Tup HrsroRYoF RIcSFIELD,Ionno "The BiggestLittle Town in ldaho" RichfieldRecorderMay 27, 1909
CoNAPTLEPRNO EOTTED BY
Ancp, CneNEBEnn andMaUREENHexcocr Wnno
@CopvnrcHr 1995
Permissionto reproducein any form must be securedfrom the authors.
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Alice C. Behr240 E. BannockAve., Richfield,ID 83349 MaureenH. Ward,P.O. Box 22, Richfield,ID 83349 Printedby JeromePrintshop,224WestMain, Jerome,ID 83338 Bindingby LibraryBindery,3225.300 W., Jerome,ID 83338 SecondPrinting September 1995
Foreword
Recently the question was asked, "Did it really take TWO years to write The History of Richfield?" Although the community boastsonly a three digit population, the answer is YES! Our project beganduring the summerof 1993. The first step involved collecting histories, news articlesand listing possible sources that could be helpful. Researchwas conductedat the Idaho State Historical Library, the Bureauof Land Managementin Boise,Big Wood CanalCompanyOffice in Shoshone,Water Master for District 37 and,37M Office, ShoshoneLibrary, Richfield City Office and the Richfield Library. The assistancereceivedwas greatly appreciated. Nearly ten monthswere spentreadingmicrofilmed copiesof old issuesof local newspapers.What a delight that was. Many interestingtidbits of information were read--somedeliberately not included! A flyer was mailed to all Richfield community members,as well as numerous individuals who had once lived here, to notify them of the project with a requestfor family histories. The information was then compiled, sortedand edited. Pictureswere sent to the printer for screening--a processnecessaryprior to publication. We appreciatethose who donatedmoney to pay for the screening.The manila folders began to bulge with sheetsof information - the responsewas fantastic!Histories were typed, proof read and printed. There are families who chosenot to be representedin the book either for privacy or failure to submit a family history. We have tried to confirm all the materialsthat were used. The book will not be fiee from errors although every effort was made to be as accurateas humanly possible. We found that people do rememberthings differently--evenwithin a family. The ShoshoneJournal once printed: "I cannotsay what the truth may be - I tell the tale as 'twas told to me." Two years after the project began, Alice was recently asked if she would do it again. With a smile on her lips and a gleam in her eyesshe replied, "Oh yes. Absolutely." We hope you enjoy readingthis history as much as we have enjoyedcompiling it!
A City With A Heart Even though our town is small Meet the peopleyou'll like them all. Each one's friendly that you meet They wave or smile as they crossthe street. When you're ill or your luck is down You might hear from half the town. Yes, Richfield'sjust a little place, But it has a big heart and a smiling face.
Ruth Swainston
Acknowledgements Newspaperarticles, thesispapersand other printed materialswere collectedand studied during the initial stageof research.Many of thesearticlesare now availableat the Richfield Library. The list includes: American Legion History, Burmah Club Book, and Frank Pope's Diary "Bright Dawn For RichfieldTract" - Wm. H. Hill LCJ 1933 Charles Peter Johnsonand Families... Marie D. Johnson,1994 Family History: The Stevensand Crowhers by Mary Lucile StevensBickett "Richfield'sDiamondJubilee"shownJune 10, 1983;rvrittenby BrendaFarnworth,Kathy Jones with Mac Crowther and Myron Johnson as consultants.[Mac Crowther has provided a tremendous service to the community for organizing three productions based on the history of the town: the "DiamondJubliee",the 1990 "CentennialProgram"and the 1992 "RichfieldEarly FamiliesProgram."l "Richfield Once More Bustling Town" - Wanda Paulsonldaho Leader July 15, 1976 "Richfield,Turning Back the Clock" - Alice C. Behr LCJ July 15,1976 "The History of a Typical FrontierTown" - GlennisConnerJuly 1970 Ihe Richfield Cemetery- Maureen H. Ward 1993 "The Small Town is Not Dying" - Nick Hubsmith April25, 1974 Copiesof the 1900, 1910and 1920Richfield,Lincoln Countycensusrecordswere obtainedfrom the Family History Centerin Hailey. Microfilmed copiesof local newspapersavailabletiom the ShoshoneLibrary were read: Richfield Recorder(RR) 1909-1916,Il9l7-1929 not availablel,1930-1931;ShoshoneJournal (SJ) 1907-1909, 1917-1929:Lincoln CountyJournal (LCJ) 193l-1952. We thank those who called or wrote to volunteer special information - Joy Erwin Riedeman Williams, AnnabelleErwin, Betty Crist Bell, Art Bolton, Millard Pridmore,Edna Newby Conner, and JuneNewby Nielsen.LongtimeresidentsCrowthers,WandaPaulson,Conners,Popes,Rosses,Sanders, Pelleys,Sorensengirls, Browns, Aikens, Pipersand Beth Proctorwere amongthoseconsulted" Local residentslisted on the 1920 Richfield, Lincoln County Federal Censusinclude: John Lemmon,Rex Flavel, Alice CraneBehr, Myron Johnson,MonteJohnsonand Dona Flavel Ollieu. These residentswere consulted. Marylee Crowther mentionedthat she had recently purchaseda computer and was soon typing much of the manuscriptand learning Word Perfect at the sametime. Three days after the last file was typedshefell and broke her arm. Marylee,Med FlavelandJohnLemmonalsospenthoursproof reading the manuscript.A specialthanksto them. This completedbook reflectsthe cooperationof countlessindividualswho submittedmaterials. Thank you.
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Table of Contents Foreword
i
Acknowledgements
ii
Chapter1 Introduction Chapter2 The Land - Early Settlement
I
Chapter3 Water
l5
Chapter4 The Town of Alberta,andlaterRichfield
LJ
Chapter5 Town Businesses
39
Chapter6 Churches,ClubsandOrganizations.
57
Chapter7 RichfieldSchools
77
Chapter8 Farming& Ranching
89
Chapter9 RichfieldFamilyHistories
101
Chapter10 Conclusion
JJJ
Addresses of Contributors .
336
Additions and Corrections
338
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Chapter L Introduction Railroad A ceremonywas held in Granger,Wyoming, on July 11, 1881,to celebratethe OregonShort Line Railroad Company'sproject to build a branchline from Grangerto Huntington, Oregon. The railroad would join the OregonRailway and NavigationCompany'sline out of Portland,Oregon, completinganother transcontinental link from the Missouri to the Pacific. The proposedroute closely conformed to the Old Oregon Trail. The Oregon Short Line Railroad was closely associatedwith Union Pacific, but operatedunder its own name until 1936, when it leasedall of its right of way and other property to Union Pacific. The railroad enteredShoshonein February 1883,and enteredHailey in May of 1883, extendingto Ketchum the following year. The train requiredwater and fuel aboutevery 15 miles, and thus "tent towns" appearedalong the route to Hailey - Marley, Arvada (later known as Alberta, then Richfield), Pagari, Tikura, Priest, Picabo, Gannett,Bellevue and finally to Hailey. Although the train stoppedat Priest and Bellevue, they were not known as water stops. A well was drilled by the railroad in Richfield in 1883 for water for the steam engines,located behind the elevator. "Permanentstationis to be established at Richtield,where passenger,freight, and telegraphbusinesswill be handled. A new side tract is to be built, at the foot of Main Street, 1000' in length in additionto the siding alreadybuilt. The railroad had startedto call the stationArvada and yieldedgrudgingly to the changeto Alberta. But after adopting Alberta they did not wish to changeagain without good reason." (SJ Dec. 1I , 1908) The railroad companywas anxiousto tap the rich mining boom region of the Upper W<lodRiver Valley. Ties for westwardconstructionwere securedfiom the Wood River forests,bringing them down through Shoshone on the newly constructedbranchline fiom Hailey. Live stockwas driven here to the railroad stop by cowboys in the 1890's. Oncethe cargowas delivered,they enjoyedthe hospitalityof the "honky tonks" that the tenttown offered. The developmentof land along the river and through the Carey Land Act increased the railroad business.A new depot at the Lane Ranch was built in 1909 on Reservoir Avenue (later renamed Main Street) as Richfield became more than a watering stop. The 24 x 57 foot building was two stories, with the upper floor used for the agent'sfamily. Freight trains, passenger ':'1 trainsand a "mixed" train of freight and passengerscame through Richfield. A mixed
goose"camethroughtown. Stoppingalongthe wayto traintraveledto Hill City. In the 1930'sthe "galloping Ketchumandon the way backeachday, it wasa onecar train which carriedmail and passengers. Twentyto fifty passengers cameup on the train everymorningfbr Richfieldin early 1909,sometimes the numberwashigher. Someof thesewerelaborers goingoutto thecanalanddamworks,but mostof themwere investors,settlers,or travelingmen,who wereeitherhereto stayor who would be stayingin the nearfuture. Duringthis tirne,the railroadconducted $13,000to $15,000eachmonthin freightingbusiness. Accidentsdid occur. "JohnTurner,4 mi. W of town, had the misfortuneto have 17 headof cattlekilled by the downfreighttrainTuesdaymorning." (RRJan.26, 1911)"Fourcarsloadedwith steelandothermaterials werepiledup in a wreckin the railroadyardshereMonday."(RR Nov. 13, 1911) The CentralIdahoRailroadCompany,a subsidiary of the OregonShortline, beganconstruction of a line westof Pocatello throughRichfieldandCamasPrairieto Hill City in Juneof 1911. Richfieldwas to be the headquarters for all suppliesandconstruction work. Sixteencampswereestablished alongthe line, andin June of thatyeartherewerereportedly500menand250teams.Five carloads of muleswereshippedhereby theUtah Construction Companyat a costof $75,000to be usedon the railroadgradework. Two or threehundredmore TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
laborershad arrivedby July of 1911.Servicebetween Richfieldandthe CamasPrairiewasofferedin February 1912,with Myrtle Youngkinand JohnLemmon'saunt, FannieAnderson,amongthe first to ride. The costto m7it!: ride from Burmah to Richfield was 50 cents. The WMt '[;tr: pi in operaHlll Ulty was ln opera- '#;:f: from Richfield Klcnfleld to to Hill City was llne trom completeline complete produce, livestock 22. 1912. Farm tion on December #fF; ,i ft"ffi;*",t,,r,, from Hill City. wereshipped andminingproducts ' ffi i'2,.
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the r o u twas route e wlaid a Sout l a ialong d o uthe t a lbase o n goft h e Sawtooth b a s e o fRange t r r e s aW * t o o i n h.;' n g . Y : ! M ' ' ' ' ' : , ' j ' i : y W ' f f i W . ; : e ' . . ' fora distance of 58miles. W:,r''fM.."-",**** ti_[,"ffii,W, W,W, " :":T -{* """i
r.fJWw;;'#m!.' r",.#"i ;' ;, ,",n?",il'l't'""i;$'#"','if,11'iil'*'X,'ilH0"'11[:ki,..,{ '* t 1* 1 . " closed.the railroadstartedto losemoney. Soonthei tn the town.
In l94u atter tne mlnes at wooo Klvef b* ."2-';i".#!'"p'n;"
local grain to ' " market railroad tq'rvou was w q r usgd u r v u vonly ' r J to r ' L rtransport q'rPvrr "'*':"'
and to bring coal to town. With the loss of money,the
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railroadclosedandsoldthe depotin 1960andthenwent on a schedulethat broughtit to Richfieldtwice a week. completely andthe railroadties wereeventuallypulledup. The In the 1980'sserviceto Richfieldwascanceled well originallydug by the railroadwas donatedto the city of Richfield.(Sources:Mac Crowther,Johnny Jubilee"RR Lemmon,Historyof ldaho by Merill Bealand Merle Wells,IdahoAlmanac,"ldahoReclamation J u n e1 2 . l 9 3 l ) June Nielsen writes: "Just as the railroad made a big diff-erencein settling the West, it also made a differenceto the economy Ye of small towns. During the depressionyearswork-:7; ing on the railroad was a covetedjob. The trains were steam engines and used lots of water and coal, nearly all livestock and crops were shippedby rail. This meant a large number of people were hired to maintain the right-of-ways. My dad, Nick Newby, was responitP,s.f.a'*;te sible for keepingthe water tanks full at the various , l e v a t i o n4 3 9 0 , n o w o n S e n i o rB u i l d i n g . stops:Burmah,Magic and R i c h f i e l dD e p o t a f t e r c l o s u r e .S i g n : R i c h f i e l dE R o s s P h o t o G l e n Hill City to the north and Pagari and Picabo to the east. "A depot agent and sectionforemen were other permanentemployees. When we were kids Mack Howard was agentat Richfield. They lived in an apartmentabovethe depot itself. The sectionforeman lived in a large two story home west of the tracks. Among the families who come to mind were the Prices, Nygard, Creasey, Hammond and Pounders. The railroad also maintaineda bunkhousefor the sectionarea. It was a large building with a kitchen on one end, a small living room and a bunk room, enoughfor four or five men. Most of the Newby boys worked on the sectioncrew, with severalgoing on to becomesectionforemen in various places. "Besidesproviding housesthe company made sure everyonehad clean water for their own tank, also an outhouseand a plentiful supply of kerosenefor lamps and lanterns. Every fall they would bring in a coal car and we all had our winter's fuel. Old ties were ours for the choppingto make kindling. All the houseshad huge pot-belly stovesin the living room and big kitchen rangesfor cooking. In early spring an ice car came around
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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and the section crew would spenda day filling the ice housewith huge blocks of ice layered in sawdust. The ice house was made of 12" x 12" timbers and was a nice spot on hot summer days as long as we didn't get caught. "Since rail shipping was the cheapestway to sendlivestockto market, there was a big stockyardalongside the tracks and about 250 feet west of our house. Sheep,cattle, hogs and horses were often our neighbors. It was an exciting time for the neighborhoodkids. When the yards were empty we had a play ground ready made. The scaleroom was great for playing dolls. For the bigger kids, running the box cars was a blast. The bravest would jump from the top of the car into the piles of sand always at hand for the section crew to use. "No one had electricity, nor were we allowedto keepa cow or even chickens. But with a supply of manure from the stockyardswe had a huge garden. "Now when I go to Richfield I can't believehow thoroughlyeverythinghasbeen erased. Only the memories of all the families who spenttheir childhooddown by the tracksremain." (Source:June Newby Nielsen) Stage Coach A stagecoach line also extendedits serviceinto the area, building a station on what was known as the BernardoRuiz Ranchabouthalf way betweenShoshoneand Alberta. Lewis & Co. ran a stageevery other day to the dam in 1907. Surrounding Areas - Burmah Locatedin Range l8E, Township3 South, l0 miles NW of Richfield, it had a postoffice established with Mrs. about 1912,school,and a church."Mrs. JohnByrne was the first postmistress, Burmah Coffman for whom the office was named,as next postmistress.Mrs. W. F. Elfiing operatedthe office for 16 years and Mr. Schenkwas postmasterfbr the last 9 years." (LCJ May 12, 1944) The fourth classpost office was closedin May of 1944,at which time ithad beenservingabout l2 tamilies. The Burmah Methodist Church was dedicatedJune 1913. Burns Locatedin Rangel8E, Township3 S and a portion of 4 S, 16 mi. NW of Richfield, with the north boundarymeetingthe BlaineCountyline. 1910censusat Burnswas 44 people. Occasionallya columnof "Burns News" appearedin the Richfield Recorder. Kimama The post office was formed in October1921. Marley, a town by itself, is locatedin Range19E, portionsof Townships4 S and 5 S. Land patentrecords indicatethat Elias S. Mqrley settledin this area as early as 1883. [SeeMorley, Elias, in Family Historiesfor more information.lIt is known that this areawas developedbeforethe town of Richfield. A Marley PostOffice was establishedat the Johnson'sRanch 5 miles west of Richfield on Sept. 20, 191l, with PostmasterNiels Johnson. (Source:Documents,PostOffice Dept.) The fieight train would stop for stock or to drop off freight. There was a box car at Marley for ranchers and farmers to deposittheir freight (primarily grain) with the paperwork being conductedin Richfield. Passenger trains did not stop at this spot. "We arrived in the main streetof our neighboringcity (Marley) and thought that we were driving down the main thoroughfareof some metropolitancity from the number of autos and buggies that were lined up along the curbing, but the greatestsurpriseof all was the number of people we found in the little schoolhouse. "There were about 150 peoplepresent. The musicwas furnishedby ErnestJacobsonof Richfield and Art Hutchinsonof Shoshone.Peoplewere from Shoshone, Jerome,Richfield. "The peopleof Marley sureknow how to pull off a dance that pleasesthe young people and are to be congratulated. The clock ran down at ten minutesto twelve and so we are unable to state what time the dancebroke up." (RR May 5, 1916) Frequentlydanceswere held in the Marley Barn which is now Delbert Tree's barn. For a time, danceswere held every Saturdaynight and for special occasions.The Marley Barn was so full of enthusiastic dancers that on one occasion when standing underneaththe floor you would fear for it to cave in on you with all the swaying. Miscellaneousitems from the Richfield Recorder N i e l sJ o h n s o n ' sG e n e r aM l e r c h a n d i s eM, a r l e y . N o t i c eb a c k provide insight. "Niels Johnson is moving into his wards Ns. Photo-Lola Williams. new store building at Marley. He has kept a small
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 l0 11 12 13 14 15 Lb 17
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Enins Ctrarles P. Johnson; Ttrmas; Hunt; Adkins; Price; Henson Farnvorth; Roseberry; Jotnson; Iavrence Steven Base; Tres oscar Johnson; Graves; Jotm Base; Niels Johnson - General SLore, Post Office; Gene Al*ander Stevens; walter l'tarLin Peter Johnson; (Bert) Stevenst Grant SLevens Janie Jotmson Nebeker; Albert Tr€ Hansen; Delbert Johnson; Iouis Marley Barn Farnvorth Hiatt; Blumer ; Holt; Charles Tree s o worlman Goe; KenneLh Johnson; o c€orge Vernie Johnson a Tab€r House Marley Schml o I€Roy I€e 6 rcule ESe Morley (1883) Dugout Elias
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but with sufficientstoreroomto displayandhandlea largerstockhe expectsto stockof goodsat his residence, (RR Oct. 24, 1912) business." branchout into bigger "Twenty-seven intosleighsanddrovedownto Johnsonschoolhouse loadedthemselves Richfield citizensof (RR 19, 1911) Jan. nightto attenda dance. lastSaturday store "JohnTurner,a farmerin Marley,losthis housedueto fire." (RR Nov. 5, l9l4) "NielsJohnson's had lot. He next on the buildingat Marleytook fire andburnedto the ground. Their homeadjoinedthe store (RR Dec.24, l9l5) $4,000in insurance." "Marley is gettingto be quite a socialcenter,and the goodpeopledown there believein gettingsome pleasure out of life asthey go along. Therewasa danceat the Marleyschoolhouseanda numberof Richfield (RR Nov. 26, 1915) youngfolksattended. in the Pagari Pagari Locatedin Range20E, Section3 S. 1900censuslistedunder50 residents.Residents Elias Morley. Burns Margaret and and McNulty, James Edwin Dennis and year included Precinctthat asa waterstationfor the railroad,located17 milesnortheastof Tikura wasa smallcommunitydesignated Richfield. Careyresidentsfrequentlycameto the combinedpostoffice andgeneralstorebuildingfor supplies. Dec. 2'l, 1916. from the 1900'sthroughthelate1920's.A postofficewasestablished Thetownwasin existence "The train wouldcome GeorgeSchwaner. Mac Crowthertells an excitingstoryinvolvinghis father-in-law to Ketchumand back eachday. In aboutl9l3 or 1914,the train was headingback from from Shoshone thattheyweren'tin a big hurry. Why, if the Ketchum,stoppingin Tikura to get mail. You haveto remember notioncameto the engineer,he might evenstopto fish for a while. "Anyway,two mengot off in Tikura,wentintothe storeandlockedthe ownerup in the backroom. They theownerwasableto get looseandwentout the backwindow. In the proceeded to rob the store. Fortunately, got which stoppedin Pagari. The ownerjumpedon his old grey mare on the train robbers back meantimethe andtook off acrossthe deserttowardsRichfield. He cameflying into townholleringfor help! He went into the TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
bank and got GeorgeSchwaner.Georgepulledout his gun, they got the marshaland raced down to the train depot. Weren't those robberssurprisedto see the store owner' Georgeandhis gun andthemarshalawaitingthemasthetrain pulledinto Richfield! The menwerearrestedandthe owner got backhis moneyandheadedbackacrossthe deserton his old grey mare." Fitler! SJ Feb.3, 1922 RoswellFerre,familiarlycalled Monday "Toughy", of Richfield was broughtto Shoshone from Pocatellowherehe had beenarrestedon a chargeof from Clarence forgery. The arrestwas madeon instructions fi Wheeler. It is charged that Ferre, about two months ago, fbrged the name of R. E. VanGorder of Richfield to a check , for $42 which was [cashed]by Andy Petersonof Richfield' ,
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Priclmorehome Fri' eve & thoroughlysurprisedMlllalg ii **u."rWheer FarmatTikura. atFosterMccrochrin's others honorof his birthday. Millard in companywit! Lemmon. leyera] post- photo_Johnny had gone to choir practicebut upon being told it was poned until Sat. eve he returnedhome to be surprised. SJ June 7, 1929 Harry Pridmore is wearing quite a gash abovethe eye as the result of an auto collision which occurreclon the Twin Falls highway Sunday. Harry was passinga car, which seemedto be perilously closeto a ditch on the right side. When the driver realizedhis predicamenthe jerked the car completelyaround to the left, striking the Pridmorecar headon. The Pridmore car was quite badly smashed. LCJ July 23, 1937 More accidentsin Richfield...Milton Sweat jumped from the animal, while on horseback,wh-enit beganto buck. It rearedand when coming down struck Milton on the headwith a shodhoof, cutting a gash. The boy was taken to Shoshonetbr surgical aid. iCl b.t. 22, 1937 After many treatmentsand much probing, Mrs. Patrick was able to dislodgethe jagged p i e c e o f g l a s s f i o m M a c C r o w t h e r ' s h i pT. h e p a r t i c l e w a s a b o u t t h e s i z e o f t h e l a r g e e n d o f a t o o t h a n d h a d t w o or three little jagged prongson it. The glasswas run into Mac's hip while in a football game in Bellevue. RR Sept. 15, 1910 Mrs. W. J. Koeller died - they were marriedlast spring and came at once to Idaho to make their home from Illinois. John Lemmon of T.F. visited his brothers. He has decidedto make his home in RR Oct. 20, lgl0 Richfield leasedthe Faganplace for a year. RR Nov. 6, l9l3 DEATH 3 year old son of Mrs. Geo. Nebeker,daughterof C.P. Johnsonof Marley, was struck by the passengertrain going down Friday evening. RR Jan. 22, l9l4 Roy Parkerhad the misfortuneto losethe middle finger of his left hand by having it shot offone day this week. He had beenusinga shotgun, and it seemshad got somesnow in the barrel. He started to clean the snow out of the barrel, while it was loadedand apparentlycocked; the weapon was dischargedand blew off the finger which happenedto be acrossthe muzzle of the gun. Mr. Parker will have a maimed hand all the rest of his life as a result of the accident. auto stageroute, leavinghere I I RR Mar. 25, 1915 D.D. Dixon hasopeneda regularRichfield-Shoshone catch the west bound train. Coming and to in for dinner time in Shoshone arriving Thurs, Sat, Tues, a.m. every p.m. at 5:01 4 from west, No. the of the arrival home he will leave Shoshoneafter RR Oct. 29, l9l5 Official RegisterofVital Statistics,Rev. Leitch. Mustreportto him when you die, also all children must immediatelyreport to him after birth, in order to be officially born and dead. RR Apr. 22, 1909 Quote: "Aren't you afraid you are paying more attention to athletics than to your books?" said one collegeyouth."I've got to," answeredthe other, "so that when I go home I can talk about somethingthat will interestfather." WashingtonStar
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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Chapter 2
TheLarul - Early Settlement Background Settlementin this areacameaboutthrough both the HomesteadAct, with ranchesalong the river, and through the Carey Land Act, which was designedto reclaim desertlands. Western pioneersundergoingthe hardshipsof frontier life in the wildernessclaimed that the land had no value until it was improved by their labor. Consequently,they arguedthat Congressought to give land to settlers as a reward for the role they played in the making of America. Free land was the impossible goal. As a concession,land was offered at a reduction in price. The HomesteadAct of 1862 offered 160 acres of land to any citizen or intended citizen 21 years of age who could settle the land, beginning in January 1863. Before securingtitle, homesteaderswere required to live on the land for five years, during which improvementswere to be made and modestfees paid. Under the Desert Land Act of 1877, a settlercould buy 640 acresof irrigable arid land for $l .25 an acreif he would irrigate his land within three years. This qualification often proved impossible to meet, since irrigation was costly and water often too far away. JosephM. Carey, the first U. S. senatorfrom Wyoming, proposeda practicalsolutionto Congressin 1894. Under the provisionsof the Carey Act, eacharid statebecameentitledto select not to exceedone million acres of arid lands and to contractwith companiesor personsfor the irrigation of lands included in a particular project for the building of necessaryreservoirsand water conduitsand obtainingtitle to the necessarywater rights; the promoters to have the privilege of contractingwith intendingsettlersfor furnishing water for certain lands, not exceeding160 acresin area. This offer appliedto any citizenor personwho had declaredhis intentionto become acitizen,2l yearsold or over, excludinga marriedwoman. After the promotersuppliedthe water, the settler paid for the water as agreedby him, and then the statecould issuedeedto the settler, first having procured title from the United Statesunder the law and regulationsby showing completionof the system. An amendmentto the Carey Act was passedin 1901,increasingthe amountof land that could be takenby the stateto two million acres. No other arid statebut Idaho had exhaustedits original million acre appropriation. The State Land Board had control of letting of contracts,fixed the price to be paid to the parties who took water out, and supervisedthe projects. The statecharged50 centsper acre for the land with no money going to the federal governmentfor theseCarey Act lands. The Idaho Irrigation Companyenteredinto contractwith the StateLand Board for opening 40,832 acresof Carey Act lands lying east of the Big Wood River and reachingto the tracks of the Hailey branch of the Short Line railway. (SJ May 17, 1907) The companylisted 139,300acresat the StateLand Office in Boise. (History of ldaho, JamesHawley, pg. aa2) The Land Openingtook placeon Tuesday,June24, 1907, in Alberta at the Land Office. A train of at least 4 Pullmanscamefrom Salt Lake, as well as one car of land seekersfrom Boise. A 95 foot long temporary hotel was set up by the Idaho lrrigation Companywith two othersput to the same service. There was a capacityto feed I,000 people. The Pullman cars were left on the tract to provide accommodationsfbr many of the visitors. The interestedland applicantregisteredhis or her name in making an application for the number of acres he desired,but no locationof the land could be listedas it was decidedby a drawing method. All applications were put in a container. The first name drawn had the first choiceto decide what land he wanted. On June 24, former Governor Morrison made a brief address,and a little girl from Hailey made the drawingsfrom the box. J. C. Strublenumberedthe ticketsas they were drawn. Within a week closeto 10,000 acresof farm land and more than 100 town lots had beensold. One hundredand fifty nameswere put in fbr the town lot drawing which was held first. Tradition statesthat the first name drawn was Mr. Motherall who chose the farm later owned by Mont Johnsonand later Rod Pridmore. The paymentof land was $35.50 an acre, including the statefees of fifty cents an acre. The first payment was $3.00 to the companyand twenty-five centsto the state. The other paymentsextendedover a period of nine years. Residencewas requiredwithin six monthsafter water was ready for delivery, and final proof made at any time within three years. "Four blocks in what is to be the main businessdistrict of Alberta has been marked off as within the fire limits and lots are sold with a contractto build only brick, stoneor concretebuildings." (SJ June 28, 1907) The newspaperprinted helpful hints for settlers. "Proving Up Points - You are required to reside on your land from the day your final proof appearsuntil it has beenpublishedfive times in the weekly paper. You must be sure that the two witnessesyou use know that you are on your land the day of publicationof intentionto make final proof appears. Your witnesseswill be required to testiff under oath that they have seen in your laterals
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
sufficient water to irrigate your crop. They are not required to swear that they have seen you irrigateyour crops... You must have a growing crop amountingto one-eighthof your tract and have water in your laterals before you prove up... You must, before proving up, have a permanenthouseon your land, which of course, meansa tent will not suffice. A 12 x 14 board house will serve the purpose." (SJ June 10, 1909) "... You don't have to live on the land five yearsbefore the water is ready and then live another ten years on it to establish your residence,and then lie buried on the land for another 25 years in order to show good faith with the government and that you have no intention of " c l a i m i n t h e s h a c k " B e n C r a n eh e a d i n gf o r S p o k a n e . N o t i c et h e background. desertingyour claim.." (SJ June 21, 1907) In 1915,W. S. Parkhurstwas namedCarey Act commissionerat Richfield. (Sources: The U.S. Enqclopedia of History, Vol. 4 pg 671,; Encyclopedia A m e r i c a n aV, o l . 1 4 p g 3 3 0 ; V o l . 5 p g . 6 5 2 ; l d a h o A l m a n a c , p g l T 0 ; H i s t o r y o fl d a h o ,J o h n H a i l e y , p g 3 T 5 ; History of ldaho, Vol. 2 Beal & Wells, pg 137-138,History of ldaho, The Gem of the Mountains, Vol. 1, Hawley,pg aal-aa1.) Idaho Irrigation Company The Idaho lrrigation Companywas formed by businessmen who had faith in the projectand who were willing to back their judgmentwith money. "W. O. O'Connor, a bankerof New York, is president. Secretaryand treasureris TheodoreL. Petersof J. Hugh Peters& Son with offices on Wall Street. CharlesJ. Hernsheim of New York is the vice presidentand generalmanagerand is himself one of the strong financiersof that city. S. D. Boone of Hailey is the local westernmanagerand sales agent for the company. Stockholdersincludedseveralretiredfinanciersof New York." (SJ May 17,1907) "This companyopenedto settlement40,000 acresof its land in the spring of 1907and establishedthis town, but the panic of that year either scaredor crippled the companyto such an extent that it was compelledto make over all its property and works to White & Companyof New York. This required considerabletime and the town of Alberta was set back. The new organization,however, is financially amongthe strongestin the country, and Alberta under its new baptism is progressingrapidly, for it has 40,000 acresof fine land behind it." (The Stateof ldafto, Commissionof Immigration, Labor, Statistics1907-1908,pg. 275) IdzrhoIrrigation Co. was restructuredin Septemberof 1908. J. G. White & Co. was designatedto carry on the reclamationof the land. Terms of the transfer includedan increaseof capital stock, the merging of the olcl stock into the new and larger issue, the election of new directions, and in general the transfer to the new of the old company. Fred W. Gooding and C. B. Hurtt buyers. This new companypaid off the indebtedness of the new management. were electedon the board of directors, along with someother easternrepresentatives There was sufficient money to finish the work. (SJ Mar. 27, 1908) The Idaho Irrigation Co. and J. G. White Co. brought youth and energy into the area. "Hardly a man has turned forty. Indeedthere are few old men who can standthe pace set by theseathletic young men. There are enoughfootball players, someof nationalreputation,to punishwhole seriesof games,enoughball players to run a leagueof their own; tennis players... Nowhere would one find cleverer,harder-working,more dependable men." (RR Apr. 22, 1909)
.$i,
$x TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
P h o t o sb e l i e v e dt a k e n a t L a n d D r a w i n g ,1 9 0 7 . H o t e lA l b e r t a ,l o c a t e da c r o s sf r o m L e m m o nB r o s . ,s h o w n i n b o t t o m p h o t o .P h o t o s - G l eR n oss.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Original Land, Patent of Private Ownership The following listing was obtained through microfilmed records at the Bureau of Land Management in Boise. The information reflects original land patents in the Richfield area.
Name *Able, Isaac Adkins, Ernest David Aitken, James Albertsen,Doreen* Albertson. Soren Albert Army Corp of Engineers Arnold, John A u g u s t ,J . Bassler,Gust Bedsaul,Jacob S. Beoquet?,Ray Big Wood River & R Co Big Wood River & R Co Big Wood Canal Co Big Wood Canal Co Biggs,W. L. Bishop, Ethan Bolton, Oscar Bossay,Alonzo Bouueuq?,Walter Bragg, Elmore J. Brock, Mary Isaac Burns, James Burns, Maggie Byrne, Thomas Byrne, Patrick Capps,M. A. Canzler,William Central ldaho Railroad Central Idaho Railroad Central Idaho Railroad Chatfield, Christopher Chatfield, Christopher Chatfield,C. O. Chatfield, Christopher Coleman,Thomas Cook, Barney R. Cook, Lawrence Cook, Monte Cook, SilasC. Cooper, Thomas Crane, CharlesBenson Crawford, Charles Crawford, SamuelN. Crothers,Albert D. Crouch, Charles Crouch, CharlesE. Davis, Frank Davis, George Davis, Homer Davis, James Dept of Highways Dixon, Elmer Dixon. Elmer
Date of Patent
Range, Township. Section
1881 *t<
R 18E 35 Sec 22 R l9E 55 Sec 6 R l9E 35 Sec 33 R 208 45 Sec 17 R 20E 45 Sec 17 R 208 35 Sec 35 R 208 45 Sec 6 R 208 45 Sec 4 R 19E 55 Sec 5 R 19E 55 Sec 5 R 20E 35 Sec I R 198 43 Sec22 R 19E 45 Sec 15 R l 8 E 3 5 S e c1 0 R l8E 35 Sec 3 R 20E 35 Sec 3l R l9E 45 Sec 4 R l8E 35 Sec 4 R 20E 35 Sec 13 R 20E 45 Sec 3 R 20E 45 Sec 9 R l8E 35 Sec 9 R 198 45 Sec 26 R 19E 45 Sec 25 R l8E 35 Sec 23 R l8E 35 Sec14 R l9E 45 Sec 8 R l 8 E 3 5 S e c3 3 R l9E 45 Sec 7 R l9E 45 Sec 26 R l9E 45 Sec 27 R 208 45 Sec 4 R l9E 35 Sec28 R 198 45 Sec 15 R l9E 35 Sec29 R lSE 45 Sec 3 R 208 45 Sec 20 R 20E 45 Sec 20 R 20E 45 Sec 20 R 20E 45 Sec 19 R 198 45 Sec25 R l9E 35 Sec 35 R l9E 35 Sec 32 R 19E 45 Sec 19 R 188 45 Sec 3 R 208 35 Sec 19 R 20E 35 Sec 30 R 19E 45 Sec 34 R 208 35 Sec I R 188 35 Sec 4 R 20E 45 Sec 6 R 18E 35 Sec 4 R 20E 35 Sec 34 R 20E 35 Sec 27
l9l0 19l1 l9I2 *<t< l9l3 l91l 1887 1933 1914 *'* ** 't<,' t<{<
t942 1908 l 9l 3 t9t4 1919 1953 l9l l l90l 1890 1908 1900 *t<
l90l
19r 191 t9'l
1933 1933 1933 l9l0 l9l I 1908 1908 t912 1908 1907 t912 1913 1944 1901 1918 l9l8 1919 1908 1902 t912 ** ** l915
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Dixon, John 1906 Dixon, Henry 1909 Dotson, Henry l9oz Drimmson, Donald l9l2 Engle, Fred l9l4 Erwin, David 1932 Erwin, David 1932 Erwin, Grant H. 1933 Erwin, Grant H. 1933 Erwin, Grant 1933 Erwin, Grant H. 1933 Erwin, David 1932 Faddis, Frazier l9l2 Faddis, Frazier l9l2 Fender, Arthur 1909 Fender, Edgar l9l2 Fender, Henry 1909 Fender, Lawrence E. 1909 Fender, Lawrence l9l2 Fender, Ruth l9l3 Fender, Walter W. 1909 Fender,Walter M. 1909 Flavel, Elias 1909 F l a v e l ,W m . T . 1916 Fletcher,Lewis 191I Fowler, Hugh H. 1908 Fowler, John 1908 Franklin, Frances l9l2 F r e e s eH , . C. l9l1 French,Albert l9l0 French,Eugene 1910 Gildea,Scott 1909 Gossett,Van I9l3 Harris, Chas.E. l9O7 Hornskiem, Charles** l9ol Huntington, Albert 1908 Hyde, Friend 1889 Idaho Irrigation Co l9l4 Idaho State Highway Dept 4(* Igou, Edgar l9l0 Irwin, Enoch E. l9l0 Irwin, I. l9I3 Irwin, William 1909 Jennings,Robert 1908 Johnson,Aaron l9l5 Johnson, Frank A. 1901 Johnson,LawerenceJ. l90l Johnson,Louis J. l9O7 Johnson, Mark Rowe 1928 Johnson, Mark Rowe 1928 Johnson,Martin P. 1908 *i< Johnson,Mont Johnson,Mont 1918 {<* Johnson,Mont Johnson,Mont Johnson,Niels M. Johnson, Quet
10
1918 190'7 l92l
R 20E 35 Sec 22 R l9E 35 Sec 33 R 18E 45 Sec 14 R 18E 35 Sec 25 R l9E SS Sec 34 R 20E 45 Sec 4 R 20E 45 Sec 9 R 208 45 Sec 7 R 20E 45 Sec 8 R 20E 45 Sec 18 R 208 45 Sec 17 R 20E 45 Sec 5 R 20E 35 Sec I R 20E 35 Sec 11 R 20E 45 Sec 9 R 20E 45 Sec 17 R 208 35 Sec 34 R 208 35 Sec 27 R 20E 35 Sec 35 R 20E 45 Sec 17 R 208 45 Sec 9 R 208 45 Sec 8 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c3 4 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c2 8 R l9E 45 Sec 35 R 19E 45 Sec 4 R l9E 45 Sec 5 R 208 35 Sec I R 208 45 Sec 4 R 198 35 Sec 29 R l g E 3 5 S e c2 9 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c3 2 R l9E 35 Sec 29 R l9E 45 Sec 25 R l9E 45 Sec 24 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c2 8 R l 8 E 3 5 S e c1 5 R 208 35 Sec 30 R 19E45 Sec 19 R 20E 45 Sec 30 R 20E 45 Sec 10 R 20E 45 Sec 9 R 20E 45 Sec 9 R 19E45 Sec l0 R l9E 45 Sec 4 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c3 4 R lgE 55 Sec 6 R lgE 55 Sec 6 R l9E 45 Sec 4 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c3 3 R 19E 55 Sec 5 R 20E 45 Sec 4 R l g E 3 5 S e c3 2 R 19E 45 Sec 5 R l9E 35 Sec 33 R 19E 55 Sec 6 R 198 45 Sec 9
Johnson, Quet Judge, John P. Kinny, Henry Kinsey, Alpha Kipp, Robert Koonce, K. Lane, James Lane, Jennie E. Lane, Lloyd LeBrun, Charles H. Logan, JamesA. Louderback, Ivan Louderback, Walter W. Lounmore, Thomas J. Lowe, James Magoffin, Louie Magoffin, Louie Mahoney, Elza Mahoney, James Malicoat, Samuel Maloney, John Maniott, Edward Manwill, Ferrin Martindale, Edgar H. Martindale, Edgar H. McArthur, George McArthur, George McArthur, Robert McCormick, Richard McKay, Alexander McKay, Alexander McKay, Bridget McKissick, Harold E. McNulty, Dennis McNulty, Edward Meese, Edward Metcalf, Burton Metckel, Joe Meyer, Hisko O. Mills, Raymond Morley, Elias S. Myers, Charles Myers, Robert Myers, Wesley Openshaw,Wllliam Patrick, James Patrick, JamesR. Patrick, JamesR. Patrick, JamesR. Pense,Margaret Petersen,Samuel Petersen,Samuel Niels Petersen,Samuel Piehn, Fred B. Poteet,John W. Powell, Russell Rader, Hiram Richardson,Andrew M. Richfield Highway Dist. Riley, Carl H.
1901 19l4 1889 1900 1900 1905 1901 1908 19t6 t942 t907 19t2 1910 1907 1907 *i< J<*
1890 I 884 1902 1900 1907 l9l8 1931 l93r 1908 1913 1908 I 905 1906 1910 1 9l 0 19t'l 1908 I 886 1906 1933 19t3 1907 l 9l 0 I 885 I888 {<*
I 889 1909 1933 1933 t933 1933 t912 1932 1932 1932 19t2 1912 1946 t9t9 1910 1965 t< t<
R l9E 45 Sec 4 R 208 35 Sec 14 R 1 8 E 3 5 S e c2 1 R 1 8 E 3 5 S e c2 l R l 8 E 3 5 S e c1 4 R 18E 35 Sec 9 R 20E 45 Sec 30 R l9E 45 Sec 35 R 208 45 Sec 6 R 198 45 Sec 29 R l 8 E 3 5 S e c3 3 R l9E 35 Sec29 R l9E 35 Sec28 R l9E 45 Sec23 R 20E 45 Sec 19 R 20E 45 Sec l8 R 20E 45 Sec 17 R 1 8 E 3 5 S e c2 8 R l 8 E 3 5 S e c2 8 R 1 8 E4 5 S e c l l R l8E 35 Sec14 R l9E 45 Sec 34 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c3 4 R 2 0 8 3 5 S e c3 l R 20E 35 Sec 32 R 208 45 Sec 29 R 208 45 Sec 19 R 20E 45 Sec 30 R l S E 3 5 S e c2 3 R 20E 45 Sec 3 R 20E 45 Sec 4 R 20E 45 Sec 4 R 208 35 Sec23 R l9E 55 Sec 5 R l9E 45 Sec 34 R 188 35 Sec15 R l9E 35 Sec 20 R 198 35 Sec20 R 1 9 E4 5 S e c l 0 R l9E 35 Sec29 R l9E 55 Sec 6 R l S E 3 5 S e c2 2 R 20E 45 Sec 30 R 1 8 E 3 5 S e c1 5 R 20E 35 Sec 35 R 19E 35 Sec24 R 208 35 Sec 18 R 208 35 Sec 19 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c1 3 R 20E 35 Sec 27 R 19E 45 Sec 19 R 1 9 E4 5 S e c 1 7 R lgE 45 Sec2l R 19E 45 Sec 4 R 1 8 E4 5 S e c 1 2 R 20E 45 Sec 20 R 20E 35 Sec 34 R 19E 45 Sec 34 R 20E 45 Sec 9 R l9E 45 Sec 8
Rorabeck, Frank Ross,H. A. Ross, Halton A. Rowe, John W. Ruiz, Leandro & Bernerdo Szurdeen,Erick Sawyer, John W. Sharp, Edward Sharp, Edward Sharp, Edward Shaughnesy,William J. Shears,Harvey Shockley,Nathaniel Shockley, Nathaniel Simonton,Burt B. Spalding, Charles Speedy,Robert S. Speedy,Robert S. Sprong, Emma Stateof Idaho Stowell, Francis Strunk, D. Strunk, Noah Strunk, Noah W. Strunk, Rena Strunk, Roy Swinney,H. A. Swinney,H. A. Thomas, John S. Thomason,Tilfbrd Tongish, Andrew Turner, John US Army Corp of Eng. US Army Corp of Eng. Vaden,Hays H. Village of Richfield Waters, Amy Waters,Julius Wells, Henry Whiting, JamesW. Williams, Glen Thomas Williams, Ralph Wilson, Susan Wormack, Addie L. Wormack, Asa Wormack, Asa Wormack, E. Writzel, Charles Young, Matilda O.
1 9 1I t933 r933 1909 *'F
1901 1890 1965 1965 1965 l9 l0 1909 l9 l5 l9l3 l9l0 1910 ** j<j<
t 9l 3 t919 I 955 t9t9 l 91 0 1908 1912 l9l3 *{<
1908 l90l 1910
r 908 ** *:F
l96l I 886 I 889 I 906 1909 1921 1908 1904
t9r7 l 91 0 t912 19t4 L 91 4 1908
R R R R
20E 45 lgE 45 l9E 45 198 35
Sec 4 Sec 8 Sec 5 Sec28
R l9E 55 Sec 7 R 20E 45 Sec 20 R l9E 55 Sec 7 R 1 8 8 3 5 S e c3 3 R 18E 45 Sec 4 R l s E 3 5 S e c3 4 R 19E 55 Sec 4 R l9E 35 Sec 32 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c3 3 R 1 9 E 3 5 S e c3 2 R l9E 35 Sec 20 R 1 9 E 3 5 S e c3 4 R l9E 45 Sec 17 R 198 45 Sec 8 R l g E 4 5 S e c3 4 R l9E 55 Sec 8 R 1 8 E4 5 S e c 1 R 208 35 Sec I R 20E 45 Sec 30 R lgE 45 Sec 25 R 208 35 Sec 1 R 20E 35 Sec11 R l9E 45 Sec 7 R l9E 45 Sec 6 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c3 3 R l 8 E 3 5 S e c2 8 R 198 35 Sec 28 R 198 55 Sec 7 R 20E 45 Sec I R 208 45 Sec 2 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c2 9 R 208 45 Sec 20 R l 8 E 3 5 S e c2 2 R lSE 35 Sec15 R 208 45 Sec 3 R l 9 E 3 5 S e c3 4 R lgE 35 Sec 29 R 19E 45 Sec 4 R 208 35 Sec 14 R 20E 45 Sec 3 R 208 35 Sec I R 208 35 Sec 12 R 208 35 Sec 23 R 208 45 Sec 8 R 208 45 Sec 20
*The earliestrecordedpurchaser. *Assignee of Lowell B. Fender; **Assignee Annie Watkins, adm of estate of SamuelWatkins. Unknown date of sale listed by **. The microfilmed recordswere difficult to read in somesections. Data is as accurateas possible. (Researchedat: Bureauof Land Management, Boise Office by Maureen Ward)
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Land Certificate#206 from the United Statesof Americato EliasS. Morleyfor land locatedin Township 5 South, Range 'l N o . 1 9 E a s t ,T o w n s h i p6 . D a t e p u r c h a s e d J u l y 1, 8 8 5 f o r $ 1. 2 5 p e ra c r e . C e r t iifc a t ed a t e dJ a n u a r y7 , 18 9 5 . s i g n e db y P r e s i d e nG t r o v e rC l e v e l a n d .
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
t4
Chapter 3 Water The successor failure of ranchersand farmerswas primarily influencedby the availability of water. Water could be obtainedfrom the Big Wood River, Little Wood River or later from Magic Dam. The value of land dependedupon the water rights. It was the topic of water rights that F. J. Cowen submitteda report to the Stateof Idaho in 1909. "In the Idaho,inandfortheCountyof Lincoln. S. C. Frost, DistrictCourtof theFourthJudicalDistrictoftheStateof This causecoming on to be heard this 6th day Defendants. et. al., et. al. Plaintiffe, vs. Alturas Water Company, of October, 1909... It is Ordered,Adjudgedand Decreed,thatthe severalparties,plaintiffs and defendantsherein named,do havejudgment respectivelyfor a right to use, for irrigation and other purposes,the following number of inchesof water, each50 inchesthereof to be equivalentto a flow of one cubic foot per second,as prescribed by the law of Idaho, from the watersof the Malad or Big Wood River and its tributaries, situatedin the counties of Blaine and Lincoln, Stateof ldaho, their priorities to date from the times hereinafternamed." Early settlerspresentedto the Court proof of earliestsettlementon their land. An example could be C.P. Johnsonwho had purchasedland from J.W. Bowman. Bowman had purchasedthe land fiom Elias Morley. J o h n s o n w a s a b l e t o p r o v e t h a t M o r l e y h a d b e e n o n t h e l a n d a s e a r l y a6s, Al 8pSr i3l , w h i c h i s t h e d a t e d e c r e e d by the judge. During a scarcewater year, land with the earliestwater rights have senority on water delivery. The following nameswere included in the court documents,followed by the date of the decreedwater rights. B o w m a n .J . W . B y r n e ,J o h n & P a t r i c k l T h o m a sJ r . B y r n e .M i c h a e & B y r n e ,T h o m a sS r . C a n z l e rW , m. C r o t h e r sA, l b e r tD . D a v i s ,H o m e rW . D i x o n ,J o h n D o t s o n ,H e n r y J o h n s o n ,L o u i s J o h n s o n .N i e l s J o h n s o n .C . P . J o h n s o n ,C . P . L a n e ,J e n n i e L o g a n ,J a m e s M a l i c o a t ,S a m u e lL M c N u l t y , D e n n i s& E d w a r d R o e s s l e rG , eorge S t r u n k ,W m . M . ThomasonT , ilford T u r n b u l l ,C h a r l e s
Apr.1893 May 1887 May 1887 May 1887 Aug. 1897 D e c .1 9 0 1 D e c .1 9 0 3 May 1898 May 1902 Nov.1907 Nov.1907 A p r . 18 8 3 A p r .1 8 8 7 O c t .1 8 9 1 D e c .1 9 0 3 Mav 1902 Apr. 1884 A p r .1 9 0 5 D e c .1 9 0 3 Apr.1901 May 1902
R 1 8 E3 5 R 1 8 E3 5 R 1 8 E3 5 R 1 8 E3 5 R 1 8 E4 5 R 1 8 E3 5 R 2 0 E3 5 R 1 8 E4 5 R 1 9 E4 5 R 1 9 E5 5 R 19 E 5 5 R 1 7 E5 5 R 1 9 E4 5 R 1 8 E3 5 R 1 8 E4 5
Sec15 Sec15 Sec15 S e c3 3 Sec 3 Sec 4 Sec22 Sec14 S e c3 1 Sec 6 Sec 6 ; 1 9 E5 5 S e c 5 , 6 ; R 1 9 E4 5 S e c 3 1 S e c2 9 , 3 0 , 3 1 R S e c2 6 Sec 4 'l Sec1
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The discussionof water broughttogetherJ. White, F.W. Gooding,J.D. Murphy, L.C. Jonesand Sidney Kelly on June21, 1899. At the conclusionof their meeting,the Big CottonwoodCanalCompany,Ltd. had been formed. C. P. Johnsonservedon the Board of Directorsin 1907. The main purposeof the corporationwas to rebuild and maintain a dam locatedalong the Big Wood River, to divert water to Marley and Northern Shoshoneby use of the Cottonwood Slough. The diversion dam, later known as the CottonwoodCanalDam, was rebuiltwith planksof wood in 1901by J.D. Murphy for $500.00and in 1907 rebuilt of concrete. The "very dilapidatedcondition" of the dam required rebuilding by the Big Wood CanalCo. at a costof $10,939in 1938. At a SpecialStockholders'Meeting of the Big CottonwoodCanal Company, Ltd. in Shoshoneon February 4,1944, a proposalwas madeby Pres.Darrah,to dissolvethecorporation. "... the needwas now pastfor the continuanceof the Corporation,sincethe point of diversionof its watershad beenlegally changedto the Richfield or CottonwoodSloughto be maintained..."Resolution Main Canal, so that now therewere no dams,headgates carried"(Source:Water Master, Shoshone;Minutesand Book of By-Laws, Big CottonwoodCanal Co. Ltd.) Magic Dam "What is commonly known as the Big Wood River Project of the Idaho Irrigation Company, Limited, of Richfield, Idaho, comprisesabout 150,000acresof choice lands in the Big Wood River and Little Wood River Valleys, surroundingthe towns of Richfield, Dietrich, Gooding and Shoshone.Contracts were
l5
TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
enteredinto betweenthe Stateof Idaho and the Idaho Irrigation Company, Limited, for the constructionof an irrigation systemto reclaim the lands. "The contractprovided for the constructionof an extensivesystemof main and lateral canalsto serve the various lands, together with diversion dams by which the waters of Wood River are diverted from the river channeland into the canal system. In addition, the Idaho Irrigation Co. contractedto construct a dam and reservoir, the purpose of impounding water for use in irrigation during the low water period. Water for the irrigation of the lands is obtainedfrom the Big Wood River which drainsthe southernexposuresof the Sawtooth rangeof mountains... The lake formed by the impoundedwater has an extremelength between I 1 and 12 miles. "There are four main canals. The companyhas constructeda cementlined tunnel 760 feet in length, through which the Big Wood River flows, exceptat times when the reservoiris completelyfilled, when the surplus water is run over a concretespillway. At the upper end of the tunnel there has been erecteda tower of re-enforced concrete25 feet in diameter and 150 feet in height. This tower containsthe gatescontrolling the flow of water throughthe tunnel." (Source:"Big Wood River Project"January2, l9ll) Immediatework beganon the "big ditch" - the diversion dam - locatedabout two and one-half miles below the selectedreservoirsite. Slick Brotherswas in chargeof building the diversiondam, headworks, and a number of miles of main canals, using over 150 men. It was 80 feet wide at the bottom with 10 foot banks at the headgates.This project involved some of the heaviestblasting ever done in the state. One blast used 450 kegs of powder, blowing closeto 10,000cubic yards of rock. The powder was put in holes 22 feet deep, sprung with dynamite, and the black explosive poured in by the wagon load. Some of the big boulders left after the blast weighedas much as seventons apiece,which were picked up bodily by the huge derricks and swung to the top of the rock cut, nearly 50 feet high. (RR May 27, 1909) Glen Rosstold how the dam was built by hand labor and horses. Cattlewere turned on the land to help pack the dirt. A leak developedin 1911afterone yearof use.The leakrequiredthreebox car loadsof cementto plug! J. G. White Company, labeledthe largestconstructioncompanyin the world, was awardedthe contract to build the reservoir. Other projects included building in the Philippines,India, and dams in other areasof the United States. JamesG. Green, supervisingengineerof the project for the company, was interviewed by the Richfield Recorderon May 6, 1909. "lt is necessaryto build a dam acrossthe Big Wood River which will be of earth-fill construction,and one of the highest earth dams in the world. This dam will be 135 f'eethigh, about 800 f-eet through the base. The river makes a sharp bend at this point, making it possibleto constructthe outlet tunnel through the natural formation. This tunnel has been completed. It is about700 feet long, with an area of about 125 squarefeet, and is lined with concreteaverage2 feet in thickness. "The entranceof the water into the tunnel is controlledby meansof an intaketunnel in which are numerous openings,which will be screenedto prevent the passageof fish, and the amount of water which will be passed through the tunnel will be controlled by two 5 foot valves which will be operatedfiom the inside of the tower. The work on the dam is being carried on both day and night by a force of about 400 men, besidesa heavy contractor'sequipment,consistingof steamshovels,derricks,locomotiveshoistingengines,etc. "For the Richfield lands, diversionis made about2 1/2 miles below the impoundingdam. The water is [taken out of the river and] delivered onto theselands through a main canal system approximately36 miles in length. This canal system is completedwith water in the main canal and several miles of lateral distribution systemis in shapefor the water. In additionto servingtheselands,the canalis being madefor sufficient capacity to carry additional water for the Dietrich and South Gooding lands. Water is passedfrom the Richfield main canalsysteminto the Little Wood River and thencedivertedonto the south Gooding tract, diversion is made for theselands about9 miles eastof Gooding and carriedonto the landsthrough a main canal systemapproximately 30 miles long. "Diversionof North Shoshonelandsis from the Big Wood River, 8 miles below the impoundingdam, with a capacityof watering 48,000 acresof land, 35 miles in length, with water to be delivered before the spring of 1910. Water for Dietrich to be divertedfrom the Little Wood River at a point oppositethe town of Richfield, with a capacityof watering 42,000 acres of land in 25 miles, to be completedin 1910. The water from the impoundingdam reachesthis tract through the Richfield Canal and Little Wood River, and henceonto Dietrich lands. Entire systemwill be completedin the spring of 1910. Altogetherthe work on both the impounding dam andthe canalsystemsof the severaltracts is progressingvery satisfactorilyand by the spring of 1910all the lands underthe Idaho Irrigation Company'sprojectwill be'under water'." (RR May 6, 1909)
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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Just how big was the dam? One reporter explainedin simple terms: "You can store enoughwater to irrigate enoughland to raise all the applesthe whole Unites Statescan eat; raise enoughwheatto feed two million people. A whale could standon the bottom on the tip of his tail, and the water would be deep enoughto drown him." (RRApr 13, 1911) The highest estimateof workers on the dam reached500 men in April 1909. The dam site becamea small community by itself. Baseball games, tennis, musical instructions including a piano served as pastime entertainmentto the laborers. Food was plentiful at the dining rooms, with Chef Lambert and his 16 assistants servinghot mealsboth day and night to the laborers. The daily list of suppliesincluded2 beef a day,600 loaves of bread, 75 poundsof flour a day for hot cakesfor breakfast,two casesof eggsa day, large quantitiesof butter, lard, sugar, syrup and other provisions. With the completionof the dam, the dam site was quickly desertedand describedas being like a "pauperfuneral" in November1910. "Water is now ready for all the 160,000[recordedas 150,000acresin other reports] acresof land. There is a lake of water, 60 feet deep, a mile wide and six miles long, behind the great dam, ready to be distributed over the fields... This magnificentfarm empireis now readyfor the plough. What a goldenharvestit should yield!" (RR April 7,l9l0) On April 28, 1910, itwas announcedthatwater had beenturned into all the canalson the Richfield Tract Friday and was ready for every settlerwho had his own ditchesreadyto receiveit. Water was distributedthrough all of the couleesof the entire tract by May. The Magic Dam approachedthe cost of $750,000to build and deemedcompletedin February1911. Earliestlocatedrecordsnote that the Big Wood River Reservoirand Company, Limited, held an annual of the ldaho Irrigation meetingon June 8, 1911. ln l92l the settlerstook over the operationand maintenance Company and changedthe name to the Big Wood Canal Company. Office headquarterswere changedfiom Richfield to Shoshonein the fall of 1922, as Shoshonewas more centrally locatedand the entire workings of the projectwould be reportedlyhandledat lessexpensefrom there. SeveralRichfield citizenshave servedon the Boardof Directorsthroughtheyears.Inaformalletterof Dec.24, 1920,theIdaholrrigationCo.notifiedthe directorsof the Big Wood River Reservoir& Canal Co. that the systemwas turned over to them, although the companywas still on paperthrough Dec. 1927. In 1916 Magic Reservoirwas raisedfive f'eetwhich increasedstorageto 191,500acre f'eet. Originally, it was necessary to row a boat to get to the six sidedcontroltower. Later, a walkway was built. The releasingof water through Magic Dam was controlledby two valvesand an emergencygateabout 8 f'eetbehind eachof them, at the base of the tower at the outlet. The valves were manipulatedfrom the top of the tower. as were the emergencygates. New gateswere installed in 1922,replacingold woodengates. " With a dull thud the gate at Magic Dam, broken and repairedlast year, againbreaksafter being closedfbr a week and openedto let another run of water go by." (SJJune 15, 1923) Fortunatelyit was determinedthat the cableof the emergencygatehad slippedoff the runner and was kinked. The gateseachweighedabouttwo tons. of water shortage. They continuedto plagueLincoln The building of Magic Dam did not end the seasons County for many years. A cycle of dry yearsharshly demonstratedthat the Magic Reservoir drainagewas not sufficientto provide water for the land under cultivation. Frustratedbecauseof the shortageof water, a suit was filed by the water users againstthe IdarhoIrrigation Company. The caseinvolved the amount of land for which the company might sell water. The decision statedthat the Idaho Irrigation Company through the Big Wood River Reservoirand CanalCo., obligateditselfunderthe CareyAct to furnishmore water than it had available. The casewas taken to the SupremeCourt in 1924 which upheld the decisionof Judge Dietrich in 1920. Idarho Irrigation Co. was shut out fiom bringing in additionallandsto detractfiom the supply it originally obligated i t s e l ft o d e l i v e r t o t h e u s e r sA. c c o r d i n g t o t h e " H i s t o r y otfh e B i g W o o d C a n a l C o m p a n y ,1" 1 9 , 7 1 7a c r e s w e r e patentedin 1916and 89,967acreswere sold includingCareyAct, Schooland privatelands. The JudgeDietrich Decreecut this amountof land to 74,514acreswhich was the land actuallyownedby stockholders"(SJ June 13, 1924) On March 8, 1928, "with the surfacein the reservoirat elevation4,904, the water coveredwith about 18" of ice, a movementoccurred in the ice that forced the top of the tower severalfeet towards the dam breaking the tower offat elevation4,855 at the point which it joins the basestructure...The accuracywith which the tower returnedto its true position is thoughtto be remarkableand the casualobserverlooking at the tower now and not knowing past eventswould not likely detectthe break. A diver locatedthe fracture and caulked it with Oakum. The tower was bracedand strengthenedby heavy timber. The East60" valve went out of commissionin a nearly closedpositionand could not be operated. The West 60" valve was openedto about3/4 full. When the dam was originally designedand built it is understoodto have been the assumptionthat the spring run off into the
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
18
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Damagesustained AlecWallacepreparing to walkwayto controltower;diverHenryFuseand assistant to check damageat the dam,March1928.Photos-Big WoodCanal reservoirwould always be ampleto more than fill the reservoirand that there would therefore never be any need for winter hold-over of water in the reservoir. Ice conditionsprobably were not contemplated." (Source:Report of W.H. NalderSept. 10, 1928U.S.R.S.Dept.) A leak in the huge control tower was of great concern."There is little dangerthat Magic dam will be swept out, and positively no likelihood that life in Shoshoneor Gooding is endangeredfrom a flood. There are no cracks in the dam." (SJ Mar. 9, 1928) It was evidentthat due to carry over in the reservoir a different central systemwould have to be installed.Two steelvalve gateswere installedin 1929at a cost of $13,500. In 1934the 2 needlevalveswere installeddoing away with the tower. The valves,60" in diameter,weighed58,000#each. Control of the needlevalves is by a large wheel & calibratedgaugelocated in the valve house. After numerousshort water years, a By-PassCanal, 10 miles long, was built by Morrison and Knudsento savewater from being lost in the lava rock. Water was taken out of the Big Wood River Channel. Completion date of the by-passwas June l, 1925. Quet Johnsonworked on the project for 65 cents an hour for himself and a team of horses. It becameevident after severalyearsof low precipitationthat more water was needed. ln 1927 a contract was enteredinto betweenthe Governmentand the American Falls Reservoir District #2 for the constructionof the Milner-GoodingCanaland for 4ll7 of the storagecapacityof AmericanFalls Reservoir.(Source:"History of the Big Wood CanalCompany",Recordbooks "Big Wood CanalCompany") The dam filled quickly in 1952,due to heavy run off of unusuallydeep snows in the hills, causingflooding and generalhavoc for many. The Richfield sloughflooded severalfarms, and the bridge at Burmah was washed out. The county bridge crossing at Charles Hoodenplye'sfarm also washed out, isolating that farm home. "Severalfarms haveland under water includingBen Haubrich,Fred Hubsmith and Glen Caldwell. Water reached the home of Cecil Heldermanbefore the ice jam at the bridge was loosenedand water receded. "On Mon. at 4 A.M. Mac Crowther discoveredwater from the slough had surroundedhis home. He immediatelynotified L. Stubbsand R. Magoffin, neighboringfarmers. Men waded in hip boots to move milk cows and calveson the Magoffin farm from the corrals to higher pasture. A cistern on Crowther's farm filled with muddy water. The farmers presumethat debris or ice had jammed in the slough causing it to overflow." (LCJ Apr. 18, 1952) Water was within 8" of the bridge at the Couonwoodson Wednesdayevening and had risen 2 feet by Thursday A.M. to flow over the bridge floor. Magic Reservoirfilled WednesdayA.M., with water rising on an averageof 8 feet a day. (LCJ Apr. 25, 1952)
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
20
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"The highestwaterlevelsincebuildingthe damcamelastweek." (LCJ May 2, 1952) Onehundredfeetof the Richfielddiversionis out and400 feetof canalbelowdam. Five breaksoccurredin the by-passnearthe ice caves. Someland floodedat the Cottonwoods.Waterwashedout a portionof Highway93 just N of the Big Wood bridge. The City of Shoshone senta dozenworkersto the narrowsbelow the CottonwoodSloughto sandbagseveralspotsto keepthe Big Woodwaterfrom overflowinginto the Little Wood drainage. The optimismof the earlydayswasreflectedin the Homeseeker's lllustratedMonthlyin September1914. "With 200,000acresof waterimpounded persistent by the dam, it suppliesall the water 150,000acresof land canpossiblyrequire. Sincethereare only 115,000acresof landunderthe entireproject,this showsthat the 'waterhog'." The MagicReservoir IdahoIrrigationCompanyis a well developed Water Chartchartsover the yearsthe amountof waterthathasbeenactuallyavailableto this area. Map of Water System Lo Hailey
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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Chapter 4 The Townof Alberta, and.later Richfield Thetentsof the 1890'sturnedto blackshacksandby 1906someinto woodenbuildings.Traditionstatesthat Albertawasthe first child born in this areain the early 1900's. This smallclusterof shacksandbuildingswas namedin her honor. ChiefengineerCharlesKing andhis squadof IdahoIrrigationCompanysurveyorswerebusyin May of 1907 plattingout the new townsite. The official christening was to takeplacein June.The town was describedas "youngyet, but it will pay you to keepyour eyeon it, for it is born of goodstockand hasroyal blood in its veins-royalAmericanIdahoblood." (SJMay 3, 1907)The railroadpreviouslylabeledthis siteArvada,andwith reluctanceagreedto changethe name.Alberta,locatedon the existingrailway, was the shippingpoint for all materialto be usedin the construction work on the damsandirrigationsystem. Development continued,andthe nameof thetown waschanged to Richfieldon Octoberl, 1908. Various reasonshavebeengivenfor the change:the confusionof the postoffice with Alberta,Canada,and a desireto havea namewhich wouldattractpotentialbusiness menandinvestors. " Richfield is making good under the motto 'The Biggest Little Town in Idaho'. There is probably not another town in Southern Idaho that is enjoying the steady, substantial growth that Richfield has at present,and real estate, both in city and surrounding country is in great demand; settlers who have land in this section are arriving daily, and the prairie schooner
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windingits way acrossthe broadexpanse of rich levelsoil is a commonsight... New business housesand going residences hand. are up on every Residences costfrom $700to $2,500andbusiness housesrangein price (RR from $1,000to $7,000." May 27,1909) WhenRafeLemmonarrivedwith his familyin November1908the town consisted of 5 dwellings,2 stores, the Burtonlivery barn, shacksfor the lumberyard, the bankandoffice buildingand the Albertahotel. There were l3 womenliving in thetownthatwinter. Duringthefirst weekin Jan.the SundaySchoolhelda box social in their storeto raisemoneyto buy the first SundaySchoolorgan. The first communityChristmastree and programwassponsored by the Idaholrr. Co. andwasheld in the companyoffice in 1908.(LCJ Apr. 27, 1934) At a meetingof countycommissioners in April 1909,the peopleof Richfieldpresented a petitionaskingfor incorporationof their town. TrusteeswereJamesA. Green,TheodoreB. Brush,ThomasJ. Byrne, Thomas McMahonandFrankWilcox. (RR Apr. 22, 1909) "How many peopleare requiredto makea good town?... When the townspeople petitionedthe county commissioners for incorporation, therewere22I personsrecordedas residents here...PartialList of Residents of the Townshiteof Richfield,IdahoApril 12, 1909:MEN: Aitken,Jim; Anderson,H.W.; Anderson,H.W.;
23
TheHistory of Richfield, Idaho
Anderson, C.F.; Andrews,Tom J.; Apple,C.L.; Ashby,Tom;Bagley,G.H.; Barnett,W.F.; Barnhill,George; Burton,O.C.; Butner, Bishop,E.A.; Black,Ira W.; Blake,E.M.; Bower,V.V.; Brush,T.B.; Burke,Jesse; H.D.; Byrne,T.J.; Caswell, C.A.; Chapin,C.W.; Conklin,W.H.; Crooks,Chas.;Day,WarrenF.; Denecke, H.L.; Dickson,H.A.; Diesem,H.C.; Dodds,Elmer;Dodge,E.; Dougherty, W.A.; Denton,York; Dickerson, W.T.; Durnim, W.R.; Edwards,W.C.; Featherstone, Geo.; Feister,H.; Fender,W.M.; Fender,L.B.; Fitzgerald, Joe;Fowler,Hugh;Fowler,John;French,A.J.; Gauer,W.M.; Graham,Jas.I.; Gray,H.; Green, A.; Haggerty, R.S.;Hale,S.J.;Hameister, O.C.;Hanna,Eugene W.; Hayden,E.D.; Henrie, James J.; Haines, H.O.; Lamb, F.W.;Keith,M.J.;Knox,L.S.;Koeppen, G.W.;House,Chas.;Igou,Bruce;Igou,E.C.;Jackson, E.C.; Laso,AntonioJR; Lehmkuhl,C.D.; Lemmon,R.A.; Lemmon,R.J.; Lisonbee, A.D.; Lowe, J.W.; Maher,W.H.; Martin,H.M.; Martyn,John;Matthews, D.F.; Matthews, G.H.; Maxwell,J.F.; May, Percy; McGuier,A.; McMahon, Thomas I.; Mickelwait, R.E.;Miller,RoyA.; Moynihan, J.F.;Nash,Ed; Norup,J.P.; Andy;Peterson, Oderkirk,C.C.; Oderkirk,F.M.; Peterson, S.M.; Pierce,W.S.; Poteet,Chas.;Poteet,L.J.; Powell,M.L.; Pratt,C.L.; Redeker,C.W.; Redfield,F.; Reeves, B.W.; Reggen,F.A.; Reggen,W.M.; A.B.; Royce,W.A.; Seller,John;Shears, Richardson, A.M.; Ronans, C.E.;Rose,H.C.;Rouse, Wm.; Shields, R.W.; Stephens, M.M. JR; Stillson, A.M.; Strawn,T.M.; Swonson, G.M.; Simmons, CharlesO.; Swonson, Taylor,F. W.; Truoy,P.C.;Ward,M.P.;Weant,O.L.; Wells,Abselom B.; Wilcox,F.A.; Williams, Charles; E., Wines,AlbertV.; Wiser,J.H.; Wolter,Peter;Wood,JuniusE.; Wright,A.H.; Wright,E.; Yaden,D.W.; Youngkin,J.A. WOMEN: Mrs. Bishop,Black,Blake,Bower,Caswell,Crooks,Day, Dougherty,Echart, Feister,Fowler, Green,Hale, Hanna,Hayden,Igou, Knox, Lemmon,Lisonbee,Martin, May, McCoy, McDougal,Mickelwait,Miller, Peterson, Poteet,Reeves,Richardson, Rouse,Shields,Simmons,Stafford, Strawn,Taylor,Thomas,Thruman,Wells,Wilcox,Wines,Wolter,Wright,Yaden;Miss Evaleth,Anna M. Jellsett,AnnaLile. PERSONSUNDER 21: Bowers,Anton;Bowers,Irene;Dougherty,W.F. JR; Echard, Elsie;Echard, Ellis;Feister,Emmet;Fowler,Prudence; Fowler,Lula;Fowler,Rose;Fowler,John;Hale,Sarah; Arthur;Knox,Edna;Luckey,Edna;McDougal, Hanna,lsabel; Hoegsted, Theresa; McMahon,Miss;Mickelwait, Margaret;Miller, Roy; Peterson,Lela; Peterson,Anton; Peterson,Oscar;Pope, Frank; Pope, George; Richardson, Don; Richardson, Hayden;Rouse,Clair; Rouse,Delcia;Rouse,Cora; Rouse,Fern; Shields, Cathryn;Shields,Evelyn;Simmons,Arnold;Taylor,Ruth;Taylor,Frank;Wells,Eva; Wells,Daird; Wells, Claire;Wells,Loring;Wells,May; Wells,Otis;Wells,GladysD.; Wilcox,Willard;Wines,Paul;Wines,Mary; Wolter,Marie;Wolter,Adelin;Young,Arthur.(RR April 1909) A specialmeetingof the Boardof VillageTrustees washeldon September 14, 1909with JamesA. Green chairman.Trustees were Mr. Wilcox,Mr. McMahon,T. B. Brush.The discussion of the meetingdealtwith receivingbids for construction of concretesidewalks. City OrdinanceNo. I statedthat meetings wouldbe heldat the First StateBankbuildingandthatthe town clerkwouldreceivea yearlysalaryof $60.00.Oneordinance dealtwith preventingstockfrom runningat large in the city limits. "Many of the citizensplantedtrees,sowedlawnsand put in gardens,thinkingthat this ordinance, at least,wouldbe enforced.But insteadof it beingenforced,it lookslike the city wastakingin stock to pasture,with shadetreesandlawnsas an inducement to get a largepatronage, from the amountof stockthat is runningat largeinsideofthe city limits."(RR May 26, l9't0) Theearlycity ordinances reflecta desirefor establishing a solid,lastingtownwherefamilieswerewelcome. Cementsidewalks,five feet wide, on Main Streetfrom the depotto the extremenorthpart of the city, and the establishment of watermainsandrestraining of looseanimalsnumbered amongthe originalordinances. Changes weremadein the Richfieldtown survey. ReservoirAvenuewaschanged to Main Street,andthe old Main Street becameLincoln Avenue. Most of the residence lots werechanged to make50 foot insteadof 25 foot frontage, reducingthe priceper foot. (RR Oct. 30, 1908) drastically Decency andgoodmoralswerediscussed in Ordinance penalties 11,with prescribed in 1909. It wasillegal to disturbany assemblymeetingfor religiousworship;to operatean openhouseas a resortfor smokingopium; distributepornography; operatea houseof ill fame,gamblingor drunkenness. In l9ll, the villagemarshalwas instructed to stopthe horseracingon the streets.A lawyerwas to be consulted asto the collectionof evidence andstepsnecessary to stopbootlegging.Andy Peterson waspaid$5.75 for mealssupplied prohibited to prisoners. Ordinance 33 theridingor drivinganybicycleor motorvehicleupon the sidewalkswith a $5 fine (laterrepealed). The speedlimit for motorvehicleswas set at 12 milesan hour in J u n e1 9 1 4 . Villageof Richfield- Chairmanof the Board:Sept14, 1909JamesAlexanderGreen;Dec. 1909Wm. Dougherty; Jan 1910T. B. Brush;July 1910R. E. Mickelwait;May 1915Wm. Dougherty;May l9l7 Owen Youngkin;May 1919M. R. Kays;Jul 1920Mr. Youngkin(temporary); May 1921R. J. Lemmon;May 1923 TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
24
GeorgeSchwaner;May 1927Wm. Hill; May 1929FloydStewart; Dec lg2gWalter Youngkin; Jan 1931 T. B. Brush; May 1935 A. M. Howard; May 1937 Elmer Swatman;May 1939 John Workman; May 1943 Charles Smith; Aug 1947 GeorgeCoates;May 1947Elmo Patterson;May 1951 Lon Woods; Nov 1953 Clifford Ward; May 1957 Edgar Stubbs; May 1959 Mont A. Johnson;Dec 1965 Birk Albert; Jul 1967 Clifford Ward, Mayor; Jan 1980 CharlesButtcane,Mayor. * As determinedfrom the City Council Minute Book The city of Richfield encompassesan area of 280 acres in Range 19 East, Township 4 South. The populationvaried in the early years. This areawas includedin the Pagari Precinct on the 1900 Federal Census for Lincoln County, listing under 50 individuals,from Pagarito northern Shoshone. The Richfield Precinct of 1910 listed 266 individualsand 1920listed 1,033! Availablerecordssincethen list a populationof about500 after World War II when "Richfield was once more a bustlingtown"; 1970- 290; 1980- 357 and in 1990 - 383. C.W. Ward, mayor of the city for many years, commentedon some of the changesin the city over the years. "..Setting up a solid wastearea, and making a dump yard. This area was later deededto the county when the countywide sanitarylandfill program went into effect a few yearsago. Prior to the city going into the dump yard business,peoplejust dumped whereverthey chose,mostly on the Merl Sorensenproperty-which he came to dislike... Leasinga secondwell from the railroad..purchaseof the city's first fire truck in the mid 1950's... Some streetswere oiled... The biggestproject of all the yearsis the installationof the city's first sewer system, followed by replacementof all the old woodenpipes (that were held togetherwith wire twisted around the pipes). New six inch mains went in to updatethe water system. The sewersystemwent in about four years ago..'t With a bit of modesty,Ward stated,"A mayor in a small town like this doesn'tdo a heck of a lot, but he has had some fine council membersand exceptionalclerks." (LCJ 1978) The following pages examine the various aspectsof the Richfield community. Nick Hubsmith stated, "Richfield has somethingto offer that many peopleare looking for today-closeness, friendliness, togetherness.." (Sources:City Office, Censusrecords) Airports With the commencement of World War II, operatingaircraft becamea favorite pastimefor many Richfield residents. There was the Birk Albert Airport ficlcatedsouth of Pagari on the olcl McKay Ranch], Adkins Field located at the E. D. Adkins ranch adjacentto the statehighway at Marley and Reynolds Field. ln 1944, a two passengerpatrol plane was forced down at the Quet Johnson dry farm. Poor visibility preventedthe plane from landing in the Twin Falls area, and it was finally forced down when it ran out of gas. Ronald Bell righted the plane, very light in weight, with a saddlehorse and rope. Residentsheadedfor private flying licensesin 1946includedBob Crockett and CharlesSluder. High school students"wishing" they had a licenseincludedUdell Robinson,Billy Crist, Ed Johnson,Tony DeVries, Jack Sowersby,Hal Rogers, Harvey Heldermanand Leroy Hardy. Burmah residentsreceivecltheir mail by plane in 1946 by membersof the Richfield Flying Club droppingmail at the W. F. Eltiing, J. O. Freeman-andJohn Schenkranches. Ben Kirkpatrick servedas pilot. CharlesSluder and Fred and Sam Harkins purchaseda greenand black Piper planeJ-3 which was to be used for instruction also. Residentsenjoyedsight seeingtours of surroundingtowns. The first aviation breakfastof the seasonwas held at Adkins Field in 1947. Breakfastwas servedto over 225 people,lanclingin 94 planes,at the JohnsonCafe. In June 1948 "ReynoldsField" was dedicatedby SenatorF. L. Manwill with over 800 peoplein attendance. The field would serve as a rodeo and community recreationalgrounds with the long strip on the siclenear the river. ReynoldsField was usedfor many yearsas an airport. A pilot woulcl make a buzz around town a couple of times, signalingthe needfor a ride into town. It was finally closedas an airport clueto the cost of insurance. Band The Richfield Band entertainedthe community with its lively music. Twenty-four players assembledfor the first public appearancein a concerton February 20, 1914. "This was just seventydays ater securingtheir instruments. Many thought this to be a joke, but after being assuredby the Reverendtlat he was telling the truth, all concludedto preparefor it by making the bestof it. Peoplewere at a loss to know the real feeling of the weather man towards us on that occasion,for they were all at a loss to know whether the rain that fell that day and night were tears of rejoicing, or were tears of sympathyfor those who were called upon to endurethe torture which was about to be inflicted upon them, but it has been interpretedby the kinclly disposedthat they were tears of joy." (RR Dec.24, 1915) The crowd was labeled"the biggest audienceever gatheredon the Richfield tract." (RR Feb. 26, l9l4) Later that year the band was engagedto play at the Great Salt Lake carnival. concerts were given during the summer monthsat the city park.
25
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Bandleaderswere: W. J. Meagherchairman; G. T. McArthur secretary;F. A. Wilcox L. president; OwenYoungkinVP andmanager; Leitch band Rev. James W. Garlocksecretary; included:F. leader.Namesof the membership A. Wilcox,Rev.Leitch,L.W. Garlock,Thos. Byrne, W. J. Meagher,EverettLisle, John Haines, Owen Youngkin, Ernest Jacobson, T. B. Brush,JamesHarbin, VictorJacobson, H. M. Moore, Rafe Lemmon, G. T. McArthur, Earl Fender,Van Gossett,Ray McMr. Arthur, V. V. Bower, John Scheppers. Davies,MissesTress McMahon,HelenDeFowler.(RR Oct. 21,l9l3) necke& Prudence CemeteryCity OrdinanceNo. 34 providedfor for theVillageof Richfieldin 1916. a cemetery Lotsoriginallyrangedin pricefrom $5 - $10. R i c h f i e l dB a n d i n f r o n t o f R i c h f i e l dH o t e l , N o v . 1 9 1 5 . C l a r e n c e of the cemetery,burial L e m m o no n d r u m . P h o t o - J o h n nLv e m m o n After the establishment on privategroundwithin the village was not permitted. Graves from the old pioneer cemeterynorth of town were moved to the newer cemetery, according to Johnny Lemmon. The IdarhoIrrigation Companyoffered to pay for the lots neededfor the burial of the bodies buriedon the north side of the townsite.(RR Dec. 1916)
--*-*J--.t;-;'"-
condition. There was no grassor shadetrees,and the animalswere allowed to wander throughoutthe area. Many residentschoseto use the ShoshoneCemetery
for burials. Effort was madeto improvethe ceme-ffi tery. A work crew from the American Legionffi installeda "cemeterywatersystem"in thefall of 1929ffiffi with the Woman'sClub providingmoneytor shrubsffiffi and trees.In 1934grasswas finally planted. gV ffiffi Districtwas fbrmed *iW 1943,a CemeteryMaintenance A new sprinklersystemwas installedin 1949. Currently there are over 450 recordedburials at Hirum Talley (1848-1930)fought with cemetery. the Infantry during the Civil War. He has the the Ohio earliestdate of birth among those individuals buried at the cemetery. Citizens Holding State Government Offices l9ll - 1912Rep. VernonV. Bower, R;
l9l7 - 1918Rep.E.E. Streitz,R 1925- 1930Rep.W.J. Tapper,R l93l - 1932SenatorMack Howard,D; Rep.WalterYoungkin,R 1933- 1934SenatorMack Howard.D 1935- 1940SenatorW.J. Tapper,R l94l - 1948SenatorF.L. Manwill,R R 1951- 1954Rep.C.O. Paulson, Elmo Patterson, D 1955- 1956Senator 1967Legislative Dist. changed: #21IncludedBlaine,Lincoln,Minidoka(Source:"IdahoAlmanac"1977)
."f r:
TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
26
City Hall The citizens'committeeandthe villagecouncilvotedin l9l4 to build the basement of the proposed newcity hall,thebuildingtobe40'x 90'. G. S. Hoopeswasawarded thecontractfor excavating thebasement. A stagewas to be built to accommodate "all but the very largestoperaticor dramaticproductions."(RR Sept. 3, l9l4) KnightBrothersof Goodingsecured the contractfor buildingthehall at an approximate priceof $4708. The first programheld in the new hall wasa bandconcerton Dec. 12, 1914. The building,bullt of lavarock and white brick, was one story but with provisionfor a secondstory later. Mr. Schroederwas awardedthe contractfor paintingthe sceneryfor approximately $250. The communitygatheredtogetherat Christmas time at the city hall. "The communityChristmastree and programheld at the city hall underthe auspices of the threechurches was a successin everyway." (LCJ Dec. 30, l92l) A fair-sizedcrowdattended Harvall'sroadshow,"UncleTom'sCabin"in Juneof 1931. Communityeventsheldin thehall includedChristmas programs,movies,andbasketball games.Rentof the hall in November1926was 25 centsper practiceand$5 for a nightof games.On September 4, 1931,alarge crowdof 600 to 700 filled the town hall to overflowingfor a program. Numbersincludedthe Richfieldmixed quartetconsistingof F. L. Manwill, LewisCrowther,Mrs. GrantErwin andMrs. E. H. Martindale;Miss lrene Coffmanand Miss RuthLemmonin black-faceclog dancenumbers,accompanied by Zella Coffman"brought downthe house";FrankPope'sGermandialectreadingof "LittleOscarStrauss".The programclosedwith a vocalsoloby Mrs. Erwin accompanied by RuthLemmonon thepianoandWin Draperon the violin. (LCJ Sept. 4, lg3l) The CommunityChristmasprogramwaspresented by sixtyyoungsters in December1937. Students taking principalcantatapartswereBilly Reynolds,NormaConner,Sherman Piper,Mary Crowther,Muriel Sorensen, JeanPowell,RutltSweat,DouglasUpshaw,BruceSorensen, JimmieWilson,JanieKodesh,Mary Kodesh,Zetta Cooper. Churches,schoolandcommunitymembersall workedto makethe eveninga success. The last classto graduatefrom the city hall wasthe Classof 1935. The hall had limited activityover the yearsincludingthe Saturdaynightmoviesuntil it wasleasedby Nelson-Ricks in 1944. Fire Department Fireprotectionin 1909consisted of a hosecart.Fire fightersorganizedin 1914.Richfieldnow hadtwo hosecartsequippedwith 350 to 400 feetof hoseandaxes. Two men weretraineclat eachresponsible position- hydrantcoupler,nozzlemen, hosecartcaptain- so thattherewouldbe no lack of skilledworkers. A fire hydrantin front of the ByrneBrotherswasequipped with 100feet of hosein caseof necessity.The town wasdividedinto threedistricts. Chief of the Fire Department OwenYoungkinbriefedthe community. "You are herebyadvisedthat to enableus to be in a betterpositionto fight anyfireswhichmayoccurin thefuture,thatwe havedividedthetown i n t o t h r e e d i s t r i c t s . A l l t h e p o r t i o n f r o m t h e s o u t h s i d e o f t h e p a r k n o r t h t o b e k n o w n a s Dl ;ifsi ot rm i ctthNeo . southsideof theparkto the OregonShortline Railroadto be knownas DistrictNo. 2; from the OregonShort Line Railroadon southto the city limitsto be knownasDistrictNo. 3. The whistleat the light plantwill serve as a fire alarm. Onewhistleto meanthatthefire is in District l; two whistlesDistrict2; thrie whistlesDistrict 3. It is our intentiontoestablish onehosecartonthecornerof Mainsouthof the park;the otherhosecartwill be established nearthe southsideof DistrictNo. 2. More hydrantsareto be installedso thatthe propertymay havebetterprotection."(RR Aug. 13, l9l4) "Fire!" hasbeencriedmanytimesthroughout the years. A few included:SpokaneRestaurant 1909;the Deneckehomenorthof town 1914;Burtonbarn,five horsesincludingan importedstallion,werelostto thefire l9l4; straw stack,outbuildingsand threshedgrain on the Petersonplacetwo miles west of town lg1l; Carl Adam'skitchenfrom an explosion of gasoline 1931;T. I. McMahonresidence caused from thawingwaterpipes 1931;Nelson-Ricks cheese factoryaftera hot stovehadigniteda broomnearbyin the boiler roomof ttrefactory 1944;school1965;elevator1978;numerous homes. The RichfieldFire ProtectionDistrictwasformedin the 1960'sby local citizensthrougha publicelection. Originalcommissioners wereBill Morgan,Abe PelleyandJim Brown. The goal is to have l5 irainedfiremen on the roster. The volunteerfire fightersreceivetrainingat meetingsheldtwice a month. The majorityof the callsarerelatedto grassfires, while othersinvolvechimneysand cars. It is estimated thatover 25 callsarereceivedyearlywith thecry of "Fire"! CurrentlyMike SwainsionseruesasFire Chiefand Mike Piperas Assistant Fire Chief. Individuals seeking helpcall "911J' Fire phonesarelocatedat the homes of Pipers,Mike Swainston, CharlesButtcaneandPamWard. If the call is for a fire, the sirenlocatedat the city shopis used. If the call is for the QRU, membersare notifiedby telephone.The fire departmentand eRU continueto work togetherin servingthe citizensof Richfield.(Sources: RR, LuAnn Swainsion)
27
TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
Highway District The Richfield Highway District was formed in 1912,with K. G. PhelpsPresident,J. F. Engle Commissioner,W. T. Dougherty Treasurer. Forty miles of good roads were constructedthat year, including grading the road 6 miles N of town. "Work is going on steadily at both ends of the road betweenMarley and Shoshone. Shoshonepeople are hustling with a good crew on the heavy sand sectionof the road; grading up the roadway, and hauling in clay to make a new roadbedwhere the sand is so deep as to be almost impassable. Some grading has been done on the Richfield end, just below Marley, but most of the time has been put in on the rock work, some of which is very heavy. When the rock is finished, then the grading can be done. Dirt will be hauled in to make a good road bed through the cuts, and clay will be taken in wherethere is sand. Automobilistsexpectto be able to make the trip betweenRichfield and Shoshonein about40 minuteswhen the new road is finished; a good driving team would do it in a little more than two hours with little effort." (RR April 16, l9l4) In the early 1920's, the StateHighway coming from Shoshoneturned at Marley, up to Delbert Tree's, turned E, followed the railroad tracks to the corner, E of Dallas Ward's, turned N I mi., turned E 1 mi. into town coming to the bank corner, turned left up Main Street, N to the 4 mi. corner and then E acrossthe desert to Pagari. The old Biggs place, later the Dayleys,located4 mi. N 2 mi. E was consideredthe "half-way" house to Carey where travelers often spentthe night. During this entire era the streets, city maintenance,electric street lights, the water system, and the city policing were done by one man - Bill Carter, who also sprinkled the dusty streetsin the summer with a horsedrawn tank and sprinkler. The contractingfor 4 miles of highway N of town in August of 1928,was $18,323. This cost included grading, drainage and surfacing. In April 1930, only 5 miles of unfinishedhighway was left to connect with Blaine County, making a route to YellowstoneNational Park by way of Carey, Valley of the Moon and Arco. "The highway betweenhere and Shoshonehas beenso slick that severalcars have skiddedand turned over, without any seriousresults. Among thoseturning turtle were the Chatfield,Kohl, Gwin and B. Powell cars." (RR Dec. 5, 1930) In 1931,the highwayto Carey was alteredwith the construction of a road and bridge eastof Richfreld. It was no longer necessaryto travel to the 4 mi. cornerto travel to Carey. "Surfacingof the newly built highway grade from Richfield to Pagari is being done with about 25 Richfield farmers and their teams doing the work. Gravelpits were openedup alongthe line of the new road lastweek underthe directionof Henry Fulbright and C. O. Chatfield."(SJ Aug 7, l93l) The highway from Shoshoneto Richfield was surfacedby the state using Lignin, a by-product of paper manufacture. Lignin was a cementthat held togetherthe particlesof soil and gravel. Pot holes still plaguedthe motorists,however. Conditionscontinuedto improvewhen Highway 23 was routedthrough Richfield, across the main businessstreetat the Lemmon Hardware corner and extendedstraight eastfrom that point in February 1938. With minor changes,the highwaybetweenShoshoneand Richfieldremainsthe sametoday. Governor Bottolfsen was traveling through the areaon March l7 , 1939. His car was mired down in deep ruts, with the bottom of the car resting its weight on the muddy center in the 4 mile mud section west of Richfield. Interestingly enough, soon after the stateplacedan order for the road from Shoshoneto Marley to be oiled as quickly as men could get at it. The paving of the highway betweenRichfield and Shoshonewas completedthat year. Individualfarmerstook care of varioussectionsof the road, until the mid 1930's. The RichfreldHighway District was formed about 1935 by the citizensof the community. Three commissionersare electedfbr a four year term. Commissionersover the yearshave included:Fred Powell, ClarenceBluemer, Hays Vaden, Mac Crowther, Fay Chatfield, Dub Capps, Lester Stubbs, with Theo Brush serving as secretary for many years. Commissionerscurrently electedare Jim Exon, Ed Lucero and Mac Crowther. The objectiveof the Highway District is the "maintenanceof roads- and to keepthem passable"! Jim Brown Jr. worked for the district tbr over 30 years, following in the foot stepsof his father. (Source: Mac Crowther) Law Marshall Butts of Denver was one of the earliestrecordedlaw officers of Richfield, patrolling the town in 1910. "Thieves,thugs, gamblers,drunks,toughs,would-be-toughs and their sympathizersare warnedby the officers that from now on where there is evidencefor conviction,they are going to get all that the law will allow them, and unlessthey are anxiousfor a term in jail, they had better give Richfield a wide berth." (RR Nov. 2, 1911)Few incidentswere recordedin the RichfieldRecorderof early difficultiesfacing the lawman. "Sage Brush Jack" was arrestedin Januaryof 1910, chargedwith stealing a dozenbrooms and a box of raisins from a freight wagon. He was taken before JudgeBower where he pleadedguilty to petty larceny and
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
28
was fined $50 and costs. Not having the money, he was taken to the county jail where he was to spend 30 days. "Jack is a noted character around Richfield, having been around here for severalmonths, and during that time has been under the influence of liquor and if the parties who have been furnishing him with booze had been sent to jail insteadof Jack, the town would have beenbetteroff." (RR Jan. 13, 1910) One of the first recorded shootoutsoccurred in October 1913. Bill Mitzenburg, employed by Hugh Fenton on his threshing machine, came to Richfield for a night on the town. He startedback for the Fenton home. Evidently his senseof direction was affectedfrom too much whiskey, as he went to the L. C. Eastwood home where he broke windows and caused Old RichfieldJail generalhavoc. Eastwoodfinally shot Mitzenburg in an attemptto defend his home. Mitzenburg recoveredand was releasedto relatives. H. M. Moore and CompanyDrug Store was burglarizedin December1914, following a robbery of the saloon. The thief got away with $50 worth of drugs besides$4 in cash. Fred Barrett was convictedof stealing a horse from O. C. Burton in 1915, and sentencedto servefrom I to 14 years in the penitentiary. The town marshalswere chargedwith keepingthe streetssafe. One problem that plaguedthe residentswas horse racing. "The running of horseson the streetsis strictly prohibited by village ordinance, and it is said that the making of the main street arace course,as was done by someof the boys last Sunday, will be likely to land someonein lait, with a good stifffine to keep them still more in mind of the fact that it doesn't pay to be foolish i n p u b l i c . "1 R RM a r . 3 l , 1 9 0 9 )T h e o r i g i n aj la i l w a s s o l d b y t h e c i t y t oM r . L e m m o n[ p r o b a b l y D e l lf]o r $ 1 0 . 0 0 on June 2, 1927. John Lemmon believesthe town jail was located at the pump house, although not used frequently. By the 1940'sprisonerswhere transportedto Shoshoneand the jail was not used. It is currently locatedon Main Street where the old Richfield Hotel once stood. in technologyimproved,so did the problems."Considerablecomplainthas beenmadeof As advancements way some of our citizensspeetlup and down our streetsin their automobiles. The speed late in regard to the limit, as madeby the city council, is 12 milesper hour, but somedo not seemto think that that meansanything and go racing about from 20 to 40 miles, endangeringthe lives of the people upon the highways, frightening ' teams and apparentlygloating over the fact that they can run as fast as they do. (RR Aug. 26, l9l5) The public was warned in 1930 that traffic officers would be making arrestsfor motorists using improper lighting of vehicles at night. All automobileswere required to carry two head lights and a tail light. Horsediawn and other vehicles were requiredto carry a white light visible aheadat night and a reflector showing red or yellow in the rear. Minor law violationswere recordedover the years. In 1937Wilma Flavel'spocketbook was "rifled". The Texaco Service station was robbed of $47 in cash, a carton of gum and two half boxes of candy bars and a flashlightin 1951. Murray Rawsonwas managerof the station. Labeled as "one of the most baffling casesinvolving possiblemanslaughterever to be put up to Lincoln county law enforcementofficers" was that of the deathsof Loren Newby and John Miser, of Hailey, in November 1930. Newby, Miser, and Victor Sandeenwere amonga group at a Richfield farmhouse,attendinga "party". Moonshine liquor, manufacturedin the Hailey section,was brought to Richfield. Some of the liquor was taken to the farmhouse. The three men becamevery ill the next day, resulting in the hospitalizationof Sandeen,the deathof Loren Newby, 20, at his home and John Miser, 24,in Shoshoneon Nov. 28. It was determinedthat Newby and Miser died from arsenicpoisoningput in liquor they consumed. Several arrests were made. An inquestbrought out the fact that an ouncepackageof arsenicwas missingfrom the Richfield Drug Store. Despite much speculation,there was not sufficient evidenceto justify prosecutionof any person on the deaths.(SJ Dec. 5, Dec. 19, 1930) Town marshalsover the years included A. T. Park , Alex McKay,J. Wm. Herbert,L. J. Poteet,J. R. Smith, Hugh Fenton, Harold Williams, Marshal Casell, MarshalButts, Earl Cross,Bill Carter, Clarence is now provided Law enforcement Lemmon, Chuck Sluder,LesterStubbs,M. Whitesell,and RossSwainston. by a ShoshoneCounty Deputy.
ranches,the fastestway to get a letterout wasto send Mail Whenthis areawaspopulatedby a few scattered it to Shoshone with someonegoingthat way. After the railroadcame,mail was sentwith it, or on the stage coachline. Our first postofficewasa box nailedon a postwherethe sidetrack wasmadefor switchingfreight cars.The mail wasplacedin this box andthepeoplesortedthroughuntil theyfoundtheirsandput the restback.
