing pack and up the chute to the saws when Emmett mill resumed operations after a winter shutdown.
Established in 1893, proudly serving Gem County and the Valley of Plenty
“Accuracy with compassion”
a consolidation and continuation of The Emmett Index, The Emmett Messenger and The Emmett Examiner
tonja Hyder General Manager 208-365-6066 (ext. 11) thyder@messenger-index.com Matt davison President & Publisher 208-467-9251 mdavison@idahopress.com
vickie Holbrook supervising editor 208-465-8110 vholbrook@idahopress.com
Advertising
Advertising Director Tonja Hyder — thyder@messenger-index.com Classifieds, Renee McMahon — rmcmahon@messenger-index.com
Circulation
Renee McMahon — customerservice@messenger-index.com
MI Newsroom
Managing Editor Diana Baird: ext. 17, dbaird@messenger-index.com Reporter Janet Monti: ext. 14, jmonti@messenger-index.com Reporter Mike Motley: ext. 12, mmotley@messenger-index.com Letters to the Editor, news tips: newsroom@messenger-index.com 120 N. Washington Avenue, Emmett P.O. Box 577, Emmett, ID 83617 Telephone: 208-365-6066 Fax: 208-365-6068 www.messenger-index.com PAGE 14
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Our Mission • Accurately report relevant issues • Reflect our shared history and goals • Celebrate our community • Provide an information destination
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it, included several complexes. The sawmill in its hay day sported three line shaft driven (steam) head-rigs and was the heart of the Emmett Valley. The "Mill" was bigger than most and had a long lucrative history, generating jobs that started at entry level positions, general labor and green chain pullers. From entry level jobs it was possible to advance into the more skilled and higher paying jobs such as sawyers, sawfilers and fitters, re-saw and edger operators, green lumber graders and equipment operators who operated everything from forklifts to pond boats, cranes and even a thing called a straddle-buggy that could be seen around town delivering finished lumber to the retail stores. The millwrights provided maintenance
support that kept the many different complexes in operating condition. They were the backbone of the "Mill." In addition, there were electricians, oilers, welders and fabricators. These talented individuals threaded throughout the many complexes. They would come running if you blew the right toots on the whistle for your area. The sawmill was the nucleus but the forestry departments and logging operations (both company and private) were also important. And let’s not forget the railroads and the powerhouse that generated the operating steam for not only the "Mill" but for the dry kilns and later on the plywood plant.
Please see Mill, page 15
EMMETT, IDAHO
Messenger Index
Mill Continued from page 14 Green sorted lumber had to be stacked and dried. The green yard stackers were consistently stacking different species of red fir, pine, lodge pole, spruce, etc. The lumber was scheduled in accordance with age, cut, type and kind. Sorted green lumber was then sent on to the dry kilns to set the pitch and stop the shrinking process. In other words, the kiln stabilized the wood for planing. Kiln operators worked around the clock, 24/7. Each species and thickness had its very own scheduled time in the kilns. The operators originally operated off a chart drive that later gave way to a computer program. A lot of money was said to be made or lost at the dry kilns so this was a critical and very important job. These people kept some strange hours but had pride in their work that was very unique. Once out of the dry kilns, the planers sorted, graded and packaged the product. This was a meticulous process. Individuals called unstackermen broke down the towering stacks of kiln-dried lumber layer by layer so the planer feeder could index the lumber through the planers as the planer set man constantly monitored the flow of lumber for size and consistent millwork. The certified graders were responsible for a multitude of decisions in a split second-grade assign-
ment and markings, trim configurations, etc. The trimmer man then cut the never-ending flow of lumber to finished lengths. Sorters came later, automating the planer dry-chain puller out of his job. The end stacker operators and the shipping personnel (known as checkers) strapped the sorted material for shipment. Then forklifts and straddle-buggies carried the lumber to paper wrap facilities where the finished product was eventually staged in the crane shed for truck or rail shipment. An army of folks loaded and shipped millions and millions of board feet off on a cross-country journey, “day-after-day.” Although the focus of this article has been on the “Mill,” the co-generation operation and the folks who kept the powerhouse running (from the loader operators to the boiler techs) provided steam to run the "Mill" while producing its own revenue. This was an invaluable around the clock job that never stopped. Monitoring fuel (sawdust flow) for the steam generator was stressful and called for special individuals. Water treatment at the powerhouse took a chemistry professor to understand what these people knew. They all constantly balanced a flow of steam to the plywood plant as well as the lumber dry kilns.
As for the plywood plant, it wasn’t big by most standards. But in 1971, upon its completion, the operation hit the ground running and never stopped out-producing larger plants. The Emmett Plywood Plant was the only plant of its kind in southwestern Idaho. The plywood employees were a committed bunch with close ties that ran deep, from the log yard, block operators, deck sawyers and lath operators, to the green end personnel. The dry-end was no different, including the drier tenders, pullers, the people on the layup line and the press operators. Millwright and electricians would come running on a radio call. Some of these folks still gather today to reminisce. These men and women hunted and fished, camped and rec-
reated together, as did most of the Emmett complex employees. It has to be mentioned that nothing ever stood in the way of a good “golf game” for the folks of the Emmett Plywood Plant … ever! Last, but not least, the area known as the Specialties Department. These dedicated individuals were the last ones out and they closed the final chapter to Boise Cascade’s long history here in Gem County, USA. They finger jointed and laminated beams or engineered lumber products. From assembly feeders, forklift operators and set-up personnel, to the people who threw the glued boards onto the jigs or surfaced the beams and readied them to be shipped, our hats are off to you all in remembrance …
Emmett Businesses 1800s to 1970s (this list is not exhaustive) Information gathered by Diana Baird and Art Gratton 107 E. Main St. — 1940s J.C. Penneys, now Gem County Recreation District 108 E. Main St. — 1940s Speros Drug Store, now Huck N Finns 110 E. Main St. — Radke Furniture Store, Radke building, Loveless Auto Parts 110 N. Washington Ave. — 1940s and 1950s Gem Metal and LP Gas 110 N. Washington Ave. — 1800s Farmer’s Feed and Seed (the wooden building was built as a rooming house in 1894) 111 W. Main St. — 1940s President’s Confectionary 113 S. Washington Ave. — 1940s Smoke Insurance Agency
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12-BC-014 Emmett Scene Magazine ad Full page 8.75" x 8.87" Runs 3-28-12
EMMETT, IDAHO
Messenger Index
The Emmett Messenger Index Nearly 120 years serving Gem County
Duane Hodges looks at a 1957 Messenger Index, an advertisement he probably made and printed.
By JANET MONTI
I
MESSENGER INDEX
nside the Messenger Index building is a small closet — a room dark and still. It is filled with bound copies of nearly every newspaper printed by the Messenger and its predecessors. If you are quiet, you can hear the stories on the pages. The Emmett Index was first printed Nov. 4, 1893; The Examiner first printed on April 7, 1910, folding in 1925 and Emmett Messenger first printed in April 1933. (This first Emmett Messenger was printed on a mimeograph machine.) At a cost of $38,000, these all merged into the Messenger Index July 1, 1957. Duane Hodges remembers the point in time when the merger occurred. He recently walked around the MI building, details and memories flooded back. Memories he shared. Janet The last room he saw Monti was the little room filled with the old, bound newspapers. As the door opened, his voice faltered ... "There's the books ... You still have all the books." As Hodges turned the pages of a 1957 Messenger Index, he quietly remembers things ... "The Emmett Messenger was in part of the same building it is now; before that it was on East Main Street with the presses in the basement. The Emmett Index was on West Main Street, run by Clare and Albert Skinner. "Oliver Howler started the Emmett Messenger. He told me his first ad was for the Golden Rule and he sold it for 15¢. His son, Lewis became editor and that's who I started to work for. "Lewis and Clare Skinner (owner/
Janet Monti / Messenger Index
editor of The Emmett Index) would argue in the street a lot. The local Safeway grocery store would run their ad, one week in one paper, one week in the other. It was bad if the ads got mixed up. There was lots of competition between them. "In 1957, Lewis bought The Emmett Index. I helped move things through the alley from the Index on Main Street to the Messenger on Washington. I found more empty whiskey bottles in drawers and nooks and crannies of the Index office. Hodges remembers Oliver's son,
long-time editor and publisher Lewis Howler, was a little hard to get along with. "About 1956, Lewis lost all his help. I was with the National Guard and they asked me to help him with the paper. "The first job was putting me on the line type machine (where the letters were placed for the print press). After a day, he figured it wasn't my cup of tea, I couldn't spell. "I then ran the main print press. It was tabloid size and each paper was hand fed. "I made up the ads. We used hot