29
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
PotllDurk oJl beliuet iilg (Uicc TLis crrr,l rruct [,o lru!rl]'uLd corrc( tly rr4rle up oil(l trddresrod of tbo post The proposal for a post ofllco NLeru tlr0 rrticlI ir rcgirlerorl, , ,, .. r 'l'lru h&t tl I'r,6lrrsttI rvlrudrliv,'rg tlro r"r{iAtgii,Ui(t i, )o office for Alberta, ldaho, was p r , , 1r l l v i i l r r c , l , l , u d t r r i r r l i , . ' 1r. r r r , lr r r l i l r i d r . l l r d - _ l r \ ( r t - t filed on luly 27, 1907. The office was located800 feet north Post ()fti cc, f, rJ+'ari.thr oFFrcrAL BrJSrNEss.'., _ __:1::=_ of the OregonShortLine. When p n r V n r g Reeves store, P E N A L T Y F O R U S g ' t o " A V O I O Denecke and the PAYMENT OF POSTAGE. S3OO, or Alberta MercantileCo. was Rsru,"Av by Ray Mills, Mr. constructed Reevesand Ray Mills made N a l r e o f S c r r d e r somepigeonholeboxesandhad themso arrangedthatthe people o r P o s tO { f c c [ 3 o x .i couldfind their mail with little difficulty. Post Oi{ice at - 1. - . i i 7 .:J.o BurtonReevesservedasthe Co u nty first Postmasterin Richfield, beginningthe winter of 1907 P o s tc a r dt o M r s .T h o m a s ,o w n e ro f t h e A l b e r t aH o t e l ,a d d r e s s e dt o A l b e r t a ,l d a h o . e lo n n e r . whentherewas hardly an aver- D a t e dN o v . 1 9 . 1 9 0 7 . C o u r t e s y - E t hC n,t,l let.
t,.f Irlircta.
age of a letter a day. Business steadilyincreasedwith the constructionof the dam. The Richfield office was outfitted with lock boxes and had closeto 300 local patronsbesidesseveralhundredotherswho receivedtheir mail out on the constructionworks by 1909. (RR Apr. 22, 1909) When the trains begin stopping at the new depot, the mail messengerwas discontinuedand the railroad companydeliveredthe mail directly to the post office. (RR June 10, 1909) The post office was officially changedto Richfield, Idaho, on August 24, 1908. Soon after the bank building was completed,the post office was moved into one end of the building. In five years, l0,2ll money orders were made at the post office. (RR July 17, l9l3) The first C O D packageto come through the post office was receivedby PostmasterReevesin July 1913. The first load of mail to go out of Richfieldover the new rural route,2t miles long, startedin August 1916 with Mr. Clark as carrier. Delivery was scheduledfor three times a week. (RR Aug 4, 1916) Weather was a factor in mail delivery. "Richfield's rural mail carrier met his waterloo Saturdaynear the Kohl farm east of town, when he tried to navigatedrifts that proved to be as deep as the horsesheads. He had to free the horses to get them out. He took the mail and rode one, letting the other go home. During heavy snow he makes half the trip eachday, gettinghome quite late at night eventhen." (LCJ Feb 3, 1933)Mail was deliveredentirelyby automobileby F. Reynoldson ChristmasDay in 1933. Yearly salaryfor the postmasterin 1937 was $1400. (LCJ Mar. 19, 1937) The post office moved into a new building acrossfrom Piper's in 1989. Currently there are approximately 135 rural patronsservedon a72 mile route and 180 town boxes. over the years include: Postmastersand Postmistresses BurtonW. Reeves1907;KennethG. ,, + \ : ; s t s E , -" " ' * ; w r " , " . 8 1
1915;HelenHarbin1918;Dave Phelps Engle l9l9; Floyd Reynolds 1920; EvalynF. Draper 1929;Iohn T. McMahon1935;Mrs. AlphaByrne1937; CharlesO. McKay 1938; Thomas Vaughn 1954; Wendell King 1960; MelvinPope1962;EthelConner1974; Mrs. GondaSluder1979;JohnGreen 1985x; RebeccaSage 1986; Vicky Durand1993x;Tina Holland1993 x Officerin Charge (Source:Papersfrom NationalArchives,PostOfficeDepartment)
M
; !11 $ l!.) ..ri
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. h o t o - E t h eCl o n n e r . M a i l w a g o n s i m i l a rt o t h e o n e u s e di n R i c h f i e l dP
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
l::
30
Medical With thecommencement of a thrivingcommunity, doctorsanddentistsarrivedto setup practice.Little is knownaboutmanyof theseindividuals. In January,1910,Dr. Baugh,a dentist,cameto RichfieldWednesdays and Thursdaysto do all kindsof dentalwork. The listing of doctorsand dateof practicein Richfieldincludesthe following: Dr. Heine,of l9l2;Dr. McReynolds l9l2;Dr. Adams,dentistof Haileyl9l4:Dr. Harris1914; Omaha1910;Dr. Balsinger Dr. Barbour1915;Dr. J. P. Powellof Vici, Oklahoma 1915;Dr. Evansoptician1916;Dr. Bloom1920's;Dr. -left Marshall,dentist,1926;Dr. Sheets Richfieldin 1930. Childrenwere diagnosedas havingwhoopingcoughin 1913. Estelleand RosettaFlavel were under quarantine for scarletfever in 1925. At its height,the flu epidemicof 1918and 1919forcedclosureof the school. The first personto die was the managerof the RichfieldHotel. Therewere no churchservicesthat year,just graveside services. The churchwasusedas a hospitalat first. Whenthe schoolwasclosed,it alsowasused.Edith Schwanerservedas a nurse. A largenumberof Richfieldpeoplegot the flu with far too manydying. Early medicalads were interestingto read. "If Chambers'Cold Tabletsdon't cure you of colds and LaGrippeyou neednot pay us a cent...I waspermanently curedof Kidneyand Bladdertroubleby usingthree KidneyandBladderPills. My troublewasof 12 yearsstanding.Soldexclusively 50 centboxesof Chambers' andguaranteed by H. M. MooreCo." (Source: RR Jan.ll,1912, City files) Park A block of unevensagebrushgroundwas designedas the city park. The Idaho lrrigation Company donated$500eachyearfor the purposeof beautification. A car loadof nurserystockwasunloadedandthe first American treesincludingCarolinapoplars,blacklocusts, elmsandsoftmapleswereplantedby thebusiness men in 191l. Lawnwasseeded of thecommunity by MarshalPoteet,whowasprimarilyresponsible for thebeautiful park. Underneath the watertowera bandstandwaserectedin 1915wherethe famousRichfieldband,thenonly duringthesummermonthsfor theamusement two yearsold, heldconcerts of thecitizens.(RR May 13, l9l5) Prize FightsDuringthe 1930'sRichfieldboomedandboasted of manytown relatedactivities.Prizefightsheld in the city hall buildingattractedlargecrowds. A specialtrain was scheduled from Shoshone to Richfieldon "fight night" to accommodate spectators.As the fameof thesefights grew, so grew the calibreof fighters. from Utah, Montanaandotherneighboring Contenders states,aswell aslocalboxerstried their skills. Richfield boasted two brothers,BusterandGaleConner,who earnedconsiderable recognitionin the boxingworld as "Kid "Dynamite Cannon"and Conner." Power Electriclightsprovidedby the IdahoIrrigationCompany cameto Richfieldin October1912. The new electriclight plant was locatedbehindthe RichfieldHotel. A largeboiler suppliedsteamto heatthe hotelas well as to run the steamenginethatdrovea dynamofor lightingthe town. IdahoIrrigationCompanyoffereda bargainat the rate of 75 centsa monthfor three 40 watt lampsfor business housesthat closedat 6 o'clock. One60 watt lampcouldbe usedby residences that werepaying$ 1.50 a monthfor eight40 wattlamps.The initialservicewasnotconstant.Servicebeganin the earlyeveningthrough midnight,andthenfor an houror two in the morningduringthe winter. Serviceto the communitywas affected by fuel shortages.In the winterof 1916,the electriclight plantworkedon a shortened schedule.Morningrun was discontinuedand the night serviceshut off at ten o'clock excepton New Year's eve, which ran until midnight. This schedule helduntil thecommunityreceiveda supplyof coalsufficientto guarantee againstactual suffering. Coal shortageforcedthe folks to go to bedwith the pigsandchickens. powerby l92l afterthe old electricplantburneddown in 1918. Wood River PowerCompanyfurnished in theLadies'Aid SocietyCookbook,published in 1914.] [Thereis an ad by the WoodRiverPowerCompany Powerreachedfarms outsidethe city limits in the 1930'sand 1940's. City OrdinanceNo. 70 grantedIdaho PowerCompanythe right to operateelectriclight andpower lines in Richfieldfor the purposeof supplying electricityfor light,heatandpowerin 1944.(RR Sept.19, l9l2; Oct.2l, 1913;Dec. 29, 1916) Richfield RecorderThe first issueof theRichfieldRecorderwasprintedon April 22, 1909,from the office of theShoshone Journalwith CharlesJ. Lisle andEdwardT. Barberservingaspublishersand editors. The paper waspublishedfrom theJournaluntil July 29, 1909,andreflectshigh optimismand characterized the activities of thoseboomingdays. "Lastweek'seditionof theRecorderwas morethan7,000papers- circulatedaboutas widelyas anypapereverprintedin ldaho!"(RR May 13, 1909)
31
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Temporary offices were locatedat StateBank Building. A concretestructure,60' square,was erectedlater in the year on the corner of ReservoirAve. (Main Street)and Lemhi, where the current city offices are located. The one story building was divided into three store rooms, one occupiedby the Recorder and the other two by other businesses.(RR May 27, 1909) Editor CharlesJ. Lisle sold his interestin the paperto H. B. .Ionesin 1915. W. S. Parkhurst,betterknown as FarmerBill, purchasedthe Recorderand its planton September10, 1915,with E. J. Johnsoneditor. In 1918 Mr. and Mrs. William Hill purchasedthe Richfield Recorder and gave the community liberally of their efforts for 13 years. For $3,000 they purchaseda lino-type which they both learned to operate. The boom days graduallywaned as did farm prosperity over the country. The Hills took up work outsidethe newspaperduties and kept it going until the last issue dated August 7, 1931. The Richfield Recorder was merged with the ShoshoneJournal, becoming the Lincoln County Journal. "Adieu. With this issueof lhe Recorder,the curtain is run down on the presentowners...and we bid you all farewell...As a parting wish for the future of the Richfield tract we offer you this beautiful thought in verse 'Keep on Hopin'.' by Frank Stanton, "Keep on lookin' for the bright skies/Keep on hopin' the sun will rise; Keep on singin'when the whole world sighs,/And you'll get there in the morning... Keep on trustin' in the causeof right/ Keep on lookin' to the dawn of Light; Keep on fightin' till you've won the fight,/ And you'll get there in the morning. Keep on sowin' when you've missedthe crops,/Keep on dancin' when the fiddle stops Keep on faithful till the curtain drops,/ And you'll get there in the morning. We thank you and bid you goodbyeas publishers. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Hill" The Richfield Recorder provides a tremendouswealth of information on the early days of the town. The articleswere interesting,informative and frequentlyvery witty. Two selecteditems have been included below. "What would you think of a man, or, say, a small boy in short pants, who could grasp an elephantby the tail, swing the beastup over his headby this precarioushandle,and beatout its brainson the pavement;and then, throwing the lump of flesh over his shoulder, sprint off home at the rate of a hundred yards in less than ten seconds,to where Mother had the frying pan on the stovereadyto serve Mr. Elephantup fbr the evening meal? Somechampion,wouldn't he be? "The Recordereditor and Mr. A. L. Fletcherwere interestedspectatorsof such a f'eat-- that is, proportional in size for the two actors. A little black stingeree-lookinginsect,about like a yellow jacket except in color, and one that no one wants to investigatetoo closely, had picked up a high green worm, ten times his own size, was scootingalong the concretewalk as happily and as easily as a boy with a wad of gum in his tace. The worm wasn'tdead;he seizedhold of a weed as they passedunder it and the black championlost his hold. But he had a way to fix it! Oh, yes, he did! He lit down on that greenworm, andjabbedhis daggerinto him abouts'teen times, until Mr. Worm was as quiet as a Quaker meeting. There were no more such revolts; the worm was probably as dead, or as good, as any worm that ever was. Then Mr. Black Jackettook him in his arms and scootedhome for supper." (RR July 2, l9l4) "M. R. Kays has had electric lights fitted to his auto, and is now preparedto go anywhere on even the darkestnights. The new lights shine out like locomotiveheadlights,and make night travel perfectly saf'e." (RR J u n e1 2 , 1 9 1 3 ) Water Planswere approvedfor a water system,which will be laid with 8 inch mains, and a I l0 fbot steeltower containing60,000 gallons of water. (RR Nov. 27, 1908)The $20,000 city water works systemprovided water for Richfield in May of 1909. Prior to that time, water was hauledfrom the Little Wood River in wooden water tanks and sold for 25 centsto 75 centsper barrel. "Water! Right in your own home! Ready every minute, day or night! Good to drink, to put out fires, to grow good things to eat, to keep down the dust, to feed the cow, to wash with. " (RR May 20, 1909) The water tank was labeledto be one of the best and largest in the Twin Falls country. (RR Jan. 8, 1909) Water for the systemwas taken from the Little Wood River, which flows southof town, and was screenedbefore reachingthe pump. Much of the systemwas laid in wooden pipes, were believedto be cleaner, cooler and better in almost every way. A power housewas built at the river to housethe pumping machinery. Completedin May of 1909, the power house was built of stone and white pressedbrick, with black mortar. The rates for dwelling houses in 1909 were: first faucet $12 per year, each additionalfaucet $3.00. First bath tub $8.00, hand hoses2 hours per day between4 - 8 p.m. $10.00. (RR April 22, 1909)
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
32
The city has the plans for the original water system. The locationsof the fire hydrants are also included on the diagrams. The water tower was built under the direction of Pete Johnson. At the base of the tower it reads "Chicago Bridge and Ironworks 1908." WatsonM. Nesbit, son of Louie Nesbit, was killed from a fall from the tower in 19a7. (LCJ Mar.28, 1947) The Little Wood River was the source of city water for only a few years. "The new city well was 500 feet deep with 150 feet of water in it." (RR Aug. 26, 1913) A contract was made between Idaho Irrigation Co. and the men who had been drilling the deep wells on the Oregon Short Line to drill the new city well. The outfit was capaP u m p i n gS t a t i o no n t h e L i t t l eW o o d R i v e r ,a b t . 1 9 1 0 ble of going down 2500 feet. "Drills themselves weigh close to 1,000 pounds each, total weight of the dropping parts is about 3,000 pounds. The well is to be locatedon one of the lots back of the Richfield Hotel, close enough so that the pumping can be handledby the attendantat the electric light and heatingplant... It startswith a 15 inch hole. which is cut down to 13 ll2" and later to 10" which will be the size of the well clear to the bottom. The old pumpingplant will be retained in place to insure a water supply in case of break-down." (RR July 10, l9l3) A pump housewas built to cover the city well. It was the main city repair building over the years and housedthe fire trucks in earlier years. R i c h f i e l dW a t e rT o w e r . a b o u t 1 9 1 1 . P h o t o - E t h e l The railroad well dating back to the
late 1800'sandlocatedbehindtheelevator wasdonated to thetownin the 1980's.In 1990a third well wasdug on OneidaStreet. The old railroadwell wasrun by a cylindergasengine,pumpingapproximately 100gallonsper minute, depthunknown.The old city well is 400feetdeepwith waterat 319 feet,pumping270 gallonsper minute. The new well on OneidaStreetis 410 feetdeep,with waterat 321 feet,pumping380 gallonsper minute. First Time Occurrencesin RichfieldThe RichfieldRecorderprovidedinteresting"f-irsts"occurringin town. Automobile- "O. C. Burtonis the first real automobile ownerin town. He secureda fine new Buick touring car andhis friendswho havebusiness of theirown havehadto dodgedownalleysandinto convenient doorways to escapea longer,fasterride thantheyhavethetimeto take. It is a fine machine,well adaptedfor this country and the new owner is gettingit trainedso that it will comelike a dog when he whistles,eat out of his hand withoutbeingtied, climbtrees..."(RRJuly 14, 1910) Child - Harriet Irene Martin, daughterof Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Martin, was the first daughterborn in RICHFIELD.(RR Aug. 19, 1909) Charivari - "The citizensof Richfieldwere arousedfrom their first deepsleepat 11 o'clock by the rapid discharge of firearmsandmostof thecitizensrushedfrom thehouses.It waslearnedthatit wasa crowdof boys
JJ
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
from 10 to 65 years of age serenadingC. I. Apple and wife and the noise they made was enough to wake the dead." (RR Aug. 5, 1909) Hold-up - "Richfield enjoyed the novelty of its first hold-up Tuesdayevening when two men armed with six shootersheld up Anna Gleasonand robbed her of $58 and made their escape. Again on Wednesdayevening, a man armed with a gun and red handkerchieftied over his face walked into the Dr. Baugh Drug Store and with a gun, held up the Doctor, and Ira Cornelius,taking all the moneythere was in the till togetherwith an automatic pistol." (RR Sept. 28, l9II) Jury Trial - "It came up before Judge Yaden in a caseof Wm. Osmanvs. R. B. McArthur for the recovery of a horse. The jury was composedof JamesdeNooj, MathewP. Ward, Mr. Neill, Mr. Cook and Mr. Fender. A verdict in favor of the plaintiff was returned. The Osmanboy had tradedto Mr. McArthur a black horse for one belonging to McArthur that was running on the range and as Osman could not find the horse he went to McArthur and wanted the horse traded back to him, but McArthur refusedto give him up. Osman's attorney brought the action for the delivery of the horse and $25 damages,but the jury could not see where the plaintiff had been damaged any and brought in a verdict for the return of the horse, which threw the costs onto the defendantamounringin all to $11.00." (RR July 15, 1909) PTA - "Organizationstartedfor a Parent-TeacherAssociation. The problemsto be discussedinclude: children needmore of an outdoor playground and a better place to play on rainy days than the basementis now" Better supervisionof the children, to and from school, was discussed. Numerous suggestionswere made for warm lunchesfor the children, someof whom start schoolat sevenin the morning." (RR Sept. 26, 1912) Riot - "A generalwar among the town dogs this week resultedin at leasttwo fatalities, a very large number of cripples,some bad blood betweenneighbors,the loss of severalhundredhours of good sleep to the entire community,and enoughexcitementof the kind to lastfor severalyears. The police finally quelledthe riot, and the courts are to be invoked if it ever happensagain." (RR Feb. 15, 1912) School District - "Town has the first independentschooldistrict in the county. Every vote of 73 was cast fbr the c r e a t i o n osf u c h a d i s t r i c tI .t w a s a l l a s p e a c e f u l a s a d e n ol af r k s o r a n e s t o fb l i n d m i c e . "( R R N o v . 1 0 , l 9 l 0 ) First Shipped - "The first car of sugar beetsshippedout of Richfield from the IdzrhoIrrigation Farm. The tract of 5.75 acresproduced63.72 tons for a net profit of $174.80."(RR Nov. 3, 1916) Town Blection - New board I. W. McConnell,R. E. Mickelwait,R. J. Lemmon,York Dentonand M. P. Ward (RRApr. 6, 19ll) Wedding - "Will E. Garlandand Miss SusieLeeper,both of Gooding,cameto the RichfreldHotel as guests. Rev. Williams marriedthem, the first coupleto marry and honeymoonin town." (RR Jan. 6, l9l0) Weather "Everybodywho has a sled, slider, slipper,glider, skate,sleigh,or other vehicleof locornotion,has been getting it into action here on the Richfield tract. The snow has not in many years been as deep as it now is, say the oldestinhabitants,and theuse of sledsis now a necessityinsteadof a luxury." (RR Dec. 23,1909) Clen Pridmore, age 11, wrote the following poem in 1916,entitled"The Snow." The snow has drifted here and there/ And all around and every where. The boys are trudging to and fro/ Getting ice balls ready to throw. Each house roof is mantled with snow; and nature is white where'er you go The heart of the snow bird burstswith song/ Oh, a winter's day can't be too long. All of a suddenthe sun comesout/ And the crystalssparklewithout a doubt. Quickly the great sheetmelts awayllt seemsno more like a winter's day. A samplingof newspaperarticlesfollows describingthe weatherconditionsof the area. "Richfield people have been enjoying a real old-fashionedcold snap. The thermometerregisteredas low as 27 below one or two nights this week. The heavy snow and wind blocked the roads so that motor traffic has been compelledto the trains." (RR Jan. 24, 1930) "Theblizzard tied up a numberof telephonelines Sunday,also disruptedelectric servicefor part of the day. A trouble shooterran the line from Hailey by dog team trying to find the power line trouble." (LCJ Feb. 19, 1937) "Cotton Riley was in town Tuesday with his seven-dogsled team. They are well matched and give promiseof being a worthwhileteam." (LCJ Feb. 17, 1939) The Winter of 1948-1949is rememberedby many. "Drifted roads, blizzards and 28 below zero weather closedRichfield schoolsthis week. Many horsebackriders reportedfrozen drifts held up their horseswithout breakingthrough. Few sledswere in town Tuesdayalthoughsomecars,jeeps and tractors near town were able to buck the drifts. The north end road was still impassablethat evening with drifts at least 8 feet height completelyclosingthe road in someplaces."(LCJ (Dec.24, 1948)
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
a /
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"Emergency relief grantedto winterboundresidentsof Richfield. The Village has askedthe statefor such relief for many farmers in the area who are so hemmedin by deep drifts on the roads that feeding of livestock is almost impossible. Lack of water and fuel is serious in the rural area. Many farmers are out of water fbr livestock. Sheepowners are unableto haul hay or water to their flocks since roads are too drifted for passage of horses. Many farmers are out of coal and any other sort of fuel. Milk, mail and school bus routesare inactive for the same reasons. All roads north of Richfield including the statehighway are blocked. The highway was openedas far as Carey Tuesdaybut was againblockedby high winds that night. The situationwas describedas almost hopelessbecauseof the depletedfunds of the Richfield Highway District and lack of equipmentnecessary for such heavy work of clearing roads in community. Medicine has been dropped by parachuteto at least two farm homes and food droppedto one farm. Severalranchershad tramped in the snow to spell out the word coal indicating that they were sufferingfrom fuel shortages.V. F. Perronhas beendoing the flying; the plane belongs to him and GeneFreeman. He has beenpiloting a light planeusing ski landinggear." (LCJ Fetr, ll: 1949)..
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
38
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Chapter 5 TownBusinesses Alberta Hotel Mrs. J. R. Thomascamefrom Hailey, buying interestin the Hotel Alberta, acrossthe streetfrom Lemmon Bros. She sold interestin the hotel and purchasedthe building which had stood on the Weeter Lumber Company yards on Main Street. It was moved down near the railroad, on the corner of Oneida and 3rd Street. The new Alberta Hotel openedon June 24, 1907. "Mrs. Thomas is a superlativecook. The personwho needs a friend, as well as the merely hungry one who wants a squaremeal, can count on finding that at the hospitable
'l',+gg, homeof Mrs.Thomas."(RRDec.25,l9l5) ln l92l , 'g$ ' t{W shemarriedJ. L. Poteet, thetownmarshal.Afterher marriageshewasatwaysknownasGrandma.t"j::'l: ":,;'f+;,"'&' The Alberta Hotel was very pretty with meals i- i;; ,*
served in great style using finger bowls, egg cups, linen tableclothsand napkins, etc. Grandma Poteet made lunches for the railroad men and the rooms were all filled. Her grandsonFrank Pope and Madge (Christensenafter her marriage)worked at the hotel. The hotel was sold to Bonnie Vertreeswho later sold it to a Mr. Homer in 1926. (Source:RR May 13.
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1909,EthelConner) AutomobileRepairingF. J. Schleiger; automobile repairing,generalblacksmithingand machineshop; horseshoeinga specialty; at theold YoungkinStand. (RROct. 1914)
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The New Alberta Hotel. Photo-EthelConner
Bank The AlbertaStateBankwasorganized in 1907, althoughthe namewas changedin 1908whenthe town waschristened Richfield. The charterdateof the First StateBankwasSeptember 5, 1908,andthe Articlesof Incorporation weresignedby G. W. Mickelwait,R. E. MickelwaitandT. B. Brush,all Nebraska men. Authorizedcapitalstockwas $50,000dividedinto 500 shares of facevalueof $100each.Thesubscribed amountof stockwas$25,000but only $15,000hadbeenpaidin on openingdate. The first stockholders meetingwas September 26, 1908,and five directorswere elected. At the first director'smeetingGeo.W. Mickelwaitwaselected President, R. E. MickelwaitVicePresident, andT. B. Brush Cashier.Interestrateson loansand discountswere all l0% and l2Vo. The BostonLedgerwas usedand all bookkeeping was in long-hand. Temporaryquarterswerelocatedin the old IrrigationCompanyOffice on Main Street. The bank moved to the cornerof Main andLincoln in April 1909. The two storywhitebrick buildinghad nineofficesupstairs. The Bank andofficesof the RichfieldRealEstateandInsurance Co. weredownstairs. On Sept.10, 1910,T. B. Brushresigned asCashier of theFirstStateBank.GeorgeR. Schwaner waselected to takehis placeandwasCashieruntil 1950,whenhe servedas President.He retiredin 1951,after40 years of service.Controllinginterest of thebankwaspurchased by Mr. O. B. Berryof Springfield,MO in June1915. C. J. Wheeland of Marshfield, MO succeeded Berryaspresident in Jan.1916.(RR lune24, 1915;Jan.21, 1916) The historyof bankingin Richfieldhasbeencoloredby severalburglaries.An attempted robberytookplace in April 1910when cracksmen enteredthe RichfieldPostOffice, robbedthe openmail box, and had the safe almostopenedwhenfrightenedaway. On April 30, 1916,the bankhad a nightburglary."The peaceandquietudeof Richfieldreceiveda shock when on Monday morning B. W. Reevesdiscoveredthat the side door to the Bank was open, and upon investigation discovered the vault door openandthe room scattered with papersand debrisas a resultof safe blowers...They securedabout$300mostlyin silverthatwaslying on the top of the safe,as GeorgeSchwaner, the cashier,had beenclerkinga saleat Marleyon Saturdayandreturnedwith proceeds...They alsotook a 44 Colt'ssix shooter."(RR May 5, 1916) In October1916Mr. Schwaner "cloakanddagger"letterconcerningidentification receivedan anonymous of the "bank robbers". The letter read"Deer sir - I knowwho werethefour personsthat robed the bank. One
39
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Rt cr.fte Ld..lrtffi, C c 1 l, ( ! l r . : B l a . of them lives in Richfield and is a living here yet. I'll give to you their names, g;, $r*a{t. (offi.ce Richfield over the is Dr. Scallion's up to you bring will if $10.A0 ffice. cadr's ot 61slt16!d., ngrra. post office) at 9;30 p.m. on Friday evening. Just slip it under the door if no one is there, see. Remember now once and for all that you must take the money up there alone, you are in danger of being shot. Remember, again s$ to tr 5*1l3on'! *rri msr. I lo'e, 1o ttdr l& fuchfleld t96tt offlc4.lsftl.o please, that you will be watched, so come alone. Do you understand?" ,i f I c. t-A:L $. so,p,rt,cnt ru!.4!..*EffXSr.h6 do4r ti m onc la .iust s!!t :" sd4t In the late 1920's or 1930's bank managementwas advised of a t*"'"i SI sc" Arl;;Sd!fuf eir_ "oo roq.J forthcomingbank robbery to take place either in the Eden/Hazeltonareaor in .c{r sF;'t*t""" 5oh-i +!sig;ir ' -. -{:::;c, igi .r:l.it.}&\iIi-S{--SA$iS-iLrOt. Richfield. Richfield citizens quickly answeredto the call for help. Armed elAt.. l:P,s^ !S4,: Ygg -UjJ-+6-r Ie t"nsipl, with their hunting rifles, two men were stationedin the bank, a few acrossthe r streeton the upper floor of the Idaho Irrigation Building, rifles aimed out the triyr ; window, and finally other men and weaponswere placedat the upstairsof the hotel. Time passed,and it was learnedthat the robbery was stagedin Eden' :] Unfortunately, the two young bank robbers choseto travel by vehicle to the J4 t r , Richfield area in an attemptto make their "get-away." They traveledon the r |-.I-t road which passedin front of the American Legion Hall, a deadend in those n$7. dJ t days. They were apprehendedby the law. The trial was held in Gooding, J attendedby Johnny Lemmon, where the duo pled guilty and requestedthat a Letter of Mr. S c h w a n e r trial not be held. In 1951our predecessor,The ContinentalStateBank, acquiredcontrol of t h e F i r s t S t a t e B a n k a n d o n O Ic,t .l 9 5 l , M a x H i l l w e n t i n t o r e l i e v e L o u H a s t i n g s , t h e n C a s h i e r , f o r t w o w e e k s was discovered. Geo. Cunningham, while he went on vacation. It was then that the Hasting'sembezzlement Wayne Thornock anclMax Hill alternatedas acting Cashieruntil Max took up permanentresidencein Richtreld on November26, 1951, and was namedmanager. On November 10, 1955,a night burglaryof the RichfieldOffice nettedthe thieves$2,108.25all in coins. The coin supply was readily accessiblein the main vault and they apparentlymade no attemptto get at $25,000 in currency which was in a separatecurrency vault under time lock. Entry to the main vault was easily gained as they cut a two foot hole betweenthe Rex Theater next door and the vault. As movies were c l i shown on week-endsthe burglars had lots of unmo,,,,, ,t il [ rL r d , f L , [ , . l b M lested time to make the hole and gain entry to the $ h W ' $ , , m , \ { ' s main vault. One of the participantsin the burglary, JamesHenry "Blackie" Audett, was an authorof sorts and wrote a book titled "The Rap Sheet", his life story, which was publishedin 1954. Max Hill hasan autographedcopy of the book, securedfor him by FBI Agent Dave Murray while Audett was being detainedin Boise, after his arrest in 1956, for the First State Bank. 1909 robberyof a bank in Cottonwood,ID. The autograph reads"Mr. Hill, may your bank continueto conduct its businesswith no outside interference. My best wishesfbr your advancementin YOUR chosenprofession. Sincerely,Blackie Audett." In the early morning hours of November l7 , 1957, the office was burglarizednetting the thieves$ 1, I 18.67 all in coins. Entrancewas gained into the building through an adjoiningoffice by crawling through the heating air vent and dropping in the Main Lobby. Acetylene equipment,which they had stolen from the Richfield Highway Dept. was used to force entry into the main vault. FBI agents,Sheriff Thomas Conner and Marshal Martin Whitesell madea thorough investigation. GlennHeidenreichwas managerat this time. Lynn Carver took over as managerin 1959 and a new cementvault was constructed.The bank has not been burglarized sincethe new construction. One entry was made through the ceiling in the bathroomfiom the apartmentsupstairs, but nothing was stolen, as they could not gain entry to the new vault. In April of 1957 the ContinentalStateBank Systemmergedwith the First National Bank of Caldwell and the EasternIdaho Bank to becomethe Bank of Idaho. Bank of Idaho was purchasedby First InterstateBancorp and is now First InterstateBank of Idaho. Former Bank ManagershavebeenLowell Jeffries, Gorden Huffaker, *.S th lhA foqt f ms ali; ro*' iLA ftbM rmt ltir IR ilthf.lOld'nRJ nf lns Ilta6 $tr hoF Ya!. a llvâ&#x201A;Źln{ nfft' :t You to You , tlioll 1'1:. *:'vc
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
40
Gary Hubsmith, Jerry McGrath, Vern Nelson, Floyd Blamires, Bob Ford, Larry Taggart, Al Jenkins, Bob Barnes, Dale Ellis, Stan Steeleand Betty Capps. This branchnow sharesa Manager,Jim Thompson,with the Twin Falls Office, with two employeeson staff, and one on-call hourly employee. Kathy Johnsonrecently retired as CustomerService Manager, and had been employedby the bank since 1954,hired by Max Hill. Shetook sometime off to raise her family and cameback as a steady employee in 1964, celebrating30 years of service in October 1994. She has seen many changes through the years. Accounts are now brought up on the computerand a laser printer is used to print information for the customer. Kathy has worked for every bank manageremployedat the bank. Marie Buttcanetook Kathy's positionwith Mary Luff asthe Teller, new accountsemployee.The Buttcaneslive in the houseformerly occupied by Mr. Schwaner. Mary King is the on-call employeeand fills in for both Marie and Mary Luff. Mary Luff and husbandRobert are also the maintenancepersons. Gonda Sluder formerly held the maintenancejob and is responsiblefor all the beautiful plants seenin the bank. The bank building has had many face lifts sincethe original construction. The secondstory was removed in the late 1970's and stuccoaddedto the outside. The secondstory housedthe Richfield TelephoneOffice for many years. The Richfield Post Office was housedin part of the building for many years. Ethel Conner had a beauty shop in part of the downstairs,which is where the new vault stands. Tim and Melba Sandersrented this portion for an apartment. They were given a key to the bank to use the bathrooms,as there was none in the apartment. They had to go outsideand in the front door, as there was not a door betweenthe apartmentand the bank. (Sources:GeorgeSchwaner,Kathy Johnson,RR) Barber Shop JamesA. Green has openedup a barber shop in the Lincoln hotel and the inhabitantsof Richfreld are now wearingtheir hair the sameas they do in other places. (RR 1910) Lisonbee- Barber, 1909; Brooks & Jasper(Jan. l9l2); F. D. Brooks(Nov. l91l) Wolf s Shop "A little girl askedher father why their next door neighborhas his face all scratchedup. Well, deariehe shaveshimself and gets his hair cut in Shoshone.But papayou don't krok like that. No. I havemy work doneat Wolfs shop, our new up-to-dateRichfieldbarber." (RR Apr. 18, 1930) Billiards and Pool Parlors ShearsBrothers.All kindsof ice cold soft drinks constantlyon hand. Welch's Grape Juicefor family use a specialty. Also, thereis a fine line of cigars.(RR May 26, 1910)AmusementParlorsM. P. Ward proprietor.Soft drinks, candy,cigars,box ball, pool, billiards.(July 1911)The BrennanPool Hall was listed in 1916. A. D. Lisonbeemanageda pool and billiard hall on ReservoirStreetin the 26' x 75' building ownedby M. R. Ward (RR May 27,1909) Ward's Pool Hall was openingin July of 1910.Birk C. Albert sold the PastimeCigar Store to Jack Flavel. (LCJ Feb. 3, 1933) Jack Flavel's Pool Hall. Bill Flavel prop. (June 1947)Slot machinelicensegranted(Oct. 1947) Blacksmith Shop Mr. McCarty and Mr. Shearshave openedup a first class blacksmithshop of Main Street. (Dec. 1908); Ed Feindle's Blacksmithshop - from his 1912 calendar"Generalrepair work of all kinds done; and a squaredeal to all." (Feb. 1911) Red Duplisea's Shop - his building movedto EverettWard's farm. Brick "The first kiln is ready to burn." (LCJ fiom RR Nov. 13, 1911) Note: JohnnyLemmon reportsthat the F' bank building was made from bricks manufacturedin Richfield. "Brick clay was found in abundance.Promoters felt that the town would be comprised of brick buildingsand has a goal of I million bricks readyto use at the time of the opening of town. " (RR)
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E d F e i n d l e ' sB l a c k s m i t hS h o p .P h o t o - G l e nR o s s .
Brush Real Estate Theo Brush owner (June 1947)
Building- HenryM. Graybuilder& contractorJune 1909;l9l0 - A. J. Black,contractor & builderJuly 1910; J. Taylor, stone& brick contractor- J. E. WoodContractorandbuilder; l91I - Mills & Edwardscontractors & builders- R. L. Thurman,plaster,brick & cementcontractor.
4l
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Butcher Shop H. Anderson of Iowa has leasedone half of the new butcher shop on Main Street, near the depot and will at once install a completedrug store. (RR Apr. 22, 1909) Byrnes Store originally openedby the four Byrne brothersPat, John, Mike and Tom. Tom was sole owner and operatorfor many years. Byrnes new butchershopnorth ofthe hotel is readyfor occupancy.(RR Apr.22, 1909) "Will give Richfield's first manufacturingindustry, home market for countlesshogs. Richfield is to have a packinghouse -- where they saveall of the hog but the kink in his tail and the squeal- and they are figuring on doing that, too, when there is a good enough market for them." (RR July 13, l9l1) The three horse power bolognaand weinies.(Aug. l91l) gasolineengineand a sausagemill will furnishcustomerswith fresh sausage, "Byrne Brothers are Americans to the core, though they were born in the Emerald Isle under the Cross of St. George. ThomasJ. and Patrick cameto this county more than a quarterof a century ago, settlingup on the Big Wood River NW of Richfield. Six years ago they openeda small meat market here in Richfield. Tom has served on the village council; and both brothers have been regardedas progressive, liberal boosters for the
community." (RR Dec 24, 1915)Purchased by S. J. Piper May 1, 1945 City Coal Company Owen YoungkinMgr, Iowa Lumber Co., R. A. Talcott,Manager (Ian. 1912) ConsolidatedWagonC<lmpany - Openedin 1913by Mr. Denecke andMr. Reeves. Dray, Transfer and Bxpress John J. G. Turner; successor B. Lemmon. All kinds of haulingdone(Jan.1914)John Lemmon'sfamily livedbehind Rafe Lemmon, no relation. Around WW II the business was operatedby R. W. Pridmore.McKay Brothers- "Let us do your transferwork. Let us supplyyou with ice. Phone 20." (Ad of l92l) Drug Store KeystonePharmacy, operatedby H. M. Moore& Co., movedto new quartersin the Recorderbuilding. (RR Aug. 12, 1909) "Theysell the biggestandbest B y r n eB r o t h e r sS t o r e .T o p :T o m B y r n ei n f r o n t w i t h d o g . B o t t o m :I n s i d eo l s t o r e ,T o m line of cigarsand tobaccosin on left. Photos-JimByrne. town." T. B. Brushwas mana drugstorenextto thebank.T. J. Tapperwas agerfrom 1909throughat leastDec. of 1915. Brushestablished the business, andTed Brushand ParkeyBarnesran the restof the store.Mr. Barnespurchased the pharmacist Elmer L. Boise in 1932. The his Ava the business to Swatman of January his death widow sold and after Irrigation purchased inventory moved into the ldaho Co. building andlived of the drugstoreand Swatmans the garage in 1933,and finally the businesswas upstairs.The RichfieldPharmacymovedsouthof the Youngkin movedto the old T. I. McMahonbuildingin 1937.(LCJJan.22, 1932)
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
42
BrushDrugStore,1918-1919. Everett Crawford employee.Photo-L. Williams Elevator - In 1919, the Colorado Mill and Elevator Co. constructeda facility capableof storing and handling 18,000 bushelsof grain. Within nine years, the storagecapacitywas increasedto 79,000 bushels.Much of the grain was shippedto the marketsby rail, and most of the suppliescameby rail. The company sold the Richf-ield businessin the mid-1960'sto Union SeedCompanyof Twin Fallsfor a shortperiodof ownershiplasting16 days. The elevator was then sold to R. W. Reed in 1968, the owner of Western Grain & Seed Co. of Goodins.
Grain damagefrom the 1978Richfieldgrain elevatorfire wascalculated at $300.000.besides the equipmentand building. It is currentlyRancher's Supply.(Source: LCJ Aug. 31, 1978) Early ad for the elevator in a community cookbookread: "For best resultsgood flour is a necessity.Any of the 3 followingbrandswill give perfectsatisfaction:Idahome,ShoneMist, Sunny Valley." In the early yearstherewas a big tin elevator on SouthMain which burnedin the late 1920'sor early 1930's, althoughnot as popular. Johnny Lemmonremembers swimmingin the couleeat the time of the fire. The EastSideelevatorwasbuilt in the areain 1935. It was "struckby lightningcausing approximately $150 damagein 1946. One motor was burnedout causingflamesto breakall alongthe wiring but no fire resulted.Elevatorwas E l e v a t o fri r e i n 1 9 7 8 . P h o t o - F a v eH u b s m i t h . being managedby Bill and Grant Flavel." (LCJ Aug. 30, 1946)"EastSidegrain elevatorin RichfieldburnedThursdaymorningwith total lossof the building andof the wheatstoredin it. Severalcarloadsof wheatstoredon the groundoutsidethe elevatorweresaved by wettingwith wateras the fire progressed, althougha box car half filled with wheatnextto the elevatorwas
43
TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
by partiallyburnedandthe wheatruined. The buildingbelonged to TheoOllieuof Richfieldandwas managed GrantFlavelwho wasbuyerfor the concern.Causeof thefire not known;the buildingwasfirst built in 1935." (LCJSept.15, 1950) Bthel's Beauty Salon I graduated from high school in May 1937 and attended beauty school in Pocatello. I returned to Richfield and opened a beauty salon in 1938 upstairs over the bank. To pay the rent I cleanedthe bank every night after work. I had a wood burning stove and had to come to work early to build the fire. The bank closedan executiveroom downstairsand askedif I wantedto move the beautyshop downstairs, which I did. Lots of boys wantedperms, which was pretty new aroundhere. The perm machine was a heavy hood-like piece with about 30 heatershanging down from the hood. It got very hot and very heavy. While I was upstairs, the telephoneoffice was on one side of the shop. Zella Coffman and Cora Youngkin worked the old switch board. I could ask to ring a number. The operatormight say, "She's gone out of town and won't be home tonight" or E t h e l ' sB e a u t yS a l o n "She'sover to Dorothy's. I'll ring over therefor you." Dorothy Clayton was my other neighbor on the other side of the shop. I'd do her hair in a new style every once in a while. We'd visit throughour connectingdoors. That was great. Betty Crist was my first perm. Priceswere: perm $3.50; finger waves35 cents;shampooand wave 75 cents. I kept the shopuntil 1944,later operatingin my home until 1950.(Source:Ethel Conner) Fairview Poultry Glen Ross got into the egg businesswhen "dad bought a chicken house from a widow neighbor,and mom bought500 chicksduring the 1930's. Mom broodedthe chicks in the living room behind the stove." His mom took such good care of the eggsthat all the local merchantsstartedbuying her eggs and at one time they were the largestegg producerin the Magic Valley, with 3,000 hens. Glen and Polly really got startedin their own businessin 1950, when "Mother gave us some chickensand the ManhattanCafe for our first customer," Polly explains. Glen's father retired in 1968 "when I finally talked h i m i n t o g e t t i n g o u t o f t h e b u s i n e sI hs a. d 3 , 0 0 0 h e n s t h e n , a n d m i l k c o w s , a n d l h a d t o m a k e a c h o i oGel,e" n says. "An old cow kicked me & I've neverbeenkickedby a chicken,"so he decidedto raisepoultry not cows. Glen deliveredthe eggsthree times a week to grocery storesand cafesin Filer, Kirnberly, Twin Falls, Shoshone and Richfield. At one time the farm had 12,000laying hens which produced8,000 to 9,000 eggs per day. Recently,Glen and Polly retired from the poultry ranchand sold their inventoryof chickens.(LCJ Mar. 1989) Harbin Hotel "The rear porch of the Harbin Hotel was the sceneof much activity Tuesday eve. A dog chased a skunk into a loosejoint of stovepipe. Someonepicked up the stovepipe,and the party broke up right there." (LCJ from RR Julv 1915)
HarnessShop Bert Crothersplansto build a new, commodious harnessshopon Main Street,just north (RR April 1909)Saddles, of theSpokane restaurant. shoeandshoerepairs. Idaho Irrigation Company & Land Office A two storybuildingwasbuilt in 1909on Main Streetand Lincoln."The buildingis built of red pressed brick. TheIdahoIrrigationCompanyandLandSalesDepartment will occupy the ground floor and the White " (RRJan.8, Construction Co. officewill be upstairs. 1909)Later, the Idaho Irrigation Co. movedtheir l d a h ol r r i g a t i o nC o m p a n yO f f i c e B l d g officeto thebuildingcurrentlyownedby theMasons. RuthSupan'sDry GoodsStore,with apartments upstairs,openedin 1932-1933.The storewas later usedas an appliancestoreand a cheeseplant. In 1944,the top levelof the buildingwasremovedaftera fire. Todaythe buildinghousesthe QuickResponse Vehicleandfire trucks. TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
44
Johnson Cafe The original building, next to Bill Flavel's Pool Hall, had been built between 1908 and 1910 as a cream station, later used as a tailor shop, car repair shop and eventuallyas Johnson'sCafe, run by Peter and Loretta Johnson.Ivan, son of Peter, and wife Hazel Johnsonwere involved with the businesswhen it moved into a new air conditionedbuilding, acrossthe streetfrom the former location in December of 1946. The Johnsons i n t h e f a l l o f 1 9 3 8 . W e n d e l l K i n g a n d R u t h S w a i n s t o n h a v e t w otohfe b u i l t f i v e c a b i n s n o r t h o fP o p e ' sg a r a g e former cabins. Years later, Ed Johnsonremodeledthe building and opened "The StockadeBar," which is currentlyowned by Tim Wilson. Lemmon Bros. Hardware Mr. and Mrs. Rafe Lemmon and Robert A. (Dell) Lemmon arrived in what was then Alberta in November 1908. On Dec. 1 bought the lot where the Lemmon Hardware building now standsand beganbuilding their shop. They lived at the hotel until Christmasday, when they moved into their own building. "They startedwith a board shack as a store and about as much hardware stock as a good farm would need for its daily use. The town would hardly seem like home if the Lemmon Brothers were left out even for a little while. They're neededall the time." (RR Dec. 24, l9l5) The rock building was built in 1912. At 3 feet, they struck solid rock, requiringblasting. CharlesPaulsondid the dynamiting. "A public watering trough hasbeenplacedin front of Lemmon Bros. Hardware Storefor the accommodation farmers of and other people who may be driving through town. This will prove a great help to the traveling public as there was not a place in town for any animal to quenchits thirst, and the public spirited citizens who donatedthe work and the materialfor the new trough deservemuch credit." (RR May 18, 1911) After the deathof Rafe's brother Dell in 1932, the namewas changedto Lemmon Hardware. John Lemmon purchasedthe businessin 1964,sellingto Ken Finkenbinderin 1983,who sold in 1990to Mrs. John Hanson.
T o p : L e m m o nB r o s .a b t 19 1 0 ; f o u n d a t i o nw o r k o n r o c kb u i l d i n g19 1 2 . B o t t o ml e f t : D e l L e m m o n ,L o u i sJ o h n s o n .R a fe Lemmon. Bottom right-lda,Rafe and baby Ruth Lemmon.Photos-JohnnyLemmon.
45
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
storeby depot. In 1907it was operatedby Livery & FeedStable It waslocatedjust southof Andy Peterson's Transferwork; driving teams;feed Denecke. A. from W. business had the bought Orville C. Burton who (RR 7, l9l0) Later the businessmoved July farm work. horsesboarded;specialtymadeof contracting stables; Feed Stable- operatingin June1909. Livery & westof Piper's.FeedStable JohnG. Turnerowner;Peterson Lumber Yard In Octoberof 1908,Mr. the big lumberbusiness Weeterpurchased from Mr. Shaw,with York DentonManager. Weeter Lumber Companymoved from northMain Streetto neartherailroad in 1909. Gem StateLumber Company mergedwith WeeterLumber in August 1911. Growth continuedfrom several sources:the old Murfitt yard, Iowa LumberCo. (Feb.191a)followedby the Gem W e e t e rL u m b e rC o . ,t a k e na b t . 1 9 1 0 . StateCompany,managedat one time by W. M. Tomlinson.(1915) Eventually, the companyfor manyyears. GemStatewas mergedwith Tri StateLumberCompany.GusKnodelmanaged In the 1950'she boughtthe businessandrenamedit the RichfieldLumberandHardwareCompany.He closed in November1962. thebusiness
Insetphoto-taken in 1949,courtesyRalphSmith 1926.Photo-Myron Johnson, Tri StateLumber& Hardware, Mill A. M. RichardsonMill at residence."Eat whole wheatflour, graham,breakfastfood." (Jan. 1914) Paulson Motor Service - One of Richfield's oldestbusinesses,PaulsonMotor Service, startedout as a livery stableoperatedby W. A. Denecke. [t was purchasedby O. C. Burton in 1907. Next owner was Owen and Cora Youngkin who purchasedthe building in 1914 and used it as a machineshop and Studebakerdealership. Businesschangedhands again in 1935 when it was purchasedby Birk and Nell Albert. The new business was the Birk Albert garage. Nine yearslater it was sold to Kennethand Aaron Johnson. The name was changed to J. & J. Garagein Jan. 1944. Edwin and Myron alsojoined the businessin September1946, and during the war yearsthey were a Hudson car dealer; as well as Fletcher Oil WholesalePetroleumdealer. On March l, 1948Carl and WandaPaulsonpurchasedthe businessfrom the Johnsonsand changedthe name to PaulsonMotor Service. For a number of years they were a Kaiser-Frazerdealer and also sold wholesale petroleumproductsand madefarm deliveries,as well as automotiveand tractor repairs,tires, batteriesand accessories.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
46
Someof their first employeesduring the fifties includedDouglasCarter, Leonard Rogers, Millard Pridmore, Bob Horting, Ross Brown, Cleo and Melvin Brauburger. Lyle and Jack Roundy, Wanda's brothers, spentthe next 20 yearshelping in the business. Jack was forced to give up the repair businesswhen he cameout second best after a drill pressfell on him. He moved to Twin Falls and took up a tv repair course. He moved to Buhl and works for the Green Giant Company. Clyde Paulsonworked in the businesssince he was 12 and was in chargeof the repair businessand learnedthe mechanictrade. Roger alsojoined the firm after his dischargefiom the Navy. Clyde left the businessin 1986and moved to Spokanewhere he has since been employedby Western ConstructionCompany. Roger quit in 1989 and moved to Jackpot, Nevada, and has been working for Cactus Petessince then. For the past four yearsthe businesshas beenlisted for sale with no takers, so Carl and Wanda have been plugging along hoping a buyer will come along so they can retire. They have operatedthe business for 46 years. (Source:Wanda Paulson,LCJ) People's Motor Service Raymond Wade and Frank Pope ran a garagecalled People's Motor Service located where the city hall is now, beginningaround 1930. Gaspumpswere ten gallon containerswith a pump or handle which had to be filled by hand. Gas was fifteen cents a gallon. Westscottoil products were sold. They did mechanicwork, fixed and sold tires, batteries,etc. There were lots of flat tires in thosedays. Ray also would go out to the farms and repair farm equipment. He and his wife Herta and their two children Lester and Margaret lived in back of the garage. Herta and Marie Pope were sisters. As Melvin and Ethel grew up, they too helped in the garageselling gas, etc. When the garagewas closed in the early 1940's,Frank Pope worked tbr the Soil ConservationDistrict. Melvin recallshow the stationwas a collectioncenterfor dressed,readyto ship turkeys! (Source:Ethel Conner) The businesswas eventuallysold to Robert and Lloyd Simerly. Jim Brown formerly operatedthe garage,known as the Richfield Motor Service. The name was changedto L & B Salesand Servicein 1947. (LCJ June 20, 1947) Peterson's Cash Store "Andy Petersonhas openeda restaurantand lunch counter on Main street." (Feb. 19, 1909) Also set up was a meat, dry goodsand cannedgoodsmarket. In Decemberof 1916 he was serving70 to 100 mealsper day. Later, managementwas turned over to his son Arthur Peterson. Mrs. John Lemmon, the former Mrs. Arthur Peterson,operatedthe store. "Andy Peterson'sbakery, store and restauranthas been the home for hundreds of tired men who wanted a good meal on short notice at a medium price. He came to Richfield 6 years ago and is one of the hardestworkers in the town." (RR Dec. 24, l9l5) Pheasant Bar & Cafe - Originally locatedon Main Street in a building that had been part of a lumber yard complex.In the 1940's,owner Bud Swanmovedthe bar to the highway, addingto it a cinder block building t<r serve as a cafe, with the motel rooms addedlater. Ownershipchangedhands over the years until the caf'eand bar were destroyedby fire.
Piper's Ruth Supanopeneda dry goods andgrocerystorein 1936-1937 in theIdaho Irrigationbuilding,and her brotherS. J. Piperjoined her in the business in 1939. The Piperslived upstairsfrom 1939-1941. Piper purchased the businessin 1941and Hgr'*.f::Fr#t,: movedit into an emptybuilding,formerly PoolHall, remodeling theold Roseberry the building with living quartersin the back. Supanand Helen Piper ran a dry goods storefrom thishome,whichclosedin 1957. S.J. Piperboughtout the ByrnesGro*iiini:iiii:iirir:ililr:i ririiii:i:liirr iriilriil:iil i:ii:iiiiiriiii'iiiirr.,., iiiiriiiirii:i$ii.i;riiiiriii cery Store from Tom Byrne in May of r.l. iiiiiiiiiiti)iij 1945.ThenewPiper'sstorewasremodeled,W e a s e l su s e d t o d e l i v e rg r o c e r sa n d m e d i c i n et o s n o w b o u n d f a r m s andJoemovedhis grocerybusiness intothis d u r i n gt h e w i n t e r o f 1 9 4 8 - 1 9 4 9 .P h o t o - J .M c G a u g h y . store. In November1945a new $15.000 cold storageunit was added. The meatmarketwasmovedfrom the adjoiningPiper'sgrocerywith Bus Perron actingas meatcutterandmanagerof the meatmarket.Todaythe storeis operatedby the Piperfamily, Lyle and Betty, andtheir sonMike andwife Lori. (Source:Lyle Piper)
47
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Pope'sAutomotive Service After the war Melvin Popebuilt the garagethatnow standsacrossfrom the LemmonHardwarebuilding,employingamongothers andLaRaeBrown.The ChevronStation Tim Sanders waslater run by Ruth and RossSwainston.(Source: EthelConner,Melvin Pope) RestaurantLessley& Sloanopenedtheirnewrestaurantin thePoteetbuildingon S Main St. (June1911) Rex Theater Movies at Richfield's Rex Theater, h mith P o p e ' sA u t o m o t i v e1 9 4 9 ; P h o t o - R a l p S formerlythe drugstorebetweenthebankandMason"Law of the ic Hall, providedexcitingentertainment. Plains"was amongthe first moviesshownin August1938. "KentuckyMoonshine"playedthe Ritz Brothers, wereadmittedfree in andGeneAutrey blazedacrossthe screenin "Gold Mine in the Sky" in 1939.Customers a war bond. February1944to see"Whistlingin Brooklyn"with RedSkeletonif theyhadpurchased TheoBrushwasthe managerandowner,latersellinghis interestto ClaudeWilson. The theaterwasclosed by 1956. The price of a ticketwas fifteencentsin the 1950's,with five centsbuying a bag of popcornor a pop. n [ q"*E ' f f i s mL n # d o,$ Rialto Tavern Jessie& Joe proprim c s | : := etors(Junel9al; southof Paulson's :;f,* I garage.
,&
Richfield ConvenienceStore Built in 1987by Bob Morris on land formerlyoccupiedby Gem StateLumber. Richfield Hotel "Tired traveling men, hungry fishermen, jaded tourists who are looking for the ultimate best, mothers with children, aristocratswho have not been able to find what their trained pessimismdemands, will soon be able to find in Richfield the one thing they have beensearchingfor - a really new, modern, first-classhotel, with beauty, comfort, everythingthat is not in the typical city
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baths,hot and cold water, to the greatout-doors;telephones, transplanted hostelry. It is the city conveniences andwherethe coyotesa little more than steamheat,and unexcelledcuisine,within the sightof the mountains, anteloperoamedunpursued...The a yearagoheldhigh carnival,wherethreeyearsagothe deerandoccasional houseis tintedthroughoutin the most restful,attractivecolors,withoutexception,one of the daintiestcolor TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
48
schemesof any public building of the West. The halls in the second and third floors are finished in white enamel,which shineslike ivory. In the lobby andthe lower halls, it is a dark colonialstain." (RR May 6,1909) The contract for the constructionof the building above the foundation was awarded to H. O. Koeppen of Boise. The Richfield Hotel, opened in May of 1909, was built at a cost of $30,000 by the Idaho Irrigation Company, as part of the company'stown investment,with Wayland and Fennell of Boise as architects. It was built by land developersfor entertainingand housingprospectivebuyers. The red and white structure had 27 guestrooms, a dining room capableof seating60 persons,a fine office fireplace, telephonesto all rooms, rooms with baths, private ice house, barber shop. Mr. CharlesCaswell served as manager. The basementconsisted of a steamheating plant, laundry and store rooms. Room ratesbeganat $2.00. (RR Apr. ll, l9I2) In 1916 it was necessaryfor the hotel to rent the upper floors of the bank building as an annex. The increasedpatronageof the hotel made it necessaryto have more rooms to accommodateits guests.By 1920, the hotel and town businessdeclineddue to a lack of adequatewater on the Northside tract. The hotel sat vacant for several years. "ThoseWere the Happy Days" '34, '291 In this year of sincethe daysof I seemto havepassedmy usefulness,youthfulnessand prime; My rooms have been stripped--they'reso empty, so bare-/ My windows all broken--no one to care? My chimneys are falling--the railings torn down;/ And as peoplepassby I hear them whisper, I hear them sigh, "Ah me, what a white elephantin this town!" The halls, the attic, the porticos and each convenientspot/ Echo no more to the tread of human f'eet, But to the billing and cooingof doves--thisis my lot./ I am sure they whisperthe whole night through, They must repeatthe talesof '10, '09 & '08./ Thosewere the days, my friends, when no one passedme by./ They enteredwith laughterand sure of welcome so sweet-For warmth, for drink and for meat.l Look kindly upon my shrinking and disheveledframe. For I ask you nothing but to reclaim/ Thosedear memoriesof old days gone by"Gin a body meet a body comingthroughthe rye." "Editorial note. The building is not so devoid of life as this splendidreverie indicates." Poem creditedto "G.L.B." (LCJ April27, 1934) In July of 1934 the Richfield School District purchasedthe hotel and the 5 lots it occupied fiom Lincoln County at a price of $1,050. The county had becomethe owner through delinquenttaxes. The hotel was renovatedinto a gymnasiumand social centerwith a stage. Roller skating, basketballgames, boxing matches, weddings and funerals were held there. The gym coveredthe entire first floor completewith a basketballcourt. It was one of the largest in the area with a seatingcapacity "that usually dwarfed the crowds." "Anything that was going on in Richfield, you name it, it happenedthere." (Glen Ross) The eastend of the structurewas fitted up for clubroomsin the 1930's by the Richfield Woman's Club, one of the most hustling and worthwhile woman's organizationsin the stateof Idaho. The library was locatedin the eastroom. Melvin Pope's graduating Class of 1936 was the first to graduatefrom the Richfield Hotel.
The building changed handsagain when the school district built its new high schoolandgym. TheRichfield Grange bought the hotel in 1953and held it a few years before eventually turning it backto the schooldistrict. In the 1960'sVernonand WendyWebsterpurchased the property. wendy started the Unicorn Dance Studio, and many childrenin the commuR i c hife l d H o t e l 1 9 9 2 . nity benefitted from hertalents. Wendy commented,"It representsa uniqueand interesting part of my life - especially because my two boyswere born there." Efforts were madeto restorethe building,but the family eventuallymovedto Nevadaafter Vernonsuffereda seriousauto accident.The hotelsatvacantfor manyyears. JoeandDoreenMathaneypurchased the property.In April of 49
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
1992,with residentswatchingwith mixed feelings,the hotel was demolisheddue in part to its dilapidated makingit a healthandsafetyhazard.Grassandtreesgrow now wherethe conditionandstructuraldeficiencies, hoteloncestood.(Source:TN Nov. 17,1968;TN April 1992;LCI Apr. 15, 1992) Richfield Garage Mr. D. D. Dixon and H. C. Collins of Pocatellohave leasedttre old Weeterbuilding, (Apr. 1915) preparingto fit it out for handlingall kindsof autobusiness. andLand BrokersCo. Front officesof the RichfieldLand Company Branchof H. A. StroudColonization Recorderbuilding,readyto takelistingof all deededlandthatmaybe for sale. Richfieldoffice will be in charge of GeorgeW. Lisle. (Feb.1916) Richfield Mercantile Co. Originally called the Alberta Mercantile in 1907, the store was constructedby Ray Mills and was locatedon Main St. north of the railroad tracks near the presentlocation of the C Store. Owners were W.A. Denecke and B.W. Reeves. Before the post office openedat the bank office. the mail was distributed in this building. Available at the store were fresh fruit, gents furnishings, cooking utensils, furniture, rugs, bedding,stoves."Delivery horse becamefrightened at Burton's automobile and succeededin demolishingthe wagon." (RR June 9, l9II)
*ffi
Richfield Mutual Telephone Company "Hello Central! Give me every housein Richfield! Hello! Hello! How do you like the new phone? New telephoneexchange
board for Richfield was installedin the R hotelthis week." (RR Dec 2, 1909) Alberta Mercantile,later known as the R i c h f i e l dM e r c a n t i l eC o . P h o t o Telephones wereneededimmediately courtesyMyron Johnson. after the land openingto servethe constructioncamps while irrigation canals in 1907,runningbetweenMagicDam,the werebeingbuilt. Lineswerebuilt by theIdahoIrrigationCompany DiversionDam, and a line into the Dietrichareaandthento Richfieldin 1909. in 1912.Serviceexpanded as the needarose. The north end of the tract had Therewere 18 telephones phones phonesby August1915. The old handcranked wereused,with shortand long rings on the phone their numberwas one long ring and two designating one residencefrom another. Mac Crowtherremembers short. Onevery long ring was a signalfor everyoneto answerl in 1927by the Big Wood Canal The systemknownasthe RichfieldPublicServiceCompanywaspurchased was reachedbetweenthe local citizensand the Big Wood Canal Companyfor $3,000. Later, an agreement Co-Operative andhavetheBell Systembring Companythat, if they,the people,wouldform a MutualTelephone to whichtheycouldconnecttheir variousmagneto to connectto a localswitchboard a toll line in from Shoshone lines,the CanalCompanywouldturn their linesoverto the new system,with the provisionthat the line would alsoservethe canalcompany.The Mutualsystemthenbuilt linesto servethe town peopleand all new lines in Company. the rural areaswerebuilt andownedby the RichfieldMutualTelephone Votersof the RichfieldMutualTelephone CompanyelectedF. W. Powell,W. Youngkin,A. PeterandCarl BeautyShop No.7, Rev.S. T. TrefrenNo.5l and in1937. Newtelephonenumbersthatyear: Adamsdirectors the Eastsideelevator52. The systemwas leasedto Mr. andMrs. O. E. Baysfor five years. In March 1943,theyterminatedtheir contract,turning it backto the telephonecompanywhich operatedthe systemuntil March 1946,when it was leased 3, 1946. A man,whosenameMr. to Mr. andMrs. HarveyW. Smith,Carey,who ran it until September theRichfieldMutualTelephone Company,renamingit astheRichfield Striegeldoesn'trecall,agreedto purchase to run the systemfor this Telephone Company.FredBoshearwashiredto movedownto Richfieldfrom Spokane have man killed in Fred Boshear not the financialability manbut afterseveralweeksthis was an accident. did Systemfrom havingto reclaimthe to assumethe purchasecontract,so, to keepthe old MutualCo-operative TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
s0
telephonesystem, four Richfield men agreedto loan Fred ten thousanddollars, to enable him to assumethe purchasecontract. During WW II, due to the difficulty in getting materialsor men capableof repairing the system,the system gradually deterioratedto a state of seriousdisrepair. Edward and FrancesStriegel purchasedFred Boshears' interest in the Richfield Telephone Company and on April 15, 1951, moved into the apartment above the Richfield Bank. The telephoneoffice and switchboardwere locatedin the next room from the apartment. At that time the rural areaswere servedby multi party magnetotype telephonelines while the town areawas servedby one, two and four party common batterytelephones,all from a single manually operatedcombination magneto, common battery switchboard. The switchboardwas closed from 10 P.M. until 6 A.M. with only emergencycalls being handledbetweenthosehours. That spring and summer, as much time as financially able, was spentin repairing the systemand when the '51 winter of and'52 blanketedthe area with a deepcover of snow the telephonesystemheld up in good shape and no line was out for more than a few days. There were approximately206 subscribersin July of 1952, with more than 50 expectedafter completionof the new construction. ln 1952an applicationto the IPUC was madeand grantedfor a 50 cent per month increasein eachtelephone rate. The businesswas also incorporatedas the Gem State Utilities Corp. and an application to the REA, Telephone Division for a loan to convert the system to a modern dial exchangewas made. The loan was processedin 1953 and in the fall the water, plumbing and footings, foundationsand concretefloor were installed for the new brick telephonebuilding on the Main Streetlot owned by the Corporation. The next spring the ConsultingEngineeringfirm had completedall the outside telephoneplant plans. The materials were ordered and as soon as the weatherpermitted our small crew of new employeesbeganthe task of building a completelynew telephonesystem. In the fall of 1954the new dial telephonesystemfor Richfield was placedin service. In 1956 a group of people in Grand View, contactedREA to get a telephonesystem for their areasand contactedGem StateUtilities aboutthe possibilityof addingthat areato our servicearea. After determiningthat it was possibleto sell sufficientCommon and PreferredStock in the Grand View-Bruneauareato satisfythe REA requirementfor investor capitol, Gem StateUtilities Corp. took on the task of building the two telephone exchangesneededin that area. The main office remained in Richfield until 1960 when the office was move to Grandview. We had also securedthe area of Owyhee and Mountain City, Nevada,but not yet built the system. We were also, as a joint project with the Mountain StatesTelephoneand TelegraphCo., a Bell operatingsystem,in the processof building a communicationsystemfor two Titan Missile sites,and hadjust finished a new office and expandedswitchboard for Grand View. In 1966Edward and FrancesStriegelsold their interestin Gem Utilities Corp. to Universal Telephone Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The area is currently served by PTI Communicationsdoing businessas Gem StateUtilities. Operatorsover the years includedMrs. Louis Jensen,Mrs. Owen Youngkin, Mrs. Ruland Brown, Mr. Boshear,Ila Manwill, Margaret Rutherfordand Bonnie Hardy. Zella Coffman servedfor many years. "She was so good that kids would call and say I want to talk with grandmaand she would recognizethe voice and connect them." (Sources:Edward L. Striegelof Gooding; TimesNews 1955) Saloon In January1908, a saloonbuilt by Ray E. Mills was in operation.Throughoutthe summer and fall of 1911,conditionswere claimedto be deplorable.Railroadconstructionwas very activeand the town constantly filled up with laborerscoming and going. Drunkennessand disorder were concernsto local citizens. It was determinedto use a newly passedsearchand seizurestatuteto learn the sourceof the liquor. A large shipmentof liquors consignedto Baugh's Drug Store had been receivedand a four horse dray load taken to the store. A decoy sale of liquor was made for a party who was not present. Then the searchand seizurewarrant was sworn to, and searchmade by Marshal Poteet. He found a barrel of whisky not yet opened, a barrel of diluted alcohol in the samecondition,252 bottlesof whisky and "whisky company" and 180 bottlesof beer. Apparently Dr. Baugh openedwhat he claimedto havebeena drug store, but which he finally turned into as near an open saloonas it was possiblefor a man to run in a dry town. Any personthat wantedbooze could get it there and get it without a prescription. Dr. C. J. Baugh entereda plea of guilty to selling intoxicating liquors and receiveda sentenceof 90 days in the countyjail and paid a fine of $500. Voters of Lincoln County [this includedJerome]voted in June 1913, to determinewhetherthe county should allow liquor to be sold. Nine hundred citizensvoted wet with 871 dry. In Richfield Marley had 10 votes wet and 16 dry; Richfield93 wet and 114dry. Shoshonevoted 308 wet and 181 dry. County Commissionersstated
51
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
thatno saloonlicenseswereto be grantedin dry precincts. in theearlyyears Bootlegging or the makingof moonshine pastime local residents. for few of the a wasa JamesL. Thompsonopeneda saloonfor a shorttime in 1913. The new stateprohibitorylaw wasput into effect RR Jan.25, January1915,makingRichfielddry. (Source: l9l2; Feb.l, 1912,June5, 1913) Sinclair ServiceStation The Paulsonsboughtsomelots from GusKnodelandhired Carl's UncleAndrewto build the Sinclair Station on the corner of 2nd Street and Highway93. Edgar Stubbsoperatedthe businessfor a coupleof yearsandthen Orvil Hardmanleasedthe building andoperatedit until his retirement.The nextseveral yearsit wasleasedto Ward'sCheeseCo. andtheyusedit to repairtheir milk trucks. For the pastseveralyearsthe buildinghas beenleasedto Leroy Lee and is known as Lee'sAuto Repair. (Source:WandaPaulson) RestautheSpokane SpokaneRestaurant Fire destroyed rant.The buildingwasownedby O. C. Burton.The store T . l . M c M a h o n ' sG e n e r aSl t o r e 1 9 1 9 . L t o R : d a u g h t e r of Thos. McMahonon the S and the pool hall on the E A v a C e l i n d a M c M a h o n B a r n e s . s o n J o h n T r u m a n sideof the streetwere saved.(RR Julv 22, 1909) M c M a h o nj u s t h o m e f r o m s e r v i n gi n W W l . C o u r t e s y M a r t h aG a r l o c kM c R i l l .
T.I. McMahon Store The store was open by June 1909; later occupiedby Elmer Swatman,proprietor of the Richfield pharmacy.(LCJ Mar. 19, 1937) Ralph Smith ran the store for several years, later donatingthe building for the town library. Texaco Gas Station "Will be known as Richfield Motor and Implement Co., managerJ. Murray Rawson. Ownersare D. E. and R. E. Adamsonof Carey." (LCJ May 20, 1949) "Alertnessof Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Conner led to the arrest and conviction of two burglars of the Richfield Texaco service station. The men, both having prior records, were captured in Shoshonefollowing a chaseby Lester Stubbs, Richfield marshal, and Conner. The men pleaded guilty to first degree burglary charges and sentencedto 15 years in the state
(1952) penitentiary." TonsorialParlor A. D. Lisonbee;bathroom in connection; on Main Street.June1909 Youngkin Implement Co. Owen Youngkin manager."Quality and Serviceare Best." Anotherstorelocatedat Hill City. Implements, grain, produce,storage.(Dec. 1915) (See J u l y 1 9 5 3 . O p e r a t e db y M a x B e h r & C l a r e n c eL e m m o n . L t o R : PaulsonMotor Service) ElsieCraneLafky and Les Bushby. Ward's Cheese Nelson-RicksCompanyof Rexburgpurchased the former landoffice, built in 1907by the IdahoIrrigationCompany,in l94l afterSupan factorywhich boughtwhole milk from CashStorewas soldto JoePiper. The buildingwasmadeinto a cheese approximately 300 patrons. The upstairswasoccupiedby managerGeorgeEngbersonandfamily. "Fire razedone of the mosthistoricbuildingsin RichfieldSundaywhenthe Nelson-Ricks cheesefactory caughtfire at noon after a hot stovehad igniteda broomnearbyin the boiler room of the factory. Fire was from the start with the strongdraft pushingthe flames.The city water power failed when the uncontrollable terrificpressure brokea watermainon the southsideof town. Thereafter thefiremenusedbucketsof milk from the vatsto allaythe smolderingandin someplacesstill burningwalls." (LCJJuly 7, 1944)
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
52
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Top: Trucksusedto haulmilkcansto the plant;bottomWard'sCheese.Photos-Olive Ward. The creameryleasedthe former town hall following the fire. In the falt of 1946, Clifford Ward becamethe managerof the creamery in Richfield owned by Nelson-Ricks. His wife Olive recalls that the creamery work wasn't very bad, but the building was a poor one. The two men that worked there were Red Coffman and Ray Flavel. They made one vat of cheesein the winter, then two in the summer. Later the Co-op Creamery came in and it was good to have some competitionamongthe people. Some of the workers at the plant in the early years included: Fred McRoberts, Lloyd Spencer, Zelda Koleman, Lula Spencer,Gary Brownlee,Vaughn Barrusand Dan Ralls. Truck drivers includedJerry Davis, Udell Robinson,Frank Finlayson,Mr. Sowersby,Arnold Bridge,Burl Akins, Edna Akins, Dale Whiteselland Bruce Sorensen. Peoplestartedto buy good milk cows and fix up their barnswith tanks of cold water to cool their milk. The cheesemaking grew to be a good businessfor this little town. We made cheeseuntil late in the evening. It was a good family project. ln 1957Clifford leasedthe plant from Nelson-Ricks,and later purchasedit. In 1972,the businessexpanded to a new factory, costing $400,000, W of town. The companyof Ward's Cheesewas formed. The new plant was gearedto handlebulk tank milk only. Clifford retired in the late 1970'sand the businesswas run by his three sonsJay, Dallas and Lowell. Productionover the yearsrose from 10,000poundsof mitk a day to over 500,000 pounds with more than 100 employees. Ward's Cheesewas sold to Tom Kalangein 1985, and then to Avonmore West. Avonmore moved the cheesemaking plant to Gooding, with the whey departmentstill in Richfield. (Source: Olive Ward) Western Loan & Savings Co of SLC A branch,with E. M. Blake president,M. P. Ward VP, W. T. Dougherty Sec. & Insuranceagent; T. B. Brush treasurer.(RR May 6, 1909) Wood River Inn & Dining Room Laundry servicebehindoperatedby Mr. R.S. Haines, as early as June 1909.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
54
E. BadleY' Manager'
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S, F, Baer, Secret&ry'Tres8'
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
56
l)uncitn,
Mitnl11or
Chapter 6 Churches, Clubs and Organizations American Legion The AmericanLegion Charterwas issuedin February 1920. Three applicationswere received in Boise. It was decidedto draw out the numbersfor the posts,with Richfield being the first number, then Boise and AmericanFalls. Earl Morrison was a cook in Co. K 361st Infantry of the 91st division. He was killed in action in the Mense-Argonneoffensive near the town of Epionville, France. He was struck by a fragment of bursted shell while working in his kitchen, killing him instantly.Earl Morrison was the first casualtyfrom Richfield of the first World War, so his name is honoredby the American Legion of Richfield. David Groves was the First Commanderof Earl Morrison Post Number 1. Meetings were held in the Masonic Hall, with rent of $1.00 per night. A baseballteam was organized, and Owen Youngkin was elected manager. In l92l Oscar Bloom was president. The Idaho Irrigation Company gave the Legion a pool table which was stored free at Youngkin's Garage. The Men's Club was organizedin 1928. The Legion sponsored Lester F. Alberts to Boy's Statein 1939for $15.00. Dues were $2.00 in 1941. Birney Powell was electedto the National American Legion Conventionin 1944. The possibilityof building a LegionHall was discussed.Fund raisingbegan. Buildings in Eden wherethe Japanesewere held during World War II were for sale. Louis Vaughn was electedchairman of the project and Fred Rutherford moved the buildingsto Richfield. The Legion sold these. Two lots were purchasedin 1947from W. S. Kohl for $150. Actual building beganin 1949,with the basementdug and cementwalls poured. Many community memberscame and worked or donatedmoney for someoneelse to work in their place. An auction were held on September79,1953, on the completion and horsepulling contestwere held in 1950. Celebrations pay of the hall. Frank Pope loanedthe Legion the money to the final bills. The kitchen was started in 1955. A flag pole was erectedin front of the hall in 1978,in memory of Dick Johnsonand Hap Mason. The hall has seenfrequent use including prize fights, social occasions,and funerals. Boy State representativesover the years include: Lester Alberts 1939; Warren Smith and Howard Deeds l94l; ReubenBradshaw1942;Bob Vaden 1946;Rex King 1977.Fire works are held in Richf-ieldeachyear on July 4th. (Source:History of Unit Earl Morrison Post l, Ethel Conner) The Auxiliary of AmericanLegion Post No. I was organizedNovember7,1939. Chartermemberswere Mrs. Edith Bays, Mrs. EdnaJohnson,Mrs. John Mclntosh,Mrs. Chas.Smith, Mrs. JosephineHubbard, Mrs. Myrtle Youngkin, Mrs. Winnie Crowther, Mrs. BerthaBrown, Mrs. Edna Piper, Mrs. SusanCrawfold, Mrs. Lulu Reed, Mrs. Vera Monroe, Mrs. TeresaPatrick, and Mrs. Lorene Swatman.(Source:Auxiliary Record Book, in possession of PearlDavis) Boy Scouts Scoutinghas been strong in Richfield through the years. The Boy Scout Oath reads: On my honor I will do my best to do my dury to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally aweke, and morally straight. RR Feb. 27,l93l Dads and Lads Banquet,held Feb.25, 1935- The largestgatheringof men and boys ever assembledin Richfield- 2O8-enjoyed a Father and Son Banquet at the Methodist Church. It was a wonderfulresponseto the invitationsentout by Rev. A.F. Grissomand Bishop Manwill, and it was the most whole heartedcooperationon the part of the various churchesand organizationswe have ever witnessed. The H.G. Humphrey,Rev. Harry S. Hamiltonand Boy Scout excellentprogramconsistedof localtalentandspeakers, Exec. J. RussellScott... Thanksfrom the heartwas expressed to the ladieswho did the gigantictask of serving a wonderful banquet. LCJ May 10, 1932 Rev. Tracy Coker is leaderof the Richfield Boy Scouts. LCJ July l, 1932 George R. Schwanerpresentedtenderfoot badgesTues. eve to Jack McMahon, John Lemmon, Claire Cross, Roy Mathews,Fred Johnsonand GordonGarlock of Boy Scout Troop No. 56. Plans were made for the Boy Scout camp next month with ScoutmasterTracy Coker in charge. LCJ 1937 Boy Scout Ceremoniesand Feedat Richfield. An investitureceremonyfbr Boy Scoutswas held at the Richfield Methodist Church Thurs. eveningunder direction of ScoutmasterRichard Terry. Mac Crowther as patrol leader conductedthe blindfolded tenderfoot candidatesbefore the troop committee. Mr. Manwill administeredthe scout oath, Mr. Schwanerpresentedthe badges,and Mr. Lemmon gave the certificates. Boys receivingbadgeswere Albert Draper, Gordon Garlock, Norman Conner, Don Wilson, Billy Reynolds,Odell Chatfield, Terrell McChesney,Lyman Upshaw,Carlton Crane,Archie Bee, Borden McMahon. Those receiving secondclassbadgeswere Mac Crowther, Albert Draper and Gordon Garlock.
5'7
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
'30's. ParkerSimpson,Tom andBill Reynoldsand two Albert Pelleybecamea scoutmasterin the late McChesneyboys were in the group. He took them to to a Court of Honor and to a Jamboreein Twin Shoshone Falls where they got pointerson putting up tents, bridge buildingandknottying. They sawParkerlaterin Yuma. He remembered an outingwhereAlbert planneda "snipehunt" but he couldn'tfool the boys! They beatthe leadersbackto the church. SonnyMasonwas the next leaderof the troop. The boyssold Christmastreesfor two or threeyears. Next in wasHaroldHorting. Sup't. Baldridgewas a scoutmaster the '40's. Albert had a later troop, includingDarrell and Lloyd Stubbs. Melvin Pelley, Doug Sluder,Bob Sorensen, While campingaboveMagic the boys had breakfastready whenthe wind cameup and blew sandand dust into their food, but they ate it anyway("true Richfieldgrit")! Two hada "childhunt."Oneboy was troops,onefrom Shoshone, left out on the desert,the othersspreadout to searchfor him F r o n t r o w : D a v i dC h a t f i e l d ,S t e p h e nK i n g , T o m m y V a u g h n ,E v e r e t tL e e W a r d . B a c k r o w : M i l t o n B e h r . and finally found him sitting under a sagebrush. Allen P a t W a r d , B i l l J o h n s t o n ,R i c h a r dM a g o f fi n . 1 9 5 9 Laudert,Milton Behr and the Faddisboyswere later in his tfoop. '50's In the latter Joyce Johnstonstarteda Cub Scout Troop. Mrs. Mclntosh and Mrs. Wellhausenwere other den mothers. The American Legion Postformed a Boy Scouttroop when thoseboys were old enough,with Jerry Johnstonas scoutmaster. Richfield's first Eagle Scoutswere Wayne Perron and Teddy Brush; Delbert Tree was their scoutmaster. Vern R. Thomas, ReubenBradshawand Bill Horting were someother scoutmasters,and later Eagle Scoutswere Leo Faddis,Chad and Craig Ward, ShawnJohnson,Bruce Bowers,Chad Newey, Sid Ward, Callen and Matt Kent and David Ellis. Present leadersare Carl Norman and Joe Schmidt. The Boy Scouts of America have remainedtrue to their original principles and goals through the years. (RR, LCJ, Albert Pelley, Dallas Ward) Burmah Home Improvement Club The club was organizedon March 17, 1931, with nine charter members. They were: Myrtle Freeman,BessieElfring, Helen Stowell,Lena Brown, Eva Sorensen,Mae Vaughn, Lillian Sorensen,Iris Brown and Nellie McGaughey. The club was organizedas a work group, the purposeto improve their homesand lives by doing community service,helping with the 4-H clubs and other groups who neededhelp and support. Truman Anderson, Lincoln County Agent at that time, gave much supportand encouragementto the group, information on the various 4-H clubs and how to organize them. At his suggestionthe group became an extensionclub, one of the first in Lincoln County. At this time Lincoln County did not have a local Home Demonstrationagent so the agentscame from other countiesor were district agents-at-large. Mrs. Florence Schultzwas one agentwho camefrequentlywith enjoyableand educationallessons. Later an agentwas assigned to come to the Burmah Club on a monthly basis,with various lessonson gardening,canning, personalappearance, sewing and crafts. The club memberswere pleasedand thankful when Lincoln County hired a full time Home Demonstrationagent for the local extensionclubs. In the beginning of the club, handkerchiefshowerswere given each member on her birthday but soon the club grew much bigger, at one time to over 40 members,so this practicewas changedto a Pollyannaprogram. Namesof the memberwere placed in a box and eachlady drew one name;you were Pollyannato the lady whose nameyou had drawn and honored her on her birthday and anniversary. Each member kept secretthe name she had drawn until the end of the year. It provided fun and amusementtrying to guesswho your Pollyanna was. One club project was sendinga barrel of home cannedfruit to the Idaho Children's Aid Society at Boise. At this time the freight for sendingthis barrel of fruit from Burmah to Boise was $3.71. Sometimeswhen fruit and vegetableswere plentiful two barrels were sent. This project was followed from the thirties to the sixties. At that time the Dept. of Food and Drug forbad donationsof home ciurnedfruit or vegetablesto the Home. From the beginning of the club, membershelpedeachother with many prt-rjccts.usually canningor quilting. Quilting was a popular pastime all through the life of the Burmah Club, sometimesthe quilting meetingswere all day meetingswith a potluck dinner at noon. From this practicegrew the idea of making a quilt each year to be raffled off and the proceedsdonatedto the EasterSealprogram of Idaho. This was startedin the sixties and
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
58
continueduntil the club disbandedin 1981; chanceswere sold on the quilt and the winning ticket was drawn at a public meeting. In later years the interestin this project had grown enoughthat two quilts were made each year, a regular quilt and a baby quilt. This serviceoften brought as much as $300 for the Easter Seal Crippled Children's benefit. When the club was organizedit was a customto sendflowers to memberswho were ill; the flower fund was maintainedby holding a drawing for a small gift. Each lady paid ten centsto draw a number, the lucky number won the gift, the winner to bring the gift for the next drawing. This was usually a small kitchen item, and this practice brought enoughmoney to keep the flower fund solvent. The Burmah Club voted to disbandin 1981and endeda very busy community serviceorganization. During it's lifetime many public projectswere benefittedby the help of the Burmah Club, for example:besidesthe many, many Easter Seal quilts, a wet therapy room was furnishedat the Wood River ConvalescentHome, also a gift of 16 pillows, 24 dish towels, lap robes, and bibs were given them. Other help was given as follows: $40 was given the Golden Years Senior Centerwhen it was organizedin Shoshone;$100 was given Phyllis Flavel for the county speechtherapy class. The Burmah Club paid half the cost of an amplifier for the Richfield Gymnasium when Ray Briggs was Superintendent;donationswere made yearly to the March of Dimes and the Red Cross; local girls were sponsoredfor Outlaw Days Queen;moneywas raisedfor the Richfield swimming pool, and when this project was deletedthe money was used to buy a picnic table for the park and plants and flowers to plant there. A row of lilac busheswas plantedon the west side of the park as a wind break and flowers were planted around the water tank. The water tank ran over and ruined the plantingsthere, and due to lack of care the lilacs survived only a year or two. The two main projectsof thesewomen over the yearsthey were an active club was the barrels of fruit for the Childrens' Home and the quilts made for the Easter Seal. An exhibition booth was enteredat the Lincoln County Fair eachyear. Many young ladieswho were membersof the club throughoutthe yearswere given baby showers.[Source:Edna Akins and Burmah Club Notebook, kept through the yearsby the late Stella JohnsonFreemanand completedby Polly Ross. Edna and Polly have been membersduring most of the fifty years' existenceof this fine organization.ACBI Camp Fire Girls A group of girls with Mrs. Elmer Swatmanas their guardianwas organizedin the early thirties. Indian nameswere given them. Someof the girls were Ethel Pope, called Yukpa, meaningmerry; Nadine Howard, Netab--friend;Elsie Crane, Zhonta--trustworthy; and Wilma Mclntosh, whose Indian name Apelachi meanthelper. Othersin the original group were Doris Simpson,H'azelCarter, Cleora Layne, Constance McArthur, ImogeneChatfield,HelenWhite, BethDeedsandIreneEbert. ThelmaRichardson,Velva Helderman, Eleanor Reynoldsand othersjoined later. TheLaw of the CampFire set fbrth worthy goals and idealsto strive for. A campfire was their emblem. "This is the Law of the Camp Fire Girls which we all strive to fbllow: Worship God SeekBeaury Give Service Pursue Knowledge Be Trustworthy Hold on to Health GloriJy Work Be Happy." Their Blue BirdWishwas To havefun; To learnto make beautifulthings, To finish what I begin, To keepmy tempermost of thetime, To go to interestingplaces, To learn abouttreesand flowers and birds, To make friends. Their little leather-coveredbook setforth high standardsfor manners,sincerity, truth, courtesyand kindness. They had lessonson trees and other facetsof the world around them. Activities reported in the paper included one in Septemberof 1933when Mrs. Swatmantook them to the river for a picnic lunch and afternoonrneeting. They chosethe name Ee-dah-howfor their group. (Source:Ethel Conner) LCJ Oct. 1934 The Ee-dah-howgirls met at the home of Helen White. The building of a rock seatat the Methodist Church was completedlater in commemorationof two departedmembers, Muriel Conner and Nadine Howard. They are sponsoringa carnivalat the GrangeHall with side shows, animal shows, hcltdogs and pink lemonade. LCJ Feb. 15, 1935 The Ee-dah-howgirls met Saturdaywith Helen and RamonaSupanwith an attendance of 13. After businessmeeting,gameswere playedand refreshmentsserved. Eleanor Reynoldswill have the next meeting with Velva Heldermanassisting. Choralaires The Choralaireswere a community choral group with 22 women members. They were organized on September22, 1958, and were directedby Lois D" Thomas(Mrs. Vern R. Thomas) with Thelma Johnson (Mrs. Kenneth Johnson)as piano accompanist.They sang togetheruntil Mrs. Thomas moved to Shoshonein t961. Weekly rehearsalswere held in an elementaryschool classroom,usually very early in the morning. They were fortunate to have Thelma Johnsonas accompanist,as she was an accomplishedpianist, was never absent,
59
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
and was especiallytalented in following a director. The Choralaires sang all over the valley for many different organizations,and they presentedprograms which showcasedtheir versatility. Their repertoirecontaineda variety of types of songs: patriotic, romantic, country, novelty, sacred,funeral, Christmas, and others. The Choralaireswere often askedto sing for funerals, which usually meant hurried, extra rehearsals.So they decidedto have an appropriatesong or two ready before they were asked to sing again. The very next week, a family member of one of the choral group died, and they were needed. Somehow, this situation made them feel uneasv.so after that. thev waited until an invitation was
Choralaires
extended before practicing for a funeral song. P i c t u r e dF: i r s tr o w : M a r y W a r d ,D o l lJ o h n s o n ,V e n n aR i l e y l, l a S c h m i d t .S e c o n dr o w : B e t t y M c R o b e r t sE, t h e lC o n n e r , E r m aF l a v e lA , g n e sN e w b y , B l a n c h eW i l l i a m s F , a y eC h a t if e l d .R o s e t t aD e e d s .T h i r dr o w : L o i sM a e s t a s T , h e l m aJ o h n s o n , M e l b aS a n d e r sM , a r y C a r v e r ,O l i v eW a r d ,L o i sT h o m a s . B a c kr o w : R o x i eS o r e n s e nL, o i sV a u g h n ,J o y c e J o h n s t o n ,B e t t y C a p p s ,C h a r l e n eR a l l s ,S h i r l e yT e w s . A b s e n t :M a r d e n n eN i e l d .
The group wanted to be cohesivein their appearance,so they sang in long, pink robes. Becausemany of the group were still addingto their families,theseloose-fittingrobesmadetheir changingsizeslessconspicuous. On Saturday, December 17, 1960, the Choralairespresentedtheir first full-evening program in the newlycompletedLDS church building. The invocationwas offered by Bishop Elmo Pattersonwith the benedictionby Albert Pelley. Six sacredChristmassongsand two duetsfor two-pianos,played by Marie Maxwell and her mother Maine Wright of Buhl, were offered beforethe main sectionof the program, which consistedof the nine songsof the Christmasportion of the "Messiah", arrangedfor women's voices. Soloistswere Mary Ward, CharleneRalls, and Betty McRoberts. For the majority of the women, this was their first experiencesinging Handel's"Messiah". Before the Christmasprogram, the Choralaireshad made44 public appearances,singing for almost all of the community organizationsand for many funerals. No compensationwas received, or expected,becausethey sangfor the joy of singingand for the pleasureof learningthe varied music.The closebondsmade within this group have enduredthroughoutthe years. The group sangfor little more than two years. The Choralairesmade a significant contribution to the cultural enrichmentof the Richfield community. (Source: Lois Thomas) Churches Assembly of God Church Early in 1976a group of sevenfamilies beganattendingSundayevening servicesat the Assembly of God Church in Gooding. After a short time we saw the need for serviceshere in Richfield. In 1977Rev. Donald G. Masoncameon Thursdayeveningsto ministerto us in our homes. We had SundaySchoolon Sundaymornings. As the group grew in numberswe renteda houseon SouthMain Streetand held our servicesthere. You might say that was our first official building. On November 6,1977, with Rev. Homer Walkup, District Superintendent in attendancealong with Rev. Mason, we signed our charter membershiproll. At that time we becameofficially recog,1* nizedas a "Home MissionsChurch" underthe auspicesof the Assemblyof God Church,Idaho District. On November l. 1977. the home of Mrs. Sadie Rider was up for sale. The church body decidedto purchaseit. We continuedto grow and beganto feel the need to have a full time Pastor. After much prayer and thought Rev. StanleyE. Tatro was calledto be our Pastor. That was late in October. At that time he was assistantpastor at Twin Falls First Assemblyof God. He acceptedthe call and on December10, 1978, he along with his wife Frances and daughterJennifer G r o u n dB r e a k i n g :L e f t - D u bC a p p s , F r e d P e t e r s o n , moved to Richfield to assumepastorate. Our membership S t a n T a t r o , H o m e r W a l k u p , D e l o y W i c k h a m ,J i m doubled under the able leadershipof Rev. Tatro. There was NewberryC , a r lR i l e y . no longer room enough in this building! As we sought the will of God in this matterwe felt led to begin a new building.
ffi
TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
60
thatwe alsoneededto build a placefor our Pastorto Sincetherewerenot manyhousesfor rent hereit seemed in The Tatrosmovedinto the parsonage live. The districtallowedus to borrowmoneyto build the parsonage. December1979. Groundbreakingfor the churchbuildingwasin theSpringof 1980. Our churchbuildinghasbeendebtfree from the beginning. Many localpeopledonatedtime andmoneyto help us. Therewould be too manyto list all of themhere. Tracy Hansen,architect,who grewup herein Richfieldaskedif we would allow him to draw up our plansat no costto us. Materialsfor the buildingweredonatedfrom as far awayas Washingtonstate. Carl Henderson,a M.A.P.S. volunteerworkerwasour contractorof record. CharlesSluderof Richfieldand Bob Davis of Goodingbroughtin heavyequipmentand dug trenchesfor foundations,water and sewerlines. Buildersfrom GlennsFerry,Boise,Rupertandmanyotherplaceshelpedus. The DistrictWomen'sMinistries of Idahogavea ratherlargedonationfrom the nickelfund. Nickelsaregivenby the womenall over the district for projectssuchasbuildingchurches.Our thanksto all who gavetime, laborandmoney. May God blessycu, everyone.(Source:Deloy WickhamandRuthJohansen) Catholic Church Limited informationhasbeenlocatedon the CatholicChurchin Richfield. Serviceswere conducted as early as July 1909 by Father Boogaersof the Catholic Church from Shoshone. "The Catholics are arranging to build a church and work will begin in a few days. The Idaho Irrigation Company has donatedthem a lot. " flocated on Kootenai Ave. and 2nd St.l (RR May 5, l9l0) Work actuallybegan in June of 1912. It must havebeena beautifulbuilding with the Gothic windows, 24 x 40 feet. Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Ross were the first couple marriedtherein 1917. JohnnyLemmon remembers "the most beautiful hand C o n f i r m a t i o nc l a s so f R i c h f i e l da n d S h o s h o n er e s i d e n t si n t h e e a r l y y e a r s .P h o t o - J i m pumpedorgan" in the church. B y r n e . In later years the church was vacant and moved around 1967-1968to Shoshoneto be renovatedinto a home. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) The Marley Branch of the Carey Ward was organizedin 1911with PeteJohnsonas presidingelder. Walter Stevenscameto Marley in 1913and boughtout Pete Johnson. Oscar Johnsonwas put in as Branch President. The branch then consistedof 25 members. In 1916, Oscar sold out and Walter Stevenswas put in as BranchPresidentand remainedthere until 1920 when the branch was moved to Richfield. While in Marley, all church meetingswere held at the school which was located just north of the railroad tracks on the eastside of the road. The Richfield Branch of the Carey Ward was organizedon May 2, 1920. The meetingswere first held in the rock school house which was locatedwhere the school is now. The meetingswere then moved to the Joe Piper home, then held in what is now the City and Highway Office building. The next home of the church meetingswas the old city hall where they were held until a new churchhousewas built in 1935 with the basement being completedin 1936. This building later becamethe Ed Johnsonhome. On July 31, 1928, the Richfield Branch was made an independentbranchwith 120 members. On July 28, 1935, Richfield Branch was madethe Richfield Ward. A new building was dedicatedin November 1960 as the Richfield Stake House. In 1978 the stake was changedto the Carey Stake with all stakemeetingsbeing held in the Carey Stake house. The Richfield Stake
61
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
at a costof $281,000,half of which was housebecamethe RichfieldWard house. The buildingwascompleted Clifford Ward, Lester of Elmo Patterson, consisting beganwith a financecommittee raisedlocally. Fund-raising W.T. Flavel,Morris Swainston, Stubbs,CurtisParke,Loyd Lee, Clive Capps,GeorgeCoates,WalterStevens, SterlingKing, Howard Jansen,L.O. Crowther,Ellis Newby, with Mac Crowtherand ReubenBradshawas methodsof raisingfundswasfor the committeeto buy monthmembers of the Bishopric.Oneof the successful old dairy calvesandhaveward membersraisethosecalveswith their own, anddonatethe proceedswhenthe churchcalf was sold. Thosewho raisedcalvesfor the churchfund, andthe numberof calvesthey raised,are 4; listedhere:NormanRogers4; F.M. Crowther5; L.O.Crowther12; LesterStubbs5; Morris Swainston King Horting 2; Sterling 3; 4; Bill 4; Capps Giles 5; Leo Swainston Clive Bradshawl0; Charles/Dean Reuben 1; Flavel Dayley Grant 3; 2; WendellKing 3; Clifford 2; Ken Roundy1; HowardHumphries OrvalClements 2; Orin Nield 2; Loyd GeraldStowell4; GrantStevens StanWayment2;EdAppell2;EvalBruceSorensen4; e3 xF L .a n w i l ll ; G u y H o r t i n g L e e 5 ; K e n n e t h J o h n s o n 4 ; J . O . F r e e mR an ; l a v e3l ; A l v i e R i c h a r d s o n 2 ; F .M 2; GeorgePittman2. 2; RogerFreeman2; Lee Sorensen The sametype of projectwas donewith raisingweanerpigs. Many fund-raisingdinnerswere held, and werealsoa sourceof incometo whichthe womencouldcontribute.The buildingwas completedbefore bazaars (Source:Vern Thomas) wasappointed. Vern R. wasreleasedandBishopElmo Patterson overthe yearshavebeen:PeteJohnson191l (Marley),OscarJohnson1913(Marley), BranchPresidents WalterStevens1916(Marley),William R. Robinson1920,Farrin L. Manwill l92l andagainin 1930,Earl Crowther1929.Ferrin Manwill was the first Bishopin 1935,Orlin Johnson1937,Merlin Sorensen1940, 1960, WilliamT. Flavel1942,MurrayRawson1950,CliffordWard 1952,YernThomas1954,BrigPatterson Allen Bowers 1977, Randall JayWard 1964,Vern Nelson1969,Ken Dixon 1969,DelbertTree 19'12,Mark 1983,DallasWard 1987,RickieD. Warren1991,Mark Bowers1993. MethodistChurch The churchin Richfieldbeganwith the meetingof a few personswhenthe town wasonly a few months old. They voted to decide which denominationshould be established. The Methodist Episcopal was favored by two votes. Interdenominationalcooperation was experiencedfrom the earliest days. "A substantialchurch building was erectedto the joy of all concerned." The Certificateof Incorporationwas issuedand flled with the ldaho Secretaryof Stateon July 20, 1909. In August 1909the Rev. RichardG. Williams was appointed;an Epworth League and Ladies Aid were organized. "Less than fbur monthslater a new six-room parsonagehad beenbuilt by his own hands." C.C. Pratt was the second pastor and a large basementwas built, also the church at Burmah. ln l9l2 he put a lot of hard work "setting trees and making lawn at the parsonage,as well as having done somewhirlwind work in churchbuilding." Rev. JamesLeitch, who remainedtwo years,was next and was the leaderof the famous band. He organizeda SundaySchool in the North End community and went out every Sundayregardlessof snow. When the 25th anniversarywas celebratedin 1934,the Church was filled to capacitywith 125 at the dinner following. Mrs. T.B. Brush said it was really the 26th anniversaryof the SundaySchool, as one had beenfbrmed the M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h w i t h o r i g i n a l year before by Rev. Ousterhout and her, held in the school house. Box s t e e p l e . socialshelped buy the organ. Fay Manwill as head of the Richfield LDS
talksweregivenby Rev.Tracy betweenthetwo churches.Inspirational Churchtouchedon the fine cooperation the part of the churchplayed andmentioned CokerandRev. Henry Fryer. Rev. andMrs. Bartlettreminisced for patients. in theflu epidemicof 1917-18, furnishingquarters Otheractivegroupsthroughthe yearswereEpworthLeague,laterMeth. Youth Fellowship;LadiesAidgroup. Woman'sSocietyof ChristianService;Men'sBreakfast LadiesAid womenwent in 2 sledsto a meetingat RR Jan. 3, 1930G.R. Archerwas pastor...Twenty Tappers7 mi. N. They werehit by oneof the worstblizzardsof the winteron the way home. One man who wasdriving wasovercomeby the stormandfaintedon arrival. RR Mar. 20, 1931 Heavymuddyroadswereno barrierto the Mothers'and Daughters'Banquetheld the l8th at the M.E. Churchwhich the men carriedout mostsuccessfully.The committeein chargewas F.L. Manwill andRev. Grissom. Eachdaughterwasgivena realcarnationwhichwasgivenin turn to the mothers. of the 226 diners. After the fine The chefswith their white capsandapronsdid thejob to theentiresatisfaction TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
62
dinnerand program.."itwas a realjoy for the womento sit andseethe dishesbeingwashedright beforetheir vefy eyes.