lead. The ads were mat embossed pictures. They were sealed in a machine, hot lead was poured in and it made a reverse of the image. You had to be careful with how you applied the ink to make a sharp image. "We would save the lead images for ads we did a lot. The rest was melted down and reused. The lead was tested all the time. Originally, the solid casting was almost an inch thick, it was real heavy. He was surprised the little room for the lead still carries a hand-scrawled note on the wall: "If you do this as fast as you can, you are still too slow! So hussell!" (Yes, in a place focused on the printed word, this word is misspelled.) "In January 1959, I was paid $1.70 an hour with no overtime. There were lots of 8 hour days, some evening work. On Wednesday, I started in the morning and worked until the presses were done Thursday morning for delivery. Then, I had to clean up the press. Getting the paper in the mail was the thing. "Lewis could get along with less sleep than any man I ever knew. He never missed a city council, county commissioner, school board meeting. He had walls covered with awards and photos." Hodges remembers getting hurt on the job about 1960-61. "I was gone for over a year when Lewis called me back. I worked for Lewis another three years. "I ran the presses. My wife would make my aprons when I couldn't afford to buy them. I took a lot of photos, news, birthdays, weddings. Lewis would do the accidents and big news. "When you would go fishing or hunting with Lewis, he was a completely different person." Hodges' family must have ink in their blood. They have worked various jobs for the Index, Messenger or Messenger Index and a granddaughter works for the Idaho Press-Tribune.
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A lifetime of hotels and new cars Hotel owner to garage and auto dealership
General Motors headquarters. They asked GM to send them four-speed equipped pickups. Jim said he told them, "those three speed flatlander pickups just don’t work in the Idaho By NEWTON STATES avid Murray was born in 1841 hills.” GM responded and the Idaho dealers were most pleased. and died in 1894. Born One day a fellow came in Ireland son of Timoin and told Jim, "I am going thy Murray. He came to Amerto buy a new car and I came ica in 1863. The gold fever was here first." Jim had a colorful hot in the Boise Basin, so he vocabulary. He told the man, settled in Centerville and es" I don’t care about you betablished a hotel. The nature ing here first, I want you here of the miners didn’t make the last.” hotel all that profitable, so he Newton They installed gasoline States would buy dry cows, butcher pumps at the curb in front them and sell the meat to the miners. David Murray became a of the garage. The night patrolman naturalized citizen and his papers carried a key and would sell you gas were signed by President Ulysses S. in the middle of the night if you really needed it. "I remember giving Grant. About 1882, he bought the Smith him my last 78 cents in order to get and Martin Hotel in Emmettsville home to Boise after a night in Gem from William Hammersly. He con- County." David Murray’s grandson Howtinued to sell beef to the people of Idaho City. The hotel often served as ard Eaton operated the Ford dealera hospital and a number of churches ship and passed it on to his son Bob. used it as a meeting place from time He sold it and the Vaughn brothto time. His son, David W. Murray, ers who operated it for a number of years. was born in 1880. Roy and Jim operated the EmIn November 1905, David W. married Miss Georgia Buckland. They mett Garage until 1966 when they had two sons, Roy was born in 1906 sold it to Erling Johannesen. The and Jim was born in 1908. Roy mar- garage later burned to the ground ried Florence Coon in 1937 and they and Johannesen built a new one on had a boy they named David and a Highway 16. At one time there were girl, Linda. Jim married Ethel; they dealerships in Emmett for Chevrolet and Oldsmobile, Buick & Internahad no children. In November 1917, David W. Mur- tional, Chrysler and Plymouth Ford ray and J. W. Blurton opened the and Mercury. Ironically with the Emmett Garage and Auto Company increased efficiency of the automoon South Commercial. They sold bile, all of the new car dealerships Studebaker and Maxwell cars. Later left Emmett. Jim Murray was appointed to the the business was moved to West new Walter Knox Memorial HospiMain Street. In 1922, he took on the Chevro- tal board of directors and served as let dealership. His sons Roy and Jim chairman for a number of years. took over in 1933 and added Oldsmobile to their selections. Very soon af- • With appreciation to David Murray III, the Gem ter the war Jim Murray and another County Museum, History of Idaho and Ruth Lyons Chevrolet dealer made a trip to the writings.