:W
-t\i
, m y a n d E v e l y nB o n n e r .B i l l y a r i d m o r eE, d i t hM c K i s s i c kA P a r k .F r o ml e f t s t a n d i n gP: r i s c i l l P C h u r c hP i c n i c ,B e l l e v u e R e y n o l d s ,B o r d o nM c M a h o n ,C a r l t o nC r a n e ,J o h n L e m m o n ,H a r o l dT a n n e r ,A l l i e D r a p e r ,R a f e L e m m o n , B o b , e r a l d i n eM c A r t h u r ,D e l m a rM c K . . . , , i n D r a p e r ,R e v .W h i t e .R o w 2 . J a n eM c K i s s i c kG B r a n n e nF , l o y dR e y n o l d sW B a b y R e y n o l d s , S y l v i aD u n n , M a r g a r e t& M r s . R e y n o l d s , E l e a n o r E l s i e Crane, A l i c e C r a n e ,B e r n i c eR i c h a r d s o n , t w i n n e y ,H e l e nM c A r t h u r ,W i l l i a m , a r g a r eS : h e i l aB r a n n e nM , u c i l l eA l l e n .S e a t e d S M a r i a nA n d e r s o n l,d a L e m m o n L . a z i eT a n n e r ,C l a r aC r a n e ,E v e l y n , p a lT a n n e r .B a r b a r aP r i d m o r eP, h y l l i sP r i d m o r eM B r a n n e nT , o m m y R e y n o l d sO , r s .W h i t e .F r o n t :H a r v e yT a n n e r ,D o n a l dP r i d m o r eA, n n a C r a n e ,R o b e r t , a r y F u l b r i g h tM D r a p e r ,E d i t hS c h w a n e r M , a r o l dP r i d m o r eA. b o u t 5 0 p e o p l ef r o mt h e M e t h o d i s t A g n e s S i n c l a i rC, h a r l e T s a n n e rH M a r y l e e S c h w a n e r , Brannen, S u n d a yS c h o o le n i o y e da n o u t d o o rS S s e s s i o na n d p i c n i ci n A u g . 1 9 3 6 .
Mother's Day, Children's Day, Easterand Christmasprogramshave been meaningful. Examples:The 45 '33. membersof the Epworth Leaguegave an EasterCantata,ResurrectionGarden, in April For the May 1930 Mother's Day program the church was decoratedin purple and white with lilacs...by Mrs. Fulbright, Mrs. Mathews, Sup't. Mrs. Allen, Helen Kingston,Irene Coffman and Mrs. Hill. Anna BeatriceCrane gave the Welcome, Nell Pridmore "The Rainbow"...Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Erwin sang "Tell Mother I'll Be There." '34) Richfield's first summer VacationBible School (June was attendedby 42 young people--pre-schoolto teenagers--for Bible study, music, manual training for 2 weeks. VBS sessionshave been held often since then. StanleyPaulsonwas the babe in the managerin the Christmaspageantin 1960. '31 Several fires in the church occurred before the metal roof and furnace were added: In Jan. the ME Church had a near serious fire when a live ember from the chimney ignited shingles. While waiting for the hydrantto be turned on, a bucketbrigadewas formed. The congregationlater reassembledand servicesresumed. A few of the memorialgifts givenby familieshavebeena new pulpit (Pridmores);altar Bible (Deeds);gold cross (Reynolds); gold candlesticks(AugustaJohnsonand SusanCrawford); picture of Christ (by Rossesin memory of Polly's sister Darline Simerly, former resident). Mr. Hill made the offering plates of Oregon myrtlewood; original pews made by Frank Mathews were replacedby walnut pews from Kuna church; Mrs. Fletcher and Mary donatedoriginal red curtain; Wurlitzer piano bought with memorial funds given in memory of a number of people. Names are engravedon a plaque. Ludeen Knight, pastor's wife, and several young women painted a Noah's Ark mural in the children's room. At the Golden Anniversary celebrationin 1959 a cake in the shapeof a church was made and served by PriscillaPridmore. Therewere 175registered guests.Priscillawas WSCSpres.,Jr. SS sup't., after-school-class teacher,pianist and filled many offices. Lorene Swatmanwas anotherof many long-time leadersof children and youth programs. The 75th Anniversary was observedin 1984 with Rev. Lawrence, Tracy Coker and others present. We joined Shoshonewith a picnic at ShoshonePark for their 100th year celebrationon the sameday. The church building has been used by the Lions, the band, scouts,Seniorsfor dinners, Men's Breakfastsand other groups. Brotherswho have servedas ushers:Leo and Bob Faddis, Darrell and Melvin Pelley, Arnold and
63
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
David Ross, Tommy and Jamie Peterson,Jakeand JadeRiley and Ben and Sam Riley. Mrs. Kathryn Pridmore, lgll-1941, Mrs. Deeds to 1955, and Helen Pelley were among those who were in charge of the Cradle Roll Dep't. Twenty-threeEpworth Leaguemembersattendedthe yearly Wood River Institute Camp above Ketchum '34 in with Rev. Tracy Coker and Rev. Mark White. They were given a certificatefor having the best attendance at classesof any church. Rev. Coker was a popularteacherand speaker,also taught classesat Gooding College, and was the author of "Ee-da-how", set in the Cratersand Ice Cavesarea. The ME Church helpedraisemoneyfor GoodingCollegein l9l2; classesbeganin 1913; cornerstonelaid Sept. l, 1916; first classgraduatedin 1917; closedin 1938. Dr. CharlesTenney, pres., often spoke here at graduations...ManyRichfield young people attendedGC and a number of Richfield teacherscame from there. Rev. Hardy Thompson,who servedas pastorhere the longest('68-'73), passedaway Dec. 2, 1994, in Irrigon, OR. Lay members have filled in when needed. Thirty-sevenpastors, from Rev. Williams to Dan Thompson-Aueat present, have served at Richfield faithfully and well through the years. (Source: Church History, RR, LCJ, Helen Pelley, ACB) Chat n' Sew Club This group, formed in the
'40's,
had no high and lofty aims but was a sort of "Mom's Day
Out"--not"Off", becausethey took their children, who enjoyedit equallyandbenefitedby their contactffi
with other children. Bernice Pate, Beth Proctor and Alice Behr were amongthe founders. Someactivities were handwork and showers. Many members also belongedto Circle II of the WSCS. When some moved away the club dwindled and becamea memory. (Source:ACB) Photo:Backrow: ElsieCrane,Neva Powell, Pauline Peterson, Bernice Pate,Thelma Richardson, Florence Richardson, Myrtle Schisler.Front:Margaret Armstrong, Peterson boy, HelenPelley,BethPendleton, BethProctor, HelenStoreywith Geo.RaySchisler, Elma (Deeds) Sweatat AliceBehrs.1943.
Clubs Mentionedin news clippingsBridge As A Diversion Club MembersMr. and Mrs. Fletcherand Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Burton entertainedmembers. March 1929. Con Amour Club - President W. B. Joy, V.P. Mrs. W. S. Kohl; secretary/treasurer Mrs. J. T. McMahon. June 1930. Can't-Double'NoMore.Club Met at the F. L. Abbott home,Oct. 1930.EveningBridge Club - mentionedOct. 1929. Richfield's Bachelor CIub - mentionedin April 1916. Richfield Flying Club - Groupplannedto purchasea trainer plane and make a landing strip on land donated by Ben Kirkpatrick, located south of the Kirkpatrick ranch and borderingthehighway,southwestofRichfield,March 1944.Richfield Gun Club -Turkeyshootheld, Dec 1925. Richfield Rod and Gun Club - met March 1946.So and Sew Club - met at the homeof Mrs. L. C. JensenJan. 1922.Prent-Teachers Association- Sept.27,1946 Organizedwith 32 prospectivemembers. PresidentMrs. PeteCenarrusa,Vice-President JoeJohnson,Sec.Mrs. EugeneFreeman,TreasurerThomasVaughn. Women's Republican League - organizedwith Mrs. T. B. Brush, statecommitteewoman presiding. Officers electedwere Mrs. Tapper, Mrs. W. Youngkin, Mrs. Edna Piper and Mrs. ChesterJohnson. October 1936. Commercial Club The Richfield Commercial Club was formed in April 1909 and was comprised of leading citizens. The purpose of the associationwas the promotion and advancementof Richtreld. Officers were: R. E. Mickelwait Pres., ThomasMcMahon and JamesGreenV.P., Burton ReevesTres., V.V. Bower, Sec. One of the greatestcontributionsof the CommercialClub was the publication of an advertising booklet in March of 1910. The cover was red, blue and gold and depictsthe angelof irrigationsittingbesidean irrigation wheel.A copy of this 6" x9" booklet,producedby the RichfieldCommercialClub and the OregonShort Lines, is on file at the ShoshoneLibrary. "Better roads, better everythingthat helpsbuild up the country will be taken up and discussedin a practical manner- a mannerthat leavesresults, not mere words. Richfield promisesto have one of the livest Commercial Clubs anywhere in Idaho, where the real live ones are found!" (RR May 20, 1909) Members of the club includes:Apple, C.L., J.G. White; Blake,E.M.-IdaholrrigationCo.;Bower, V.V.-RealEstate;Brush,T.B.-First StateBank; Byrne, T.J.-MeatMarket; Burton, O.C.-Livery& FeedBarn; Caswell,C.A.-Hotel; Chapin, C.W.DraftingDept.;Crothers,A.D.-Harness Shop;Dougherty,W.T.-Asst.Cashier;Denecke,W.A.-RichfieldMerc. Co.;
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
64
ffiffisgffiKffitr; '*
Denton, York-WeeterLumber Co.; Diesem,H.C.-Chief Draftsman; Dickerson,H.L.-Labor Dep't.; Durnim, W.R"-BookKeeper;Day, W.F.-Resident Engineer; French, A.J.-Transfer;Green, J.A.ConstructionSupt.; Hameister, O.C.-Retired;Koeppen, H.O.Contractor;Knox, L.S.-Cashier;Laso,A. JR-WaterRights;Lemmon, R.A.-Hardware; Lehmkuhl, C.D.-Asst. S*y; Lisle, C.J.-The Recorder; Lisonbee, A. D.-Barber; Mickelwait, R.E.-First State Bank; Moynihan, J.F.-WaterworksConstruction;McMahon, T.l.GeneralMdse.; Oderkirk, F.M.-Draftsman;Peterson,J.M.-Livery & FeedBarn; Poteet,L.J.-Blacksmith;Reeves,B.W.-Postmaster; Richardson,A.M.; Shears,H.A.-Pool& Billards;Shields,G.M.- General Storekeeper;Taylor, F.W.-Cashier;Ward, M.P.-PropertyOwner; Wilcox, F.A.-OregonShort Line; Wright, A.H.-Engineer;Yaden, D.W.-PoliceJudge;Youngkin, J.A.-Blacksmith. A newspaperclipping, not dated,identifieda few membersof the Commercial Club in the photo. First man in the lower row, standingis, W. B. Joy, later to serve many yearson the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. Next to him at his left was H. B. Jones who was prominent in Lincoln county for many years. Ninth in the lower row standingwas T. I. McMahon. Fifth from the right in the upper row was Bert Reeves. Seatedon the pedestal,lower row right was Tom Byrnes. Club popularity dropped and was reorganizedin September l9l2 with M. R. Kays Pres; Messrs.Kays, Bower, Mickelwait, Schwaner and Lechleiter on the board. "For everybody who is Publication b o o k l e to f 1 9 1 0 w i t h t h e A n g e lo f interestedin a bigger, betterRichfield." (RR Sept.5, 1912) The l r r i g a t i o no n t h e f r o n t c o v e r . club printed 2,500 copies of an eight page folder on Richfield in Dec. 1912.
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iii , Eastern Star On De, i ii i l cember 4. 1929. Alex Boas, Worthy Grand Patron of ldaho, held a specialmeetingto institute the Eastern Star Richfield Chapter #72. Grand Chapter officers from all over southern Idaho participated. Basketsof roses and carnations were sent from Boise. Twenty-one became members. They received their official charterJune ll, 1930. Richfield has two beautiful padded chairs from the old Dietrich Hotel and an Eastern star rug from the Paul chapter. d o m m e r c i aCl l u b 1 9 0 9 - 1 9 1 0 An interestingstory is a M e m b e r so f t h e R i c h f i e lC couple of men gathereda
t:., l
sheafof barleyto usefor oneof the emblems.Whentheywerereadyto useit, mice had completelydevoured thebarley. The chapterpaintedtheir kitchen-lobby areaandput carpetin this area. Severalmembersdid a lot of hard work preparatoryto havingtheir 50th anniversary party. There were many visitors with about70 people attending.The programincludedClarenceLemmonreadingthe minutesof the chapterfrom the very first meet65
TheHistory oJRichfield,Idaho
ing of 50 years ago. Forrest Armstrong read the newspaperclippings and Terry Olsen read her poem. Sandra Calkins spoke of the changein attitudesand the songsof eachdecadeafter which everyonesang one from each decade,concluding with Happy Birthday. (Souce:Ethel Conner, TimesNews June/July 197911980)) Entertainment Tennis courts were built in 1909on the eastside of town, four blocks from the hotel. Members were assessed$5.00 for enrollment to the Richfield Tennis Club. Baseballwas also played with neighboring towns. "Some of the young ladieshave organizeda basketballteam and have headquartersin the Weeter hall and are hard at work." (RR Jan. 27, l9l0) LCJ May 6, l92l Mrs. Chas.Lisle RecallsOld Days .. Mrs. Lisle wrote from Salem, OR: "There were many entertainmentsthroughout the years producedby the people themselves,such as new communities must createif they are to live. And Richfield lived! We had a Richfield Day celebrationfor severalyears which did vegetables,fruit, relics of very early muchto cementthe pioneerstogetherand fostermutual cooperation...grains, days, a spinning wheel and ox-yoke displayed,athleticeventsand wonderful eats. Rev. Leitch was leader of a band which did credit to a town the size of Richfield. SJ May 6, l92l The Woman's Club had a musicalprogram in the Methodist Church Saturdayeve. for the community. The numberswere taken from various operas. Sherbetand cake were served. SJ Richfield invites every citizen under the ldaho Irrigation Projectto join them Sat. May 7 , 1921, in an all celebration of the filling of Magic Dam. Knock Off for the Day and Join the Crowd. day l,l92l A Chautauquacomingsoonto Richfieldfor five days advertiseda comedyby New York SJ July Players,Lecturersfrom Kent., Ill and London, a ChicagoOrchestra...with two concertsdaily. Joy Erwin told about early movies: "They showed a news reel and a comedy before the feature. One summerthey showedthe picture The King of Kings aboutthe life and deathof Jesus,and it impressedme a lot. " Once in a while they got Mrs. Hill to play the pianofor music. Harold Lloyd movieswere also popular. for Harvall's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" RR Mr. P.C. Franklin, a theatricalagent,washeremakingarrangements CompanyJune 20, 1931-the 51st annualco. tour. RR Aug. 22, 1930 Old Folks Day A SuccessThe Relief Society,Mrs. C.A. Johnson,pres., sponsoredan entertainmentThursday at the LDS Church for the people, sixty and older, attendedby about fifty. The ladies had prepareda sumptuousfeed. F.L. Manwill was MC and a good literary and musical program was put on at 10:30a.m. Brigham Hansenrespondedfor the guestsof honor in a tone of real appreciationfor the beautitul flowers, the entertainmentand the wonderful dinner provided. Richfield is too youthful to permit the usual 70 yearsand older age limit. LCJ July 7, 1933 Richfield Folks EnjoyedFourth of July A full programof bucking contests,baseball, horse races, street sports and musical exercisesprovided satistying entertainmentfor Richfield people. Horse raceswere run on the main businessstreet. Lucile Stevenswas winner of the exciting quartermi. event, and Romanrace [racingtwo horses,standing RalphRiley took the half mile. KennethJohnsclnwon the spectacular with one foot on eachl. The patrioticprogramin the park at 10 a.m. consistedof local talentmusicalnumbers, a readingby Wilma Flavel and a brief addresson patriotismby Tracy Coker. Other diversionswere plays for fun and/or profit, Marley Barn Dances;swimming at Rocky Ledge, Guyer HotSprings, Easley,etc.; fishing, picnicking,exploringnaturalbridges,Indian Caves,Wind Caves, and other outings. RR Aug. 26,l9l3 Rev. C.C. Pratt, CharleySpaulding,Mrs. Schwaner,the Drapersand Pridmoresvisited the ice cavesbeyond Burns last week. LCJ June 24, 1932 A party of young folks were guestsof Elizabeth and Jimmy Lane Wed. when they exploredthe Craters of the Moon. LCJ July 29, 1932A group of young peopleenjoyeda swimming party and wiener roast at the Erwin slough Wed. eve., Jessieand Ed Scanlon,Ruth andJohnLemmon,Rev. Coker, andJoy, Scott,Alan and Donald Erwin. LCJ Aug. 10, 1934A group of youngpeopleconsistingof Berniceand ThelmaRichardson,Imogene,Beth, Odell and Fay Chatfield,Alice and Elsie Craneand Merle Heldermanenjoyedan explorationof the chalk caves Sun. afternoon. Edna Conner recalls: "In the early days of the Great Depressionmost people were poor as church mice. Political rallies offered not only free coffee and donutsbut a chanceto socialize. Traveling shows that came tcr town by today's standardswere amateurish,but most peoplemanagedto scrapeup the nickel or dime admission fee. They were held in tents or the old town hall. In retrospectI realize how they brightened the lives of peoplein our little town. One tent showwas "Uncle Tom's Cabin." To makemoneyto go my depression-weary sisterDella and I decidedwe would take a dead sheepthrown from the Ketchum train, skin it and sell the hide
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
66
to Artie Peterson for 25 cents. The brakemanthrew one off; we eachgrabbed a leg and started dragging it. Dad saw us and yelled, "Put it right back where you got it." Somehowwe did get to go. I vaguely rememberthe scenewhere little Eva died. When her bed was raisedby rope pulleys to depict her ascendingto heaven, my 'She's not really dead; I saw her foot move!'sister June called out, "Some people set up a large tent and showedtwo movies to sound! One was "The Last of the Mohicans." We kids sat on planks placed on wooden kegs. The slivers in our fanniesdidn't diminish the thrill of a talking movie. The leader of one traveling troupe was a large woman named Davenport who wore sequinedgowns. She and her husbandhad a knife throwing act. Later the Twin Falls paperreportedMr. Davenporthad accidently put a knife in his wife's heart during their act in Pocatello. "Some men who cameto repair the city water tank were also entertainers. Powder River Jack and his wife, Kitty, played guitars. Others played the accordionand banjo. They sold song books with pictures of Powder River Jack and Kitty. My dad bought one for me and they autographedit. I've often wondered if thosetalented people worked on water tanks by necessitybecauseof the Depression. "A band of Gypsiescame and set up camp near our house. We youngsterswere scaredto death. We had heard they would steal things-evenhorsesand little kids. When the Gypsieswalked up town everybody would duck out of sight. These people were also hurting due to the Depression. They were trying to sell their handicrafts. Our mother traded cannedfruit fbr a willow magazinerack and beadedbraceletsfor us. They left town and nobody reported a missing kid. Who would want anothermouth to feed, anyway." 4-H Clubs in the Thirties The 4-H Club logo is a four leaf clover, the petalsrepresentingthe head, heart, hands and health. Club meetingsbegin with the club pledgerepeatedin unison: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greaterloyalty, my handsto larger serviceand my healthto better living for my club, my community and my country. "My world" has sincebeen added. Other changeshave been made--moreprojects added,less sewing and cooking in Lincoln County. The following items were gleanedfiom county papers. In the Marley Boys' SheepClub Myron Johnson'sewe hadthreeewe lambsin Feb. 1930.In May 1931Mrs. CharlesMcKay had a 4-H Sewing Club with Elva Durfee as president;Inez Bradsawand Oretta Martindale, vicepresidents;Dorothy Reynolds,sec; Doris Vaughn,treas;MargaretMartindaleand PaulineAllen, reporters. LCJ Sept. 4, l93l The annual County 4-H club fair was held at Richfield Saturday with definite sucoess to its credit...RexHuffingtonwas generalmanagerof the boys'division and Miss Grace Powell managerof the girls'division. Prizes ranged from medalsup to $4 for first place... Among the winners listed were Cliff Conner, Claire Stevensand Myron Johnson,boys' judging team for hogs; girls' judging team for foods, Zetta Knight, Doris Vaughn and Mary Shockley. LCJ May 20, 1932 A new 4-H canningclub was beenorganizedwith Mrs. Vaughn as leader. The NeaterNeat sewing club met at the home of Dorothy ReynoldsThursday. New off-icerselectedwere president, Alice HelenMclntosh;reporter,BerniceRichardson;recreationleader,Inez Crane;vice-pres.PaulineAllen; Sec-treas., Bradshaw;club leader,Dorothy Reynolds;instructor,Mrs. Floyd Reynolds. LCJ July 15, 1932 Richfield 4-H club leadersare: Foods--LucileStevens;Canning--Mrs.May Vaughn; Sewing--Mrs.Ida Layne, Mrs. N. Shockley,Mrs. J.T. McMahon, Dorothy Reynolds;Sheep--LewisCrowther; Swine--FayChatfield,Orlin Johnson,with a total of 94 members. LCJ May 12, 1933 At the 4-H club danceFriday at the town hall, an angel fbod cake was awardedto Miss Zella Coffman, who receivedthe most votes as the most popular girl. A new North End 4-H Club was led by Mrs. Emil Kunz in May 1934. Elsie Crane was a new member. She was electedsecretary. The girls startedcompiling recipesand made a salad, served later. Grange The Richfield Grange#151 was organizedon August21,l92l by W.W. Deal. On Oct. I, 1921,Deal and State SecretaryFerrin G. Harland took the Charter to Washington,D.C. to get it signed. Among the first 20 chartermemberslistedwere F.W. Cranes,Fulbrights,C.B. Cranes,C.O. Paulsonsand Andrew, Huffingtons and C.O. Chatfields. ln 1922there were on record 117 membersin good standing. Grangemeetingswere first held at the North End School. A building on Main Streetwas purchasedfor a Grangehall and the last paymentwas made in 1933. The Grangeheld meetingsthereuntil 1941.It was sold to S.J. Piper for $250 fbr a store. '30's '40's During the and the Grangehad a purchasingagent, E.R. Gage, and through him the Grange purchased carloads of coal, twine and sometimesflour for the members' convenience. This practice was abandonedwhen enoughlocal dealerswere in businessand could furnish the productsfor the consumers. In 1941 the Woman's Club rooms were rentedfor Grangemeetings. The Grangesponsored4-H clubs, furnishedclippers
67
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
and pinking shears for the 4-H members' use, paid expensesfor some members to attend short courses in Moscow at the Univ., and 4-H camps. The Grangeworked with the County Agent on many farm programs and committees,helping organizeand supportthe county 4-H fairs. The Grangebuilt their own exhibit booth in the producebuilding and many times placed in the winners categorywith their exhibits. Grange members' names were prominent in the flower and garden exhibits and still are. Through the fifties and sixtiesthe Grangeorganizeddegreeteamsthat participatedin degreework at several other Grangesand at Idaho StateGrangewhen it met in Gooding. Madie Chatfield was captain and director of the degreeteams when they were active. In Jan. of 1953the Grangewas notified the Richfield Hotel, which was now used for a gymnasium, was for sale by the school district for $5,000. The Grange becameincorporatedin Apr. 1953. On Aug. 12, 1953, a purchasingcontractwas signedand $550 paid down on the building. Dancing, skating, community meetingsand variousother public affairs were held here over the next severalyears.During this time the school district found they could not sell the property without a vote of approvalfrom the patrons; this was never accomplishedand the Grange moved from the hall in 1963. The school in partnershipwith the Grange offered the building to anyonefor salvageor use in Dec. 1963. There were no interestedparties, so in Feb. 10, 1965, the Grange relinquishedits contract with the school. The stagecurtain and track were sold to the ShoshoneBaptist Church for $50. Other property, chairs and miscellaneousitems, were sold at an auctionheld by the school. The dishes, kitchen utensilsand silverware were donatedto the Lions Club. The Grangemeetingswere then held in the Odd Fellows Hall for a period of time and then in the Methodist Church Basement. For a number of years, now, the Grangemeetingshave been held in the members' homes. '80's and in 1994there are20 members. Ladieswho have been Grange Membershipdeclinedin the'70's and Masters and leaders were: Ida Alexander, Faye Hubsmith and Faye Chatfield; Marilyn Jensen is the present Master. (Source:Edna Akins, Grange Secretary) RR Mar. 14, 1930 Mrs. Chatfield was surprisedwhen a group of Grangersarrived with well filled lunch basketson her birthday. She has beensecretaryfor the pastfive yearssincethe meetingplace was changedfrom the North End school to Richfield. Happy Go Lucky Six This neighborhoodclub consistedof six girls who were very close friends: Lola Conner, Edna Conner, Hazel Carter, Nadine Howard, Muriel Conner and Ethel Pope, who was 14 when they startedthe club, which continuedeven after they lost two members. (Source: Ethel Conner) Library Books can entertainas well as educatethe public. Lemmon Bros. had a section for the Idarhofiee traveling library as early as l9ll. Mrs. Lemmon was responsiblefor circulatingthe petitionto securethe library. The library was organizedJanuary15, 1915,when Mrs. R. J. Lemmon was presidentof the Woman'sClub. A committee of Mrs. Lisle, Mrs. Kays and Mrs. Phelpswas named. Books were donated and stored in a room at the Lemmon home. The Masonic Lodge donated the use of their entranceroom, where Mr. Theo Brush had his office later. A cupboardwas built for the books, which were sorted and listed. It was voted to charge for borrower cards 10 centseach, good for one year. The library was usually open one afternoona week. The exceptionwas one winter when the school askedthat the library be open at noon to accommodatepupils. Then
" H a p p yG o L u c k yS i x " 1 9 3 3 . L t o R : H a z e l C a r t e r ,N a d i n eH o w a r d , E d n aC o n n e r ,L o l a : u r i e lC o n C o n n e r ,E t h e lP o p e . K n e e l i n g M 'l n e r . N a d i n e& M u r i e ld i e d i n 9 3 4 .
Mrs. GeorgeSchwanerofferedto takethattime andthe afternoonalso,takinglunchfbr her daughter(Marylee Crowther)andhusband.Usuallya fire hadto be built for warmth,oftendoneby the families. Whenthe MasonicLodgeboughttheir presentbuildingin 1929and movedfrom the Brushquarters,the librarywasmovedalso. A secondcupboardwasbuilt. Duringthe years,moneyhadbeendonated,someraised by Library Teasoncea year. Besidesthe Woman'sClub, the BurmahClub, AmericanLegion,and North End Club weregenerousin donatingbooksas well as contributingfunds. Differentwomenservedthelibrary,amongthemMrs. Matson,Mrs. Draper,Mrs. Fryer,Mrs. Piper,Mrs. Pelley,Mrs. Newby,Mrs. VioletLemmon,Mrs. LouisBase,Mrs. CoraYoungkinandMrs. HughFenton.Mrs. DorothySewardwasfor yearsa very devotedandefficientlibrarian.Duringthewintersin the early 1940's,Mrs. TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
68
of the cold and shortageof fuel, and carriedthe Piper and Mrs. Pelleycouldnot work in the library because booksto Mrs. Piper'shometo be mendedand catalogued. [Mrs. Rafe Lemmonprobablyservedlongestas Library BoardChairman.l In the earlyyears,the librarianor libraryboardmembershadto readall new booksbeforethey couldbe placedon the shelves.Newbookswereon a "PayShelf"andwerechargedfor at five centsa week. Latermoney wasraisedby cookedfood sales,a Bingoparty,cardparties,saleof donatedarticles,anda yearlydoll dressing and sellingticketsto draw a lucky number. While Mrs. EdnaPiperwas working as librarianand Mr. Mack Howardwason the town board,theboardlevieda tax of onemill for the library. Throughoversightno record of that was put into the boardminutes. Recordbooksof the Woman'sClub were lost. Thereforethe board donatedfor severalyearsa paymentfor the librarian. Later the library boarddecidedto pay a librarianone dollar Der afternoon.
L i b r a r ya t H o t e l & i n T . L M c M a h o n b l d g . B o t t o m : l s t L i b a r yB o a r d :N D a y l e y ,A . B e h r , C . C a p p s , W . P a u l s o n( n o t p i c t u r e d J . L e m m o n ) ; l d a & R a f e L e m m o n a t g r a n d o p e n i n go f l i b r a r y .
69
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
After the schoolboard bought the hotel building and remodeledit for a gymnasium,a small room which had been part of the hotel kitchen was given to the library. That was fixed up and used from 1934 until 1967. In 1967alibrary District was formed, andthey movedto their permanentbuilding, the former Richfield Drug Store which had been given to the city by Ralph and Betty Smith, when they purchaseda businessin Buhl and left the building vacant. John Lemmon, Alice Behr, Neola Dayley, Clara Cappsand Wanda Paulsonwere appointedto the first library board. The first librarian selectedby the new board was Audrey Faddis. (Source: Article read by Mrs. R.J. Lemmon, at the open houseof the new Richfield Library Sept. 29, 1967; TN Sept. 1967; Photos from Glen Ross & Wanda Paulson) Lions Club The Richfield Lions Club was formed in 1945 with the help of the Jerome Lions Club. The club has helped Richfield in many ways. Besidesthe usual projectsof eye glassesand sight clinics, the Lions Club helpedwith organizing a fire dept., bought someequipmentfor that department,put restroomsin the city park, held annualcity clean-ups,had a tree farm to plant trees aroundtown, etc. The club also built a tennis court at the city park, completed in 1979. In celebrationof the 25th anniversaryin 1970, a 20 year certificate was presentedto Albert Pelley, and a25 year certificateto R. J. Lemmon. (Source:LCJ Mar. 26, 1970, City files) Masons The Richfield Lodge #70 AF and AM signedthe original charter in 1913. The Masons bought the building they are in now \n 1929. Before that time, they met upstairs in the Theo Brush building. A public auctionwas held at the McNulty home, and the kitchen stove was donatedto the Masons. The Masonsdonated the front part of their hall for the first library of the town. (Source:Ethel Conner) North End Club The earliestmention of the "North End ImprovementClub" found in newspaperresearchwas a June27, 1914,meetingwith Mrs. J.F. Engle; in Nov. 1916they met with Mrs. W.M. Getchell. An early club book (1916-1917)givestheir club flower as OxeyeDaisy, colorsyellow and brown (laterwhite); dues$ | a year; Mrs. W.E. Billings, Pres., Mrs. C.C. Hand, V. Pres. Memberswere most of the N.E. women includingMrs. K. Tongishand Mrs. SilasMapes. Sometopicswere recipes,homeremedies,Lincoln, quotations,Indiantribes. An oyster supperat the N.E. Schoolno doubt includedfamilies. Thanksgivingdinners continuedthere fbr many years,programs furnished by children of members. From a 1924-25book: Pres. and V. Pres, Mrs. Engle and Mrs. Kunz; Iris Hetman, Mrs. Stark also were members. In 1931-32book: "A group of us can alwaysdo/ A greatdeal more than one or two." EleanorBiggs, Pres;BessieCrist, V. Pres. In June 1931the North End Club won a $5 first prize in the JubileeParadeat Shoshone.Betty Crist, 6, riding Tommy Tapper's pinto pony, was the club's entry. (RR June 19, 1931) Ethel Kunz made her dress with wings on the back; Betty wore a crown of yellow roses;her saddlewas decorated with yellow roses. The "Billy Pony" kicked holes in the trailer on the way but was calm during the parade. The $5 prize was given the owner of the trailer fbr repairs. (Betty Bell) An annual Gentlemen'sEvening was held at Methodist '35; ChurchOct. banquetfor 2l; addressof welcome,Lilian Crane, responseby W.J. Tapper; musical readingby Miss GeraldineBaker; solos by Fay Manwill and Zelma Tapper; reading, Lois McMahon, picture show in Shoshone. A "Billy Pony" and Betty Crist. programwas held Nov. '36 at the Woman'sClub roomswith 50 present; decorations, yellow and white roses, yellow candles;welcome by Pres. Myrtle Riley, responseby Tapper; piano and harmonica number, Rosetta Deeds; monologue,Mrs. Biggs, and a skit. (LCJ)
In 1935membersmadeblocksfor a quiltfor a Thanksgiving gift for the children'shome. At Mrs. J.O. Helderman's homeFeb. 1934,twentyladies"spentthe afternoonsewingfor Mrs. Louie Nesbit,who lost most of her clothesin a recentfire." (LCJ) They butchered andbaggedfryerswhenMary Ward injuredshoulderin carwreckin 1956. Insteadof quiltsthe club now makesbibsandlap robesfor the carecenter;hasa silentauctioneachyear in PTA talentshows,earlyRichfieldpioneerprograms,'90,'92. Therewere to benefittheQRU; hasparticipated '53. in now 13. (Source: over30 members Marv Ward.President)
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70
Oddfellow and Rebekah Lodges Theseorganizationswere begunquite early in Richfield's history. Like others, attendancehad fallen as membershad passedaway, and the lodgeswere disbanded. After the North End School was consolidatedwith Richfield, the lodgespurchasedthe building and moved it to town for their meetingplace. LCJ Jan. 6, 1933A hundredpeopleattendeda New Years dinner given by the Rebekahsin honor of the 26th wedding anniversaryof Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Kohl and the 25th anniversariesof Mr. and Mrs. C.O. Chatfield and Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Lemmon. Pink and white sweet peas were presentedto each of the brides. The guests enjoyed a beautiful two-tiered cake toppedwith a miniature bride and groom. LCJ Sept. 28, 1934 Sixty guestswere presentat the Richfield lodge hall Tues. eve to enjoy the 7 o'clock chicken dinner that was servedby the Rebekahsin commemorationof the founding of Rebekahship,Mesdames L. Layne, C.O. Chatfield and W.S. Kohl in charge. Regular sessionsof the Reb. and Oddf. lodgeswere held later. Miss Angie Durfee and Miss Gladys Andersonof Shoshonewere among the guests. Richfield Outlaw Riding Club Which camefirst? Outlaw Day or Outlaw Riding Club? Outlaw Day of course. It was first held in June of 1954, by a group of individuals including Ed Johnsonand Carl Piper, who headed the celebration. It was organizedas a fund raiser for the Lions Club swimming pool. This project proved too costly and was dropped. The following year in June, Articles of Incorporationwere filed for the Richfield Outlaw Riding Club. The following people were incorporators:Ace Wolverton, Oran Nield, Bruce Sorensen,Leo Swainstonand Nyle Swainston. The Board of Directors consistedof Les McClintick, Ace Wolverton, Bruce Sorensen,Roxy Sorensen,Evelyn Wolverton and Ben Haubrich. There were24 original members. A Junior Riding Club was also formed with Ben Haubrich as the Adult Director. There were l0 JR members,with the Board of Directors consistingof Mike Mills, Nikki Nield, Carol Haubrichand Gary Haubrich. The secondOutlaw Day was held in June 1955 with Ardis Swan as our first Queen.She representedus at the Nampa Stampedein 1956. Negotiationswere startedwith the City fbr use of the NE corner of the airport tbr an arena and race track. It was determinedwe would needpermissionfrom Mr. Moulton of the Civil AeronauticsBoard. At this time we started using the CAP quonsethut locatedat the airport for our meetings.We received permission to start Club and at Cotton Riley's previously. The work on an arena. We were using the arenabehindthe Pheasant first posts were set in the arena at the airport in August 1955. Vic Cenarrusadonated 150 poles and the Club bought 150 poleswhich were standingat Fish Creek in Carey. The Club cut the poles and hauledthem down. Two meetingswere held eachmonth. The first meetingwas a businessmeetingand the secondwas a social and entertainmentmeeting. Three fund raiser danceswere held each year, with Holly Houfburg of the Double HH Buckaroosplaying. An annualwild game feed was held eachyear in November. The Club went on many overnight rides, which included staying in Ketchum and participatingin the arena events and races during the Wagon Days Celebration. A JamboreeTeam was organizedto competewith other clubs around the Valley. Horse events such as Water Race, Relay Race, SevenBarrels, Spud Race,Baton Race, Calf Roping, Cow Milking, Scurry Race, Clover Leaf Barrels, Trailer Raceand Cow Cutting were held. They were held at difl'erent locationseach weekend during the summer,with a statemeetheld in September.Bucking chutes,catchpens, roping box, loading chute and lights were addedto the arena. An oval race track was also added. ln 1972 the City neededland to constructa sewer lagoon and the old wooden arena was demolished,and new metal arenawas built where it now stands. The City furnishedthe material for the reconstructionand the a Club did the work. A sprinkler systemwas addedto control the dust, an announcerstand erected and just recently a cinder block cook shackwas added,much to the delight of the Richfield Assembly Church group, who has run the standon Outlaw Day for years. Outlaw Day has been continuouslyheld in June of each year, with the eventsstaying for the most part the same. These events are unique only to Richfield Outlaw Day, such as the 3 man cow race, man & wif'e cow milking race, rescuerace, kids calf riding and kids stick horse races. The traditional barrel racing and pole bendingare held. Calf roping is also held, with one of our alumni, Harvey Helderman,who now residesin Arco, returning to place in the money year after year. Another popular event is the Alumni Team Roping, when the alumni rope for belt bucklesfor the winners. Ron Holland and Rod Johnsonhave each won buckles several times. Wayne Bell, a Richfield alumni, attendedone year, borrowed a horse and won the buckle. This is what Outlaw Day is all about. The stock eventsare furnishedby local ranchers. In 1960 the club honored Forrest Armstrong, Carl Riley and Wendell Johnsonwith Lifetime Honorary Membershipsfor furnishing stock for our Day.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
iffi,f , endelK l i n g ,W a y n e , a r o l dP r i d m o r eD, e eW o v e r t o n W R i c h f i e l Jda m b o r e eT e a m ,19 5 6 i n H a i l e y .L e f t :W e n d e lJl o h n s o n H , dJohnson. B e l l ,C a r l P i p e r ,B r u c eS o r e n s e nL, e s M c C l i n t i c k E
Outlaw Day startswith the Annual Community Breakfastat the schoolheld as a fund raiser by the Richfield QRU. The next event is the Big Paradedown main street. Ed Johnsonwas our ParadeChairman for years. LuAnn Swainstonnow doesthe honorswith help from the Hollandsand Mike Pipers. The Richfield American Legion leads the parade and the day is started. The arena eventsare then held at the Reynolds Field, with a danceat the Legion Hall in the evening, when our new Queenis crowned. The Queen Contest has been expandedin recent years to include a Princess Contest, which includes candidatesfrom all over southernIdaho. Monica Brown was our first Outlaw Day Princess.PastQueensinclude Ardis Swan, Midge Armstrong, SandraHubsmith, SharonHubsmith, Margaret Stirton, Maxine Behr, Janet PhyllisFlavel,JanenePridmore, Armstrong,CarleeRiley, SandraKelly, CarolynChatfreld,ConnieGoicoechea, BrendaJohnson,RosalieBehr, Debbie Sharon Patterson, Robinson, Patterson, Trudi Wilcox, Guthrie, Sally Carla Robin Johnson,Doreen Deanna Tami Whitesell, Shannon Carraway, Sorensen, ShellySorensen,Holly Robinson, Whitesell, Brenda King, Tina Erwin, Kim Swainston, Cheryl Julie Jensen, Bier, Connie Wolverton, Lori Leguineche,Melissa Arenz, Sheril Armstrong,RanaeHubsmith,Michelle Hubsmith, Monica Brown and our 1994QueenDalonnaGuthrie. Past Princess'sinclude:Monica Brown, Brandy Swainston,StephanieBrown, CanclaceLucero, and our 1994 PrincessBrianna Kevan. The original Outlaw Day was announcedby Oran Nield. Kid Conner announcedfor years, fbllowed by CottonRiley and since 1964by WendellJohnson.Many classreunionsare held on this day. Ed Johnsonstarted an annualAlumni Dance on Friday night at the StockadeBar and you find many of the old timers there. Through the years the membershiphas dwindled to very few members,with the only activity being Outlaw Day. Without the help of the community on this Day it would be impossibleto continue. There are always outstandingfloats enteredin our parade, regardlessof our theme. The Churches,Clubs, Youth, Commercial, not the least being the American Legion with their homemadecannonand the Sluder and Paulsonfamilies with their old tractors, [and Nyle Swainstonwith his pack mules] have addeda unique flavor to our parade. Outlaw Day is being continuedby secondand third generationOutlaws - Ron Holland, Mike Swainston, Mike Piper, Doug Butler, Rod Riley, WendellJohnson,Don Wayment,Tim Wilson and all the good peoplewho jump in and make our Day a success.(Source:Kathy Johnson) Senior Citizens The Senior Citizen's Building was startedin 1985, when the Seniorsdecided that we needed someplace to have for our own. The Seniorshad beenhaving meals in the basementof the Methodist church. We went around and collectedpledgesfor money and labor to help get the building started. When it was determinedthere was enough money to start, it was decidedto build until the money ran out. We obtained a
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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building permit and dug the foundation,startedpouring the cementand the building inspector came around and told us that we were doing it wrong, we challengedhim that we were doing it right and if he didn't think so, he could dig it up and prove it. He didn't like this attitude,so decidedto let it go. We then kept it going up and the money for the materialskept coming in. Finally we lackedabout$6,000 from having enoughto finish it and we didn't know where to get the rest. We decidedto have one big dinner and sell tickets for $20 a plate. This was held in the recreationhall of the L.D.S. Church. We sold tickets and the meal was a great success. We raised about $2,000 more than was neededto finish the building. We are proud of the building, as it was built by donatedlabor and none of it was skilled. It passedall regulations. The building inspectorfinally threw his handsin the air and said, "If it falls in on theseold duffers, we won't be out much anyway." (Source:Mac Crowther) Silver Creek Racing Association Silver Creek ChariotRacingAssociationwas organizedin 1975, when a group of men wantedto run chariotsbut did not want to travel to Jerome,which was the closestassociationat that time. In years past, 1955 and after, chariot teamstraveledto various towns each week-end to race on Saturday & Sundays,and Richfield was one of thosetowns. They ran down the back streetsof Richfield various weekends. This proved costly and the racersstartedforming associationsin their own communities. Meetings were held in Carey and surroundingtowns to stir up interestin forming a racing association. The first meeting was held Nov. 13, 1975, with Ed JohnsonelectedPresident,Dee Wolverton VicePresident,Lorraine SwainstonSec-Treas. Twenty-oneactiveteamspaid their dues that year. This includedthe A and B Division Teams and Colt Division. There was much work done on the track and starting gatesthat year. There were two woodenstartinggatesconstructed.The gatereceiptswere divided amongthe racers, ticket taker, starter and anncluncer. The By-Laws were patternedafter existing associations.December20, 1975, was the first race day. Six age races and three colt races were held. The first year Daniels & Hays, Lawrence Cisco, Ed Johnson and Barton Brothers all qualified for world. ln 1976 it was voted to leave the gate money with the Club to pay for improvements. This year we attendedthe Boise Invitational. ln 1977the Club investedin a sound system, as they had been using the Riding Club's. This sameyear a SaddleHorse Division was added. Having a point systemwas discussedthis year insteadof the Win-Losssystemwe were using. With the help of memberand math teacher, Leroy Johnson,a point systemwas adopted. In 1980-81the new steelstartinggateswere built. Dwain Stirton and Curley Sorensenspentmany hours on thesegates. The Photo-Finishcamerawas also purchasedduring this period. Two announcerstandswere also built, with much upgrading of the track, and a rail was completedon the North side, as well as a drain system. Fund raiserswere held to financetheseimprovements.Team Ropings,Junior Rodeo's,food booths, etc. raised nearly $8,000 for theseprojects. All theseimprovementshave yielded us one of the better chariot tracks in the state, exceptthe big boys don't like the way we stop our teams, a hair pin turn. The highlightof our racingseason,for somepeople,which lastsfiom Novemberthrough March, is our trip to the Wells Invitational. Along with having lots of fun, and being treated extremely well, we have brought home the Traveling Trophy and a numberof Trophy Blankets. Our club has participatedin all State Meets since we organized. The top 4 teams representus at World Meet each year. The last two yearsthe top five teamshave gone. During the years,the popularity of Chariot Racing has decreasedthroughout Idaho, going from 24 State Clubs to 8 at the Statethis year. Silver Creek has maintaineda healthy membership,about the same as when we started20 years ago. This, we feel, is a tribute to our founding father, Ed Johnson,who always said, "We needto take care of the guys at the bottom, becausethe top guys will take care of themselves." This year at our Awards Banquet every team received an award. We had 2l agedteams and two colt teamsthis year. This is a family sport, with everyone becoming involved, each person doing what he can. This entails stall cleaning, exercisingthe Boyd King team, grooming, cooling out the horsesafter a race to driving the team down the track. You can seethe women and somekids driving the team after the race or headingthe team at the startinggates. During the years we have had severalwomen drivers.
a1
IJ
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
at SilverCreek:Daniels& Hays,KennyDaniels,BruceSoreThefollowingteamshavewon championships BernieGuenechea, WendellJohnson,StacyKing andlast nsen,Ward's Cheese,DallasWard, Blair Sorensen, He alwaysrepresents us well at World and butcertainlynot least,BoydKing. Boydhaswon six championships. by only 100thof a second.Boyd is thinkingaboutretiring StateMeets,this yearlosingthe StateChampionship from racing,andhe will be missed.Theotherdriversknewif theycouldstayin his dust,theyweredoinggood. (Source:KathyJohnson) Tiger-Moms Whathastwenty-fourlegsandis 800yearsold? TheRichfieldTiger-Moms,of course!TheTigerMomswereborn in the winter of 1989. Theybeganasa ratherboringexerciseclass. Or, I shouldsay,when an exerciseclassbecametoo, too boring. Betty McRobertswas the exerciseinstructor. Sheaskedthe classwhatthey thoughtabouta seniordrill team. The schooldid not havea drill teamat thattime. The ladiesall thoughtit soundedlike fun, and it was definitelysomethingnew andmore interesting thana plainexerciseclass. Ara Mae Prestonwas askedto try to find an instructorfor the drill team. SheconvincedChristaLucero our to be that instructor. The RichfieldTiger Momswereborn. The name,Tiger-Moms,was chosenbecause have schoolteamsarethe Tigers. Eachlady hasgoneto schoolin Richfield,or their childrenor grandchildren or aregoingherenow. Therefore,we are "Moms" of teammembers,past,presentor future. We have performed for our home games and tournamentgames. We have drilled at the College of Southernldaho for the Golden Eagles,for a Senior Citizens' Conventionand many parades. We have been on national television,ABC's "America'sFunniestHome Videos", where we won secondplace. We startedwith twelve members,we lost one member through death, one moved and one retired. Somehow we always seem to replacethe ones we lose. The only requirements for membershipis to be at least sixty yearsold and live in Richfield. The community of Richfield is proud of their senior drill team and support us fully. We enjoy what we do, it's fun and good exercise. So if you see twelve ladies shaking their pom poms, you can say, "Hey, that's the Richfield Tiger-Moms!" (Source: Betty B a c k r o w : P . D a v i s ,B . M c R o b e r t s E , . P o w e l l ,M . K i n g , V . R i l e y ,B . McRoberts) A r m s t r o n gM . i d d l e :B . H i l l ,A . K i n gT h o m p s o n A , . P r e s t o n ,M . W a r d , C . L u c e r oI n s t r u c t o rF. r o n t :M . F l a v e l ,D . S c h i e d ,N . R i l e y
Tops Ollie May Armstrong,arearepresentative, formally organizedthe Tops Club, "TakeOff PoundsSensibly,"at DutchieDayley'shomein August1961. The clubclaimed26 members at one time. Overthirty yearslater,the club,downto only four members, in thefall of 1993.(Source:Ruth disbanded Swainston) Unit "Theneedfor emergency medicalattentionis oftengreatin rural Idaho. Farmaccidents, Quick Response homeaccidents, floods,fires,snow-ins...all theseneedimmediate help- andnow Richfieldhasit. The QRU cando everythingbut transport- but the importantpoint is - IT IS THERE WHEN NEEDED." Thosewho completed the seventyhoursof trainingandreceivingcertificationon Dec. 19, 1977,included:CathyLaudert, Durand, Vicky CarolPeugh,Mike Swainston, Curt andBettyAnderson,Terry andLorraineSwainston andJenea Wellhausen.Sevenadditionalmemberselectedto take thirty more hoursof trainingto becomequalifiedas EmergencyMedicalTechnicians: JackOlson,CharlesButtcane,BettyPiper,Jim Wellhausen, EunicePowell, BethAlexanderandLarry Taggart.JessieHuntservedasinstructor.C. Buttcane,B. PiperandE. Powellwere givenan awardfrom the Governorfor tenplusyearsof service.The QRU - EMT unit is underthe auspices of the CountySearchand RescueDepartment.It is believedthatthe Richfieldunit was the secondformedin the stateof ldaho. "Every kind of accidenthasbeentreated,"recallsEunicePowell. "Threecalls over the years TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
74
come to mind quickly: the farm accidentwhen fellow EMT Beth Alexander was killed; Jim Powell's life saved after an accidentwhen he almost lost his hand; and when a child living near the school got into a garage and drank some Neets Foot Oil. The radio wasn't working and the telephoneoperator was of little assistance;this was before there was an 800 numberfor PoisonControl. Eventually contactwas made with Poison Control and the child's life was saved." In the first nine monthsof existence,the QRU respondedto over 400 calls. Richfield is a safer place thanks to the dedication and service given by community members serving with the QRU. (Sources:Eunice Powell, The Enterprlse, April 20, 1978) Woman's Club In 1912, a group of women met togetherand organizeda club which was known as the Richfield Woman's Club. They were affiliated with the stateand district organizationsand were assessedyearly dues of $1.00 for each member. The club met twice monthly from Septemberuntil May. Primary function of the club was for intellectualand social improvementof the membersand for the benefit of the town and community along the lines of beautification,sanitationand learning. Mrs. A. H. Wright was selectedas the first president;Mrs. McReynoldsvice pres. and Mrs. York Denton secretary.Thirty-eight ladiesattendedthe first meeting. Among someof the early memberswere MesdamesT. B. Brush, O.C. Burton, SidneyBloom, R.O. Clark, Ben Crane,Fred Crane, Lathrop Crosby, W.A. Denecke, A.G. Draper, David Engle, Hugh Fenton,A.L. Fletcher,JohnFowler, L.W. Garlock, GeorgeF. Gorrow, C.P. Hathaway,G. Hoopes,L. Jensen,M.R. Kays,JamesLeitch,R.J. Lemmon,J. Lisle, SilasMapes,F.J. Mathews, J.J. Mulvaney, K.G. Phelps,R.W. Pridmore,B.W. Reeves,G.R. Schwaner,W.E. Spansler,W.J. Tapper,and C.C. Winter; also Miss Elsie Bean,Miss GertrudeDenecke,Miss Lucille Johnsonand Miss Helen Lockwood. Through the years,the club was responsiblefor the town library. ln 1934the Richfreld Hotel was purchased by the school district and they leasedthe upstairsto the Woman's Club. They in turn bought furnishings,dishes and a piano and rented it out for meetingsof the different organizations. Here the Woman's Club held their meetings. They received$7.00 rent from the organizationsincludingthe American Legion and Auxiliary, IOOF, North End Club, Burmah Club, Rod & Gun Club and the Catholic Ladies, to name a few. Many school functions, as well as weddingsand partieswere also held in the club rooms. The school also let the Woman's Club use a room on the NE cornerof the building as the RichfieldLibrary fiom 1934 until 1967. The Grange purchasedthe old hotel building and boughtthe dishes,furnishingsand piano fiom the club fbr $150.00. Going through the early recordsit was interestingto note that when the books were auditedin Sept. 1933 by Mrs. W. J. Tapper, the recordsshow that they had a bank balanceof $ .01 with two bills left to pay: l) to the LadiesAid for $ .75 and 2) a telephonebill for $ .30. Also the 1934recordsshow an overdraftat the bank of $ .25. In the audit of the booksby PriscillaPridmore,a shortageof $ .24 was discovered.Down throughthe years,someof the librarianswere Ida Lemmon, Helen Base,Dorothy Sewardand Myrtle Schisler. Someof the projectsundertakenby the club throughthe yearsincludepicnic tablesfor the park, cashdonations for victims of fire and disasters,scholarships to deservingstudents,fbotball scoreboard,and help at the QRU. breakfaston Outlaw Days. Money was raisedby cookedfood sales,quilt and doll raff'lesand craft fairs. The final meeting of the club was held in the summer of 1992 at the City Park, after 80 years. It was decidedto fold due to decreasingmembership.The eight memberspresentvoted to give the Quick ResponseUnit what money was left in the bank. It amountedto $328.13. (Source:WandaPaulson) WCTU [Woman's Christian TemperanceUnion, nationalorganizationof women interestedin the suppression of the liquor traiffic; originated in 1874, Ohio, through the effbrts of FrancesWillard.l In Feb. l92l the WCTU met with 25 memberspresent,including MesdamesScanlan,Bee, Schwaner, Chamberlain,Allen, Kauffold, Hill, Kunz, Chatfleld,R.E. Powell and Mrs. Alice Ross. (Shoshone Journal) Mrs. Lemmon, chairmanof the ScientificTemperanceInstruction,presentedprizes to essaycontestwinners in the seventhand eighth grades. The subjectwas, "Why Flyers and Drivers Should Abstain from Alcohol." Edward Scanlon, seventhgrade, was awardedthe first prize of $3.00 and Alice Crane of the eighth grade, received the second, $2.00 (RR) The WCTU met with Mrs. Junkin, assistedby Mrs. Elfring and Mrs. Helderman,in June 1930. (RR) A WCTU Loyal TemperanceLegion (LTL) for young peoplewas organizedin May 1931with Eleanor Bee, pres., Helen Mclntosh, vice pres., Mac Crowther,yell and songleaderand MargaretReynoldsas pianist. The pledge,signedby twelve memberswas: "I promise,God helpingme, not to buy, sell, drink or give/ Alsoholic liquor while I live./ From all tobaccoto abstain/and nevertake God's name in vain." (RR) May 22, 1931 The WCTU entertainedwith a Mother and Daughter dinner at the home of Mrs. Sherman Coffman Tuesday. The feast and a splendidprogram was enjoyedby 54 guests.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
The WCTU met at Mrs. Speedy'sSept. 14, 1931. OfficerselectedwerePres.Mrs. Fulbright,VP Mrs. (LCJ) Sec.SheilaBrannenandTreas.Mrs. Schwaner. Schwaner, luncheon at thechurchwith 50 attending.For entertainment Day Daughter's TheWCTU helda Motherand Doris Vaughnand Helen Mclntosh,with Mrs. Richardson, Thelma by Berniceand a tableauwas presented "Tell MotherI'll Be There." Mathews singingthe song, RR Jan. g, l93l Boisepaperwas quotedas saying:"For the first time the BoisePoliceDocketAlmost Blank andCity Orderlyon New Years. ... Not an arrestwasmadeby thepolice. Yes,prohibitionis ruining thecountryalright!" LCJ Aug. 19, 1932 New WCTU officerselectedat a meetingat thehomeof Mrs. C.L. BuelTuesdayare Mathews,Sec;Mrs. Mary Ross, Vicepres;Mrs. Katherine Mrs. MadieChatfield,Pres.;Mrs. EdithSchwaner, Treasurer. Mrs. Henry Fulbright, retiring president,was presenteda beautifulbouquetof sweetpeas in of servicesrenderedthe Union. appreciation Aug. 20, 1935 New officerselectedat a recentWCTU meetingwasMrs. Mary Ross,Pres.,Mrs. Anna treasurer. sec;Mrs. EdithSchwaner, Mrs. SheilaBrannen, FentonandMrs. AgnesPowell,Vice presidents; LCJ Nov. 13, 1936The RichfieldWCTU will meetat thehomeof Mrs. Fay Manwill Thursday.Members fund. education will discussplansfor raisingthe nationaltemperance home SheilaBrannenThursday.Songsandscripture met the of Richfield WCTU at The LCJDec. 20, 1936 Henry Fulbrightto takethe WCTU flag to the LDS for Mrs. made readingsopenedthe meeting. Planswere (pledging not to drink alcoholicbeverages.) pledgecards Churchandaskfor signersof temperance
Richfield's
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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t;
76
Chapter 7 RichfieldSchools Mr. JohnLenkertaughtthefirst schoolin thefall of 1907, servingasteacher,principal,coach,umpireand in a roomabout20' x 18' in the currentbuildingusedby the Masonic wereconducted referee.The first classes asJuneRouse,ClaireRouse, recalledthe namesof the ninestudents later Pope Frank Lodge,westof the bank. with theoldeststudentthirteen himself, Raver and Chauncey Miller, Mary EariRaver,EdnaRaver,ElmerRaver, years of age.
Jester. ieldSchoolHouse,before1920' Photos-Ted Richf In the summer of 1909, the peoplevotedto build a centralstructurewhere eventually all the studentsin the areawere to go to school. IdahoIrrigationCompanydonateda block to the city for a schot'rlonMay 31, 1909. The building contractwas awardedto Murfitt and Gifford for $6,400 to build a 55 x 75 foot lava rock structure, which includedfour or five slassrooms. Mr. Park of Minnesotaservedas principaland Miss Yadenas teacherin the fall of 1909. Enrollmentwas up to 5l students. Up to this point, classesran through9th grade. This changedin the fall of 1910 when two years of high schoolcourseswere added. The graduatingclassof the eighthgrade in June of 19l0 included:Myrtle Green, Aaron Johnson,Tress McMahon, Edward Warren, PrudenceFowler, Frank Pope and Hayden Richardson. "A competentcorps of teachershave been employedhere-Prof. Lenker of Gooding will have chargeof the and Miss Dew of lowa the primary department."(RR high school,Miss Johnsonof Minnesotathe intermediate J u l y2 8 , 1 9 1 0 )
ii sE
$ R i c hife l d s t u d e n t s .i n f r o n t o f s c h o o l ,S o f t h e R i c hife l d H o t e l .a b t . 1 9 0 9 . P h o t o - J o h nL e m m o n .
70 pupilsin school.Prof.Lenkerwasprincipal,teachingmathematics 1911enrollmentlisted September, andscience."M. Little will haveLatin,English,Historythroughthe same6 grades.Threehigh schoolstudents - Myrtle Green,PrudenceFowler and Frank Pope. John Andersonwho is driving route No. I from the 11
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
northwestis bringing in 13 pupilsand J. M. Reasor,driver of routeNo. 2 is bringingin ten from the west, makinga total of 23 that are now beinghauledin from the country."(RR Sep. 14, l9l1) to serveassuperintendent GeorgeF. Gorowwasselected J. F. Lenkersettledin Goodingin 1912.Professor andteacherin the highschoolat a monthlysalaryof $125;MissNellieEdwinof Moscow;Miss MabelC. Rumel of Ketchumin grammargrades;Miss MaudTorr of Missouriprimarygrades,at a monthlysalaryof $75. 1912,andmorethan 100childrenin the districtunderthe age Eighty-fivepupilsat the schoolin September of6 yearsof agein 1913. Schoolcloseddueto smallpoxfor a few daysin January1913."Publicschoolopens February25. Provisionof our schoollaw prohibitsany one returningto schoolwithin two weeksafter a quarantine for smallpoxhasbeenraisedfrom the housein which a sick child or personhasresided. We must askthatthis law be strictlyenforced."(RRFeb.20, 1913) Hot luncheswerefirst offeredin thefall of 1913. "Eachchildis requiredto bringhis own breadandbutter, andthe mothermay add suchotherthingsas shemay wish. We furnishtwo dishes- a regularluncheondish suchas a soupor a bakeddish and somesimpledessertat a costof ten centsper pupil per week. About 70 childrenarebeingservedat present.Undertheold system,the noonlunchwasover in 5 minutes;underthe new way, they sit at the tablesfor from 15 to 20 minutes.Menuon Tuesday:Mushandmilk, chocolatepudding." (RR Oct. 30, 1913) Mrs. Isa Beeservedas cook.Familieswerecreditedwith food they donatedfor the lunch program. ProfessorGorow reportedin 1914that "whenthe childrenbring their lunchesand mix a cold lunch games,the effectis harmfulto the digestionandso to the schoolwork. Now, the children with miscellaneous who haveto eattheir lunchat the schoolbuilding,takelongerto eat...andaremuchbetterand morerationally of the morning."(RR Mar. 12, l9l4) work is up to thebeststandard nourished.As a result,the afternoon Otherschoolswere neededin the countryby 1910.Schools,teachingthroughthe eighthgrade,werebuilt washeld in May 1914 at Burmah,at the northendof the tract,andin Marley. Thefirst High SchoolGraduation Fowler. wereMissesTressMcMahon,EulalieBryneandPrudence at theMethodistChurch. Thethreegraduates An additionin the rear of the schoolbuildingin Richfieldwasmadein 1914. The buildingwas 28' x 40' was 107pupils.A barnwasbuilt in 1915to house4 teamsof horsesin the f'eet.Richfieldschoolenrollment overthe years. In 1916enrollmentat Richfield winter,built on the streetNW of school.Enrollmentincreased
E a r l ys c h o o lb u s e s :T o p p h o t o - M .P r i d m o r e" M o t h e r ' sb u s a t l e f t " ; b o t t o ml e f t p h o t o - T o mV a u g h n ;r i g h t p h o t o - J o h n n y Lemmon.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
78
was 135. Courses taught in 1915 included algebra, plane geometry, physics, chemistry, economics,Latin, German, English, history, psychology,bookkeeping,domesticscience.Minutes of the Board of Trustees19121916 outlined suggestedrequirementsfor the high school principal: "Said man being somewhat versed in agriculture,and able to assistthe farm boys and parentsin their efforts along agricultural lines, it being suggested that we employ a principal for 12 monthsper year, his summer months to be spent in club work and assisting in agricultural attempts." From the time the first school was built in Richfield to 1940, wagons were the only means of busing children. Drivers in 1915 includedJamesGreen, Floyd Reynolds, Mark Johnson,and L. Layne. They were paid $ .10 per mile. Ed Feindlebuilt five wagonsin 1915for the schoolat a cost of $175 each.Other wagon drivers includedFrank Sanford, Clark Hand, Dub Capps,Joe Giles and Joe Johnson. Each wagon held 20 - 25 studentsevery morning rain or shine. Too much rain called for an extra team on each wagon and during winter the school buseswere lifted off the wagon and put on sleds. Melba Sandersrecalls riding on the school buses. "Probably the most vivid were the rides on the school 'runners' were put on in place of wheels. buses(coveredwagons or stagecoachstyle). When snow came, the Often four horseswere required to pull the buses. One day school was let out early becauseof the brewing snowstorm. Two miles from town the drifts were so bad the bigger boys had to tromp the trail for the horses to get through. Got home about7:00 that night. A long day, becauseour winter bus arrival time was 7:10 a.m. School started at 9:00, closed at 3:20. There was no releasetime from school for sports, plays or any other activities. To keep our feet from freezingwhile on the bus, mother would put bricks in the oven to get hot; then they were wrapped in multiJayers of newspapers. Some kind bus drivers would re-heat them in the school furnace, so the younger kids could keep their feet warmer going home. Each group of us had a blanket. We had to wear itchy wool long johns. Then we graduatedto the manufacturedcharcoalfoot warmers. The charcoal was heatedin the fire, then put in the warmers.The high schoolboys had ball practice after school, then walked home if they couldn't catcha ride, or rode horsesto school." Expendituresin 1922-1923includedtelephoneand telegraph$23.15; $t1,510 for teachers'salaries,text books $441; light and power $321; wagondrivers$3,468and fuel $1,383. Salariesfor teachersin high school were $1,000 yearly and $900 for the eighth grade and under. The graduationclassof May 1923included:Edith Engle, Lalla Sonner,Ruth Fields, Mabel Bossuet,Elliot Fletcher, Millard and Clen Pridmore, Eddie Byrne and Arthur Peterson. DistrictNo. 14 LesliePatterson;Marley District No. 7 Mrs. The staff in the fall of 1924listed:Cottonwoods Irma Long; North End District No. 8 Miss lva; BurmahDistrict No. I FlossieStark. Evelyn Hetman receiveda fracturedskull from a fall off her horse in November 1924. The l5 year old girl was thrown from a horse, which had stumbledon encounteringa wire stretchedacrossthe highway. Evelyn and othershad taken their horsesto water at the lunch hour when somemischievousboy or boys had stretcheda wire acrossthe road. JohnnyLemmon recallsthattheoriginal schoolcolorswere orangeand black, changingin 1926to red and white. School board minutes note that danceswere not allowed after the basketballgames in 1923, only social games. Thirteen studentsgraduatedfrom the high schoolin May of 1929. They were Marion Crane, Eunice Powell, Edna Conner, Thelma Peterson,Irene Coffman, Doris Layne, Zella Coftman, Scott Erwin, Theo Brush, Jim Bowden, Virgil Coffman, Cecil Shockley and Arnold Conner. The seniors had celebrateda "sneak day" by driving to Banbury's. A measlesepidemic closed the school for three weeks in January of 1930. Many caseshad broken out following the Christmasprogram, when a child, ill at the time, unknowingly exposedmany others. A strange accidenthappenedin March 1930. The Connerchildrenwere riding to schoolon horseback.The horseslipped on ice and fell in a way that his neck was broken. The boys walked on to school. There were ten graduatesin May of 1930. They were Arthur Bolton, Maurice Conner, Glen Johnson,Stella Johnson,ClarenceLemmon,LaVetaMcKee,Harry Pridmore,FrancisWoods,Cora Youngkin, Ivan Talley. That fall, school openedwith 235 pupils, with 65 in the high school. Edwin Fryer served as superintendent. Teachers'pay was cut in Februaryof 1932. Gradeteacherswere to receive$100 per month, and high received$ 185. The ll% reductionwas necessarybecauseof economic schoolteachers$ I 25. The superintendent conditions. The school board met in April 1933and voted to cut the superintendent'ssalary by 20% and not to hire any married women teachers. The teacherswere voted a 10% increaseby March of 1934. Graduationstudentsof 1934were: Don Manwill, Herbert White, Rex Huffington, Harry Workman, Claire Cross,DonaldErwin, Fred Peterson,Alice Crane,Wilma Flavel, Ada Capps,Lola ConnerandFlon Helderman.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
, r e t t aW o o d sM a r t i n d a l eH, e l e nL e m m o n . 5 C l a s sR e u n i o n1, 9 3 4 - 1 9 3 8 .S t a n d i n gA: l i c eC r a n eB e h r ,G o n d aS l u d e rO l i v i n g s t o nA, v a L o u G a r l o c kJ o n e s ,D o r o t h y , e v aP o w e l L H e l e nS u p a nC o n n e r ,A d a M . P o p e ,S h i r l e yH a n dF l a v e lN , o r i sV a u g h a nS c h i e d ,M . W o r k m a n ,A d a C a p p s B a b i n g t o n ,M a r y R e y n o l d sB e i t i a ,R u t h S t e v e n sC o t t i n g h a m D A . K e r n e rL, u c i l eS t e v e n sB i c k e t t ,M a y p l eH e l d e r m a n M a r i a n B u e lP e a k P , auline M a r y B u e l , . eated: S u p a rB r r e n n a nS n a p p s ,A l t a C r i s t ,E d n aC o n n e rH o l f o r d ,L o l aC o n n e r A r c h e r ,E t l r e lP o p eC o n n e r ,H e l e nH . C r i s t ,F l o nH e l d e r m a C , y ' mD i x o nJ o n e s ,J i m m y A r c h e r , T o n e r .F r o n t :R o s c o eB a b i n g t o nT, o n y B e i t i a ,H a r r yW o r k m a n ,L l o y dS t e v e t i s V D B a r n e y M c G a u g h y , o n C o n n e r ,R e x F l a v e l ,C l i f f o r d H a n d , M e l v i n P o p e , C l a r k J o h n n y L e m m o n ,C l i f f o r dC r i s t , , e n n yB u e l . C o n n e r ,E a r lC a p p s .P e r r yC o t t i n g h a m K
Graduatesof 1935 were Lewis and George Stevens,Erwin Armstrong, Clark Hand, John Lemmon, Rex Ebert,Ava Lucile Garlock,Dorothy Reynolds,Doris Vaughn, Flavel,GondaSluder,Helen Mclntosh,Josephine Annie Shelley,Neva Powell, Beth Chatfield,Mary Shockley,BerniceRichardson,PaulineAllen, Erma Deeds. [This was the last classto graduatefrom the City Hall.l The children were transportedby horsedrawn busesuntil 1941when the district bought its first motor bus, a 1936International. To accommodateall the studentinterests,the schooldistrict boughtthe Richfield Hotel in 1934. The district remodeledthe lobby and first floor of the building and made a gymnasium.The rock school served as both the elementaryschool and high school, while the hotel served as the gym, until 1953 when a new structure was completed.This new building becamethe high school,completewith its own gymnasium. LCJ Oct. 18, 1935 Four hundred personsthronged the new school gymnasium-auditorium,recently constructedfrom the former Richfield hotel, for the dedicationof that structure. Seating capacity of 600 is possible. Some program numberswere: a pioneerromancein pantomime--Donald Swinney, Martha Garlock, Clifford Crist, Beth Deeds and Mary Supan;vocal solos by Elma Deeds; "ShotgunWedding" by the school faculty; xylophone solo by Eliza JaneSanford; a burlesquedomestic "spat" by Fred Johnsonand Elsie Crane; Carol Walker a tap dance number; a cornet duet by Cleora Layne and Albert Draper. The teachers'reception was held in the club rooms abovethe auditorium--alarge attractivelyarrangedroom with adjoining kitchen, etc. The graduating class of 1937 included: Clifford Conner, Clair Stevens,Howard Sluder, Myron Johnson, Raymond Crowther, Jack McMahon, Eugene Sweat, Ray Sweat, Wesley Shockley, Robert Reynolds, Bernice Underdahl,Wilma Mclntosh, Gladys Knodel, Irene Ebert, Alta Crist, Hazel Carter, Ethel Pope, Mary Powell, BernicePowell and Louis Vaughn. Their "senior Sneak" was a trip to Hotel Boise, a visit to the penitentiary, children'shome, statecapital and Julia Davis Park. The eighthgrade exercisesawardeddiplomas to 18 students from Richfield. The processionalwas played by the school orchestra. Studentswere Etta Lee Shockley, June Newby, Clara McKissick, Nell Marie Pridmore,BeatriceSimpson,Helen McArthur, Darline Skelton,Carlton Crane,RichardPowell, Anna Crane,JimmieHenry, William Coats,Harold Davis, Lyman Upshaw,Bill Carter, Rose Kodesh, Frank Sanford and Jack Newby. From the North End school were Mary B. Paulson and Betty Crist. Studentsreceiving eighth grade diplomas from the Cottonwoodsschool were Velma Hale and Wayne Sorensen. Don Wilson was the only studentfiom the Marley school. That fall, high school was closedfor a week due to acutelabor shortagethat had developed. One thousand acresof beetsneededto be harvested. Studentswere to makeup the time on Saturdays.Richfield studentswere guestsof ShoshoneHigh Schoolin September1938,to hearJim Thorpe, the famousIndian athlete,who won both the pentathlonand decathloneventsat the Olympics.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
80
programin 1938with Billy at theThanksgiving madeitsfirst publicappearance orchestra A newlyorganized Reynoldsviolin; Muriel Sorensenviolin; Mac Crowthersaxophone;Carol Walker drum; ShermanPiper GrantFlaveltrombone;MauriceVaughnbaritone;KathrynDuncan CharlotteHuffingtonsaxophone; saxophone; clarinet;JeanPowelltrumpet;OdellChatfieldtuba;ClaraMcKissickpiano. Enrollmentin 1944was 173childrenin gradeschooland75 high schoolstudents.Richfield'spublicschool from Willard and in October1947asLincolnField.This landof 5.5 acreshadbeenpurchased field asdedicated policy, first on the bus in the with the students CatherineGortonin 1918for $1,500. The bus routechanged morningwere the first studentsto get off in the evening. On March2, 1.965,tragedystuckthe town. At eighto'clock,onehalf hour befbreschoolwasto start,the fire siren calledout as flamesburstthroughthe roof of the landmarkrock school As the peoplewatchedin shock,thebuildingwasguttedin two hours. Theold bell thathadrungout so manyyearswentthroughthefirst floor with two lastringsthatbroughttearsto the eyesof many.For the remainderof the yearthe gradeschool A newbuildingwasbuilt with the samedesignasthe HS. held classesin the MethodistandMormonchurches.
e ehr. S c h o o lf i r e M a r c h 2 , 1 9 6 5 . P h o t o s - A l i c B
over Early dayjanitorswereR. W. Pridmore,FrankPope,Will Flavel,andClark Hand.Superintendents Ed Fryer, Hughell, Horsman, Mr. Witteman, W. S. the yearsinclude:JohnLenker,GeorgeF. Gorow,S. L. GeorgeBradshaw,WoodrowAsh, Fred Baldridge,MarsdenB. Stokes,Afton Johnson,Clinton Bugg, Neal Andreason, CraigHall, A.J. Jones,JeanWaite,NewmanMatsonandLarry Tinker.
Tribute to Frank PoPe,custodian' Front right: LeonaRitter, Ted Jester' Photo-TedJester.
RichfieldFaculty 1925-1926' Left Ella Nilson' bottom right Leona Ritter and Ted Jester' Photo-TedJester.
81
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
B a c kf r o m l e f t : C l y d eM c K e e ,B i l lF l a v e lT , o m V a u g h n ,H i r a mF r y ,S u p t . ,L l o y dC o o p e r ,A l l i eD r a p e r .S e c o n dr o w : EleanoR r e y n o l d sC , o n n i eM c A r t h u r ,T h e l m aR i c h a r d s o nC, l e o r aL a y n e ,F a y eS t e v e n s F i r s t :E d n aH o l m e s ,E l i z a J a n e S a n f o r d ,B e t h D e e d s ,l m o g e n eC h a t f i e l dS , h i r l e yH a n d .
R i c h f i e l dH i g h S c h o o l ,1 9 2 6 - 1 9 2 7 .P h o t o - J o yE r w i nR i e d e m a n .
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
82
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1 9 2 7 F r e s h m a nC l a s s . B a c k r o w : C e c i lS h o c k l e yJ, o e B r e n n a nH , a r r yP r i d m o r e M , r . J e s t e r ,A r t B o l t o n ,F r a n k S t e v e n s .M i d d l er o w c e n t e rt o r t : D w a i n B r o w n ,F r a n c i sW o o d s ,C l a r e n c eL e m m o n ,R a y m o n dS h o c k l e y . F r o n t r o w : M a u r i c eC o n n e r ,L e a hL u m p e r ?L. a L e t aM c K e e ,E s t e l l aF l a v e lL, a v a u nT o l m a n ?S , a r a hN e w b y ,G l e nJ o h n s o n . Photo-TedJester.
E i g h t hG r a d e1 9 3 3 - 1 9 3 4 .P h o t o - M a r t h M a cRill.
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83
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
thro Rural Schools Severalrural schools,providingeducation moved to was as 1912.An old claimshack Burmahto be used as the first school housewith Mrs. N. J. Cole as teacher. The Burmahschoolburnedin March of 1914,andit wasreplacedby a newonein May. The buildingbelongedto H. M. #
as early the eighthgrade,were established
Coffman. Flossie Stark taught at Burmah District No. 1 in 1924. At a schoolelec- lio tion, patronsvoted to build a new school i
houseat Burmahin 1931. An election was held at Burke CamP Johnson. M a r l e yS c h o o l .P h o t o - M y r o n in Aug. l9l2 to establishschools for the North End and Burmah families. Fred Crane donatedland at the 5 mi. corner for the North End School. By l9l4 Dist. #8 had 20 pupils enrolled and were held there. shedswere built for pupils' horses. A SundaySchool,box socials,Grangeand entertainments land as its new of a corner donated 1928. William Crist The school was moved to the 6 mi. corner about moved town and used as a to location. After Dist. #8 consolidatedwith Richfield school, the building was who lives therenow, still hasthe original meetingplacefor the IOOF and Rebekahlodges. Mrs. RuthJohansen, Dist. #8 sign. At reunionswe've found that a good many got their start at the N.E. School. Teachersfrom 1923 to 1927 were RoseDille and Mrs. Glen, who had two sons,Sam and Jim. From 1929to 1944when the Dawson Crist childrenattended,Mrs. RoseDille Williams, Miss Sifton (Mrs. Tapper'sniece),Howard Beck, Mrs. Irene St. '28 '29 Betty Crist gallopedher or Clair, Clifford Crist and Miss Evelyn Carey taughtthere. One morning in had tumbled down. An there desks stored of extra found that a stack and him to the barn pony to school, to<lk just galloping. felt it while hadn't occurred,but she had earthquake Someearliermemories(ACB) arethe deadmousein the cistern,ringingthe big brasshandbell,the recitation Evelyn Hetmanlying unconsciouson the dusty benchand wire wastepaperbasket;PalmerMethodPenmanship; roaclwith a skull fracture when her horse f'ell while racing home from being watered at Clark Hand's at noon; havingart on Fridays. (Source:RR Days of Yore, Betty Crist Bell, ACB) "Miss HelenDeneckehasbeenemployedto teachthe secondschoolin the new District No. 8 north of town. School was recently located on the corner of the Crane farm. The houseformerly standingon the old Henry Fulbrightplacenearbywas securedfor a schoolhouse."(RR Aug. 29, l9l2) Fall enrollmentin 1914 was 20 pupils. Miss Myrtle Everettwas the teacherin 1916. Miss Iva taughtat the North End District No. 8 in 1924. Mary B. Paulsonand Betty Crist were listed as eighth grade graduatesin 1937. Howard Beck taught at the schoolin the fall of 1937. StellaFreemanwas hired to teachthe Burmahschoolin May 1939. Patronsvoted April 21,1950, to consolidatetheBurmahand North End Schoolswith the Richfield School District. The vote was 70 to 8. The clistrictbuilt a 28' x 40' schoolbuilding in Kimama in 1914. Fifteenpupils were enrolledin the fall of 1915. Enrollment in 1932 was 12. "Our school at Kimama made a record this month by having 100% and punctuality."(LCJ Oct. 15, 1932) Wilma Flavel was possiblythe last teacherin the one room attendance schoolhousebefore it was closedby the early 1940's. The RichfieldSchoolDistrict paid the students'tuition to attendschoolin Minidoka County. Tuition for thesestudentswasdiscontinuedin 1968-1969in exchangewith Minico SchoolDistrict for the taxespaid on land usedby the railroad,owned by the Richfield SchoolDistrict. CottonwoodsDistrict No. 14 - teacherin 1924 was Leslie Patterson. "Real Arbor Day at Cotttlnwoods way the men of the districtturnedout lastFriday to cleanthe grounds,spread School...In the good old-fashioned gravel,erecta flagpoleand other improvements.A lunch was servedby Mrs. L. T. Sorensenand Mrs. M. C. Sorensen."(LCJ May 3, 1935) Eighth gradersin May of 1937were Velma Hale and Wayne Sorensen. Miss Helen Andreasonwas the teacherin the fall of 1937. In May of 1939 Mrs. Helen Mabbutt was hired to teach. The CottonwoodsSchool joined Shoshonein 1947. "Cottonwood children have been attendingthe Shoshone schoolsunder a temporaryconsolidationforthe pastcoupleof years." (LCJ Mar.2l,1947) The Marley School was locatedjust north of the railroadtracks on the eastside of the road. The one room schoolhouse was a24' x 40' building with a built up stageat one end. PhoebeIrwin was the teacherof a group of nine children. Mrs. Erma Long taught in the fall of 1924. Marley District No. 7. Don Wilson was the eighth gradegraduatein 1937. Miss Wilma Flavel was the teacherin the fall of 1937. Teacher in January 1937 was
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
84
Mrs. EugeneFreeman. Marley school consolidatedwith Richfield and the building was purchasedby Abe Pelley. Tim Sandersacquiredthe building in April of 1946 for $600.00. He lowered the l2 foot ceiling to 8 feet by cutting four feet off of the bottom. The cellutex was taken off the inside of the building, and Melba and her parentsChet and Doll Johnsoncollected all of the used nails, and straightenedthem for later use. During WW II, it was necessaryto use what materialswere available. New windows were put in, exceptfor the windows in the utility room which are the original windows. The outer boardswere taken off the school house, and the cellutex applied to work as insulation, then the boards were put back on. On Dec. 31, 1946, a moving contractorcame and moved the school house to the corner of 3rd and Cassia Streets.Today, only the cement steps of the Marley schoolremain in the field at Marley. A basementhad been dug, and the school was placed on top. Tim and Chet Johnson got to work. There was no plumbing or electricity. Fred Boshear servedas advisoron installingthe electricalwiring and T o p : 1 9 4 6 M a r l e y S c h o o l .B o t t o m : R e m o d e l e ds c h o o l , Rafe Lemmon was the consultant on installing the aa n d e r s . T i m & M e l b aS a n d e r ' sh o m e .P h o t o s - M e l bS plumbingfor the "house." The Sandersworked on the house as money allowed, and work continueson the just Tim reported. "It's been a great home." (Source: "Why, new closets," year I installed some last house.
Tim Sanders)
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, d n aJ o h n s o n ,R u t h S t e v e n s ,F a y S t e v e n s ,N i n a . i r l s :L u c i l eS t e v e n s E M a r l e yS c h o o l 1 9 2 6 - L o l aH e n r yT e a c h e rG , u g e n eF a d d i s ?, , E d w i nJ o h n s o n ,N o r i sT a b o r ,B o b b yG o e ,M y r o n B e t h G o e ,F r i e d aT a b o r .B o y s :C l a i rS t e v e n s E J o h n s o n ,T h o r n l e yG o e . P h o t o - M y r o nJ o h n s o n .
85
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
basketball game Sports A sportsprogramwasavailablethroughtheschoolasearlyas 1912."Thedouble-header wereplayedherelastSaturdaynight,resultedin a victory between thegirls andboysof RichfieldandShoshone, for the Richfieldgirls andthe Shoshone boys. The gameswereboth closeandhotly contested."(RR Feb. 8, gameis in prospectbetweenthe high schoolboysandthe marriedmenof Richfield. The l9l2) ' A basketball moreformidable.Some andis nowreadyto tacklesomething highschoolteamhaswon twicefrom thebachelors of the marriedmen who areproposedare: Mr. Powellwho wasa famouswrestlerin North Idaho;PeterMoe is the championlightweightboxerof the state;MarshalPoteetis the tallestman on the tract and one of the R. E. Mickelwaitis a ball playerandtennisplayer;L. C. Walkeris a fast, nervy player;W. A. strongest; DeneckeandB. W. Reevesarebothboxersof skill andspeed;G. S. Hoopesis oneof theoriginalHuskyfamily, andoversix feetin heightandout to keeptheball clearabovetheheadsof ordinaryplayers;andC. J. Lisle once (RR Feb.29, l9l4) playedfootballwith somesuccess." "For the first time sincethe Richfieldschoolswereestablished, therearealmostenoughbig boysin school rulesto suitthe limitednumberof playersis still to thinkof a regulationfootballteam. Footballwith homemade playedhere."(RR Sept.25, l9l3) Mac for theClassB subdistrict in February1939were:EdwinJohnson, Boysheaded basketball tournament Crowther,DouglasUpshaw,CharlesPatrick,Tom Ebert,HowardDeeds,JimmyHendry,Bob Conner,Milfbrd MableCarter,ZettaCooper,JeanPowell, SweatandFrankSanford. The Richfieldgirls werePearlSorensen, RuthBuel,ClaraFlavel,BettyCrist, Mary Crowtherand EttaLee Shockley,RomanaSupan,Nina Sorensen, Martha Garlock. The following poem, "FootballDays" was printedin 1909: The football days have come again, let joy be unconfined; They've broken Willie's arm and smashedhis nose,but nevermind; Heapedon the field the players writhe and claw and jab and tear And knock the breath from those beneathand gouge without a care: They buck the line and nobly strive to pull joints out of place, While here and there is one who gets his teeth kicked from his face. The freshman and the sophomore,besmearedwith grime and mud, Go gallantlyto get the ball and quit all bathedin blood; The seniorknocksthe -iuniordown and kicks him in the chest. The high school boy is carried home and gently laid to rest, 'neath While here and there a crowded standcollapses its weight, And forty people get more than they paid tbr at the gate. Oh, brave, oh, blithe, oh, gloriousday! Think of the mothersjoy Who picks the paperup and seesa pictureof her boy; How eagerly she reads about the record that he made. How gleefully she tells us of the couragehe displayed;
With honestpride he lays his amputated ear And putshis eyein alcoholto be a souvenir.
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r,ffii,w* FootballTeam with Coach Frver
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
86
F o o t b a lB l o y s : B a c kf r o m l e f t : N o r m a nC o n n e r ,R o b e r tC o n n e r ,L l o y dC o o p e r ,E d d i eJ o h n s o n ,A l l i e D r a p e r ,T o m V a u g h n ,B i l lF l a v e lC , o a c hH a t c h . M i d d l e :K e n n e t hB a r t l o m eO , d e l lC h a t f i e l dL, y m a nU p s h a w ,M a c C r o w t h e r ,D i c k P o w e l l ,C h u c k P a t r i c k . F r o n t : M i l t o n S w e a t , T o m m y R e y n o l d sJ, i m m y B y r n e ,A r c h i e B e e , B i l l C a r t e r , F r a n k S a n f o r d .H o w a r d D e e d s .
W
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R i c h ife l dB o y ' sB a s k e t b a l l T e a m T:i p pS t r u n k ,O t i sC r o t h e r sG , l e nS c a n l o nL, o u i eE w i n g .C h u c kB r o w n ,B u d E w i n g , E u g e n eB y r n e ,H a r p e rB u e l . ' l 9 2 0 ' s . P h o t o - J o h n nLy e m m o n .