D
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Photos courtesy the Gem County Historical Museum
Above: The Murray Hotel was formerly the Smith and Martin Roadhouse. Judd Allerton and Mrs. D. Murray are standing on the roof. John Murray is holding the horse, Lilly Murray is on the bicycle and John McNish is sitting on the fence left of the gate. Ad Lewis and David Murray are on the fence on the right and Irvin Burgess is behind the buggy. Mag Murray is on the horse. Below: The Emmett Garage and Auto Company was originally located on South Commercial and later moved to West Main Street.
EMMETT, IDAHO
Emmett Businesses 1800s to 1970s (this list is not exhaustive) Information gathered by Diana Baird and Art Gratton 114. S. Washington Ave. – 1920s Auto painting 115 N. Washington Ave. – 1930s R.A. Goodwin, M.D., 1940s Case Furniture, currently the Toadstool 116 East Main St. – 1900s E.E. Hunt General Store, Robinson Sewing Center 116 W. Main St. – 1940s Harold Brown Agency Insurance
117 N. Washington Ave. – 1920s Dr. B.O. Clark Physician and surgeon 118 Main St. – 1900s Gamage Barber Shop 119 E. Main St. – 1940s Jackson Studio, 1960s Johnny's Electric and Appliance now Russ Campbell People's Financial 119 E. Main St. – 1940s Messenger Printers 119 W. Main St. – 1800s Russell Hotel (Corner of Main and Commercial St. 121 W. Canal St. – Gem Fruit Packing House
CalvaryChapel e m m e t t j o h n 15:5 498 W. Idaho Blvd, Emmett
Messenger Index
123 W. Main St. – 1940s Saint Barnard’s used clothing store 124 W. Main St. – 1900s Brunswick Billiard Parlor (operated until 1938), Holverson building 125 E. Main St. – 1950s Noble's Jewelry 127 E. Main St. – 1940s Gem City Laundry, 1950s Craner's Shoe Shop 127 South Slope Road. – Ed Harpt Packing Shed 128 E. Main St. – 1800s Masonic Building 130 W. Main St. – Round Up
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Saturday Mass 5:00 p.m. English 7:00 p.m. Spanish
Sunday Mass 9:00 a.m. English
www.SacredHeartEmmett.com
211 East First Street, Emmett, Idaho 83617
Listen to Abide in Truth Radio 5:45pm M-F on 94.1 fm
(208) 365-4320
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Service Times:
Sunday 9 & 11 am Wednesday 6:30 pm Youth Group 6:30pm
208-365-0991~ccemmett.org~ find us: coming soon: Calvary Christian Academy a K-12 School
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Messenger Index
EMMETT, IDAHO
Gem Supply marks 77 years in business By MIKE MOTLEY MESSENGER INDEX
A
group of Gem County farmers shared a desire to produce a facility that could be used for the distribution of fuel and oil supplies. On March 2, 1936, their Mike Motley idea became a reality and Gem Supply & Building Co-op was formed. Those who incorporated Gem Supply and its first board of directors were; J. H. Goodwin, president; Otto Wilhelm, vice president; J. Loe Reed, secretary-treasurer; and J. I. Guthrie and Walter Knox, directors. The organization was set under the Federal Cooperative Marketing Act as amended by laws of the state of Idaho and operated along the same guidelines as the cooperative which had operated in the Boise valley since 1933. According to the articles of incorporation in 1936, the purposes and pursuits of Gem Supply are, “to promote and provide a medium for unity of effort in buying and distributing petroleum products, automotive accessories and other commodities, also to serve as an agency through which economies in agricultural products are made through collective buying and handling of products and to encourage and develop cooperation among both producers and consumers.” The first store was located in the Messenger Index building, 120 N. Washington Ave. Through time, the small business became too big for the size of the building it was in and was forced to relocate. Gem Supply moved to its current location, 402 N. Washington Ave. in the early 1950s. In January 1956, a warehouse and machine shop were added to the business. PAGE 20
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Photo courtesy Gem County Historical Museum
In the early days, Gem Supply & Building Co-op was in a much smaller building than today.