87
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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Chapter 8 Farming& R.anching Farm productsin the early yearsincludedwheat, grain, hay, corn, beansand sugarbeets. Much of the land was put into pasture and cattle was an important product. Orchards of apples, cherries and blackberries, raspberries,goose-berries,currants,and strawberrieswere principal crops. "Quet Johnsonhasjust completedthreshinghis first crop on the Richfield tract and is well pleasedwith the yield. Mr. Johnsonhas been on his place aboutthree years and this is the first revenuehe has ever receivedoff ihe place. He has a homesteadand dry farms the place as it is above the canals and cannot be irrigated. He raised this year nearly 1700bushelsof wheat and if he could have had water, the yield would have been double. He is selling the wheat for seedat $1.00 a bushel. Mr. Johnsonis the kind of a citizen it takes to make a new country as he is not a speculatorbut has comehere to make his home. If the country was filled up with such men it would be but a very few yearsuntil land would double in price, as by his untiring efforts he showsto strangers what this country will produce if properly handled." (RR Sept. 30, 1909) Statementswere given on the crop yield. "Six to eight tons of alfalfa to the acre which now sells at from $7 to $12 a ton throughout southernldaho; or from 450 to 500 bushelsof potatoesto the acre, which are now worth 2 cents a pound in this market; or from 70 to 80 bushelsof oats to the acre, which finds a ready market at home at two cents a pound." (RR May 6, 1909) It is estimatedthere will be at least 10,000bu. of barley on the Richfield tract this year. Wheat will be the greatestcrop however. (RR Sept. 1912) During the last week in Aug, seven cars of wheat were shippedto market. Soft white wheatsold for 70 centsper bu. in Nov. (RR Oct. 1916)Idaho lrr. Co. will ship a carload of beets. 1912 H.M. Fenderbrought in a samplebundleof rye from Pagari last week that measured5'2" in length. (RR Aug. 1, 1930)The year old federalfarm board bought wheat with taxpayersmoney at $1.15 bu and sold it at $.85. The Farm Board is an expensivefailure for the taxpayers,as Sen. Borah predicted. RemarkablelThat is the expressionof Richfield visitors who know farming. All expresssurpriseat the fine fields of grain and hay and wonder just what could be done under a full water right. It was a very short water year, less than 50%...We havethe soil and climate...andwhen the American Falls canal is completedwe will seewhat can be done. (RR Aug. 15, 1930)
RR Oct. 1916A.G. Draperwill havea couple W:ffi this year. J. H. Youngkinsold of potatoes cars ffi: 7000poundsof Richfieldpotatoesto OSL dining car service. to The RichfieldElevatormadean agreement pay Marleyfarmersa centa bushelextrato bring their grainto the elevatorinsteadof loadingat the '40's or '50's, andthe Marleysidingin aboutthe sidingwas takenout. This was paid until 1968 whenthe elevatorchangedhands.(As told to the by JohnBase.) JackHubsmiths Behr. E d n aC r a n ef e e d i n gt h e c h i c k e n s .P h o t o - A l i c e The Farmer'sAssociationwas primarilya aimedto interestthefarmers business organization, whatever tendsto makefarm lif'e and method of cultivation, in the kind of crops,the bestlive stock,the best morepleasantor profitable. It wasformedby January1910. J. A. Youngkinordereda threshingoutfit, with a 25 horsepowerengine,the summerof 1910for nearly of three,threebottomedgangplows,which for plowing,whichconsists $5,000."They alsohavean attachment will plow a strip over ten feetwide at oneswat. And thereis to be a gangharrowto follow the plows,leaving the groundin perfectconditionfor seeding.The sagebrushis to be brokenby the enginedraggingthreeheavy 32 foot steelrailsoverthebrush."(RRJuly28, 1910) W. J. Tappermarketed70 dozenfresheggsduringthe monthof January1914. "Eggsat 40 to 50 centsa dozenoughtto put one into the millionaireclassquickerthananythingelsethat canbe grown in this part of the andgrainaremeretime-killersbesidea goodhenroost." (RRJan.29, l9l4) state. Hogsandcowsandpotatoes RR 1911MickelwaitandBrushwho farm by proxyhavea goodproxy in Roy Parker. Parkerhasa field of wheatthatwill make50 bu. acre,oatsthatwill go 70 to 100bu., prizewinningbarley,a beautifulgardenand and McKeeand Chalmers beautifulyoungtreesaroundthe house. Otherfine ranchesarethe MarleyJohnsons 89
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adjoining; Mr. Shockley has fine crops including seedonions, sunflowersand beans. There are a lot of good farms and farmers on the Richfield tract...We can not escapethe period of prosperity unlesswe leave, so we are going to stay. Richfield looks good to us. The BerkshireBreedersAssociationwas formed in Richfield in February 1913. W. P. Burke was president, D. E. Weatherwaxsecretaryand treasurer,W. T. Dougherty and W. M. Breck directors. "Berkshire hogs by the carload! Richfield the centerof the pure-bredswine industry of the West, and the banking center by reason thereof!" (RR Feb. 13, 1913) "Hog Day" was declaredin February1914,when three cars were shippedoutto Los Angelesand Portland. Approximately25 cars had beenshippedsincethe previous October, valued at better than $35,000. D. J. Mitchell, living north of town, lost severalof his hogs in a peculiarmanner. .. "Some blasting had been done and when the work was completedthe dynamite that had not been used was, through left lying near. The hogs, coming along, proceededto have a dynamitefeed, but it was not proved carelessness, to be a very desirablehog feed as severalof the fine porkershave bloatedso badly after eatingthe dynamite that they havebursted."(RR Mar. 13, 1915) B. W. Reevesbeganraising bees in March 1914. E. E. Streitzwas the first man "to go definitely and extensivelyinto the sheepbusinesson a Richfieldfarm." (RR Nov. 5,l9l4) 'n Andy arrived at the C.O. Chatfieldhome the first of the week to add to the RR Nov. 14, 1930 Amos 'n caresof the chore boy. Amos Andy are fine twin calves... RR Aug. 31,l93l C.O. and Andrew Paulsonshippedouttwo carsof lambs,523 lambs and 78 feeders,to the Omahamarket last week. Top price was $8.25 per cwt., f'eeders$5.50. LCJ Aug. 7 , 1936 Floyd E. Reynoldsreportsthe birth of twin bull calvesone red and white and one black and white, to a Holstein cow that gave birth to twin heifers lessthan a year ago. The older calves were of the samecolor scheme. '38 In Feb. Quintupletswere born to a black faced ewe, "Agnes," who startedlif-eas a "bummer." The owner is N.E. Silvey. The frve lively little white-facedquints,weighingfrom 7 to l1 poundseach,lined up like peasin a pod for a newspaperpicture. Mrs. C.O. Chatfieldincludedthe item in her scrapbook. The Ladies Aid Society of the Methodist Church publisheda cookbook in 1914. The recipes were guaranteedto be practicaland successfulif carefullyfollowed. Mrs. T. I. McMahon submitteda recipe for JohnnyCake: 4 tablespoonscorn meal, I tablespoonbuttermelted, I teacupsweetmilk, I teacupyellow meal, I teacupflour, I teaspoonbakingpowder, 1 egg. Mrs. R. W. Pridmoresharedher recipefor a Good Pot Roast: Fry out a small pieceof suet in the pot, roll the roastin flour and brown in sueton all sides. Turn in water to 1/4 cover meat. Add I to 3 tomatoesand l/2 onion and boil until meat is tender. Add salt and pepper and let simmer3 hoursor more, addingwateras it boils down. HouseholdHints included:To cleanduckseasilywithout scalding,pick dry and as cleanas possible. Heat parowaxin shallowpan and roll fowl in it till it is thoroughly waxed;let cool and then removewax and pin feathers. It will be clean. ln 1925strawberrieswereon saletiom l5 centsa box to $1.00a gallon.Nearly 1100turkeyswere marketed in 1920by one farmer. A turkey plant was in operationin Decemberof 1935, employingabout50 personsset up at the W. S. Kohl ranch. Flocks owned by Mr. Kohl, CharlesMcKay, Ben Crane and Mrs. Marie Burton werebeingdressed.ln 1937,25 pickerspickedabout635 turkeysin two days.In the thirtiesmany farm families boostedtheir incomeby raisingturkeyswhich were boughtand shippedout by a pool or buyer. Picking turkeys was a sourceof extra money for many residents. Odell C. remembersthat a huge flock of turkeys was driven to the edge of the desertto eat grasshoppersthat were approaching. RR July 24, l93l Truman C. Anderson, County Agent, reports that not a single turkey has been lost by theft since turkey growers have been using a brand, which is a tatooedin the wing of the turkey. O. C. Burton had one of the first coolersinstalledin his home."Therefrigerationwill be obtainedthrough the mediumof cold air circulationsuppliedfrom the well." (RR May 17,1929) After 1940, farming income droppedbecauseof low cattle, low bean and potato prices. "The Roy Young farm was a small version of a farm-in-a-daySaturdaywhen 37 friends and neighborswith 28 tractors gathered at the farm to plow, drill, corrugateand ditch the land. By the close of the day 60 acreshad been plowed and 20 acresdrilled. Young, a patient for the past few weeks in the TF hospital, underwent a skin graft on a leg wound." (LCJ May 16, 1952) Two Richfield residentswere askedto summarizethe various crops plantedand the new machinery used in the Richfield area. 1910 - This was the period when horseswere the sourceof power and the riding plow came into use. Hay and grain were the principle crops. The grain was the cashcrop. Cattle, sheepand hogs were introduced and becamea very important part of the farm. Tractors came into use, with the steamengine and the Titan oil pull
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tractorsstartingto be used. In 1908,ChesterJohnsonwasusingfour headof horsesand a plow. 1920 - The tractorswere first introducedand becamea very important partof the farmingindustry.With thetractorscamecornfor silage,potatoes, purchased the first andtrucksto haultheproduceto market. ChesterJohnson grain combinein the county. yearsandthetractorswerealmostput 1930- Thesewerethe depression on the shelf,dueto the costof owningandoperatingthem. Sugarbeetswere alsowereall a raisedandtoppedby handandloadedalsoby hand. Potatoes the first handoperation.Thesewerethe yearswhenHenryFord introduced the autoindustry.Thetractors V8 automobileengine,andthis revolutionized cameout with threepointhitchesandhydrauliccontrolsfor machinery.Beans were also introducedand grown during this time, the principalkind being pinto beans. This was the periodthat the combinegrain harvesterwas put Farmspurchased intouse. This reallyhelpedwith thegrainharvest.Johnson a wire tying balerin late 1930'sor early1940's. in August1938:alfalfaseed851;barley Big WoodProjectCropacreages 1,129;beans14;beets794;cloverseed972;corn28, garden34;hay5,273; crop182;oats450;pasture1,352;peas85;potatoes misc.38; newseeding-no .,.;,;i.., .K.... ",," ;: (LCJAug. 26, 1938) 298; rye 10;wheat4,712;Total16,222. 1940- This beingthe World War II years,therewasnot muchchangein E l m a D e e d s S w e a t h o m e f r o m picking turkeys. Photo-HelenPelthe machineryor the trucksor autos. Everyonehad to makedo with what t e y . prior to the war. The cropsstayedaboutthe sameand they had purchased with help beingscarce,the row cropswerenot grownuntil after 1945,when the war endedandhelp andmachinerybecamemoreavailable. 1 9 5 0 - T h e s e w e r e t h e y e a r s o f t h e l i v e s t o c k b o oTmh.e a u c t i o n s a l e y a r d s c a m e i n t o b e i n g , g i v i n g a r e a d y market for the livestock. This being principally livestockcountry, due to the short growing season,the farmers quickly went into the livestock business. Dairies sprangup and dairying becamea businessinsteadof something to put butter and milk on the table for the family to eat. This grew into a specializedbusiness. The cheeseplants came into use and this gave a ready marketfor all the milk that could be produced. Milking machines,and bulk tanks to handle the milk also were introduced. With this camethe introductionof milking parlors and elaborate milk rooms to handle the milk sanitarily. JohnsonFarms built the first corn silage pit (in the ground) on the tract. 1960 - The dairy industry continuedto grow and the grade A dairies developedto handle the milk for distribution in the stores,besidethe cheeseplants. The tractorsbecamelarger, the trucks larger and the farms had to be made larger to pay for the machinery. With this camealso a little more diversification of the farming practice. The irrigation systemswere improved, with the introductionof drops every hundred feet in the ditches, to raise the water to the top of the ditch so syphontubescould be used. Mechanicalpotato harvestersand beet harvesterscame into use, eliminatingso much hand labor and increasingthe acreagea single man could handle. 1970 - The sprinkler systemof irrigation was introducedand fbund to be a water saver and eliminate the corrugating of the fields. Along with this cameturbine pumps to force the water through the sprinkler pipes. This was very economicalas it createdits own power, howeverthey had to have enoughhead pressureto operate this and that was hard to find. Also with this camethe wheel lines for sprinkling the fields. The crops remained almost the sameas in the past exceptfor being able to producebetter standsof alfalfa hay. This was the period when the potato harvestersbecameautomatedalong with the beet harvesters. Also the combineseliminatedthe old stationarythreshingmachines. Tractorsand combinesstartedto come out with cabson with air conditioners, heatersand stereos. 1980 - The dairy industry continuesto becomemore sophisticated,with inspectorslooking down your throat at every turn. This is the period when the bureaucratstried to run your tarm and operation from some office back in WashingtonD.C. This was the period when penicillin and combioticwere the cure all for all animal ailments. The veterinarianswere having a heyday, trying to cure all the ailmentsof the livestock. This was a large part due to overcrowding and lack of sanitationfor the animals. The sheep industry just about became extinct, exceptfor farm flocks which continuedto flourish. 1990 - This is a period in which we have been in a 6 year drought. However the winter of 1992-93 produced enough snow and moisture to completelyfill the reservoirsand nobody complained about the hard
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winter. The crops have suddenlytaken on a nice green look and the tract looks like it had just come to life. Green grass, green crops, and lots of green weeds are growing everywhere. The farmers have a completely different attitudethis summer. (Source:Mac Crowther, Melba Sanders) Remembrancesof Mont Johnson:In the late 1920's or early 1930's I rememberstanding in Ed Feindle's blacksmithshop and seeinga threshingmachinecoming down the road, plus many grain trucks following. Dad and I had a combine used on our dry butte to thresh the grain there, but on irrigated land our grain was in shocks. I directed the outfit to our irrigated farm to threshour grain. That was the first threshing outfit I had seenthat used its own crew. Up to then we dependedon our own help and neighbors,using a big threshing machine. Quite often all the neighborsfollowed the threshing machinewith the wives at that farm doing the cooking for the crew. Frank Pope paid tribute to the early settlers. "The men folks and their wives and their children did not fight the Indians, but they did a real job fighting the weather,the roadsand conditionsthat had to be put up with, even sickness,such as spottedfever in thosedays and no doctorsor hospitals. Most babieswere born right on the farms... The women thosedays playedtheir part. They were equallynervy but fine. They didn't have much to give the home touch. They could cook or drive teamwith a simplejerk line. Book learninwas thin... [They learnedto] cross the bad spots no matter how wide."
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Dairy After January 15, 1909, all butter and cheesemade in Idaho which failed to have branded the words "Idaho StateFull Cream Cheese-orCreameryButter-orDairy Butter" was subjectto seizure.(RR Dec. 16, 1909) The Richfield track had establisheddairiesas early as 1910.The Idaho Irrigation Companyprovided support by implementing a "Cow Fund Loan" to start dairying on a large scale on the company lands in Lincoln and dooding counties. The funds apportionedto eachtract were handledby local associations,which would give the companythe proper guaranteeto securethe repaymentof the loan. After the contractswere made for placing the cows, the cows were to be bought and shippedin. They were apportionedaccording to the ability of the applicantto care for them; experiencein dairying and farming, aareagein cultivation, stable accommodations, and the standingof the individual himself, determinedthe number to be allotted. (RR March 20, l9l3) C. B. Marlatt had some interestingcommentsin the Richfield Recorder. "Will dairying pay in Lincoln County? Yes, providing you selectgood heavy milking cows, and then they must be fed and cared for properly. House them in proper manner, water them often and give them a balancedration. Milk at a regular time every day. Five or six minutes is plenty of time for milking one cow. Cows when fresh should give from 45 to 65 poundsper day and shouldhold up well during the milking period, ten months..Feedyour cows properly,give them food that goesto make milk in Idaho. Do not feed what your grandfatherusedto feed in York state,Iowa or Ireland. You are now in Idaho, Lincoln County, as good a state and county as Uncle Sam has where alfalfa hay, heavy protein feed is grown. Balanceyour ration up so as to feed 5 of carbohydratesto I of protein, then get a big 5 gallon bucket and milk her. "Let us divide a40 acreranchinto blocks..3 acresfor house,barn, corral; 2 acresfor garden; 15 acresfor alfalfa, which will produce 105 tons at $5 equals$525; 15 acresfor barley, 75 bushel to the acre, $20 per ton $517; 5 acresfor sugar beets,20 tons per acre at $5 per ton $500 Total $1542. Now let us keep ten headof A-1 dairy cows and ten headof Berkshirepigs. We can safelyfigure our cows to average32 pounds of milk per day. Testing 4 ll27o of fat at 30 centsper pound equals43 l15 centsper day or $ 129 for the ten months and ten cows will bring us $1296... We can figure an additionalcost of $100 in grain and hay. We can safely figure on making $200 work of pork and ten calvesworth $150 more." (RR Jan. 27,1910) "Richfield Dairy - M.P. Johnson,prop. Freshmilk, butter and eggs;fresh vegetablesin season;delivered to your door daily." (RR May 26,1910) "Richfieldnow has threedairies. Wm. Strunk, the Missourian,is the latestcandidatefor public patronagein the milk businesswith l8 cows to start with." (RR June 2, 1910) "Lane & Mclntosh succeededN. D. Spellmanwith the old establisheddairy that has been running fbr three years on the Lane ranch south of town." This was the Wood River Dairy. (RR Mar. 27, 1913) "Lane and Mclntosh bought the route and property of the Holstein Dairy from Streitz and Fields and will consolidate." (RR May 29, l9l3) "Through the efforts of Farmer Bill Parkhurst, Richfield will have a cream testing and buying station commencingJanuary 23, 1915. The JensenCreamery Co. has been induced to open a buying station at this point, where all butter fat will be tested,weighedand paid for on the spot and at the highest market price. The tract is shippingover60 cansof creama month." (RR Jan. 21,l9l5) Mutual CreameryCompanywas listed in Nov. 1916with Andy Petersonas agent. Mrs. Isa Bee was in by Nelson-RicksCompanyin July 1920. Will and Carrie Flavel chargeof the new creamerystationestablished had a small creameryin back of the presentcity hall. Mary Manwill tested,then Carrie Flavel testedthe cream. The farmers always separatedthe cream from the milk with a cream separator,consistingof many disks. The milk was fed to the pigs and the cream was brought to town to the creamery. It would always be sour when it arrived there. Then it was put in containersor barrels and sent to Salt Lake City. It was probably very, very sour by the time it arrived there to be made into butter, becausethere was no refrigeration system for transporting! (Source:Shirley Flavel) The local creamstationmanagedby Mrs. R. W. Pridmore was closedthe first of April 1934 upon the merging of Gooding and Jeromecreameries. Mr. Pridmore made 4 trips to Jerome with cream. (LCJ Apr. 13, 1934) Experiment Farm The Idaho Irrigation Company set up an experimentalfarm, which is now Grant Flavel's farm. They tried severaldifferent kinds of cropsto experimentwith, to seewhich would grow best. They tried beans,sugarbeets,grains, and hay as well as others.The farm consistedof 80 acresin 1910. Remembrances of Life on the Farm Melba Sanderswrote down a few memoriesfrom her childhood. "There were many lonely times, since my next brother, Fred, was five years older than I, and I had no sisters. SometimesI would beg Fred to let me play cowboys and Indians with him and his friend. One afternoonwe played until after supper was served, finally coming in about 8:00. Fred was sent to bed without any supper,
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
(because I wouldn'teat). I wasalreadytoo skinnyandundernourished andI got a bowl of breadandmilk because "Fredwasalwaysteasingme, so onedayI decidedto geteven. He wentto theoutsideprivy. I lockedhim him anddidn't say a word to in. He wasso mad,he brokethe lock by kickingthe door. Dad reallychastised me for causingall the trouble. "[ wouldwalk throughthe fieldswestonemile to play with my friendCharlotteHuffington,or a mile east to play with ShirleyHand.Oncea yearI wasallowedto stayall night in town with Alta SusanYoungkin,and visaversa. Oneday I stoppedto play with her andthe neighborkids wereplaying"house". I was invited,but I neverhadkids to play with. hadno ideawhatto do because "I wouldtearout all the bird nestsin the strawcoveredchickencoup. LaterI wouldshootthe sparrowsin thetreeswith the "22." t*r,fl ,iir,li;l. iiuii,i],itlli,:itili..]'ii ..,'*tl.-r+.i:rir:lr:rlLiirEiiti,+,..i .ti
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B l a i n eB r o w n . E i l e e n ,B r u c e , S h e r m a n& L a R u e Sorensen.Taken the day they all decidedto run away from their Cottonwoods home, the Gordon & G l o r i aS o r e n s e nf a r m t o d a y . S u m m e r1 9 1 9 - 1 9 2 0 .E l m a ,H e l e n ,L o i s ,L y l e & L e n o r eD e e d so n n elley. O l d B i r d . " R o o mf o r o n e m o r e ! " P h o t o - H e l e P
Mary King recalls some early childhood in Burmah. "We, I guess,hadto work hardaskidsbut whenwe hadthe time we playedhardtoo. experiences Duringthe summerwe wouldhelpplantandcarefor thegarden- thuswe atevery goodandhealthyfood. We alwayshad cowsand eventhe girls hadto milk themearlyin life. We had a smallmilk housewhich we had - not a favoritejob. Kept the the milk we wouldhaveto washthe separator to keepcleanandafterseparating (cabinet in in front) came to the top - skimmedoff the milk in a root cellar a safe with screen until the cream creamand churnedit into butter. Goodbutterand goodbuttermilkto drink. At approximatelyageeightwe wouldstartdriving slip whenthe hayingseasonwason - usuallytwice a summer...Rememberoncethey had to unhookan old marefor a few hours- whentheybroughther backshehada babycolt followingher. We had to shockthe grainafterit cameout of thebinderin bundles.We'd put tenor twelvebundlesin a shockandthen laterthe menwouldpitch it ontothe wagonsandbringit in to be threshed by the stationarythreshingmachineusuallyCharliePaulsonthreshedours. Didn't mind the wheatandoatsbut the barleyhad long stickerythings thatreallypokedus andmadeus breakout in a rashsometimes. "Mothertaught4-H club for theBurmahchildrenduringthe summerandenjoyedthat. Shewas oneof the originalmembersof the BurmahClub. Theydid a lot of quiltingandgoodwork to help others. They quilted a lot at Aunt Lillian's andI rememberus kidsrunningin thehouseonceandcrawlingundertheframes,bumping themand causingthe ladiesto prick their fingers. We foundout immediately that was not the properthing to do. Club wasonly heldonceper month. That wasthe only daywe hadto comehomefrom schoolanddo the dinnerdishes. "On washday Mom would cook a pot of beans(sometimes a little bacon- sometimesnot) and then fry sconesfor our noonmeal. My thatwasa goodmeal,still lovethemtoday. Shewouldmakecinnamonrolls out of plainbreaddoughwith very little brownsugar,a few raisinsanda sprinklingof cinnamon.Boy, werethey goodhot! The day shebakedwasusuallythedayoneor two of our uncleswouldstopby. I think theyhadgood noses. "We alwaysraisedbum lambs. Sometimes, whenMom wasbusyor hada new baby,we had to run home noon hour, moved duringthe evenafterwe to town, andfeedthe lambsandget backto schoolin an hour. tt wasfun to feed the lambs. "Duringthe summerwe wentswimmingin theby-pass(coldwater),playedrun sheeprun, kick the canand stealthe sticks. In winterwe wouldwalk overto Wolfs Pondandice skate. Somesummerdavswe would so TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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out in the lava rocks and build play houses. You could really build a good houseby finding a big flat rock, then take the smaller rocks and make the kitchen, dining room, bedrooms,etc. Lots of wild flowers out there in the spring - we enjoyedthose. Had lilac bushesand wild rosesaroundthe house. Another chore was to pack in the fresh water from a hydrant about 20 feet from the kitchen door and of coursepack out all the waste water and washdaywater. We had to empty the chamberpot in the outdoor privy. That makesa personglad for progress. In Burmah as a family we starteda herd of rangecattle and a band of sheep,milked cows, raised hay and grain. In town Dad grew beetsfor a few years. Most of us were relatedout there so it was a time of bonding together as a family. Our childhood was a good time - we had time (even if we were herding cows) to look up into the blue sky - and watch the clouds go by and dream." Wilma Boger submittedthe following: We washedour clotheson an old scrub board. Heatedwater on the old coal range. Took a bath in the middle of the kitchen floor to get rid of the "weekly mange." We wore long stockingsand a garterbelt. Bloomersmade from flour sacks. You didn't dare lean over. They had "Indian Chief" on the back. We studiedby a coal oil lamp, whosechimneywas alwaysblack. When nature called as it always did, we headedfor the "two holer" out back. At night, dad said, "Hitthehay." We rose in the early morn, We did the chores,then went to school,from our old childhoodfarm. in 1911. Community membersparticipatedin Fair The Lincoln County Fair Associationwas well established the county fair, as well as the "Richfield Day" celebrationsheld in the early years. Prize winners at the Richfield Fair on September30, 1911: SheafWheat Quet Johnson- sack of flour; Sheafoats C.P. Johnson- silk tie & handkerchief;Pop corn R. J. Cowan - 50 cents;potatoesR.O. Clark - pocket knife, $2.50; Chickens:Mrs. Phelps,R.W. Pridmore,Schwaner& Micklewait. "No decisionmadeby Judges"on the numerousentriesby the ladieswith cannedfruit. Other entriesincludedonions, carrots,turnips, manglebeets, squash,cabbage, cantaloupeand watermelons. The Richfieldtract participatedin the StateFair in the fall of 1914,with displaysof whole and sheafgrains, and carriedoff third prize as a countyexhibit. Spellman,Tapperand O. Youngkin were amongthe first prize winners.(RR Oct. 12, l9l4) .i.,;i,,.,.,.-:;:
1 9 1 3 E x h i b i ta t R i c h f i e l dD a y . R i c h f i e l d ' sB e s tC r o p- C h i l d r e nP! h o t o - E t h e l Conner.
Fishing "Did you ever notice how F a i rE x h i b i t1 9 1 3 . P h o t o - E t h eCl o n n e r large the fish are that always get away just as the angler is readyto landthem?That is the kind that is now gettingawayfrom the Richfieldsportsman,while the one he succeeds in landingaverageabout10to thepound. It's too bad." (RRJuly 15, 1909) "F. A. Wilcox the manwho wearsthe gold medalat the uniondepotin Richfield,for havingthe bestkept by catchingthe largesttrout of the season,which stationon the ShortLine, has againbrokeinto prominence measures17" andweighsonepoundand 11ounces.Mr. Wilcox sayshe is goingto win that$9 poleat Moore's 97
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
drug store and he has made a mighty good start. The fish was caught in Little Wood River Sunday (Wilcox wantedus to say Saturday)afternoonand he was twenty-two and a half minuteslanding it. " (RR May 19, 1910) "Remedyfor keeping of fresh fish from Dr. J. C. Leonard. First you must catch your fish. Then cut his headoff, split open on the back, and scrapeout the black blood alongthe backbone. Put on salt and black pepper and throw fish acrossa line in the sun. It will dry in about40 to 60 minutes. Into the bottom of a box that will hold the amountof fish you wish savedput a layer of greengrass,a layer of fish then anotherlayer of grassand so on. Preservedin this way fish will keep from 60 to 90 days, and will be as fresh as when first caught." (RR J u l y2 0 , 1 9 1 1 ) "No more fishing for a month. The law-goblin'll git you if you don't watch out! The closed seasonis now on for trout fishing in ldaho..." (RR April 2, l9l4) "ln the fall we would make weekly trips to Magic Dam and everyonewould fish. The perch were really good sized and no one ever thought of throwing them away. All the fish were packedin a big tub of ice covered with gunny sacksuntil we got home. How we hatedgoing over the "dugway" to the eastside of the dam. Once in a great while we would see a boat in the water. What a thrilMt would really make our day. When the fish were all cleanedand skinned they were salteddown in heavy brine for winter eating." (Newby family) Mac Crowther tells an interestingtale. "This like all other fishing stories is the gospeltruth. It happened one summer day when Myron Johnsonand I were on the reservoir with the boat and Myron had two of his granddaughterswith him. We were trolling and we all had the samekind of lures on. The granddaughterswere about 9 and 12 years of age. We were all catchingfish exceptthe oldest granddaughter,and she just couldn't even get a bite. She was getting pretty disgustedand was aboutto give up completely, when Myron askedher if she had spit on her hook before she put it out. She looked at him rather disgustedly,and said well no, of coursenot." Well Myron said "you should alwaysspit on your hook before you put it out." She being not convinced,askedhim if that was what he did. "Sure," was the reply. She slowing reeledin her line and held up her hook and spit on it. She then threw the hook into the water and immediatelyhad a nice fish on it. We laugheduntil we about fell out of the boat." I think it was about 1940when peoplehad to obtainlicenseto fish. At that time the limit of fish was 25, and a person could get that many as easy as you can the current limit of 6. It was always real fun to go to the hills and catchthe brookies and take a skillet and somebreadand cheeseand eat them right on the stream where they were caught. Ranching The area was populatedby a few scatteredriverside ranchesand by 1883, had become a chief sheepand cattleproducingarea. Rancherssoon began marking off their claims by planting Lombardy Poplar trees and then began building homes along the river's edge. "Most of the ranchersin coming to their new homes have shippedtheir stock. with the result that there is a fine grade of horses, cattle and hogs in this section. It is nothing to go into the country around Richfield, and find a rancher with a fine herd of Jersey cattle, high bred horsesand mules and thoroughbredhogs and poultry.
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W e n d e l Jl o h n s o n
professionalmen, college "The ranchersand their familiesare a high classof citizens,beingmerchants, graduates, in theRichfieldtractthathavebeenin all the walks mechanics andin factyou canfind menon ranches of life, from the commonlaborerto the manwho hasheldthe highestprivatepositionof trust in the land, and all dwell in harmony,doing all in their powerto makethe Richfieldtract the idealspotof Idahoin which to live."(RRJune17, 1909) "A petitionto establish ajackrabbitherddistrictin Richfieldhasbeencirculatedandfreelysigned.Proposed ashehasrecentlyqualifiedfor thepositionby killing two big rabbits to makeDick McCormickthecommissioner (RR Feb. 27.l9l3\ at oneshot." TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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"One of the finest importedPercheronhorseseverbroughtto this part of the west hasjust becomethe propertyof theRichfieldPercheron HorseBreeders'Association, a companymadeup of farmersof theRichfield for $4,000.It lookslike a bargain."(RRJune31, 1912)Inquietdied tract. Thehorse,Inquiet,waspurchased Augustl, 1912. Sheepwere broughtinto IdahoTerritory as the minesflourished. Someminersforesawthe end of the mining boom and decidedto bring in smallbandsof sheep.The sheepboomtook placein the 1880'sas the railroadswereconstructed.Sheepcensus:18701,021;188027,000;1890357,712. FrankA. Goodingwas presidentof the ldahoWoolgrowersAssociation formedin 1893.(Source:IdahoAlmanac)
W
r*f * L e f t : E a r l y 1 9 2 0 ' s D e l l L e m m o na n d f r i e n d h u n t i n gN o f K e t c h u m .R i g h t :A l b e r t P e l l e y ,M i l l a r dP r i d m o r e ,C l a r e n c e L e m m o nw i t h m o t h e r b e a ra n d t w o c u b s .
Unable to believe their eyes, a group of Richfield people neverthelesstook after a cinnamon brown bear about 11:30 a.m. on a recentSundayafter it was sightedby LesterWard in his orchard3 l14 mi. N of Richfield. The bear had been trying to climb an apple tree when first sighted, but jumped fiom the tree over a fence to get to the north stateroad when the Wards arrived. It ran through a wheat field down to the old Riley ranch now owned by Bruce Sorensen. joined Mrs. EverettWard, and her two sons,EverettLee Jr., and Scott. At one time There Blair Sorensen Scott took a shot at the bear with a pistol while it stood up and looked them over, but the shot missed. The two older boys, Blair and EverettLee, Jr., both 16, were ableto keeptrying to follow the bear by foot while Mrs. Ward drove on nearbyroads. Cattle running in a pastureat the Ray Appell ranch led the two youthsthere where the bear was seenrunning toward a sow and pigs. Seeingthe boys, the bear veeredto the north again running up and down a fence line to try to get through. There Blair shot it first with a .30-06 rifle, wounding it in both front legs. The next shot caught it in the neck. The bear was in Appell's hog yard again by that time. The group loaded the animal, estimatedto be about five feet high standingup, into Mrs. Ward's car trunk. Wondering why the bear was so far from its naturalhabitat, Mrs. Everett Ward talked to a local trapper and wildlife authority, Leslie Bushby. He thought the animal, a half-grown yearling, could have become separated from its mother, who possibly had been killed and was looking for food due to frost-killed berries in the maintains,or was shovedthis way by forest fires. The bear was well on the thin side, indicating a long travel as well as scarcityof food. This is the firstbear residentscan recall hearing aboutnear Richfield. (Source:77nes News "Life in Magic Valley", no date) "Barnyard Tails" Residentsenjoyedreadingarticleswritten by JanetRobinsonfor the Lincoln CountyJournal in the late 1980'sand early 1990's. "Resolutions!...I've madea few in my lifetime and broken a few too. This year I resolvedto be a better dresserat chore time! .. I know you're thinking this gal needsmore to do if she's worried about how she looks at chore time! But remember, it's not the calvesor the pigs who really care how
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you look, it's that man who walked you down the aisle and is now walking down the aisle of the barn! When you wander outside early in the morning, still half asleep,hair uncombed,no make-up on, and moss growing on your teeth and breath that standsalone(and not becauseof the cold air), it may only be the pigs and the calves who will kiss you good morning!" "With Valentine's Day just past, I wonderedwhat you city gals got from the Love of Your Life? A box of candy, maybe flowers, a cake, cookies?My farmer gave me a box of chocolatesalong with a pig!" (LCJ Feb. 22. 1989) "Thank goodnessI'm a farmer! Where else could I learn to cope with life! I've learnedto unwrap a round bale of hay in 34 mph winds and blowing snow and get it fed. I've learnedleadership. With hubby's cows, you don't herd them, you leadthem. I've learnedto be a commanderof an armedtroop platoon.... I've learnedas a milker's wife to plan on going anywherea half an hour early. That is, telling hubby it starts at 8 when it's actually8:30... Order hay two daysearly or get it yourself. Hire someonefrom uptownto rototill the garden... I've learnedto back the trailer... I've changedmy high heelsfor high top boots, cold cream for bag balm, and if I want a romantic candlelight dinner, I've learnedto wait for the power to go off and grab the candles!" (LCJ Mar. l, 1989) "With this cold weather we've been having, it made our area look like an alligator farm. That is because of all the hoodson the vehiclesthat stoodopenwhile peoplewere trying to get them running again... The water froze up in the house despite our efforts to keep a trickle of water running. I was told not to worry about anybody not being able to bathe. Real cowboys don't bathe until the weather and temperatureget up to 40 degreesoutside. So I'm told that if the smellgetstoo bad,just go outsideand that smell goesaway!... Even with snow on the ground it wasn't the right type to make snow balls, so we threw eggs out of the chicken house that were frozen solid. Made greatballs, but you didn't want to get hit by one of them!.. One person,while nailing up a board to keep the cold out of the milk rotor, stuck a nail in her mouth so she wouldn't have to keep taking off her gloves to get them, and of coursethe nail stuck to her tongue! Her husbandaskedher if she didn't rememberdoing that as a kid, and she told him "no." That is the beauty of getting older; you get to reexperienceall thosethings you did as a kid!" "Do you rememberthe good old days, when the horse ruled the roads?It was the law that when the cars first beganto come out on the roads,that they had to pull over when a horsewas approaching.Oh, if we only had that law still in effect today it would saveme a lot of grief when riding my horse! .. ln 1922one f'armerused both horsesand tractors to farm with. He was a small farmer and felt that it cost nearly $4 a day to operate a six-horseteam that would do about half what a tractor would. It would cost $5 to $8 a day fbr the tractor. He figured at the end of three years the tractor would be worth much lessthan when he beganand if he bought the right kind of horsesthey would be worth as much or more. He didn't have to run to town to get parts for the horses,like he would his tractor, and he could lay off a horsea day or two and use anotherto rest them, so they wouldn't get broke down and tired. While it was true you couldonly plow two and a half to three acresin a big day's plowing with horses,you could plow threetimes that amountwith a tractor, and the plowing would get done quicker. Hurry, Hurry and don't work, seemsto be the themeof today'sworld." (LCJ Oct. 31, 1990) Filler! LCJ Nov. 5, 1937 Sundayeveningat the corner 3 mi. N of Richfield the model A Ford driven by Glen Johnsonand Tim Sanderssuffered a broken wheel, causingthe machineto turn over. Mr. Johnson suffered painful back injuries, ligaments being torn away from the ribs and back. Sanders' face was scratched and bruised. LCJ Dec. 31,1937 Approximately20,000visitedthe ice cavesfor the year. LCJ Nov. 5, 1943 Halloweenpranksters...Students were forcedto usethe side door to gain entranceto the school Monday due to a carefully overturnedbus resting againstthe building's front doorway. LCJ Feb. 22, 1946 Richfield's Youth Centeropeningthis week at the gym - skating, dancing and gamesonce a week at night. Sponsoredby school;they purchased100 pairs of roller skates. LCJ Aug. l, 1947 A rock basedsanitarydrink fountain was installedat the park.
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Chapter 9 Richfield Family Histories ABBOTT Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Abbott cameto Richfield to take up farming in 1926. He had previously followed a long and active career as an educatorin Colorado and California. Their farm was 2 mi. N 1 E of Richfield, but they lived in town. They lived for a while in the house where Nell Albert now lives and then moved to a big house south of the tracks. Francis was a local volunteer weather observer for some time. He died suddenly on Aug. 28, 1935, after doing his usual day's work on the farm. His body is buried in the Richfield Cemetery.(LCJ Aug. 31, 1935) Laura enjoyedher bridge club and after Francis' deathwent to live with her daughter, Vivian. She passed away Feb. 12, 1939, and was buried at Memorial Park, Arlington, VA. (Source: LCJ 2-17-39) Mr. Abbott owned forty acresjust west of our homeplace and we saw quite a lot of him and once in a while his wife. He built most of the rock buildings on the corner two mi. N 1 E of town. He and my Dad, Grant Erwin, often played pool on the table Dad had set up in our old house. (Source:Joy Erwin Riedeman) ADAMS Carl W. Adams was born July 21, 1896, at Black Hawk, WI. He attendedBaraboo BusinessCollege and the University of Wisconsin. After service in World War I, he came to Richfield in l9I7 where he was employedby the First StateBank as AssistantCashierand Director for 22 years. He married Mildred E. Hansen on June 2, 1937, in Rupert, ID. In August 1939,they movedto American Falls, ID, where they helped organize the American Falls Bank. There he was Cashierand Director until 1952. He was electedPower County Auditor, Recorder and Clerk of the District Court for one four-year term. In 1959 they moved to Boise. Carl was a charter and lifetime memberof the American Legion, Richfield, Idaho Post No. 1 since 1919. He was a 50 year memberof RichfieldLodge #70, A. F. & A. M., York Rite Bodiesand El Korah Templeof the Shrine. He was a member of the First MethodistChurch (Cathedralof the Rockies). He passedaway in a Boisenursing home at 91 on January31, 1988. Survivorsincludehis wife, Mildred of Boise, and two nieces, both of Prairie du Sac, WL (Source:Obituary) My memoriesof him from yearsback were his visits home. He was so good to us that when he did come home, we would treat him royally with good mealsandjaunts over familiar roadsthat he remembered. He would always keep us informed about Marylee Schwaner. I rememberher fiom our visit to Richfield. In fact we namedour daughterafter her. (Source:Doris Hosig, Prairie du Sac, WI) ADKINS Mr. and Mrs. Ernest D. (Ed) Adkins moved to a ranch in Marley in 1930 and operatedit until Mr. Adkins' deathin 1970. Their threechildrenareJuanita(Mrs. JohnDrexler of Hailey); Howard E. of Twin Falls and Ferne (Mrs. V. K. Jeppesonof Albuquerque,New Mexico). Mr. Jeppesonwas Probate Judge and ProsecutingAttorney in Hailey, where they lived for severalyears. Ed was a County Commissionerand an aviator. In 1934-35Howard taught the school at Marley. He was electedProbateJudge of Lincoln County in 1936, "mostly with the supportof the peopleof Richfield," he said. Ed Adkins was born June 3, 1887, at Lone Tree, MO; died in 1970. He married Mary Jane Jonesin June 1905; she was born Dec. 4, 1885in Indiana. They were md in Grant County, OR. Their three childrenwere b o r n t h e r e .J u a n i t a , b . J a n 7 , 1 9 0 7 ; m d J o h n D r e x l e r a b o u t 1 9 2 8 i n T w i n F a l l s . H o w a r d E . , b . A1 p, 1r i9l 1 1 ; md Marion HendersonJune 15, 1933in Twin Falls. Shepassedaway Aug 16, 1993.Ferne, b. Feb 16, 1913; md V. K. JeppesonNov 1936 in Moscow, ID. Fifty years and 139 days ago from this 4th of July 1993 Howard E. Adkins appearedbefore the Supreme Court to be admittedto the practiceof law in the Stateof Idaho. He had inquired of the clerk of the Supreme C o u r t : " W h e r e a r e t h e r e s t o ft h e m ? " T h e c l e r k h a d r e p l i e d":T h e r e a r e n o r e s t . " O f t h e s e v e n w h o w r o t e t h e Bar Examination in December 1942 only two were passedand the other applicantwas in the military. Thus he beganthe practice of law rather as a loner. Having attendedthe University of Idaho Law School for only one year and then laboring for five years while in the office of ProbateJudge of Lincoln County, building a home, he and his wife rearing two children and trying to do his part in civic affairs, he was making applicationto write the Idaho Bar Examination. He was one of the last applicantsto be permitted to take the StateBar Examination without at least 3 years law school. His "legal" careerbeganat the ageof 25 when he was electedto the office of ProbateJudge. The depression had preventedhim from returning to the University of Idaho to completehis years as a resident law student. World War II came along and half of his time was donatedin assistingothers in completing their draft papers.
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As a Judge he was exempt from the draft, a situationhe did not desire, so in order to changethat, support his family and keep the home for them, he applied to the United StatesNavy for the position of Judge Advocate Generaland was advised that a college degreewould be required. To obtain this he applied to the American ExtensionSchool of Law in Chicago to write their examination. Having followed their curriculum and being alreadyadmittedto the practiceof law in Idaho they permittedhim to do the same. With this degree "LLB" in law, he renewedhis applicationto the U. S. Navy and was acceptedand he would be notified when there was an opening. World War II was near the end and he was never called to serve. So much to explain that he did get a degree. When his wife, Marion Hendersonof Pocatello,a concertviolinist and violin instructor, and he moved to Shoshone,they plannedto stay there for two years and then return to Twin Falls where he had graduatedfrom high school in 1930. The friendly people and close community of that little town soon convinced them they wantedto stay and make their home there. In the 50 years of law practice including one year as Presidentof the 4th and 1lth Judicial District Bar Association, Presidentof the Idaho ProsecutingAttorneys Association, 33 years as Prosecuting Attorney in Lincoln County and over 50 years of private Law Practice,there has been one outstandingregret in his mind, that is that the public in general holds his professionin such low esteem. The policy establishedby the Bar Associationto reimburse those who have been wronged by a very few membersof the Bar is to be admired. Utopia would be to influence all membersof the Bar to be fair with eachclient, to deal with each client leaving a favorableimpression,to exact a fair fee for the work done for eachclient and explainto them the basisfor such f'ee.His professiondeservesthe admirationof the public and hopefully each member will do his or her part to seethat such a position will be acquiredand maintained. Early in high school he perceiveda lawyer as a knight in shiningarmor and thus worked in many endeavors to be worthy of practicing law. Is it asking too much to have the professionviewed by the public as knights in shining armor in pursuit of justice? He feels not. (Source:TheAdvocate) Marion HendersonAdkins was born May 13, 1912, in Pocatello,Idaho, to John M. and Rena Butcher Henderson. Music becamea greatpart of her life. By age twelve, Marion was playing violin in the Pocatello symphony orchestra. She was awarded "best violinist" for several years in high school music contests. Following high school, she studiedviolin in Chicagoand at the Universityof Idaho. She was a memberof a well-known string quartet called "The Fiddlers Four", a group thattoured Idaho and many other states. On June 15, 1933, Marion md Howard E. Adkins in Twin Falls, Idaho. She took further studiesat the Universityof Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Adkins movedto Shoshonein 1937,wherethey lived until 1991,when they movedto Twin Falls. She lived in Twin Falls with her husbanduntil her passingaway from this life August 16, 1993, at Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. As the years passedby, music remainedimportant,but family took on the greatestimportanceto Marion. She was, of course, active in PTA, always supportingthe activitiesin school; and she was an active member of Chapter "Y" of P.E.O. in Shoshoneand the First Baptist Church. Like a good mother, Marion loved her children,daughter,Marion MarshaEden, of Twin Falls; son, John H. Adkins, PhD of Breckenridge,CO; her five grandchildrenand her great-grandchildren.And, not to be left out, she loved me, her pastor for ten years, nine of which I lived in Marion's andHoward'shome.(Source:Howard Adkins; Memorial Serviceby Rev. Paul Winkler, First Baptist Church) AITKEN Robert Aitken and John Bee, driving Layne's horses,moved 1,650 sheepthrough to Muldoon to the range. Robert Aitken was in Richfield Wednesdayand Thursdaygetting suppliesfor their sheepcamp. He and his brother arc grazingtheir sheepabout 15 miles north of Richfield. Robert F. Aitken, 62, a residentof Richfield for over 20 years,died at the home of his niece, Mrs. Robert Speedy. He was born in Scotlandin 1876, cameto the USA in 1905and settledin Bellevue,Idaho. He md ElizabethHunter, a native of Scotlandin 1913. Two of his brothersalso lived in this area. His wife died three yearsafter their marriage, and he cameto Richfield. Bob was a sheepman,running his flocks as far as Muldoon. He was buried in Bellevue. (Source: Newspaperitems) AKINS Willie Burl Akins was born in Tellico Plains,TN, Sept. Il, 1921,the son of Dorothy Akins and John Giles; this marriage was annulledand Burl was adoptedand raisedby his grandparents,Jack and Dora Akins of Tellico Plains. After completingschool,Burl worked as a truck driver for StokleyBrothersCannery, and in 1941
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cameto Kimberly,with PaulandMary ShockleyAkins. In a few yearsthey cameto Richfield,and eventually Burl cameto be with themhere. He workedat variousfarmjobs at KimberlyandRichfield. In 1946he marriedEdnaPetersen Swinneyandthey purchased the Phelpsplacewestof town. To them Dorothy Anne, Oct. 17, 1950,andLynda Marie, June3, 1952. Dorothyis now a wereborn two daughters, UnitedStatesDeputyMarshal,workingin SaltLakeCity, andLynda is employedby the Stateof ldahoin the IndustrialCommission.Shemd George(Jerry)OverallFeb.8, l975,inBoise,whereshestill livesandworks. They havetwo children,who haveoftenvisitedin Richfield. ChristineMarie is a Seniorin BorahHS and a physicaltherapist(athletictrainer). Sheplansto continuethat work at BSU. Shawnis in high schoolthere. (Source:EdnaAkins) Paul Akins also camefrom Tellico Plains,TN. He and his wife, Mary, (seeShockley)lived in the theformerAdams KimberlyandTwin Fallsareawherehe workedon farmsandin thepotatoes.Theypurchased placeI mi. W Richfieldandfarmedtherefor severalyears.Theymovedwith the ClarenceBluemersto Midvale to farm. Threeor four yearslater they movedto Star,ID. They havetwo children. Diane, Mrs. Carmen in Olympia,WA. ChildrenareCindyandJulie,who live in AK, andCaryn, Hudson,liveswith her husband who is with Mary in Star, workingat WestOne Bankat present. Their son, Lloyd and his wife drive truck commercially.Sheis relief driver on theirweeklycrosscountrydrives,takingproducefrom Oregonto Boston products.Theyhavefour children,threeliving for WeightWatchersandreturningwith a loadof theirpackaged in BoiseValley andone in SaltLakeCity, UT. PaulpassedawayNew Year'sDay of 1994afterseveralyears of ill healthand surgeries.Mary continues to resideat Star. (Source:EdnaAkins) PaulAkins,b. Sept.3, 1917,at TellicoPalins,TN; md Mary Shockley Dec. 24, 1937,at Shoshone.His parentswereRalphandNellieGardnerAkins. Mary AkinswasbornDec. 17,1917,at Richfieldto Nathaniel andLorenaArnoldShockley.Two children:PaulLloyd Akinsb. Aug. 17, 1938,at Richfield;md. BettyJoan HulseJune17, 1959,atStar, ID. Theyhave3daughtersand l son:Lorena,Loraine,Loretta,PaulGalenAkins. All are married. DianeGenevaAkinswasbornFeb.6, 1943,at Bremerton, WA md 1) ArthurT. Bohannon May 11,196l at Boise;childrenCindyandJulie. Shemd. 2) CarmenD. HudsonOct. trZ, 1972,at Coeur d'Alene,daughterCaryn. ALBERT Nell Tilmancameto Richfieldin 1929to visit her sister,LauraWoods. Sheliked Idahoanddecided to stay. Nell went to work in Shoshone wheresheworkedfor aboutthreeyears. Shemet Birk Albert, who garage a in Richfield. They were married in 1932. In 1933theypurchased owned the DaveEnglehouse.They continuedto operatethe garage. Birk movedfrom the smallshopon the eastside of Main Streetto the big buildingwherePaulson's Garageis now. After severalyearsBirk soldthe business to theJohnsonBrothers. He went to work for the IdahoStateHighwayDepartment andworkedthereuntil he was readyto retire. He spenta lot of his retirementyearsworkingin his little shopin his backyard. Birk passedawayAugust6, 1984,andwas laid to rest in the RichfieldCemetery.Nell continues to live in the homeat 180WestBannock. Sheis a memberof the EasternStar,theUnitedMethodistChurchandtheWoman'sSocietyof ChristianService. (Source:GondaSluder) ALEXANDER GeneandIda Alexandermovedfromtheirranchin Goodingto Marleywith theirchildren,John, thenknownasJack,andJudy,on Octoberl,1942. We livedon theDanielsplace,I mi. N 314W, acrossthe lanefrom WalterandCoraStevens,who wouldbecomeour dearfamily friends. Johnwrites, "The housewas a largetwo storyframehousebuilt on lavaslabs.Thereallyneat thing aboutthe foundationof thatold housewasthatrattlesnakes loved to stay under it and were found all over the yard and garden! We had a good stockdog that had a very distinctive barkwhenshefounda'rattler!'Mom wouldgo to thebackdoor, grabthe irrigatingshovelthatwaskeptthere,andgo makepieces of snake. Dad said that she averageda snakea day that first summer. Oncewhen I had takenoff my shoes,I ran into the house. Steppingon the 4 x 4 slab of lava, I couldfeel a big snakeundermy feet. My dad seldomgot excitedbut thattime he did. He grabbedhis twelvegaugeshotgun, floppedon his r 959 G e n ea n d l d a A l e x a n d e 1 stomachand beganto deal with thosesnakes.It wasJuly, the sun was hot, the snakesgot aromatic. We musthavesmelled 'rattler' until it frostedthat vear."
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andofficersof the Grangeandenjoyed andcaring. Theyweremembers GeneandIdawerebothgregarious manyhoursof friendshipandfun with Grangers. in veterinarymedicine,Dadwasoften Dad whenhe says,"Havinga fairly goodbackground Johnremembers Elmer Swatman,the druggist,for Dad would call other animal. a cow or some neighbors doctor to calledto a in from settingthe water, grab a bite of night he would come Many a medicineand supplies. the necessary people. He seemed to havea need help Dad loved to supper,call Elmer,andbe gone. In spiteof the latehours, to be needed." "Richfield had a boxing team, as most of the surrounding towns did." John writes. "Since Dad was both trained and willing to spend some time with the boys, we often had saddlehorsestied to the fence, and a bunch of guys in the front room boxing." Gene was proud to be a committeemember of the A.S.C.S. for many years. He surveyed acreage, offered advice to the farmers, attended conferencesand spent hours discussing crops, prices and governmentregulations. Haying seasonwas an importanttime, we had to be finished by the Fourth of July, so we could spenda day in the hills with friends. Haying crewsand neighborswent from one farm to the next until everyone'shay was put up. Jack tells of the early years when he writes, "During the first few yearsthat we were in Richfield, we used horsesto do all our field work, as did a lot of the neighbors. There was a war on and we couldn't get a tractor. Oh, were we excited when they became available! To us, 1 9 4 4 - G e n eA l e x a n d e r J, a c k a n d J u d y tractorswere just the most marvelousthings on earth, and we didn't have to rest them every little while as we had to with the horses. A neighbor got a brand new Farmall H. While he was mowing hay one afternoon,he cameto the end of the field and should 'Whoa, dang you, whoa' he went over the bank and into the shallow canal. The tractor have turned. Yelling stoppedwhen the water drowned it out. By then I was rolling around on the ground with laughter." During harvest season, Mother would spend all morning putting together the dinner to feed the men. Through the years, Daddy raised different kinds of livestock. When we had sheep, we sold the wool to the PendletonMills. We summered the sheep on the lava range and hired a sheep herder. I enjoyedgoing with the folks to herd the sheepto the pasture,and rode with Dad to tend the camp in the summer. We mademany wonderful friends in the sheepbusiness. Genestoppedraising sheepbecausewe lost a great many to coyotes. We had pigs two different times, and Geneprided himself on his pigs. The first herd received a feed made from syrup that Dad brought from a plant in Twin Falls. We hauled whey from the Richfield cheeseplant for the secondherd. The pigs were often sold at the sale yard in Shoshone. I enjoyedgoing with Dad to the sales. When the auctioneer announced Gene Alexander's pigs, the ring becamequiet as everyone became serious about the price and the bidding. The U of I sent a researchteam to Richfield to interview him on his pig-raising practices. He always purchasedfine breeding stock. Dad rode a horse to check on our range cattle. He was in the J o y & l d a A l e x a n d e r1 9 5 1 w i t h t r u c k l o a d associationthat kept the cattle on the lava range. A cowboy was hired o f w o o l . to ride herd on them. The folks raised a large flock of chickensfor a time. They candledthe eggs on the back porch and sold them locally. :: .ii:::iii::iiiiir
: : : ::r:aii:::ii
Otherearlymemoriesof Jack'sfollow: "Onesummerright afterthe war Dadbroughthometwo big glass pitchers,which were in shortsupplyduringthe war. We wereraisinga big bunchof fryers, and our old dog so lunchwas beingserved startedsnappingthe headoff any chickthat botheredhim. It washot mid-summer, on a tableunderthe trees. As Mom cameout with a pitcherof KoolAid, shesawthe dog kill a youngrooster. the eyeswith thepitcherof KoolAid. It brokethe Sheyelledandhauledbackandhit thatold dog right between
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. adthoughtitwas p i t c h e r ,a n d p u t M o m i n a t i z z y . W h e n t h e d o g w o k e u p h e w a s c u r e d okf i l l i n g c h i c k e n s D a great show but was very careful not to smile too much for a while. "In those years housesweren't well insulated. I still rememberthe wind blowing in around the windows. One warm spot was the corner behindthe stove. When we took a bath I'd grab a towel and run there. One time I got carelessand leanedmy backsideon to that red hot stove. Later Dad commentedthat come branding time in the spring there would be one less critter to brand. "We were excited when our boys camehome from the War. They talked of the placesthey had been and I was on cloud nine. One of the returning soldiers mentionednylon and how strong it was, while we were shocking bundled wheat. The next day he brought some of the precious nylon tape to work with him and demonstratedhow hard it was to break by running severalstrandsfrom one empty wagon to another and then pulling it without breaking the tape. I can still rememberhow impressedI was." Our Mother was a lovely lady. She was a caring neighbor and friend. She had been raised in Shoshone, so we had friends and family throughoutthe county. We were membersof the Richfield Methodist-Episcopal Church, and we spenta great deal of time in the ShoshoneBaptist Church also. Mother enjoyed both "Ladies Aid." I can rememberthe ladiesrollingbandagesand buying soap,toothpasteand other personalitems to send to the war effort and then to the missionaries. The Richfield Woman's Club was always dear to her heart. The club was a way for her to perform community serviceand form friendshipsthat were golden. Her flower gardens brought her happy hours of beauty and gave her friends bouquets to enjoy. The vegetablegarden and the orchard were hard work, since she grew most of our food and then "put it up." I rememberher working in the gardensand in our rock-coveredcementcellar. Our home was wonderful. Mother kept it beautifully and was always a delight to be around. Friends and family "came often and stayedlong." Mother was artistic. She doodledand drew, embroideredand did other needlework, createdcraft projects and paintedin oils. We alwayshad well-traineddogs,but the pet to rememberwas our "Polly Parrot." Shewas such a delight! "Polly wants a cracker!" and "Hello, Polly." Dad was always bringing home strangerswho neededwork, food or help. They addedexcitementto our lives. The houseburned down the fall that I was in the fourth grade, October of 1949. The community and our families were wonderful as they helped us get back on our feet with donationsof food, clothing and furniture. We lived in an old rock house up on Louie Base's placewhile our Uncle Ed and Daddy built the cinderblock housethat is still on the place. Baby sister,Joy, was born on August ll, 1950. We were four excitedpeople! Our family was now perfect! Jack was active and very successfulin both 4-H and F.F.A. He took his animals to the fair in Shoshone, held on the shadylawn of the Court House.We had manyclosefriendsat school. The classeswere small so we knew everyone. Richfield was a wonderful place in which to grow up. My second family was the Clarence L e m m o n ' s a n d t h e i r f o u r d a u g h t e rIsw. a s i n t h e i r h o m e o f t e n a n d c o n s i d e r e d m y s"eol fn e o f t h e g i r l s . " D i l l e and Clarencelived an exciting life, and I was fortunateto be a part of it. After our mother Ida's death, Beth Hiatt and her family joined ours, when Beth and Gene were married in Richfieldon January4,1975. Genedearlyloved and enjoyedthe children. The last yearsof his life were made very special by the Hiatt children. Nick and I have moved to Nampa, Idaho. John and Donna Alexander are in Silver Springs, Nevada, and Joy and Larry Mercado live in Citrus Heights, California. Richfield, during the yearsour family lived there,had economicups and downs. But always, the people, our friends and neighbors,were the important ingredientto its being part of us. OUR HOME! EugeneRaymondAlexander,b. Nov. 24,1909, at Fox, Oregon;md Jan. 28,1935, to Ida Merlyn Turnbull in Boise, ID. On Jan. 4, 1975,md Beth Aloha WadsworthHiatt at Richfield. Ida was born Feb. 7, 1917,at Shoshone.Children: John Eugene,b. Jan. 25, 1936,at Shoshone;md Donna Kay HannersJan. 16, 1970in Honolulu, Hawaii. Judith Faye, b. Nov. 13, 1939,at Gooding;md CharlesNicholesAlexanderApril 7, 1961, at Richfield. Ida Joyce, b. Aug. ll, 1950, at Gooding; md Larry Enriquez Mercado August 11, 1968, in Spokane,WA. (Source:Judy Alexander) in June. 1875.sonof William and Emma Allen. ALLBN Ernest H. Allen wasborn in Braintree.Massachusetts. In the mid 1890's, he was sentto live with relativesin Denver where the clear air was consideredto be beneficial to his respiratory problem. In 1903, Ernest was living in Chicago where he married Isabelle Patricola. In January,1905,their son Willie was born. Isabelleplayed the piano, mandolin, violin and was most noted as a singer. She had grown up on the stage, traveling and performing with her father and youngerbrother Tommie. When Willie was a little over a year old, Isabelle rejoined her father and brother for a brief stagetour in California. Isabelle, Ernest and baby Willie happenedto be in San Franciscoin April, 1906, when the earthquakestruck.
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Ernest's choice of Richfield in 1911 as a place to establishhis ranch reflectshis family background. Will, his father, was a skilled and knowledgeablefarmer, interestedin sound agricultural practices. Ernest certainly knew the systemof shipping cattle in the Chicagostockyardsby rail and ihared his family,s appreciationof the beautyof the mountains. Life with Isabellemeanttraveling. They traveledextensivelyin the U.S. and also sailedwith Willie to Italy in 1915whereIsabelle'smotherstill lived. Ernestwas a seriousieader,a subscriber to a weekly literaryjournal and read widely, Thomas Carlyle or Hawthorne. The land north of Richfield that Ernest Allen chosehad fine views and offered the opportunity for farming
andranching.He property"TheIsabellaRanch." He paidJamesGreen$300ior trr. p.'op..tv, 6 mi. rqrg.his N and I ll2 mi. w of Richfield.July 3, 1911,musthavebeena goldenmomentfor Ernest.i imaginethem standingin the brightsunshinein Richfieldneartherailroadstation--Williewassix, Isabelle just 25, andErnest a few weekspasthis 3.6thbirthday. The ranchmusthaveseemed to solvl uiittr. oim.ulties facinglt., u, u family' In 1911Isabetlewasbecomingsuccessful in her returnto a careerasa musicianon the stag;. The idea of managinga westernranchduringthe longsummershelda greatpromisefor Ernest andIsabelle. Ernest'slife was shapedto someextentby his marriageto Isibelle and the demands of her increasingly successful careerasa professional singer,andto som. .*t.niby his recurringillness.He wasapparentlyin good healthat the time of his marriagewhen he workedas a rail carrierin dhicago in 1903. But his mother,s comments on his weakness and ill healtharesprinkledthroughher letters. IsabellawasalwaystravelingandErnestjoinedher wherihecould. In Septembe r of l9l7 Emmawrote, ,,He tj sgtlinghigh pricesfor everythingand hal changedhis Ford ----o--'ufter harvestin 1916]for a [whichrre uougtri Studebaker." He wasbackin Chicago by Nov. 1. In 1918Ernestcameto chicagoin orderto bringwillie outto theRanchfor the summer.Isabellewasin ChicagoandMinneapo]]s May andreturnedto ChiJagoin November.wiilie wasto startboardingin Culver, ! Pennsylvania, in the fall. That fall ErnestwrotethathJwasgoingto rentthe ranchfor threeyears,"spend most of the yearin Richfieldwherehe wouldgo to work on u ,uliry. Isabellewouldn't be goingbackto Chicago; shewasgoingto try her luck in New Yoik. Theywerein chicagofor the christmasholidaysof lglg-1g1g. Ernestreturnedto Richfieldon Jan. 17, lglg. willie spenthis summersin Richfield.one summerwhenhe was-nine,Jimmy, the sonof a closefamily fri91d in chicago,traveledby train with him to spendthe summerat the Ranch. in later life, willie returned to Idaho,theplacehe loved(asdid his fatherbeforehim) with his wife andtwo claughters, probablyafterWorld War II, accordingto a family report. PerhapsErnestneverhad the opportunity_ to fully develophis ranchas he wished. He choseto spenclas muchtimethereashe couldmanage'but after l4 yeari of farming,he diedin his 50thyearfollowinga lingering illness' His sister,I,aura.Bickford, broughther four boyswith her to carefor Ernestin his homein Richfielcl in 1924,the year beforehe died. two of her sons,Ernest'snephews,returned westto settle. one nephew, Richard'graduatedfrom the u of I and later becamea foresterin washington. wilti. left Richfieldin 1925 whenhis fatherdied and returnedto live in the eastwith his mother,who later remarried. (Source:Laurie Maier)[Thewell on the-oldAllen placewassaidto bethefirst farmwell on theRichfielcltract.] ErnestH. Allen diedoct. 20, 1925,andwasburiedin theRichfieldcemetery.(cem. Bk.) ALLEN Lucitle Evangeline Kingstonwasborn December 7,1894, at Findley,ohio. She marriedCtaude willard Allen in Nampa,Idaho,on August10, 1917. He wasbornJuly 24, l}g3, in Teasdale, utah. Their daughter, PaulinaLucille,wasbornin Shoshone May 6, l9lg. Mrs' Allen cameto Richfieldas a prim-aryteacherin l929.afterteachingin otherschoolsa coupleyears. Paulinaattended school.here, g_raduating in 1933.Theywereactivein theMetlodistChurch.ln l939Mrs. Allen beganteachingin Shoshone.Shewasllectedcounty Superintendent, takingoffice in January1943. she held thatpositionfor over ten yearsuntil consolidation in thecbuntywascompleteandthe oflice wasdissolved.She retiredasthe lastLincoln county superintendent. Shebought"a homeinweiser andlived thereuntil her death. The 1954Shoshone HS annualwasdedicated to Mrs. Allen'. Mostof the graduatingseniorsbeganschoolwith Mrs. Allen as their first gradeteacher. Paulinaworkedas Lincoln Countydeputyauditor. She andJohnKernerof Shoshone were marriedJune 2, 1940' They becameparentsof twin girls, PaulaJoanneandPaulette Joan,and two boys. They lived on a farmnearweiser. Johnis now disableoinols living at the carecenterin weiser as paulinawasunableto care for him aftera seriousillnessin March 1993.(SourIe:LCJ & pauline Kerner)
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ALLEN Randall After retiring from the armedservicesand the Bureau of Reclamation,wanting to pursuehis hobby of raising Branguscattle, RandallL. and ColeenAllen moved to Richfield in March 1980 onto a240 acre farm 1 mi. E and ll4 mi. N, living thereuntil Feb. 1987. Randallwas b. July 25, 1924,in Grace,ID. His family movedto Rupert in 1933where they farmed. He graduatedfrom Acequiain 1942. After attendingRadio Schoolin Weiser, he served in the infantry during WW II in Europe and the M.P.'s after the war, receiving his Honorary Dischargein 1947. Coleen was born Feb. 6, 1928, in Williston, North Dakota. The family moved to Peculiar, MO in 1929, then to Rupert and Acequia in Links BusinessCollege in Boise. In Feb. 1947the 1939. She graduatedfrom Rupert HS in 1945, and a-ttended family moved to Peculiar, where she worked in a bank in KansasCity, moving back to Idaho that fall. Randall and Coleen were married in Rupert Nov. 22, 1947. They have lived in numerousplaces, raising seven children and have had Indian studentsin their home several years, including Alwin Swan while in Richfield. They have 5l grandchildrenand 4 great-grandchildren. While living in Richfield the threeyoungestboys were still home, Karl, Forrest and Dwight. Forrest worked fbr a while at Reed Grain. All married while here. Karl, Dwight and later George and families made their home in Richfield for a while. While living in Richfield Randall farmed and also was bishop of the LDS church and Coleen had a greenhousebusiness. After leaving Richfield they servedan 18 month mission in Louisiana then spent about 3 ll2 years microfilming for the Family History Center of the LDS Church. They now live in Albion. (Source:Randall& ColeenAllen) ANDBRSON Lane My son, Douglas Paulson,who is now attendingthe U of I, and I arrived in Richfteld, August 10, 1982. We cameto Richfield becauseI (Lane) had been given the job of teaching first grade due to Alice Behr's retirement. My first year studentswere the Senior Class of 1994" Douglas was a secondgrader that fall. He camewillingly becauseI promised him he could have a kitten when we got to Richfield. Our mobile home arrived at Conner Trailer Court just a few hours before us and the e l e c t r i c i t y w a s h o o k e d u p b e f o r e t h e e n d o f t h e dBauyt.a k i t t e n w a s n ' t l o c a t e d f o r s e v edr a yl s . I t w a s a g o l d e n male tabby. Thanks to it and Douglas' newfoundfriend and classmate,GabeRiley, Douglas settledhappily into life here at Richfield. I recall when I decided to get cable TV. I called the cable company and they took my addressand said they'd send a man out. Severalmonthswent by and nobody came. Then one day I saw a cable TV truck going down West Lincoln. I quickly got into my car, chasedthe truck down the street, and pulled alongsideit. I indicatedto the driver that I wanted to talk with him. He pulled over and we made the arrangementsfor my cable TV. This was a great contrastto how I'd done it in my former hometown of Moscow, Idaho" There I'd just gone down to the cable office and had cableTV the next day. After five years at Richfield Elementary, I was assignedthe third grade which I am currently teaching. (Source: Lane Anderson) A P P E L L , E d , b . F e b . 2 4 , l 9 l 3 , c a m e t o R i c h f i e l d i n 1 9 3 7H. e m a r r i e d E u l a M o o r e , b . J a n . 3 , l 9 l 7 , o n N o v " 6, 1939. They lived on the McKay place in 1941,Andrew Paulsonplace 1945-1946;Huffington place 1947; David Whitesellplace 1949;Simpsonplace 1959and movedinto town in 1979. Children:lonab. Aug. 15, 1940,md. BobKodesh.Peteb. Oct.2.1945 md. JoyFaddis. Sharon b. Nov. 15, 1948md. SteveMcClure. (Source:Ed Appell) APPELL, Ray, b. Jan. 18, 1916,cameto Richfieldin 1937. He was in the servicefrr.rm194l-1945. Myrtle Stubbs,b. Dec. 14, 1918,cameto Shoshonein 1936,returnedto Kansasduring the war and worked in defense plants. Ray and Myrtle were marriedNov. 5, 1946. They lived 5 mi. N 2 mi. E of town, later on the Joy place, the Chet Johnsonplace in 1953. They moved to town in 1972. Children:Pauline Stubbsb. Mar. ll, 1936,livesin Jerome. Walter Stubbsb. June22, 1937,lives in NY. Pamela Appell b. May 21,l95l,lives in Bellevue.(Source:Ray Appell) ARMSTRONG LCJ Dec. 1l, l93I William H., well known and highly respectedresident, 47, passedaway suddenlyat 8 A.M. Friday, [Dec. 4, 1931]following an attackof acuteindigestion. He was born in Canadain 1884. He was marriedJune25, l9ll, at DakotaCity, NE, to MargaretKnodel. To this union three childrenForrest, Fern and Erwin were born at Tripp, SD. The family moved here Jan. 1920. RR Mar. ll,1932 Mrs. ClarenceLemmon and JennieBishopgave a bridal shower for Fern Armstrong. John Lemmon dressedas a ragman came to the door with a sack full of "rags" which he gave to the honored guest. Fern was surprisedto find many pretty and usefulgifts. Guestswere MesdamesArmstrong, Wade, Pope,
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Fryer, E. Piper, Schwaner,Woods, Lemmon, Miss Wilson, JosephineEbert, Alice Crane, Oretta Martindale, Edna and Lola Conner. Fern was born in Tripp and attendedschool at Richfield. She married F.B. Woods. Fern and Francis Woods lived in Brooks, Canadaand Spokane,where Francis passedaway several years ago. They had three children. LCJ A quiet home wedding was solemnizedSat. at Richfield, when Fern, the only daughter of Mrs. MargaretArmstrong, was married to FrancisWoods, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woods, with Rev. Tracy Coker of the M.E. church officiating. Members of the family presentwere Mrs. Armstrong, two sons, Forrest and Erwin, Mrs. Frank Woods, motherof the groom, and Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Chamberlainand childrenof Boise. Theseyoung peopleboth grew up in Richfield and are graduatesof RHS. They have many friends who join in wishing them health, wealth and happinessthroughoutthe yearsto come. Fern graduatedin May of 1932. Forrest married Margaret Reynoldsin 1936. They had four children: Bill, who had 2 girls and I boy; welds stainlesssteel, aluminum and travelsover the west. Midge, Mrs. GeneHiner, 3 girls. Genepassedaway several years ago. Tommy and Vivian A., 2 children Jasonand Sherril, attendedschool in Richfield. Tom went to college 6 years, including 2 years training as a mechanic. He is foreman at a ranch near Wells, NV. Janet attendedbusinessschool in Twin Falls, married Roy Parker, fireman, who died in the line of duty. They had one girl, Angela, who has 2 children. She md. Vic Robinsonand had 1 girl, Jessica. Janetd. Apr.23, 1991. Margaret passedaway in 1964 following heart surgery. Forrest and ElizabethThompson were married in 1965 and reside on Bannock Ave. in Richfield. They are active in Masons, Eastern Star and the Methodist Church. Erwin went to school in Richfield and Portland before serving in the Army during World War II. He marriedHelen West, a graduateof Albion HS, in 1945. She servedin the Marine Women's ReserveCorps at SantaBarbara. SergeantErwin Armstrong was stationedin New Guinea for 21 months. Erwin died recently. (Source:Forrest Armstrong) It must have been around l9l6 that my mother, Martha Louisa SpeedyElliott, my brother Robert, my sister Doris and I were living in Atlantic City, NJ, and having a hard time. My father, JamesMilo Elliott, was a travelling salesmanand hardly ever home. My uncle, Robert S. Speedy,living on a ranch near Richfield, sent us train fare so that my mother could keep house for him and my uncle Thomas Speedy. Somethings I rememberare having a crowd of men to feed at harvesttime; a rabbit drive in the front yard one night; the rock pile next to the root cellar. My sister played with the good natured cat, dressing it in doll clothesand riding it in the doll buggy--wherethe cat would flee when it got tired. It would emergelater, minus the clothes" My aunt, Dorothy Reynolds, lived 2 mi. W. I usedto walk there; unfencedcattle watched me on the way, but they never botheredme. I would help her with the babiesand learnedto make " bungalow aprons", simple house dressesfor her and my mother. I don't remember if it was a car or horsesthat took us to school, but we had foot warmers. My mother would sometimesgo to church in town, upstairs,I think, over the bank, ChristianScienceServices. The school superintendent,Mr. S. L. Hughell, had a daughtermy age. We were friends and correspondedfor a long time after we moved away. When my father turned up he took us to live at the North Star Mine aboveTriumph mine, south of Hailey. I don't rememberhow we traveledto thosevarious places. I rememberthat flour was rationed and we had rye flour left each time. Papa worked on the crusher. Next we lived at the Malad power plant, where the Malad River flows into the Snake. The house was near the bridge over the Malad River, and I remember the parade of honking cars going over the bridge when the Armistice was signed. Next, we lived in the east part of Portland, OR, where I nearly died of flu or something. I was saved by a large lady osteopath,who rubbed me, and when I got better let me have all the raspberriesI could eat from her garden. I graduatedfrom grammar schoolthere. Then we lived in southPortland, where I learnedto swim. Uncle Bob had a white calf. He promisedto send me its hide when it neededit no longer, and years later it did arrive. I had it on my floor at San JoseStatefor my brief collegecareer. Later I made it into chapsfor my young son. So this ends the first time I lived in Idaho. (Source:ElizabethArmstrong) AUSTIN Jack R. came to Lincoln County Dec. 1979; lived in the Old Colonial Hotel above the theater in Shoshoneuntil March 1980, then moved to Richfield to the old McKay place owned at the time by Vera Silvey. He moved the rest of the family here in March from Eagle, ID.
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Jack has been a lawn maintenanceperson,securityguard, undergroundsprinkler installer and maintenance person, sheet metal worker, ditch rider-manager,carpenter,parking lot attendant,custodian,garbagehauler. VeeAnn has been mainly a home maker. Jack has over the yearsseenmany unusualand bizarceexperiencesin his work. He met many wealthy and prominent people over his lifetime. He has met three governors, state auditor, state treasurer, Senatorsand House Members as well as big businessmen. About two weeksafter a bomb was discoveredin the trunk of his car, Governor Evans came into his parking lot to park for lunch. Jack had to tell him that if he wantedto park there he would have to double park the car and keep the keys in casehe had to move the car to let other people out. The Governor said that was fine but had Jack park the car insteadof him. Jack evenhad to bring the car up to the check out station. When doing securitywork Jack was in high demandby severalgroups and companiesthat hired the security companythat he worked for. He was told what they wanteddone and he did it for them the only way he knew it should be done. They moved to this areabecauseJack was working for the StateHighway Dept. in Shoshone. Since Aug. 1981 Jack has been self-employeddoing all sorts of maintenanceand garbagehauling. We have enjoyedliving in Richfield. The majority of the peopleare friendly and helpful. They have beenvery supportive of my businessand family. Jack R. Austin b. Feb. 19, 1947, Seattle,WA md VeeAnn Austin Sept. 25, 1973, at Boise. VeeAnn b. Aug.26, 1938, Nampa. Son Bryant G. b. Sept.29, 1976,Boise. (Source:Jack Austin) BABB Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Babb of Wendell are living in the residenceback of the People'sServiceStation (City office). Mr. Babb has chargeof the bee stationsover the tract. Orrin and Stacia Babb later lived in a housejust off Main on E. CassiaAvenueeastof Ollieu's. They had a building down by the depot at first, where they extractedhoney. Hazel Carter Stevensworked there. While Orrin and Staciaworked the honey, Ethel Pope Conner took care of their son, Reggie. Another son was born later. (Source: LCJ 6-26-35, Ethel Conner) BAKER Geraldine BakerVance,betterknown in Richfieldas "Miss Baker", wrote tiom Silverton,Idarho: six years of teaching in the Richfield High School were a very important and significant chapter in my life. It was there I realizedmy goal in life of teaching--a prof-essionto which I was proud and happy to be dedicated. Those years were probably the most fruitful and productiveof my life. I loved the work, my students, the town, the people, and the friends and associationsI madethere. As for "experiences",I'll neverfbrgetthe winter it was 45 below zero, and the town water froze up for a week. I got both kneesfrost-bittenwalking a block and a half to school. (ln thosedayswe didn't wear slacksto school.) That probablywas alsothe year Lewis Stevensknockedme down with a snowball. I recoverednicely, but I don't think poor Lewis ever did. Was that alsothe year Happy Erwin took an assortedgroup of faculty and friends on a sleigh ride one night, and the sled upset in the big drifts in front of the Mormon Church? In the summer of 1936 after I left Richfield, I marriedLes Vance, a mining engineerand geologistfrom Atlanta, ID, whom I had met a few yearsbefore while G e r a l d i n eB a k e r V a n c e a t visiting a friend who lived there. We went to GrassValley, CA, for a couple of Gooding College Reunion, years. (In mining one follows the currentmost activemining areas.) From Grass B o i s e . 1 9 8 7 Valley we came to north Idaho where Les worked for the Helca and Bunker Hill Companiesuntil retirement. During the war, we had a "hitch" in Florida where Les worked fbr a government strategic metals plant" (The Army and Navy wouldn't havehim becauseof his asthma.) We also spentsometime in the centralIdaho primitive area for the Clayton Silver Mine at Clayton before returning to Northern Idaho. In 1965 we built our home in Silvertonon a hill overlookingthe Silver Valley. I still live there.I observedmy 86th birthdayin March 1994. Our only child, Roberta Ann, was born Nov 8, 1942, in Wallace. She lives in Seattle,works for the Boeing Companyand has a22 yearold son. After I married and left Richfield, I did not teachfor 20 years, Then when our daughterwas a sophomore in high school, I returnedto the classroom. I taughtEnglish and Dramatics fbr the next ten years, five each in Wallace and Kellogg. Then I retired to care for an invalid mother.
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Les retired in 1970and died June 17, 1977, in Sun Valley of a heart attackon our way home from attending the high school classreunion in Richfield. We had been happily married for 41 years. Over the years, it was my pleasureto attend three high school reunions in Richfield, which I enjoyed immensely,especiallybecauseex-studentswelcomedme so warmly and rememberedme with apparentaffection. Regretfully I could not attendthe one in 1992becauseof a physical condition. It has been a pleasureto reminisce about those by-gone days. Greetings and good wishes to all who rememberme. Lovingly, GeraldineB. Vance Miss GeraldineBaker, Richfield teacherfrom Gooding,was one of three westernteachersgiven prominence in a Plymouth, MA, newspaperJuly 20, 1934. A large photo of the teachers,membersof the "University of T o u r s " , a t r a v e l i n g " c o l l e g e " n o w m a k i n g a t o u r o f t h e e a s t , w a s p u b l i s h e d o n t h e f r o n t p aTghei s. n e w s p a p e r calls itself "The Voice of the Nation's Birthplace," publishedas it is in the city made famous by the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. After teaching seventh grade for one year in Richfield, Geraldine Baker taught English, Literature and Speechin the high school, practicing long hours every year with studentsto put on a SpeechClass play and a Junior Class play. She was pianist for the orchestra,took part in a faculty play and gave readings and piano selectionsfor many Richfield functions. Her outstandingabilities,her warm lively mannerand all she did beyond the call of duty were deeply appreciatedby all. Richfield was fortunateto have many fine, dedicatedteachers. GeraldineBaker was born March 10, 1908, at Twin Bridges, Montana, to Charles Palmer and Gwen (Nyemaster)Baker. She graduatedfrom Gooding Collegeand taught in Richfield before her marriage to Leslie RobertVanceon July 27,1936 at Caldwell. He was born in Carey Sept.10,1905. (Source:GeraldineVance, Gooding Leader and ACB) '30's: Mrs. Vance suppliedsomeof the following informationaboutother teachersof the early Armand Lundquist, math and scienceteacher,went out of teachingnot long after he left Richfield. He, his wife and small son stoppedto visit Mrs. Vanceone time in Wallace. They were living in Washington,D.C., wherehe had a governmentjob in the Bureauof Standards.He was followed by W.L. Harlan of Pierce, ID. Richard Terry, also a math and scienceteacher,went to Alaska after he left Richfield and died there later. His brotherParshallTerry, who taughthere later, is also deceased.Both had attendedGoodingCollege. JennieBishop resignedin 1933due to ill healthof her mother. Shehad built a lovely brick home tbr her motherin TF. It was demolishedwhen rezoningtook placeon Blue LakesBoulevard. Miss Bishop married a brotherof her sister'shusband,a Mr. Maxwell, soonafterwards.Shedied many yearsago. (Ava Barnestaught in her placein RHS.) Miss Dora Wilson, 4th gradeteacher,andsomeof the motherstook her classto the river fbr a picnic in May of 1930. Lunch was spreadwhen Mother Nature beganto weep. They took refuge in the Lane sheepshedsand ate their lunch there, reportsthe genialjanitor, Frank Pope. The Hills, RR Editors, added: "We don't take responsibilityfor authenticity!"On May 10th, 1936,a baby girl, Joy Nadine,was born to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buckendorfof Pocatello.The mother was the former Richfieldteacher,Dora Wilson. The ISU Alumni paper told of her deathin Pocatelloin the later 1980's. BANCROFI Do you remember Ruby Ritter (Bancroft) who taught secondgrade in that beautiful lava rock schoolhousein Richfield in the late nineteentwenties?How I treasuremy memoriesof those3 yearsfiom 1926 to 1929. BecauseRicht-ieldschool board decidedto split the first and secondgrades,I got the new job. In those dayswe taught phonics every day with flash cardswith everyonein the classuttering the correct sounds. A new word is no big deal if you know your phonics. Transportationfrom farm to school was by horse-drawn bus. The children came to school all bundled up in winter clothes. My sister,Leona Ritter, taught lst gradein the schoolroomnext to mine. We were roommatesas well as friends. The Hill City Branchtrain was our transportation best to Shoshoneand back to Richfield. Model T Ford was our transportationto a North Shoshoneranchwhereour parents,Will and Etta Ritter, lived. After the three years in Richfield, I taught 2nd gradefor two years in Gooding, then one year in 5th grade and one in 6th grade in Shoshone. In June 1934 | married Paul Bancroft, a farmer of North Shoshone. Our farming came to a halt late in 1993, when we moved to Shoshone. Ella Nilson (now Samuelson)beganteachingin Richfieldthe sameyear I did. She is a closefiiend, living (Source:Ruby Ritter Bancroft) in SanDiego. Thank you for being Richfield. Fondly, Ruby Ritter Bancroft BARNES At a very pretty wedding at the home of her parents,Ava McMahon married William Barnes. Bert Bowler sang "Because." The room was decoratedwith pink snapdragonsand red and white carnations. The
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bridewore a girlishgownof whiteorgandyandcarriedwhiteroses.RingbearerAva Lou Garlockworea dainty little pink frock andcarrieda silverbasketwith a whiteroseandring. A two courseluncheonwas servedand manybeautifulgifts werereceivedby the couple. Guestsbesidethe family were:Rev. andMrs. Bartlett, Mr. in Haileytheywill be at homein theEngle andMrs. BrushandMissMargaretJohnson.Followinga honeymoon in N Richfield.(SJ Apr 22, l92I) residence Ava McMahonmarriedWilliam P. Barnes(my MotherandFather)in Richfieldon April 14, 1921. They had 2 sons,Bill and Harold. My fatherwasborn in Blue Mound,KS, in 1890. He got a collegedegreein Pharmacyat the Universityof Kansasin l9l4 andcameto Richfieldin the sameyearto work as a Druggistin Magic Reservoirand its canal with the newly constructed the boomyearsof early irrigationprojectsconnected systemthroughoutthe RichfieldTract. In 1916he enlistedin the Medical Corps, U. S. Army and was stationedin the Bay Area near Palo Alto, CA at an Army Hospital for the duration of the war. He returned to Richf-ieldafter being honorably dischargedfrom the service in 1919 to resume his pharmaceuticalbusiness. He was a man who enjoyed life to the fullest until his untimely deathat age 35 fiom double pneumoniaon May 16, 1925. "Parkey"ashe was nick-namedby the localsfbr his connectionwith Parke-Davis PharmaceuticalCompany which he represented, lovedthe outdoorlife--hunting and fishing and camping. One of his favorite hauntswas Muldoon Creek area in the Sawtooth Mountainswhere the grouse and venison and fat trout flourished in abundance during the early 1900's. Needlessto say his two sons missedknowing a wonderful father as we were both infants at the time of his death. Our mother, Ava, raised us with the assistanceof her many friendsand family as she never remarriedafter "Parkey's" passing. Shewas born in the Richfieldareaon Feb 9. 1892.and receivedher early educationin Shoshonebut finishedhigh school in Twin Falls in 1910. ln 1914 she graduatedfiom Williamette University in Salem,OR receivinga degreein Music Education. Shetaughtin the During World War I she W i l l i a m P . B a r n e s , R i c hife l d H o t e l 1 9 2 2 . Shoshoneand Gooding High Schools. general in Richfreld. After her in her father's store worked C o u r t e s y :M a r t h aG . M c R i l l . husband'sdeath, she attendedGooding College and receivedher Bachelorof Arts in Educationin 1928. She taught English in the Idaho Sch<rolSystem at Eden, ID for five years, two years in Richfield (1932-1934) and in 1935 went tcr Blackfoot where shetaughthigh schoolEnglish frtr 23 years.Sheretired fiom teachingto take the Blackfbot City Librarian's position where she servedfor 16 years and retired fiom that position in 1974. She spent the remainingnine years of her lif'e with her youngestson, Harold, in Portlancl,OR, and her oldest son, Bill, in Moscow, ID and passedaway Aug 18, 1983,from naturalcausesatage 91. Bill has a son, Cris Wm. Barnes, SantaFe, and a daughter, Celinda G. Barnes,Seattle. ThomasIrwin McMahon,who died in 1932,and CelindaPhillips McMahon, who Both of my grandparents, died Sept. 1951, my father,William PhineasBarnes,and my mother, Ava McMahon Barnes,are buried in the NE corner of the Richfield Cemetery. May the Good Lord rest their souls--all hardy Lincoln County stock in a peacefulsetting, indeed! Respectfullysubmitted, Hal Barnes, (Source:Hal Barnes) BARTLOME Charles Bartlome's parentswere JohannesBartlome, Munchenbuchsee,Bern, Switzerland,and ElizabethSchutz,Wahlen,Bern, Switzerland.They cameto the UnitedStatesin 1888and settledin Providence, Utah where many from Switzerlandand Germanywere living. ElizabethKunz Bartlome'sparentswere Emil Kunz, born at Brughaus,Neuhaf'en,Pf-alz,Bavaria, and Mary Elizabeth Jones, born at Providence, Cache, Utah. Emil Kunz' parents, John Kunz and Magdelina Grein immigrated to the United Stateswhen he was two yearsold. They settledin Providence,Utah in about 1877. Charles "Chuck" Bartlome and Elizabeth "Bess" Kunz were married at Tremonton, Utah. 19 June 1919. The following childrenwere born to them: Ralph Charles, 7 Nov 1920, Preston,ID; Kenneth "K" 12 Dec 1921 at Richfield, ID; and Lorin John 19 May 1927at Preston,ID. Their oldest son, Ralph died 2 Dec 1927
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at Thatcher,Franklin, ID from diphtheriaand typhoid fever. Emil Kunz had moved to Richfield, and Chuck and Besswere there as early as 1920where Kennethwas born. Besswishedto leavethe Preston area after the death of their son. Chuck and Besswere in many placesfor the next few yearstrying to find a place where they could acceptthe loss. They moved to Richfield in 1930 where Charlesworked at many jobs. He was always handy with livestockso spenta lot of time working with PaulsonBrothers' sheepranches. He sometimestook his older children to work on the night shift and they were able to help pick up the drop, take the newborn animals into the night shed, and seethat they were able to suckle. Sometimes the temperaturewas beiow zero and the baby 'come life' when we would get to lambswould appearmore deadthan alive. "It was alwaysa thrill to seethem them into the warm shed and they would get someof their mother's milk into their systems." Bartlomeslived in the area around the "North End School" which was located6 miles north of town. They rentedfarm ground from a man by the name of PeteJohnson,just acrossthe road from her father, Emil Kunz. They had milk cows, from which they marketedcream and fed the skim milk to calves and pigs. Bess always had a flock of chickens. She marketedeggsto the local grocery store in exchangefor credit. Their children had to help with all the chores, including milking cows, feedingchickensand cleaningout the chickenhouse and cow barn. They farmed with horsesand their children had to learn to handlea team at an early age. The 5' swath the mower cut didn't seem nearly as large as the 10' swath the dump rake gatheredinto rows for later pickup and stackingby other equipment. They lived aroundthe North End School all the time they were in the area. Many families had their children stay home from school and work. As a result it sometimestook a f-ew years more than eight to completeeight years of grade school. The children always had to work at home but Charlesand Elizabeth always insistedthat educationwas more importantthan any work on the farm. Chuck and Bessfiled on a "Homestead"in Lincoln County, 14 miles NW of Shoshoneand moved in 1940. They always rememberedtheir time spent in Richfield as one of their more choice experiences. At the time of their 25th Wedding Anniversary Celebration,held at their farm NW of Shoshone,many of their Richfreld fiiends were in attendance. Bartlome'shad the fbllowing childrenwhile in the area: Ray, b. 21 July 1930; Wanda, b. 8 May 1934; Jerry Emil, b. 14 August 1939; and Carol Charlene, b.30 Nov 1943at Shoshone,ID. As of this date, Feb more than 50 greatgrandchildrenand 2 sons,Jerry 16,1994, Chuck and Bessare survivedby 28 grandchildren, at Wendover,NV and Lorin at Twin Falls, ID. BesidesBess'sfather, Emil Kunz, 2 brothers,Leonardand Bill, 2 sisters,EdnaJohnsonand LuennaFlavel lived there. A sister,LaVerne Andersonlived at Dietrich. (Source:Lorin Bartlome) BASE Albert Baseaged75, passedaway suddenlyyesterdaymorningat the home of his son, StephenBaseof May l, 1860,and cameto America in 1904. He had resided Marley. Mr. Basewas born in Czechoslovakia he in MI, Chicago,WI and MT. In 1920 cameto Marley wherehe has sinceresided. Surviving are his wife, Anna and 3 sons--Stephen,Louis and John, all of Marley. Funeral serviceswith Rev. Father Mroz in charge will be held at the CatholicChurch in Shoshonenext Mon. at 11 a.m. (Source:LCJ Dec. 7 , 1934) Mrs. Anna Base,known as GrandmaBase,died SaturdayinT. F. Survivedby 2 sonsof Richfleld, Louis coming to the States and John, and Stevein T. F. She died at age 86; born June24, 1859,in Czechoslovakia, in 1904. She had lived the past 2 yearsin TF after 24 yearsin Richfield. She was buried in Shoshone,ID. (Source:LCJ Jan. 18, 1946) BessieBell Base was born lan. 12, 1903, in OK and grew up in Buhl, ID. She graduatedfiom Albion Normal and taught school at Deep Creek near Buhl. When she and John Base were married, she moved to Richfield and lived on Marley Lane for 26 years. She was a memberof the Burmah Club and Grange, and was a nieceof JamesKodesh. They were parentsof 4 daughters: Betty, Dolores, Barbara,and Rita. An infant son, David John, died in 1938. BessieBasepassedawayJan. 31,1954. (Source:BurmahClub Book) Stephenand Helen Basehad one daughter,Mary Helen. Mrs. Baseworked as Librarian for the Richfield Library. BEE The Joe Bee family cameto Richfield in 1912. The whereaboutsof family membersis unknown. They were living near the Natural Bridge NE of town when the Erwins camein 1915,Joy Erwin remembers,but they soon moved to town. They lived on BannockAve. near Main. Mr. Bee was gone a good deal, working away from home, as an item in the news mentioned: Joe Bee has gone to Jerome to run the threshing machine for Hugh Fenton. The SJ July 23 1920 issuestated: Mrs. Isa Bee has chargeof the new cream station established by Nelson-RicksCo. Joy said the children were Wenzel, Leona, Evoline, Lester, John, Eleanor and Archie.
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LeonamarriedRay McArthur,oldestsonof GeorgeMcArthur. EvolinemarriedRay's cousinand movedto Grandview.Ray wasa cowboyandhe andLeonalived in Oreana' the BurtonCafefor a yearandwascookfor thehot lunchprogramat schoolfor 8 years. Mrs. Beemanaged member of the WCTU. Isa Mae BeewasbornJuly 1882and died Sept.5, 1944. Sheis Shewas an active buriedin the RichfieldCemetery.(Source:JoyErwin andSJ July23 1920) 1920Richfieldcensus:Isa M. Bee age38 b. WV; Wenzellson 17b. WA; Emma15WA; Evoline12b. WA; Lester10 b. WA; John7 b. ID. BEEBE John Beebewasan engineerfor the ldahoIrrigationCo. in 1915,living in Richfield. Mr. andMrs. Beebe,daughter,Albertaandson,Stuart,visitedRichfieldin July 1937from MT. (Source:LCJ) BEHR Maxwell Edward Behr, born Mar.20, 1906, in Wood River, Nebraska, to John and Rosa (Schisler) Behr, occasionallycame to Richfield from Utah to visit his aunt and uncle, Edith and George Schwaner. In 1939he met Alice Crane, a teacherin Hagerman. They were married June 8, 1941, at the Methodist Church by Rev. James Crawford. They were living on a farm 2 mi. W of town when Maxine was born lune2, 1943. After moving to the Ben Crane farm that fall, they applied for a livestock brand startingwith B and were issuedB7-perhapsprophetic, as 13 years later they were a family of sevenBehrs! Elaine joined the family on March 22, 1946. Max sold the north part '47. Milton of the Home Place, and they built on the south half in arrived Feb. 13, 1948. They moved to Moore in 1950 where Max worked for Bechtel Co. at the atomic site. Deannawas born in Arco B a c k r o w : M a x i n e , M i l t o n , E l a i n e ,M a x May 7, 1951. Returningto Richfield that fall, they becamepartners a n d A l i c e B e h r . F r o n t : D e a n n aa n d R o s with Clarence Lemmon in the Texaco Station (then with Ed Maxwell a l i e .19 6 1. and Orvil Hardman.) After the farm home was remodeledby John '55 they returned to farm life. They enjoyed country living, and difficulties became challenges. Dennison in Max worked part time for the Big Wood. The family was blessedwith Rosalie'sarrival Feb. 15, 1956. The childrenall went throughthe Richfieldschools. 'acres' of orchard at the home GrandpaCrane Maxine wrote: "My first memoriesincluderunning through built 4 mi. N 314 W of town. The orchardwas so thick and big it seemedI could run through it forever. Monthly drawings at the Peterson'sstore seemedto draw everyonein town. I recall going there with Grandma Crane. The digging of the well on our place in 1948was a big event for the five families who would sharethis luxury. I was a dancing, singing Christmastree with my classin a Christmasprogram in the Grangeauditorium. At Grange meetingsall the children ran around exploring nooks and crannies. We also met at North End Club and WSCS meetings. We got a dog namedChipperfrom Mrs. Ida Pateand Merle. When he saw Mrs. Patehe would jump around in ecstacy;I neverforgot that lesson,that dogs never forget people. When Aunt Anna visited she would teach us songslike Eency Weency Spider and I'm a Little Teapot. Grandpa Crane used to rock me, sing songsand recitepoetry. "I rememberthe thrill of playing basketballin HS; MYF Camps; being Outlaw Queen, even though my horsefell with me while practicingfigure 8's. Music was a big part of our lives; I playedpiano and accordion, taught both and entertainedlocal groups. Someof the family were in band and played the piano. "When I attendedISU the community really came together in the crisis of flooding; we threw sandbags againstthe banks of the Portneuf River and helped remove belongingsfrom homes" I met Jack Monaghan, a pharmacy studentfrom NJ, whom I married in 1963. Our son Patrick was born just before Jack graduatedin 1964. We moved to New Brunswick. NJ. where Kathleenwas born on New Year's Eve, 1965. With two babies and a U-haul we drove to San Franciscoin Nov. 1966, where Jack worked in pharmacy. I got my degree in accountingand worked for l7 ll2 yearsas an auditor with the CA Dep't. of Real Estate. I got my law degree and now work in real estatelaw. I am an avid golfer. Pat and Kathy are both married..." Pat and Kathy spent summer vacationshere when small, enjoying VBS and life in our small town. All the Behr children were in sports,church activitiesand 4-H, including Daisy Dairy Club with the Morris Swainstonsas leaders" They ran the farm dairy operation. At leastone memberof the family was in collegefor most of 19 years (including Alice after she was askedby Sup't. Briggs to fill a first grade vacancy in 1964.) '64, Elaine went to NCC and CSI. She worked in the office of the Paris After graduatingwith honors in Co. in Twin Falls, then acceptedan offer from the RetailSalesService,Inc., to work in S.F. in 1967. Shewas
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for a bookbindingfirm; worked an insidesalesrep,thenbookkeeper as controllerfor a law farm and is presentlywith Taggart and Hawkins law firm where she is the "staff," doing bookkeeping, work. Elaine loves secretarial,paralegaland other administrative from spinachto a patioplanterof red, whiteand gardening-anything crochetblueflowers,asspacepermits;reading;handwork,especially girl happy was she (black As a small Ralphie). Lily and ing; andcats no owner when from school, to havea dog that followedher home wasfound. Milton enjoyedCub Scouts,Boy ScoutsandBoys' State,where in HS football; a back he met somefine boys. He was quarterback sidelinedhim for I ll2 years. After collegeat injury in basketball CSI he took Army Reservetrainingat Fort Braggand Fort Lee. He with on-the-job-training coursein construction took a correspondence of artificial lakesand B a c k :R o s a l i eM , a x i n e ,M i l t o n .F r o n t :E l a i n e , in Chicagoandworkedin AZ on construction D e a n n aB e h r ,1 9 9 3 . the groundwork for schoolsin HavasuCity, wherethe old London he got work Bridgeis located.While visitingcousinsin Fairbanks, there, eventually started his own constructioncompany, BEHRALASKA, and did general contracting for 12 years. On Aug. 27,1977, he and Lisa Wigger were married. Their childrenare Shawn, b. Aug. 1, 1982, and Macey, May 6, 1985. They sold the constructioncompanyand Milton worked as businessagent for Operating for Alaska. Lisa has a home jewelry EngineersInternational. He is now their district representative manufacturingbusiness.Togetherthey recentlyenjoyeda I 35 mile bicycle ride from Seattleto Vancouver, B. C. , to help raise funds for the American Lung Association. Their home is near a five acre lake in the center of a horseshoebend in the Chena River in Fairbanks. Deanna went to CA in l97l after attendingCSI and after some work experiencesettled in the import Inc., in SF. business.Shebecamean import broker and is supervisorof the Marine Division for Hoyt-Shepston, Lines, Exchange Steamship Marine of the She was the second woman to be electedto the board of directors with in to check which includesthe whole shipping industry. Part of her work is boarding ships as they come lines (any illness,etc.), so they can dock. Shedealswith anythingfrom cruise the captainon cargo,passengers to tankers,a returningcircusship to Russianships. Her apartmentnearGhiridelli Square,filled with plantsand books, affords a good view of the Bay. The girls celebratemany eventstogether--birthdays,visits fiom family and friends, graduationsand holidays, even the Blue Angel events,viewed from Deanna'srooftop. While in BSU Rosalie helpedone summerwith RichfieldLittle League. She graduatedfrom BSU on the Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, with a degreein socialwork. She worked with the mentally retardedand day was supervisorof a small home in Nampa for educablestudents.ln 1982she moved to SF and worked in import and export departmentsof two companies,now with Circle International. They ship products by air, land and water in the U.S., Canadaand Mexico. Her work includessuchthings as procuring rainbow trout eggs from Tasmaniaand arranging shipping to a client in Idaho. She is active in three golf clubs. The Behrs sold the ranch (in the family 61 years)and moved to the former Draper home in east Richfield in 1968. After back surgery in 1974 Max learnedleathercraft and made and sold purses, billfolds and custom articles. He was a Mason. He passedaway suddenlyon Aug. 9, 1975. Alice continuedteachingand taking classesuntil her retirement in 1982, after teaching18 yearsin Richfield. Reunionswith former classeshere and in Hagermanand visits from former studentshavebeenrewarding. Shealso had the joy of working with children in church school and after-schoolBible School and recently as a reading volunteer at school. Alice joined the IdahoWriter's Leagueand has beenfortunateto be able to travel to visit family and friends from Alaska to N.Y. and to go on historical tours. The children have enjoyedtravels in Europe, Hawaii and other points. They greatly enjoyedvisits to "the old home town," and all are glad to have their roots in Richfield. (Source: Family members) BELL Roger Owen and Ollie Bell moved to Richfield in 1935. He was born in Banner, MS April 4, 1889, andhad lived in OK and MO. Ollie ReeDavis, born May 5, 1890,inTula, MS, and Rogerwere marriedin Tula Sept8, 1910. They farmed NW of Richfield. He was operatedon for appendicitisin 1946; a blood clot formed, going to his heart and causedhis death. They had 4 sonsand 1 daughter. The sonseachtook a turn at running the farm. Ronald Owen, the eldest, stayedwith the farm and his mother. They later moved to town acrossthe
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streetfrom the school. Ollie loved the kids and the athleticfunctions. She rarely misseda game and was always availablewith her car to take the kids where they neededto go. She was a member of the Burmah Club and the EasternStar. She passedaway in 1974 and is buried next to her husbandin the Richfield Cemetery. Every sumrneifor many years, Ronald, bornJune 30, lgll wouldtravel to the mountainsand watch over t.ngr .atti.. In the fall he woutd return and drive the schoolbus, known as "a friend to all the kids." His health got so bad he had to give up both jobs. He passedaway in 1984. Robert Rex, b. Aug. 19, 1912,in Tula, md. Lorraine McGaugheyMay 21, L937, at Burley. He died Oct. 9, 1988, at Royal City, WA. Esther Eudora, b. July 7, lgI4, in Tula, md. Clinton EastonJan. 6, 1933, in Ogden. They live in Paul, ID, and have 1 son, Kenneth. Raymon Clayton, b. Nov. 8, 1919, in OK. He md. Betty Crist. He died in an accident at work in Canyonville,OR, in 1974. Bobby Dean, b. Sept.27,1927, at Van Duesen,MO, md. BonneyHardy. He has followed construction in OR & WA, and is now living in Kingston,WA. Robert Bell and Lorraine McGaughey were married \n 1937 and lived in Richfield until 1966 with the exceptionof a few years. They raised five children: Janet,Wayne, Donald, Merlene and Nadine. Both boys serued in the Army. In 1966 they moved to WashingtonState,where Robert passedaway in 1988. Lorraine residesin Royal City, WA, near her daughter,Janetand her husband,Blaine Brown. JanetLorraine, b. May 22, 1938,at Rupert, ID. She md. JamesSmith Oct.4, 1957, at Wenatchee,WA. She later md. Blaine Brown Mar. 3, 1989, at Coeur d'Alene ID. RobertWayne, b. July 21, 1939,at Paul, ID. He md. Arlene JohnsonJuly 15, 1966,at Shoshone.Donald Rex, b. Feb. 16, 1944,at Wendell,ID. He md. Carol ShoemakerSept. 25, 1965, at Richfield. Donald and Carol spentmany years in Richfield, and their children, Justin and Jennifer attended school here. Carol, an RN, worked in the Jerome Hospital for a time and helped with health care in the community. Donald was a carpenterand a volunteerfireman. They were active in the Methodist Church. The Belfs now residein Lake Stevens,WA. Rita Merlene,b. Aug 19,1948, at Shoshone;md. Newt RobinsonJuly PhyllisNadine,b. Sept.5, 1951,at Emmett,ID; md. Daniel Morrison Mar.29,1969, 5, 1966,at Shoshone. (Source: LorraineBell) at Wenatchee,WA. Raymon Bell (Sandy)attendedschool at Paul and Richfield. He worked on the farm until he went to Los Angelesin early 1941to work at LockheedAircraft. He marriedBetty Louise Crist July I , 1941. They lived in Los Angeles, returning to Richfield the fbllowing year to help out on the farm. Their oldest daughterSherri Louise, born July 17, 1942at Los Angeles,went to first grade in Richtreld. Sandyjoined the Army in 1944 and served until Aug 1946. He farmed with his brother Ronald for two years and moved to Middleton in 1948, where he farmed until moving to Cambridgein 1957to work on the Brownlee Dam and farm. Sandy and Betty had six children. ln 1964the family movedto Myrtle Creek, OR, where he worked on construction. Betty was a linotype operatorfor the local newspaperfor 12 yearsand drove schoolbus fbr 16 years. Sandy loved to fish, anclhe and his family spent many hours hunting and fishing together. He worked at constructionuntil he was killed in a mountain slide Jan 16, 1974. Enclosedis a newspaperstory about it: Nine repairmen,incluclingRaymonBell, 54, a SagePipelineemployee,were caughtby a massivelandslide Jan. 16, 1 mi. S of Canyonville, causedby heavy rainfall during the third Pacific storm of the week. The repairmenwere attemptingto restoreservicefor the Pacific NorthwestBell TelephoneCo along the coaxial cable, broken by a small slide, by hooking up a temporarycableto bypassthe broken one. Sheriffs deputiesand Explorer Scouts found the first three bodies about a mile down Canyon Creek two days after the tragedy occurred. Five more bodieswere recoveredlater. The companymanagersaid the men "never had a chance, from Roseburg,OR News-Review,Jan 18, 1974)Sandywas neverfound. We, it happenedso fast." (Condensed his family, have placed a cross at the site of the slide and every Memorial Day we replace silk flowers on the cross. Sherri Benson,who lives in Molalla, OR, has3 marriedsonsin Moscow, ID. Raymon Max born Aug,25, 1944, atWendell,and wife, Cindiwere marriedDec.l, 1982,at Reno, NV, and son, Shane,live in Naples,FL. Their daughter and family are in Iowa. William (Bill) Owen born June 27, 1947, at Gooding; married Judy Humphriesat Roseburg,OR; they and their 3 childrenlive at Myrtle Creek. Nancy June born Nov 19, 1951, at Caldwell, ID; married ScottChandlerSept.9, 1986,in Hawaii. Nancy and daughter,Jenny live in Molalla. A son, Dean Wilson, born June 7, 1954at Caldwell, passedaway June 16, 1954. Julie Ann, their youngest daughter,born Dec.30, 1958 at Council, ID; marriedCharlesEvans Apn12, 1978at Myrtle Creek. She died af\er 14 months in a coma causedby a brain hemorrhageOct. 28, 1981. They had a baby girl who was considereda miracle babv becauseshe was born after her mother had been in a coma for 18 weeks. Nancy
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adoptedher. Julie also left a small son, Cory and Betty raisedhim. Julie Evans was an RN who worked in the sameintensivecare unit in Douglas Community Hospital where her co-workerswere later her caregiverswhile she lay in a coma. Their heartbreakand their love for her as well as that of her family were evident in items from Roseburgpapers:When little Jennifer, the "miracle baby," whose chancesfor survival were first thought to be zero, was delivered in Feb 1982, it was a "tremendousrelief and victory for the ICU nursesand staff." A nurse friend said, "Julie got immaculatecare. She gained weight and looked good... I starteddelving into spiritual things. Julie brought out the spiritual aspectin people. You had to feel that Julie was still there to care for. I spokeoften with Julie's mother,Betty Bell, a deeplyreligiouswoman....I really think Julie has made a contribution to how we care for patientsin that condition." Julie passedaway Dec. 15, 1983, after suffering bouts of high fever. (Source: Betty Bell) BILLINGS Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Billings lived 6 mi. N of town. Joy Erwin remembersan older boy in the family--Harold, she thought. They were listed in the Grangetreasurer'sbook for severalyearsuntil 1926 and on the 1920 censusflMarren Billings). A few otherswho have lived on that ranch sincethen are W.L. Biggs 1931, C.D. Crist, ManuelKing, Laucirica. BLAKESLEE Earl and Ruby (Conner)Blakesleecameto Richfield about 1927 and moved to Filer around 1948. Earl was born Nov 24, 1882, and died Nov 14, 1958. Ruby was born Mar. 3, 1888in Colorado. Shepassed away Nov 2, 1967. Both are buried in the Richfield Cemetery. Their oldest daughter l,ena B. was born Nov. 9, 1906. She married Bill Brown (SeeBrown, Wm.) The other childrenattendedRichfield schools. Louise md "Curly" McEwen and they live near Fruitland. Pearl, deceased, md JoeKriezenbeck.They lived in Cascade& Boise.Roy, b. May 7, 1912, md Fay Stevens in 1940. They left Richfield in l94l and lived in the Kimberly and Filer area. Roy passedaway Mar. 29,1962. Hope, b. Sept. 6, 1916. She was in the 7th grade when she becamevery ill and died on Mar. 22, 1929. The doctor feared she might have had spinal meningitisso closedthe school. All schoolchildrenwere takenby bus to schoolone day M r . & M r s . B i l l i n g sP. h o t o - J o yR i e d e fbr shots. Mrs. Blakesleebelievedher deathwas due to other causes,Lena m a n . as well as to the said later. Her death was a great loss to us, her classmates, family and the community. (Sources:Lucille Bickett, Lola ConnerToner, Cemrecords,ACB) BLOOM Dr. Oscar A. and Margarite Bloom cameto Richfield sometime befbre 1920; they are listed on the 1920 census. Dr. and Mrs. Bloom visited at Hill City one week in August, 1920. The ShoshoneJournal reportedthey were the "proud parentsof a baby girl born April 11,1921. Mother and babe are doing well." Sadly,little Helen Elizabethlived only until July 13, 1923. Shewas buried in the local cemetery. The Blooms lived in the Deeds house eastof the R.J. Lemmon home, and Dr. Bloom had his office and hospital there. Sometimein the thirties Mrs. Bloom and son (aboutAllie Draper'sage)cameto town and askedAllie and Borden McMahon to show them around, places like the backwaters,the crater by the Dietrich Canal, natural bridges,Flint Butte and the Wind Cave out by Fulbrights. One such visit was reportedJuly 16, 1937: Mrs. MargaretBloom, wif'e of the late Dr. O. A. Bloom, and son Robertvisited here from Akron, Ohio, wherethey settledin 1924. (Someitems calledhim A. E. Bloom) SidneyBloom also lived in Richfield at that time. Item: SidneyBloom has killed the premium rattle snake of the season,a four foot snakewith ten rattles. He married Marie Harin of Picabo, at the home of her parents, on May 28, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Bloom becamethe parentsof a new son, born in March of 1915" (Sources:Allie Draper, SJ, RR, LCJ) BLUEMER Clarence and Elva Bluemerwere marriedDec I ,1926. Elva wasborn Aug 26,1902, at Price, UT, and moved with her parentsto Green River, UT, then at four years of age to Marley. The Bluemers had six children. Betty Lorene, b. Oct 1, 1927,md A. Jay JonesJune 17, 1946. Warren Raymond, b. AugZl, 1929, md Shirley Fay Turner Nov 1, 1948" Helen Arlene, b. Mar 14, 1931,md Lloyd MaestasMay 16, 1948. All were born in Richfield.
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Hole,WY, whereWayneLouis wasbornSep16,1932. He md JeanneMarie Thefamily movedto Jackson ByrneDec 7, 1952. Alice May, b. Feb23, 1937,at Richfield,md DaleDonnerMay 23, 1953. SharonIda, the youngest,was born June30, 1942,at Richfield. After the family were all grown ClarenceandElva were (Source: divorced. Elva lived in a rest homefor awhilebeforeshepassedawayDec 26, l99l in Shoshone. CharlesPeterJohnsonbook) manymenroamedthe country,doing Excerptsfrom letterby from WarrenBluemer:Duringthedepression place little money. They weren'tbums,just desperate. maybe a to sleepand any work they couldfor meals,a Many hadto be shownwhatto do but nearlyall werewilling andeager. Clarencehad workedin the minesat Haileyandsaveda little money. They alsoboughta nice car. Dad tradedthe car to oneof my mother's brothersfor 3 horsesand a little machinery,paid the taxes housewhere andbuilt a basement we lived 3 or 4 years.You did what it took to be self sufficient. Whenlturned6Iwasallowed to milk a cow. At 7 | couldmilk 2 cows. The milk was run throughthe separator, cranked by hand. Somehowit sentlowfat H e l e n , A l i c e , W a y n e , B e t t y , W a r r e nB l u e m e r . milk out one spoutand creamout another. Creamwas a meansof buyinggroceriesandclothes.
$W
As time went on the upstairswas built on the house,a well was drilled, indoor plumbing was almosttoo good to believe, a regular barn was built and tractorswere used insteadof horses. Betty and Helen helpedwith cooking, cleaning and sewing. Mom helpeddo the chores, kept the garden and tried to keep the kids working and not fighting. She baked, scrubbed,sewedand stayedconstantlybusy. Warren joined the Navy at 17 years, cameback and farmed a few years before moving to Jerome. Helen married and moved to Arco. Wayne went in the Navy. Betty remembersall the "cream cans" she had to empty and wash and also getting up every morning to get breakfastfor the family (beforedry cerealwas invented)as her Mother had to help milk cows. Helen remembers Clarence going to the Craters of the Moon after the cinder-rock. Helen and Betty went to school in Burmah. (Betty in 7th and 8th grade) as StellaFreeman,an aunt, didn't have enoughstudents. Betty then went on to RHS in Richfield and graduatedin 1945. She and June Crist Worthington went to Albion to begin their studiesto becometeachers. BOLTON My granddadOscar Bolton married Grace Forkner Sep 4, 1898, in Sweetwater,TN. They moved to Iowa in 1900 then to Washingtonstate. ln l9l2 Oscar rented a railroad box car, loaded the livestock and belongingsand moved to Idaho. His oldestson, Clarence, accompaniedhim. The train arrived at Richfreldthe day the news of the sinking of the Titanic on April 14, 1912,cameout in the newspapers. (Arthur Bolton told more aboutthis move in a telephonecall). "Mother and the other children cameon the passengertrain and stayedat the Alberta Hotel. Out of La Grandeone night, the freight train hit a rock that had rolled onto the tracks, causingdamage. An old bachelor,Cox, traveling with them pitched out of his hammock onto the frightened horses. Mother wonderedwhy Dad didn't show up. He came several days later on the passengertrain. We went on to Burmah and from there a man by the nameof Kauffman helped move our family to the homestead,driving an ox and a black horsehitchedtogether. He once had a six-yoke team of oxen. One 'Jerry', winter they walked out on the river ice and five drowned, being the only survivor." The homesteadwas locatedto the N of the lava beds on the canal next to what is now Highway 75 closeto the old railroad tracks near where you turn off to Magic Reservoir. The old homesteadhas gone back to desert. (Accordingto the 1913BoiseB.L. M. recordsthis was an originalland filing on 180acresfor $ 1.25 an acre. The farm house was on the north side of the Big Wood River near the gorge.--Bill Bolton, T. F. ) The children went to the Burmah schooland the Burns school. Clarencesaid the biggest scarewas not fiom snakesbut from rabid coyotes. Clarencehad one run-in with a mad coyote and Oscar had one. Art wrote, "When mendingfencenear the old stonehousewhere Kauffman lived, a rabid coyote went after his dog, Tig, then Dad, who threw a hammer at the coyote. He finally reachedsafety after striking the coyote
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with a post. The dog, who had savedhis life, was by that time so chewed up that the only thing to do was to kill him, which a neighbor did. The coyote was later found dead in the adjoining hayfield." Art and his brother John had an old Harley-Davidson with a side car. One day in downtown Richfield, they turned a corner too sharp and turned upside down. No one was seriouslyhurt. My dad, Bill, and Uncle Clarence had a blacksmith shopfor years in Gooding. When my dad graduatedfrom Gooding High School, he worked for Ed Hughes in heatingand plumbing. One of his first jobs was to put in the heat ducts at the Gooding Senior High School. (Source:Jon Bolton, Gooding) Now that I am the last and also the oldestmemberleft of my family, I can lay claim to being the head of the clan. I also have time to reflect on the early schoolingI got at the little one-room school and compare it with the schoolsof today. Did we learn becauseof the school or in spite of the school? We had eight gradesin one room with one teacher, so she had little time for each child or subject. Rancheswere scatteredup and down Big Wood River four to five miles from the school. Most children BoltonFamily1907: Oscar31, Grace27. Children: 7, Mattie3, Louella1 walkedin all kindsof weather. At times it took more than Clara5, Clarence one year to pass a grade, due to winters like the one of 1917when the snow was so deephorsescouldn'ttravel. The flu epidemicof 1919 and 1920closedthe school most of that year. Children were also neededto help with work on the ranch. Still as I look back I can't recall a child that iould not learn to read and do arithmetic. In today's schoolswhere they are bussedto school, one classto a room and the latest in teachingmaterials,we find non-readers. Math is foreign to them. Discipline is gone and what do we get for our money and effort? In the early days on the Big Wood River, if schoolingwas desiredbeyond the 8th grade, the mother and children moveclto town during the school year, or the studentsworked for their board and room. My sister Mattie lived with the Pridmore family in Richfield, then went on to PocatelloTech to becomea nurse. My sister Louellaworkedfor Mrs. Goodingat the Lincoln Inn in Gooding and on graduationmoved to Pocatello. After Mother died from influenzain 1920,Dad moved to Wilson, 9 mi. from Melba, ID, and the rest of the family broke up. Mrs. Morrison got John located with the Fred Cranes at Richfield. I worked that summerfor Ed Norberg at Burmah, then stayedwith the Fred Cranesand finished the 8th grade at Richfield at mid-term. I worked for the Noble Estateat Nampa. When I returned to Richfteld that fall, Mrs. Fred Cranetalked me into going to high school. She got me a placewith the Wyant's 4 ll2 mi. N of Richfield. I did not wish to work there the next summer, and when I mentioned this ttr Fred Crane, he said, "I think Ben Crane would like to have you." Ben happenedto be irrigatingby Fred's house,so he called to Ben. That is how I spent the next three years with this family. I surely appreciatethe help extendedby all thesepeople in my younger years, O s c a rB o l t o na n d s o n sC l a r e n c eA, r t , J o h n , and especiallyLil Crane for encouragingme to continue my educaB i l l( i nf r o n t ) ,a b o u t 1 9 3 0 . tion. Otherwise,I might be sitting here today with only an 8th grade education.(Source:Art Bolton)
Newsof the Boltonfamilyfrom localpapers:In May 1931Mrs. JamesHenry,Mrs. WilliamHenryand to attendthehighschoolplay, "Ruthin a Rush",in whichtheir sisterLouellaBoltoncameto RichfieldSaturday herea few yearsagoas Claraand MattieBoltonand are played part. known They were a brotherJohnBolton thatmonth. Bill Boltonsentpicturesandthis item:Arthur Bolton,RHS marriedto brothers.Johnalsograduated TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
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graduatenow a seniorat the U of I, hasbeendoingsubstitute work in Twin Falls underthe directionof the Smith-Hughes man. Art is takingan agriculturecourse.(Source:LCJ Nov
CLASS MOTTO:
1e33) Mr. and Mrs. JamesHenry of GoodingcomplimentedC L A S S C O L O R S : Mrs. Henry'sbrother,Arthur Bolton,with a farewelldinner. B l u e a n d W h i t e wereMrs. Lilian Craneandson,Carlton,MissMarie ,q3t Guests oLASS Roy C. Scanlan teachers, and 3 Miss Leatha Heidel, Gooding Crane and JessieA. Scanlan brothers,Clarence,John and William Bolton. Arthur has S u s i e L , W o r k m a n Rosetta J. Flavel accepteda positionas teacherat the Indian reservationat M arguerite A. \4'illiams LCJ Oct 1936) WarmSprings,OR. (Source: Superinter:dent, on OscarErnestBoltonwasborn Oct24, 1875;passed
CLASS FLOWER: Tulip RoLL: Joseph A. Brennan Veda M. Newby John O. Bolton Susie M. Simpson Marie A. Crane Edwin
G
Fryer
Sept. 17, 1945. Wife, GraceElizabethForkner,born Sept. 21, 1879;died Mar. 10, 1920. Children: Clarence, died in 1981;md Louise Mattesonwho died 1987;had 2 boys,2 girls. One son, Edward, died in 1975 in a house fire trying to savehis baby son, Daniel. Daniel graduatedJerome HS, now attendingU of I. Others:Helen, JamesOscarand Irene (Mrs. Orrin Hatch, Jr. of Salt Lake City, recentvisitors.) Clara d. 1975;md JamesHenry d. 1981;2 boys,2 girls. Son Edwarddied of cancerdue to radiationfrom exposureat Arco Atomic Plant. Others: Jim in NJ, Alice in Jerome; Alta in Milton-Freewater, OR. Mattie cL.1957;md Bill Henryd 1980;3boys,3 girls.Jeand.atll yrs; Ellend. many yearsago from MS. Louella d. 1970;m Roy Carlson,mechanicon steamlocomotivesforthe UPR in Pocatello;1 boy,3 girls. Arthur D., b. Dec 8, 1908, Garfield, WA; md GeorgiaEvelyn Crow, b. Mar 16, 1916, Noxapater,MS onJan 23,1949. Children:Karen,b. Nov 27,1950 atBoise,ID; md CharlesR. Bowen in 1984 atYuma, AZ. Martha, b. Feb 14, 1952 Tucson, AZ, md David Dauwalder in 1973 atParker, AZ. George Thomas Bolton, b. May 14, 1954, at Tucson, md Carolyn Hathaziin 1988at Robling, NJ. They have 6 grandchildren. Art worked as Agricultural Agent on Indian reservationsin OR and AZ; moved to Parker, AZ; now retired with his wife, a former teacher,and living at2765 Julie Lane, Yuma, AZ 85365. John d. 1954. He was in WW II in Tripoli and Mediterraneanarea,a forward position spotterto locate enemy positions for the infantry and reporting by radio. He and Ernie Frame were sleeping, one on each side of a log, when a shell exploded,killing Ernie. After returningto Gooding,John worked in PostalServicebefore his deathin Boisefrom a brain tumor, believedto havebeencausedby the concussionin the war injury. Lilian Cranewas with him in the hospitalwhen he passedon, as he was beingpushedin a wheel chair down a corridor. He always rememberedher on birthdays and specialdays and had arrangedfor an orchid to be sent to her on Mother's Day after he was gone. Another son was b. May 1913,lived 2 weeksand was buried nearthe river. William Lawrence (Billy) d. 1967md Anna Junkert,living in Gooding. 4 sons; Bill, TF; Robert,Jon and Larry, all of Gooding. Billy was born at home N of the Ice CavesMay 3, 1915. He was requiredto attend school 8 mi. away at the age of five to increaseenrollmentto keepthe school from closing. He stayedwith the Fred Cranes and attendedRichfield HS one year, while Marion Crane stayed with his sister, Clara and Jim Henry, to attendGoodingCollege. Billy went into the Army but was sent back home where his serviceswere neededmore to help keep farm equipmentrepairedfor the war effort. Oscar and Grace Bolton are buried at Richfield. The other family members are buried at the Gooding Elmwood Cemetery. After Bill died, his wife Anna helpedstart the Carillon Memorial Fund for Elmwood. (Source:Arthur D. Bolton) While in high schoolJohn Bolton built a piano benchwith ample music storagespaceto replacethe Ben '40's. Crane girls' old piano stool. I haveusedit and the piano in my home sincethe late As a high school studentArt was given a bus driving job for a year or two. He was a good, dependable worker on the farm and returnedto help on summerwhile was attendingthe U. of I. which permitted the Crane family to take a rare summer trip to Spokane. When the Library District Board decidedto get a book-drop made for the library door fbr the convenience of patrons, I suggestedClarenceBolton of Gooding and contactedhim. He made it, brought it here, installed '70's and was greatly appreciated.(ACB) it and wouldn't acceptany payment. This was in the early BOSSUET A.D. Bossuet,a Frenchman,his wife and family of five daughterslived where Ronnie Goicoechea now lives. They moved acrossthe highway to the Fred Hubsmithplace later. According to Grangerecordsthey moved away in 1926. Arthur Bossuetis listed on the 1920 census. Daughter Mabel was on school records in
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
l9l4 at the age of ten. Mildred was nine in 1923. Other children were Ethel, Marjorie, born in 1917, and' Genevieve, born about 1920. They moved to Independence,OR; in writing from there to renew their subscriptionto the RR they said that their daughterEthel was home on vacation. (Source:Beth Proctor) BOWER Vernon V. Bower was born at Ashtabula,OH Dec 20, 1877, the 5th of 9 children. Frank L. was in real estatebusinessat Gooding; Glenn E. was with OstranderFurniture in TF, while most of the family remained near Norton, NE, where Vernon receivedhis businesstraining. He cameto Richfield in 1908with his wife, May HedgeBower to enterthe real estatebusiness,in which he had markedsuccess.He owned a considerableamount of valuablerealty here including one of the most attractiveand well placedresidencesas his home. He was not only an active and energeticbusinessmanbut was deeply interestedin public mattersand in Republicanpolitics. In 1909 he was electedto the Idaho Legislatureand served able in the interest of the people. They had one homedaughter, Irene B., at that time. Vernon V. Bower typifies the solid, sensible,business-establishing, building class of residentsof Idaho and is one of the representativemen in all public matters at Richtield, ID. V. V. Bower and family moved to Portland in May 1915to make their home. (Source:History of ldaho, YoI III by Hiram T. French pub. Co 1914) One eveningcloseto midnight, in June 11, I9I4, Bower, countytreasurer,was in Shoshonevisiting with W. J. Tapper, county commissioner. As he cameout of the hotel, he was shot by a drunk. Fortunately,the wound was not fatal. After leaving ldaho, he returned in the late 1930's with brother Glenn and opened a furniturebusinessin Weiser. He died in May of 1939and is buried in Weiser. (SJ May 5, 1939) BOWERS We (Joe and Ethel) decidedto come to Richfield in 1965 after looking at a t'ew places. We moved to Ollieu's place north of town, which we leasedfor a year. Then we had the chanceto take anotherfarm more convenientfor us. We arrangedto buy the Bradley farm west of town, which we farmed fbr eight years. We sold it and boughtour mobile home, where we have lived 20+ yearssinceretiring. We are both in our 80's. We have 3 children: Julian and wife, SharonBowers,PleasantGrove, UT: Carma and husband,Theron We Smith,Pocatello:Mark and CaroleeBowers,Richfield: l3 living grandchildrenand 29 great-grandchildren. feel Richtreldis a friendly placeto live, with lots of nice people.(Source:Joe and Ethel Bowers)[Joedied Feb. 7, 1995,in Richfield.l BOWERS Mark's Uncle Martin and Aunt Violet Allred had purchaseda farm at Richtreldand convincedhis folks, Joe and Ethel, and Mark and Caroleeto come find a place to farm. We bought one fiom Glen Thomas. It was the spring of 1965that Mark cameup to get the crops in while Caroleestayedin Brigham City, UT, until Steve, Mike and Kathy finished school. Also top priority on his list was to hook onto Odell and Faye Chatfield's well. We had learnedformer owners had carried their drinking water from Richfield and all other used camefrom an uncoveredcistern 60' by 60' by 1I' that they would fill with irrigation water and pipe to the houseand corral. It is still out by the barn and will no longerhold water. All the neighborkids thoughtthat we shoulduse it for a swimmingpool. The househad not beenlived in for years,the roof leakedand the ceilings were saggingbut with the whole family helping,it was soonliveable,and later we built an additiononto it. We purchasedcows and are still milking them, thoughwe miss our children'shelp. It was interestingto find that in l9l7 ,Mark's grandparents,Delbert and ElizabethBowers, lived on our f'arm for a summer when he worked as a blacksmithfor a Mr. Henderson,who also owned the farm 2 l/2 miles N of us that had the big barns. We have enjoyedour Richfield neighborsand gettingto know the peopleby being involved in PTA, Booster Club, going to ball games,EnrichmentBlock, Cub Scoutsand the Churchof JesusChrist of Latter-daySaints. Our childrenare: Steven Mark, b. Nov 3, 1954,md DonnaJo Fulp, 2 children,Jeff and Brandy. They live Supervisor. in Elko, NV, where Steveis Elko Co. SchoolBuilding maintenance April 6, 1968. Michael Don, b. Oct 12, 1956,deceased Kathleen (Kathy),b. Apr 19, 1958,md GeraldAllan Stowell;5 children, Mike, Greg, Joe, Tim and Sarah, deceased.They live in Shoshone. Robert Len, b. July 7, 1963,d. Aug 1, 1963. B.r u c e g r a d u a t e d B r u c e L y n n , b . S e p 4 , 1 9 6 9 , m d S h a r o n R e n e e F i e l d2 sd;a u g h t e r s , B r o o k e a n d T r i s t i n from Utah Stateat Logan, UT, and works for Webb Nursery in Ketchum. They live in Bellevue, ID. We have many memories,somesadonesand many happy oneshere in Richfield, and we thank all who have beenpart of these memories and for making this a good place to live and raise our children. (Source: Mark E. and CaroleeBowers)
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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BRADSIIAW Frank and Emma Bradshawmoved from Milner, ID, to Richfield in the fall of 1940. They bought a farm 5 miles N of Richfield, W of Henry Fulbright's place. Ralph and Lalove King lived west across the road from their place. They were membersof the AmericanLegion and the Methodist Church. Emma taught schoolat the North End Schoolduring 1943-1944.Their childrenare: Elaine, Reuben, Bob and Janet' (Source: Elaine Garner) Years have gone by but memoriesremain of our years in Richfield. Naturally, "people" are the centerof those memories. For instance,the Pipers at the grocery store; the Lemmons at the hardware store and our banker, George Schwaner. The Swatmansin the Drugstorewere also friends and ready to help with a friendly "hello." Our neighborsin the country were the Kings; our kids had such great times together. The Fulbrights were "adoptivegiandparents"to Robert and Janet,alwaysready with treatsand a hug. The Bob Bells lived close and were good neighbors, too. Other namesflooding in are the Pelleys, Reynolds, Sorensens,Paulsonsand Crowthers. Yes, thank you, Richfield, for your good memories. (Source:JanetBradshaw Beer) Although Janetwas young, her feelings are still strong for the Richfield people. I am 95 years old and am quite well. (Source:Emma Bradshaw) Franklin Close Bradshaw,b. Feb. 15, 1888, in Grand Forks, ND. md Emma BarbaraHammerly Jan l, Ig2O. Emma, b. Aug. I7,1899, in Bisbee,ND. Children:Elaine Bertha, b. Sept. 25, 1921, in Cando, ND, md Lynn E. GarnerDec. 18, 1944,in Twin Falls, ID., d. Sept.29, 1994\n Jerome. Reuben, b. Aug. 31, 1923,in Cando ND, md Mary Crowtherb. 12 Aug 1923,in Provo, UT, June 16, 1944-at Richfield. ID. Their childrenare Fred b. l3 Nov. 1946at Wendell, ID, md Jean Savelberg26 Oct. 1968at Hailey, ID. They are living in Hailey. Lloyd, b. 27 June 1948, in Wendell, md Kristie Arave l2 June 1970, in IclahoFalls, ID. They live in Rexburg. Linda, b. 10 April 1951, in Gooding, ID, md Detlef Luskin 2 Sept. 1977, in Salt Lake City, UT. They live there. Carolyn, b. 23 Dec. 1952, at Jerome, ID, md Tom WatsonJune 19, 1971. They live in Vernal, UT. Reub and Mary were honoredJune 25, 1994, with a family dinner and an open house celebratingtheir fiftieth wedding anniversaryat Fred's home in Hailey. We have 18 grandchildrenand 2 great-grandchildren.We have sure enjoyedour family. Robert Henry, b. Apr. 2, 1931,at Twin Falls, ID, was killed in Korea Aug 19, 1950. He is buried in TF. Janet Carol, b. Apr. 27,1933, at Murtaugh,ID, md. marriedDon Garner,div.; md John F. BeerJan l, shop in Twin Falls. Janetworks 1962, atJerome,ID. They now live in Filer. JohnBeerhas a saw-sharpening (Source: Bradshaw) Mary in the Acme Companyin Filer. BRBCK Word was receivedfiom Cleveland,OH, Mar 23, 1923,ot the deathfiom influenzaof William H. Breck. He was one of the early settlerson the Richfieldtract. The family lived 2 mi. N, I mi. E on the hill north of the Abbott place. It was befbre my time but Mom usedto tell about being at Brecks fbr Sundaytlinner with the Pridmoresduring a thunderstorm,and lightning struck the chimney and knockedthe stovepipefrom the kitchen stove down. Everyone and everythingwas very black. After laughing at each other for a while they all got togetherto scrub down the kitchendining room. (Source:Allie Draper, LCJ) BRENNAN Patrick Brennan and Bridget O'Leary immigrated to the United States tiorn lreland, met in Minnesotaanclwere married. They also lived in Fargo, ND, before moving to Montana. They had 10 sonsand 1 daughter:John J. (Jack),Timothy, Michael, James,Thomas,Francis(Frank), William, Patrick, Edwin, A. Josephand Mary Ellen (Schatz).Jack had I son; Thomas had 2 sons and 1 daughter; Frank had 2 sons and I daughter;William had 2 sons;Edwin 2 boys and 2 girls; Mary Ellen had 2 boys and 2 girls. Joe had 2 boys and 2 girls. He was born Dec. 7, 1910, in Deer Lodge, MT. William at 94 is the only surviving son: his wif-e, Anna, Edwin's wife, Evalyn and myself are the only survivingdaughters-in-law. They lived in Bellevue after moving to Idaho, then settled in Richfield, where they worked and attended school. Edwin and Joe were activein sports,Jackhad a pool hall. Their childrenand grandchildrenlive in CA, ID, WA, OR, UT, NV and AZ. (Source:Mary K. Brennan) BRIGGS Francis Ray and Delta Briggs cameto Richfield in 1946 and farmed the present Norman place NW of town. Ray met Delta Lederer, from Hawaii, in San Franciscoprior to entering the service. Later he was a '60's. Delta was a memberof the teacherand principal in the Richfield schooland becamesuperintendentin the Burmah Club. Their daughterSheilamd Gary Hubsmithandthey had three children: Christa, Kamala and Wade. Mr. Briggs, b. Nov. 25, 1915,died May 18, 1970,of a heart attackat a Boise Junior HS where he was principal. Funeral serviceswere conductedat the Boise MasonicTemple May 2l with gravesideservicesat the Richfield Cemetery. Delta is now living in Burley. (Source:Obit, LCJ; Ethel Conner)
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
BROWN, Carson The family lived where the Exons live now. Listed on the 1920 Richfield censuswere: Carson age43 and children Jesse22,Ralph 20, Charles 12 and Ada 9. Charles Adell, b. 1907, was struck by Iightning and died July 6, 1942. His widow, Audra Summers,married Parris Lee Cline. They are buried at the Richfield Cemetery.Ada married Chad Sorensen.(Source:Med Flavel) BROWN James M. Brown JR married D. Alberta Gill Jan 6, 1951, in Richfield, ID. Jimmie worked for the Richfield Highway District until he retired in 1993, with 35 years. Alberta worked at Piper's Store. Shepassedaway Sept. 29, 1991. Jimmie and Alberta had three children: A. LuAnn, Colleen M. and Jimmie W. (J-2) and 6 grandchildren: Brandon M. Swainston, Seth W. Oliver, Lacey A. Swainston,MaighanR. Brown, Derek J. Oliver and Tyler J. Brown. A. LuAnn marriedMichael N. Swainston,son of Nyle and PatriciaSwainston,July 18, 1970,at Richfield. Mike is working for the Union Pacific Railroad and LuAnn is the City Clerk for Richfield. They have two children: Brandon M., a studentat the CSI in Twin Falls and a Bureauof Land ManagementEmployee during the summer. Lacey A. is a freshmanat Richfield HS. Colleen M. Oliver lives in Twin Falls, ID with her 2 boys. SethW. is a sophomoreat Twin Falls High School,Derek J. is a 6th Grader at Lincoln Elementaryin Twin Falls. Colleen is employedat Asgrow Research Centerin Filer, ID. J-2 lives in Wyola, MT, with his 2 children. MaighanR. is a 7th graderand Tyler J. is a 3rd gradergoing to school in Ranchester,WY. J-2 works on a Cow-Calf Ranchoperationon the Crow Indian Reservationowned by Earl Holding, owner of Sun Valley, ID. (Source:LuAnn Swainston) BROWN James Richard Brown was b. Apr 20, 1905, in Castle Gate, UT, the first child of James Mason Brown and Lovina Mae PulsipherBrown. He had 3 youngerbrothers,Ruland, LaVar and Kennethand 2 sisters, Lovina and Edna. He lived the first part of his life at Mt. Pleasant,UT, and attendedschool there. Jim's mother in helpingcare for the younger died when he was 13 yearsold. Being the oldesthe had a lot of responsibilities children while their father worked. He helped his father raise fruit and vegetablesand they raisedbeef and pork which they butcheredand took by horse and wagon to various mining campsto sell. Jim helpedhis father with this until he was about 20 years old, when his father becameill and died. Jim then went to work as a coal miner around Castle Gate, Helper and Spring Creek, UT. Jim cameto Richfield in 1926. He worked for a man named Mr. Fenton, firing a threshing machineon farms on the Richfield tract. He returnedto UT and the mining campsfor a short time. In the late 1920's, he came back to Richfield, where his brothers, LaVar and Ruland worked for the Big Wood Canal Company. Jim worked for CharlieHousestackinghay for $1.50 a day and his dinner. During theseyearsJim becameacquaintedwith Ethel Mae Giles, daughterof JosephFieldingand Mary Ellen Giles. Ethel took Jim to meet her family and her father rememberedworking with Jim in 1926on the threshingcrew. JamesRichard Brown and Ethel Mae Giles, b. June 14, 1913, were married June 1, 1931, in the LDS Templein Salt Lake City, UT. Their first five yearsof marriagethey madea living farming. Jim first worked for Andrew Paulson, then farmed on the Joy place, nearly 5 miles N of Richfield. They went to what is now the Buck Ward placefor a short while, then to the Lew Crowtherplacewhere David Newey now lives. Farming was difficult. They used teamsof horsesand wagons. Of course, no electricity so used coal oil lampsand the good old cook stoves. Jim sometimeshauledsagebrushfor cooking and heating as it was cheaper than coal. About 1937,they decidedto give up farming. During thoseyears,three of their childrenwere born in Richfield.James Merlin was born at his grandparents Joe and Mary Giles home on Oct. 27, 1932. Joseph LaRae was born at home on Nov. 2, 1934, md Mary J. Heck Dec 11, 1953; [children: Rick md. Brenda Johnson,David, and Conniemd. HarveyBrauburger.lMary Nadine wasborn at homeApr. I , 1937, md Claude Holland May I , 1954, div. md Ben JohnsonOct 12, 1959,div. md. Ray HildebrandMay 18, 1966, div. md Dean Burley, div. Later childrenwere Bonnie Mae, born Apr. 11,1942, in Hailey; she died Apr. 18, 1942, at the ageof one week. Ida Maxine was born May 4, 1943,in Hailey; md. Dwain Stirton Aug. 15, 1962. They have2 boys. Neldon Lynn b. Aug 7, 1946inHailey but died at birth. After giving up farming Jim and Ethel moved to town. Jim worked as a mechanicfor Birk Albert who had a garagewhere the PaulsonMotor garageis now. Then he worked for Frank Pope as a mechanicfor about 4 years. Also for a short time he worked for the Big Wood Canal Company. Jim and Ethel then took over the Richfield Motor Service on Main Street. It is now the Richfreld City Office. He bought his own equipmentand operatedthe garagewith the help of Ethel, Jimmie and LaRae. He deliveredgas to Jerome for Westcot Oil Company and also had a local gas route which the boys helped with.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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He did a lot of auto and farm machinery repair. Jim sold the Richfield Motor Service in 1946. He took his family and went job hunting to MT, WY, WA and UT. However, they returned to Richfield and Jim went to work for the State Highway Departmentfor a few years and he also worked for Ward Rawson Chevrolet in Shoshonepart time. During this time Jim and Ethel bought Dick Johnson'shome in Richfield. As most old homes it neededa lot of remodeling. Jim was a good carpenteras well as a good mechanic. They worked hard over the years fixing and addingto their home. In 1951,Jim renteda servicestationon Main Streetand called it Brownie Serviceand Repair. It had a small store in therfront and they also sold bakery goods, candy,pop, etc. LaRae worked with his dad doing mechanic work and tire repair. Jimmie was working for the Canal Companyat that time, but was there helping when he had sparetime. Ethel, Nadine and Maxine sometimeshelped in the store. for Richfield. He worked alone for several In 1953, Jim went to work as County Highway Superintendent years. Then the board decidedto hire anotherman and Jim Brown Jr. was hired to work with him. Throughout the years they built many new roads and bridges. They did all of their own graveling and oiling. In the winter they plowed miles and miles of snow-driftedroads,thanksto our winter winds in Richfield. Jim retired in 1970 and received a certificatefrom the Stateof Idaho for 17 yearsof faithful service. During all their marriedlives,Jim and Ethelworkedhard sideby side raisingtheir family. Ethel loved her work at home, raisinga big gardenand doing lots of canning. Shealso loved raisingbum-lambsand sometimes had as many as 26baby lambs to bottle f'eed. Sheliked sewingand making hand-tiedquilts. Over the yearsshe made many quilts for eachof her childrenand her 13 grandchildren. Jim and Ethel always loved having people around. They seemedto always have extra to feed, but always managedand enjoyeddoing it. A fond memory of all the grandchildrenwas the trips with Grandpa& Grandma Brown to Twin Falls for the SaturdayAuction. They would load up the kids, go to the auction and treat the kids to hamburgersand root beer. Jim and Ethel loved beingwith their children and grandchildren. I guessyou could say their family was their hobby and being togetherwith the family made them the happiest. After Jim's retirementthey bought a travel trailer and enjoyedcampingwith all the families. Jim and Ethel still raised a big garden. Jim helpedher with canning. Ethel loved working in the yard and taking care of her beautifulflowers. Even after his retirement,Jim helpedwith the oiling of the roads in Richfield, Shoshoneand Dietrich. On Aug. l7 , 1977, Jim met with a fatal accidentwhile helpinghis fiiends in Dietrich with the oiling. Ethel lived in the little houseon the corner fbr anotherten yearsafter Jim's death. She continuedgrowing beautiful flowers and gardeningand canningand being with her family until her death Oct. 10, 1987. Each of us as children and grandchildrenof Jim and Ethel have such wonderful memories of them to treasure. They made each of our lives so rich and meaningful. The little houseon the corner is dark and quiet now, but our hearts and minds are full of love and special memoriesas we remember Ethel's favclrite saying which was "Love Lives Forever." All l3 of Jim and Ethel's grandchildrengraduatedfiom Richt'ieldHS. Severalof their grandchildren continueto work and raisetheir familiesin Richfield.We are glad our parents'families pioneeredto Richfreld, in thoseearly yearsto pave a way for our familiesand their families. (Source: Maxine Brown Stirton) BROWN I (Kenneth) was born in Mt. Ville, UT Jan. 2, 1917. My mother died in 1919 during the flu epidemic,when I was 16 monthsold. My dad died in June 1925,just after my 8th birthday. I took turns staying with different auntsand uncles,my dad's brothersand sisters. That is how I endedup living at Richfield. My Aunt Agnes Shelleyand family movedto Richfield in 1927. I was in the 4th grade that year. Aunt Agnes moved to the old Gunn placewhereLes Stubbslived. My Uncle Morris Brown also movedto Richfieldthat year to the old Bush place acrossthe road. After spendinga couplemore yearsin Utah, LaVar Brown and Uvada Farrimond were married in Mar.l929. Ruland Brown and Thelma Carter were also married in June 1929. After they were married, they moved to Richfield. I spentthe next few years living with one or the other. I was always able to hold down a job fiom the time I was a young kid. I worked for Fred Powell one summer and earned$.50 a day. One summerI worked for Paulsonsand made$1.50 a day during hayingseason. I went to work for Chet Johnsonin 1935. That winter was a bad one with snow and blizzards. One day that winter, when we got up it was snowing and blowing. Fred stayed home fiom school that day. In the afternoon,Chet sent us to look for the schoolbus and help break roadsfor it. The telephonewas out. We found where the lines were down and fixed them. We went to the 2 mile corner and fbund we had missedthe bus as they had taken off through the field. They holed up at the 3 mile corner at the Rileys. We passedright by the bus and it was blowing so hard we didn't seeit.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
ln 1937,Chethiredon two newmenfrom SouthDakota,RichSmithandTim Sanders.It wasthat summer I got a blind datewith a girl from Boise. Richwassweeton a localgirl, but her motherwouldn'tlet her go out withouta datefor her cousin,IvenaChamberlain.Richfieldhad really grown up by then. We had a movie theater,showedmoviesoncea week,andof course,the dances. Ivenaand I were marriedMarch 16, 1940,in Boise. I helpedsurveyfor the power lines that gavethe placeuntil the fall of 1947whenwe movedto Richfieldtract powerin 1941. We farmedMom Chamberlain's Valley.We had4 childrenbornto us, 2 boysand2 girls. Theyare:KennethBert, b. Jan. 14, theTreasure l94l at Richfield. He md charleneKayeSmithFeb' 28, 1964at Emmett,ID'; JoAnn lvena, b ' 12 Mar' 1942 at Richfield. Shemd ErnestAlvin Taylor May 12, 1967at IdahoFalls,ID.; Patricia Kay, b. June3, 1944at Wendell,ID, md DanielLee SherryAug 31, 1963at Bradford,PA.; Danny Garris, b. Nov. 26, 1945at Wendell,ID, md EldeneAtkinsonApr 16, 1964at Weiser,ID. (Source:KennethA. Brown) andRichfield. Petefarmedone BROWN Peteandlris Brownfarmedmostof thetime aroundtheCottonwoods place. 1936 moved to the old Patrickplaceand In they on the Baugh yearat Gannettandoneyearat Shoshone in l94l to the Joe Giles place. Petehad rangecattleand rangerights west of the Cottonwoods.Petewas president of the Lions Club in Richfietd. He servedon the schoolboardfor a numberof years. He took flying lessons andgot his licensein the 1940's.Petehelpedcoachboxingduringthe war time. to the BurmahClub andthe NorthEnd Club. Shehada twin sister,Gladys. When Iris Brownbelonged and Gladys' they wereyoungerthey playedfor dances.Iris playedthe piano,Gladysplayedthe saxophone playedtheviolin. PeteandIris loved husband, DougPhippen,playedthedrums. Iris' brotherChadSorensen to dance. After a hardday'swork theywouldgo dancingat Richfield,the MarleyBarnor to oneof the Grange buildingsnorthof Shoshone. WA. Theirsons Blaineand PeteandIris soldtheirplacein 1947.Theyboughta dairyranchin Spokane, Deanand Dean'swife, Janie,went with them. They soldthe dairy ranchin 1958. Peteand Iris boughta awayJan1982. Iris, the only living member vacuumshopin Lewiston,ID. TheylivedthereuntilPetepassed nearDeanandJanieandfamily. Blainelivesin the Moses family,now livesin Seattle of theoriginalSorensen Lakearea. Dean Brown,b. May 13, 1924at Burmah,ID md JanieKodeshNov 16, 1946in Richfteld;d. Jan. 16, 1995.BlaineBrown,b. Jan.6, 1929at Rupert,ID md (1) DorthyBrischleJune28, 1950at Coeurd'Alene,ID. DeanBrown) md (2) JanetBell Mar 7,1990 in Coeurd'Alene,ID. (Source: BROWN William A. Brown,knownby mostas Slim or Bill was born in Cicero,IL, on lune29, 1902. Heedingthecall, "Go west,youngman,"he cameto Richfieldin 1921.He workedfor theBasebrothers,John, LouieandSteveon their farms,alsohelpedEmil LebrunandDegatofamiliesduringlambingseasons. Brownwasbornin Parachute, CO Nov 9, 1906.Shecameto theRichfieldareawith her LenaE. Blakeslee familyin theearly1920's.Her mother,Ruby,wasa sisterto RoyConner.Lena'sfamilyfarmedin the Marley area,thensettledin the Filer andKimberlyareas. Feb21, 1927. He workedfor theBig WoodCanalCompanyand Bill andLenaweremarriedin Shoshone they lived at the ForksDiversionDam. Their first child wasRuth. In late 1928they drovea 1926Chevrolet to Brookfield,IL, wherehis family had moved. The secondchild, William A. Jr. was born there. They returned to Richfieldin 1930.Six morechildrenwerebornto them: Duane,Tracy, twins,NancyandClayton, RossandJohn. In 1948they movedto Montanaandin 1952to Arkansas.In 1956theyreturnedto Richfield. He retired theytraveledto variousstatesvisitingchildrenand from theBig Woodwith 37 yearsservice.Duringretirement grandchildren. Bill wasa memberof theOddFellowsLodgeandtheMasonicLodge.He passedawayDec. 12, 1993.Lena was a memberof the BurmahClub, North End Club, RichfieldRebekahLodge, servedon the electionboard and had worked at the PheasantCafe. She was well rememberedfor her crochetingand andpillowcases. Shepassed awayJune19, 1988. Theyhad beenmarried embroidering of towels,dishtowels for 6l years. Ruth,William JR and Claytonresidein Richfield;Duanein Kearns,UT; Tracy in Meeker,CO; Nancyin RuthBrownGiles,RossBrown) Kimberly,ID; Rossin Bellevue,MI andJohnin Lovelock,NV. (Source: in 1933. They BRUSH Garth Brushwasb. Dec. 9, 1916,andd. Sept.3, 1971. He marriedRuthStevens lived in Buhl and Hagerman.A son, Otis, was b. Oct 6. 1933:Garth E. II, b. Aug l, 1942and died in an accident at Provo,UT Apr 12, 1947. TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
t24
Garth farmed the Clear Lakes ranch with his grandfather and later moved to Hagerman and they lived in
MountainHome for two yearswherehe helpedin the buildingof the Air ForceBase. From 1944to 1946he was in the Air Forceas a gunneron a 824. The family thenboughtthe Karl Williamsfarm in the Burmahareaand farmedit for 2 yearsuntil afterthe hardwinterof 1948.They divorcedand Garthreturnedto Buhl. RuthandOtismovedto GoodingwhereRuthworked from GoodingHS. at the TB HospitalandOtis graduated OtismarriedJoyceSueTateof Goodingat RichfieldDec27, 1952.They movedto Pocatellowhere2 children,KarenRuth and Gary StevensBrush, wereborn. Otis andJoycenow live in Reno,NV, andhe worksas a truck driver. Karen(O'Brien)livesin Redmond,CA; theyhave2 children. Gary is marriedandthey live in Pocatellowith their 4 boys. GarthmarriedMuriel SheldonHireswho had 2 children. Threemore JohnandMary--werebornto them. children--George, Ruth and LesterStubbslater marriedand lived nearRichfield. Lester andtheylive diedandis buriedin Richfield.Ruthlatermd. PerryCottingham (Source: Ruth Brush Stubbs Cottingham) in Burley. BRUSH T. B. Brushborn May 20, 1883,grewto manhoodin Nebraska; IA, in 1906. He servedasan assistant graduated from collegeat Shenandoah,
O t i s B r u s h .1 9 5 0
cashier in banks. Late in 1907he moved to the new town of Richfield to establisha bank. After severalyears he took up real estate,farm managementand insurancebusiness. Twice he was also managerof the Richfield Drug Store. Later he operateda motion picture housein addition to his office business. He married Georgia Evelyth, early Richfield teacher,in 1909. They had 3 children: Theodore B. b. Nov. 23, 1910,d. Nov. 19,1960; Garth E.; Phyllis Ellen b. Mar.5, 1913,d. Sept. 3, 1917. Mr. Brushwas a former chairmanof the countycommissioners.Mrs. Brushwas activein Woman's Club, the MethodistChurch, sang for many programsand wrote for the county paper for a time. Mr. Brush died Aug. 20, 1943, in Hailey. Georgia,b. June2, 1890,to Clear Lakespioneers,Georgeand Mary Ellen Evelyth, d. Apr. ll,1977" T h e o d o r e ( T h e o ) m a r r i e d N i n a S u m nTehr .e i r s o n , T h e o d o r e ( T e d ) o f S e a T a c , W A b . J u l y l 31, 9 3 l , d i e d Mar. 31, 1994, of cardiac arrest. He receivedone of the first two Eagle Scout awards in Richfield; attended College of Idaho one year; enlisted in the Army; was wounded in Korea and spent three years in veteran's hospitals. He graduatedfrom ISU where he was managerand assistantcoach of the basketballteam. Ted was m a r r i e d t o M a r g a r e t S t e i c h e n f o r 3 5 y e aTrhse. y h a d 4 s o n s a n d 4 d a u g h t e r s ; o n e , M i c h e l l e J o n e s , d i e d o f c a n c e r in 1993at27. Sports,his faith in God, and the work ethic were importantto Ted and his family. He coached youth groups and church teams. Other survivors are his mother, Nina Brush of Shoshone;four sisters, Diana Calvertof Twin Falls, AnnettaPaytonand Lorna JeanMcGill of Springfield,OR and EileenLePelleyof Eugene, OR, and 1 brother, David Brushof Buhl, ID. (Source:NewspaperObituaries) BUEL Our folks, Charlie and Leona Buel, along with us five children, moved from Hickman, NE, in Mar. 1919to Richfield and settled3 ll4 mi. N of Richfieldon a farm Dad had purchasedthe previous year. Their family at that time consistedof three boys and two girls. (Ruth was b. in 1920 on the farm at Richfield.) The family was all raised on this farm and we all attendedthe Richfield schools. We had a fairly nice home on the farm" Times were very rough during the depression,but like most farm families, we made do with what we had. I have always beenso glad that we lived on a farm during thosedifficult years,becausewe always had good food and plenty of it, knowing that big city families many times went to bed hungry. My sisters,Priscilla, Thelma and Ruth and brothers Harper, Glen and myself (Kenneth),made up the Charlie and Leona Buel family. Priscilla stayedin Richfield most of her adult life with her husband,Millard Pridmore, and their children, Harold, Donald and Phyllis. Thelma married and later moved to CA, where she spent most of her life. Ruth married and lived in CA and NV for many years and later returned to ldaho, married again, and lived in Mountain Home until her death. Harper married Ella SweatPowell of Richfield. He spent a very large share of his life working for the UPRR, living in variousID, NV, UT, KS and WY communities. He passedaway Dec. 30, 1963, of hearttroubles.Glen marriedMarion Connerof Richfield in 1935. The orchestraformed by Zella Coffman and Dub Cappsplayed for the first time at their wedding dance. They farmed for about 10 years in the Richfield and Marley area. They had 2 girls and 1 boy. Tragically he was accidentallyshot and died shortlv after.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Our father,C. L. Buel, passedawayJuly 31.,1954; LeonaBuelpassedawayApr 26, 1968. PriscillaPridmore passedaway Easterof 1977. "Mrs. LeonaBuel passed awayat Magic Valley Manor in WendellTuesdayaftera lingeringillness. Shewasborn Oct 8, 1880,at Knightstown,IN. Shewas marriedto CharlesL. BuelMar.22, their50thweddinganniver1903,in NE. Theycelebrated saryMar. 22, 1953,at a receptionat thehomeof Mr. and Mrs. Millard Pridmore.Theymovedfrom theirRichfield her in hometo Aptos,CA in 1941.Mr. Buel preceded deathin 1954andMrs. Buelreturnedto Richfieldin 1961. Shewasa memberof the RichfieldMethodistChurchand theEasternStar. Funeralserviceswereheldat the Bergin FuneralChapelFriday with the Rev. GeorgeNortdurft T h e S e r e n a d e r sB; a c k r o w : Z e l l a C o f f m a n , D u b & officiating. Burial was in the Shoshonecemetery." M a r i o n C a p p s . F r o n t : C h a r l e s & V e r a H a u s e l , D o n M a n w i l l .P h o t o - E t h eCl o n n e r . (Source:LCJ May 2, 1968) ThelmaBrowne passedaway in early 1980's. Harper passedaway Dec 30, 1963. Glen passedaway June ll,1946. Ruth d. April, 1988. I am the lastof the Charlie Buel family living. I was 76 June 10, 1994. After graduating from RHS in May 1936, I went to work for the UPRR in Aug 1936. I married Mary Sorensenof American Falls, ID June 12, 1937. I spentmy entire adult working life as an employeeof the UPRR, retiring in 1978. My wife, Mary, and I havebeenmarried57 years. We have2 children,daughter,Ardeth Buel Stark, living near us eastof Heyburn, ID and a son, Melvyn, living in Caldwell, ID. Ardeth has a daughter and a son and 6 grandchildren. Melvyn has 2 daughters,I son and 4 grandchildren.We have lived most of our married lives in American Falls, Murtaugh, Rupert and Heyburn, ID. For 10 or 12 years after retiring Mary and I spentthe winter months at our winter home in AZ. This is a brief summary of our families, who got their good start in life in the small, rural area known as Richfield,ID. (Source:KennethC. Buel) Priscilla Buel was b. Oct 3, 1904, in Martell, Nebraska. About a year later the family moved to Halsey, NE where they lived in a sod-roofedhouse. Once when Priscillawas sitting in her high chair, the wind blew the roof off the house. Thelma and Harper were born while they lived in the soddy. They moved near their Buel grandparentsat Hickman and from there to a farm that Grandmaand GrandpaBuel gave them at Martell, NE. Glen and Kenneth were born there. They walked aboutthree miles to school at Centerville. The family moved to Richfield a while after the WW I Armistice was signed in 1918. Ruth was born in their new home there. After finishing schoolthere Priscilla went to Gooding College for two years. She got her teachingcertificatefrom Albion StateNormal the next summerand taughtat the Cottonwoods. She roomed and boardedwith the Sorensenfamily. Priscillawas marriedto CharlesMillard Pridmorein 1927. (Source:Phyllis Pridmore Voight)
BUEL Glen Buel,30, farmerat Marleywastakento Hospitalin Wendellseriously wounded St.Valentine's by a stray .22 bullet Sundaymorning. The accident occurredwhile Buel was irrigating. A neighbor, EdwinJohnson,saw him fall and rushedhim to the hospital. A neighborboy was shootingmagpiesand it is possiblethat a bulletwent astray. Glendied 10dayslateron June11, 1946andthe deathwastermed"accidental" by SheriffEarlClayton andCountyAttorneyHowardE. Adkins,who investigatedthe tragedy. Theyoungrancherwasbornin Martel,NE, May 6, 1916. Survivorsincludehis wife, Marion and 3 B a c kR o w : M a r i o n B u e l . F r o n t : L a r r ya n d children,Rosalie,7; JoAnn, 18 monthsandLarry, R o s a l i e . J o A n n , G l e n a n d 5. Rev. GeorgeG. Roseberry,MethodistEastern TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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Dist. Sup't, officiated at the funeral servicesin the Richfield auditoriumand burial was in the Shoshonecemetery. (Source:LCJ June 13, 1946) Rosalie A. Buel Hoelzle was born Feb 25, 1938, in Gooding, ID. She attended schools in Dietrich, Richfield and Shoshone. She graduatedfrom ShoshoneHS and attendedBoise StateCollege. She married Mel Hoelzle at Boise in 1962. Rosaliespentthe last 18 yearsof her life residing in Everett, WA. A woman of many roles, she was mother of three, co-founderand presidentof "3rd Dimension Cuts" (Beauty Shops), a member of the St. John's Catholic Parish in Mukilteo, WA. She will be rememberedfor her unquenchablezest for life, unending senseof humor, her faith in God, and her ability to make the lives of others richer and fuller. Rosalie's life came to an end May 20, 1989, Il2 year after the onset of her battle with breast cancer. Rosalie'sjoy will be missed.Her mother, Marion Peak, lives in Jerome; sister, JoAnn Buel in Anchorage,AK; and brother, Dr. Larry Buel in Carson City, NV. A sister, Katherine,died in infancy. (Source: Marion Peak) BLIRRIS Rowen Burris cameto Richfield during the depression,looking for work. He said he had once asked a sheriff if he could sleep in the jail so he wouldn't be blamed if there was any trouble. Fred Crane gave him and anotherfellow, Fred Johnson,a placeto stay and work for their room and board until summer work started. Rowen was a veteranand a rodeo rider, havingbeenworld championbulldogger at one time. He often took time off in the following summersto ride in rodeos,such as the 4th of July Rodeo at Rupert. After Fred Crane's death in 1932 Rowen continuedto work there to keep things going, until Lilian Crane moved into Richfield. After that he worked summersfor Ben Crane. He had a trailer house that he pulled behind his Dodge coupe when he traveled. us as Miss Elsie, Miss Alice... We appreciatedhis bringing Rowen was very courteous,alwaysaddressing his phonographand beautiful records in for us to play. He liked to tease,once telling me he had to drink a lot of water to get a little coffee when I made it. He had traveledwidely and was an interestingconversationalist. He was employedby Orrin Babb, managerof the bee industry here, for a while. Rowen joined the local Masons. After leaving Richfield he occasionallyreturned to visit the Behrs and others when passingthrough. Forrest Armstrong receivednews of his death at about 79 in Winnemucca, NV in 1980. He was buried in a militarv cemeteryin OR. (Source:LCJ. ACB) BURTON In the summer of 1907 O. C. Burton left Deadwoodin central ldaho to investigatea livery stable offer in Alberta, (now Richfield) ID. Arriving Aug 7 he bought out the interestsof W. A. Denecke;the outfit consistedof a few shedsand corrals with six horseseastof the Wade & Pope Garage. On Aug. t he hookedup a team and rig for three of Alberta's businessmen, Mr. Denecke,Bill Strunk and Pete Foley, and they blazed the road from the townsiteto the locationof Magic Dam. In 1908he bought out his partner, purchasedfive lots W of the PetersonStore and let the contractfor a stablelarge enoughfor 70 horses. It was often full of teams with more spaceneeded. Mr. Burton fieighted to the dam with a 6-horse team that first year. In the winter Hale and Crane, freighters,moved a 60-ton shovel to the dam on 12x12 skids, requiring a 32-muleteam, driven 4 abreastwith a "skinner"riding eachnear mule. Mr. Burton remembersMrs. Thomas' boardinghouse,the Shaw lumber yard, Deneckeand Reevesgrocery store and post office. The depot, eastofthe John Byrne home, consistedof 2 boxcars--onefbr businessand one the residenceof the agent, Frank Wilcox, wife and son. Mr. Burton and Mrs. Marie Devaney MacKenzie, of Goodingwere married Oct. 10, 1910. During the early days of Richfield, there was only one way to get water. Mr. Burton had the contractfor haulingit from the river and deliveringit in town for $.50 per barrel. (Source:LCJ AnniversaryMemoriesMay first fire in 5 years. Five horses, 18, 1934)The Burton barn burnedon the night of July 14, 1914--Richfield's Andy Peterson's and the Iowa Lumber Co. had a close buildings one of them an imported stallion, were burned. call. Burtonsfarmed2 mi N of Richfield. A baby b. Feb. 15, 1915,died at birth. A son, Orville C. (O.C.) b. \n 1927, died in 1951. Mrs" O. C. Burton returned from a trip to North Idaho and Washington. She enjoyed a 3-day visit with Mrs. SilasMapes,a sisterof Mr. Burtonand a former Richfieldresidentat Colville, WA. While thereshecalled on Mrs. Jackson,sister of Mrs. Ben Crane and Edna Crane, who makes her home there as climatic conditions are beneficial to her health. Mrs. Burton has enteredher daughter,Retayvonne,in the St. Josephschool, which she says is a beautiful old mission 20 mi. from Lewiston. (Source:LCJ Sep 16. 1932)
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
resident,passedawayMay 25, 1934,from pneumonia O. C. Burton, 55, Richfield'slongestcontinuous complicated by hearttrouble. He waslistedon the 1910censusage35 years,born in Ohio. Mrs. Burtoncontinuedto farm andraiseturkeyswith her son. In 1940shemovedinto town andran a cafe in 1942wheresheworkedas deputyunder and liquor storefor a coupleof years. Shemovedto Shoshone underRay Oyer from 1947 AssessorBob Burns,as clerk for the OPA duringWW II, thenas deputyassessor until her retirementin 1957. Shewrotearticlesfor LCJ. Home Aug. 12, 1972,aftera long illness. Shewasb. Dec. 27, Shediedat the WoodRiver Convalescent theRedSchoolHousethereandhigh schoolin Boise. Sheserved 1890,at Toponis,now Gooding,andattended as rural mail carrierat Richfieldfor severalyearsand would makethe trip threetimesa week, endingup at Burmah. Shecookedfor a construction crewbuildinga roadfrom Richfieldto Haileyandkeptbooksfor them. (Source:Obit in theBurmahClubBook) Garlandand7 grandchildren. Survivorsincludea daughter,Retayvonne BUSHBY LeslieBushbyfirst cameto Richfieldin thespringof 1922with his parentswho lived in the old Reed houseon the N end of town. In Aug of 1924his parentsmovedto Meridianand Lesliestayedand workedat theStarkranch.In March1928he md. NellieWisnerof Meridianandbouehtthehouseon BannockAve where thevlived all their lives in the Richfieldarea. Leslie trapped many muskrats from the farmer's ponds and caught many marauding skunks and raccoonsthat were plaguing people's hen houses. He trapped during the fall and winter months and worked the summer months for the Big Wood Canal Co, the UPRR and was Deputy Watermaster on Silver Creek and Little Wood River. He retired his L e f t : L e s , 1 9 4 4 , w i t h c o y o t e sa n d b o b c a t s ;R i g h t :19 3 9 w i t h c a t c ho f f u r , c o y o t e s , traps in 1981 and in 1984 he b a d g e r ,e r m i n e . moved to Shoshoneand lived one year with his daughter, CatherinePateand son-in-law, Jim Pate. Due to his failing healthhe then residedin the Wood River Care Center for 5 ll2 yearswhere he passedaway Feb 1991. Nellie Marie Bushby, 46, died of cancerat St. Benedict'shospital. She was a member of the Richfield Methodistand the ShoshoneAssemblyof God churches. Rev. Garrisonof the Assemblyof God church officiated at the funeral services,with burial in the Richfield Cemetery. (Source;TN Feb 10, 1955) A full-page interview with Mr. Bushby inthe TimesNewstold of his extensivenaturelore and the depletion of wild fur-bearinganimals,includingmink, wolverineand otter. Trappingthem is no longer allowed. In the '40's early beaverswere on an allotmenttrapping program. Licensedtrapperscould take their catchesto Boise for shipmentto New York City fbr sale. One trapper receivedhis percentageon a beaver pelt which sold for $85. Only 10 - 25 beaver could be taken from each of the six southernIdaho regions in a year. In irrigated areasbeaverbecomea liability, as they built damsin canalsand ditches. In his yearsof wanderingthe Richfield areaand acting as watermasterand ditchrider he could checkhis traps and also learn much about the Indians of the region. From the many artifacts that people had found near old stagecoachstops, he believed they were Indian campsbefore the white man came along. He said it was a good way of life and put him closeto natureall the time. At 74 he was planning another activesummerand was still in good shape. His "creakyjoints" are the result of his being struck by lightning when he was just a boy, and once he getsmoving, the joints loosenup and keephim going. (Feb. 19, 1978) Leslieand Nellie had 2 daughters.Betty Lorraine wasstillbornon May 5,1929, and is buried in Richfield. CatherineM., b. Oct. 27, 1932,at Richfield. Shemd JamesPateFeb 5, 1950,at Richfield. They have2 sons, Mike and Jeff, and live in Shoshone.(Source:Kathy Bushby Pate) The only time I can rememberbeing mad at "Pa" is the first memory I have of him. He used to splashus with a shovel full of water while watering the yard. I wantedto get wet, but...my way! I have other memories that will stay with me forever. Hearing about what it was like to be struck by lightning. Fishing his favorite
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holes on Silver Creek and Little Wood River. Mowing his lawn for a glass of Hi-C" Having breakfastat the PheasantCafe with him and Ronald Bell before headingout on the trap line. Miles of coyote, bobcat, muskrat, and beaver traps. Stumbling all over on a beaverdam trying to get his catch packedto the bank to be skinned. My first lessonson how to catcha rattlesnake. Making the drive to Shoshonefollowing Pa in his car - neverhad a 15 mile trip seemso long as he held to his usual20 m.p.h. Openingday of duck seasonevery year he knew right where to go to have our limits by noon. Pa was alwaysvery generouswith both Mike and myself, helping us buy our first cars and with educationexpenses.Climbing Chukar Butte completely out of wind, but hearing Pa 100 feet aheadof me whistling a tune like he was on Sundaywalk. Anticipating Pa showing up at the house so we could hear him complain as he got "ushered"toward the bathtub. He was a great Grandpa, taught me a lot, and provided many memoriesthat I will never forget. (Source: Jeff Pate, in tribute to GrandfatherLeslie Bushby.Feb. 1991) BYRNE The original family of Thomas and CatherineByrne consistedof 5 sons: James, Michael, Thomas, John and Patrick, and four daughters:Ella, Mary, Dorothy and Catherinewho stayedin Ireland. James came to Bellevue, ID and Michael cameto Hailey to work for his brother Jim in 1886. Michael returnedto Ireland in 1900to bring the rest of the family to the Cottonwoodarea. Richfield did not exist at that time. Thomas SR. and family owned 3 ranchesnear the Burmah Crossing. On these 1,500 acresthey farmed and raised cattle. About 1905the 5 Byrne brothersbuilt a slaughterhouseand butchershop in what was later called Richfield. They calledtheir businessthe 5 B's (Byrne BrothersBestBull Beef). They suppliedbeef to the workerson the railroadthat was being built betweenRichfield,Hill City and Fairfield, and to the workers building the Magic Reservoir as well as the workers on the Richfield Canal and Sloughs. The Byrne brothers and JosephTurner (who had a part ownership)disbandedthe businessin 1912. Thomas and Patrick opened a butcher shop and grocery store in 1912. They ran the storetogetherfor a few yearsuntil Pat cut the tendonson three fingers while cutting meat. Pat tradedhis shareof the businessin 1919for two farms SW of town and severalheadof cattle. Tom kept the store and the white housewhich was built by Thomas,Sr. Thomas, Sr. was a carpenteras well as a rancher. He and his sonshelpedbuild the St. JamesCatholicChurch in 1914. He also built severalhousesin Richfield, a white housewhich his son, Tom, receivedin a tradefbr the store, a green house and a red one which was purchasedby the Pope family. Thomas and Catherinelived in the red house. Thomas,Sr. died Nov ll, 1918. He requested, the Good Lord willing, that he live to seethe end of WWI and that he not be buried in Richfield. He got both wishes as the war endedand he is buried in Boise. Jamesowned the Triumph mine in the Bellevueareain which severalof the Richfield residentsworked. He left the areaabout 1912. In 1919 Michael sold the CottonwoodRanch to the Sorensenfamily and moved his family to Portland. When P a t r i c kE . B y r n e 1 9 4 7 . the family had a dispute with the Idaho Irrigation Co. in 1920 over water rights for the ranches in Cottonwood,
Michaelandhis family returnedto Boiseto helpwin the waterrightsdispute.His childrenwere:Walter,Ellen andEulalie. Eulaliewasin the first graduating classin Richfield. Shehaspassedawayand is buriedin Boise. Ellen workedas a Librarianin Portland,sheis retiredandis living there. Waltergraduated from the U of I in agriculture.He workedwith the Bureauof IndianAffairsfor 35 years. He is retiredand lives in Pierre,SD. Johnboughta ranchN of Richfieldwherehe raisedhis family:Eddie,Kathleen,EugeneandEvelyn. Eddie becamean accountant andmovedto Spokane, WA; Kathleenbecamea teacherandtaughtin Marley andBoise; Eugene(Ginney)marriedInezBabbin 1936andthenmovedto Boiseand workedfor the PacificCold Storage Co.; Evelynwas secretaryto GovernorBottolfsen.All of thesechildrenare deceased. Mary md Tom Ivers andmovedto Reno,NV.
t29
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Ella md JohnTurnerof Richfieldandtheymovedto Boiseto openTurner'sMarketon StateStreet. John Turner'sgrandsonrunsthe storenow. Dorothy md JoeTurnerandtheyhadone child,HelenPatricia. Theyweredivorcedin 1915andDorothy andHelenis living in Boise. Helen movedto Boise. Dorothyis deceased and from Boston.Theyhad2 children:ThomasPatrickandMary Byrne who was visiting Thomasmd Frances Butcher ShopandGroceryStoreuntil 1944whenhe andhis family moved Catherine.He operatedthe Richfield co. for 34 years. He is to Boise. Mary diedfrom multiplesclerosis.ThomasP. workedfor the telephone treefarm. retiredandliveson Hill Roadin Boiseandhasa Christmas known whooperated thestoreandrestaurant daughter of AndyPeterson, In 19l7 Patrickmd AlphaPeterson, asthePeterson's Storein Richfield.Theymovedto theranchS of townin 1919.Theyhad5 children:Patrick, James,John,FrederickandJeanne. The ranchhouseburnedin 1924,from somepapersbeingcaughton fire. Then Patrickmovedthe green houseto the ranch. In the movingthe chimneycrackedbetweenthe ceilingandthe roof. They had only been in this house a year before somesparksfrom the chimney caughtthe house on fire and it burned. Then Patrick bought the ditch rider's washhouse from the Idaho Irrigation Co. for $300 and moved it to the ranch. After some modification and additionsthis became the housewhere the family was raised. Good times were had on the ranch but it was often overshadowedby bad luck also. Once they bought pigs, and most of them got thumps and died. Fifty head of Holsteinheif'erswhich they bought H o u s eb u i l t b y T h o m a sS R a n d C a t h e r i n eB y r n ea t t h e C o t t o n w o o d s ,a p p r o x .1 9 1 6 . broke the fence and were bloating by eating the green
alfalfawhenthe family returnedfrom attendingchurch.Most of themdied. Attemptingto makework easier duringthewintertheyhauledall the winterhaynearthebarn. Thenlightningstruckthe haystackandit burned. A real tragedystruckthe family in 1934whenthe eldestboy, Paddy,dieddueto tetanus.He got a sliver twice but insteadof in his left arm aboutan inch and a half long. They took him to Dr. Dill in Shoshone just put salveon the woundandbandaged it. Paddygot lockjawanddied. removingit, he Dadbroughtdrinkingwaterfrom theRichfieldwatertowerto theranch. A trenchwasdug by hand3' deep in Richfieldfrom 1936 anda mile longto lay the waterpipein. Thatwasquitea feat. Motherwaspostmistress to 1939whenshewas replaceddueto changeof thepoliticalparty. Dad soldthe ranchin 1942andmovedthe Store from High Schoolandwork in Peterson's familyto Boise. However,Fredstayedin Richfieldto graduate fbr UncleArt Peterson. awayin 1981. Alphamd AndrewHermanafterPatrickdiedin 1954. Andrewpassed phone years, for is now retired living in Boise. Johnownedthe Magic worked for the co. 33 and James ValleyElectricCo in TF. He is retiredandlivesin Twin Falls. Fredworkedfor the phoneco. for 34 years. Ice He is retiredand lives in Boise. Jeannemd WayneBluemerandtheyown andoperatethe Baskin-Robbins JamesByrne,Boise,ID) CreamStorein Twin Falls. Theylive in Jerome,ID. (Source: Ireland,md Catherine Dolan,b. 1843in Aran ThomasFrancisByrneb. 1833in Elfin CountyRoscommon, l aincdh:a e l , b .l 8 6 4 , m d E l l e n I s l a n d sI r,e l a n d , i n l 8 6 2 i n E l f i nI r,e l a n dT. h e i r c h i l d r e n , a l l b o r n a t E l f i n , I r eM Murphy1894;Jamesb. 1866;Thomasb. 1870,d. 1,952in Boise,ID, md FrancesByrnein 1927;John b. 1879,d. 1941in Boise,ID md AnnieMcCaffery1902\n Liverpool,England;Patrickb. Nov. 9, 1884,d. Mar. 1954in Boise,md AlphaPeterson1917in Omaha,NE (d. at 95 Dec. 13, 1994at Jerome,buriedin Boise); Ella b. 1876,d,. 1936in Boisemd John Mary b. 1867,d. in Reno,NV, md Tom Ivers 1906in Shoshone; (Source: Turner;Dorothy b. July 9, 1885,d. Sept.22, 1969at Boise,md JosephTurner 1910in Shoshone. JamesByrne,Boise,ID) TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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CALKINS On March l,1973, Lawrence and Sandra Calkinsand family moved to Richfield. Two yearsearlier the Calkins decidedto leave California and return to their Idaho roots" Lawrence was tired of factory work and too many people. He longed for the wide open spacesand the chanceto be his own boss. Both were concerned about the problems in the California schools. The family looked at placesduring t}re summer of 1972. They made an offer on a farm in Carey, but the real estateagentcalled them in CA-the offer was not accepted. Resignedto waiting anotheryear, they were surprisedwhen Lawrence's parents,Abe and Angeline Calkin of Gooding, called to describea place in Richfield. They knew that Sandraespeciallywould love the large farm house. Lawrence flew to Idaho the next day, looked at the farm, and purchasedit from Dixon's. This is the farm about l12 mi. N of town known as the old Ebert place. Lawrence, who grew up on farms in Shoshoneand Gooding, rememberedcoming to Richfield for basketball games and dancesat the old hotel. This was almost like coming home. For Sandra who grew up in Boise, it was a different story. They brought with them their three older children, Kelvin, Kristina, and Kraig. In the fall of 1973, Sandrabegana private kindergartenfor the children of Richfield, held in the basement of the Methodist church. It lasted for two years until Idaho voted in state-supportedkindergartensin public schoolsand Sandrawas hired by Richfield SchoolDistrict as kindergartenteacher. She continuesteaching, having taught kindergarten,third, fourth, and fifth grades. She receivedher M.A. from BSU in 1994. In Novemberof 1974 the Calkin's fourth child, Keith, was born. He becamea regular at the private kindergarten. The children loved to visit with him and were especiaily excited the day he had a bath at kindergarten. Lawrence and Sandrabecameactive membersof the community in such organizationsas Masons, Eastern Star, American Legion, and Lions Club. Lawrence servedon the board of directors of the Richfield Methodist Church, on the Lincoln County Planningand Zoning Committee,and for many years has been chairman of the board of the Wood River ConvalescentCenter. Sandra has written numerous grants which have provided Richfield Elementary School with materialsand someof the first classroomcomputersin the stateof Idaho. The farm has grown over the yearswith the additionof other places--theCarl Riley farm and the old Wilcox place. Lawrenceenjoysdevelopingpropertyandhasinstalledsprinklersystems,built a barn, corrals,and sheds, and removednumerousrock piles. Kelvin graduatedfrom RHS in 1979. He was SeniorClassPresident. He receivedall-aroundathlete,the Americanismaward, and the Rick Goicocheaaward. He went on to graduatefrom Boise StateUniversity, receivinghis M.A. from the Universityof Portland. He teachesfburth grade in Hood River, Oregon. He is married with two children, Tristan and Katherine. Kristina graduatedfrom RHS in 1981. In her senioryear she won the stateAmerican Legion Oratorical Contest. She was co-salutatorian of her classand receivedthe Americanismaward. She graduatedfrom BSU, receivingher M.A. from the Universityof ldaho. Sheteachesfourth gradein Meridian, Idaho. She is married with two children, Ryan and Kyle. Kraig graduatedfrom RHS in 1987. He was SeniorClassPresidentand won the Americanismaward. He attendedCSI for two years, then transferredto BSU where he graduatedwith a degreein horticulture. Kraig has his own lawn care and landscaping businessin Boise. He also runs his own computerbulletin board. Keith graduatedfrom RHS in 1993as valedictorian.He went to nationalsin both 4-H and F.F.A. in his senioryear and was a NationalYoung ScholaratGoruagabetweenjunior and senioryears. He was SeniorClass Presidentand won the Americanismaward. Keith is attendingReedCollegein Portlandmajoring in biology. Richfield has been good to the Calkins family. Our children have learned the benefits of hard work and sportsmanship.They have developedinto leaderswith good sensesof responsibility. Richfield is a community of people who care about each other--who are always willing to help when they are needed. (Source: Sandra Calkins) CAMPBELL Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Campbell lived west of town. They were the parents of two children, Howard and Jean. Their mother passedaway November 19, 1930 at the Gooding Hospital when Howard was a freshmanand Jeanwas a little girl. (RR Aug. 15, 1930)L. E. Campbelland son Howard and Roy Mathewsare threshingwith Mr. Campbell's outfit near Eden. Mr. Campbelland Mrs. MargaretArmstrongwere marriedon Nov" 13,1933. She passedaway Nov. 14, 1938at a SodaSpringshospital. Survivingbesidesher husband,werethreechildren--Mrs.Fern Woods, Forrest Armstrong and Erwin Armstrong, andtwo step-children--Jean and Howard Campbell, also a brother, Gus Knodel of Richfield, a sister, Mrs. Anna Chamberlainof Boise and other. (Obituary)
t3l
TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
for someyears. In lateryearsLloyd Campbellmarriedagain,andhe andhis wife Thurzalived in Shoshone HowardCampbellwasthe Richfieldschooljanitorfor a time aboutthe mid-forties.He md. ElzadaWelch. Their son Ronniemarriedand had a largefamily; he is now deceased.Howardworkedas a carpenterand "traveledthe world" buildingLDS churches.They havesincelived in Heyburnand Rupert.(Source:Forrest Armstrong) 18, 1882,in Bloomfield, MO, to RileyandMary (Cooper)Capps, CAPPS Milton J. CappswasbornSeptember the secondof eightchildren,andgrew up in rural Missouri. MatildaCox, born April 4, 1884,in Swinton,StoddardCounty,MO to JamesandClara(Reed)Cox, was the first of six children and grew up on a farm nearby. Milton and Matilda were married on September 25, 1904, in Bloomfield, MO. They lived on a farm near Bloomfield for 24 years. Five children were born to them: Clive, Earl, Orin, Ada and Ruth. A Helderman cousin visited Idaho and returned with a positive report. Three years of drought had madethe Capps family willing to considera move. In the spring of 1928 Milton Capps and the family and all their belongings came west from Advance, MO. in a covered Model T truck to Richfield, enjoying the scenery in Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming. The trip took four weeks. They settledon a place near the river. Later they moved ll4 mi. ,1"1.,.-,.i,,.," ",i north of town. A move to the Newt Crawfbrd place then a place NW of town followed. Finally, they B a c kr o w : E a r l ,O r i n ,C l i v e . F r o n tr o w : M i l t o n C a p p s ,R u t h , located7 112m\. NW of town. This was their final M a t i l d aC a p p s ,A d a . location. My (Leon's) first visit as a little boy was very interesting.Total isolation. When the sun went down, it got dark, and I meandark. No electricity,just coal oil lamps. Idaho Power soon arrived and life got a lot brighter for everyone. Milton was always impressedby the fact that there was so much water availablefor irrigation, a new idea tbr him since irrigation as we have wasn't practicedin MO. Everythingdependedupon an adequaterainfall. For years he would go outside, check the sky for the prospectsof rain and then go aheadand set his water. Milton Cappstook a relaxed attitudetowardslife. His movementsand speechwere unhurried. He enjoyed musicand playedthe piano by ear. He was slim of build, enjoyedgood health,and lived 90 years. Matilda Cappswas a very speciallady--muchbelovedby family and friends. She had a difficult life but was invariablya happy,good-natured,uncomplainingperson. Shewas a lovely, generous,jolly and interestinglady who loved life, her family, and peoplein general. She alwaysspokewell of others,was optimistic and full of hopefor better days, a woman of uncommoncompassionand empathy.Matilda was an exceptionalhomemaker. A visit to her dinner table was a life experiencenot soon forgotten--donethe hard way, from scratch and on a wood stove. When we went home for a visit, GrandmaCappsset aboutmaking dinner in her usual manner--that is, grab the chicken,kill it, pluck it, cleanit, and cook it. They lived in Richfield for the rest of their lives, exceptfor a few years during W.W. II when they went to CA to work. Matilda Cappspassedaway at home on August5, 1953.Shehad beena memberof the Burmah Club, the Richfield Methodist Church, and the Order of the EasternStar both in MO and in Richfield. She was 69 years old. Milton lived on in retirement both out north and in town for nearly 20 more years. He passedaway on February15, 1973. Clive J. was born September24, 1905,in Bloomfield,MO. He lived on the family farm until he was 20 yearsold. Clive and Ruby Hawkins were marriedon August2, l926,in Marble Hill, MO. Ruby was born in Juneof 1909 in Advance, MO,to Jamesand Carrie Hawkins. Clive and Ruby had three sons: Glen, Kenneth and Charles. They lived quite near his parentsfor severalyears. During the depressionthings were difficult all over. Clive joined the Civilian ConservationCorps and left home for severalmonths working mainly in North Idaho on public works projects. He returnedin 1935. Shortly thereafter,he and Ruby were divorced. ,ii1:iit:llll:iiliiililiiiFii:iiiii:ttliiiiir.jiliillillinrll:ill:lir:iL1:ii:
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t32
Clive Cappsand Clara Giles met, courted,and were married on July 2, 1937,in Twin Falls. Clara was born in 1920, a daughterof Charles and La Vern Giles. (seeGiles) They remained in the Richfield/Shoshonearea for several years; then moved to Pocatellowhere Clive receivedtraining as a machinist. Next they went to Denver. ln 1944they moved to Richland, WA where they remaineduntil 1953. They returned to Richfield in 1953 and farmed the Giles farm which they had recentlypurchased.They lived in Richfield for the rest of their lives. Two sonswere born into the family - Leon and Stanley,who passedaway in infancy. Leon graduatedfrom RHS in 1955, joined the Air Force for 4 years, serving until 1960. In 1958 he married Betty DuFour in Savannah,GA. A son Eddie was born in 1959. Leon attendedRicks College, graduating in 1962. He then attendedUtah Stateand graduatedin 1966. He worked for Boeing in Seattle. He has madehis home in Richfield sincereturningin 1973. Clara passedaway on August 10, l976,in Richfield. Clive lived here for 16 more years until his deathon October 13, 1992. Barl Cappswas born October9,1907, in Swinton,MO, the secondof five children. Clive and Earl were the only 2 of the children to completetheir educationsprior to leaving MO in 1928. Flon Helderman, the daughterof Oscar J. and ZeliaHelderman, was born in 1915 in Swinton, MO. The Heldermanfamily had come to Idahojust prior to 1928,living 6 mi. N and 3/4 W. Flon graduatedin 1934. She later receivedtraining as a licensedpracticalnurse. Earl and Flon were marriedSeptember15, 1934. They had threechildren,Nola, Ronaldand Carlos.Earl, Flon and children left Richfield in the late 1940's and have resided since in Coquille, Oregon. Earl was employed in the wood products industry until his retirement. Orin (Dub) Cappswas born June5, 1913,in Swinton,MO. Very early in life fbr reasonsknown only to themselves, the Cappschildreneachbecameknownby a nickname.Clive became"Dick"; Earl, "Curley"; Orin, "Dub"; Ada, "Pecky"; and Ruth, "Picky." This practicehas continuedprimarily within the tamily with one exception- Orin became"Dub" in the community as well throughouthis entire lif-e. He was about 14 yearsold when the family came west. He finished his educationin Richfield then worked for the railroad as a fireman. He soon returned to take up farming, the occupationhe followed for the remainderof his life. Marian Andersonwas born April 17, 1909,in St. Charles,Illinois, to Clarenceand Fanny Anderson. She attendedschoolin lllinois. Her fatherhad passedaway prior to her coming out to Idaho about 1935. She took up residencein the home of her aunt and uncle, Ida and R. J. Lemmon. Her mother Fanny Andersonand Ida Lemmon were sisters. Her mother also cameto live with the Lemmon family, known and belovedby all as "Aunt Fanny." Dub and Marian were marriedon December15, 1937in Vail, Oregon. They established a farm home N of Richfield. Two sonswere born to them, Robertand Donald. Bobby passedaway at home Jan. 15, 1956, at 18 years.The management of the farm was a sharedresponsibility. Dub tendedthe farm in general while Marian took careof the dairy operation. All was not work, however. The family was musicallyinclined and for many yearsDub, Marian, Donny and friends,havingfbrmed a band,known as Dub's Lucky Five at one time, played for dancesin the area. Marian's healthbeganto fail and she experienceda debilitatingillnessin 1976. She passedaway on Dec. 9, 1983. Dub was subsequently marriedto Myrtle Schisleron Aug. 1l, 1984. Their time togetherprovedto be quite brief. Dub becameill and passedaway on May 29, 1985. Ada was born on March 31, 1915,in Swinton,MO. She camehere as a seventhgrader and finishedher education,graduatingin 1934. She attendedGooding College for two years and then taught elementaryschool for the next six years, including two in Marley School. Then she went to California to work for Douglas Aircraft. Ada had met Roscoe(Cy) Babingtonof Corral, Idaho, while attendingcollege. Now, severalyears later, they renewedtheir friendshipand were marriedon August2l,1942, in Lynwood, CA. They relocatedseveraltimes before settlingdown in Bellflower, CA. Ada earnedher degreein Elementary Educationand continuedto teach. Two children were born, a son Jerry in 1945 and a daughterCheryl in 1947 (Mrs. Jamie Armitage). Jerry and wife Marcia have three children. Ada and Cy lived for awhile in Whitefish, Montana, and Spokane.After retirement, they spentthe next 10 yearsin Arizona, living next door to Ada's sisterRuth andher husbandStanRoss.Ada wrote, "Roscoe(Cy) and I are home to roost in Buhl, Idaho - the bananabelt. We like ithere." [Ada has an unusualcollectionof over 70 dolls. Cy, acarpenter, made fine grandfatherclocks and other items after retiring.l (Source: Leon Capps, Ada Babington) Ruth Lenora, bornJan. 10, 1922,in Bloomfield,MO. My first memory was a two story housejustout of Advance, MO with a pecantree in the yard and nearby a field of watermelonswhich Dad sold for 15 cents each. Life then was a joy, we were poor in finances,but rich in love and family. I had a loving brother Orin
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who would hold me on his lap and sharehis mashedsweetpotatoeswith me. I remember "going sparking" one night with my big brother Clive in the family model T, and (with my mother's blessing)I hid in the back seat under a robe. Near Ruby's houseI jumped up and holleredsuprise! No doubt Clive could have choked me, but Ruby thought it was funny. She gave me a bag of coconut,and our friendship was sealedright then! I was all of four yearsold! Once Ada flipped dishwaterin my face when I wantedto wipe dishesfor her, telling me I was too little. To get even I waited my chancewith a stovepokerand let her have it! Sure changedher tune. Dub told this on us many times. What a sight we must have been when we moved to Richfield in 1928 in our well-loaded coveredtruck, do wish someonehad taken a picture. I startedfirst grade in Richfield and graduatedin 1940. That fall I went to Milady Beauty School in Boise, then went into businesswith Virginia Mclntosh in our shop, Capintosh,in south Boiseuntil my marriageto StantonRossin 1941.(SeeRoss)(Source:Ruth Ross) CARTER Charles H. Carter and wife Eva (Henry) Carter with two small daughters,Ruby and Alpha left Kansasto homesteadin Montana. While living in MT, five more childrenjoined the family, four girls and one boy - Zola, Hazel, Ralph, Dortha and Mabel. Becauseof drought conditions in MT, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Ralph and Mabel madethe move to Richfield, Idaho, in the spring of 1937. Alpha and husbandThomas Lacock and Hazel and Edward Copenhaverremainedin MT. Zola and Paul Betz and two small sons came to Richfield along with the Carters. They stayed one year on the Abbott place then moved back to MT. Ruby ancl "lke" Ervin A. Luff and children and Dortha and Earl Christensensettledin Washington. The Carters rented and farmed four different placeson the Richfield tract before purchasingone in 1941. In Montanathe Carters farm was dry land so learningto irrigate was a new experiencefbr them. After a f-ew yearsthey decidedthere must be a betterway and sold the farm at Richfield and purchasedone southof Bellevue. It was still irrigation but a different method. Mrs. Eva Carter died at their home at Richfield in 1948. Mr. Carter and Ralph continuedto farm together in Richfieldthen Bellevue. Mr. CartermarriedKarenHancockNannyon May 15, 1953. Hedied attheirhomeat BellevueMarch 11, 1957. Mrs. Karen Carter movedto CA to be near her two sons. She lived in a small trailer housewhere she caredfor herself until a few months before her deathon Apr. 5, 1994, at the age of 108. RalphCartermarriedClair Gardner,daughterofKarenNannyCarter. Clair, recentlywidowed, camefrr)m CA to visit her mother. She met Ralph, an availablebachelor,and they were married a f'ew months later. Ralph never had any children of his own but will always be fondly rememberedby his niecesand nephewsas a caring and fun uncle. (Source:Mabel Johnson) Mabel graduatedfrom RHS and marriedMyron JohnsonMay 9, 1938(SeeJohnson,Myron). CARTBR My father, William Marshall Carter, went to Richfreldwhen he was.iusta young man, in 19l0 or l9ll. He first worked on the Big Wood Canalwhen it was beingbuilt. He also workeclfor Pat Byrnes in the grocery store and butcher shop. This is how my mother and father met. Dad used to deliver groceries to the hotel where Mom worked. She movedto Richfieldfrom Goodingaroundthe year 1910to work in the hotel. When the big well in Richfield was being drilled Dad helpeddo that, and later he maintaineclthe well. The well was drilled 500 feet deep with the pump installedat422 feet; that well had very goocl,pure water! In that day farmers and other people did not have wells on their own property, so they came to town to the "pumphouse" and hauled water in barrels back to their homesin horse-drawnwagons. Another memory I have is that Dad would flood an areain winter, then when it froze it was fun tbr everyone to go ice skating. Also in the winter ice was cut from the river in greatbtocks;the ice blocks would be stored in an "ice-house"coveredwith sawdustto keep it from melting. We had one of thesebuilclingson our place. A memory that I have of my mother, Lena Mathis Carter, is that shewas a naturalcare-giver. Dr. Diil from Shoshonewould stop on his way to calls sometimesand get Mom to go with him; she would act as a nurse,or a mid-wife. When power cameto Richfield Dad helpedput it in, and later maintainedthe lines, as well as read the power meters. My dad was also the Deputy Sheriff or Marshal. He worked for the town of Richfield fbr 58 vears. then he and my mom moved to Twin Falls. William Marshall Carter was born June24, 1888 in Hartford, MO, son of Jerry and Martha Carter. He married Lena Mathis on Oct. 12, l9l2 in Gooding. Lena was the daughterof John ancl Matilda (Hightower) Mathisb. Mar. 22, 1898in Caldwell,TX. Their childrenall born in Richfieldwere: Thelma M. bornluly 13, 1913md Ruland Brown June 12, 1929 inJerome; Owen born AugustlgI4 mclBeularhNelsonJan. 6. 1936 in
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Reno, NV; Edmond b. Jan. 21, l9l7 md Helen ScheidtDec. 30, 1944in Philadelphia,PN; Hazel C. b. April 23, l9I9 md Lewis StevensDec. 13, 1941 in Kimberly, ID; William Marshall JR b. Sept. 11, 1922, died IVIarch19, 1987in Twin Falls. He md Clara CarsonAug. 31, 1942in Twin Falls. Beverly Maxine b. July 18, 1926md Lee Thompson Aug. 6, 1960 in Cheyenne,WY. (Source:Thelma M. Carter Brown) CENARRUSA When Pete and ClaudiaCenarrusacameto Richfield in the late'3O's,they stayedin the apartment abovethe bank. They purchasedthe former Owen Youngkin house. Their children were Leona, Luella, Victor and Donald (b. Aug. 1941,d. Aug. 10, 1961). Luella md Howard DeWitt; their children who startedschool '60's here in the were Claudette,Susan,Teresaand Martin. Vic md. Fern Hensley,O. May 27, 1932,d. Oct. 25, 1988); "Miss Fern" camefrom MO to teachschoolhere about 1952. Their children, Tom, Carmen,Mike and Kara, beganschoolin Riohfield. When they movedto Bliss, Fern resumedteaching;d. 1988. She is buried (b. 1903,d. Apr.23,1969) and Pete(b. 1891,d. Feb. 17, 1975). in Richfield,as are Donald,Mrs. Cenarrusa Tom has restaurantsin Bliss and GlennsFerry. (Source:Cem. Bk, John Lemmon, ACB) I'm not sure what year Bert and Anna moved to Richfield; they moved from Seattlewhere CHAMBERLAIN my dad was a conductoron the railroad. I understandRichfield was an up and coming little town when they moved there. They were active in the community. They were both involved in the lodges- Masons, Oddfellows and the women's counterparts. Dad was a large man, over 6' and a heavybuild, red hair. He alwayscalledhimself a redheadedIrishman. Mom was also quite tall, 5'8". They both loved dancingand people,they had many friends. Every Sundaywe either had company for dinner, or we were at a home of a friend. I have many wonderful memoriesof winter in Richfield. The snow was deepenoughwe had to go in the sled. We would go on Saturdaynight to the north end grangefor a pot luck dinner. Later the older peoplewould dance, I rememberdad calling many of the squaredances;the childrenwould give up and fall asleepon a bench. Our wintersat homewere wonderful. Dad playedthe harmonica,and sangmany Irish songs. Mom would read us stories, a specialtime for an orphan kid who had not had much of a home lif'e before. Dad was substitutemail carrier,often using the sled to carry the mail in the winter. In the summer Mom would irrigate;shesaid shecould irrigatebetterthandad. Sheraisedturkeys,chickens,calves,pigs, geese. She would pick the geeseevery springto makepillows, featherbeds,and such. When the big depressionhit sheinsistedon stayingon the farm while dad got a statejob. Sheran the farm until John Lemmon [brother to Rafe and Dell] died of a heart attackwhile plowing on our place. We moved to Boise that fall, 1930. Dad was a staunchDemocratand was to be nominatedto run on the Democrat ticket for mayor of Boisetheyearhe died April of 1934. Mom died July l,1953. Abraham Bird Chamberlain(also known as Abram Bert) was born Oct. 26, 1873, at Lake Park, Becker, MN. He was the son of William Harrisonand Susan(Higley) Chamberlainand died April 1934. He married Anna Knodel June 20, 1902, at Tripp, Hutchison,SD. Anna was the daughterof Jacoband Elizabeth(Gall) Knodel,born June3, 1883,at Menno,SD and died July l,1953. Their childrenwere: Frank Tom, b. May 15, 1918 in Indian Valley, ID and is currentlyretiredfrom the Air Force. Ivena Elizabeth, b. Oct. 23,1920 in Cambridge,ID and md KennethArchie Brown March 16, 1940at Boise. (Source:Ivena Brown) CHATFIBLD Our grandfatherWalter Chatfield cameto America from England in 1834 at the age of two. He was "bound out" when he was nine to a Cap't. Cleary. He marriedMary Maria Crandall, and their first child was Christopher Otho, born in MO Nov. 6, 1879. Otho graduatedfrom a school of osteopathyin 1901 and openedan office in Spokane. Soon he bought a 10 acrestruck farm at Otis Orchard. Mary Patrick, born March 10, 1885,to Hemanand Emma (Allison) Patrick in PhelpsCo, NE, movedto Sand Creek on the North Platte River, then to Ogallala. At 15 she began teaching in the sandhills in rural schools. She went to her uncle's in Spokanein 1907and worked as a telephoneoperator,then in the business office, due to extra work becauseof the 1906 earthquakein San Francisco. She then taught schoolbut resignedto marry Otho Chatfieldon New Year's Day of 1908. Soon his parents cameto live with them. Hearing of the Magic Dam project, Otho cameto Richfreld in 1910 in an immigrant car with livestock and equipmentto 40 acreswhere Delwin Amy now lives. Fred and Ben Crane and others also had come from Spokane. Mother and Walter, 2, camein August. Our grandparentscame in 1912. The 4300 ft. elevationwas a real shock to the Chatfields,coming from the Midwest. They got a homesteadof 160 acres on the butte and built a tarpapershack. They hauledtheir drinking water from town in wooden barrels.