Gem Supply & Building Co-op's current board of directors are: President Chuck Rolland Vice President Andy Russell Secretary Debbie Carlock-Newton Director John Peterson Director Jim Hutchins The machine shop was moved in 1960 due to the need for more space. Currently, the store building is in the location of the original machine shop. The service station was built in 1966 and membership took off and the business changed from an “all cash” system to the present cash or charge system. In 1981, Gem Supply built a soil service center at Boise Avenue and
Carson Street which supplied fertilizers and chemicals plus application, to the area farmers and ranchers. The soil service center is now leased to Valley Agronomics, Nampa. A Cardtrol system was installed in 1983, this system provided members the newest, most convenient method for buying fuel, day or night. Over the years, Gem Supply & Building Co-op managers have been: Ernie Bennett, Elmer Aston, Larry Kindred, Fred D. Erickson, Boyd Conley, Veryl Kroeger, Boyd Conley, Jon Mabbut, Jim Garland, Gary Garrison, Ed Grubbs and current manager, Lori Herman. Gem Supply has grown into a complete farm supply and hardware retail station for the past 77 years. The store currently has 611 mem-
bers. In 1988, the members shared the profits according to their yearly amount of patronage. It was and is still not necessary to be a member, however, for the past three years, members can now receive a 2 percent discount on total cash purchases and for charge purchases, members receive a 2 percent discount if the account is paid in full by the 10th of each month. The Co-op currently handles hardware, lawn and garden, building supplies, salts and minerals, paint, horse tack, stock tanks, fencing supplies, propane and a large variety of animal feeds. Five years ago, the store added a full-service nursery and green house. The nursery houses a variety of trees, plants, seeds, roses, shrubs and yard décor.
EMMETT, IDAHO
Messenger Index
The Ideal Movie Theatre
L
By AMY O'LEARY
ong before it was called the Frontier Cinema, the Ideal Theatre opened its doors in 1916, when Emmett was a dusty town with a population of around 1,500 inhabitants. WWI was raging in Europe, there were 1 million Model T Fords on the roads in the U.S. and Democratic President Woodrow Wilson was re-elected for a second term. He was famous for saying, "Sometimes people call me an idealist. Well, that Amy is the way I know I am O'Leary an American." With that came the birth of the Ideal Theatre in Emmett. Silent pictures were all the rage then - over 30 million people went to the movies each week in the U.S. to see films like "Intolerance" or a Charlie Chaplin comedy. The Ideal was owned by C.D. Bucknum. The movie shown on opening night, Nov. 16, 1916, was the five-reel movie "The Decoy." Admission was 10 cents for children, and 20 cents for adults. Later that year when the 11reel block buster of its day, "Civilization," was shown, tickets were 25 cents and 50 reserved seats went for 50 cents each. In 1929, talking pictures were the new thing and the Ideal upgraded with new equipment and a new air cooling system. 1935 saw a new redecoration of the theatre. In 1944, Bucknum sold The Ideal, as well as his other cinema in town, The Liberty, to a company out of Buhl. Dick Lehosit bought the Ideal in 1978 and it became the Frontier Cinema. In 2003, Roy and Sue Dransfield bought it and run it today. While in high school, Shirley Perry worked as an usher at The Ideal from 1952 to 1954, while Ed Kelly was manager. Shirley made $1 a night and the box office and concession workers
Messenger Index file photo
In 1975, Ideal Theater was remodeled under the ownership of Richard LeHosit, who planned to specialize in first-run films and wholesome family entertainment. The facade was remodeled to a frontier motif to go with the name Frontier Cinema. He is pictured with old projector equipment. He also installed a new, retractable screen. made $1.50 and everyone made double on Saturdays because of the matinees. Armed with her trusty flashlight, Shirley made sure the patrons kept their feet off the seats and were quiet while walking what felt like "50 miles a night up and down the aisles." Sonja Baker Hope was also an usher and remembers escorting movie-goers to their seats in the dark, bagging popcorn and cleaning up after the shows let out. There was usually a western movie showing on Saturdays for the kids and it wasn't uncommon for folks to drop off their children for a matinee while they went shopping and visiting. The stores in town were open until the movies let out around 9 p.m. on Saturdays. A monthly movie schedule was sent to households in the area. They