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Early in the winter they loadedthe chickens,pigs -s;. and suppliesin the lumber wagon and drove to visit iiiiiiiii "ffii iririrrrft friends,H. M. andBurmahCoffmanandsonin the rock :iiiiiiiiiiii-\i. S houseat the little Cottonwoodson Big Wood River. ,,, ri: iiill' for posts, While thereOthoand H. M. cut cottonwoods whichwe usedandreuseduntil I, Odell,wasa prettybig kid. Returninghomedeepsnowmadetraveldiffuclt, so Othohitchedhis third horseto the endof the tongueto makeit on in. Walter ran away one springday on the butteand "Madie" (Mary) didn't want to carry daughterArlie to look for him, so sheput a tableleg on the hem of her dressto keepher out of trouble. Walterhad followed , d e l l ,W a l t e r . C h a t f i e l d sB: e t h ,F a y ,A r l i e ,M r s . C h a t f i e l dO the pup out in the brushandwascoveredwith ticks. l m o g e n e M r . C h a t f i e l d , CharlieHouseclearedthe 40 north of Otho'sand built a goodbarn on it; Otho and Madielived in it for awhile. Charlie had somethings storedthere. Walter and Arlie playedon the open oven door of a stove, made fencesand farms with little shiny things. One day Charlie cameand nearly fainted becausethey had been playing with dynamite caps all that time. Later on Edna V. Piper got that 40 and put a "ready cut" house on it, which Joe Piper later moved to north of where Cleo Brauburgerlives. Years later Otho bought that 40 acres, also the "southforty," nice land, from the "Englishmen"Henry and Tom Fosterand Harry Wynn (1 mi. N 3/4 W). Straw shedsmadewith postsand woven wire, walls filled with straw, with poles, willows and straw on top-a good placefor sparrowsto nest--werepopular. Father'swas long with stallsfor horses,a calf pen, cow barn with stanchions,a chickenhouseand a long hog shed,a really warm shed. They built the presenthouse in 1918 and joined the tarpapershackto it. Henry Mapes (l mi. N 3/4E) finishedit to six rooms. Money was hard to comeby, so Dad workedon the railroadto Hill City and on Magic Dam when it leaked. They drilled holesand pumpedgrout into them, using hundredsof sacksof cement. He sold hay to sheepmen. A set of lambing shedswas on the Lane ranch south of town, another on the lower Hendersonranch where Mark Bowers lives. Everyoneraisedhogs and let them run out in the fall to clean up the fields. Dad had barley ground at the elevatorand shoveledit into a large self-feederfbr the hogs. A hog pool or marketing associationhad the farmers list on a blackboardin the bank the number of hogs ready to ship, and a carload or two were shippedevery two weeksto Portland. We had a small bunch of non-descriptcows, then got in the Holsteinbusiness.Dad starteda milk barn in 1932, not finished until 1935 due to hard times. By then the Co-op had a cream truck route. Then the state testedfbr Bangsand all but three cows had to be slaughtered.In 1936the wheat crop was good until the red rust movedin and we harvestedonly 34 bushelsof chickenfeedwheat. Soonhog cholerahit and I hauledeveryhog, big and little, 208 head,out on a rock pile and burnedthem with straw. More hard times" Mary was a true pioneer, nursing the sick childrenaround the neighborhoodand saving many trips to Shoshoneor Gooding to see the doctor. For entertainmentthey enjoyedthe houseparties, box socials, church and community activities. In 1932 C. O. Chatfield family enjoyedtheir 15th annualThanksgiving dinner at the Grant Erwin home. At Christmasthe Chatfieldswould return the courtesy,so reported the LCJ. In lateryearswhen Arlie and her husbandJackEdwardswere at Kimberly Nursery,owner Mr. Wright said that when the Richfield tract was new he sold the farmers all the Carolina poplar trees except one farmer. He felt sorry for him so gave him sometrees. [His widow, Bessie,89, still lives in Kimberly and has written l0 booksof history of the area in 12 years.ACBI Walter Chatfield wrote: On Jan. 4, 1917, GrandpaChatfrelddied at 84 years, 4 months. Mom told me aboutit when she got me up for school. I rode the schoolbus one mile southto the Hathaways. Mom had given me a note so I could stay all day. They laid Grandpaout in the southend of the front room and some neighbors cameto sit up all night. Early the next morning Papatook team and "Jumper" sled (not a bob) to Shoshoneto get a coffin. When he returned that night, it was snowing and drifting. I don't remember anything about the funeral; I may have been sent to neighborsfor that day also. Odell: Our grandmotherMary Maria died Sept.24, 1928,at our home. Our father, Otho, died after a stroke at the age of 89 in Jerome on June 19, 1969. Mary Patrick Chatfield died at the Jerome Longtime Care Unit after a stroke March 30, 1970. All were buried in Richfield. (Mrs. Chatfield was a member of the Methodist church, Grange, Rebekah Lodge and the Woman's Club. She was well known for the readings she gave at
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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community events through the years.) (Source: Obituary) Walter, b. Sept.29, 1908:md Doris Newman, divorced;children:Penny,Christine,Bruce,Gayle; md. Ila StanderAlden. Walter graduatedfrom GoodingCollege1928andU. of CO; degreein civil ret. at 71 yrs in NE. engineering; Arlie, b. Nov. 27, 1910; GoodingCollege, teacherin Dietrichschools.(10-1932newsitem:Miss Arlie Chatfieldis probablythe only girl in Lincoln Co. who has brought home the much-sought-after deer"bacon"this fall. Her steadyaim rewardedher with a four-pointbuck.) Husband,Jack Edwards. Children, Phillip, Linda, Joy. They farmed in Dietrichuntil retirement;hada GradeA dairy;active in Grangeand as 4-H Club leadersfor manyyears. After Jack'sdeathArlie lived in Meridianbut moved to a Boiseretirementhomein the summerof 1994. C. F. (Fay),b. May ll,l9l5; md.RuthWoods; graduatedfrom U of I with a degreein Agriculture; GrandpaChatfieldplantedthis tree in 1913 from a pencil farmed in Richfield; bought a home in Yuma AZ in sizedslip& Waltercarrieda bucketfull of them. 1984" '94. (12515 Brenda Drive, Yuma, AZ spring of 85367) Children: SandraWilliams, teacherat Twin Falls; Mary Baker, Jerome, whose daughterTara is a1994 honor graduatewho startedschool in Richfield and won a scholarshipfor an articleaboutRichfield;and David who lives at HaydenLake, ID. Beth, b. Sept. 16, 1917. (SeeProctor) Imogene, b. June 18, 1920,mcl. Luis Jauregui,first lived in CA; Luis was a good machinist,now retired. They buiit a home in Meridian where they raisedtheir children: Mary Decker, dietician; Paul, Boise lawyer; John, a Major, retired after 20 years,living on the Eastcoast;Jim, works for Idaho Power in Twin Falls. Odell,-b. May 14, 1922,md FayeJohnson.Farmedand raisedtheir childrenin Richfield; left becauseof health; worked foi Gooding Co-op for severalyears. Both worked in the JeromeSchool until retirement. They enjoy their home they had built on 4th Ave. Dr. in Jeromeandvisitingtheir children:Carolyn and Tom Owens, nanning, CA; Dena anclDennisGublerof Tampa,FL. Denahas a mail route; Calvin and wife, Edna, and son Riley, *ho farrn south of the old Chatfield place. (Sources:Beth Proctor, Odell Chatfreld, Walter Chatfield) C. O. Chatfield, a frienclof H. M. Coffman, arrived in Richfield fiom SpokaneMonday and is looking over the country with a view of locating. (SJ May 26, l9l0) CLEMENTS Eugene Edward Clements(1900-1958)and his wife Estell E. (1904-1983)came to Richfield in 1943 from Nebraska with their family. Orville Clements, a brother of Eugene, also lived here for a time. Orville was a member of the local American Legion. They farmed 5 mi. N 3/4 W of town. The children attendedschoolhere. Marion ClementsmarriedJack Newby in 1951. Dean was the youngestchild. The body of ClarenceP. Clements,son of Eugene,was found in WinchesterLake near Lewistonon March 5, 1952. The accidentdate was set at Nov. 16, 1950. Clarenceand his parentsare all buried in the Richfield Cemetery. (Sources:Local residents,cemeterybook, news clipping) COFFIVIAN Argus Gilbert CofTman(June14, 1895-JulyI7 , 1956)was born in Denlow, MO. He married Edna Clark Pierce(Oct. 8, 1897-Jan.ll,1982) on Mar. 12, 1916at Eminence,MO. They had five children:Ruby V i o l e t b . O c t . 6 , l 9 l 7 a t T h o m a s v i l l eM, O ; L l o y d E l v i n b . F e b . 2 4 , 1 9 2 1 ,T h o m a s v i l l eV; i r g i l F a y e b . J a n . 8 , 1925 and Norman Ray b. July 24, 1928, both at Granite City, IL. Argus and Edna left MO and lived in Granite City, IL, and worked in the steel mills, then returnedto the home farm. Argus came to Idaho in thefall of 1934and he worked fbr Uncle ShermanCof-fmanat the Adams '35 in a canvascovered truck with the Horton family. place 1 mi. W of town. Edna and sons came in March They were snowed in at Lodgepole, NE, for a coupleof days. Ruby and Lester Stubbsand daughterremained with her grandfather,Dan Coffman, in his log housewith a huge rock fireplace and bedrooms in the loft. (See Stubbs)
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Lloyd added,"Uncle Jim's family lived NW of town and Vie Upshaw'sfamily lived on the old Morrison ranch out to the North End. We moved to the Adam's place in 1936 and Sherman'smoved to town. Uncle Clyde went back to Missouri to get Aunt Pernie Horton and Chloe. I went in the Army in Sept. 1940." The Argus Coffinan's lived in a little housenear the R.R. tracks and Bill Carter for a time. (Source: Ruby and Lloyd Coffman) Lloyd servedin Army in the'40's; md Lorraine, one son; now md to Lucy; lived in CA, now Las Vegas. Virgil Faye spent time aboard the Enterprise in the Navy, then stateside;md Gloria, lived in Richfield; five children; worked for the RR in Pocatellowhere they still live. Norman (Moose): md Clara Belle; spent Navy time in the states;followed rodeosthen went to Denver and Las Vegas; worked in construction.(Source: Ruby Shillito) COFFMAN H. M. Coffman cameto Alberta in 1907,possiblyfor the land drawing. On May 19, 1910,Mrs. H. M. Coffman and son Harry arrived in Richfield from Canadato join Mr. Coffman, who had a large ranch NW of town. The Burmah District and siding were namedafter his wife, Mrs. Burmah EttamaeCoffman. In November 1911 the P.O. Departmentapproveda post office at Burmah and appointedMrs. Burmah Coffman postmistress.H. M. Coffman died in SeattleDec. 1947at the age of 73. (New items) COFFMAN The Jim Coffman family came roaring into Lincoln County in October, 1925. Their trusty carriagewas a 1925Model "T" carryingonly a moderateload: Mother Nell, Max (me) I I months;Gene6 years, and four more to the age of 20. There was beddingfor sleepingout, meagercooking utensilsand food supplies, and last, but not least, Mom's old Lason sewingmachine(headonly). Shadesof "Grapesof Wrath." Eleven dayson the road with heavy rains in Nebraska,axle deepmud, no pavedroadsand few even traveled. I wonder how many flat tires. What I wonder aboutmost, though, is the diaper situation- miles betweentowns, very few streams,probablycold weatherand I can't imaginewhat else. Had I beenmy mom her youngestson would have eatena lot of cheeseon that trip. Unlike in the "Grapesof Wrath" we did havea placeto go. Jim was alreadyhere. He was the chore boy on the Gooding & Smith town ranch on the eastcity limits of Shoshone. He had rented a town ranch from Pat Hugheson the river some9 mi. SW of Richfield. We lived theretwo or three years. My family actuallyfirst cameto the Richfieldtract in l92l andlived on the old Allen place (6 mi. N 1.6 W) for a couple of years and then returned to Mt. Grove, MO. The move to the Pat Hughes place was the secondtry. My family consistedof Ben the oldest,and wif'e Flora Barnettof Oklahoma;Ann husbandVie Upshaw, MO; John, wife Jewel Griggers,TX; Everett, marrieda coupleof timesbut neitherlasted;Virgil, wif'e LaVeta McKee, Richfield; Beulah, husbandClaudeNielsen,UT; Marie, husbandLeonardRogers, MO; Gene, wife Faye Bouleware,Shoshone;Max, wife Macel Smith, LaGrange,TX; md 2) Julie PagoagaAug. 6, 1994. We moved a lot and I've wonderedsomeas to why. If we could understand the whys of others' thinking, we might have a better understandingof the things they do. Mine was a family of somewherenear average intellect but even the brightestminds don't accumulatea lot of knowledge unless there's some place availablewhere there is a means of dispensing it. Where my parentswere raised, knowledgewas hard to come by at that time. I don't rememberNell being an unhappy person but she was never a contented person either. Educationwas of no great priority to them. She was the educatedone. She went to the 4th grade, Jim, none at all. He dependeda great deal on her for managementof financial matters. She could sign a check. Unfortunately, a great deal of her thinking was devotedto where we could move next and a reason for doing it. I believeshepassedsomeof this on to her children. N e l l i eC o f f m a na n d s o n M a x , This may have come from early life experiences. t a k e n o n o l d H o w a r d o l a c e . We moved from the Hughes place to the B e n C o f fm a n , o l d e s t s o n o f Jim, and his son Buddy Upper Hendersonplace in 1927 (3 mi. N lW).
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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Our closestneighborswere Mark Johnsonwith sons,Toby and Glen (Shorty) (3 mi. N 3/4 W); Lewis Crowther acrossthe road from us on the corner;Lloyd Campbellwith Howard and Jean(2l12 mi. N lW); Howards(2.3 mi. N, 1W); Fred Simpson(2 mi. N lW) and Hal Ross(2 mi. N .6 W). We movedfrom thereto NW Shoshone to the Punkin Ranch in 1930. Jim drove the schoolbus. Ben and Flo lived on the Pete Johnsonplace for a year or so (5 ll4 mi. N 1W). John and Jewellived on the Joy placeabouta year (4 314 mi. N; RobertBell place). Ben then movedto Dewey Wilcox place(l l12 mi. N) in 1929. Some of the Coffmans who had been working in California oil fields doing pipeline constructionreturned to Idaho when the depressionhit. At one time in the early'3O'sall the kids with their broods--23family members in all--were home at Jim and Nell's, living in one house. They were renting from Gooding and Smith of Shoshonein 1930. From later reports,I know that Gooding and Smith had their troublestoo but they stillhelped us out by providing work for someof the family at times and in other ways. The Upshawsreturnedto Richfield in 1934to the Morrison place (7 mi. N 2W) where they stayeda couple of years and then moved to the Mert Lyons place (5 ll4 mi. N, Kings); then back to CA in 1939 or 40. Virgil and LaVeta were aroundRichfield off and on until 1940or 1950but I can't rememberthe placesthey lived exceptfor living I mi. E 1/2 N about 1940. Jim and Nell returnedto Richfieldin 1937. They boughtthe placewhere the Howards once lived (2.3 mi. N 1W). They lived there a coupleof years. Then John lived there,then Gene,then Leonardand Marie. They sold it about 1946 to Lester Johansen.Jim and Nell moved to Shoshoneabout 1939 where Jim was a sheep herder for Lewis Crowther. Other placesthe family lived: Vie and Ann lived on the placewhereCrowthershad lived the winter of 193637; Iim and Nell, one of Tapperplaceswhere JessBrown had lived in 1939 (6 mi. N 1W). Then John lived there for a couple of years. Jim and Everett, togetherwith Gene and I, farmed the Morrison place in 1942 and 1943,alongwith the homeplace. MeanwhileJohnhad movedto the CharleyHouseplace(314mi. N). Leonard and Marie lived on one of the Sweeneyplaces(2 ll2 mi. N 4 llzW). About 1944 they moved on the home place. Later they lived on the Wilcox place(1 l12 mi. N); thenboughtthe place(5 mi. N 3/4E) wherethey lived until moving to Dietrich. Everett and I farmed the Wilcox place in 1949& 1950 and Everettcontinuedto live there until 1953. I guessLeonardand Marie were the last to leaveRichfield. Talk aboutmusicalchairs - I just have. There are a coupleof early memoriesthat I'd like to share. One day Lloyd Campbellwas at our placewith Jean,then about4. We had a pianoand Jeanwas working it over. Someoneaskedwhat she was playing. She answered,"l'm making so much noiseI can't tell what I'm playing." We ran out of water one day aboutthis time and there was no one at the house except Nell and I and, boy, did I get thirsty. Nell couldn't drive but I, with all thosepersuasivepowers of a five year old, convincedher she could surelydrive to Simpson'sand get somewater. We almostmadeit but she cut the cornertoo short and the old 1926Dodge was in the ditch. I don't rememberbeing so thirsty after that. Richfield was good to my family and we have alwaysenjoyedthe peoplewe have known there. Ben, b. 1896, died in 1952, survived by 5 children. Ann died in 1991,survivedby 3 children. John died \n 1992. They had one daughter. Everett died in 1970. Virgil, b. Feb. 1908 Denlow, MO, md LaVeta McKee May 16, 1930at Jerome, died in 1993 in Milwaukee,OR. Beulah died in 1991,one son. Marie lived with daughterLaRae, in Boise, one of 3 children, after Leonard's death. Marie d. Nov. 15, 1994. Gene, b. 1919,and Fayehad two daughters.Maceland Max, b. 1924 had 2 daughters. Jim, b. 1874, died in 1958 in Nell, b. 1879,died in 1975. Shoshone. Nell and Jim continued to live in Shoshoneuntil they died except for a couple of years in CA. Both are buried in the ShoshoneCemetery. Nell lived to the age of 96. Her M a x C o f f m a na n d n e p h e w B u d d y a n d n i e c eC a r o l granddaughterremembersshe really loved the Lord and they had many good times going to church and to church potluck "Bring your glad rags, when you come and stay and we'll go to dinners. She would say to her granddaughter, church." Nell's mother NancyJaneWalker was in Idahowhen Nell camewith Jim. Nancy Janelived with the Coffman family on and offuntil she died about 1939. She is buried in Shoshone.(Sources:Max CofTman,son, and Carol Coffman Peterson,granddaughter)
t39
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
coffman,cameto Richfieldin 1913' Like the rest .'FFMAN Shermancoffman, a youngerbrotherof Jim l9l0,and Mo. He wasmarriedio ReneeLivingstonon Feb. 27, of the coffmanshe wasborn in Mt. Grove, 'ittry iiuro northof Richfieldand later movedto 1 mi' w of town' theyhad two daughters,zellaandIrene. .1.f,6i. , attendJdNorth End schoolandgraduattg-ft"P-Ri:hfieldHigh' lirf musicalandactive op.ru,oi, in Richfield,zellafot 19y'ears.Bothwerevery Ireneand zellaweretelephone Normal schooland zanilaieatt e pianofor bands. Irene wenton to Albion in communityandchurch "u.nt.. pu'nnuv unott.y hada daughtercolleen(carlson)' coffmansmoved taughtin countryschools.she married intJ RictrReldand lived neighborsto GeorgeSchwaner' , - - ,-,1^-^+L^,.-^- o or 1, lg43,"andtheylivedatKingHill,thenshoshonewheretheyranaservlce zellamarriedJoepace"Aug. grandchildren' Jeanie_ivri*o,j"uld cappO ind MonaJo (Dudley),and six station. They had two daughters, for a correspondent pacemoved^toJeromein 1g6g. Shewas zera,bornNov. 25, 1g10at Topaz,MO, and years' 69 Lodge. Shed' 1980,at age NorthSideNews,a memberof the LDS cirurchandthe Rebekah lo*.farmedat Richfield(1 mi' N 2W) (see Cooperl. Shermanand Reneeraiseda boy namedJoe Cooper afterretiringin 1958' andraisedhis family there. ShermanandReneernou"dto Gooding away.inGoodingat the ageof 92 passed Mrs. RenaA. Coffman,bornJuly 5, 1875in FloydCounty,Y-A-, tire Methodistchurch and was a member afteran apparenttreairattaci. while living in nicnnig:!" atiended CarolCoffmanPeterson'Obits'for Rena (Sources: of theWoman'sSocietyoiCtrristianServicJandtheWCTU. C. and Zella) Arnold, Edna,Maurice(Buster)and Gale CONNER Alva c. and Mildred warner connerandfour children, the EdenareawhereLola wasborn' In cameto Idahofrom coloradoby train in 1g16to the Filer areathento of Richfield.EdnaandArnoldstartedschool 1917theymovedby teamandwagonto a farm 5 mi. N 3r4w andNormanwereborn there. Buster,Gale in a one-roomschoolhouseat the 5 mi. cornerN of town. Muriel andLola alsostartedat the North End school' in secondgrade' we went r 1923we movedto a farm I ll2 mi. w of Richfield. I, Lola, was In Decembe we walkedto the Methodistchurchand Sunday to townschooron horsebuses. NormaandVernawereborn. boxes,we woulclgatherat the postoffice and school.As the ma' camein on Sunday,wassortedandput in the from high schoolin1929,.Busterin 1930' visit. Ednaand Arnold graduatecl Inezwasborn. ln Decemberof 1930we ln 1929we movedto a farm 2 mi. w" r/2 S of Richfieldwhere to schoolanclevenwenthomefor lunch movedto theHenryLaneranchsouthof to*n by the river. we walkecl to"okus in the sleigh. Otherkids nearbyrodewith us' The house aswe hadan hour. In winterDad sometimes is sonenow but the barn is still standing' at one time. He
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ltt'h:-y.:]':i:tJs"T.CirampionshiR nur,., ,oof up piir" ngttingancl.held. T
of "Kid^Cannon."Galealsotlid s.mefightingasKayoConner' ""*" Dad drove for
f""gh;';;i;rn"
My school sleigh rides and we alsohad schoolParties. Our sixth grade classhad to go to school in the large lobbY of the Old Hotel with its high windows and French doors, as there wasn't room in the school building. One daY someof us wanderedinto the other part of the Hotel which was off limits. '34 we had In 1933 and a very mild winter. I, a senior, and Muriel, a freshman, had gone home for H P lunch. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. ReN o r m a n ,G a l e , N o r m a . C o n n e r s :b a c k r o w l e f t t o r i g h t : I n e z , B u s t e r ,W a y n e , L o l a . turning to school we stopped 1 9 6 4 E d n a ' M i l d r e d , p a r e n t s a n d A l v a S e a t e d :A r n o l d , at the post office to mail a valentinefor Muriel's friend.
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It was the lastthing we did together. After schoolwe had choresto do. Muriel was to build the fire. Being insteadof a smallopencan,as shewastaught. It explodedover her, late sheusedthe galloncanof kerosene settingher clotheson fire astherewerestill live coalsin the cookstove. Norman,NormaandI werealsohome. As sheran outsideI turnedthe coldwaterhoseon her andput outthe fire. Newsspreadfast. Shediedthenext day in the GoodingHospitalandis buriednextto VernaAlice, our babysisterwho wasborn Jan.20, 1927,and died April l, 1927. andwasdoctoringin Jerome,stayingin a hotel. One nightshe In 1934Motherwashavingbadheadaches in her mouth. Shethoughtit was a tooth, but it was a bullet shehad found something coughing and awoke while cleaningher rifle. The bullet had lodgedin the years had been accidently shot whenshe carriedfor 27 frontalsinuscavity. In 1935we movedto the Patrickhousein northRichfield. Arnold and Busterjoined the Army andwere at Fort Douglas,Utah. GalemarriedHelenSupanin Dec. 1935.We movedto the Burtonranch2 mi. stationed N 1/4 W of town in 1936. Waynewasbornthere. Duringthe summerof 1935Mom, EdnaandI cookedfor a threshingcrew from Rupert--alot of work but alsoa lot of fun. In May 1936| wentto work for a doctor'swife in Shoshone.In Sept.Ednabeganworking at the Boston as a waitress,andI alsoas a waitressin 1937for four and one-halfyears. Dad and Mom Cafe in Shoshone HS. from the Shoshone movedfrom the farm 1939to Shoshone.Norman,NormaandInezgraduated Mom died in April 1965, born July 5, 1890,to Wilbur and Jennie (Coons) Warner, md Alva Carl Conner(b. Nov. 1, 1883)Feb. 12, 1907at Greeley, CO, sonof JosiahConnerand Louise Hunter Conner. Their first son, b. Feb. 11, 1908,d. 1910,buriedin Greeley. Arnold Otis b. Mar. 15, 1909 in Carbondale, CO md Dorothy JonesJan. 1947 in Omaha,had son Michael. Live in Seattle. Edna Mildred b. Aug. 27, l9l0 Carbondale, CO md Ray Holfbrd in Los Angeles,Mar. 10, 1945, 2 sonsVern and Carl. Carl died as a result of a car accidentin 1973. Edna d. Mar. 8, 1989, in Twin Falls. John Maurice b. Sept. 24, 1912, Mileken, CO, servedin the Army 10 years, md girl fiom VA who was in the service,Eula Mae Umbarger, in 1948; 3 girls, Cindy, Nancy and Nora, one boy Troy. Buster d. Nov. 30, 1992WoodlandHills, CA.
J o h n a n d L o l a T o n e r , 1 y e a r a f t e r m a r r i a g e1, 9 4 3
CO;d. GaleWarnerb. May 31,1914,Greeley, md HelenSupanDec. 19, 1935at Hailey. 3 children:Ruth,Patty,GaleJR (Butch, Mar. 5, 1984,Shoshone; who diedin 1989) Helend. May 1990. Lola Teresab. Feb.23, l9l7 at Eden;md JohnG. Toner,a busdriverfiom SunValleyOct. 4, 1942in Mary AliceandLois. Keithwaskilledin a car accidentin1974. Had 1 sonKeithandtwo daughters Shoshone. Live in Jerome. 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters. Muriel Nadineb. Jan.7.1919. Richfield:d. Feb. 15. 1934.Obituarv:Muriel NadineConnerattended gradeschoolin Richfield,graduating lastyearfrom 8th gradewith the sameclassshebegan andjoy with in the lst grade. Throughouther brief but beautifullife shebroughthappiness won her a widecircleof loving to all who knewher. Her sweetsmileandsunnydisposition at friendsamongold andyoungalike. SincebabyhoodMuriel hasbeena regularattendant Barnes, Mrs. McMahon, E. Fryer Meth. Music was Mrs. G. the Sunday school. furnished by andFay Manwill. Mr. Manwillsanga solo"TheVacantChair."(LCJ Feb.23, 1934) md CoraMaeJenkinsMay 6, 1946at Klamath Paul Normanb. Jan27,1923,Richfietd; Falls,OR. 3 childrenPaul,Tim, Kathy. Mar. 8, 1946 PauleneNormab. Apr. 23, 1924,Richfield;md ReidMcNeil,Shoshone, Marsha,Lynda. Live in CA. atYuma,AZ. 3 daughters, Cherylee, Louis Inezb. June29, 1929,Richfield,md RobertMorris (d. 1989)on May 13, 1950. Muriel and Lola C o n n e r1 9 3 2 SheilaJo. Lived in CA. 3 sonsBill, David,Ronand1 daughter t4l
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Myrle Wayne b. Aug. 20,1936, Gooding. Lives in Oregon. (Source:Lola ConnerToner. I was the only one of the children to live in Idaho: Shoshone,Ketchum, Fairfield, Jerome) (Excerptsfrom MY SAD STORY by Arnold Conner) I didn't realizemy youngersiblingsdidn't know much I rode a horse in the Outlaw about my - eirly days until Norma askedme if I thought I was a cowboy because and paid for my own horse I bought horse or that raised on a practically Parade. She didn;t know that I was month and saved$9 to buy an janitor for a End School in North $3 the when I was nine years old. I worked as golden manewe called Babe. a colt with sorrel Indian Pony namedMolly from Fay Manwill. Shehad a beautiful Thus my life as horsemanbegan. I was inclined to use my left hand. Mama was not going to have any left handedkid" If I moved my lefthand the command "USE YOUR RIGHT HAND" would most certainlybe heard, echoedby rny siblings. Even I get a guilty feeling if I do somethingleft-handed. Talk about a misfit. today -WJtraO one cow and it was my job to milk her. Her calf would do the job if it got out. One day in winter, got home late and I took my lantern and bucket and went out. In a few minutesI was back. No milk. I was we told to get back out there and not come back without some milk. Well, the cow was dry, so I beddeddown in the straw to wait for her to make some milk. Dad camelooking for me and testedthe milk source himself. So I got to sleep in bed after all. One time I played the MAN FROM BORNEO for the HS carnival, wearing a black jersey with my face blackened,my hair in curls on top. Bud Ewing led me with a l0 fbot log chain around my neck. It nearly chokedme and maclemy eyesbug out. I guessI looked pretty wild. To advertisethe carnival, Bud led me to the classrooms,eighth to first grades,and introducedme as the MAN FROM BORNEO. The studentslistened to Bud's speechand my growls with interest. When we cameto the first grade, every studentsat very still with all eyeson me. Nobody moved. I was standingin front. When Bud finished his speech,I let out a yell and lungedtoward the class. The wide-eyedkids suddenlycameto life. The kids to my left moved left. The kids to my right moved right--a sight I will never forget. Their teacherhad to leave the room she was laughing so hard. My sister, Norma, was one of the kids scurrying for safety. In looking back over the yearsI realizeI wasn't too smart. Mom wouldn't admit she had a dumb kid. She just said, "He's just slow." I had a one-trackmind and it seemedto be on a side track all the time. An event that highlights my shortageof gray matter was the time I climbed up on the barn, which had wood shinglesand slopedat about45 degrees. Dad had stackeda load of hay next to the barn. I said to myself, I'll slide off on to the hay. Well, I had only movedan inch when I realizedit was dumb thing to do. There was no way to stop. The way clown was agony. Each inch I moved I collectedten slivers. I couldn't seethe damageI did but felt it a couple of weeks. That was one time rear end sufferedbecausethe front end was out to lunch. CONNER Clifford and I (Ethel) had gone to schooltogetherand had dated in high school. When we graduated I clecidedto go to beauty school in Pocatello;Clifford was going to farm. My beauty school course finished, I cameback to Richfield and opened"Ethel's Beauty Salon" over the bank. Dorothy Clayton's apartmentwas next to my shop and we spenta lot of great times together. Zella Coffman had the telephoneoffice on the other side. The banker, George Schwaner, remodeledthe bank and fixed a place for me to have a beauty shop downstairs.Then camethe ruling all boys were to be drafted into the military servicefbr one year. By this time Clifford and I were making plans to get married but decidedhe shouldget his year in first. He volunteeredfor one year in March 1941. What a sadtime in our lives. But on Dec. 7, 1941,the war broke and all was on hold for our plans. He would comehome and we would sayno--we'll wait. I went to visit him at camp. The rumor was he was going to be stationedthere as a training camp. So Cliff askedmy father, and we were married August 30, 1942, in Gatesville, TX, where he was stationed. However, a new commandercame who said he wanted to take this group oversears. Cliffwas getting $66.00 a month after we married, $15 for his transportation,$20 for our tiny bedroom, so we decidedI had to go to work. I got a job at the county court house. That gave us enoughmoney to come home for Christmas. I had to stay as he was going to move--where, he didn't know. He was sent to Virginia and again the question-shouldI go or not. I did go to Virginia, and we rented a bedroomin a nice family's home. Be we knew it wouldn't be for long. Soon he was sent overseas,and I cameback to Richfield, ran my beautyshop and was a wartime sub in the post office. We wrote each other every day. Then there camea period I didn't get any letters. I kept writing to him but never mailed them. One day a telegramcame saying he was missing. This was a real sad day for me and all of Richfield. Several months went by and a telegramcame saying that he was a German prisoner. A few weeks later a telegram said he was going to be an exchangeprisoner becauseof his injuries. I went to New York to meet him; I can't tell you how good it was to be with him again.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
t42
Our married life startedover again. Cliff worked for the Big Wood and then for a sheepman, Mr. Ruiz. He was also a substitutefor the rural carrier, Mr. Reynolds. In February 1948 Mr. Reynoldshad a heart attack, and Cliff took over the route the next day, continuing for over 29 years. When he retired, I was still in the post office, so I worked until I could retire. We had a son Rodney Lee, who died three hours after birth on Oct. 2, 1945. A daughterGlennis b. June 5, 1948, went to the Richfield school here 12 years as her mother and dad did, graduating in 1966. She graduatedfrom the University of Idaho in Moscow and taughtseveralyears, married StevenTester and had three children: Jill, Joe and Ben. They live in Meridian. Glennishosteda fiftieth wedding anniversaryopen house for her parents in Richfield \n 1992. (Source:Ethel Conner) CONNER Ross and Alice Conner and family movedfrom Grand Valley, CO to Richfield in Sept. 1934. They lived on a farm 2 mi. W of Richfield. In GrandValley Rosshad also been deputy sheriff, road commissioner and water commissioner(called ditch rider in Idaho). He and Alice loved to dance. Dances were held every week and we went to every one! Also to dances"up the Creek" at the school house. It was a big changefor Ross when they moved to ldaho; as deputy sheriff in Grand Valley he stopped any fights that started at the Saturday night dances, plus Alice had a man arrestedfor swearing in front of some young ladies, and she marched right down to testify againsthim at the trial. So they were a bit amzzedat all the fights at Richfield at that time. They farmed until moving to Jerome. Their children, all born in Grand Valley, were Marion Elizabeth,b. Mar. 14, 1918,who marriedGlen Buel Nov. 27, 1935at Shoshone.(SeeBuel) They had threechildren,Rosalie Alice, CharlesLawrenceand Jo Ann. Eleanor lone, b. Dec. 15, 1920, md Lltlyd M. Wilson Feb. 15, l94l at Twin Falls; she died Dec. 23, 1988 at Lloyd b. 1910,d. 1987;5 children:Gary, Michael, Sandpoint; Terry Lynn, Timothy, and Patrick. RosselleJo, b. Sept. 19, 1925, md Edwin JohnsonNov. 1,l94l atJerome. Children:LeRoy, Glenda,and Nola. Nola and Jerry Prestonraisedtheir family west of Richfield. Robert Jean (Rob) b. Nov. 4, 1926, md Lorene Myers 1943at Richfield; she d. 1951. Children Robert Jean (Bob), R o s sC o n n e rF a m i l y :B a c k r o w : M a r i o nB u e l ,A l i c e Clint and Debra. ( m o t h e r ) ,E l e a n o r ,R o s s . S i t t i n g : R o b , R o s s e l l e . Marionhaschildrenfrom her secondmarriage,stepdaughR o s a l i ei n f r o n t w i t h h e a dt u r n e d . Nancy Cleonaand BobbieJeanPeak, and daughters,Billie ters Lee, Mary and Susy (SusanEleanor). Marion lives in Jerome. Ross and Alice were life long membersof the RebekahLodge, and Ross was in the Oddf'ellowLodge over are scatteredfrom Anchorageto Canada,Washington, 50 years,from l9l5 until his death. Their grandchildren RossJ. Connerwas b. March 30, 1893in RawlinsCo, Kansas;md Alice Marion Nevada,Idaho and Tennessee. Aplin, b. June 17,1892 in Leadville,CO., on April 19,1915. (Source:Marion Peak) Roy and Laura Conner were from Greeley, CO,before coming to Eden and then to Richfield in CONNER 1917 with their two sons. The snow was so deep they couldn't get out north to the ranch they had rented, so they stayedin the Richfield Hotel severaldays. When the snow melted in the spring, they discoveredthey had been driving over a mower with the cycle up. Our first farm was 120 acres, later the Emil Kunz place; second farm, 160 acresnow Lezamiz. We hauledwater from town in a 500 gallon tank with a team, put it in a cistern and pumped it out by a hand pump in the kitchen. There were several runaways with the water tank. Dad Conner ran a schoolbus and sometimesMom helpedout. Once sheturned the wagon over when her niece, Edna Conner, was with her. They finally with help put the wagon back up and went on their way to pick up students. If someonemisbehaved,they all knew the punishment:"Get off the bus and walk. " Clifford and Clarencefirst attendedschoolat the North End school5 mi. N, then when it was moved to the 6 mi. corner. They grubbedsagebrushto clearthe land whereDan Durand lives now. When Clifford was barely in his teenshe worked for A. K. Walker hauling water for the steamenginefor the threshing machine and worked for other farmers cultivatingpeasfbr $1.00 a day. They all sharedin the milking of 30 cows and other chores. At threshingtime there would be 15 to 20 men there for meals.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
r . Wilson, , l i f fo r d , E d n aC . H o l fo r d ,M i l d r e dC . S e c o n dr o w : E l e a n o C C o n n e r sF a l l1 9 3 1 . B a c kr o w : L a u r aC . ( R a y )C M ax, Roy, R o s s . A l v a , I n e z C . , C o n n e r , T h i r d r o w : G r a n d m a M u r i e l ,L o l aC . T o n e r ,G a l e ,M a r i o nC . B u e lP e a k . B u s t e r ,A r n o l d .C l a r e n c e .F o u r t hr o w : R o b e r t ,N o r m a n ,D o n n i e ,J a c k , N o r m aC . M c N e i l .
The Conners had six boys; they slept on a porch coveredwith canvas. Laura heatedrocks to put in their beds,and some morningsshe might find two inchesof snow over them. That would make them dress in a hurry. Af l the boys loved sportsand were very activein theseeventsat school. When electricity came in 1932 and they got a refrigerator,the six boys couldn't get enoughof the nice cold milk. Robertwas with his dad and brothers one day when he was kicked in the headby a horseand was takento the hospital. A steelplate, which he still has, was put in his head. Don and Max rode in rodeos. Don startedearly and took part in many rodeos, ending up at Madison SquareGarden in New York. He continuedafter that, sometimesin different towns on the same day. He got to them many ways, even having a pilot fly him to the next rodeo. His completestory was publishedin The Horseman. World War II took five of the bovs into the service. Clifford was in an Army tank Battalion. In San Pedro, Italy, his tank was hit; one boy died and the rest were wounded. Cliff was captured by the Germans and was the first Idahoanto be exchanged. Don was a repairmanin the Navy. While he was welding on a ship underwater, a torpedo came close and he was unable to ask for help; it was some time before they could get him up out of the water. Robert was in the Army in England. Jack was in the Navy and Max in the Army. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Conner celebratedtheir goldenwedding anniversaryDec.23, 1962. They had lived in Richfield for 46 years,spendingall but 12 of thoseyearson a farm. They sold the farm west of Richfield to Sid Lezamiz. Clifford and Ethel Conner hosted the reception at their home, decoratedwith a nativity scene,evergreensand candlesand a lighted Christmas C o n n e r s (: L e f t lR o y , R o s s ,s i s t e r sG l a d y s ,R u b y & Pearl tree. (LCJ Dec. 27. 1962)
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Roy C. Conner, a brother of Alva and Ross Conner and Mrs. Ruby Blakeslee, was born Oct. 26, 1884. Laura Ethel (Sturm)Connerwas born Jan. 9, 1890. They were marriedDec. 25, 1912. Their son Clarence,b. Oct. 25,1914, marriedLaura JohnsonMay 7, 1946. She was born Oct. 10, 1922, at Corral and moved to Meridian. She died Jan. I7 , 1994. As a certified flying instructor, her first job was at Richfield, where she met Clarence. She managedthe Fairfield airport in 1947before returning to Boise Valley. In 1974 she was honored as the Certified Flight Instructor of the Year for Idaho. She was awarded the One Million Mile Certificate by the FAA. They had one daughter,two sons and five grandchildren. Laura will be rememberedfor her love of living life to the fullest. (Meridian news) Clifford, b. April 7,19L6, md Ethel Pope.Don, b. Jan. 25, 1918, md Alberta Bunny Bower Jan. 1958. Robert, b. Dec. 5, 1921,md Reta BallardEgersdorf.ChildrenCarolyn, Bonneyand Robin. Jack, b. Jan.27, 1926,md Jerry Miller who died Aug. 12, 1988. Later he marriedDorothy Castleberry.Max, b. June 10, 1928, md Noma Whitehead. (Sources:Cliff Conner, Marion Peak, Times News) COOPER Joe and Bertie Cooper camefrom Mt. Grove, MO, to Bakersfield, CA, and then to Idaho in 1930. They first lived west of Richfield (where Burl Akins lives now). The three older girls Zetta, Veta and Vivian were born in MO and Robertaand Meridell were born in Richfield. A brotherJosephB. JR b. Oct. 17, 1937, died threedayslater. They lived 1 mi. N | 314W, farming 80 acres. They movedto Payettein 1946,returning to Jerome in 1963. They were neighborsto Chatfields,Laynes and Luffs. They learned to ride a bicycle by borrowing Odell Chatfield'sbicycle.Many times in winter our schoolbus tipped over due to large snow drifts. Our bus driver was Frank Sanford. Joe Cooperborn Oct. 17, 1901,in MO was the son of William and Zettie (Harmon) Cooper. He married Bertie Upshawb. May 27,1907 in MO, daughterof Henry and Clara Bell (Millsap) Upshaw. Zetta, b. Feb. 14, 1924,md Roger Freeman.2 childrenDavid and Joe (deceased).Veta b. Dec. 13, 1925, rnd Bud Roseberry. 4 children Karen, Karla, Blake and Steve. Vivian, b. Aug. 5, 1928, md Lavon Muxey. Married to Gene Raymond(deceased) and had 3 children,Craig, Peggyand Duke. Roberta b. May 29, 1931, md John Sedey. 2 childrenKerry and Susan.Meridell b. March 14,1936 md Lynn Mohler. 2 childrenVicki and Mike. Joseph JR b. Oct. 17, 1938,d. Oct. 20, 1938.(Source:Veta Roseberry) COWAN News clippingSJ Dec. 13,1929 "Early settlerMrs. Hattie Cowan died in Boise.Only child Mabel." COX EugeneW. Cox, born Apr\l24,1913, to Pearland ClaudeCox in Swinton,MO, cameto ldaho in 1936. He worked for Oscar Helderman the first summer and picked turkeys in the fall. He worked for Hassell Blankership in February and the rest of the winter for board and room. Starting in April 1937 he worked for Mont Johnsonfor eight summers. He beganworking in Sun Valley the winter of 1938, then was in the Army from 1945to 1947. He returnedto Sun Valley, drove taxi in the winter and lived with Lester and Ruby Stubbs in summeruntil 1949. Meta Bolin, daughterof Johnand Atha Bolin, born Aug. 20, 1924,at Bloomfield, MO, marriedEugeneCox and cameto Richfield April 11,1949. We lived in the back part of Luda Hanson'shousefor two years,then boughtCharlesSmith'shouse. We lived therenine years,then boughta ranch from Charley Hawley wherewe lived for four yearsbeforeselling it to WendellJohnson. We lived in Richfield for nine months. At that time we boughtthe place 314 mi. W of town, wherewe havelived for 32 years. Our son, Glen Ray, b. Sept. 5, 1952, attendedRichfield schoolsand graduatedfrom University of ldah<; technicalschoolin 1972. He md KarenLeakeNov. 10, 1974;they divorcedsevenyearslater. He has lived in OR, AK and Twin Falls but alwayscomeshometo Richfieldwherehe doesautomotiverepair and servicework. Mickie Blaine, b. Nov. 27, 1955, alsoattendedRichfieldschools. After working two yearsfbr Ed Stubbs, he went to the Nat. Guardsbut camehome after four monthsbecauseof his legs. Then he worked at Tupperware for eight years. Mickie and Ellen Schoolcraftwere married on June 5, 1975. They make their home in Vancouver,WA. (Source:Meta Cox) . l a r a ,b o r n A p r . 2 6 , 1 8 8 3 , g r e w C R A N E C h a r l e s B e n s o n C r a n e a n d C l a r a H omf ef t i n S p o k a n e a b o u t l 9 0 TC in the 1880'sat the time Sitting Bull was in Dakota Territory. up in S. Dakota, where the family homesteaded Ben, b. Dec. 6, 1878, and Fred Crane,a cousin(onegenerationremoved),camewest from Marion, NY, about t h e t u r n o f t h e c e n t u r y .A t t r a c t e d b y t h e C a r e y A c t l a n d o p e n i n g a t A l b e r t a t h e y c a m e f o r t h e d r a w i n g J u n e 2 4 , 1907, planningto return in 1908,but "the moneyflurry last fall put a stop to irrigation work," he wrote his
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brotherJayCrane. He saidit hadbeenfoundtherewasanotherpostoffice calledAlbertain Idaho,so Richfield waschosenas its name. arrivedherethis week,to maketheir homeson their RR Apr. 29, 1909 F.W. andC.B. Crane,of Spokane, landholdersare comingdown this seasonto proveup on landN of town. They saythat a numberof Spokane their places. RR Dec. 28, l9ll Ben Cranewho had a lO-weeksiegeof typhoidfever this fall was in town Tuesday for the first time sincehis illness. ClaraandBenweremd Feb.15, 1913in Spokane.Theirfirsthomewasabout14x28with two rooms.Five daughters wereborn to them. onetellingof the deathof his only sister,Anna York Oneday Ben, homealone,receivedtwo telegrams, in Marion, NY, and one announcingthe birth of his first child, Marie, on June 13, 1914, at the home of Clara'sparentsin Mica, WA. Later the RR stated:Mrs. Ben Crane returnedhome from a visit to her parent'shome in WA with a dainty little babe the father had not seen..." Marie wrote: Childhoodpleasureswere simple-looking for buttercups,bluebells and other wild flowers; nurturing frail baby lambs and piglets; horsebackriding and swimming at Guyer Hot Springsor Ketchum. We rode our poniesto the North End School until 1926 when we were transf'erredto town school. My fiiend Susie Workman often invited me to spendweek-endsin town to attend school functions or I'd ride in with John Bolton. Anothergood friend Rose Porod moved to Chicago. We still correspond.After graduatingI attendedGooding College for 2 l12 years,then taught for 2 l12 in the 4th grade classroomwhere I had done my student teaching. I md CharlesOgle on July 17,1937-a linotypeoperatoratthe Portland Oregonian. We lived there for nine years then moved to Spokane. We enjoy our four grown B e n a n d C l a r a C r a n e In children,Charlene,Ron, Marilyn and Carolynand their families. Goclhas beengood S p o k a n e ,19 5 0 . to us. [Marie was a teacherand readingspecialistin Spokaneschoolsfbr many years. Charlespassedaway July 15, 1994,at 83 after brain tumor surgery. ACBI Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Crane are the parentsof a young daughterEdna, b. at Mica, WA, Nov. 26, 1915; mother and daughterdoing fine, but the father still needswatching. (RR) Edna suff-eredwith severeasthmafiom the age of three to ten, when an aunt and uncle, Henriettaand Kelly Jackson,took her to Colville, WA to try that climate. Later testsshowedhorsesto be the main cause. In 1941shejoined threesistersin Portland:Marie Ogle, Elsie (a secretary)and Anna in businessschool. It was a happytime together.ln 1942 Edna md Stanley Loudon of the Army Air Force. At WendoverField, UT, she was secretaryto the BaseCommander. A son StanleyKelly was born at Colville in 1944. Her husbandspenttwo yearsin Europe. Other childrenwere Philip, Craig, Melinda (Osburn),Deborah(Morgan)and Abigail (Corrigan).They lived in Spokanethen Coeurd'Alene before moving to Fairbanks,AK, then Anchorage. She worked as a school secretary. Six years later the marriageended. Edna still lives there, enjoyingher childrenand 15 grandchildren,asthma-freesinceprayer fbr healing at a church there. She has enjoyed visits to her sisters and interestingtrips in America, Israel and Hawaii. (Source:Edna Crane) girl. Dr. Dill arrived late that In l9l7 the tamily acquiredtheir first car, a Model-T Ford, and--another Sept.6th morning, and sinceClara and Ben had only a boy's namechosen,his main contributionwas to suggest the name,Alice Clarinda. She was the only one born in the originalhome. She grew up in Richfield and has appreciatedher fine teachersfrom her first, Rose Dille, who taught phonics so thoroughly, to Edwin Fryer, Sup'1.,whose influencecontinuedwhen he later calledto ask her to teachthe third grade in Hagerman. She went to Gooding College two years and taught four. A country girl at heart, she was the only one to remain in Richfield. A highlight was a visit with Edna to the 1939World's Fair and relativesin NY. On May 14, 1919, a large stork circledthe Craneranchand left a little crane,Elsie May. I went to Santa Maria College in CA with JessieEwing (Andrews). We have continuedour friendship. I acceptedthe Lord when I was 24; this was the real beginningof my life. Al Lafky, my husband,was at Fort Lewis, WA, for two yearsand spenta year in France and Belgium. Roger, our first child, was born in Portland, Alan and Alene in Spokane. We have three grandchildren. Our children and spousesgave us a lovely 50th Anniversary party in August 1993. Anna Beatrice, b. May 5, 1922, attendedbusinessschool in Portland,worked in the SP&S Railroad office on IBM machinesfor over ten yearsand becameoffice supervisor. She sangin the Lutheran Church choir. She enjoyedtrips in her little red Rambler. Anna moved to Spokaneand also spenttwo years in Alaska. Due to a gradualloss of movement she has been confinedto a wheel chair at a care centerfor some years. Wheel chair
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vans take residentswhere they want to go. Anna made beautiful embroidered items and still plays the piano by ear, begun at age four when they boughtDorothy Piper's piano. The Cranes moved to a new home in Jan. 1919, built acrossthe canal. The old one was usedfor seed grain, probably the only wall-papered granary on the tract! The kitchen was moved and used as a bunk house; it later becamepart of Jimmie Brown's living room. The largeroom was Bruce and Roxy Sorensen's first home, then a garage for Eva Sorensen. It's hard to believe that Co. , a x i n e ,E l a i n e& R o s a l i eB e h r . ; eannaM Agent Truman Anderson once called S t a n d i n gL e f t :A l e n e ,E l s i e ' sd a u g h t e rD S e a t e d : M a r i e , E d n a , A n n a , E l s i e ,A l i c e . 1 9 9 3 . C r a n e s i s t e r s : the new house (later deserted with trees and flowers gone) one of the most attractivecountry homes in the county. Severalremainingapple trees still produce fruit. The farm grew with the family to 400 acres,240 irrigated. They raisedhay and grain, cattle, hogs, sheep and 300 turkeysyearly (duringdepression/college years). The North End residentsbuilt their own telephonelines paid and 50 centsa month to be connectedto the Richfieldswitchboard. Their number was 37S111;S meant a short ring first, then one long and a short. Memoriesthey share:makinghollyhockladies,dandelionleis, and burdockbaskets;sheepshearing,bottle lambs,a ram with curly horns(chasingEdnawho fell down, he left): croquet,swimming indoorhorseshoes; Dad, a former teacher,makinglearningfun with mathgames,spellingmatches;playinghis harmonica,singingsongs, recitingpoemsand.iingles;fudgepopcornballs, Mother'sfresh breadwith honey. She sewedbeautifully,liked gardeningand animals,taughttheir dogs tricks, curedtheir favorite golden collie of killing turkeys by tying a deadpoult aroundhis neck (which movedwhen he did); seeinga hugebrilliant meteorexplodingacrossthe sky, remains found next day at the Craters. Ben and Clara moved to Spokanein 1949. Ben was soon in a wheel chair due to a stroke. Both passed away in 1951,Clara in May and Ben in November. Their daughtersenjoy yearly reunionsin Spokane,reliving memories, enjoying the presentand looking forward to the future. (Source:Crane sisters) CRANE Fred W. Crane and Ben Crane, recent graduatesof Marion Collegiate lnstitute of Marion, NY, traveledand worked in severalplacesacrossthe US beforedecidingon Spokaneand employmentin the street car system,until they were ableto homestead land on Richfieldtract. RR June29, l9l I Fred W. Craneand Miss Lilian FrancesDavis of Chico, CA were marriedat the home of the bride June 23, l9ll, and are now at home on their ranch N of Richfield. The young people were schoolmatesin Marion, NY, and for all they were widely separated,they never lost heart interestin eachother. RR May 6, 1909The Crane brothers[distantcousins]who camehere last week fiom Spokane,and settled on their land N of town, had the misfortuneto lose one of their horses,which pulled up its picket pin - a sage brush - and escaped.They are consolingthemselves that they still own a live horse, as one of their neighbors had a valuableanimaldie aboutthe sametime. Lilian Davis was born in Englandon Jan. 22, 1882,cameto Marion, NY, with her mother and father, a minister, as a small child. She worked in an office in Chico before her marriage. She had a steamertrunk of her lettersto Fred and his to her. They had a largehome 4 mi. N ll4W, one-halfmile from Ben. A daughter Marion was born to the couple on Aug. 10, 1912. The Crane families enjoyed camping and swimming at Guyer Hot Springspool NW of Ketchum. One morning they awoke to see the flag on the resort hotel at half mast and learnedthat Pres. Harding had died and Coolidgewas sworn in as president. Lill was often MC at banquetsand programchairmanfor N E Club and Grange. CarltonDavis Crane,b. Dec. 26,1923,went to school here, having perfect attendancein lst grade and almost every year. (RR) LCJ Sept. 9, 1932 Fred Crane, Pioneer of Tract, died at Gooding after week's illness. Friends and neighbors were saddenedto learn of the death of Fred Crane, well known and respectedresident of the
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communityfor over 23 years. He was born at Marion, NY Dec. 7, 1886, d. SePt.4, 1932. After two years at Gooding College and a summer at Albion Normal, Marion began teaching at Kimama soon after her father's death. Carlton stayedwith her in the teacherage and attendedschool there. After teaching there several years, she taught sixth grade in Richfield. '34 Marie and Marion LCJ In August Crane went to Chicago to attend A Century of Progressand will go to visit relatives in NY. LCJ Oct. 1934 Lilian Crane bought the L.C. Jensenhouse and lots (E of Sanders)and is having repair work done on the basement. t o t e l ,1 9 2 3 . C l a r aw i t h A n n a , B e n C r a n e ; G u y e rH o t S p r i n g sR e s o r H Lilian worked as deputy in the post office with F r e d & L i l i a nC r a n e& f a m i l i e s( A l i c e ,M a r i e , M a r i o n , E d n a ,E l s i e ) . Alpha Byrne. l n s e t :B e n & F r e dC r a n ei n S o o k a n e . LCJ Aug. 30, 1935 An accidentoccurred Saturdaynear Carey when the Frank Sanford family and Carlton Crane were fishing and hunting. The boys had tucked their .22 rifles in their overall bibs, supposingthe safety catcheswere on. As he bent over, Junior's rifle hammer caughton his overalls and went off. The bullet struck Carlton in the left thigh, missingthe bone. The wound was treatedat Hailey. LCJ Apr. 17, 1936 Mrs. Lilian Crane, Carlton, Junior Sanford, Elsie Crane, Clifford and Alta Crist drove to ShoshoneFalls for the EasterSunrise servicesby Twin Falls churches. Mrs. Crane said the serviceswith the illuminatedcrosswere impressive. '30's. Marion md Harold Taylor; The Craneswent to Boise in the latter two childrenwere born, Michelleand Brian. Marion d. Feb. 12, 1960. Michelle also died, leavingtwo small children. Brian md. Janice;threechildren. Lilian d. at97 on Mar. 2, 1979. RosalieBehr, attendingBSU, was stayingwith her. Carlton was a TechnicalSergeantin the Air Force. He receivedhis pilot's licensein Denver, later using it to travel fiom Boiseto Mt. Home when doing work there. Carlton went into plumbing and was BusinessAgent for the Plumber'sand Pipe-fitter'sUnion #296 for 19 years,making many trips in the US on business.He md Naomi when both were 38. Shehad two children,a girl and a boy, whom he enjoyedvery much. Donald couldn'tunderstandwhy his L i l i a nC r a n e . 1 9 7 4 . namewasn't Crane. He wantedto be adopted,so Carltonhad his son, Donald gold nugget received retired he a Carlton WA. When now in Vancouver, Crane, watch and a satellitedish for their new summer home near AndersonDam. He passedaway Aug. 13, 1991. Naomi is living in their Boisehome. (Source:News items, Naomi Crane, ACB) CRAWFORD Charles H. and Martha ShockleyCrawford (b. in 1880 at Nashville, TN) were married at Tiff Ciry, MO. They had three children: Nellie (1896-1961),Everett (1899-1986)and Lola Myrtle, b. July 29, 1902, in Seneca,MO now living in GrantsPass,OR. In 1906they moved by train to north Idaho and came to Richfieldin 1910. NathanielShockley,a brotherof Martha (Mattie), and his family came at the sametime. Isaiah and Lydia Shockley, their parents,farmed in Coeur d' Alene. After his death in 1920, Lydia lived in Richfield until her death Sept. 27, 1921, and was buried here. The Crawfords lived where Carl Riley had his farm, and the childrenall went through the Richfield schools. '22, pictured on a classouting, were NevadaEbert, Oliver Crowther, son Members of the graduatingclassof minister in l92l-22, Lola Myrtle and Bufbrd Powell. L. Myrtle of Rev. W. M. Crowther, Richfield Methodist remembersMr. Horsman, school superintendent,who startedthe girls' basketballteam. She was a guard. They traveledto other towns with boys' teamson the train and stayedovernight with girls there. Nevada was "first speaker" at graduation, Myrtle second. Everett worked in the Brush drug store in 1918-1922, delivered medicinesand used the drug store car to take sick onesto the hospitalduring the influenza epidemic. In 1922 the Crawford family moved to Grants Pass.
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Nellie Crawford md Glen Williams, had four children and ten grandchildren. On Feb. 4, 1930, Myrtle md his brother, Harold Williams; they were sons of Mrs. Thomas Williams Ju(See nkin of Richfield. Junkin) They had five children, Frank, Tom, Paul, Margie Merckling and Peggy Adkins, and ten grandchildren. InJuly 1992LolaMyrtle Williams of GrantsPasscele, l i v e rC r o w t h e r L , o l aM y r t l eC r a w f o r d( W i l l i a m s lB, u f o r dP o w e l l . brated her 90th birthday at a L e f t :L . N e v a d aE b e r t O G r a d u a t e so l 1 9 2 2 . R i o h t :L o l aM . C r a w f o r dW i l l i a m s . family reunion at Riverside Park. More than 50 relatives attendedthe event. In her golden years she enjoysgardeningand knitting. In recent years, she has traveledto the Grand Canyon, Canada,AK, NY and Washington,D.C. (Sources:Newspaperitem, Mary Akins, Margie Merckling of Springfield,OR) CRIST William Becauseof the storiesaboutbeautifulwaist high alfalfa fields in Richfield Rev. William W. Crist tradedhis farm in Middleton,Idaho,for a farm on the NE cornerof the 6 mi. corner N of Richfield. He and his wife, Mary, two sonsHenry and Byne, and a daughterOddie, and their families all arrived in Richfield on Thanksgivingday in 1925.William and Mary were the parentsof Henry, Wilson (Byne), Oddie, Emmettand Dawson. The William Crists and the Henry Crists moved to the f'arm on the North End and Byne and Gladys Crist and George and Oddie (Crist) Winkley and families moved to the Pete Johnsonplace. Byne and Georgetook care of the livestockand milked cows for PeteJohnson. He and his wife lived in town. The next spring Byne and George and families moved to the 4 mi. corner, where a small house was built for the Crists and the Winkleys moved into the two-story house (Buck Ward home). They farmed there that summer and in the fall movedto the Tapperplace6 112mi. N of town. The George Winkleys stayedone year at Tappersand then moved to Tom Byrne's farm at Cottonwood. Later they movedto Bellingham,WA. Georgedied therein 1932and Oddiedied in Boise in 1934. Two of their children,GladysHall and BartonWinkley live in Boise;Brucelives at KlamathFalls, OR; Hallie Chandlerlives at Wallowa, OR, and Bill was killed in a boatingaccidentin 1958near Portland. After farming with his father for a year or so the Henry Crists moved to Roseburg, OR, where Henry worked at RoseburgLumber Companyuntil his death in 1964. He and Ruth built a new home in Roseburgand raisedtheir children,Hal, Charles,Ilene, and Mary Lou there. William Crist donateda corner of land to the schooland after somevoting in the community, the North End Schoolhousewas movedfrom just S of Boonehill to the new locationat the 6 mi. corner. That was about 1928. William and Mary movedback to Eaglein 1931wherehe resumedhis careerby preachingat a church in Boise. He died in 1933and Mary died at the ageof 102 in 1961. Emmett Crist and tamily came to Richfield in 1930 and farmed with his father for about a year. Their daughterMarjorie went to high school in Richfield during her freshmanand part of her sophomoreyear. She boardedwith the Armstrongs while she was in school. Marlan, Maynard and Lorene went to North End. Two young children, Glen and Kenneth,were at home. The family moved back to Eagle in 1931 where Emmett worked as a carpenterat Stibnite. He died in 1965and Lena died in 1985. Marjorie and husbandHenry Jensen live in Caldwell, ID; Marlan and wife Joycelive in Boise; Maynarddied in 1980 and his wife Mary lives in Boise;Lorene,whosehusbandClarenceCoyledied in 1976,lives in Eagle;Glen and wife Faye and Kennethand wife Jackielive in Boise. Charles (C.D.) (Dawson)and Bessie(Colburn) farmed 200 to 300 acres6 mi. N of Richfield between 1926 and 1941. He had been a barber and later ran a garage,deliveredfuel to farms and worked as an electricianfbr the railroad. Dawson had a threshingmachineand did lots of work aroundthe community. They had 8 children.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Clarence, b. Apr. 13, workedfor Id. Creamer1906, ilrrtttiiln iiiiiii ies and ID Power until he ii,'lit:,:itl,.] retired.He had two daughters, ir iiiiiitt!& JackyandPatty,andtwo sons, Dick and Larry. He passed awayNov. 26, l99l in Boise. Otto, b. March 27, 1908, md ElzadaReed, a Richfield girl. The Reedshad a farm and Mr. Reed ran a dray in Richfield.Theyhadonedaughter, Norma,two sons,Kenny and Gary. Otto died Feb. 7, 1958. MableJannette, b. June3, 1909; children, Ron, Mike, , a b l e ,C l a r e n c eF. r o n tr o w Delores. Mable worked for D a w s o nC r i s tF a m i l y :B a c kr o w E r m a ,O t t o , A l t a ,C l i f f o r d M D a w s o n ,J e a n , B e s s i e . Bankof Americain Hayward, CA: retired and moved to
ffi jiiiiiiiiii:
Sonora,CA; d. April 1981. Erma, b. Dec. 10, 1911, lives in Seattle. At 82 she is doing well exceptis legally blind. She had one daughterbut has raisedfive grandchildren. She was a secretaryfor the governmentduring the war, then director of volunteersat Veteran's Hospital in Seattle. Clifford, b. Oct. 28, 1917,and his wife, Helen,live in Remanet,CA, on their daughterCarolyn's avocado farm. She has horsesand he helps with the work. They had a daughterLinda and son Mariece. Clifford went to college in Gooding and taught at the North End, then in Picabo. Alta went to Albion Normal and also taught school, retiring many years ago to fbllow her husbandin the oil fields from CA to Italy to Alaska to Las Vegas. Their children are Barbara,Joyceand Jim, who also worked in the oil fields and was killed in a plane crash in Anchorageon his way out to the rig to work. Alta and her husbandretired in TX where he was raised. Dale, a son born to Dawson and Bessiein 1920,was killed in an auto accidentin 1925. The tragedyalmost destroyedthem, so the doctor advisedthem to have anotherchild. Jean was born in the old houseon the Billings placeby the schoolhouseJuly 2, 1927. We lived there for three years before moving to the William Crist house ll2 mi. W of the school. Bessieboardedthe school teachers,including Helen and Clifford. He taughtJean in the seventhgrade. Dawson and Bessiesold the farm in 1941 and Jeanstayedwith Alta, who was teaching in Fairfield, until they got settledin Eagle. She worked for Albertsons(startingas a summerjob) from 1957to 1969, then moved to Seattleand worked as a checkerfor Safewayuntil 1989. She had two sons Mike and Randy and a daughter Dorey. Randywas killed in a motorcycleaccidentin Boisein 1964whenhe was 16. Jeanand her husbandJohn Raablive in Seattlehalf the year and on Lopez Island near Canadaon San Jaunsthe other half. One time when Dawson was threshingfor Mr. Cooper and the grain that year had a lot of smut, I (Jean) was with him playing with Veta Cooper. Dad was on top the thresherand the combinationof the heat and smut causedan explosion. Dad flew into the air and fell betweena team of horses. Dad was hurt and I was so scared, but they let me go with him to the doctor. He had some crackedribs and was laid up for some time. Mom worked so hard, cooking for the men at harvesttime and raising a big garden and beautiful flowers, washing and ironing, but she still found the time fbr North End Ladies club meetings and the Rebekah and Oddfellowmeetingsand dinners. Dad was alsoactivein the lodges. Bessie,born in 1885,passedaway in 1959. Dawson,born in MO in 1881, died in 1963in Hayward,CA. (Sources:JeanCrist Raab, Betty Bell) Wilson A. (Byne) and Gladys (Blackwood) Crist married May 8, 1922 at Caldwell, lived on the W. J. Tapper place for 24 years. They farmed, raised cattle and Byne was known fbr his beautiful, well trained registeredPercheonhorses. Their two youngestchildrenJuneand Billy were born in 1927 and 1929in Richfield. Betty, Elaine, June and Billy all graduatedfrom North End and Richfield High Schools. Byne and Gladys moved back to Boise Valley in 1950. In 1956 they moved to Cambridge,ID, where they owned and operateda dairy farm. In 1985they movedto Oregonto be near their daughter,Betty Bell. At97, Byne, b. 1897, still drives
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B y n e& G l a d y sC r i s t1 9 4 7 .
a gardentractor to mow the lawn and he still tills and worksin thegarden.Gladys,b. 1903,is 91 andstilldoes all her housework.Shelovesto makequiltsandsewas a hobby. All her grandchildrenand great grandchildren havesamples of her handiwork. Betty,b. May 18, 1923,md Raymon(Sandy)Bell in 1941in Rupert.(SeeBell for theirstory.) June,b. June1, 1927,wentto Albion StateNormal schooland taughtin Richfield,Star, Cambridge,Idaho; Hinesand Frenchglen,Oregonand Hailey. The last 23 yearsshetaughtspecialeducation.ShemarriedKenneth in 1959. Sheretiredin 1991. in Cambridge Worthington They have four children:RobbieWorthingtonand wife Judyof Emmett,DuWayneWorthingtonand wif'eNini of Hawaii,Allan Worthingtonand wif-eCathyof Bellevue, of Hailey. andLolitaRomanick Elaine,b. March21, 1925,workedin Boiseandat theMt. HomeAir Baseuntil shemarriedEdwardMetivier in 1944.Theymovedto Jamul,CA andraisedtwo boys, Jamesand Donaldwho still live there. Elainewent to for 15 collegein SanDiegoand workedas a postmaster yearsuntil shebecameill and movedto Cambridgeto be
closeto her Mom and Dad. Shedied in 1976. Billy, b. Sept. 12, 1929,joined the Navy Air Forceaftergraduation.He was killed in 1950in a motor cycle accidentin Alabama. He was buried in RichfieldCemetery. CROSS Earl Cross,formerly of Mitchell, Nebraska,servedas Constablein the Richt'ieldareaand operatedthe power plant. He marriedMyrtle Greenin 1915. They had a son ClaireCecil Cross,born June23,1917. Earl bought his wife the first gasolinepoweredwashingmachinein the Richfield area. Myrtle usedthe machineto wash clothesduring the flu epidemicthat broke out in 1918-1919. She washedclothesfcrr long periodseverydayto help care for the sick. Earl camedown with the flu that winter and died February8, 1919. Myrtle also had the flu by this time and was too sick to attendhis funeral. Myrtle rememberedthat the power plant her husbandworked at was north of the Richfield Hotel. It operatedfrom 6 a.m. to midnight. At first the electricalpower was used only at the hotel and for the town water system. Later everyonein town who wanted power could use it, but fbr lights only. The power plant burned in 1919. Earl had beenone of the company'smost faithful employees. Claire graduatedfrom RHS in 1934and attendedthe Collegeof Idaho and Gooding College. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1940. At the outbreakof the secondWorld War he was with the headquarterssquadronat Nichols Field near Manila. Claire wrote to his mother: "I am not having a wonderful time, but still am doing ha i nrg. s a l l r i g h t . I l o s t e v e r y t h i n g b u t a w a t c h , p a i r o f g l a s s e s a n d c l o t h e s l w a s w e a r i n g t h e f i r s t d a y o f t h eTw the letterson the outside,and are not as bad as they might be. It was sureterriblefor a while." He addresses they are censoredand sent on the way. (From a clipping Apr.24, 1942) Claire was taken prisoner of war when the Philippinesf'ell to Japanand the Bataanpeninsulawas captured. SergeantCross was first reported missing in action after the fall of Corregidor and was reported dead on May 8, 1944. His mother, former Richfield residentremovedto Burbank, CA, was presentedThe Purple Heart and a Citation of Honor, posthumouslyawardedSergeantCross. Following the death of the Richfield Serviceman on June 8, 1942 of dysentery,he was buried at Camp O'Donnell Prisonerof War Cemeteryon Luzon and reburied severalyears later in a United StatesArmed Forces cemeteryin the city of Manila. In July 1947 a report from Washington,D.C., carriedthe name of Sgt. Claire C. Cross as one of 204 additional American soldierswho had beenpositively identified after death while confined in a Japaneseprison camp in the Philippines. He was laid to rest at the Richfield Cemeteryfbllowing military servicesat the town auditorium. Members of Earl E. Morrison Post of the American Legion conductedthe military rites at the cemetery. Rev. William F. Frank of the Methodistchurch officiated. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Myrtle Youngkin, a half-sister, Mrs. Alta Susan Larsen, both of Burbank, CA, and an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Owen Youngkin, Boise. (Nov. 29, 1948 T.N.)
l5l
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
CROTHERSAlbert D. Crotherscameto Richfield as early as April 1909,buildingand later operatingBert Crother'sHarnessShopon Main i:,',:,li Street. He was a memberof the Commerical listsAlbert,age31 born Club. The 1910census Minnesota, with his wife, sonHoraceandfather. 'A. D. Crothersbetterknownas Bert died Fridayat his homeof an acuteattackof spotted fever. He had closedup his storeand harness shopduringthe winter andtook up his old trade carpentering andhadbeenworkingdownat Shoshone.Mr. Crothers haslived in Richfieldfor the past five years,until about2 monthsago having carried on a leatherstore and harness illnni$ shopherein town. He cameherefrom Sho- iFffi.,nn:ww8l;81tft B e r tC r o t h e r ' sH a r n e s sS h o p ,a b t . 1 9 1 2 . P h o t o - S h o s h o nLei b r a r y . shone,wherethe familyhadlivedfor someyears previousto his removalhere. He leavesa widow and one child; also his agedfather who had madehis home with him for years, and three brothers living in Shoshoneand out on the Big Wood River near Burns. Burial at Shoshone."(RR May 21, l9l4) Card of thanksto thosewho assistedduring illnessand deathof belovedhusband,son and brother listed: Mrs. Mable Crothers,R. D., Clarence,Everet, Orville, DelbertCrothersand Mrs. PearlBarnes. CROWTHER Frank (Mac) McDaniel was born in Provo, UT,the homeof his grandmother,Louisa McDaniel. His parents,Lewis and Winnie, were living in Richfield at that time, but his mother went to Provo to have all threeof her children. He went to schoolin Richfieldand graduatedfrom RHS in 1939. He went to BYU for one year and lived with his grandmother. During the war yearsof WW II, it was difficult to find dependable workersto help with the lambingof 1,100headof sheepin the winter. His dad would work a day and a night and a day and then sleep a night. Mac would work a day and the night his dad slept and then a day and sleep the night his dad worked. (He met his future wife, Marylee Harriet Schwaner,in Richfield. She was a friend of his sister Mary, both being in the samegrade in school.) Marylee graduatedfrom RHS in 1942 and went one yearto the Universityof Idahoat Moscow. They were marriedat her father'shome in RichfieldDec. 19, 1943. Their first home was 3 mi. N and ll2 W of Richfield in the orchardof his dad's farm. Since it was war time and they had the small house moved out fiom town, they had no piped water and no electricity. They carried the water in a 10 gallon milk can, it was used as many times as they could think of, caught in another 10 gallon can under the sink and carriedback outside. Their first daughter,Marilyn, was born while they lived there. In March l946they moved to their 160 acre farm 1 mi E l l/4 N of town where they lived fbr the next26 y e a r s "T h e s e y e a r s w e r e s p e n t r a i s i n g t h e i r 5 d a u g h t e r s a n d 4 s o n s , t a k i n g c a r e o f t h e f a r m , d a i r y c o w s a n d d o i n g church and community work. Marilyn, b. July 10, 1945, went to schooland graduatedfrom RHS in 1963. She md David Williams of Jeromeand they moved to Seattle. They have 3 sons, 2 daughtersand 6 grandchildren. Karen, b. Mar. 3, 1947,graduatedfrom RHS in 1965. She md Don Butler of Jeromeand also moved tcr the Seattlearea. She has 3 daughtersand 3 grandsons. Bill, b. Apr 3, 1950,graduatedfrom RHS in 1968. He and his wife Sherri have 3 sonsand live in Cove, OR where he is a mechanicfor a large farming operation. Bud, b. Apr. 3, 1952, and graduatedfrom RHS in 1970. He also graduatedtiom BYU and is a teacherat Park City Middle School. He and his wife Linda are parentsof 3 sonsand 2 daughters. Dale, b. Aug. 5, 1953,graduatedfrom RHS in 1971. He graduatedfrom Idaho StateUniversityas a diesel mechanic.He has his own mechanicbusinessand repairscomputers.He and his wife Karen have 6 daughters. They live in Burley, ID. Kristy, b. June 28, 1956, attendedRichfield schoolsand md Bill McNaught. They live near Brisbane, Australia. She has I son, 1 daughterand 2 grandchildren. Kevin, b. May 13, 1958, attendedschoolin Richfield and graduatedfrom CottonwoodHigh School in Utah in 1977" He lives in Bellevue, WA and is a sanitationengineerin a nursing home and works in an exercise clinic.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
t52
Iranne, b. July 9, 1960,graduatedfrom RHS in 1978. She md Heber Nicholes. They have 2 sonsand 1 daughter. They live in Caldwell,ID. Jill, b. Mar. 19, 1964. Shewent to schoolin Richfieldand graduatedfrom Park City High Schoolin 1982. She md Sandy Crozier of Jeromeand moved to FederalWay, WA. They have 3 daughters. In May 1972 they sold their farm and movedto town. Mac worked for Reed Grain and retired and is now driving the schoolbus for Richfield Schools. Marylee worked at Tupperwarefor 15 years and retired and is now able to be at home. We have 30 grandchildrenand 11 great grandchildren.(Source: Marylee Crowther) CROWTHER Lewis was born in FountainGreen, UI and when a small boy moved to Sanford, CO, where he spenthis early yearssettlingthe community. While therehe grew up with the famousJack Dempsey(the boxer). As the family grew, there was a need for better educationthan could be provided in that frontier town so they moved to Provo, UT, where they went into the grocery store and coal business. It seemsLewis had a great appetitefor bananas. One day he was left to tend the store for a while and proceededto eat a whole bundle of the bananas. Needlessto say he was slightly ill and never had a yearningfor any more bananas. After graduatingfrom the BYU academy,he cameto ldaho in 1916 and spentthe summer working for his brother-in-law Walter Stevens. He returned to Provo and enteredthe service in the Army in 1917. He was releasedin 1918. He marriedWinnie McDanielbeforehe enteredthe service,Ian. 15, 1917. After the War, they bought a farm and lived in a tent on the ground that is now part of the BYU college campus. That was too confining to suit him and having had a taste of Idaho, he sold the farm and came to Richfield, where they purchasedthe upper Hendersonfarm in the spring of 1919. This was located3 mi. N I W where the huge barn and implementshedsare located. They madethe trip in a Studebakerautomobile,which had been wrecked before they bought it and it took three rear axles to make the trip. They tried farming for a shorttime, when they decidedthat this was more livestockcountry than farming; so they startedin the sheepbusinessand continueduntil ill healthfbrced him to quit in 1960. While operatingthe sheepbusiness,they rangedfrom Muldoonto the Salmon river. They moved the lambing shedsaroundand finally landed more permanentlyon the sage brush land across from where David Newey lives. The hay was all stackedlooseandhadto be hauled in by team and sleigh or wagon. They had no well to water the sheep & i r ' until 1947when they drilled a well. The water had to be hauledfrom $wi;sffiw town during lambingseason.In the springand summerhe would have 'r 1to tend camp. While doing this, he would encountertroubles of ddr @'1bs: different kinds. If he wasn't back when Winnie thoughthe shouldbe, she would take the car and go hunt for him. She would usuallyfind him broke down and walking home. She becameknown as the little L e w i s C r o w t h e rw i t h h i s s h e e o camp tender. With his health failing him in 1960he decidedto sell the sheep, and soon after he suffered a fatal heart attack on the 28th of
-s*:Pry
August1960. LewisO. Crowther"Lou" wasbornJan.16, 1893at FountainGreen,UT; the sonof JamesFranklinand Mary OlsenCrowther. He md WinnieMcDanielon Jan. 15, l9l7 in SaltLake City, UT. Winniewasborn Mar. 15, 1895in Provo,Utah,daughter of Anderson andLouisaPeayMcDaniel. Their children,all bornin Provo were: RaymondLewis, b. Mar. 20, 1919,md JuneBeutlichFeb. 17, 1946 in Richfield.Frank McDaniel,"Mac" b. Jan.l8, l92l; md MaryleeHarrietSchwanerDec. 19, 1943.Mary Louise,b. Aug" 12, (Source: 1923;md ReubenClarkBradshaw June16, 1944in Richfield. Mac Crowther) CROWTHER Raymond Lewis was born March 20, 1919,in Provo, UT. He grew up in Richfieldand graduated from RHS in 1937. He attended theU of I in Moscowfor oneyear. He thenwentto CA andworked for DouglasAircraft buildingairplanesfor the Air Force. He enlistedin the Army and servedas an airplane mechanic.While in theservicehetraveled to Indiaandthenwentto a basein China. Fromtheretheywereable to bombJapan. He marriedJuneLinnaeBeutlichFeb. 17, 1946,in Richfield. Theyfarmedon his father'sfarm. Theyare the parentsof 3 children:DennisRay, b. Dec. 14, 1946,he now livesin OK andrefinishes furniture. Gail lives in Ann, b. Feb.2, 1949, BrighamCity, UT. WayneLewis,b. Oct. 12,1951,is in theArmy in Honolulu, HI. Blin wasstillbornOct.24, 1955andis buriedin theRichfieldCemetery.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Ray and June lived in UT, AZ and CA. Junedied Dec. 25, 1968in Capitola, CA and is buried there. Ray md Mary and they now live in Watsonville, CA. (Source:Mac Crowther) CUTRIGHT LeRoi Cutright was born at Logan, UT Jan. 9, l9lZ,and cameto Rupert in 1919with his parents. He was married to FlorenceDeal on Aug. 21, 1934,at Salt Lake City. They residedfor many years at Richfield wherehe was stationagentfor the Union Pacific railroad. LeavingRichfield in 1960, he assumedthe sameduties at Jerome. His period of work for the railroad included33 years. He died in November of 1962 after a brief illness. LeRoi and Florencehad one son Stanley, also deceased.FlorenceCutright Simon is living in Twin Falls. She is a memberof the RichfieldEasternStar. (Source:TN Nov. 22, 1962) DAVIES Early Richfield Recordersshow that Dr. J. C. Davies lived north of Richfield and that in l9l I he had namedhis ranch home "The Coulees." It stated, "This is a good plan and others should select namesfor their ranches." He movr:dto town and againtook up the practiceof medicinefull time. Mr. House bought the Davies farm. (1914) After the Picabo post office robbery Dr. Davies treated the would-be robber for injuries when he was brought to Richfield. The casewas tried in federal court, and Dr. Davies, GeorgeSchwaner,E. W. Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Tapper were calledto Boiseas witnesses.(RR Jan.27, l9l2) DAVIS Earl and Mayme Davis (md Mar. 6, 1925) andfamily lived I ll2 mi. N of town acrossthe road from the Mathews'place. Mayme was a cousinof the Pateboys. Sheand Earl were the parentsof two children, Earl Richard and Darlene Shirley. At the age of five Earl Richard was injured in a car accident and died of pneumoniain Dec. of 1936. At the funeralTracy Cokergavea scripturereadingand sermon. Mrs. F. Sanford, Elma Deeds, Howard Hubbard and Fay Manwill sang "BeautifulIsle of Somewhere"and "SometimeWe'll Understand." A solo "Your SweetLittle Rosebud"was sungby Fay Manwill. The Davisesmoved to Dietrich from here. Earl was killed when a bale of hay f'ell fiom a stack on him in 1953. Mayme md Roy Peak in 1956. They lived eastof Shoshone.Shebelongedto the Burmah Club and the MethodistChurch. Shedied Oct. 16, 1980at the ageof 73. Rev. Ron Bordonofficiatedat the funeral services. Darlenelives in Twin Falls, has 2 boys and a girl, Barbara,works for an oil company.(Source:LCJ, Irene Pate, Obituary) DAVIS Jerry A. Davis, oldestson of BenjaminB. and Ada LandrethDavis was born in Elksville, IL, Jan. 5, 1926. He came to Idaho in 1929, pushing a model T Ford up Teton Passand dragging his f'eetgoing down. The family settledon a farm S of Eden. Jerry graduatedfrom Eden HS in 1944 and served in the Navy fbr 2 l12 years. Pearl Radford Davis, daughter of James L. and Ida Morgan Radford, was born in a log house in Ririe, Idaho, Apr. 3, 1926. Her father worked on the railroadthroughoutIdaho. Pearl attendedvarious schoolsin the area, graduatingfrom Twin Falls HS in 1945. She worked for severalemployers,including Magic Valley Hospital, returning home to assisther step-mother. Jerry and Pearl were married in 1947, and the couple moved to Eden to tarm. They moved to Richfrelclto the Kunz place7 mi. N of town. They had a plow and rake, and team of white work horses,but no running water and other conveniences. During the winter of 1949 they were snowedin fbr four monthsbefore a plow from Canadawas able to get the family out. The family moved into town when Diana was 12, and Jerry was emplclyedby Ward's Cheese as a truck driver. He recentlyretired. Their children: PeggyElaine, b. Aug. 24,l947,Twin Falls, graduatedfrom RHS in 1965,md RobertGlenn Faddisin 1965. Robert, son of Audrey and Gene Faddis, came to Richfield in 1952, graduatingfrom RHS in 1962. They currentlylive in Kuna. Children: AnissaMarie and VeronicaLeAanne. D i a n a , b . D e c . 1 3 , l 9 4 S , g r a d u a t e d f r o m R H S i n 1 9 6 T , m d . D e n n i s B e h r e n s . T h e y l i v e i n C l a r k FIoDr ,k , wherethey have a logging business.Children:Anita, age25 and Marshaage23. Susan, b. Apr. 24, l952.in Jerome,was the first girl born in that hospital.She graduatedttom RHS in 1970;md. DouglasHutchinsonof Dietrich in 1970,d\v. 1979.Children:Larry, Bellevueand Jerry, Twin Falls. Md. 2) Donald Grubb in 1982,div. 1986,md. 3) Daniel Cox 1994. Christine, b. Feb" 10, 1955, graduatedfrom RHS in 1974. She worked at Tupperware,where she met BenjaminKerline. They md. in 1978and live in Twin Falls. Children:JenniferLynn and JasonDwight. The family enjoys traveling and camping. They attendthe First Assemblyof God Church in TF.
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Vickie Lee b. 1956, attendedschool in Richfield; md. Michael Wayne Saul in 1975. Two children: Jacki Lynn b. 1975, attendingthe U of I studyingarchitecture,and Cody Wayne b. 1978, a junior in HS. They moved to Bellevue in 1981. Vickie is a caretakerfor privatehomes in the area. Mike Saul, b. 1957 CA, moved to Richfield with his parents, Edward "Glen" (1913-1974) and Esther "Virginia" JohnsonSaul (1913-1984),in 1970. He graduatedfrom RHS \n 1975,and was employedby Ward's Cheeseuntil 1979, later working for Charles Erwin Excavation. Mike is currently employed by the Idaho TransportationDept. in Hailey. Jerri Ann, b. July 25, 1959, graduatedfrom RHS in I971, from Ricks College in Journalism, and later attendedU of I in Moscow. Shemd. Mark Hinricksin 1985.The family movedto CO in 1987. Mark d. in Apr. 1993. Jerri will soon graduatefrom U of CO at Boulder. She residesin Boulder with children Tyler and Kayla. Jerry Allen b. Jan. 29,1963, graduatedfrom RHS in 1982. He md. SabrinaHall, Buhl, in 1986,after she graduatedfrom ISU. Allen works for Avonmore West. Allen and Sabrinaare the only Davis children living in Richfield and are expectingtheir first child in June. (Source:Pearl Davis) DAVIS Tony left Italy as a boy of 14 in 1915and worked his way over on a ship. He came to Richfield where he herded sheepfor Lewis Crowther. He helpedto build the foundationfor the B.B. Leavitt home eastof town where Mac and Marylee Crowther and family lived for many years. Tony later worked for the FLAT TOP SHEEP Co. at Murtaugh. He was kicked in the stomachby a horsewhich causedhis death in 1955. (Source: Mac Crowther) DAYLEY Cliff and Neola (Dutchie) Dayley and two daughters,Jacquieand Winnie, moved tiom Oakley, ID, to Richfield Dec. 23, 1947. This was the only year we didn't have a Christmastree, but we decorateda card table, fixed things as Christmasyas possible. Jacquie started the 2nd half of her freshman year and Winnie was in 4th grade. Alma and Bertha Lee (Dutchie's sister) owned the property onto which we moved. Cliff agreedto farm on a 50-50 sharebasis, so he beganraising potatoes,beanshay and grain. Cliff was a good farmer and did well with his crops. We built a spud cellar and Cliff did a lot of customdigging. Roy Conneralwaysrode the digger and he and Winnie every year celebratedtheir birthdaysin the potatofields. Schoolwas out eachfall fbr 2 weeks of potato harvest, which helped the kids with money for school clothesand Christmas,even if it was back-breakingwork. What fun we had in thosepotatofields,picking, laughing,playing,andof courseeatingluncheswith dirty spud-pickinghands. We loved it! '48:49 more snow. The crewswould plow the roads The winter of hit with a vengeance--snow--snow--and at night and they'd be blown full by morning. We missed6 weeksof schoolplus many more days. The snow was drifted over the power lines in placesand the school bus would scrapeon both sides of the road. We had no telephone,no TV, just the radio, no insideplumbing,just the out-houses.If you got otT a trompedtrail you fell into snow nearly waist high! We tromped and packedtrails for the cows from the barnyard to the watering trough and if a cow fell off the trail - it wouldn't happenagain - they were smart. And to the out-housewe trompeda trail. Dutchie'scousin(VadaBliesner)spenta few days, and per the norm everyonewent to the outhouse before bed. Vada turned on the yard light, not knowing Winnie was watching. Before she got to her destination,Winnie turned off the light, and she fell off the trail into snow waist high. Surely the whole area round aboutheardher yelling, "Winn, I'll get you fbr this, you darn teasingkid." CharleneSorensenwas snowedin with us for 2 weeksand sheand Winnie spenthours building snow caves and digging snow tunnels. The electricitywas out often, thus we spentlots of long cold winter nights rolling dice for penniesby candlelightor the light from the oil stove, and the days playing canasta. Cliff and Dutchie were well preparedfor disasters,so they had plenty of food and fuel to get by; however, Joe Piper spentlots of flying hours dropping suppliesto thoseless fortunateas they stompedsigns in the snow of what was needed. Roy Conner had a sleigh and horses.He picked up our milk to take to town, delivered our mail and brought out water for the cistern. We sure were thankful for him. We never wasted water--the rinse water from the disheswas usedto mop the floors. The vegetablesfrom the gardenwere washedin a small pan of water and we had a little cup of water to brush our teeth. Maybe if we lived that way now water wouldn't be of such shortage or water bills so high. Dutchie loved flowers and gardeningand raised some of the most beautiful flowers and gardenswithin the Richfield tract, even while overcomingmany surgerieson her knees. Jacquie (b. Mar. 26, 1933, in Oakley) finished high school, went to ISU for 2 years, then to KansasCity, MO for airline training, was hired by ContinentalAirlines and worked in Albuquerque, NM. In the spring of 1955she returnedto Richfield,and md RichardLuffMay 7,1955. They now live in Kimberly and have 3 sons.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
That same year the Dayleys were blessedwith a very specialbouncing baby boy, b. Aug. 12 in Jerome' put DeVon Carlos Ooby). We ali loved him so very much even tho' he took Winnie's place as the baby and her in the statusof middle child. Winnie Rae @. Oct.27,1937) graduatedin 1956, her classbeing the first to attendall 4 years in the new high school. Off to Kansas City, tvtO she went for airline training. Then she worked in San Francisco for UniteOAir Lines, then on to Reno, NV where she met and md JessieR. West (b. July 27, 1937)July 16, 1959. They are the parentsof 2 daughtersand 2 sons. In the rpiing of 1959Cliff, Dutchie and Toby movedto the Vern R. Thomasproperty which they purchased in 1954. They remodeledthe big housethat summer. They had a beautiful home there and unique as they laid Cliff s brand in the tile floors ofthe kitchen and dining room. It was then Cliff startedraising cattle, hay and grain. Dutchie soon had anotherpicturesqueyard and garden' Toby grew and was a real joy in their lives. Jacquie,Winnie and families spent many holidays at home, all of them specialbecauseof family love. Cliff was a charter memberof the Cutter RacingAssociationand the Little Wood River Cattlemen'sAssoc-, servedon the school board and on the Big Wood River Canal Board from 1958to 1970. Dutchie was an active memberof the Burmah Club, a PTA presidentand servedin many leadershippositions in the LDS Church. Dutchie was pretty protectiveof Toby so when he was quite small they were at a rodeo and it was announced "Dayley riding a ialf,;' and she was realiy nervousuntil out came Cliff riding a calf--backwards. Toby could run pt.ity fasiand in Jr. High haclwon a iew races. He was I I and pretty confidentso called out, "Hey, Dad! (Cliff wai 63 and wearing iriigating boots)I can race you from hereto there (about70 yards) and win. " ."You're on" saysCliff. They taced!Cliff won! Irrigatingboots,ageandall! Justmaybethat'swhereToby got his speed. Nbw for the b-earstory! In early spring one year on the ranch, a mother bear and her cub came down out of the mountains. Someonemust have killed the mother and the little cub was found in the very top of a tree at Allreds. Bruce Sorensenand otherswere there. Cliff said, "I'll climb the tree and get that little cub to come down but you guys better catchhim. " They got that cute little bear cub in a sack and Cliff took him home where he ate eveiything he could get his paws on. Tomatoes,candy, whey with homemadebread and honey were his f a v o r i t e sb . tiffti"Ohiminihepickuptogototownforwheyandthatlittlebearcubsurelovedalltheattention. Lots of companycameto seethe cub. Dutchie'sbrother,RossCraner,cameto visit Oneday and they weren't home, so hiwaited out by the shedsto bask in the sun and wait for them. All of a suddensomethingslapped his legs. There was that bear cub--it nearly scaredhim to death! The bear grew--startedsnappingand slapping so thJy knew he had to go back to his home. A game warden came and took that now big bear cub to the mountains. In 1970 ClifT and Dutchie sold the ranch and moved to town, living at 320 E Kootenai for 2 years then sold to Mac and Marylee Crowther, bought a mobile home and put it at 225 E Cassia. Then came more spectacular,beautiful flowers and garden. from RHS in 1973,joined the Air Force and with his Toby md Lori PriclmoreSept. 16, 1972, graduated family his seenmuch of the world. They are the parentsof 2 daughtersand 2 sonsand reside in Spokane,WA. in 1980 Cliff and Dutchie celebratecltheir Golden Wedding Anniversary, hosted by their children and attendedby many friends and relatives. In June of t989, Winnie with husband,Jessieand youngestson, Sean,moved to Richfield where Sean graduatedfrom RHS and is now employedby the city. Cliff turned 85 in Dec. 1989and a big birthdayparty was held in his honor. It too, was attendedby hosts of friends and relatives. The Dayleys' life here in this little community has been good---They are loved and respectedby everyone! Jacquie, Winnie and Toby know why--they are great to everyone--includingtheir 3 who all love them dearly. children, l l grandchildrenand l7 great-grandchildren in Oakley. Clifford C. Dayley was b Dec.27,1904 in Oakley;NeolaRoseCranerwas b May 3l,I9ll They were md Nov 1, 1930 in Rupert. (Source: Winnie Dayley West) DEEDS John I. and Bertha Deeds cameto Twin Falls, ID in the spring of 1909 when the town was about 3 yearsold anclstill a tent and tar-papershacktown. Main St. was 3" to 4" deep with dust, mud or snow. Both were born and educatedin Nebraska. John born in Stromsburgand Bertha in Aurora. They met at Grand Island BaptistCollegeof Business.Berthamajoredin music. After collegethey were marriedin Aurora, Dec. 2, 1906. Thiy heededHorace Greeley's advice "Go west, young man" and went to Loveland, CO where John worked in the iugar factory. Helen was born there June20, 1908. In March 1909they moved to Twin Falls then homesteaded7 mi. S of Kimberly. Bertha said she never swept any dirt out the door, as it all fell through the cracks
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
156
beforeshegot to the door. They movedto Sugarloaf areaE of Jeromeand cameto Richfieldin the thehouse springof 1932,rentedandlaterpurchased whereJody Parkerlives on BannockSt and lived thereuntil their deathswith the family, Lyle, Lois, ponies-Elma, BethandHowardandthreeshetland a sourceof pleasurefor town kids and Howard's first businessadventure,charging.05 a ride. John andLyle rentedthe UnionPortlandCementplacell2 mile N of Town. Earl Johnson,a son-in-law, farmedwith them 1932-33. ln 1934Johnarranged for Albert and HelenPelleyto rent the McKay 40 joining the UPC placeon the NW corner. Rentfor
J o h n , F a y e ,B e r t h aD e e d s
farm ground was l12hay,l13 grain,l14 row crops to the landlord. since potatoeswere a good cashcrop severalacreswere planted. It was a short water year. The potatoesgraded 90% #l's. Potatoeswere dug with a horse-drawnground powered digger. The next year a Model T Ford engine was mounted on the digger to run the digger chain. Picking potatoeswas a source of incomefor high schoolkids at .10 a 100#sack,loadedon a truck, hauledinto town and storedin cellars. School was dismissedfor 2-3 weeks so kids could "pick spuds." In the winter severalmen were employedto sort, sack and load them on RR cars to ship the "famous ldaho" potatoesto other areas. Albert recalls the sorting crew as himself, Lyle, Owen Youngkin, Bill McKay, Bert Wallaceand one of Alva Conner'sboys. In 1940 John and Lyle bought the Marie Burton farm 7 mi. N 1/4 NW of town, where Lyle and Rosetta
lived until their deaths. (Lyle June12, 1989andRosettaNov 6, l99l). Larry ownsand farmsthe ranch. leavingnotesfor themto wakenher if Mrs. Deedsenjoyedthe visitsfrom the BurmahClub ladies--often
she was asleep. Thanksgivingswere spent in Boise with Lois and Dick Pridmore and Christmas with Charles and Beth Pendleton. During Christmas/New Years holidays Mom wanted all the families home for an eveningof fellowship. Besides 6 of us kids and Spouses,there were 8 boys and 4 girls--a noisy bunch. They had been married 48 yearsand l0 monthswhen Berthadied. She had long hair which hung to her mid-calf. Both were members of the Richfield Methodist Church, former membersof the Grange, Modern WoodmanLodge, Royal NeighborsLodge of Twin Falls. Bertha directed church and community choirs. The male quartet from Sugarloaf Church sang at her funeral. She often played for her 4 older daughters to sing for church and other gatheringsuntil she had to discontinue activitiesdue to crippling arthritis. Even then she continuedher work as cradle roll chairman. John also participatedin Churchand SundaySchoolactivities. of Bertha'sand cousinof Mrs. Before moving to Richfielda collegeclassmate C. O . Chatfield came to visit. The folks took her and two children to see Mrs. Chatfield. As no one was home and no one locked doors then, they went in to wait. Finally Aunt Lydia, aSwe calledher said, "Let's seewhat we can find to eat." In the cellar they found potatoes,milk, cannedfruits and vegetablesand a cured ham. Dinner was fixed since Chatfield'sstill didn't come. Disheswere washed,a note left and they went on home. Memories--As kids we made our own entertainment. We made mud pies (as B e r t h aD e e d sb e f o r ec u t t i n g most kids do) using nightshadeberriesfor gooseberries,swam in pondsand laterals, h e r h a i r . almost drowning Lois, rode horses. Once Lenore was draggedoff by the barn door and her horse stepping on the inside of her elbow--no injury becausesoft manure cushionedher arm. We "put on" fairy tales, other story-plays,costumedor not. One spring school morning we saw an animal (cougar)leap a 4 wire fence, go up a high bank and over a 5' wide lateral and head down the road toward our school bus. The driver turned the team around and headedat a high run home. Dad and Wallace (hired man) saddled2 horses,took a rifle each and accompaniedthe bus fbr 4 miles and never saw the cougar close again. When we visited Lenore, Earl and baby Howard in Canada,Helen was trying to get somebirch bark for a canoefor a school project. We heard a cougarin the canyonbelow and left hurriedly--with no birch bark. I had seenand heard cougarswhen helping Dad bring horseswe pasturedfrom Devil's Corral. Another childhood experiencewas a total eclipseof the sun in midafternoonas we were on our way home
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from gettingour mail ll2 mileaway. We hadnot heardaboutthe eclipsebut hadheardaboutthe endof the world. If this was it, we wantedto be home whenit came,so we reallyurgedour poniesat a fastpace. We got homein to be. time to seethe chickenssittingon the groundwhereverthey happened I alwaysinformedour sonsand othersof these Because of this experience, scientifichappenings.Onesummerto savework, Mom decidedto dressus girls in tan coverallsto saveon ironing starchedginghamdresses.How I aboutironingafterthat. dislikedthoseoutfits. I nevercomplained md Albert Pelley(seePelley). then school and Helen,the oldest,taught in Dec. I l, 1926, Jerome,movedto Canadain 1927 Lenoremd Earl Johnson whereson Howardwas born, Feb. 2, 1928. They cameto Richfieldand farmed 1932-33. They had a daughter,Marjorie. Worked for Big Wood F a y eD e e d sH u b s m i t h1 9 3 9 w i t h CanalCo andfarmeda few yearsin Dietrichbeforemovingto AmericanFalls o n e o f L e s B u s h b y ' st r a p p e dc a t s . wherethey lived until their deaths.Earl d. Aug 25, 1955. Lenoremarried and they had manyhappyyearstogetherbeforeshe d ClarenceRichardson Jan. 16, 1981. Howard Johnsonenlisted in the Navy, then went to ISU and graduatedwith a degree in civil engineeringand CPA. As he was a Canadiancit\zen,he becamea US citizen. He worked for the Highway Dept. in Shoshoneas District Engineer until his suddendeathfrom a heart attack Nov. 7, 1988. He and Viva were md. Sept.22, 1950. Lyle b. Jan ll,1913, at Kimberly, attendedFalls, City, Sugarloafand JeromeHigh Schoolone year. In 1968he purchasedthe farm from Dad. He and son, Larry, operatedthe farm until 1975 when he retired, selling the farm to Larry. He was a 52 year member of the IOOF, memberof Dietrich Butte Cattlemen's Ass'n. He June16, 1989,of a lingeringillness. He md. RosettaFlavel Centerin Shoshone d. at Wood River Convalescent Nov. 16, 1938, in Twin Falls. She d. at her home Nov. 6, 1991,of a heartattack. She and Lyle are interred in the Richfield Cemetery. They had 2 sons, Larry and Lynn of Salmon; 3 daughters, JeanetteSluder, Vancouver,WA; Irene Allen, Arco and Dorothy Barton, Richfield. Lois b. May 8, 1915,Kimberly md Dick PridmoreNov. 3, 1934,in Kimberly. They both graduatedfrom RHS in 1933. While in high schooltheir classdecidedto havea frog leg supperat the Deedshome. Helen was drafted to cook them. The boys provided the frog legs from the Byrnes slough east of town. I, Helen, fried them. I have never eatenone and don't think I ever will. Elma b. Apr.7, 1917,at Kimberly. Shed. Oct. 12, 1950,at Hailey at age33. She md Leslie SweatDec. 9, 1939in Hailey. Leslie was b. July 26, 1913, in Albion, ID. He d. Oct. 22, 1958, at Richfield. They had a daughter,Cheryl, who md Ed Stevens. They live in Gooding, and have a son and a daughter. Jefl'eryd. Apr. 14, 1974, at the age of 6 after a swing accident. Elma attendedschoolsin Jeromeand RHS. She was first alto in a girls' quartet which sang for many school and community programs. She was a member of RHS and Methodist Church choirs and took part in many activities. She was assistantlunch room cook fbr many years until her death. Like many other young peopleshe picked potatoesand picked turkeys for Mrs. Bert Wyant and Mrs. Marie Burton. After her deathLeslie and Cheryl lived in their home and with help from the Deedsfamily andhis sister,Erma Flavel, Cheryl had lots of bringingup. After Leslie'sdeathshe lived with Faye and Jack. After graduationshe took nurse's training in Salt Lake City and graduatedfrom St. Alphonsus at Boise with a degreein nursing. At presentshe is employedby Dr. Short in Gooding. B e t h b . F e b l 0 , 1 9 2 0 , i n J e r o m e , d . M a y 1 31,9 8 5 , i n J e r o m eS. h e m d . C h a r l e s P e n d l e t o n J u n e l S , 1 9 4 2 , at the Methodist Parsonagein Kimberly by Rev. StanleyTrefren. She graduatedfrom RHS. They farmed N of Shoshoneuntil retiring in 1977. She was a memberof the ShoshoneMethodistChurch and EasternStar. They had 3 sons, Douglas of Pocatello, employed at ISU, Carl who owns and farms the home ranch N of
A son,Johnd. May 25, 1950,at 3 ll2 yearsof agein Shoshone. fall from a haymowwhile playing SaltLakeCity of an accidental with his brothers. Howard b. Feb. 6, 1921,graduated from RHS,workedwith DadandLyle until hejoinedthe Navy, attended U of I, graduated with a degreein BusinessAdministrationand CPA. He had his in Boiseuntil he retired. He md DarleneBorahJune ownbusiness 17, 1950,in Twin Falls. Theyhave?daughters, bothmarriedand schoolteachers,and 1 sonand I granddaughter. F a y e ,H o w a r d ,B e t h , L o i s ,L e n o r e ,H e l e n ,L y l e D e e d s .19 6 9 .
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Faye b. June 10, 1934, at Shoshoneand graduatedfrom RHS. She worked as a bookkeeperfor Richfield Elevatorand Reed Grain until she retired in 1988. She md.JackHubsmith Nov. 4, 1950, at the home of her parentsby Rev. Bert Powell (seeHubsmith). She works at the Monday Sale in Shoshone. She and Jack have 2 sons, Rod, a dairyman of Richfield; Nick of Salt Lake City is employedby First Security Bank; 2 daughters, Marie Lickley of Jerome and Connie Sorensenof North Shoshone. Faye and Jack sold part of their farm and are semi-retired. They purchaseda manufacturedhome and located it on their town place in South Richfield. She is an active member of the Richfield MethodistChurch and the Grange. (Source: Helen Deeds Pelley) DEGLBE Jake and SadieDeGleemovedto Richfieldin 1953,with six children,a seventhchild was born while living there. We lived on the farm known then as the Erwin place. The school-agechildren attendedschool and the 2 oldest, John and Jeanettegraduatedfrom RHS. The family moved to Buhl in late 1956. Jake DeGlee was killed in a car accidentwhile movinghis family. SadieDeGleethenmadeher home in Twin Falls and lived there until her death in 1993. The friendships and memories that resulted from being a part of the Richfield Community are very specialto this family. JakeDeGleeb. Apr. 17,l9l0 Holland,d. Jan. 13, 1957;md. SadieDouma Dec. 31,1937 Artesia,CA. Sadieb. Nov. 16, 1915 Holland, daughterof Bert & Anna Bouma. Children: John Alan b.Sept 28, 1938at Compton,CA md Bernieat Elko, NV now live in Kennewick,WA and have I child; JeanetteAnn b.Nov. 10, 1940at Bisbee,AZ, md,Tom SharpMar. 24, 1962in Twin Falls. They live in Filer and have3 children;Helen Jean, b. June 2, 1943 at Brainard, MN, md Hugh Davis in England, now live in Boulder, CO and have 2 children;Anna Mae b.Dec. 19,1948 at Brainard,MN, md Lubor Maly in Ketchum,ID now live in San Rafael, CA; JacquelineRuth, b.Nov. 18, 1950at Artesia,CA, md SteveJacquinin Boulder,CO and now live in ldaho Springs,CO; Patricia Lee, b.Oct. 27,1952 in Artesia,CA, md Bob Linville in AK, now live in Seward,AK and have 3 children;James Charles, bJuly 9,1954 in Jerome,md Simmonein Salt Lake City, UT, now live in Boise, ID and have 2 children. (Source:JeanetteDeGleeSharp) DENECKE Mr. and Mrs. William AscanDeneckewere amongthe early Richfieldpioneers. Mr. Deneckewas b.Nov. 25,1861, in New York City. He preparedto enterthe mercantilebusiness. Due to ill healthhe moved to NE. In 1884he went to Casper,WY wherehe engagedin the livestockbusiness.In 1905he movedto Boise, then cameto Richfieldto becomeone of the town'sfirst merchants.They returnedto Boisein 1919" Mr. Burton bought the livery stablefrom W. A. Denecke.Miss Certrude Denecke,Mr. Groton, Mrs. Kays and Mrs" Schwanerwere amongthoseon the programat the Woman'sClub meetingheld May 18, 1915, at the homeof Mrs. C. B. Crane. In Feb. 1935a Boisepaperstatedthat Miss Helen Deneckehas returnedfiom Detroit where she is headof a clinic and hospitaland is visiting relativesat PayetteLakes. She taughtin the Richfreldschoolsat one time. Mr. Deneckedied in Boise Feb. 1947at the age of 85. He was survivedby his widow, a son, Wm. A. Deneckeof Bozeman,MT and 2 daughters,Mrs. GertrudeD. Hays, Boiseand Miss Helen L. Denecke,Detroit. (Source:Newspaperitems) DENTON The nameof York Dentonwas a familiar one in Richfield'searly history. We know they were still here in Feb. l92l by this item in the ShoshoneJournal: The Epworth Leaguehad a social at the home of Mr. and Mrs. York Denton. (1920 Richfield Census:York Denton, Manager, age 33 born Kentucky.) He was managerof Weeter Lumber. York Denton who has been servingon the village board handedin his resignation. He is a trusteeand worker in the Church. (Source: RR Mar 17, l9l2) DILL Although Dr. Dill did not live in Richfield,as the main doctor in the county he made many home visits and deliveriesin the area. Many local peoplewent to Shoshone,evenby train, for his services. The tblkrwing accountis taken from the History of ldaho, Vol. III by Hiram French, 1914: The entire professionallife of Dr. CharlesW. Dill has beenpassedin Shoshonewhere fbr more than 15 years he has ministeredto the sick, instructedyoung men preparingfor medicine and surgery, opened a wellequippedhospital. enjoyedgreatpopularityas a practitionerand beenloadedwith honors of a prof'essionalcareer. Besidesthorough scholastictraining he has innatesoundnessand accuratejudgment and a cheerful disposition. He was b Aug. 15, L877,at Mount Meadows,ID to William and Anna Dill of lowa. They cameto Idaho shortly after their marriage and William drove a stageover the old overland route. Anna passedaway in 1901 and he in 1907. They are buried in the family cemeteryon the old home ranch near Shoshone. Thev also had
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
a daughter,Mrs. E. W. Orr of Wyoming. Dr. Dill attendedschoolsin Shoshone,earneda dollar a day at 15 for riding after cattle and starteda meat market at 17, earningenoughto go to Albion Normal. He taught school winters and worked on a ranch summersto enter Utah University. He took Osteopathy,practiced 2 years in in the field of medicineand surgerywon Shoshone,then took further study in Omaha,wherehis accomplishments "Out of a classof 39, Dr. Dill receivedthe highest honors and was him high honors. The Omaha lse wrote, awardedthe medal. He has seenfit to decline all tempting offers and return to Shoshone." Dr. Dill returned the respectof the in 1897and his winning personalqualitiesand evidentskill won him increasingbusiness...and medicalprofessionover Idaho. He has seenthis sectiongrow from a wasteof sandand sagebrushinto a veritable flower garden. He md Elloy Boulwareat Albion in 1898. They have I son, CharlesW. Jr. DIXON Ken and Dixie and their family of sevenchildren movedto Richfield from Gooding, ID in 1966. They farmed just N of town on the Ebert farm and Ken taught school in the Richfield schoolsfor two years. Ken servedas bishop of the Richfield Ward of the LDS Church for three years. Dixie worked as librarian of the Richfield Library for 3 years when it was a part of the RegionalLibrary District in Twin Falls. Their three oldest children, Dusty, Mark and De Ann all graduatedfrom RHS. After leaving Richfield in 1913they bought a farm in the Hunt areaE of Jerome,where they farmed for I I years. Janeen,Chad, Bret and Jill all were graduatesof Valley HS. Dixie becamea floral designerat Crandall'sFlowers in Twin Falls. In the spring of 1984 they sold the farm and movedto Utah where Ken worked with the mentally retarded adultsand studentsin Heber City. In Nov. of 1987 Ken and Dixie servedan 18 month mission fbr the LDS Churchin Manila, Philippines. Upon their return in May 1989they boughta home in Jeromewhere they still reside. Dixie is back at Crandall'sFlowersworking part time. The family is larger now with 29 grandchildrenand is scatteredall over the United States. Dusty is an X-ray technician,has 4 childrenand lives in Salt Lake City, UT. Mark has his own computerconsultantbusinessin Mesa, AZ, and has 3 girls, and 4 boys (1 deceased).DeAnn lives E of Jeromeand has 5 girls and I boy and is a homemaker.Janeen,a homemaker,lives in LaHabra,CA andhas3 girls and I boy. Chad works on a large potatoand dry farm in Ririe, ID. He has2 girls and I boy. Bret is a countysupervisorfor the FHA in Winder, GA and has 2 girls and I boy. Jill lives in Kent, WA, is an accountant,and has I daughter. Ken was b Mar. 22, 1924at Manard, ID. Dixie Gardnerwas b Mar. 12, 1931 at Provo, UT. They rncl Sept.12, 1950at IdahoFalls,ID. Dusty b Aug. 8, l95l at Logan,UT md Bill PhillipsOct.22, l97l at Idaho Falls; Mark b Mar. 29, 1953at Goodingmd ClaudiaDent Aug. 6, 1976at Salt Lake City, UT; DeAnn b Apr Falls;Janeenb Nov. 19,1956 at Goodingmd Jeff 18, 1955at Gooding,md Del RomerJuly 21,19'17at Idarho Redd Apr. 18, 1980 at Salt Lake City; Chad b Mar. 10, 1959at Goodingmd Becky Zapitello Jan.22, 1988 at Idaho Falls; Bret b Dec 3, 1960 at Goodingmd Ginger NanceAug 12, 1983at Kensington,MD; and Jill b Aug 15, 1962at Gooding, md Mark Wareham Apr.26, 1985at West Jordon,UT. (Source:Ken Dixon) DOUGHERTY William T. Doughertywas born in PA Nov. 25, 1880, grew up in Iowa where he took a Normal courseand tbllowed the teachingprofession. He then took a businesscourseand was principal of a '07. He and Miss GenevaMace were md Aug. 10, 1907; they had 2 businesscollegein Denver in 1906 and sons,Winston and William. He becamea prominentfigure in the early history of Richfreldafter moving here in 1908. During the projectconstructiondays, he was auditorfor the firm of J. G. White & Co. for 2 112years. '12 He then becamemanagerof the Richfield hotel for severalyears. The Richfield Recorderstatedin Nov. that "ManagerDoughertyis one of the busiestmen in Richfield. The hotel businessis the best it has been in 2 or 3 years." They owned the farm which later belongedto CharlesGiles. In 1916 Mr. Dougherty was electedsecretaryof statefor Idaho, serving one term. They moved to Boise, later to Medford. "William and his son William are quite interestedin pear culture, having an orchard (in Medford)of 25 acreswhich producesfruit of excellentquality." Mrs. Doughertydied thereApr. 11, 1930,from a heart attack. Mr. Dougherty died there in Jan. 1944at the age of 63. (Source: Newspaperitems) DRAPER Albert (Bert) graduatedfrom Colorado State Normal School in Greeley about 1908 and with the adviceof his agricultureprofessormovedto this wonderfulopportunityin southernIdaho called Alberta. He took out 4O-acreplots for himself, Mr. Abbott and two other men. The other two men did not "prove up" on their ranchesbut he and Frank Abbott did by clearingthe land and building a houseand barn, and buying water fiom the Idaho Irrigation Co. The first Draper farm was 2 mi N, I E on the SE corner, and Abbott's on the NE corner.
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In a conversationwith one of his neighbors,they found that the Pridmore family drove cattle through part of the Draper Homesteadin CO and that R. W. Pridmore went to school where Bert's older sister, Effie, was a teacher. The families becamevery close and invited Eva Floyd, a close friend of one of Bert's niecesfrom CA to stay with Pridmoreswhile she looked him over to see if she wantedto marry him. She did. (A. G. Draper and Miss Evelyn Floyd of Richfield were quietly md at Shoshonea few days ago. Mr. D. is one of the tract's most successfulfarmers. He is building a large barn on his place N of town. R. R. Aug. 1913). Winthrop (Win) was born in SanAndreasand Albert, Jr. (Allie) was born in Richfield at Dr. Bloom's office, hospital,home next door to the Pridmorehouseon BannockSt., later the John Deedshome. Bert becamerural mail carrier and they bought their house in town. Mail was carried in a 2-horse buggy in the fall and spring, a Model T in the summerand a 2-horsesled in the winter which had a galvanizedbox on it with a window front and back, a slot for the reins and doors that let the cold air in when one openedone to put mail in the mail boxes. One kept warm with a charcoalbriquet foot warmer and "Old Dan's" horse hide for a blanket. On bad days he would go abouthalf way, stop at Charlie Paulson'sovernight and use anotherteam to go the rest of the way the next day. Mom and Win with a little help from Allie would have to milk all the cows alonethosenights. He also would pick up groceriesor medicinesfor peoplewho had a hard time getting into town during the winter. They decidedthat their boys shouldhavea ranchapieceso they were buying land a mi W and about 1/2 mi S from Gertrude Phelps. The KennethPhelpsowned the farm just N of us. When Dad died, Mom decidednot to keepthe farms. Miss Phelpsinsistedon payingback mostof the moneywe had paid her. When Dad d Floyd Reynoldsbecamemail carrier and Mom becamepostmistress. Somememoriesof Richfield: Ray Mills ice skatingdown at the backwaters.One of the first good marble playing placesthat melted and dried first was down back of where the fire hose cart house was S of the post office. PaddyByrnes,Jack McMahon, Archie Bee, Pink Workman,John Lemmon and I were someof the kids that usedto play all day Saturdayif we didn't havework to do. A medicineshow cameto town one time and schoolwas let out for a while so we could seethe animals. Walking back to school, I noticed Merle Orchard'sfinger bleedingand asked about it. He said he would probablyneverwashthat finger again. Nobodyelsein town had ever had his finger in a baboon'smouth. Billy Carter brought a can of honey for the bear to lick on. When basketballwas at the town hall I thought Pete Petersonwas probablythe strongestguy in the world causehe could throw the ball fiom under one goal and hit the other backboard,and the ceiling was at the top of the backboardthere. When GeraldineBakerled the orchestraand kept time by bouncingon the pianobenchwhile playing. Zella and her Pistol Packin' Papasplayingfor dances.When Ex-Lax cameout and all thosefiee sampleswere around school. Hearingthe redwingblackbirdsin the willows down at the sloughas the first sign of spring. On a quiet summer eveninglisteningto Fay and Don Manwill singing while they were doing chores. HearingLois McMahon callingher boys--hervoice carriedvery well. Saturdayafternoonfbotball gamesat the park--maybe20 kids on a team. Ed Feindle'spond where he soakedwagonwheelsto fit the rims. Can you still hear him hammeringon a shoeon the anvil? When I worked in the drugstore,Red Duplissawould come in every night and get a plug of Horseshoechewingtobacco. T. I. McMahonhad a small fbx farm down on the sloughback of Pridmore'sbig house. Every morning he would go back of our place down there to feedthem. How many of you ever went out to Flint Butte to hunt for arrow heads. We did--I tound one out at the naturalbridgestoo. When high schoolteacher,Mr. Terry, shot Miss Underdahlin the leg with a 22. When he carriedher from room to room at school-hisface was as red as his hair. Shewas so shy. When Jim Supangot that new coupethat was so cool, but he got tired of guys messingwith it so he hot-wired it. A kid camealong lugging a leaf from a car spring and left it leaningagainsta bumper. When Jim came running out to go somewherethe battery was dead. Once in a while things worked out that Dad would takeme down to Andy Peterson'srestaurantto eat dinner. He made the best soup in the world. Someyearslater Mom and I would eat Sundaydinner down at the Alberta Hotel, Mrs. Cap Homer, cook. Did he ever do anythingbut talk? When schoolbus drivers broughtteamsand wagonsand the guys got out of schoolto empty that slack coal from a boxcar to that bin in the basement. I could hardly wait till I got into high school. A couple of yearsthey got to go down to Marley to dig through some drifts so cars could get through. When Kodeshesdecidedit was time to plow. That tractor ran around the clock till they were done. Jim Kodeshwas the man to go seeif you sprainedyour back. Usually you could find him down at the pool hall. He would take you in the back room, lay you out on the poker table and work you over. He should have chargedtwice as much.
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One summer Ray Flavel, Browny McFarland and I worked for Grant Erwin. One week we worked every day with a team of horsesand a stone-boatclearingrock out of a field that had never been plowed and had been in alfalfa for thirty years. It sure had a good crop of sugarbeets. One day I was driving Bud's "Star" converted pickup for an irrigating truck and broke an axle going through a ditch. Grant didn't say much as I recall but went down country and got a new one at a junk yard, and the next Sundayhe sat on a box and told me how while I replacedit. That was a good lessonin more ways than one. R. W. Pridmore told me that the only time he ever saw my father drink was one day he was at their place on a hayrack sled standingat the back edgewhen the team startedand he fell off on his head and was knocked unconscious.They took him next door to the Dr. and he was given severalshotsof brandy to bring him around. When the family got the house in town it had two rooms, the middle section. They had Charlie Spalding build the living room. He was not a perfectionist. There was aboutan inch differenceon the top of the trim of the front room window. Dad built the foundationand floor for the secondbedroom but that was the front door until he died. Mom had Ray Mills build the room and move the front door to the west side. Mrs. Evelyn F. Draper passedaway at a Los Angeleshospitalon Oct. 6, 1947,following a long illness. Shewas substitutemail carrier at the time of her husband'sdrowning in 1928and becamepostmistressfor several years. A son, Winthrop F. Draper is also deceased.(LCJ) Allie and his wife Betty live in Pico Rivera, CA. Children are SandraLynn, ChristopherAlbert and Franklin. (Source:Allie Draper) DUPLISEA Albert (Red) was b May 24, 1875, and cameto the US in 1895, arriving in ldaho in 1909 to work on the constructionof Magic Dam. From that time on, he was a residentof Richfield, operating a blacksmith shop. He is reportedto have beena sparringpartnerof SamLangford,the "BostonTarbaby," the one time well known negro fighter. (LCJ, Oct. 27, 1944) Red Duplisea'sshopwas locatedeastof the elevatorand his homewas in his shop. He was a big man and good horseshoeman. Ethel Pope Conner and Hazel Carter Stevenswould pick Marie Pope's strawberriesand a take them to him. He in turn would give them a nickel for ice creamcones. Edna Akins told of going to his blacksmith'sshop with her father, Sam Petersen,to have plow shears sharpenedand seeingthe sparksflying. Red d Oct.25, 1944and was buried in the RichfieldCem. (Source:Ethel Conner) '80's. Mr. and Mrs. Dupperlived in the Babbhouse, DUPPER John Dupperwas "honeyman" in the'70's and then in a mobile home on a cornerof land they boughtabout3 miles W of Richfield. They built a large honey houseandplantedmanytrees. ln l97l they had a fosterboy, WadeGailey,fbr awhile. He attendedschoolhere. In winter they sometimestook a large load of beehivesto northernCA where the bees made sagehoney. This was strongand not for salebut was usedto feed the bees. Peoplecamea long distanceto buy their clover honey. They were members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.He was the last bee man to live in Richfield. He sold his businessto Gilbert Sluderof Bellevueand helpedhim get started. Then they moved to Gooding, where Pelleys saw them at the Senior Center a few yearsago. (Source:ACB) DURAND Dan and Vicky moved to Richfield from Livermore,CA in 1972, with their children,Michelle and Michael. They settled in Richfield 5 mi N, I mi W and l/2 mi N. This place was known as Wayment place, Roy Young and Clement'splace. We operate thesefarms as a dairy. Michelle and Michael graduatedfrom RHS. Michelle graduated from college with a 4 year degree in nursing. Michael served 4 years in the Army and is now attendingcollege. He and his wife Aimee have a , icky (seated). D u r a n d sD : a n , M i c h a e l ,M i c h e l l e V small son. Richfield has been a special place to live with many specialpeople. (Source: Vicky Durand)
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DURFEE Perry and Della PetersonDurfee were md April 8, 1916. He was the son of Moroni and JaneMerrit Durfee and was b.in 1879 at Grantsville,UT. They moved to Richfield in the fall of 1916 where he purchased a farm W of Richfield. A brother Ted and sister Angie Durfee, longtime Co. Sup't. of Schools, also had an interestin the farm. Della raisedturkeys. Della was an active memberof the WSCS and Woman's Club. Perry died at the ranch on Dec. 29,1946, at the age of 67 and was buried at Shoshone. Severalnights before his death from cancer, he becamevery ill. Although a terrible blizzard was raging, Della crosseda field in her nightclothesto seek help from a neighbor, Mr. Brinkerhoff (on the Moatesfarm). He got Burl Akins and they went to Durfees to do what they could. Della later sold the farm to Dick Johnson,now owned by Bob Ross, and returned to Grantsville. (Source: Edna Akins, LCJ) Another Durfee family, apparentlynot related,lived acrossfrom the Grant Flavel place in the late twenties and early thirties. A daughterElva is rememberedby schoolmates.Beth Proctor and Alice Behr both remember Mr. Durfee sold Maytag washingmachines. EASTWOOD Louis Corbin Eastwood,a Richfield pioneer, d. at the age of 64 and was laid to rest in Hailey. He passedaway Apr. 30, 1930, at the home of his sister, Mrs. Anna Fenton. He was b. July 14, 1866 at Chetopa,KA, the eldestof eight children. His fatherdied when he was 13. He cameto Hailey in 1888to found a home for his mother. Mr. Eastwoodwas engagedin mining until 1910, when he came to the Richfield tract and took up farming. Due to his health he had to give up farming in 1927 and has made his home with Mrs. Fenton in Richfield. He was buried in Hailey by the side of his mother, who d. at the Fenton home in 1913. (Source: RR) BBERT My parents,John William (1865-1943)and SadieA. (1882-1971)purchasedthe Church farm of 160 acresN of Richfield, ID in 1916. They moved from Palisade,NV in l9l7 and settledon the property.The big housewas built in 1918and 1919. My brother,Bill, was abouttwo yearsold and I (Josephine)was just a few months old at the time. My family consistedof two half-brothers,Dewey age 19 (1898-1968),Fred age 16 (1901-1976)and 3 halfsisters,Nevada age 13 (1904-1945),Harriet age l0 (1907-)and Viola age 8 (1909-1987). The two older boys decidedthat farm life was not tbr them and returnedto Nevadabefbre too long. Nevada graduatedfiom RHS in 1922 and attendedGooding College, Harriet graduatedin 1924 or 1925 and attendedAlbion State Normal. They both had teachingcredentials. Nevadataught in Richfield one year while her husband,Albert Scott, was in graduateschool at the U of U. Harriet taught in Gooding for several years and then md Howard Shepard. Viola left schoolbeforefinishingand md.Bill Coates. Irene was b. in 1919and Tom in 1924. The four youngerchildrenall graduatedfrom RHS, Bill in 1933. He attendedthe U of I one year and in 1936md Vearl Flavelof Richfield. The havethreegrown daughtersand live in Crossville,TN where Bill runs and is part owner of CumberlandGeneralStore. I graduatedin 1935, attendedIdaho State for a year and then enteredHoly Cross Hospital School of Nursing in Salt Lake City. I g r a d u a t e d i n l 9 3 9 .I m d . C a r l H u n t i n g t o n , a t e a c h e r , o f B u r l e y i n l 9 4 l a n d h a v e l i v e d i n T w e n t y n i n e P a l m s , C A since 1957. We have 3 grown children. Irenegraduatedin 1937. She worked in Richt'ieldfbr a year or so and then went to CA to work. She md.John RatclifTin 1945 and she now residesin Twentynine Pahns. Tom graduatedfrom RHS in 1942. He was in the servicetwo years and graduatedfiom the University of Southern California. He md.LaVaughnRandlesin 1946. They have 3 grown childrenand are living in Harriman, TN. Dad was a Director on the Big Wood CanalBoardfor 15 yearsand a trusteeof the Richfield SchoolDistrict for 6 years. My parentslived on the farm until about 1940 when they rented the farm and moved into town. They sold the farm in the spring of 1942and movedto SantaMonica, CA. Harriet Treem is the only one of my half-sistersand brothers still living as of Mar. 1994. (Source: JosephineEbert Huntington) Miss NevadaB. Ebert was awardedthe $10 prize for the bestessaywritten by 17 to l9 year old youth. The contestwas conductedby the US Forest Servicewith the topic being "Fire Prevention." The essaywas printed in the SJ. (Source: RR July l92l). John William Ebert d. in SantaMonica Dec. 1943. He was b. in May 1865at CarsonCity, NV. He spent his boyhood days as a cowboy in NV. Later he went into railroading, then mining. He was engagedin diversified farming and cattle raising at Richfield for 24 years. Burial was at Whittier, CA. Sadie A. Ebert d. in Nov. 1971. (Source:Newspaperobituary)
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EDGINGTON Ralph L. and family lived on the N edgeof town where Mont Johnsonslived later. The boys '20s. They moved to Sequim, WA and Mr. Edgington returned to Richfield on attendedschool in the late businessfor a week in Feb. 1931. (Source:RR) RalphL. Edgington,16 yearold sonof Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Edgingtonof Sequim,WA d. in a Port Angeles hospitalJuly 9, 1936, after a two car crash. His brother Donald sufferedinjuries. A cow running at large on t h e h i g h w a y w a s t h e c a u s e o f t h e a c c i d eR n ta. l p h w a s b . D e c .1 5 , l 9 l 9 a t R i c h f i e l d . H i s p a r e n t s a n d b r o t h e r s , Donald and Harold survive. (Source: LCJ July 17, 1936) [Another brother, Lucine, was not mentioned.] BDWARDS Donald Eugene,son of RalphEdwards,was killed in actionat Chantyong,Korea, Aug. 18, 1950, in the Koreancampaign.He was b. July 21,1931, at Toledo,IL, and attendedschoolsin Richfield. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on Aug. L5, 1949. Temporaryburial was madein Korea. He was survivedby his parents, 4 sisters, Patricia 15; Barbara11; Rochelle9; Connie3; 4 brothers,Delmar 17; Steven6; Ronnie 5 and Johnny 5 months. Military rites were to be held at Kimberly at a future date. (Source: News items) ELFRING W. F. (Al) cameto the Burmah area with or aboutthe time Martin Kauffman came, possibly 1909 or 1910. Kauffman had a houseabout200 yards from Elfring's cabin. It was torn down after Kauffmans moved backto WI about 1913. Al drove Kauffman's6 yoke team of oxen for him. Mr. Elfring md.BessieAyers, a fbrmer neighbor of Clara Hoff (Crane) near Spokane,and built a new home. Art Bolton wrote about Elfring and the neighborhood: Once Mr. Elfring was splitting wood when a rabid coyoteapproached.He killed it with his axe. At the Mike Byrne placeone of the men was chasedup into the barn loft by a rabid coyote, which they shot. Ed Norberg farmed the third farm S of Elfiing's along the railroad tracks,and the Charley Edwardsfamily lived there. The ranch in betweenwas originally the Burke place and the Schenksbought it and lived there for many years. Another neighborto the N was Milo Cox, about 2 mi S of the DiversionDam where Big Wood River and the canalwere about l12 mi apart. There was a falls in the river by the house. OscarBoltonslived acrossthe river but farmedthe Cox placealso, as Milo spentmuch time driving his mules and wagonto and from his wheatfarm in Quince,WA, where he d. about 1949. The Elfrings had no children,but Bessielovedchildrenand raisedniecesand nephewsand was loved by all. Mrs. Elfring was appointedpostmistressand the post office was located in her home. She became a charter memberof the Burmah Club in 1931, attendedLadies Aid and worked on Methodistchurch dinners" Her needlework\r/onmany prizesat countyfairs (1948). Sheunderwentan operationat St. Luke's in Boiseand went to the home of her sister-in-law in Meridian to recuperate. When they retired they moved to Meridian and are buriedthere. The Schenksthen lived on their farm, now farmedby Leguiniches.(Source: BurmahClub Book, Muriel Flavel, Art Bolton, LCJ) EMERSON When Mr. and Mrs. W. E. (Ed) Emersonand family lived in Richfield, he was a well-liked businessman.Joy Erwin Riedemanremembers:When the Emersonfamily cameto town about 1919, Florence was in my 5th grade class at school and she remaineduntil about 1923 when they moved to Gooding. I spent somenightswith Florenceand family. Shehad a sisterIda Mae and a brotherCharles. They lived in the house on Main St. S of the old McMahon place. Florencelater worked at the Coop Creameryoffice in Goodingfbr a while. Mrs. W. Emersonwas Woman'sClub hostessin Apr. 1921. An Arbor Day programwas given. The club donated4 trees to the school. It is believed Mr. Emerson was managerof the Richfield Elevator and was transf'erredto Gooding. W" E" Emersonof the GoodingMill and Elevatorwas in Richfieldon businessFriday. (RR July 25, 1930) John Lemmon and CharlesEmerson spentthe week-endas guestsof Thomas Tapper. Charles returned to GoodingMonday after a week'svisit with John. (Source:LCJ Aug. 8, 1932)1920Richfield census:William E. Emerson31 yearsb. MD; Edna E. 30, IL; Florence9, MO; Ida Mae 5, MO; Charles8 months,ID. ENGLE Three brothers lived in Richfield in the early days: John (Jack), Dave and Fred. Fred and family latermovedto the Boisearea. News itemsfollow: Dave purchased160acres4 mi N of town. If women could file on land he said he would get marriedat once! (Jan. 1911). Jack and Dave and Fred Crane took a trip up LittleWood River to catchfish, shootgame,buy seedand poultry and swaphorses. (Feb. 1911). Dave and Miss Anna Fleming of Rathdrumwere unitedin marriageat ShoshoneDec. 11,l9ll, by Judge Fuller. They later moved to town to the presentNell Albert home. The North End ImprovementClub met June23, 1914,with Mrs. J. F. Engle. Mrs. John Engle underwent an operationat the Dill hospital.(June1919). Miss Edith Engle,teacherat Maple Grove schoolthe last 3 years,
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was md Junel, 1930,to MarionClark Stimmell.JohnEngleis buriedin the RichfieldCemetery,althoughno b. Iowa; AnnaB. age38 b. IL; datesare on gravestone.He is listedas 39 yearsof ageon the 1920census, RR) Edithage5 b. MO. (Source: 1920RichfieldcensuslistsDavidEngleage45 bornIowa; AnnaB. age28 b. WI. ERWIN Grant and Gertrude and their 4 children, plus a young man friend, startedout in a 1914Buick from Marysville, WA, in Nov. 1915 to drive to Richfield, ID, where Mr. Erwin had bought 40 acres of farm land with water from the Idaho Irrigation Co. He shipped lumber for a house and barn, five cows, two horses and some furniture in an immigrant car. It took two weeksfor the family to make the trip over roads that were just wagon tracks. The car wouldn't haul us up a snow-coveredmountainin Oregon. The young man carried me, Joy, up the mountainon his back. The car got stuck in the mud near Boise, and my mother and we children took blanketsand sheltered in a near-by straw stack while the men got the car out. My Dad madesomejoke aboutthe Blackfoot lndians getting that black mud all over their feet! We stayed one night in the beautiful hotel at Richfield and then my father made arrangementsfor G r a n t( a b t 1 9 2 8 I & G e r t r u d (ea b t 1 9 3 1 ) E r w i n . us to shelter with a family in a tar-paperhouse a mi E and I and ll2 mi N of town. Mv father built the housethere like Mr. Bossuetwantedit. He plannedto buy it later, but changedhis mind. Dad hired someone with a huge thresherengineto haul the houseto our land on 2 big polesfor skids. Once my brother of four walked acrossa foot bridge that spannedthe Byrnes Slough and f'ell in the water. My dad jumped in and pulled him out, holdinghim up by the heelsto let the water run out of his lungs. He recoveredwith no after eff-ects. Except for one field of alfalfa, Dad had to clear 40 acres of sagebruslt,make the ditches,build the fencesand a barn for the cows. As time went on more land was bought. We children grew and helped with the milking and haying, feedingcalvesand pigs. In the summer we herded the cows out in the sagebrush.During haying the cows were turnedout to wanderand we had to sometimeshunt them in the evening for milking. to give up their farms Severalfamilies living by the river--Len Fenders,Walt Fenderand Sandeens--had land Dad leased the every summerfbr grazing. house was there when prior rights. Len's still water becauseof that chirped at us, lizards and lots burrowing owls of sagehens, When we were first at the farm, there were pansies and bluebells. There were 3 and so did the lovely little desert rockchucksaround. Many disappeared natural bridges nearbythat spannedthe ByrnesSlough" The waterway , used as a canal by the Big Wood Canal Co., ran underthesebridges. One of them is quite long and waterstaysunder it when the irrigationwater is cut off. Indians must have campedthere becausewe often found flint and arrowheads. One winter when Mr. Lloyd Laynewas driving the schoolbus alongthe sloughhe couldn't seethe road and the bus toppled over into the slough. The horseswere stabledin a barn behindthe school during the day. A Miss Brose taught the 3rd and 4th gradesin the new room on the N and E side of the school. In the 5th or 6th gradeI was in one of the older roomsjust W of the girls'cloak room when therewas a flare of fire in that cloak room and everyonerose to their feet in alarm. Mr. Horsman was the first superintendentI remember. One winter a clinic was held in the schoolhouseand many childrenhad their tonsilsand adenoidsremoved. They made a regular hospital out of the school and the operationswere performed there. We took ether and it was an agonizingexperience. When I was in high schooland had a part in a play, I used to stay after school and practice with the rest of the cast in the town hall in the evening. After practice some of the boys in the cast would drive us home. At Christmas time the school always put on a program in the town hall and everyone in the community came. The Woman's Club decorateda hugetree and someonefurnishedcandyand nuts for treatsfbr the children and adults" A SantaClaus always appearedto deal out the boxes or sacks" It was a really exciting time. The beautiful old school houseburned someyears ago.
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Andy Petersonwasthe proprietorof a grocerystoreandcafeat the S endof Richfield. Whenpeoplepaid our dad alwayspaid because their groiery bills he doledout a sackof candyto the kids. We kidsfelt neglected wasthe managerof the cashfor whit he bought.Therewas a Byrne'sGrocery,too, andMr. GeorgeSchwaner was a MethodistSunday Mrs. Schwaner fall. one for time a short years. I there 4b worked for Bank First State gave party everymonthfor a she for a while and our class, teach to every Sunday was there Schoolteacherand if I ever thankedMrs. remember I can't croquet. games played sometimes and the classat her home. We meetings on a horse. League Epworth and to School quite rode Sunday to often for the goodtime. I Schwaner ice cream where with chairs little tables couple of There were a T. B. Brushwasmanagerof thedrugstore. from bought mother did, probably my people did as Most wasserved.A few toysweredisplayedat Christmas. Youngkins's yard, lumber the were McMahon'sDry Goods, the mail order housei. Someother businesses garageandLemmon'sHardware. Lemmonslived abovethe storefor a while. I rememberthat my sisterJean andI visitedRuththere. MurrayBrookmanwastheheadofficerof theIdahoIrrigationCo. Theybuilt thehotelin Richfield. When it was still going strongthey had a bandplay thereat noon, and I was down there fiom schoolto hear it. Anothertime a dentistcameto the hoteloncea weekandDad hadhim null a toothfor me. WhenI wentback to school I felt dopey and went to sleep. SomenamesI rememberfrom early dayswere Winston Dougherty,Jimmy and ElizabethLane, Benjaminand Elizabeth Crosby. George McArthur was the father of Ray and Virginia, who were in my room at school. Ray md.Leona Bee. I rememberthem riding through town on horseswith silver bits and decorationson their bridles. When I was herding cows on the brush land E of our farm the train went through and whistled at all the crossings alongthe way. We kids had enjoyabletimes in the summer, going swimming, riding horses, exploring caves and campingout in our pasturewhen we weren't working. One summerDad took t$b of us every Sundayalongwith friends around the area. The other two had to look after the cows 1 9 2 2 , s e v e n t hg r a d e r s :l m o g e n eJ o h n s t o n , E v o l i n e Sano f r d , F l o r e n c eE m e r s o nJ, o y E r w i n . until their turn. B e e .J o s e p h i n e As I look back over those years I feel a great respect for my parents. My mother had few convenienceswith a family of 8 to care for. She used a coal range and washedon a washboardfor a long time. Dad conservedand worked hard ancl constantly. It was a rigorous life we led as we were growing up. I am the only one of the family still on earth. My husband,Henry Riedeman,and I boughtmy dad's ranch in 1953and sold it in 1963. Grant Henry, son of David and Orilla (Ketchum)Erwin was b. Apr.25, 1877 at Waseca,MN. He md GertrucleMarks (born to Bernard and Anna Maria StegemanMarks who came from Holland) b. Dec. 4, 1876 at Pella, IA. They were md at Marysville, WA May 15, 1907. Jeanne Marie b. Feb. 10, 1908, md Vern Downs Nov. 19, 1925at Shoshone,d. Apr. 7, 1985 at Santa Ana, CA; Lois Joy b. Oct. 21, 1909,md Henry Riedeman,Jr. at ShoshoneApr. 70, 1935,lives in Twin Falls. Their children: BarbaraJeanRiedemanb. 1937,m. Jim Griffiths, they have 2 girls and Henry Williams (Bill) RiedemanIII, m. BarbaraGriffiths, 2 step-children;David Scott b. Oct. 14, 1911md Sylvia (Peggy)McQueen May 16, 1939d. Sept. 18, 1987; Pruden Alan b. Apr. 4, l9l4 md AnnabelleSchroederDec.24, 1937 at Jeromed. Nov 18, 1979at MountainHome. These4 childrenwere born at Marysville, WA. Donald Dale b. May 18, 1916at Richfieldd. Apr. 2, 1939at Gooding; Leslie Grant b. July 23,1918 at Richfield d. May 26, 1926at Pocatello. (Source: Joy Erwin Riedeman) ERWIN Alan (Happy) and Annabelle. The winter of 1932-33was long, cold and with an unusual amount of snow. The horse-drawnschool bus wagons were changedto bob sleds. With their canvascovers and lots of warm bricks, no child was frozen on the way to school. The only way to leave town was by train for all roads were blocked with snow. A group of teacherswho had come in at the end of Christmasvacation wanted to go to Shoshoneabout Valentine's Day. So they rode the train out and on Sundaythe road was plowed open--aoneway road. The snow was abovethe Model A Ford that their boy friends brought them back to town in. Another evening,Hap Erwin brought in his bob sled to give the teachersa moonlight ride. The horseswere lively, and there were warm bricks and blanketsto keep everyonewarm and cozy. They had ridden about an
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hour. All went well until the sled hit a big solid drift in front of the old LDS Church and tipped over throwing out blankets,bricks and teachers. The kids from Mutual werejust leaving church and there was a shrill surprised shout of, "Teachers! Teachers!" No one was hurt, the sled was turned over and everyonescrambledto pick up bricks and blanketsfor the ride back to Lemmons'. A great ending to an exciting ride! Another year there was a bad flu season. Most homes burned sulphur candlesand many children wore asafetidabagson a cord aroundtheir necks. If smell could kill germsthere should have been none left. Because it was so cold a soup was cooked in the schoolbasementlunch room to supplementcold lunches. The winter of 1941-42was one of snow and cold, but also jack rabbits. Rabbits were everywhereeating haystacksaround the basetill they looked like toadstools. The farmers shot them, but that was too expensive(it was still a time of depression).So they usedstrychnineto poisonthe pests. The dead animalswere loadedon a sled and they often filled the whole sled. Then they were hauled to town to an old potato cellar where they could be sold at 15 centseach (later reducedto 7 to 9 cents). In the cellar was a skinning crew that skinnedthe rabbits and stretchedthe skins to be sold. The meat was fed to hogs. It would kill dogs but the strychnine apparentlydidn't hurt the hogs. After Happy md.Annabellethey lived with the Grant Erwins while repairing a housefor themselves. There was no well at the house,but there was a drinking water cisternwith a built-up top and pump. The water came in through a filter box with gravel and charcoalto clean it befbre it went into the cistern. The water had to be filtered becauseit had come from the Magic Reservoir. The cisternhad to be scrubbedclean at leastonce a year before water was turned in to fill it, and the gravel and charcoal in the filter box were replaced with a new supply. Everythingwas cleanand readyso Happy went up to fill it and looking in saw a skunkon the cleanflot-rr of the cistern. There was a problem! How to get Mr. Skunk without him spraying? Finally, Bud Erwin had an idea. He took a cream can, tied a rope to the handle, smearedthe inside with cream, and at dusk lclwered it into the cistern. In the morning Mr. Skunk was in the can licking cream. Bud carefully pulled the can and skunk out, carriedhim down to the sloughand turnedhim loose....allwithout spraying! The most popularkid in the gradeschoolwas little Anna Crane. She alwayshacla smile and her little hands could draw or write or play the piano. One day a new boy cameto schooland decidedto show his strengthby teasingAnna. As he camenearher a groupof kids surroundedher and one steppedup to him and said, "Don't you dare touch our Anna!" The teachersate lunch with Mrs. Piper, later with Mrs" Johnson(oneof the Deedsgirls) and at sometime with Mrs. Bushby. At the end of schoolwe had a picnicdown on the river. We playedgamesand the boystried to seewho could roll the biggeststonein the river. Oncethe boys found a bull snake,killed it, carried it back to school where they rolled it into a coil on the teacher'sdesk. Mr. Fryer fbund it before the teacherso the surpriseefTectwas spoiled.(Source:AnnabelleSchroederErwin) GertrudeErwin was a tall statelylady whosefirst concernwas her farnily. She also sangin the Methodist and miscellanuruspieces. One of her specialwall-hangings tablecloths choir and crochetedbeautifulbedspreads, was a red, white and blue AmericanFlag seemingto ripple over a red rose branch. Her crochethook was her artist tool. While she turnedthe crank on her barrel butter churn she said she could catch up on her reading. She braved the usual hardship of the times and the added sorrow of the death of her 2 youngest sons tiom rheumaticfever--Leslie as a boy and Donald (Bud) as a young man. Grant was a small wiry man always ready with a joke or comment. He was a board member of the Coop Creameryof Goodingwheretheir creamwas sold. The cows were milked, then the creamwas separatedin the old hand-cranked separator,put in 10 galloncansand sold. Grant was alwaysreadyfbr a dance. He gaveeach child a nick-name. SPARKSTOUCH OFF DYNAMITE CAPSIN MAN'S PocKET--Richfreld--ScottErwin was injuredwhen the dynamite caps he was carrying explodedMonday afternoon. The accidentoccurred in the Big Wood Canal Co. shopin Richfieldwherehe and his son, Charles,were working. Welding sparkscausedthe capsto explode, causingburnsand cuts. He had beencarryingthe capsin his pocketbecausehe plannedto blastsomerock later, wherehis sonhad beendoing someditchingwork. His sonrushedhim to St. Benedict'sHospital,Jerome,where he is listed in good condition. (TN July 22, 1969) CLASSESAT RICHFIELD HOLD FETE Richfield--Alan (Happy)Erwin was MC fbr the RHS graduating '31 when they held a joint reunionat the ManhattanCafe in Shoshoneas part of classesof 1928,'29,'30 and Richfield's Outlaw Day celebration. Mrs. Ivan (Zella Coffman) Pace acted as secretaryand was presentedan appreciationgift for making reunion arrangements. Maurice Conner, SanDiego, was awardedaprize tbr traveling the farthestto the reunion; Harry Pridmore, Patterson,CA, Mrs. Don (Veda Newby) Johnson,Shoshone,ClarenceLemmon, Richfield, and Joe Brennan,
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from Seattle,Othello,WA, ThousandOaks, attended wereawardedotherprizes.Otherclassmembers Pocatello, Those livingin RichfieldincludeMrs. Lyle Deeds, Richfield. Jerome and Twin Falls, Gooding, Bliss, CA, Boise, Lemmon.(June1970) (Dona Theo Flavel) OllieuandClarence Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. JamesR. Brown,Forrest ERWIN Scott There'sno one aroundwho knows how to build rock housesanymore. That's the opinionof Scott Erwin, Richfield,who has helped which stonestructures build manyof the picturesque can still be found scatteredthroughoutmany North Sidecommunities. ln 1929, newly graduatedfrom RHS, he was initiatedin this work when his parents,the Grant Erwins,decidedto build a new houseout of blasted lava rock. Scottbegandriving out to gatherrocks from "all over the country." "I lovedto read,"he laughed,"and the further I had to drive to get the rock the more time I had to read eachway." He mixed the mortar and assistedwith the actualconstruction.He helpedbuild somestonebuildingsin His parents'stonehousewasthewarmest Shoshone. he haseverlived in. The two-footthickwallsmade
L e f t : S c o t t E r w i n ;R i g h t :E r w i n K i d s 1 9 2 4
it like being in a cave. Erwin's roots are deepin the Richfieldtractto which he camein 1915at the ageof 4 from Marysville, WA. Therewas no gravelor oil, nothingbut mud, and no bridgeseither. He vividly rememberstheir car was driven on an "old paddlewheelerwhich steamedup the ColumbiaRiver all night" and that he didn't get much sleep becausehe was so scaredhe would fall out of the upper berth. The Buick becamemired in mud in the Blue Mountainterrain, and his father and the young man who helpeddrive worked all night in pouring rain. There was only one other automobilein the Richfieldareaand both ownersusedto take peoplefor rides on Sunday afternoonsfor a $l f'ee. The Idarholrrigation Co. had advertisedfar and wide to attractsettlers. Land salesexceededthe supply of availablewater. Some early settlerssold out. The Erwins startedwith 40 acresand endedwith 320 of irrigated land and some2,000 of dry land. There was only one cutting of hay in 1929so after that there wasn't anythingto do so Erwin decidedto seek his fbrtune. His dad gave him $20 and wishedhim luck. He workedon a railroadcrew in Utah and tendedfor 600 for a time. He cameback home during the Depression,and when he was 21 homesteaded sheep-herders A large which monument tree there. acresin the naturalbridge area. Erwin has left a striking environmental he plantedkeepsgracefulwatch over the naturalbridge where Byrne's Sloughswirls in a pool, then abruptly and continueas a bubblingcreek. "l told disappears undergroundto reappearsomedistanceacrossthe sagebrush I ' dn c, h o p h i s h e a d o f f , "E r w i n j o k e d .H e s a i d f ' e w p e o p l e theguywhoboughtthelandifhecutthattreedow seemaware of the undergroundpassagenow. In May, 1939he md Sylvia (PeggyBottles)McQueen,who grew up in Montana. They lived in Richfield a few yearsthen worked in the shipyardsin CA during WWII. After the war they worked on dairy farms in the Southbriefly, but he wanted to return to his hometown. They took over his parents' farm for 6 years, then in 1952he took employmentwith the Big Wood CanalCo. where he works as a ditchrider. He thinks a person e de. s t a y s y o u n g e r i f h e c o n t i n u e s w o r k i n "gY. o u d o a l i t t l e l e s s p r o b a b l y , b u t k e e p g o i n g , " h e p h i l o s o p h i z H including has interests, business alsohelpshis son, Donald, operatea ranchat Richfield. Anotherson, Charles, gold mining. Erwin also has a step-son,RaymondMcQueen.(Scottwas picturednear the old rock housewith big wagonwheelsleaningagainstit.) (Source:TN Aug. 14, 1960,LorayneO. Smith) PeggyErwin died Feb. 4, 1995,at the Wood River Care Center,Shoshone. EWING My mother, Golda, and father, Clyde, were md.in Pocatello,ID. Father was a contractor there but after a time the cement work affected his lungs. Upon the urging of a relative, they, with Louie, Bud and Bernicemoved to Richfield in 1916 where Jessieand Paul were born. They farmed and raised sheepthere until 1928,when they moved to Twin Falls.
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Theywereactivein the MethodistChurch. Mothertookus to SundaySchoolandchurchin a buggypulled by onehorse,namedBird. We stayedin churchaslongasBird waswilling to standat the hitchingrack. When who couldseeher from the pulpit,let us know ,h. *u, readyto go home,shebecimeimpatient;sothepreacher, in the buggy,thenoff we went for homeat safely were all we when to see andwe left ihurch! Bird watched Fatherwas on the schoolboardandwe I remember WCTU. Aid and a trot! Motherwas a memberof Ladies rodeto schoolin a coveredwagonand We play favorites. he didn't wantto kids hadto ride the longestbecause drovethe bus part of the time. I also part of the time Mr. Fied Locke was our bus driver. Mont Johnson It waschangedto a sleighin the never did. itrougtrtit wouldbe niceif we couldhavehada "glassbus" but we wintir time. I recallgoingby sleighto theCommunityHall for a communityChristmaseachyearandSantawas there. My fatherwasSantaoneyear. I rememberwhenradiosfirsl camein. We had an AtwaterKent radio and neighborsandfiiends camein the eveningsto listenwith us. Mothersoldthem. LouiJand Bud wereactivein sportsin high school. Louiedid a lot of drawingandpaintingwhenhe was growingup. He madepostersfor virious activitiesin town. He wenton to collegeandbecamevery prominent in the art world, havingtaughtart andpaintedextensively.His art work is in galleriesall over the world. He lived in SantaFe, Ntr,t. Wtrin he diedonewell-knownartistreferredto his deathas "an endto an era." He and Marriehad2 sons. High Schoolin CA. All of his teachingcareerwasspent "Bud" wasa viceprincipalandcoachat Atascadero there. A new gy-nasiu. wasbuilt andit wasnamed"The EwingGymnasiuml' He and Helenraised2 girls. andalsoworkeclat variousotherjobs. SheandGlennraised2 girls andlost oneboy Bernice*as a homemaker in severalofficesover the yearsandin later at l8 months.Theylived in Twin Falls. Jessieworkedassecretary yearswasa real esiatebrokerwith her own office in Rupertuntil sheretired.SheandForestlive in Twin Falls. iraul is a retiredMethodistministerhavingreceivedhis Doctoratewhile he wasa ministerin Long Island,NY. Upon retirement,he andJeannemovedto Moneta,VA. They raised3 boysand2 girls. ClydeOsbornEwingb. Apr. 12, 1881at Howard,KS md Mar. 4, 1906GoldaMeyersb. May 28, 1888 Aug. 18, 1935 md MarrieBreneiser at Lincoln,NE. Theircfiildrenar":Louieb. Dec.22,l9O8at Pocatello, (Bud)b. Roland Fe; 1983 at Santa Dec. 19, Fe, NM, d. (div)thenmd VirginiaHunterMay 22, 1959at Santa CA; Atascadero, 10, 1990 at Mar d. CA, md HelenHarperAug. 4. 1936at Orange, Dec..6, 1910at Pocatello Twin 20, 1992 at Dec. d. md GlennAndrewsMar.4,1935 at Kimberly, Berniceb. Oct. 5, lgl4 at Pocatello, Falls;SarahMadgeb.Dec.12,lgl5atPocatello,d'Dec'30,lgl5atPocatelloiJessieb'Jan'1 Richfieldmd ForestAndrewsApr. 20, 1946atTwinFalls;Paul Meyer b. Aug. 22, 1924at Pocatellomd Jeanne EwingAndrews) SpencerMar.27, 1954at StatenIsland,NY. (Source:Jessie exhibit. LouieEwing,formerRichfieldboy, fur an art Kimberly to ladies went Richfield In March19354 (LCJ Mar 29,1935) Valley. The Green painting entitled hadan entry--alargeoil FORMER RICHFIELD BOY DRAWS STAMP DESIGN Louie Ewing's stampdesign was selectedby the SantaMaria, CA, postmaster and committee from the stamp collector's club, to be issuedfrom the SantaMonica Post Ofttce on Columbus Day. Ewing is an art studentthere under Stanley Breneiser. The design shows Columbus' flagship, Santa Maria, in silhouette on the ocean, with a profile of Columbus in inset. Louie had a position in the art school at SantaFe, NM that fall. (LCJ May 10, 1935) EXON Jim and Kathleen were raisedon farms near Bliss and moved to Richfield in 1972. We live 8 mi NW of town borderingthe desert. The old farm housewas built in 1910for $1,000and I had a lot of fun fixing it up. It was formerly Haisen, the McGaugheyhome. Danceswere held in it in E x o n s .B a c k r o w : J a m e s ,K a t h l e e n ,D e b b i e ,S c o t t , K i m ' r o w : R a y s a , S t o r m y . B l a i s e ,T a t e , F r o n t K a r e n . D a r r e n , K a l e y , the early days. In 1991on a very windy day the R e n a .N o v . 19 9 2 old homesteadhouseburned and a new one was built.
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We operate a340 acreranchingand farming operation. We have ll2head of cattle on summer range near Carey. We raise all the alfalfa hay for the cattlethrough the winter. Jim loves working with his cattle and farm. I enjoy working in the yard and garden. I also cook and am kitchen supervisorfor Richfield school" I enjoy making quilts, western shirts, corsagesand flowers for weddings. We have 4 children: Rena, Karen, Scott and Darren. Rena and Rich Ruth live in Meridian. Rich is a carpenterand Rena works in the West One Bank as an executivesecretary. Karen works in the Hailey and Sun Valley Hospitals as a respiratory therapist. Scott and Debbie live in Shoshone. They have 4 children: Raysa, Britt, Stormi and Tori. Scott works for CATCO. Darren and wife, Kim, and 4 children, Blaise, Tate, Haisen and Kaylee live on the old GeorgeBear farm, which is now owned by Jim and Kathleen. Darren works for Tri-State Excavation. We have always lived far from town and enjoy the wide open spacesand the quiet peace F o r m e rE x o nh o m e , b u i l t i n 19 1 0 f o r $ 1, O 0 0 . that farm life has. (Source: KathleenExon) FADDIS William Claude FaddismarriedCora AlbertaMcPeakon December26, l9l4,in Virginia. They had one child, Elmer Claude(a.k.a.) Eugene,born in Dr. Dill's hospitalin Shoshoneon March 3, 1918. They lived at Tikura, ID at that time. Later they moved to Marley. Part of their rock house still standsnear the road at Marley. Geneattendedthe Marley schooluntil his parentsdivorcedin 1927. His mothertook Geneand moved to Gillette,WY. There shemarriedOtis Caldwell. He had beenvisitinghis brotherand Mr. Faddis' sister,Glen and Bertha Caldwell, and met Gene's mother there. Years later Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell moved to Virginia where they lived out the rest of their lives. On Apr. 26, 1941, Gene married Audrey Overturf Short (b. May 3, l9l7 at Edgar, NE) in Forsyth, Montana. (Audrey was first marriedto Emmett G. Short, b. Feb 18, 1917OK, on Dec.21, 1935 at Wahoo, NE. He was killed Dec. 31,1940, and is buriedin Gillette,WY.) Geneand Audrey lived near Gillettefcrrseveralyears. Their fbur childrenwere born there. Genewanted to move to Idaho. So, in Septemberof 1952they cameto Richfield. He worked for the telephonecompanyand the Big Wood CanalCompany. The childrenall graduatedfrom RHS. James Edgar, son of EmmettG. Short and Audrey Overturf,b. June21,1937 in Gillette, WY, md Betty Amoth on June 6, 1956. Three childrenwere born to them. They divorcedin 1983, and Jim md Nena James on Apr. 23, 1988. They live in BoisewhereJim works for RyderTrucks and Nenaworks tbr RegionalExpress. Leo Eugene,b. Jul l,1942 Sheridan,WY, nevermarriedand teachesChemistryand Biology in Richland, WA, where he has beenfor 29 years. One of thoseyearshe was chosenteacherof the year. He lost his hand in an explosionon his last day of high school. Robert Glenn, b. Oct 27, 1943at Ottumwa,Iowa, md ElaineDavis on June 19, 1965. They own a NAPA store and repair shop and machineshop in Kuna, ID. They have two daughters. Larry Lamont, b. Apr. 5,1946 Sheridan,WY, was killed on Sept.23, 1957. He is buried in the Richfield Cemetery. Katherine Joy, b. Aug.22,1947 Sheridan,WY, md PeteAppell on June 17, 1965in Richfield. They have two sons" Ricky is the older of the two. He attendedBSU, graduatedin the spring of 1994 and will student teach in the fatl. He also coachesfootball and basketball. Robby lives in Kuna and works fbr a construction companyout of the area also. Both boys graduatedfrom RHS. Joy and Pete live on the old Glenn Caldwell place on Little Wood River, near where her father lived as a child. Pete works fcrr Avonmore Foods and Joy works for Piper's store. They also have a dairy with Jerseycows. In 1966 Gene becamevery ill. He spentseveralmonthsin a Salt Lake City hospital. Later they moved tcr Boiseto be closerto the doctors. Genelapsedinto a comaon December24, 1972,after stomachsurgery. He passedaway later that night. Gene is buried next to his son in the Richfield Cemetery. Audrey lives in Kuna. (Source:Audrey Faddis) FARI{WORTH Chriss was born March 8. 1904. in Mt. Pleasant.UT to John William Farnworth and Annie CeciliaJessenFarnworth. Chrisswas their eighth,one of eight boys and two girls. Emma Minda Mason Farnworthwas born in Plymouth,Box Elder Co, Ulon Feb. 13, 1906" She was the third of l3 children. Her parentswere JesseGeorgeMason and Lauria Louilla Estep Mason.
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C h r i s s a n d M i n d a w e r e m a r r i e d A p r i l 2 5 , l 9 2 T , i n P o c a t eIlD l o. , T h e y l i v e d i n C a r e y , T u t t l e a n d G o o d i n g prior to moving to Richfield in 1940 with their five children: Daniel C., b. Apr. 13, 1928 in Carey; Victor F., b. Sept. 16, 1929in Gooding;Edwin M., b. Sept. 18, 1931in Tuttle; Evelyn, b. Jan. 20, 1935in Gooding,and Mary, b. March 24, 1938 in Gooding. In Sept. 1940, West Coast Power Co., Hailey, installedelectric service to their first home in the Richfield area, the former EugeneAlexander place in Marley, where they moved, along with the family, one milk cow, three horsesand one pig. Total Lincoln County taxesthat year were $3.27. OnNov. lT,l94l,theyputEarnestMoney($200.00)downattheFederalLandBanktopurchaseafarm from E. D. Adkins. The placewas acrossthe road from the one room Marley schoolhouse, IndependentSchool District #7. The family managedto gain a little money eachyear, even though costs continuedto rise. In 1942, water for the AmericanFalls and Big Wood CanalCo. for 84 1/2 sharesof water was $137.86. assessment In May, 1943, one of their expensivemilk cows was hit by a train on the Union Pacific Railroadon the Marley Siding. The cow was valued at $100.00. At that time, Dewey E. Wilcox was the depot agent for Richfield. During that year, the cost of feed per bushelwas: Oats: 6 cents; Flax 7 cents; and Barley 6 cents. In Dec. 1943, they becamestockholders in the NelsonRicks CreameryCo., later BanquetBetter Foods, Ward's Cheeseand Avonmore. They purchased40 sharesof ClassA-l PreferredStock on the basisof $1.00 par value per share. On March l, 1948,they addedto their machinery;they went to the ShoshoneImplementCo. and purchased their first new tractor, a CaseVac, costing$1455.50. ln 1949150the family experienced one of the worst wintersin Idaho history. The side roadswere closed, so the car, plus a pile of coal, were left at the end of the Marley road. The family had to pull groceries,coal and feed the ll2 mi. home. In addition,the Marley well lines froze, so all the animalshad to be driven to the river to drink. Every day, the wholefamily would bundleup, let loosethe animals,and drive them all S towards the Little Wood River. Evelyn often rode a spoiled-rottencolt down to the river behind the cattle, but Mary had to ride it home. The colt, with a belly-full of cold water, dumpedher in the snowdrift ahnostevery day. They lived in the samerock house,which had the old Allen Coateswood fiame houseaddedon the west side in the sixties. The family spenta lot of time together,and in later years Minda and Chriss loved to have the grandchildrenvisit, and to cook family dinnersfor their children'sgrowing families. During 1957-58,ChrisshelpedAdrian Delgadofarm his land in the Marley area acrossfiom what is now Rick Hiatt's house. Later, Chrissalso farmedthe Dewey E. Wilcox place, now the Jim lvie farm. Minda and Chriss used to love to take their grandchildrento look for fish in the freshly irrigated fields. Chriss and Minda enjoyedcollectingantiquesand salt and pepper shakers. In their years of collecting shakers,they collectedover 1,000setsfrom many statesand in all varietiesof shapesand designs. When you visitedtheir home, it was the shakersthey would show you first; and often, visitors would bring anotherset to add to the collection. Minda would put that name on the bottom of each set, so she could remember where it camefrom. Minda and Chriss were very proud of the chandelierin the living room made tiom horse hames, horseshoes, and leatherby Minda's brother,OscarMason. They will be forever missedby their family. Minda passedaway Oct. 4, 1975, and Chriss passedaway April24, 1984. Both are buried in the RichfieldCemetery. Four of their children(Dan, Vic, Ed and Evelyn)attendedthe Marley Schoolfbr one year. Mary, not of schoolage, would sneakacrossthe road and follow the other childrento attendschool. The next year, Marley Schoolwas consolidatedwith the RichfieldSchoolDistrict. All five childrengraduatedfrom RHS. The oldest child, Daniel, enlistedin the Army and servedin Korea. He worked in his uncle's shop in Gooding for a while then moved to Hawthorne, NV and worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot. Hawthorne is where he still residesafter retirement. Daniel md. Dorla Spenceron July 22, 1953. They divorced,he later md Nona Fredrickson Dec. 30, 1966. They raisedher threechildren-Rickie,Brendaand JaneAnn. The secondchild, Victor, attendedSouthernIdaho Collegeof Educationin 1947at Albion. (Albion Normal School) He then enteredthe Army Medical Corp. stationednear Indianapolis"He md Fonda Lawson on June 5, 1953 in Indianapolis,IN wherehe is now retired. They raisedfour sons, Mike, David, Danny and Marty. Third child, Edwin after graduating,worked in the Sun Valley area, then moved to the old Swinney place N of Richfield. He soon moved to Hawthorne, and worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot. Later he moved to North Shoshone,where they purchaseda farm. He sold it and moved to Clearbrook, MN and purchaseda farm that doesn'trequire any irrigating.Edwin md Marion Silvey on Dec. 25, 1951, at Shoshone.They have 3 children, Russell,RoseMary, and Rodney. Edwin residesin TN and Marian still lives on the ranch in MN,
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Fourth child, Evelyn, worked at the ASCS Office in Shoshone. In 1956, moved to Hawthorne, NV and worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot Main Offices. Having a reductionin force, returnedto Richfield to farm and work part time at the ASCS Office in Jerome. Later worked in the Ward's CheeseOffice for 17 years. Evelyn md Duaine Wolverton on Nov. 5, 1953in Shoshone.They havetwo daughters,Lorraine and Connie. Evelyn residesin Richfield and Duaineis in CA. Fifth child, Mary graduatedin 1956. (SeeLuff, Robert) (Source:Evelyn Wolverton, Mary Luff) FEHLMAN The Fehlman families, Gus, Charles, and Lamont, moved to Richfield from Buhl in late Nov. 1948, to a farm about 7 mi. N of Richfield. Lamont's family later moved into town. All the children, Gary, Tom, Rebecca,Bobette and Karyl attendedRichfield schools. Gary and Tom both joined the Navy at age 17, eachserving about l2 years before retiring. A few yearsafter retiring from the Navy, Gary was employed by ITT, has done a lot of traveling for the company and now lives in Florida. He and his second wife, Wanda Poulson,had one son, ThomasMichael. Tom remained in the San Diego area after discharge,continuedhis education,receiving a teaching degree from a San Diego College. He and his first wife, SharonPascoe,had one daughter,Shellie. Three daughters, Rachel,Adreannaand Amy were born to him and his secondwife, Karen Washburn. Tom died of melanoma in July 1978 in Mt. Shasta,CA, wherehe and his family had movedto enjoy the quiet beautyof the area. Rebeccaspreadher teenagewings at 17 and settledin the Los Angeles area. Her family moved from the hustleand bustleof LA to Las Vegasin 1990. Rebeccadied of cancerNov. 1991. She was the mother of two daughters,Sandraand Vicki Harvey, and two sons Alex and Nathan Humes. Bobette marriedJunior Sieversof Bellevue,in July 1961,and lived and worked in the Wood River Valley areafor many years. They are the parentsof a son, Stacy, and a daughter,Rebecca. Junior and Bobette moved to Park City, UT, after the children were grown. Bobettereturnedto Wood River Valley after a divorce. Karyl graduatedfrom Wood River HS, mother of three boys, David, Joshuaand Patton, moved to many placesbeforefinding her niche in life and is now a beauticianin PrescottYalley, AZ. She sometimesgets yen to return to Richfreld where it is quiet and calm. The Gus and CharlesFehlmanfamiliesand Lamontmovedto Logan, UT in early 1950's. Agnes divorced Lamont in Mar. 1956. She and Ellis Newby were later married.(SeeNewby) (Source:Agnes Newby) FEINDLE Edward Feindle (sometimesspelledFiendel)and his brother Simon cameto Richfield in the early days. Both were very strong men. In 19ll Ed had a blacksmithshop of his own erectedbetweenthe Pope Garageand home. "He is a good workman and will treat the public right," the Richfield Recordernoted. Harry 9 1b1e.rAotfo n e t i m e E d H i c k s , a b l a c k s m i t h f r o m K i n g H a l l , a c c e p t e d a p o s i t i o n w i t h E d F e i n d l e i n N o v e1 m assistedHugh Fenton in his shop. Once when shoeinga horsehe was kicked and was quite lame. (RR July bidderfor schoolbusesin August,1915,he built frve wagons. In November,1916, 1911) As the successful he was building on his acreage. When he was helpingwith the digging of the mine at the Shockleyfarm, he nearlypassedout once for lack of oxygen. Ed loved to fish. About l9l8 or so he rode the Hill City train out to fish up by Magic Reservoiruntil the train was to return, but he missedit. He was caughtin a big snow storm blizzard, it being winter, but he found his way to the Bolton ranchwherehe spentthe night. Oscartook him to the train the next day, ClarenceB. told his nephewJon Bolton. Ed often went fishing with the Kodeshfamily and others. His shop was later moved 4 mi. N of town and used as a barn at the farm now occupiedby Buck and Mary Ward. As in Longfellow's The VillageBlaclcsmith,childrenalways "love to seethe flaming forge... and the burning sparks that fly." Allie Draper wrote: "He sometimeslet us turn the crank on his forge and help repair equipment." SimonFeindledied July 25,1930, andEd died July 18, 1941. Both men were buried in the local cemetery. (1920Richfieldcensus:Edward Feindle age49 b. Nova Scotia;wif'eE. age32 b. KS; John step-sonage 16 b. 10 b. ID; Addie daughter10 monthsb. ID) ID; Edith step-daughter FEI{DER Henry M. Fender made applicationto prove up on his homesteada few miles NE of town in Novemberof 1912. W. M. Fender leasedhis butcher shopto engagein the contractingbusinessfor the season with Hales and Crane. (RR) Joy rememberstwo Fender brothers, neighborsof the Erwins, who had farms near the Little Wood River NE of town. "They used water from the river to irrigate land--someof it acrossthe railroad from their homes. Len Fender drove the school bus when we first moved to our farm. They had a house very near the river.
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Walter Fender'shome was just southof Len's. Both had to give up farming there becausesomeonehad a prior water right. They moved away soon after that." Len Fenderhad to kill five hogs bitten by a coyote with rabies in Jan. 1916.Myitle Irwin Fender,born Mar. 10, 1891,andher infantchild who died, were buriedApr. 9, 1910 in Richfield. Henry M. Fender, widower, 69, is listed on the 1920 censuswith sons, Edgar and Edward. (Sources:Joy Riedeman,Cem. Bk, RR) FENTON Hugh Fenton was born at Portland, OR on Feb. 23, 1866. A great part of his life was spent in the stateof Washington,where he lived until 1910when he removedto Richfield. There he engagedin farming and threshingope.aiions. He died at his home late in Oct. 1927. He left a wife Anna, six sistersand one brother. Burial was in Portland. (RR Nov. 4, 1927) Anna Fenton lived in a small housea block north of the school. She was very active in town--Presidentof the Woman's Club, a memberof the town council, city clerk, chief telephoneoperator and Superintendentof the MethodistSundaySchool. ln 1932Mrs. Fentonwentto Lake Forest,IL to makeher home with her sister. Mrs. Owen Youngkin took her place in the telephoneoffice. However, she returned to Richfield a year later and resumedher activelife here. (There'sno placelike home--inRichfield!) Mrs. Fenton was born May 18, 1880, and passedaway July 15, 1953. She was buried in the Richfield Cemetery. (Sources:RR, Cem. Bk) FIELDS Mr. and Mrs. David Fields of Spokanehave proved up on their Carey Act farm W of Richfield. (RR Jan. 1911) David Fieldspurchased80 acresin section20. (Feb. 1911) They were recentdinner guestsof Mr. and Mrs. RussellPowell. Mrs. Fields, a cousinof RettaPowell, was activein the Ladies Aid. (RR) Their childrenwere Pearl ShepardandRuth. David, b. Oct. 26,1871, died Mar. 6,1945. Mary, b. Oct. 11, 1870,died Dec. 3, 1933. Both are buriedhere. Pearl Fields md.Howard Shepard. They had two children,Junior and Mary Pearl. Mary Pearl was born at the FieldsranchMarch 2, 1925. Followingthe birth, Mary died. Georgeand Edith Schwanertook the newly born infant home with them and caredfor her until she was l1 monthsold. At this time, her father, Howard, married and took Mary Pearl home with them to Nampa. The Schwanerskept in touch with them while she was growing up--shecameto Richfreldto visit and Schwaner'sdaughterMarylee visited with her in Nampa. Mary Pearl md.WallaceGrant and they movedto Hawaii. They had 2 boys, Stevenand Dale. After being seriously ill with the mumps and having a high fever, she contactedhepatitis. They returned to CA, hoping to get better medicalcare, but she died July 14, 1952. She is buried at Kohlerlawncemeteryin Nampa. Junior md, has 3 daughtersand lives in Utah as of April 1964.(Source:ACB, Marylee Crowther) FMLAND Gunder F. and BlancheE. Fiveland,a sisterof Howard and Ray Mills, cameto Richfteldin the '50s from Montanato retire. They lived north of Frank and Marie Pope'shome. Gunder, a quiet man, early was a very particular gardenerand carpenter. He built somefine kitchen cupboardsfor Blanche. Blanchewas a cheerful,petitelady with a good senseof humor. As a hobby she collectedbuttonsand arrangedthem in various interestingpatterns,such as an American flag. Blanche was a taithful worker in the Methodistchurch and WSCS. She loved childrenand servedas a teacherof .iuniorsin the church schooland VacationBible School. Blanchealso was a memberof the EasternStar. After Gunder's deathon Feb. ll, 1964,Blanchecontinuedto live in the home, selling it about 1968 ttr returnto Absarokee,MT, to be nearrelatives. Gunderwas born 1885,Blanchein 1888. Alter her deathin MT March 4, 1983, she was buried, following gravesideservices,by her husbandin the Richfield Cemetery. (Sources:EPC, ACB, CemeteryBook) FLAVEL In 1909Elias and May Flavel cameto southernldaho. Elias was employedby the Idaho Irrigation Company which was constructingMagic Dam. They and two children, Jack and Vearl, lived at the S end of the dam near a warm springs. They returnedto SpanishFork, Utah, for a short time and then came back to the Richfield area. Elias, his father and brother bought some land on the butte NW of town. Later that year Elias took a job with PeteJohnson. The family movedto a houseI mi. W and 5 1/2 N. Elias broke the land out of sagebrushand fencedthe farm. On Apr. 26,1912, Dona Rosetta was born to the family. During the next ten years Elias continuedto work for PeteJohnson,but bought a farm 5 mi. N and I E of town. During the winter of 1917-18they returnedto SpanishFork. On Feb.23,1918,twinswereborn, William Elias andWilma May. They continuedto work thetwo places. On April 3,1922, Clara was br-rrn.Two yearslater on June6, 1924, Grant Thomas was born. On Nov. 18, 1928,Mary Lou completedthe family of three boys and five girls.
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Elias and May enjoyed their neighbors,the Engles, Johnsons,and Metcalfs. Many Sundayswere spent traveling to the ice cavesfor ice to make ice cream. One day when they returnedthey found the younger kids trappedon the kitchentable by a goat. On further investigating,they learnedthat Jack and a cousin Mary Flavel had put the goat into the houseto babysit. In 1931Elias and May bought a home in town southof the railroad tracks. He bought a bar on Main Street and operatedit for severalyears. His son Bill took over the bar later. May Flavel worked long hours taking and quilt maker. After severalsessionsof blood care of her home and family. She was an excellentseamstress clotsMay died Sept.6, 1953. Elias died Nov. 16, 1958. JackFlavel, the oldestchild, died June 14, 1982, and his wife LuennaMarch 9, 1983. The other childrenare scattered.Vearl and Bill Ebert live in Crossville,TN. CA. Dona and Grantlive in Richfield. Bill and Mary Flavel Wilma is in Orange,CA, and Clara in Sacramento, live in Shoshoneduring the summer andAZ during the winter. They have four children: Melvin Robert (Bob), twins, Jamesand Janet, and Susan. All graduatedfrom RHS. EliasJonesFlavelb. 1884SpanishFork, UT, sonof William FlavelandRosettaChristmas.RhodaThomas, b. Apr. 20, 1886, SpanishFork, UT, daughterof John Smith Thomasand RhodaSnell. Elias and Rhoda md April 12, 1905, in SpanishFork. Their children:John Snell b. 1906in SpanishFork md LuennaKunz May 9, 1928. He died in MountainHome, ID in 1982.Rhoda Vearl b. 1908in SpanishFork, md J. W. Ebert, JR on May 23, 1936. Dona Rosetta b. l9l2 in Richfield, md Theo Ollieu May 13, 1932. Wilma May b. 1918 in SpanishFork, UT, md Robert A. Kerfoot Dec. 5, 1945in Richfield.William Elias b. 1918 in SpanishFork, UT, md Mary E. Powell July 3, 1941.Clara b. 1922in Richfreld,md JamesLathrop March 16, 1942. Grant b" 1924 in Richfield, md Muriel SorensenSept. 1, 1946in Richfield. Mary Lou b. 1928 in Rupert, ID, md RobertWarrington Aug. 7, 1941. (Source:Muriel Flavel) FLAVEL Grant Flavel and Muriel Sorensenwere born and raisednearRichfield. They were marriedin 1946. They lived in a small housewhere Dona Ollieu now lives for 12 years. Grant worked in his brother'spool hall, farmedvariousplaces,and boughtsomecows. Muriel taughtschoolin Richfieldand later in Shoshone. They had four children, Phyllis, Cathie, Brent, and Lynn. Grant and Muriel and all fbur children attendedand graduatedfiom RHS. They farmedthe Ollieu farm2 mi. N I E and3l4 mi N of Richfield from 1958to 1964. They then moved to their presentresidenceon the west edge of Richfield. Phyllis and Dale Lamm live in Gooding. CathieFlavel lives in Salt Lake City, UT. Brent and SusanFlavel live in Blanding, UT. Lynn and Bruce Chapple live in South Salt Lake City, UT. Grant and Muriel are the proud grandparentsof ten grandchildren.(Source:Muriel Flavel) FLAVEL William Thomas Flavel and family movedto Richfieldfiom Utah in 1913. They lived fbr a short f o r e m o v e s h e b u i l t o n t o a s mhaol lu s e o n a f a r m t i m e o n t h e b u t t e 6 m iN . a n d 2 W o f t o w n . A f t e r a c o u p l e om located6 mi. N and3l4 E of town where he farmeduntil March of 1923. They moved into Richfreldand he went to work for the Big Wood CanalCo. haulingsuppliesto the by-pass.His wif'eCarolineand daughterMary cookedfor the crew working on this project. After this he worked as a janitor for the Richfieldschoolfor l3 years. During this time Caroline passed away in 1931. She was laid to rest in the Richfield Cemetery. He married Erma Sweatat Salt Lake City in 1933. She taught school in Richfield until she retired. When he left the janitor job he went back to work for the Big Wood Canal Co. riding ditch until he retired. He passedaway in July 1976. Erma passedaway Sept. 1980;both were laid to rest in Richfield Cemetery. LCJ Sept.23, 1938 Mrs. RosettaFlavel, 77, diedTuesday. Born March 18, 1861. Her husbanddied July 29,1921. Funeralin SpanishFork, UT. ChildrenincludeMrs. Fay Manwill, Elias Flavel and Will Flavel. William ThomasFlavel, b. 1882,sonof Wm. E. andRosettaChristmasFlavel, md CarolineHuntingtonb. 1885. All childrenwere born in SpanishFork, UT exceptRex, who was born in Richfield. Mary, 1906-1991,md LouisNesbitin1925. Ababy, Grace,didn'tlive. Estella,1910-1964, md Merle Stanger.Rosetta,19ll-1991, md Lyle Deedsin 1938. Rex, b. 1916,md ShirleyHand in 1938. Rex and ShirleyFlavelwereboth raisedin Richfieldand graduated from RHS. They were marriedin 1938at the homeof Shirley'ssister,Mr. and Mrs. RobertBranen. Their two sons,Rex Marvin, b. Jan. 25,1941, andRossDwayne,b. July 13,1946,graduatedfrom RHS. Marvin married Alice Giles and they raised three daughtersand one son, mostly in Kuna. Marvin and Bob Faddis, another Richfield boy, startedthe Indian Creek ServiceGaragein Kuna. Later Marvin married Patricia Halman. Marvin sold his interestin the garageand is now a mechanicfor the Kuna SchoolDistrict. Ross spentthree years in the Army, the last one in Vietnam. Returninghome he went into the Police Schoolat ISU. Upon graduationhe was
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hired by the Lewiston Police Dep't. He had met Rhonda May Alldredge of Chubbuck, ID, at the Police Academy in Pocatello, and they were married May 28, 1971. Rhondapassedaway Oct. 18, 1971, of cancer. Their interest in police work was to work with young people. He worked in Lewiston almost a year when he lost his life in a drug storerobberyon Jan. 13, 1972. Rex and Shirley's interestswere in camping, exploring old ghost towns and fishing. We enjoyed playing cardsand entertainingour family and friends. We joined the Richfield Grange in 1943. We farmed 4 mi. N of Richfield until 1964 when we moved to Heyburn where Rex worked for the City for 14 years. On retiring we moved back to Richfield. He worked for the Big Wood Canalfor five years, then we really retired, moving into Richfield to "Rex's Roost and Shirley'sHen House." Ray, b. 1922md Fae Gullicksonin 1941. TheTimesNews,Jan. 17,1947 reported:Ray Flavel, cheese factory employee, and Charles Housel, local farmer, were seriouslyinjured in a three car wreck Sat. evening. The gas line of Housel's car plugged up W of town, and Ray was one who was attemptingto help. He was working under the hood when a third car ran into their pickup, not seeingit. Ray's glasseswere broken, cutting his eyeball. Standingbetweenthe parkedvehicles,Mr. Housel'sright leg was crushedbelow the knee. William T. and Erma Flavel, b. 1909,had two daughtersboth born in Gooding. Gladys b. 1934,md Olen Hewitt in 1951;Kay b. 1942,md William Poppletonin 1963.(Source:Rex and ShirleyFlavel) FLETCHER Aubrey L. Fletcher, SR and Ida Carlton Fletchercameto Richfield in 1912. Mr. Fletcher came first to build a houseon his farm eastof town. The family followed later. He openeda law office. Their fbur children, Carlton, Aubrey JR, Elliott and Mary, attendedschoolshere. A baby, Rtlsalind, born Sept. 19, 1921, lived only 4 days. Mrs. Elliott Fletcherwas the sixth gradeteacherhere the year that classwas moved to the hotel building. Allie Draperhas specialmemoriesof the family: "Mr. Fletcher was a lawyer with the offices abovethe post office. He and the boys left Richfield but Mary was my SundaySchool teacherat one time. They lived in the housenorth of the church where Ed Fryers lived later. Mrs. Fletcherwas artisticallyinclined,and I rememberI got to help by breakingglassbottlesto get sharp edgesso she and Mary could scrapethe finish ofT severalpiecesof furniture they refinished. Was that seven coats of varnish on the piano? They moved away and she came back several years later to a dilapidatedshack t h a t w i t h R a y M i l l s ' h e l p s h e m a d e i n t o a r e a l l y c u t e p l Iagcoet .t o h e l p m a k e a f o o t s t o o l t h a t s h e u p h o l s t e r e d . " The LCJ had this item, May 1932: "Mary Fletcher,who is teachinga school near Rupert, spentthe weekend here visitingthe Byrne girls and Mrs. J. T. McMahon." [Mrs. Fletcherwas deanof women firr awhile, at Collegeof ID, Caldwell.l Beth ProctorremembersMrs. Fletcher'sBostonaccent"which delightedus kids ttr listento. Mary was Arlie Chatfield'sage. Mrs. Fletchercalledher May-ri. The little housebetweenReynolds and Edna Piper's homes,which is now a large, much added-toyellow home, was Mrs. Fletcher'shome in her later years." Ida Fletcherwas born in Foxcraft,Maine, on Feb. 4,1878, spendingher earlier yearsin the east. Shewas activein church, school,civic and socialaffairsduring her 30 yearshere and enjoyeda wide circle of friends. Mrs. Fletcher and Mary donateda large red brocadewall hangingfor the front of the ME church sanctuary. Mr. Fletcherresidedat Nyssa,OR for severalyears;Carltonat SanFrancisco;Aubrey JR at Vale, OR and Elliott and Mrs. Mary FletcherDunn at Seattle. Mrs. FletcherpassedawayJan. 26,1942, at the Goodinghospitalfollowing a two day illness. Shehad been an arthritis patient for 2 ll2 years. Rev. J. D. Crawford was in chargeof the services; intermentwas in Richfield Cemetery.Her son Carlton, 1901-1969,was alsoburiedhere. (Source:Mrs. Fletcher'sobituary) FOSTER Henry Foster, born Aug. 3, 1876, camefrom England as a boy. A brother, Tom, was with him in the early years.[1920 RichfieldcensuslistsThomasA. Foster age 45, b. England.] They lived I mi. N, 3/4 W of town and owned land near Chatfields. He was a bachelorand was willing to help on any farm or building job during his more than 30 yearsin Richfield. He spenttime at Andy Peterson'sstore, "a nice, neatman who was always interestedin politics and all that was going on. " (JuneNielsen) Henry (Hank) Foster did the farming for Bert Wyant (4 l12 N) in 1931so Bert could give all his attentionto raisingtheir 1,000turkeys. (RR) On Oct. 13, 1948,Henry Foster,73, died in front of his homeat the Hardmancabinsin Richfield. He had worked on the Richfield tract as a farm laborer until one of his legs was amputatedtwo years befbre. He had no relativesin the US. (LCJ) FREEMAN Junius Oscar and Myrtle Ellen Freemanwere married Oct. 3, 1907. Before coming to Richfield in 1933, they lived in Georgetown,ID, operatedan automobilebusinessin Boise and lived in Twin Falls and
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Rupert. They farmed in the Burmah areauntil their retirementin 1963, when they moved to Shoshone. Myrtle Freemanattendedthe Fielding Academy at Paris, ID. She was a memberof the Burmah Club and the Shoshone Civic Club. Both were lifelong membersof the LDS church. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters:Gene, Roger, Raymond, Mrs. F. N. (Helen) Stowell, Mrs. Dale (Norma) Bright and Mrs" Richard (Gaii) Thomas. Freemanwas born Nov. 3, 1885at BrighamCity, UT, died June29, 1971. J. O" Freeman Myrtle (Sorensen) was born Oct.22, 1885;died Sept.22, 1980. (Source:TN Obituaries) FRODSHAM Frank C. Frodshamwas born in 1865. The family cameto Richfield and moved over by the couleeeastof the Erwin place in a sheepwagon, Joy E. Riedemanremembers. They had somehorsesand a few cattle. After living there for a while, they bought a farm-4O acres3 mi. N, I l12E of town. They put up a sort of shack to live in. There were several children but Leroy was the only one living with his father. Leroy marriedandthey had a coupleof children. The older Mr. Frodshamdied while they lived there. Soonthe others moved away. Glen Rosspassedon this story, told by his father, Hal Ross: "Mr. Frodshamwas a lawyer, a big burly 'If fellow with a cleepbooming voice. He told a group of farmers, you farmers want to irrigate with heavy dew, go aheadancllet Idaho Irrigation keep selling land.' They hired him to stop the lrrigation Company from selling more land then they could supply with water for irrigation. Frodshamtook the companyto court and they had to justify this practice. Since they couldn't the companywent broke. The farmers raised money and fcrrmedthe Big Wood Co. to carry on." Cemeteryrecords show that he was a veteranand a statesenator. He died Oct. 19, 1923, and was buried in the Richfield Cemetery. FRYER In the fall of 1926 Edwin Fryer began his ten year high school teaching and coaching career in the following spring upon the resignationof the superintendent,Warren Richfreld,becoming superintendent Roberts,who left to study for his doctoratedegree. In his autobiographyEdwin wrote, "I taught a full day and c6achedboys' and girls' basketball,football,baseball,and boys' and girls' track, loved teachingand got along and coachat Richfielduntil 1936and loved every minute of it." fine with the students....I was superintendent When the girls changedfrom wearing basketball"bloomers"to shorts, he was apprehensiveabout the reactionof the parentsand the community, but the favorableresponsewas enthusiastic. He often spokeof the wonderful cooperationhe receivedfrom the students'parentsand the close and lasting friendships he made with both parentsand students,some with whom he kept in contactthrough the years. He was born in RowlandsGill, CountyDurham,England,June5, 1898,to Henry and Mary JaneFryer. In 1904 they cameto the United States,settlingin Goshen,UT, to be nearhis father'sparents. The following year his sisterWinnifredwas born. His father enteredthe Methodist ministry aboutfour yearslater while working in the mines in Eureka and served pastoratesin Junction and Ephraim, UT. In 1916 Edwin graduatedfrom WasatchAcademy in Mt. Pleasant,UT, a Presbyterianhigh school, at i * s J which time the family movedto Heyburn,ID. In 1918he enlistedin theArmy and was ; t . s Armistice was signed. in training in Redlands,CA, when the j , *;s $l He and a high school friend decidedto try their luck at farming in Canada,but r \ Edwin Fryer after two years he returned to Castleford, ID, where the family was then living, and decidedto become a teacher. After graduatingfrom Albion State Normal, he taught sixth grade in Castleford, then a year in a rural school near Carey where he had 33 studentsin six grades. In l924he enteredGooding College as a junior and graduatedin 1926,at which time he was hired as a high school teacherin Richfield. In the summer of 1927he married Gladys Edwardswhom he had met at Albion State. After teachingfor a year in Castleford, she applied for a vacantfirst grade position in Richfield. At that time it was difficult for a married woman to get a teachingposition, particularly if her husbandwas a teacherin the same school. So they decidedto keep their marriage a secret,not an easytask sincethey with other teacherswere rooming and boarding at the Lemmon home. They were successfuluntil Christmaswhen their secretwas discovered. But Richfield being a caring, friendly community, no one objected,and they continuedteaching togetler, Gladys stoppedonly when their first daughter,Gladwyn,was born in 1935.