listed the movies with a brief write up and the show times. The movies changed every two to three days. In May of 1955, for example, "River of No Return" with Robert Mitchum, Marilyn Monroe and Rory Calhoun was showing on the 22 and 23 with a news reel and a cinemascope short film, plus a color cartoon. The cost was 10 cents for children and 35 cents for adults. Popcorn, Milk Duds, Good & Plenty's and Jujubes were some of the snacks sold. Meg Davis remembers that you never sat under the balcony within popcorn throwing distance and that "good kids" didn't sit up in the balcony. Shirley Olberding remembers years later the theatre being without heat and in the winters, patrons brought blankets and sleeping bags to
hunker down in. One such showing of "Dr. Zhivago" was a particular challenge to watch, she recalled. Travis Prawitz lost his first tooth while watching "Star Wars" at The Ideal. Tanya Stallions remembers third grade field trips to the theatre. Many children in Emmett have seen a free Christmas movie with Santa Claus handing out gifts and bags of hard Christmas candy, nuts and an orange. Gone is the stately neon sign, marquee and the ticket booth of The Ideal, but The Frontier is open and showing great movies. With the help of donations from the community, the Dransfields were able to purchase new digital equipment to keep their doors open and bring first run movies to Emmett, where more memories will be made.
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PAGE 22
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Messenger Index
EMMETT, IDAHO
About Emmett's businessmen and women As written in The Emmett Index in 1893 Compiled by DIANA BAIRD
T
Messenger Index
he Index desires to call attention to the business men and advertisers of Emmett. There are many others in the community who are doing excellent work for its development and who deserve special attention, and they shall receive it in due time.
 Central Lumber Company The largest business establishment in Emmett is the sawmill belonging to the Central Lumber Company, composed of a C. R. Shaw, H. R. Stevenson and R. A. Cowden. The Index has not the honor of a personal acquaintance with any of the firm excepting me. Cowden, whom we met on the occasion of our first visit to the town with a view to establishing the Index. His affable and pleasant manner impressed us quite favorable and we believe the people of this section have every reason to congratulate themselves that such a gentleman has charge of so important a business. Mr. Cowden served in the lower house of the last Legislature and distinguished himself as an exemplary and worthy public servant. He at present is in the east, having gone there on business and to visit the World's Fair. The lumbering interests of which Mr. Cowden is manager at this place, are the largest in the state and gives Emmett the proud distinction of being the chief lumbering town in Idaho. Caldwell, Nampa, Boise, Mountain Home and other points along the railroad get their lumber supplies mainly from the Emmett mills. Owing to the slight stagnation in financial circles the mill has not been run at its full capacity the past season and at present is not running but is PAGE 24
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expected to make another short run before it closes down for the winter. They have enough lumber on hand to supply the demand for a considerable time and can fill any order, big or small. This is excellent property. It was bought of Mr. James Wardwell, deceased, two years ago, for the snag sum of $55,000 which will give some idea of its magnitude. In the absence of Mr. Cowden, Geo, Dietz, head bookkeeper for the company, has charge of the establishment. He is a capable and trustworthy gentleman, who has been connected with the mill in a similar capacity for a number of years.
 Valley Store Mercantile Next to the milling interest come the mercantile establishments of E. K. Hayes & Company, and Bilderbock & Cartwright. E. K. Hayes & Company. E. K. Hayes & Company are in the well-known Wardwell building, where W. F. Wardwell formerly conducted the business. It is one of the most favorably known establishments in the state. We believe the company part of the firm is represented by Mrs. Hayes who with her brother, Park Wardwell, inherited the original Wardwell estate at the death of their estimable father. Mrs. Hayes was raised in Emmett, received the finishing touches to her education in the State of Oregon. No more accomplished, refined and deservedly popular lady can be found anywhere. Mr. Hayes was raised and received his education in the State of Maine and came to Idaho a few years ago. He has been in Emmett for the past four years, where everyone has learned to respect and admire him for his many sterling qualities and true manly worth. He is still in his twenties and conducts the large business interests in his charge with remarkable skill and ability and his courteous and gentlemanly demeanor makes warm
friends of all who meet him. The Index is especially wellpleased to know that such an excellent gentlemen has charge of the core of the establishments which exercise the greatest power in every community towards making the local paper a financial success. J.R. V. Witt, an old Idahoan, for a number of years in business in the basin, is associated with his firm. He has chosen one or two occasions to represent the people of Boise county in the Territorial Legislature and acquitted the duties of his position with honor to himself and credit to his constituents. He is a thorough business man and is held in high regard by all. The stock of goods carried by this firm is first-class in every respect. Bilderback & Cartwright are sole proprietors of the widely-known and extensively patronized "Valley Store." Mr. Bilderback is on the shady side of forty and has been in Idaho since 1864. He was then a lad but as time advanced and he attained his majority he engaged in business and for years was connected with the leading mercantile establishment of the capital city, where his friends are numbered by his acquaintances. During all the troublesome days, during the early settlement of the state, Charley Bilderback was always known for his honorable, upright and determined stand for law and order. If there is one word to be said derogatory to Charles P. Bilderback, we have never met the man to say it. He has always taken a lively interest in public affairs and has been elected to the office of county commissioner one or two terms, where his wise business sense was often exemplified. W. R. Cartwright was born in California and has never been east of the Rockies. He has been in Idaho for twelve years and for six years was head clerk in Nathan Falk's large store in Boise. Then, for the first few years
after the erection of our magnificent state building, he had charge of that structure as janitor and two years ago formed a partnership with Mr. Bilderback in their present business. Mr. Cartwright can shoulder the main responsibility for the presence of the Index as it was through the great interest he manifested that we were induced to locate here, Cartwright is one of the rustlers and never lets an opportunity slip to chip in a word for the advancement of Emmett. Long may the Valley Store continue to do business under its present courteous and affable managers. Their present stock of goods would compare favorable with any in the county and they are prepared to do just as they advertise - "fill any order in the general merchandise line on two minutes' notice, at prices that are bound to give satisfaction."
Phillips the butcher James Phillips is Emmett's popular butcher. He has been in this vicinity for several years and is well liked. He was elected one of the justices of the peace in this precinct last fall and discharges his duties in that line in a careful and unprejudiced manner.
 Russell the tinsmith William Russell, "the tinker," is one of the cleverest Irishmen we ever met. He came to America when he was but four years old and was reared and educated in New Jersey, where at an early age he learned the tinsmith's trade. He came west and knocked about in the leading mining camps until about twelve years old when he settled down near Emmett and ever since has been farming and following his trade, of which is a complete master. He carries an assortment of hardware and can make anything in the world that can be made out of tin. When in town give him a call.
Messenger Index
EMMETT, IDAHO
History of the Ola Hotel
H
By AMY M. LINVILLE
ave you ever heard of the Ola Hotel? Almost a hundred years ago, around 1917, Todd and Annie Newell bought the Ola Hotel and ranch from James Lloyd, “lock, stock and barrel.” Annie recorded that it was really a roadside inn which accommodated travelers coming from the lower valley. They had to go through Montour, Sweet and Ola because there was no road up the Payette River yet. The Ola Hotel was a good place to “stay over” before a traveler ventured up the dreaded High Valley Hill which would take the traveler to Smith’s Ferry and “points North.” Todd and Annie brought her par-
the family set about running ents with them and four small the Ola Hotel. The grandparchildren. They were attracted ents were very involved. Grandto the Ola Valley by stories of pa helped with the garden, caran idyllic setting and wonderpenter work, the barnyard and ful people who homesteaded was the soap maker. Grandma there. Some of the families notRoder made sure that 50 loaves ed by Annie in her journal were of bread were baked every week Holbrooks, Beals, Blessingers, Amy M. and the dishes were done. All Smiths, Carlocks, Grosses and Linville dairy products were produced Cramers, all of whom settled in the bottom land during the Home- on the property: butter, milk, cream stead Act. These names are all a large and ice cream in the summer. presence in the Ola Cemetery today. Glenn Newell grew up there and The Newell family was very well or- fondly remembers the meals in the ganized. They had a hotel to manage, dining room. There were always a ranch to run and a family to raise. about a dozen people around, boardThere were two sets of grandparents ers or guests, family and local townsliving and helping at the hotel. They people. Guests included forest service were the Frances and the Roders. workers, cattle buyers and the famous With lots of love and true optimism county Sheriff Boise Riggs. Also, the
local teacher, if she was single, boarded at the hotel. Meals were a happy time served three times a day and of course family style. There was no menu. During the Depression years, many meals were served to those who just stopped by out of need and in hopes of a welcome. Sometimes there was entertainment after dinner such as a pinochle card game or someone playing the piano. Or maybe it was summer and kids were eating ice cream they’d made on the back porch. Many a character passed through the town of Ola with great stories to tell. When the haying crew was staying there, Grandma Roder made cinnamon rolls for everyone.
Please see Hotel, page 26
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Messenger Index
EMMETT, IDAHO
Hotel Continued from page 25 A guest could stay in a room and get three meals for about $3 per day. Four of the five rooms upstairs were available, the grandparents taking one in back of the hotel with its own door and stairs. There was no electricity until the modern era of the 30s. The entire hotel was heated by wood, cut and gathered by the family in the summer. Glenn explained that in the cold months his dad would get up early and build a fire in the “round” stove in the living room which would glow red hot. A modern convenience of the hotel was a “pitcher pump” which was a small pump connected to the main well by a pipe set up right in the kitchen by the sink. Hauling water was not a chore here. However, bathroom conveniences were minimal; there was one bath, one sink and the toilets were outhouses in the back. Imagine this scene at the hotel: four grandparents, four guests or boarders, young children, three meals a day, people coming and going ... add to that scene the local telephone switchboard. Annie ran the telephone switch board for the Ola Valley from the hotel. Ola’s one line telephone connected five to 10 families with the outside world. Such an important job. After World War II, things slowed down and the Newells sold out and moved to Emmett. Since then, it’s belonged to Vesta Coburn during the 1950s and the Mungers during the 1960s and 1970s. At one time there were plans of making it into a bed and breakfast. Today, the Andelins have renovated the hotel including rebuilding the back outside stairs to the upstairs door. Currently, they lease it out as a private home. One story goes that a family rented it and were afraid to go upstairs because they heard footsteps and PAGE 26
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other noises. A woman in the family was heard to say “There are too many people living here!” Her experience might be a result of the fact that the hotel was where the dead were “laid out” on a “Laying-out Board” in the dining room for viewing. The board is on display today in the Gem County Historical Museum.
Submitted photos
Above: The renovated historical Ola Hotel is used as a private home today. Left: Annie and Todd Newell, Ola Hotel, sit at and the Newell residence in the 1930s.
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