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He loved the mountainsand enjoyedfishing the Salmon River. While in Richfield they bought the resort at SunbeamDam where the family spentmany summers. Often fishermanhired him as a guide since he knew all the best salmon fishing spots. Becauseit was difficult to handle the resort after they moved to CA, they reluctantly sold it. He was a member and past master of the Richfield Masonic Lodge No. 70 and Gladys a member of the EasternStar. They also were membersof the Methodist Church. At this time his father and mother were living in Shoshoneand had close ties with families in Richfield as 1935: Richfield Rev. Fryer -*edperformed the marriagesof a number of Richfield couples. An example: April 26, parsonagein Methodist married at the were Helderman Edith Satu.day LaVerne McCuen and couples Elmer Swatman Mrs. by Erwin, attended Lois Joy Shoshoneby Rev. Henry Fryer. Henry W. RiedemanJR and and Scott Erwin, were married the sameday. (LCJ) In 1936 Edwin and Gladys moved to Hagermanwhere their seconddaughterDeannewas born in 1938. Here he was school superintendentfor five years. After receivinghis master'sdegreein SchoolAdministration in Education in 1941, they moved to Visalia, CA, where he served for 2l years in the high school as teacher,counselor,and adult school principal. Gladys taughtfirst gradefrom 1954untii they both retired in 1962. After retirementthey spentmuch time traveling and golfing. After Gladys died in 1984, he continued ptaying golf three days a week until four days before he became ill. He died Oct.29, 1991, at the age clf 93, five weeksafter having been diagnosedwith cancer. He remainedin his home throughouthis illness,never complaining,alwaysthoughtfulof others. His daughterGladwyn and husbandRonald Burris live in Visalia. They have a son, two daughtersand two grandchildren. Deanneand her husbandGordonHammerslive in Potrero,CA. They have a son and a daughter. His sister,Winnified White, a retiredteacher,lives in Visalia whereshewas a speechtherapist and teacher of handicappedchildren for 17 years. (Source: Winnifred White) The ldaho Digest and BIue Book, Caxton Printers, Ltd., G l a d y sE d w a r d sF r y e r 1935,carriedthesenotations:Edwin GrahamFryer... md Gladys Edwardsat Paul l2 June, 1927...Pvt. S.A.T.C. 1918. Newsclippingsinclude:RR June20,1930 Sup't and Mrs. Edwin Fryer and Mr. and Mrs. Millard Pridmore celebratedtheir wedding anniversariestogetherat Ketchumat the Natatorium, a picnic dinner and an eveningat the movies. The Fryers will spendthe summerin the mountainsnear Stanley. LCJ May 20, 1932 Sup't Edwin Fryer is planningto attendthe summersessionat the U of S CA fiom June 16 to Sept. 2. Mr. and Mrs. Fryer left this week for LA. LCJ April 24, 1936 Edwin Fryer, head of the Richfield school system fbr ten yrs, has acceptedthe at Hagerman.GeorgeBradshaw,a teacherin JeromeSchools,hasbeenelectedto take his place, superintendency Richfield schoolshave made steadyprogressduring Mr. Fryer's tenure. In the realm of athletics,teamscoached by him have rankedfar abovethe averagefor the sizeof the school....An informal receptionwas given by the by the LDS Relief Society,MethodistLadies Aid, Catholic Leagueand school Woman's Club, co-sponsored board, complimentingthe Fryers who leavesoonfor Hagerman...A mahoganydrop leaf table was given them after group singing and games. This was one of severalfarewell gatheringsheld in their honor. (Winnifred White was a well-known teacher in this area. I recall a pleasanteveningspentwith her, G. Baker Vance and others at the motel during the last GoodingCollegereunion,held in 1988in Boise. ACB) '30's reunion booklet) "Richfield to me (Excerpts from a letter from Mr. Fryer, printed in the 1988 RHS was just like my first home: my first high schooljob, my first superintendency,I was married there and our first girl was born there. I often get out the year books and pictures. They bring back many memories; almost impossibleto believe that many of you are grandparents.You folks were some of the finest people I have ever b e e n i n c o n t a c t w i t h , m o r e l i k e f a m i l y t h a n s t u d e nI ht sa.v e a l w a y s h a d a w a r m s p o t i n m y h e a r t f o r a lol f y o u . " Sincerelv.'Coach'Fryer
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FULBRIGHT Henry FulbrightandMary Kincaidwereunitedin marriageon Tuesdayby JusticeH. B. Jones. Mr. andMrs. FulbrighthuuevaluableCareyAct farms5 mi. N 3l4E of Richfield.(RR May 1, 19l l) Surfacing of the newly built highway grade from Richfield to Pagari is being done under the direction of Henry Fulbright and C. O. Chatfield. Gravel pits were openedup alongthe line of the new road with about25 farmers and their teamsdoing the work. (SJ Aug 7, l9l2) Mr. Fulbright was active in Richfield Grange. When they met at the church in Richfield, Mr. Fulbright was chosen to representthe Grangersat the Caldwell Grangemeeting.(SJ J a n . 3 1 .1 9 3 0 ) Henry Fulbright has the lumber on the ground for their new houseand will commencebuilding next week' (Dec. 28, 1915)It was so nearlyfinishedthat they were ableto move in by March l, 1916. at the Mrs. Fulbright was SundaySchoolSuperintendent , e l & G o l d i eH u f fi n g t o n ;B e nc r a n e , North End school for some time and later at the Methodist H e n r yF u l b r i g h tM M r s . Fulbright. B e h r , E l a i n e Church in Richfield. She was a diligent worker in the Ladies Aid and in the WCTU. She had a profound influencein the lives of many young people. The Huffingtons,the Ben Cranefamily and the Fulbrightsenjoyedmany dinners tosether. Mrs. Fulbright's son by a previousmarriage,Gordon Kincaid, attendedschoolin Richfreld. He is listed book as being 14 and in the eighthgradein 1911. in a schoolattendance In the spring of l9l4 he spenttwo monthswith the Fulbrightsand was to leave in May of 1914 for Santa Barbara,CA. After joining Co. I, 2nd ID. Infantry,he sentan interestingletterfrom Nogales,AZ in July, 1916. The next month the publisherof the RR received"an interestingstory" from him at Nogales;he wrote, "Dear Sir: I thought you might like to hear fiom one of the home guardsat the front..." A l92O item statedthat he arrivedfrom Blackfootto spendthe holidayswith Mr. and Mrs. Fulbright. GorclonJ. Kincaid,b. Nov. 1, 1896,was listedas beingin the MedialCorps l46th F. A. 4lst Div. AEF, He cliedJune 5, 1943,while servingwith the armedforcesin the Pacifrcarea and is buried in the lgli-lgl8. Richfreld Cemetery. After leaving the farm Henry workeclfcrr the railroad fbr a time. ln 1942 they moved to an apartment in Jerome. Mary JaneFulbright, 82, dieclMar. 2, 1949,at the WendellHospitalfollowing a brief illness. Shewas bornJune 19:1867, in Oregon. The funeraland burial were in Richfieldwith Rev. Bert A. Powell in charge. One of the songssung by the choir (Elma Sweat,Helen Pelly, the Fred Simpsonsand the LeonardRogers)was "It is well with My Soul." Mr. Fulbright,born in 1880,went to live with his daughterin Texasbrietly, then cameto Shoshoneto make 6 ,8 . H e w a s a9 y5 h i s h o m e a t t h e M c F a l l H o t e Il .n a f e w y e a r s h e m o v e d t o B o i s e , w h e r e h e p a s s e d a w a y M 1 buriedby his wife and Gordon Kincaid. (Sources:News items,obituaries,ACB) FLJRTADO Robert, Donna, Chris, anclFrank Furtado cameto Richfield in Oct. ttf l97l fiom Califbrnia. The Furtaclosbought a ranch 4 mi. N of town where Robert raisesalfalfa, grains, and beef cattle. Donna teachesthe fifth gracleaithe Richfreld Elementary where she has taught for 2l years. Chris lives in Star, ID, with her husbancl and her ten year old. She works as a vet tech" Frank lives in Buhl and works in farm management. Frank has one son. The Furtados feel that their decisionto move to Richf-ield23 yeats ago was an excellent decision.(Source:Furtados) GARLOCK Lee Garlock and Orene McMahon met in Shoshoneduring a doublestennis game. Lee had come to Goodingfrom Nebraskawherehe was born in BrokenBow April 26, 1888,with his parentsin the late 1890's. His parentshad the Gooding Abstract and Title Co. but his father was gone most of the time so his mother really ran ihe business. Orene, born April 24, 1890, in Shoshone,was a ShoshoneHS studentwhen they met" The yearbefore they were married, Lee was working on constructionof the Magic Reservoirand almost every weekend he would walk into Richfield to "court" Orenebefore returning to work on Monday morning. They were married August 16. 1910, at the Thomas McMahon home (her parents)on the north end of Main Street in Richfield. The two story house still stands.
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OreneandLee built their homesouthacrossthe streetfrom her parents. I remembermy mothersayingthey hiredthe carpenterfor $1.00a day andlunch. Their first babieswerebornDecember18, 1912,andimaginetheir surprisewhentheyturnedout to be twins, ThomasMcMahon GarlockandLeonil William Garlock,Jr. Mrs. mostof thebirths GeorgeSchwanerwasthe mid-wifewho attended at that time. Mother said she didn't know how she could have survivedif her mother(Celinda)hadn'tlivedacrossthestreetto help out. Unfortunately,little Lee William died at 18 monthsof age from pneumoniaand anotherchild, Phillip Aldrich, born in 1914, diedat child birth. Theyarebothburiedin theRichfieldCemetery. Tom residesin Portlandwith his secondwife, Gerry,havinglosthis first wife Margaret,(mdFeb. 15, 1947),in early1980's,afterbeing marriedfor 33 years. Ava Lucile wasbornin RichfieldJuly 15, 1917,andgraduated from RHS in 1935. SheattendedGlendaleJr. Collegein CA for in M r s . T . l . M c M a h o nw i t h T o m a n d L e e to the U of I whereshegraduated one yearandthentransferred Dixon Education. married William Jones She 1940with a degreein G a r l o c k ,h e r f i r s t g r a n d s o n s .F i r s t t w i n s i n Sept.22, 1940,andthey spentthe first few yearsof their married R i c h f i e l d1. 9 1 2 . P h o t o - M a r t hGa . M c R i l l . life in SeattlewhereDix workedfor BoeingduringWW II. They then movedbackeastandfinally settledin WestPoint,VA, where she taught English and Drama for many yearsuntil she retired. Dix retired from the ChesapeakeLumber Co. and they now divide their time betweentheir beach summer home in NC and FL condo living in the winter. They have two daughters; Carol in SantaBarbara,CA and Ava Jo in West Point, VA. Gordon Garlock was born in ShoshoneOctober22, 1919. He graduatedfrom RHS in 1938 and also attended GlendaleJr. College for a short time. He spentsometime in the Army during WW II and met and married Margaret Loveland tiom Nampa on September5, 1942. They moved to Portland where he attendedWestern StatesChiropractic School. When he graduatedthey returnedto Nampa where he practiced for several years. He had a rheumaticheart which gave him problems. He had open heart surgery in 1955. He passedaway in March 1964in Portland,leavinghis wif'eand sevenchildren. Martha was born March 21, lgzl,in Richf-ieldat my McMahon grandparent'shome. I lived in Richfield until 1926 when we moved to Longview, WA, where my father worked for Longview Pipe and ConcreteCo. as a bookkeeper. Then the big financial crash of 1929hit everyone;my father's job was one that didn't make it. We had somerough times for a coupleof yearsand my parentsdecidedto return to Richfield in 1930to help out in my grandfather'sGeneralStore becausehe was very ill. He died in March of 1932. We built living quartersover the store and that's where I lived most of the time I was going to school. I was in the 4th grade when we came baok from WA and Miss Dille (Lemmon) was my teacher. I graduatedfrom RHS in 1939 and movedto Twin Falls, where I met and marriedO. Gilbert McRill, Jr. September22, 1940. My sisterAva Lou and I had a double wedding at our parents' home in Gooding. Gilbert and I had 3 daughtersand 1 son, and althoughour childrenare all scatteredwe still claim Twin Falls as our home. Our brotherRichard was born February9,1925, in Richfieldand he spentmost of his schoolyearsthere, although he graduatedfrom Gooding High School in 1942. He served in WW II; then he went to the U of I where he graduatedwith a degreein business.He met and married Wanda Merz from Heyburn August 27, 1948, while going to U of I, and then movedto Portlandwhere he went into the Garlock Accounting businesswith our father. His daughter,Susan,has takenover the businessnow and he is "semi"-retired. They have 2 boys and I girl, and all live in the Portland area. I remembermy mother talking aboutthe wonderful sociallife that existedin Richfield when the Magic Dam was being built and many young engineersand their families were there for the duration of the construction. The big Richfield Hotel was a beehiveof activity with many dances,dinners, card parties, and club meetingsalways on the agenda. Our family attendedthe Methodist Church while we lived there and I remember many happy times at that church. My mother was always very involved with the Ladies Aid and also the Richfield Woman's Club. My mother and father celebratedtheir 50th wedding anniversaryin Portland in 1960. Lee passedaway in September 1964 in Portland. Orene lived to be 95 years and died September 1985 in Twin Falls, Idaho. (Source:Martha G. McRill)
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GILES CharlesA. Gileswasborn March 15, 1888,in Heber, Utah, to William and Ann MurdockGiles,the last of 11 children. His motherpassedawaywhenhe was | 112years Rachel old. He was raisedby his stepmother, HowarthFortie, a widow who cameinto the family five yearslater. The family was relatively well-off in that Charlie'sfather had a numberof real estateholdingsin Heber-Midway area. His upbringingwas good by any with amplemeasures standard of bothlove and accountability.On one occasionin his late teenshe sassedhis stepmother. His father responded by evictinghim from the homewith to her. ordersnot to returnuntil he apologized Abouta weeklaterhe did so. Throughouthis entirelife he was knownsimplyas "Charlie", exceptfor his wife La Vern, who on occasion G i l e sF a m i l y . B a c k r o w : D e a n ,L e o n ,C l a r a .F r o n t :J u l i a , L a V e r n , referredto him as "you old fool", neveruttered C h a r l e sG i l e s . with malicehowever. La Vern Provostwas born April 6, 1895, in Midway, Utah, to Jamesand Clara Love Provost,the last of 10 children. Shewas raisedin the Midway arealiving in two differentfamily homes. The family lived in a town houseexceptfor summers,spenton the family farm. La Vern was 15 yearsold when she (and other young ladies)first noticed a 23 year old fellow lurking about. A mutual attractionmanifesteditself and cclurtshipsoon followed. La Vern was a tall, stately,quietyounglady. Charliewas a gregariousand outgoingchap. They were marriedon July 3, l9ll, in Heber. Hearingof land in Idaho,they left Utah in 1916with their first born son Homer and traveled to Burley, ID where they residedfor about one year. A secondson Dean was born there. The family movedto Richfreldin l9l7 . They bought80 acresof land 2 l12 mi. W of town and beganto develop the family farm. A third son Leon was born in Midway in 1918. Their first daughter,Clara, was born in Richfield in 1920. The tamily lost nearly everythingin a fire in l92l and moved into tclwn for two years^ They bought a200 acrefarmsteadwest of town in 1924. The presenthighway camelater and was surveyedso as to passstraightthrough their house. This forced them to move the housea short distancenorth. A few years ago it was also destroyedby fire. Charlie found it necessaryto work winters to provide operatingmoney for the farm. He was a good farmer and took great pride in his teamsof work horsesand in his ability to use them. The farm soon becamevery productiveas a result of hard work and careful management. A little extra moneyallowedCharlieto buy a brandnew Model T Ford for $450. La Vern decidedto teach herselfto drive, and in so doing, plowedthrougha big new gate. The car survived,the gate did not. Life on the farm continued to be uneventful until the year 1930 when Homer was killed in a carltrain collision. A seconddaughterJulia was born in Richfieldin March of 1932. The family made it through the Great Depressionwithout any great degreeof hardship becausethey, like many farm families, were quite good at providingfor their own basic needs. Charlie and La Vern were both activein local Democraticpolitics. He was a memberof the Grangeand Odd Fellows. La Vern had servedas a staterepresentativefor the DemocraticWoman's Club and was a memberof the RebekahLodge. In 1945 Charlie and La Vern turned the family farm over to their two sons Dean and Leon Giles and, with their daughterJulia, moved to Richland,WA, neartheir daughterand son-in-lawClara and Clive Capps. They remainedin Richland until Charlie's retirementfrom the GeneralElectric Company in 1953 when they returned to Richfield. They sold the farm to Clara and Clive and rented a place in town next door to their new home then under construction. They loved this home and spenttheir remaining years in a modest but comfortable retirement. They spenttheseyearsgardeningand landscapingduring the summerand travelingnorthwardsduring the winters. La Vern Provost Giles passedaway on November2, 1968, in Richfield. Charlie continuedto be as active as his health would allow. Ultimatelyhis advancingagetook its toll. He passedaway on October 17, 1976, shortly after returning from Utah. He was precededin deathby his wife La Vern, sons Homer and Dean and daughterClara.
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Homer T. Giles was born in l9l2 in Midway, Utah, and was about four years old when the family moved to Idaho. Homer had taken a job in Hazelton working in the potato harvest. He came home one weekendfor a visit. His dad had just bought a brand new Hup-mobileand was returning with Homer to Hazelton on November 13, 1930. Homer was driving in the midst of a heavy snow storm, made a wrong turn and drove into the path of a fast passengertrain. Homer was killed and Charlie seriouslyinjured. Homer was 18 years old. Dean was born prematurely,weighing I pound 14 ouncesat birth. His mother prepareda shoebox to serve as a crib and this is where he slept for his first three months. Dean grew to maturity on the family farm. Ellen Sweat was born in July of 1916 in Wallsburg, UT to Robert and Alice Meacham Sweat. She lived in Wallsburg until age nine. Her mother and father were divorced and she lived with several of her aunts at different times and places. Her father was subsequentlymarried to Cora Moore Sweat, his brother's wife, and located in Richfield. He then brought his daughterEllen to Richfield. Dean and Ellen met, courted and were married on March 21,1934. They lived on the Giles family farm, in their own home about l/4 mi. E of the original house until 1962. Seven children were born to them: Iona, Homer, Alice, Dwayne, Roberta, Charlesand a seventhchild (stillborn). Dean Giles passedaway on April23, 1962. Ellen subsequentlymarried Henry Schmidt and lived in the Heyburn area until her deathon October 30, 1991. Leonts mother returned to Utah to be with her family for his birth. He grew up on the farm and was taught the value of hard work. His dad was an excellentfarmer and his son acquired this same quality. Eliza JaneSanford was born in Januaryof 1920 in Springville, UT to Frank and Jennie Sanford. Soon the family relocated to , eraldine. Richfield and beganto L e f t : L e o nG i l e sS t a n d i n g .B a c kr o w : D a v i d ,P e t e ,S a m . F r o n t :A n n e t t e ,L e o n e t t e G J u n e 1 9 9 4 . R i g h t :L e o n& E l i z aJ a n e S a n f o r dG i l e s1 9 6 O . farm 80 acres NW of town. Eliza loved being on the farm and by all accountswas somethingof a tomboy. She fiequently went with her dad and older brother, Hunt, as they worked in the fields. One day when she was about three years old, her father sent her to the house. When she didn't arrive, her motherwent looking for her. Finally, her brother Hunt found her snuggledup sound asleepwith a mother pig and her little piglets. Lif-e on the farm. Leon and Eliza had becomefiiends during their schoolyears. Her initial reactionto him had been somewhat guarded. His reputationfor rowdinesswaswell known. (Leon,a.k.a. "Pug" Gilesto many throughoutthe area.) She soon changedher mind however and they were married on March 12,1938,in Richfreld. They Iived on the Giles farm for most of their years in Richfield. ln 1954 Leon, Eliza and children moved to Springville, UT. They had six children, Annette, Leonette,Geraldine,David, Pete and Sam. Eliza Giles passedaway on April 18, 1965. Leon was marriedto Nyta Farrer, a widow of 13 years,and is now living in Mapleton,UT. Clara Giles, born Dec. 1920,was raisedand attendedschoolin Richfield. One of the more important events in Clara's young life was the birth of her younger sister, Julia. Clara, 12 years old at the time, thoroughly enjoyed the presenceof a younger sister. They were not only sisters,but becamevery close lifeJong friends. Clara and Clive Capps were married on July 2, 1937. (SeeCapps) Julia Giles Connolly attendedschool in Richland through her eighth year, until they moved to Richfield, where Julia met her future husbandwhile in high school. Shemarried ThomasW. Connolly in 1950. They have one son, Thomas C. They are currently living in retirement in Tucson, AZ. They have remained in close contactwith the Giles family and are frequentvisitors both in Utah and here in Richfield. (Source:LeonetteGiles Clark and Leon Capps)
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GILES JosephFielding Giles was born January6, 1882, in Heber City, Utah. His parentswere William M. Gilesand Ann Murdoch. Mary Ellen Sweatwas born August21, 1888,in CenterCreek, UT. Her parentswere JoshuaJosiahSweat and Ellen Broadhead. JosephGiles and Mary Sweat were married August 21, 1906, in Heber City, UT. They lived there for a short time and then followed her mother Ellen BroadheadSweatHansenand her step-fatherBrigham Hansento Idaho in 1908. (SeeHansen) Times were difficult in those early days and like many pioneerfamilies they moved placestrying to find a betterlife. The families first lived in Shoshone,Carey, Albion, Wendell,Jeromeand Eden, ID. In the spring of 1926they moved to Richfield. Joe told Mary that he did not care where anyoneelse moved, that he was NOT moving again. They lived the rest of their lives in Richfield. Joe and Mary Giles raiseda family of eight children,sevenborn prior to moving to Richfield. Ernest b. June20, 1907Heber City, UT. Ida b. March 31, 1909Carey, ID. Leland b. May 2, l9l I Carey. Ethel b. June 14, 1913Albion. Alvin b. July 9, 1917,also in Albion. Alvin Gilesdied in RichfieldAug. 25, 1933of from a rupturedappendix. Twins Neldon Gilesand Nellieb. Feb. 19,1920 in Wendell. Ruland complications May 1928 and died April 4, 1929 at the age of ll monthsfrom pneumonia. b" 5, J. All of Joe and Mary's childrenwere raisedand attendedschoolin Richfield. Most of them lived part of their adult lives and worked in the Richfield area. When Joe and Mary camehere in the spring of 1926,they madea living farming 4 mi. N of Richfreld. Joe also worked on the threshing crew which movedfrom farm to farm until the harvestwas completed. Mary with the help of her daughterscooked many mealsfor them during harvestand was well known fbr the good meals sheprovided. Joe also drove horse drawn schoolbus for the north end children. In the winter the childrenhad to carry bags of heatedrocks or bricks with them to keep their handsand feet warm. Mary Giles also drove bus sometimes. EthelGilestold of a time in the winter of 1926thatthe busover turnedtwice going to schooland threetimes on the return trip. This was due to deepsnow drilts, no tracksto follow and flounderinghorses. Ethel lived only four miles from town but teamsoften tired and had to be changedat the Mathews Ranch, a distanceof only I 1/2 miles. The children would warm up at the ranch housewhile teamswere being changed. She said the MathewsRanchand M. H. (Mel) Huffington Ranchwere well rememberedas warm-up stops. Other bus drivers besidesher parentswere Fred Lockey, Ted Martindaleand Bert Monroe. Mont Johnsonwas relief driver. Joe and Mary Giles were life long membersof the LDS Church. Many times Mary walked the firur miles to and from town to church meetings. The meetingswere then held in the house on Main Street that was later to becomeJoe Piper's home. Becausethere was no mortuaryin the area, many times the Relief S<lcietywas as well. Mary Giles was calledupon to preparebodiesfbr burial. This wasdonefor membersand non-members one of thosewomen who gave this serviceto our communitywillingly and compassionately.She also helped Mrs. Patrick, a nurseand mid-wife, to carefor the sick and helpeddeliver many babies. Mary was Relief SocietyPresidentfor 13 yearsfrom 193l-1943. Joethen beganwork as fbremanfbr the Big Wood CanalCompanyand worked for them until his retirementabout 1954. Joe was active in the churchand held the office of High Priest. He worked long hard hours helping build the new LDS StakeHouse,from its startin 1959until his deathon July 10, 1960,at the age of 78. His funeral servicewas the first gatheringheld in the new church,which was completedin the fall of 1960. Mary had many talents. Cooking, quilting, crochetingwere a few of her specialties.Over the yearsshe made many beautifulquilts. The grandchildrenespeciallyrememberher wonderful homemadebread and dill pickles and always looked forward to receiving her deliciouspeanutbrittle and fruit cake at Christrnastirne. Mary and Joe both loved working in the yard and loved gardening. Mary lovingly grew and tended her beautifulflower gardensuntil her deathon May 14, 1972,at the ageof 83. (Source:Maxine Stirton and Nadine Hilderbrand,granddaughtersof Joe and Mary Giles. "Thesememorieswere takenfiom family history and stories told to us by our mother, Ethel Giles Brown and our aunts,Ida Eden and Nellie Harmon.") GOERS Theodore (1875-1957)and Clara Goers(1890-1980)lived and farmed2 mi" N 3 l12W of Richfield, cominghere in the late 1920's. Their son Teddy Goersattendedschoolhere. He worked fbr Shaw Electric in Shoshoneand later had his own electricalbusinessthere. His mother moved to Shoshoneafter the death of her husband. Dub and Marian Cappsbought the Goers farm; Craig Vaughn lives there now. Both Mr. and Mrs. Goers are buried in the Richfield Cemetery.Ted retired and continuesto make his home in Shoshone.(Source: Doris Schied,ACB)
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Opportunity. A future. Today's immigrants are seeking the same values as those two GOICOECHBA generationsago. In the early 1900's, Europethrust out millions of immigrants. Among thesewere the lrish and Basque. In a small Basquefishing village in Spaina young woman, CarmenArrati, was informed her father had died. Opportunity and choiceswere to becomea nun or find a husbandquickly. Without her father's financial support, Carmen's future was bleak. One answerwas America. Two American cities representedCarmen's vocabularyWashington D.C. and Shoshone,Idaho. America! Equipped with a sixth grade education and fluent in two languages-Spanish and Basque-Carmenfound passageon a ship for Ellis Island along with a friend, Rafaela Alberdi Aspitarte, who was joining her husband. The 30 day trip would only be rememberedfor sea sickness. An arduous rail trip across North America found Carmen Arrati in a wind blown arid, dirty, bustling, frontier town named Shoshone. Pine trees were replacedwith sagebrush. Mountains replacedby lava buttes. peopleoutsideof Spain reside in Shoshone. The largest group of Basque-speaking Carmen found work as a cook and domesticwith Manual and Ramona Cenarrusain Carey, ID. With no paved roads,the railroadwas the great connector. Mail and suppliesarrived at Picaboand were deliveredby team and wagon to Carey. Eventually, Carmen met a herder, Esteban "Steve" Pagay. They were married October 29, 1920, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Shoshone. A daughter,Clara, was born in Soloaga's rooming house. Two yearslater, Juanita, joined the Pagayfamily. Four years later they moved from Jerome,to Lincoln County by team and wagon, with Navarro, the cow, tied to the rear of this wagon. Clara, six, occupiedher day by swinginglegsoff the wagon and trying to disturb the plodding cow. They farmed the John McGeefarm for two years,then the Oscar Stimpsonfarms. They took an active part in the Dietrich community. Carmen instigatedthe purchaseof a hundred "old" ewes. In the fall the ewes were sold along with the wethers,leaving a young flock of replacementewes. The Dietrich Butte was prime graz\ng for sheep. Steveworked on the Gooding-MilnerCanal and the presentHighway 75 north of Shoshone,hauling rock with team and fresno for three dollars per day. Milk cows were pasturedon the Dietrich Butte. Childrenwere sent to find the wayward beasts. Wagon loads of sage brush were cut for winter heat. Wild horsesroamedthe butte. In winter school buseswere bobsledswith canvastarps strung over framework and pot belly stoves bolted to the racks for heat. Roads drifted, fences were cut and school routes went cross country. Balky horses and runaway teams resulted in overturnedbobsleds. The family was dependent on a windmill. When the wind quit blowing, water was hand pumpeduntil one's arms ached. Kerosenelanternssmokedchimneys. Milk was separatedand sold in gallon cans. Ice was cut during the winters,for the summermonths. The Majestickitchenrange was fired eachday for cooking and hot water. Welcome winter heat becamea swelteringinf'ernoin summer. Windows were covered with flour sackingto keep out the summersun. Alfalfa was stackedloose with buck rakes, derricks, and teams. Sheepmenvisited the local farms in quest of fbdder for their sheep. Stackswere measuredfor height and circumferenceto determinetonnage. In late fall the sheepwere moved from farm to farm and the hay was fed. For the Pagaysthe lamb and wool pools provided marketsfor the train loads of produce. Burdett'sHospital in Shoshoneprovidedbed rest and recuperationfor bclthCarmen and Clara under Dr. Dill's carewhen ill. When the Pagay's home burned shortly after moving to Dietrich, neighborsprovided neededclothing fbr family. Years later the neighborswere surprisedthe Basquefamily down the road had daughters. All the the provided clothing was for boys. Bib overallsand longjohns were appreciated by parentsand two littletomboys, alike. The Dietrich school burned and a rock structurereplacedit. In 1933 anotherbaby, Elsie, was born to Carmenand Stevein the family home and Carmen tbllowed two yearslater. Clara and Juanitawere sentto the neighborsto swap labor when neighborboys were sent to help with hay and grain" School and church provided breaksin farm work. Clara and Juanitaparticipatedin high school basketball. For play practice the Pagay sistersrode four miles to school. In 1940 the Pagayssold their sheepand moved to Gooding to work fbr Tom Gooding. Clara remainedin Dietrich and completedher senioryear in 1941. Rupert Goicoecheaand Clara Pagaywere married in St. ElizabethCatholic Church in Gooding, ID, Dec. 26, 1944. On February 10, 1946, Marie Goicoecheawas born at the Gooding Hospital. On May 4, 1948, Connie was born at the WendellHospital. Richard was born Feb. 10, 1950at the Gooding Hospital. Marie startedschool in 1952. In the fall of 1953 we moved from Gooding to the AnchusteguiFarrn. Marie went to schoolin Shoshone.We lived therefor nine years. On April 8, 1954,Roger was born at the GoodingHospital.
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Conniestartedschoolin Shoshonethat year. On May 7,1955, Ronnie was born. Rick startedschool in 1956 in Shoshone,Roger in 1960and Ron in 1961. In the fall of 1963, we moved to the E. D. Adkins farm in Richfield. Marie, a H.S. junior, rode to Shoshonewith Med Flavel to finish her junior year. Connie, Rick, Rog and Ron went to school in Richfield" Marie graduatedin May of 1964from RHS. In the fall of 1966 we moved to the Riverwood Ranch. Rupert and Clara actively participatedin the community. Both were membersof the Richfield Grange. Clara was leaderof the West End 4-H Club and in PTA, where they were room parents. Rupert belongedto the Richfield Rod and Gun Club. As presidentof the Richfield Riding Club, Rupert was proud to have produced a rodeo in 1971,. Always a horseman,Rupert and his horse, Trigger, were awarded a plaque for perfect performancefor two years of jamboreeing. Clara, the tomboy, will be rememberedfor her yearsof riding tractor, swather,hay truck or cow horse. Her milk cows, and later flock of ewes, were a part of her family. Rupert with quick temper was always aroundto help a neighborgatherthat "hard headed"cow. His sorrel work team purchasedfrom Dave Kennisonwas a greatpride as was the Goicoecheaquarter horse. "If it doesn't t h r o w y o u o f f a t l e a s t o n c e a y e a r i, t ' s j u s t n o g o o d . " M a n y o f t h e n e i g h b o r s c h o s e t o b o r r o w b o t h R u p e r t a n d his horse,ratherthanjust the horse. Pinochlewas a great winter pastime. Many residentswill rememberClara's 13 and 14 table card parties at the old Riverwood house and the good times had by all. If a cow neededbutcheredor cut up, Clara and Rupertwere there to provide a tractor, a saw, wrapping paperand the knowledgeto get the job done. Often a neighbor'sbeef, lamb, or hog could be fbund hangingin the garage. When the job was t'inished,the coft-eepot was always ready. Marie went to college in Pocatello. She met CharlesButtcaneteachingat RHS and married him on D e c e m b e r 2 6 , 1 9 6 7S. h e s t a r t e d w o r k i n g f o r t h e B a n kIodfa h o i n R i c h f - i e l d o n M a1y8 , 1 9 7 0 . F r o m t h i s u n i o n CarmenButtcanewas born on December31,1974. Carmengraduatedfrom RHS in 1993 and has gone on to ISU. Charleshas taughtbusinessclassesat RHS for many years,is currentlythe town mayor. and is an active memberof the QRU. Connie graduatedfrom RHS in May 1967andmarriedRay Hubsmithon Sept.2,1967 " Of this union Irene and MichelleHubsmithwere born. Ray was killed as a resultof a truck/traincollisionin 1976. Connie married Ken Nice and lives near Richfield. Rick graduatedfrom RHS in May 1968. He went to the U of I and receiveda degreein Businessand Finance,joined the Air Force in May of 1973andmarriedCathieMcAvoy on Sept.9,1973. While in Georgia receivinghis wings, SarahGoicoecheawas born on Jan.24, 1974. While on a training missionnear Madrid, Spain,on Aug. 6, 1975,he died in an auto accident. Cathienow lives in Kootenai,ID where she has rnarried againand has a young son Philip. Sarahis a studentat the U of I. Roger graduatedfrom RHS in 1972. He servedin the U.S. Navy fbr three yearson the U.S.S. Samuel Gompers.After finishinghis enlistmentwith the Navy, RogerattendedBSU andreceiveda degreein Accounting and Finance. He is now employedby BoiseWater Corp. Ron graduatedfrom RHS in 1974. He went to work fbr BlincoesPackingPlant in Gooding. When the plant closedhe cameto farm in the Richfieldarea. He marriedJulie Macnamaraand fiom this union Justinand Jacobwere born on May 27, 1989. Rupert and Clara moved to Goodingin 1980. The body may have resettledin a dift-erentcommunity and " Claracreateda communitysearch theirtax returnaddresses say "Gooding," but their soul is tattooed"Richf-ield. in April 1993, when drilling crestedwheat in the BLM's Carey Allotment. Her tractor becamemired and she missedher pickup when she went in searchof it. Independentmind and body to match, the BasqueGrandmother of six decidedto walk to the highway to hitch a ride. A night on the desertand a walk that took her almost 3/4 of the way to Dietrich before she was found brought the indignantresponse,"I don't know why anyone was lookingfor me anyway. I'd have found my own way home in due time. I didn't want to bother anyone,but I sure appreciatedtheir effort." Rupert makes almost a daily trip to Richfield to seethe farm. His horsesmay be getting shorter but he can still load "that hard-headed cowl' If you standout your door you can still hearhis shoutwhen things get a little outof hand with "those---- old cows!" (Source:Clara Goicoechea, Ron Goicoechea,Marie Buttcane) GOSSETT Friends receivedletter statingdeathof William T. Gossettat home in Seattle. The Gossettshave lived in Richfield at different times in the past 20 years. Mrs. Gossettand two sons, Van and Will, survive. (SJ Mar. 7, 1930)
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GRBEN James A. and Alta Bell Green and daughtersMyrtle and Cora moved to Richfield April 20, 1909, driving over the sagebrushto their claim in a dust storm. Mr. Green had purchaseda piece of land 3 ll2 mi. W of town during the winter of 1908. That first night on the new farm two inchesof snow fell on the furniture which stood outside as a welcome to Richfield. The next morning Alta Bell was heard to say that she felt like leaving this place if they only had the money. By hauling building and farming materialover the sagebrushto the farm, Mr. Green was able to build a fine two story home for his family before long. Myrtle GreenmarriedEarl Crosson July 1, 1915,and afterhis deathshemarriedWalter Youngkinon June ll, 1921. Cora Green married Owen Youngkin October9, 1919. Myrtle can rememberthat betweentown and her father's farm when it was first startedthere was no other farm or building. During the first winter the Greenscame back into town so Myrtle could attend school. Alta Bell Green worked in the first eating establishmentin town run by GrandmaThomas. In l9l 1, Jamesoperatedthe WoodriverInn which wason Highway 93-20-26. Becauseseveralof the guests at the Inn startedowing him money, he used their labor to build a fine home south of the tracks. The Green family moved into the two story building in 1912. In the summerof 1911JamesA. Green caughta trout that dressedfive pounds, the largestever caughthere. Alta Bell Green,b. 1876,passedawayApril 16, 1915. "Mr. and Mrs. JamesA. Greenof Milwaukie, OR visitedat the Walter and Owen Youngkin homes." (SJ April23,1937) The 1920censuswas takenby JamesGreenwho is "busyas a beewith the work." (Jan.9,1920) JamesA. Green, one of the earliestsettlersof the Richfieldtract, passedawayat Toledo, OR, on Feb. 28, , i c h i g a n ,M r . G r e e n c a m e t o 1 9 4 7 . H e i s b u r i e d a t t h e T o l e d o c e m e t e r yB. o r n N o v . 3 0 , 1 8 7 0 ,i n M a n i s t e e M Richfield on March 21, 1909, and farmed 3 314 mt. W of town, owning the 160 acreslater farmed by Newt Crawford. ln l9l2 he build a houselater owned by Millard Pridmoresouth of the railroad tracks. He left Richfield25 yearsago and haslived in Portland,Milwaukieand Toledo sincethen. Surviving are his wife Mrs. EvaleneRoseGreen,two daughtersMrs. Cora B. Youngkinand Mrs. Myrtle Youngkin. (Source:Obit SJ March 14, 1947, City files) HADLEY Thomas and Marvel Hadley cameto Richtield in 1973where Marvel taught secondgrade fbr the next Andreasonhired her aller talkingwith her principal. Their children,Scottand Teresa ten years. Superintendent Bowen, 7th and 5th graders,finishedtheir schoolinghere. ln 1974they movedto their new home nearthe park. Marvel grew up in Pocatelloand graduatedfrom Downey High School. She lived in Downey for 22 years, married and raisedher family of five there. Jackie marriedLonnie Dahlke and they have tbur children;Brad Bowen, married with six children, is employedby the UPRR and his wife is a court reporter; Harriet Jordan, one son, lives in Pine Top, AZ; Scott Bowen is managerof Key Bank in Grangeville;Teresa Stenger,manager of Smith Pharmacyin Tucsonand her husband,also a pharmacistnearby,have two children, also had one who died at ll months. When the childrenwere older, Marvel went back to school,graduatingtiom ISU with high honorswith a history major. She resignedher positionin Richfieldbecauseof illness. Her healthimprovedso much that she was able to accept a third and fourth grade position when Dietrich had a mid-year vacancy. She enjoys oil painting, music, playing the piano and reading. She taughtmusic classesat Richfield and gave private piano lessons. After nine years in Dietrich Marvel retired in 1992. She was glad to be near CSI and has enjoyed taking classes,earning60 creditssincegraduatingfiom ISU. Tom Hadley was working for Morrison-Knudsen in 1941,building an airstrip on Wake Island, when they were taken prisonersand put in prison camps--firstin Shanghai,then in Japan. He was one of 1400 survivors of Wake Island. Tom is retired and enjoys restoringold, historical cars. Both are interestedin sculptureand pottery. They attend the Methodist Church where Marvel is involved in music and singing with the choir. (Source:LCJ article about Marvel teachingin Dietrich; Marvel Hadley) HAINES Robert Shamp Haines married Mary Margaret McNeil in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Mary Margaret Haines was a Roman Catholic and had all her children baptizedin that faith. To them were born four children: JamesHenry b. Nov. 16, 1888;DouglasW. b. June9, 1890;John Francisb. Feb. 16, 1892and Mary Minota b. June27, 1893. In 1907Robert ShampHainescameto Idaho and two of the boys were left to fend for themselves-John being 15. In 1909 John, then 17, joined his father and they startedand ran a laundry in a small housethe father had purchasedin Richfield. Mary cameout to live with them a short time later.
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John's work in Richfield consistedof working on the lrrigation Co. Farm and in constructionwork for them. Later he did carpenterwork with the village carpenterR. E. Mills. He was so employedin the spring of 1917 when he was called to the colors and enlistedin Shoshone. My dad said the Army medical doctors examiningthe prospectivesoldiersout of the SouthernIdaho area said, "Thesemen were the largestand tallestgroup of men, as a whole, that they had ever laid their eyeson and thesedoctors had been doing this duty in many other parts of the U.S." When John returned from the war he went to farming and stayedwith Mary and her husbandHal Ross for a short time. He worked for the Irrigation Co. as a ditch rider. (SeeRoss) In the fall of l92l JeanMurdoch came to Richfield to teach in the high school. John and Jean met and eventuallybecameengaged. This was a happy year of many dancesand partiesand social gatheringsin the hotel in Richfietd. In the spring of 1922 John left for WashingtonStateto seek work in the Civil Service and for a short time stayed with his brother Jamesand his wife Alice. He securedemploymentwith the post office in Enumclaw,WA, and soon startedbuilding a house. On Aug. 18,1923, he and JeanMurdoch were marriedby the Rev. Smock, a Baptist Minister, in the court houseat Seattle,WA. Two daughterswere born to Jean and Jack, namely,Harriet Anne b. June 29, 1928and JaniceAileen b. Apr. 6, 1931. 1 9c5t .5 , a f t e r 3 4 y e a r s J o h n ( J a c k ) H a i n e s r e t i r e d f r o m t h e p o s t o f f i c e a s t h e A s s i s t a n t P o s t m a s t e r o1n, O of service. Jack was active in severalcivic and veterangroupsand was a very belovedmemberof the Enumclaw community. After Jack retired he worked as the head custodianfor several years at the local Presbyterian Churchand died in the CornmunityHospital Church. Jack was a memberof Calvary CommunityPresbyterian him on Mar. 30, 1968, had predeceased His dear wife, Jean, of 88. 1980, at the age in Enumclawon July 5, in the samehospital. RobertHainesb. 1853, cameto Alberta, ID fiom Spearfish,SD; died Nov. 1916. He married Mary M. Haines,b. Aug. 27, 1854;died 1904at Spearfish,SD. (Source:JaniceJones) HAND In 1915 Clark C. Hand cameto Richfieldfiom Barudlac,ND by train with his livestock. His wif-e Ethel, daughterSheila,four years, and son Keith, one year, camelater to join him. They lived on the Tapperplaceon the 7 mi. road. Clark L. was born there in l9l7. In 1918they movedto the placeacrossfrom the North End schoolat the 5 mi. corner, where the children startedschool and Shirley was born in 1920. The family moved to the Joe Giles place at the 4 mi. corner and farmed there for a coupleyears. Shirley remembersriding horseswith ElsieCraneandplayingwith CarltonCrane,callinghim "totentot" for his nickname, Cottontop. Becauseof Ethel's poor healthClark movedthe family to a farm nearWilder, ID. Ethel grew worse and passedaway atthe CaldwellHospital. She was laid to rest in the Caldwell Cemetery. In 1931Clark C., Keith, Clark L. and Shirleymovedbackto Richfieldwith team and wagon, trailing the stock. He farmed the Lloyd Layne ranch and the children attendedthe Richfield School. Keith graduatedin 1932, Clark in 1935and Shirley in with lots of snow and wind. He Clark Hand 1938. Clark drove schoolbus for a few years--years help from place years with the boys. for several some continuedto farm the Layne He retired from farming and moved to town where he built a houseand did other carpenterwork. He worked as Richfield Schooljanitor for severalyears and helped at the Lemmon Hardware Store. Due to illnesshe went to Rupertto staywith Shirleyand Rex Flavel, wherehe passedaway in 1963.His funeralserviceswere held in Richfield and burial in the CaldwellCemeterybesidehis wife Ethel Leona. RR June8, 1915: C. C. Hand is buildinga farm houseon the Tapperranch7 mi. N of town. A Jan. 1926 RR reportedthe death of an infant daughterborn to Mr. and Mrs. Clark Hand. LCJ Sept I 1, 1931: Shirley and Clark Hand are staying with the Lemmons and attendingschool here. LCJ May 26, 1933: Clark Hand gave a surpriseparty Sat. night for his two sons, Keith and Clark, whosebirthdayswere very near that date. Following the party Mr. Hand and Keith drove to Wilder, returning Sunday evening, bringing with them Mr. Hand's daughterShirley. LCJ June 15, 1934: Clark and Keith Hand and Walter Layne rode to Tikura on horseback Sunday,bringing home with them anotherhorse to be broken for farm use. Clark CalvinHand,his motherSarahClark,wasbornDec.29,1881, in Spring,Illinois;d. Aug. 31, 1965. He md Ethel LeonaHouseholder,her motherSarahMarvin, b. 1883in lllinois, Jan.23,1906; d. Apr.29, 1928. Their childrenwere: Sheila Correne b. Jan. 6, l9ll at Waterloo,Iowa, died May 1942in Richfield. She md RobertWilliam BranenOct. 31, 1930 in Caldwell. Their children:Robert Clark, b. Feb. 24, 1933,living in
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VA; William Howardb. Apr" 19, 1934,CA; GlennJay b. Mar. 26, 1937,Bellevue,ID; EthelLucilleb. July 3, l94l,FL. Keith Leon b. May 19, 1914 in Barudlac,NC, md Dorothy (deceased); ShirleaLeonab. 1951;md GondaSluder. daughter L. Clark b. May 6, l9l7 in Richfieldmd ShirleyPark in 1949. Clark was in the Navy duringWW II. He went into the StatePolice, of StatePolice,d. Oct. 30, 1994Boise. later becomingSuperintendent (Source:1986ReunionBook)Theirchildren:Guy Clarkb. 1951;Kelly Keithb. 1954. Shirley Edith, born April 13, 1920in Richfield,md. Rex Thomas ShirleyH. Flavel) FlavelJuly 3, 1938. (SeeFlavel)(Source: HANSEN BrighamHansenwasbornJan.5, 1870,at AmericanFork, UT andgrewup there. He farmedfor manyyearsat his Richfieldranch, 4 mi. N ll2 E,later ownedby AlbertStevens. C l a r k H a n d , d a u g h t e rS h i r l e ya n d R e x Brighamhad a shoerepair shopin his home,which was located F l a v e l . behindwhatwasthenBryne'sstoreandis now Piper'sstore. He also operateda smallcreamerybusiness.He wouldbuy creamfrom the local farmers,test it and ship it by railroadto a creameryin Jerome. Mr. Hansenwas also a good carpenter. He did much building in the Richfield area. He was the main builder in chargeof the first LDS Church that was located Mary Giles and Carrie Flavel laid the cornerstoneof that on Main Street, built in 1929. His step-daughter church. Mrs. Brigham Hansen,Ellen, passedaway at her home at 69 in May 1934. She married JoshuaSweatin 1881; he passedaway in 1900. She was marriedto Brigham Hansenin 1905 and they had a daughter,Vera. Mr. and Mrs. Hansenmovedto Richfieldin 1926.(SeeGiles) Brigham Hansen,Richfieldresidentfor l9 years,passedaway Nov. 4, 1945. He was the managerof the Nelson-RicksCream station in Richfield and had built three attractivehousesthe past year. Mrs. Vera He is survivedby his wife Luda HeldermanHansen;daughterand two sons;two step-daughters Housel and Mrs. Mary Giles of Richfieldand two step-sonsArchie and JoshuaSweat of Richfield. He was precededin deathby two wives JosephineYoungbirdHansenwho died in 1901 and Ellen Sweat Hansenwho passedaway in 1934. Burial was in AmericanFork. (Sources:LCJ, Maxine Stirton) HARDMAN Orvil Hardmanwas born July 25, 1904, in Salem,ID, (a town that no longer exists)to Joseph Henry and Mary Emma YanceyHardman. Orvil was 5th of their 6 children. Mary, his mother, died when he was three. His father later remarried.Orvil didn't get alongwith his stepmotherand ran away when he was 15. He had completedan 8th gradeeducation.He stayedwith his sister,"Dot" (Miralda) and her husbandfor a time. He worked for the railroad. Orvil was short but wiry. He could do 25 pull-ups with one hand and often won bets with the guys proving it. Orvil had a vehicle and the guys wanted him to drive them and their dates-Orvil consentedto do so on the conditionthey get him a date. That date was Ann Krahn of Fairfield. Orvil and Anna were marriedJune4, 1929,by the Justiceof the Peacein Twin Falls. The customthen was to surprisethe newlywedsin the middle of the night forcing the new husband(in his night attire) to push the new wife around town in a wheelbarrow (wearing her nightgown). Orvil overheard the guys planning this--so he warned Anna. When the time came, Anna and Orvil were fully dressed. They had cake and homemadeice creamready for their "guests." Orvil and Anna came to Richfield October 31, 1931, where Orvil started a service station. On June 20, 1932,a daughter,Lois, was born but died the sameday. Orvil alwaysmaintainedthat this was the doctor's fault. Lois had been wrapped in a blanket and set aside while the doctor attemptedto stop Anna's hemorrhaging. Suddenly,Lois stoppedcrying. The doctorgrabbedthe blanketand spunher out of it. Orvil believedLois had suffocated. The doctor never chargedthem for his services.On February 14, 1936, anotherdaughter, Nadine, was born, delivered by the samedoctor. Again Anna hemorrhaged. Afterwards, the doctor advisedagainstany more childrenbecauseit was too hard on Anna. Nadinewas their only child. February 20, 1945, Orvil becamea duly-electedmemberof the Lions Club. On April 6, 1948, Orvil and Anna purchasedthe property at North Lincoln, lots I through4 and 13 through 24 in Block 61. It was purchased from Josephand Mary Giles and cost $1200.
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In the summer of 1950, Orvil and Anna ordered a kit home from Kam Pre-Cut Homes out of Kearns, UT. The house was built in 1951 but the builders made a mistake. They put the stairs to the basementin the wrong place. The kitchen endedup being smallerthan it was supposedto be and five doors had to be placedwhere only two were supposedto go. Orvil stayedat the Pethick's Stationhe startedfor 20 years. He moved to Texaco in January of 1952. In Januaryof 1958 he moved to the Sinclair Station. He sold this stationto Mr. Paulsonin Feb. of 1959 but continuedto work there four more years and anothertwo yearsfor Vern Sweat. Via a home correspondencecourse from Coyne ElectronicsSchool, he graduatedas a Service Technician for Television, Radio, and Electronics repair. ln 1964 he retired from the service station businessand began "Hardman'sRepair" out of his home and continuedthis line of work for many years.He quit when his health beganto fail. Orvil and Anna celebratedtheir 50th wedding anniversaryat their Richfield home in 1979. Orvil died March 28, 1986, at St. AlphonsusHospital in Boise. He and Anna had been staying with their granddaughter. Anna Krahn was born June 14, 1900, in Wausau,Wisconsin,to J. Hermannand Minnie Boldt Krahn. Her parentswere from Germany. Three brothers, Hermann, Otto and Charles Krahn, had married three sisters, Minnie, Mary and Anna Boldt. When Anna was a child, her father and unclestraveledto Idaho to purchasefarmland near Fairtield. Anna and the others followed by train to Hailey. There, they were met by the men and set out fbr Fairfield in 2 wagons- the men in one and the women in the other. The men got aheadand the women took a wrong turn and were lost. The women were concernedaboutMarie (Anna'ssister)who had a swollen knee from an injury of somekind. The men found them and they finally arrived at the farm (which was a big disappointmentto Minnie, Anna's mother). Anna lived and worked on her parents'farm until she married Orvil at the age of 28. Anna was the only child left at home. Her father was againsther marriagebecausehe didn't want to lose the free labor. Anna was a hard worker. He refusedto speakto Anna or seeher when she married anyway. It wasn't until her mother found out that Anna and Orvil had ordered all new furniture from the Montgomery Ward's catalog that he relented and came to see them - or the furniture! They had an oak dining table and chairs. a purple velvet Victorian-stylesofa-bedand matchingchair, and a competebedroomset which they never replaced. It all was still in their possessionupon their deaths57 yearslater and in perfect condition. Anna took immaculatecare of their home and furnitureas well as tendingtwo gardens. She hand-painted the walls every spring with a tiny brush. She varnishedthe woodenfloors for years. She made quilts, carded the wool, embroidered,crochetedand sewedduring the winter. She cannedcorn, green beans,raspberries, peachesand pickles from her gardens. She grew potatoes,rhubarb,peas,carrots,strawberries,corn as well. She and Orvil raised a few head of cattle in their pasture. Some were butcheredand the cows produced milk, someof which Anna would hand churn into butter. Orvil took the excessmilk to the creameryin his Studebaker pick-up. Anna was a frugal housewife. She recycledbefbreit was the "in" thing to do. She nevertook a vacation. Therewas alwaysthe gardento tend or the cows to milk. In 1960they boughta Chevy Impala with Anna's egg moneyfrom her chickens. Anna had neverlearnedhow to drive. Anna died July of 1986. The Hardman's were a very self-sufficient, hard-working couple who resided in Richfield 55 years, contributingto it's economy and character. (Source:Marina Rose) HARMON Mrs. NannieA. Hylton Harmon,90, died June30, 1937,at the ShermanCoflman home. She was b. Dec. 12, 1846,and was the motherof Mrs. ShermanCoffmanand Mrs. H.C. Livingstonof Richfield. The funeralwas held in Shoshone.(Source:LCJ) HELDERMAN Cecil and FrohnaHeldermancameto Richfieldin the 1920's. They lived 4 mi. N 2 E of town mostof their yearshere. A son, Edsel Warren, b. Mar.29, 1927,lived only three days. Other children are Harvey, who lives in Arco and participatesin rodeos;Bud, Norman and Kenneth; two daughters,Phyllis, who residesin Nampa, a 196l RHS graduate,married, has three children, and Madge, also of Nampa. As the first baby born in 1947in Lincoln Co., Madgereceivedmanygifts from merchants.Cecil, b. June4, 1906,d. Mar. 3, 1965.The Harve Heldermanfamily that was here for a while in the late'20's includedTommy and Tavie, who were in the upper grades. They lived on the former Biggs farm and movedto Bruneau. (Source:LCJ, Cem. Bk. Maxine Stirton. ACB)
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TIELDERMAN J. Oscar andZeliaHeldermanand family camehere from Missouri about 1928. J.O. was born in 1886 andZelia in 1884. Their childrenwereHelen, Edith, Ruby, Flon, Mayple, Velva and a son Murl. They lived on the Andrew Paulson(Millican) ranch. Flon usedto walk nearly 3 mi. to meet the school bus at the 4 mi. corner. In winter her hair and eyelasheswould be white with frost. Later she stayedat the Millard Pridmore home to finish high school. ln 1932,Helen b. 1907,startedworking for T.B. Brush in his office, stayingwith Mrs. Leslie Bushbyat first. She md. CharlesJohns (deceased)and lives in Long Beach, CA. lives in a carehome in Coquille,OR; sonsJerald Edith, b. 1909;md. l) McCue, 2) Manlin, bothdeceased; and Harold McCue. Ruby Heldermanand Ed Pearsonwere married in Oct. 1930at Shoshone.The young people chivariedthem severalnightslater. (RR) Ruby, b. 1911;sons,Darrell, Wayne, Ivan Pearson;Ed deceased;md. Frank Purvis, live in Springfield,OR. Flon, b. 1913;md. Earl Capps;left Richfieldwhen daughterNola was seven. They have lived in the same 60th anniversaryon Sept. 15, 1994. (SeeCapps) housein Coquille since 1943; celebrated Murl, b. 1915; md. 1) DarleneLowman Mar. 1938;four children, Murlene, Ray Dean, Rena, Betty; 2) now lives in Fallbrook,CA with his wife, Mae. md. MargaretPate, deceased; Mayple, b. 1916, worked in the Richfield Drug Store and the post office. She worked in the aircraft industryfrom 1942to 1945at Long Beach,CA. Mayple and Jim Archer, son of Rev. and Mrs. G. R. Archer formerly of Richfield, were married in 1945. As a Navy wife she moved about from Pearl Harbor to Rhode Island. They had two daughters. In 1960they retiredto Long Beach,then to Lake Shastinanear Weed, CA. of a strokeand diabetes. Mayple passedaway in 1991from complications Velva, b. 1920, md. Clyde McKee; two sons, Clinton and Michael. Velva had hip surgery with blood transfusions,and the resultinghepatitiscausedher death,Mar.27,1994. Clyde still lives in Weed, near Mt. Shasta.(Source:Nola, daughterof Flon and Earl Capps;RR; LCJ) H E T M A N J o h n H e t m a n w a s a n e a r l y d a y r e s i d e n t o f t h e N o r t h E n d a rIenaF.e b . l 9 3 3 , t h e J o h n H e t m a n s h a d as week-endgueststhe J.S. Wilsons of Marley, who came by team and sled. One horse gave out and they abandonedthe sled when about a mile away and finished on horseback. Evelyn Hetman attendedthe North End School and was in the upper grades in the mid-twentieswhen she was thrown from her horse on the dusty road. She and a friend were returning fiom watering their horsesat Clark Hand's ranch nearby. Evelyn suffereda skull fracturebut recoveredquite well. the North End Club in Feb. 1934,with Mrs. Byne Crist and Mrs. Tapper LCJ Mrs. Iris Hetmanentertained as co-hostesses.Iris Hetmanwas still here in 1936,later moving to CA. (Source:LCJ, ACB) HIATT In January 1963, the houseof Lynn George Hiatt and Beth Aloha flVadsworth) burned in Blackfoot, causingthem to move severaltimes before finding a home in Richfield. They brought with them sevenof their eight children, Brent Delynn b. Jan. 2, 1949,died Jan. 4, 1963;Rick Moran b. Dec. 16, 1950; Marla Faye b. June6, 1952;Brenda Mae b. Ian.2, 1955;Cheryl Ann b. Aug. 27,1956; Kathy Lyn b. Nov. 29, 1958; Betty Jean b. Oct. 10, 1960;Marsha Dawn b. Aug. l,1962. Lynn leased320 acresfrom Glenn Blazer of Boise for two years. Mr. Blazer bought the farm from Veda Holt. Lynn and son, Rick, camefirst. It was late May and no crops were planted,also the Delgato 80 was leveledand ditchesdug. The remainingfamily arrivedsoonand lived in atiny 2 bedroomhouseuntil Mrs. Holt movedout of the large housea few monthslater. Plumbingproblemscausedthem to use an outhouse. Sleeping was crowded. Rick slepton the couch. Lynn, Beth and CrystalSue,born June 8 of the sameyear, slept in one room. The six girls slept in two beds in the other room. HeatedargumentscausedBeth to sleep one child at the foot of the bed so each could have an edge. Luckily it was summer, and a big yard gave plenty of room to play, the tall grass making "jungle animals," a favorite game. They farmed 25 acresof hay, 260 acresof grain, and 35 acresof pasture. The irrigation required a24hour watchman. Lynn and Rich took turns. A neighborEugeneAlexander, who was chairman of the ASCS Board for Lincoln County, was impressedwith Lynn's irrigation systemand askedLynn to make a presentationto the Board. Another neighbor, Grant Stevens,offered the use of his equipmentand helped with the crops. All the children helpedwith the farm as young as six yearsold. The grain harvestwas a favorite chore becausethe older ones were allowed to ride in the back of the grain truck to Reed Grain in Richfield. Some of the not-so-fun chores were picking rock, building fence, and herding cows. With no fences to divide the crops fiom the pasturesthe children neededto take turns tending the borders. The girls would ride horsesor find a stick and
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draw a housein the dirt to play in, to help passthe time. At first the hay was stackedin the field by means of a "slip" pulled behind the baler. Later a side loader was used to lift the bales to a trailer to be stacked,and then much later a self-propelledstacker was purchased. The Hiatts brought ten milk cows with them and milked them by hand in a small shed. As money becameavailablethe herd grew and they built a barn. The family poured cementand Lynn welded the stalls (3 individualraisedstallson a side). At first the milk was put into ten gallon cans and kept cool in a long metal tub filled with water. Rick. Marla. and Brenda H i a t t F a m i l y ,a b t 1 9 7 0 . B a c k r o w : M a r l a , R i c k , B r e n d a . haul the cansto Ward's Cheeseon their way to S i t t i n g :L y n n & B e t h H i a t t w i t h c h i l d r e nl e f t t o r i g h t :K a t h y , would school,thenpick up the empty cansafter school.Two M a r s h a ,R e n e e ,C r y s t a l ,G l e n n ,B e t t y , C h e r y l . more children were born: Lynn Glenn on July 7, 1967, and Beth Ranae on May 28, 1969. Lynn and Beth both enjoyed music and taught their children to sing. The children were asked to sing for guests, and singingis still very specialto them. October20, 197l, Lynn was killed in a car accident. Beth was left with eight childrenat home ages2-16. Rick had married Ellen Sue Jonesand Marla Faye marriedKennethRay Patterson. Beth wantedto be home with her family so she kept the farm. Rick purchased87 acresnext to Beth from Grant Stevensand the two milked and farmedtogether. Rick's two childrenTerra Michelleand Lincoln Lynn grew up with the farnily. January4, 1974, Beth married EugeneAlexander,she and the remainingsix children moved into Gene's home. Beth kept her farm and continuedto milk. BrendamarriedThomasWilbur Farnworth and Cheryl married DennisAlton Patterson. Beth helped start the EnrichmentBlock at the Richfield Elementaryschool and became an EMT (EmergencyMedical Technician)at the RichfieldQRU (Quick ResponseUnit). Beth was killed by a bull at her farm on May 10, 1982. Kathy had marriedRolandMatt Jones,Betty had married Craig Lee Adamson and Marshaleft on a mission,leaving3 childrenat home whom Genecaredfor. Marsha married Kenneth Craner, Crystal married Thomas Edward Naylor, and Ranae married Mike Adamson. Glenn is unmarriedat this time. Rick, Brenda,Kathy and Crystalstill live in Richfield;all the rest of the childrenhave moved away. Rick md MarshaMacallister and they have a daughter,Darci Robin. They purchasedthe PheasantClub Bar and Caf'e in Richfield from Frank and Kathy Bear. It burned in 1992. Lincoln moved back to Richfield fiom Minnesota (wherehis motherand sisterlive) in 1993. Lincoln works for Hiatt's BackhoeService,owned by his dad, Rick. Brendaand Tom Farnworthpurchasedthe farm of her parents. They have 4 children: Trenton Thomas, Kodi Lynn, BrenonLee, and CandaceMarie. Kathy and Roland live on his father'sfarm in Richfieldand work for his dad, Marvin Jones. They have 4 children:Katie Lou, Ryan Wes, IsaacReo, and Kyle Luke. Crystaland Tom purchaseda home in Richfieldandhave3 children;JamesColbin, WesleyEvan, and Dana Rachel.(Sources:Crystal Naylor, Kathy Jones,BrendaFarnworth,Rick Hiatt) HILL W. H. ("Bill') Hill and Martha Holland were marriedon Oct. 25, 1906. They lived in Richfield from 1918to 1931where they publishedthe RichfieldRecorder. "Mr. Hill had printer's ink on his handsearly. As a b o y h i s f i r s t j o b , w h i c h p a i d 2 5 c e n t s a d a y , w a s t o i n k a n o l d W a s h i n g t o n h a n d pHr e lsesa. r n e d t o s e t t y p e by hand, and in 1904he starteda paperof his own in Munden,Kansas.The couplesold the Mundenpaper,then startedanother, and another. In 1918 they bought the Recorderin Richfield and a $3,000 linotype which they both learnedto operate. They gave the community liberally of their efforts and for 14 years they worked as a newspaper team. (RogueRiver newspaper,Nov. 11, 1955.) The Recorder was located in the building acrossthe street east of the Bank, and the Hills lived in the apartmentabove. Stairswere locatedon the eastside of the building. They were very active in Richfield affairs. In additionto news gatheringand writing Mrs. Hill not only playedthe piano for many eventsand programs but gavepiano lessonsto young people. Sheheld annualrecitals. JosephineEbert, MargaretReynolds,the Ben
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Crane girls, and Beth Chatfield were just a few of her later pupils. The Hills were avid fishermen. One evening they stoppedat the Erwin ranch, Joy said, with a great big fish they caught in Little Wood River. 'InAug. 1931they soldthe RiiffieldRecorder to G. R. Maxwell of the ShoshoneJournal,andthe Lincoln CountyJoirnal cameinto being. They boughttheJerome CounryJournal and before leaving entertainedabout 20 friends at a farewell party, which was also for Mrs. Chamberlainwho was to leave soon as well. In March of 1932the LCJ notedthat Mr. and Mrs. Hill had "traded their holding in the Jerome newspaper for a couple of homes and acreagein Medford, oR and were on their way." '50's had two Boy's Town stampsat the top and the typed heading, A letter receivedfrom Mrs. Hill in the "He's not heavy Father, he's my brother." She wrote, "Although I can't read that tiny inscription, I feel it 'in love for others' is not wasted,as you well know. Your parentsbelieved preachesa Sermon;the things we do that as well as do our good friends. When I first went to Richfield, there was no one there to play for church but Ava McMahon, who was seldomableto come,so I set about'doingsomethingaboutit.' Ora Harbin, Ruth Lemmon, the Coffman girls were all pretty small at that time but I soon had them playing hymns without any sharpsor flats. Then I would give a list of the songsthey could play to Mrs. Schwaneror Lemmon and have them call for such songsso as to builcl up you girl's courage. It worked wonders too fbr we all like to f'eelwe can do somethingworthwhile. "It was rather disconcertingwhen my eye sight beganto fail so fast, but I had been blind once befbre when I was only 20, so I didn't get frightenedbecauseI knew it could be worse--if I went stone deaf for instanceor crippled with polio and oh so many things. So I startedlearningbraille and now I can read it quite well. The 'The Talking Books'with free recordsandthe Readers'Digestevery month...Don'tgive Gov t providei us with up your music as long as you can seeto readnotes. I haveto play altogetherby ear...Passthis alongto anyone who might be interested." Aier 23 years in Medford the Hills celebratedtheir 49th weddinganniv. with an open houseat their Jackson Streethome. The RogueRiver account,which also includedpicturesof them, concluded:"Now they aretaking it easy in Medforcl,but sometimes,just sometimes,they miss the smell of printer's ink and the pressof an of completinganotheredition." (Sources:Newspaperitems;ACB) upcomingdeadlineas well as the satisfaction HOFFMAN
J. W. Hoffman camefrom Hutchinson,Kansasin 19ll and lived on BannockStreet.
H O L M E S C l a r e n c e M i l o H o l m e s b o r n D e c . 3ll8, 9 l , D e x t e r , K A , d i e d S e p t . 2 6 1, 9 T 6 , a n d i s b u r i e d i n t h e HolmesSheltonbornMarch28, 1898,Aurora, MO, died Jan.2,1976 RichfieldCemetery.NellieWolfenbarger is buried in Twin Falls. Milo with his wife Nellie and their two children,Harold and Edna, camefrom Buhl to Richfield in 1923. Milo farmed the Poteetplace (later calledthe Freemanplace)for eight or nine years. Harold and Edna attended the Burmah Schooluntil it closed. Martha was born June 23, 1928,while still on the Poteetplace. They lived on three other placesbefbre buying a place in town. After moving to town, Milo worked for the Union Pacific Railroaduntil his retirement. tn ttre early fifties Milo and Nellie divorced. She remarried. Milo stayedin Richfrelduntil shortly befbrehis death, he went to a nursing home in Pocatello. Milo lived in the Richfield area fbr over 50 years. Harold was born March 18, 1918,at Buhl, ID. He graduatedfrom RHS. In l94l he marriedVernaJones of Hagerman. They farmeclat Hagermanfor severalyears and then moved to Mccill, NV. They raisedthree daughtersand a son. Edna was born Nov. 25, 1919,in Buhl and died Jan. 29,1983. Edna graduatedfrom RHS. In the early forties she married Earl Yowell. They had a daughterand two sons. They divorced. In June 1946 she married Louis Johns and they had one son. The Johnslived in Texas for several years and returned to Jerome shortly before her death. Edna is buried in Jerome. Martha graduatedfrom RHS and md. David Wilcox in 1949. They had six children, but later divorced. Martha moved to Jerome and worked for Tupperwarefor ten years, retiring in 1983. She died in the summer of 1984 and was survivedby three sonsand a daughter. Martha is buried in Jerome. (Source:Doris Schied, Harold Holmes) '20's and HOMER Mr. and Mrs. Cap Homer operatedthe Alberta Hotel in Richfield for some years in the '30's. (One account,obituary,said a dozenyears,and one "some20 years.") Cap was the true nameof MrHomer. Of strongpersonality,he built many friendshipsin the county. He passedaway in Nov. 1935 at 64.
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Mrs. Alice Homer moved to Englewood, CA after his death. She died at her home Sept. I l, 1946" Interment was in Shoshonewhere her husbandwas also buried. (Source:LCJ) HOODBNPYLE Charles and Lucile Hoodenpylelived NW of Richfield on what was known as the Mclntyre place, coming in 1943. A Mr. Harris had lived there previously, then Roy and Mary Burkett, aunt and uncle of Charles and Lucile's son, Bob. Bob, wife Lorena and family farmed with his folks off and on from 1947 till 1965. They attendedthe Methodistchurch. Lucile helpedin the VacationBible Schooland all were active there. Lorena wrote: "All our kids were born during the span of yearsthere. Carla, Lynn and Beryl. They went to the Richfield school most of their school years. Carla graduatedfrom grade school there.
1 ,9 4 7 . R.i g h tH: o o d e n p ypl lea c e1 2 m i .N W o f R i c h f i e l d , e r y lL, o r e n eB,o b - 1 9 9 2 L e f t :H o o d e n p l F y ea m i l yC: a r l aL, y n nB "In 1948we had beenout of a job which closeddown becauseof the snow. We went back to Richfreldand got as far as the North End School(Wilbur McGaugheylived in the schoolhousethat winter). He took us on his bobsledto Hays Vadens,where we stayeduntil CharlesH. could ride over with saddlehorsesto get us on home" Lydia V. sewedCarla, just a baby, up in a big blanket,left a hole so grandpacould tell if she was OK, and we rode the 4 or so miles home on the horses. Later that month Joe Piper flew over and dropped a note askingif we were all OK, and droppeda box of groceries,includingmilk for the baby, candy, matches,oranges...Wewaved a diaperto let him know we were OK. One time Bob took the kids to meet the bus and when he stopped,the jeep settleddown into the snow and he had to dig it out becausethe snow was higher than the jeep. Every time the roads were openedthe wind would blow them full, and Jim Brown just couldn't keep them open. Ray Briggs askedus to leavethe kids in town so they wouldn't miss so much school, so we farmed them out. In 1965 we lived in the former Ben Cranehome, then we left in 1966to go to Canada. Carla stayedin Canada,was married and has threechildrenincludingtwins. Lynn lives in Page,AZ, works at a power plant and has two boys. Beryl marriedand had a little girl and is a nursein Colorado. Bob was badly injured while working on constructionof a dam in Canada. He works as a gunsmith,repairingguns, loadingbullets,etc. He and Lorena live at Big Waters, Utah. (Source:Lorena Hoodenpyle,Pelleys) HORSMAN Mr" and Mrs. Sam Horsman and children, Anabel and Hallie Horsman, lived in Richt'ield in the early twentieswhere he was the school superintendent. One time some girls went exploringin a "secrettunnel" openingfrom the hall, and when Mr. Horsman caughtthem coming out he could hardly keep a straightface, Dorothy Piper Clayton recalled. In August 1920 Mr. Horsman was busy taking the school censusof the Richfield district. (SJ) In August 1931LCJ item reported that Sam Horsman, statesenatorfrom Gooding County, was in Richfield that week. Anabel married Ralph Osborn and they lived in Sidney,Montana,where he was a photographerwith a joint studio in Yellowstone Valley, EasternMontana. Their children were Catherine,David and Gregory. Anabel of former studentscollectedin 1946 when was a piano teacher. (Source: Gooding CollegeBulletin of addresses
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of HenriettaGunderson.) Anabel attendeda GC reunion at Boise, 341 letterswere sent out through the assistance probablyin the late 1970's. We visitedLilian Cranenearby,whom shehad known in Richfield. (ACB) HOUSE Charles House, a bachelor,lived on the placeownedby the Luffs 3/4 mi. N of town. In April of 1914 Mr. House, who had recently purchasedthe Dr. Davies ranch north of Richfield, sent a car of fine registered stock here from Arkansas.(RR) When he got his first radio in the 20's, he invited neighborsincluding Chatfields to come and listen to the Dempsey-Tunnyfight. Staticprevailedthat night and Beth remembersthey heard little else. He retired when quite old and traveled in an old Ford car. When cranking it one day it startedup and ran over him. A clipping from a newspapershoweda man with discernabletire marks acrossthe face--andit was Mr. House! (Sources:Beth Proctor;LCJ) HOWARD Allen Mack (1891-1964)and Elaine(Norris)Howard (1902-1968)and childrenmovedto Richfield in August, 1926, after five yearsin Dietrich and one in Shoshonewhere he was station agent. They lived in the apartmentabovethe Depot in Richfield. Their sondied when quite small. Their daughterNadine attendedschool here until her deathin 1934. MackHoward,passedaway StateSenatorandMrs. LCJMay 4,1934: NadineHoward,13,onlydaughterof was to be graduatednext week Monday morning April 30 from complicationsfollowing a throat infection. She from the eighth grade. Nadine was active in all church and schoolaffairs. Shehad beenbaptizedin the Richfield Methodist church and was a member of the Camp Fire Girls. Somethingof an outstandingfigure in the community, she was characterizedby a graciousnessthat proved a constantjoy to her schoolmatesand fiiends. "Nadine Flora Howard" (Contributedby Mrs. Elmer Swatmanand the Camp Fire Girls) And whether in joy or sorrow There was one who walked with us sweetly She was faithful to the end. Loving and kind and gay, roll honor her way on the Winning But before the eagerspringtime Faithtullyday by day. Brought graduationday Crownedby the angelslovingly She was ready when help was needed Nadinewas Queenof May. And kind when vou neededa fiiend Mr. Howard wasborn at Lone Oak, TX andcameto Pocatelloin l9l7 to work tor the UPRR. He was State Senatorfor Lincoln County in l93l-33, a memberof the town board, member of the Elks, Mason and Star Lodges. ln 1934 he was transferredto Nampa and later worked in Pocatello and Kemmerer, WY, retiring at Nampa in 1962. They movedto Pocatellowherehe died fbllowing a lengthyillness. Mrs. Howard was born in Glendale,Montana;she was a memberof the ShclshoneBaptistChurch and a chartermemberof Richfield EasternStar. Mrs. Howard, 68, also passedaway in Pocatelloafter a long illness four yearslater. They and the childrenare all buriedat Shoshone.(Source:News items) HUBBARD Howard and Josephine(Sanford) Hubbard and children, Ray and Corajean, moved to Richfield whereHoward worked as a carpenter.They lived southof the RichtreldAssemblyChurch. Howard remodeled organizedthe LDS SingingMothers,was organistand chorister andutility. Josephine their homefor convenience for the Relief Society,SundaySchooland MIA and had full chargeof the Stake Singing Mothers. She gave piano lessonsto local students. Anotherson Michaelwas born in 1939. The family moved to Salt Lake City in 1942where Josephineworked in an Arms Plant during the war. She then got her degreeas a RegisteredNurse. ln 1946they joined the Sanfordsin buying a 1,000 acre cattle ranch 20 miles from Elko. She movedto town in the winter so the childrencould attendschool. Josephinebecame very ill and underwentsurgery,but deathclaimedher June 17, 1947. Shewas born July 4, 1909in Springville, UT. The Sanfordshelped completethe upbringingof the children. (Sources:LeonetteGiles Clark; news item) HUBSMITH Fred and Irene Hubsmithandtheir threeolder childrenFern, Marjorie and Jack, cameto Richfield in 1934. They purchasedthe placeon the river 2 mi. W of town that was their home until 1976, when they movedto town. In l98l their grandsonRod Hubsmithboughtthe ranchfrom them. Earl, Ray and Sharonwere all born after they camehere. Fred was a cow man and truly lovedhis cattle. He alwayssaidhe'd like to havebeenborn 100 yearssooner and had associationwith Indians. Irene loved to fish, entercontestsand read. She won many things in her home
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withher contesting. In late years she was alwaysready to drive any of her friends wherever they neededto go. Fred died at 86 in 1989 and Irene at 83 in 1992. Of their children, Jack is the only one who lives in Richfield. Fern in Shoshone,Sharon, Marge and Earl in Washington. Ray died in 1976 aft.era train-carwreck. After Ray died, Fred and Irene had a big part in Ray's daughters'-livesand of the many school friends they brought to Grandpaand Grandma Hub's. Jack and his wife Faye DeedsHubsmithhave raisedtheir four childrenhere. Nick, now in Salt Lake, works for First Security Bank. Marie (John)Lickley, Jerome, is a bookkeeperfor Western Idaho Potato, and has one son. Connie (Tracy) Sorensenlives out by the ice cavesand runs a billing service for four doctors in Blaine County from her home. She has two daughters. Rod and wife Kaysi and two daughtersare down on the river on Fred and Irene's Ranch. [Jackand Faye now have a new home near the river at the south end of Main Street, land once owned by J. O. Helderman, acrossfrom the Tanner home, where they lived for many years.] Fred Gotlieb Hubsmith b. May 6, 1903, in Paris, ID, son of Gotlieband Marie JaussiHubsmith, died in ShoshoneJuly 5, 1989. Married Iiene FrancesGrenfell on June 2, 1925in Bellevue. Irene, daughterof John M. and Cecilb Hayward Grenfell, was born Feb. 10, 1909 in Bellevue,died in Richfield Dec.2, 1992. (Ceclle Grenfell taught school in Richfield, and she and her husbandJohn are buried here.) Their children: Fern lrene b. May 6,1gZe in Bellevue, md. CharlesBurl Coates Oct.2, 1945. Margarie Faye b. Oct. 21, 1927 in Bellevue,md. William Grant StevensJuly 20, 1947,laterdivorced.John Fred b. Nov. 22, 1928 in Bellevue, md Luella FayeDeedsNov. 4, 1950in Richfield.Earl Joel b. Feb. 23, 1935in Richfield,md Phylis Piercy May 23, lg53,later divorced. Ray Ernest b. June 28, 1939in Richfield,died Feb. 12, 1976 in Boise; md Lareen HumphriesSept. 12, 1958; who d. April 17,1967. Ray md. 2) Connie GoicoecheaSept. 2, 1967. Sharon Marie b. Feb- g, lg4l in Richfield, md LawrenceRomey Nov. 11,1961. (Sources:Family record by Arthur Hubsmith; information from Irene Hubsmith 1983, memorial servicecards; Jack and Faye Hubsmith) The west end of the original home place of Fred and Irene Hubsmith's, now belonging to Rod and Kaysi Hubsmith,was first settledabout 1913. This placewas whereFred and Irene raisedtheir six children. In its abstracta man by the nameof Andrew Richardsonappliedfor homesteadin 1913. He, Frank Davis and Emma Strong were unable to completethis, as there was not enclughwater, the papers said, only a waste water right. Emma got hold of 5 sharesand the next personto try was Birdie Bossuet. She and her husband completedthe procesi and were awardeda land patent, executedby PresidentWarren Harding; Rod and Kaysi havethe original. Bossuetisold to William (Buck) and Amy Roseberryin l9l7. Bud Roseberryremembersvisiting his Uncle thereand recallshow white and starchedthe sheetswereon Buck's bed andthat they had "blankets";most people were lucky to have homemadequilts. Buck died while they lived there and Amy no doubt had money problems as the bank endedup with the place. One of their noteswas drawing 10% interest,(pretty high for those days). Fred and Irene bought the place from the bank in the spring of 1934. Rod bought it fiorn his grandparents in 1981,and in 1982broughthis bride to live there. April 1994makesit 50 yearsof Hubsmithownershipand if Kaysi has her way Hubsmithswill own it for another50. Rod and Kaysi along with their two daughtersSarah and Morgan (Moe) have made many improvementson the place and have replacedthe old rock house. They moved into their new home before Christmas, 1994. The cattleon the ranch proudly wear F brand asdid Grandad'sHerefbrds. The only objection GrandadFred would have is that Rod and Kaysi's cattleare all Holsteins. Grandadbeing a true old cattle man had little use for those "long-leggedblack and whites"... It was April 1, 1884, that Ed McNulty filed for a Little Wood River decreedwater right, fbr the east end was awardedon June 30, 1890. Ed McNulty and his of the Rod and Kaysi Hubsmithranch. The homestead relativesowned this land, the ranch owned by Pete Appell and somethat is now part of the Lezaniz ranch. On the Eastend of the river place, McNulty's built a fine two story house(now sits on the Wolverton place,5 l12 mi. N of town). Many old timers recall going to many a gatheringand dancesin this old house. I n t h e a b s t r a c t o f t h i s p l a c e , w h e n o n e o f t h e M c N u l t y s d i e d i n l g l 9 , h i s e s t a t e w a s v a l u e d a t $ 7A5 , 0 0 0 . tidy sum in those days. But on further going over things more than $50,000 had been loanedout on real estate that was not worth the taxesowed on them and many unsecurednotesthat were uncollectible. Does this say the tract was going through some poor times, or that McNulty was too good a guy for his own good? We just have to wonder. McNulty sold this land to Cora and Bob Sweat \n 1928, from this ownership many knew the place as the SweatPlace and many a person has fished or swam in Sweat'sDam. Cora later married Walter Stevens,and she sold itin 1949to Ed and RosselleJohnson. They sold to Fred and Irene Hubsmith in 1951. Rod bought in 1981.(Source:Faye Hubsmith) this and the old place from his grandparents
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I{UFF In April of 1926the Huff family moved here from Utah. Their daughter, Golda, enrolled in the high school. They lived 2 mi. N 1 mi. W in a tall house(nearSimpsons)on the NW corner of the intersection. The housewas built in 1916by the man who built the Harry Williams houseeastof town. There were three girls, Edith, Golda and Hazel; two lived in Twin Falls later. The Frank Belston family also lived in the house. Mr. H. A. Rosstradedthe Huffs for someproperty in Hermiston, OR in 1929. Glen and Polly Rosslived in atrailer housethere until the upper part of the tall housewas removedand the lower part was moved acrossthe road from Hal Ross'sin 1951;they movedinto it in lan. 1952and addedto it. This was done to be closerto the Rosswell. (Source: Glen and Polly Ross, RR) HUFFINGTON My dad and mom, Melvin and Goldie Huffington, migratedto Idaho from Kansasin the early 1900's with my brother EarnestE. Huffington. I was born in Buhl, Idaho, on a 5 acre tract in a one room shack which dad had purchased. My father worked in a barber shop in Buhl for a man, Thom Holmes, until homesteadingthe ranch in Richfield,located3 ll4 mi. N of town on the eastsideof the road. I rememberthe cold winters in Richfieldand Joe Giles driving the old schoolbus and trampingthrough the snow drifts so the bus could get through to school. I left the ranch after graduatingfrom high school and joined the Navy in 1934, servedthrough WW II and Korea and retired. (SourceRex Huffington, San Mateo, CA) Rex and his wife have returnedfor most of our reunionsof the classesof 1934 - 1938. Charlotte, the daughterof the M. H. Huffingtons,b. March 29,1924, died Oct. 30, 1939, at 15. Mel was a very particular farmer and no Canadianthistlesgrew on his farm. After retiring he and his wife built a home up on Little Wood a few miles eastof Richfield. They movedto Hagermanlater. Melvin H. Huffingtonwas born Aug. 10, 1882,d. Mar. 26, 1967. Goldie, b. Nov. 27, 1883,passedaway Aug.3, 1974. They are buried in the RichfieldCemeterywith their daughter. (Source:Cem Bk; ACB) RR: In Jan. 1930Earnest Huffingtonenlistedin the Navy for six years. Edwin Petersenwas also in the Navy. LCJ May 20, 1932EarnestHuffington is home on a24-day vacationfrom San Diego, where he has been in the Navy for the past 3 years. He is a yeomanwith secretarialduties. His ship USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier, is being overhauledat Bremerton,WA. Earnestis also deceased. I, Gilbert C. Ivie, was born in RichfieldAug. 7, 1913. My doctor was Dr. Dill, who had a general ME hospitalmade half of wood with a canvastop. I worked for the UP Railroadsectiongang in Richfreld. Like many others I went to the armed forces and belongedto Richfield American Legion Post #1. I now live in Shoshoneand belongto Post#11. I marriedHenriettaMurray. One son died at 2l inL.A. We usuallygo to the Seniordinnersin Richfieldon Mondays.(Source:Mr. Ivie) JENSEN Glen and GladysJensenmovedto Richfieldfrom Jeromewith their 6 children in 1967. We bought the Guy Horting farm which is located 5 mi. N and 3/4 W. It was an interesting move as farming was completelydifferent and it was a tough go fbr a few years. We immediatelyf'ell in love with Richfield and its westernways. We mostly grew hay and grain with a f-ew beansthrown in. It was a family affair and all contributedto running the farm. Larry was l8 and graduatedfrom Jeromeand went to Moscowto college. Chuck was 15, Cheryl was 11, Yvonne 10, Eric 7 and Kristi 5. The first year we sold our hay for $9 a ton and it took $15 a ton to bale and stack it, not too profitable. The canal was the neighborhoodswimming hole by our house and in the summer quite a group gathered. I, Gladys,swam therealso. I do not believean ice cube would melt there, I mean it was cold but fun. Yvonne was our only child to breaka bone, fell off the canalbridge on the rocks and broke her arm. So her family name was "broken bones." The other childrencould swim and loved the water, but Kristi was afraid of water and if she had to walk on the canal bank she walked on the far side. One time Glen, Kristi and I were driving the pickupdown the canalbank, Glen was not too attentiveas he was looking at the crops, the pick-up veered a bit toward the water. Kristi said, "Glen watch where you are driving." The last day of schoolthe childrenall rode horsesor bicyclesto school;as it was six miles, they left early. Eric and David Joneswould take their horsesand spendtwo or three days in the desert as young teen-agers. We had quite a few pigs and they got out. Glen sent Cheryl, Yvonne and Eric to get them and put them in. They drove off and returneda bit later with the pigs but they were walking. Glen said, "Cheryl, where is the car?" She said, "I'm sorry dad. In chasingthe pigs we hit a rock and I poppedthe oil pan." Needlessto say it was severalyears before Glen could tell this story and laugh.
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TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
We had many card parties in the winter to pass long snowy evenings, we were called the North Enders: Glen Jensens,Jerry Johnstons, Allen Lauderts,Jim Exons, Don Millicans, Dan Durands, Dave Kennisonsand whom ever else to fill in. Also we ladieswould ride our horsesin the desertin the summer as we enjoyedthat. Then agecamealong and we retired and moved to town. We will never forget Carl Riley and his birthday calls to everyonein the community. Glen kept busy fixing clocks, motorcycles, chainsaws,rototillersand lawn mowers, he never charged,just enjoyeddoing it. We kept busy in community activities, a nice place to raise our children. We were activein the LDS Church and G l e n J e n s e n F a m i l y : S t a n d i n g :K r i s t i , Y v o n n e , C h e r y l ,L a r r y , held many positions. Chuck served an LDS C h a r l e sE , r i c .S e a t e d :G l a d y sa n d G l e n . missionin Peru and Kristi in Paraguay. GlenHenryJensenb. Sept.13, 1913in Eden, d. July 1990,son of Lawrenceand Nora Walker Jensen;md GladysNadineMartin Sept. 13, 1946in Elko, NV. Gladysb. Feb. 21, 1929 in Peculiar,MO, daughterof Roy and Dolly ZimmermanMartin. Children: Larry Glen b. Sept.22, 1948Twin Falls; md 1) Ann King 2) CynthiaBruner.Charles Henry b. July 27, 1951,Twin Falls; md Jolene Grow July 26, 1973 ldaho Falls. Cheryl Maretta b. July 16, 1955, Jerome; md Michael AdamsonDec. 20, 1980Idaho Falls. Yvonne Reneeb. Aug. 24, 1956,Jerome;md Ricky Dale Owens Aug. l a m p t o n J u n e l 0l,9 8 l , R i c h f i e l d . K r i s t i ; d S h e r yH l l , l g T S , l d a h o F a l l s . E r i c V o n b . N o v . l l , 1 9 5 9 , J e r o m em (Source: Badger) Gladys J. 1961, Gooding. Nadine b. Aug. 8, JENSEN LCJ May 4, 1951 Mrs. L. C. Jensen,former Richfieldand Shoshoneresident,deathoccurredthe previousMonday in Boise. Mrs. GraceStorrsJensenwas born in Ottumwa,Iowa, and spenther childhoodin Nebraska,comingto Richfieldin 1914. Shewas marriedthat year in Denverto Louis C. Jensen. They resided at Richfielduntil 1923operatingthe telephoneexchange,then lived in Shoshoneuntil 1929when they moved ttr San Franciscobut came to Boise in 1940. Only survivor is husband. Servicesheld in Boise. (Richfield 1920 census;Louis 30 b. Nebraska,Grace30, b. Iowa) JESTER I (Ted) was introducedto the town of Richfield in Septemberof 1925. I hadjust graduatedthat spring tiom the College of Idaho in Caldwell, with a teachingcertificatein the fields of Scienceand Mathematics. Beforeschoolwas out I was informed of a vacancyin that field at RHS. I appliedfbr the position and was given a one-yearcontract. of Schools,and was infbrmed that with Mr. Walter Witteman, who was Superintendent I had corresponded roomsfor rent were availableat the Rafe Lemmon home,just a block or two from the schoolbuilding. I had known Mr. Wittemanin Caldwell when we were both in the gradesas students. This was a help to me. The one schoolhousein Richfieldat that time was a large lava rock building that housedthe high schoolin one sectionand all the gradesin another portion. There were four teachersin high school, includingthe Superintendent, and as I rememberthere were five in the grades. I arrived with my parentsearly in September,found the Lemmon home, took out my suitcaseand small steamertrunk, and moved into one of the three upstairsrooms. I had no car, so walking was my meansof transportation. The Lemmon family consistedof Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon and three children, Ruth, Clarence,and John. Clarence(who was about 13 yearsof age) showed me around, and later we had fun hikes on Saturdays. The morning of the first day of school, I was standing at the top of a flight of stairs with Mr. whitteman when two young grade school short L e o n aa n d T e d J e s t e r teacherscame in. Mr. Witteman introducedme to Miss Leona Ritter and to Miss NevadaEbert. To make a long story short, three years later Miss Ritter
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our 65th weddinganniversary.We havebeenblessedwith becamemy wife; and in June 1993we celebrated Betty, Mary, and their wonderfulhusbands,Ben Chichester,Gordon precious Nadine, and daughters, three grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. with 8 Nichols,andDon Standlee-also placeto live andwork. It is a rural communityon the happy I found Richfieldto be a very friendlyand Little Wood River, about 16 miles NE of Shoshone.Its main sourceof income is from dairy and livestock farming as well as generalfarming (hay, grain, etc.) Sheep raising in the early years was certainly one of the area's largest industries. I have been told that more sheepwere shipped to market from Shoshonethan from any other town in the country. Now back to my experiencesin Richfield, which hasto be largely in school affairs. The high schoolenrollmentat that time was around50 studentsand the averageclasssize about 12. Mr. Witteman not only was Sup't. of Schoolsbut also taught one or two classesand had the manualarts and somecoaching.His wife Sichetaughtsocial sciencesand I believeone foreign language.Miss Laura Hine had all English classes,and I had the scienceand math. The grade school teacherswere Leona Ritter, NevadaEbert, Mable Ridd, and the other one or two I cannotrecall. ln 1926-27Mr. Warren Roberts replaced Mr. Witteman as Superintendent,Layla SonnersreplacedLaura Hine, LeonaRitter& Ted Jesterskating Ed Fryer had the social sciencesand coaching,and I had the samescienceand o n t h e L i t t l eW o o d R i v e r . math. Also, Mary McCarthy taught in high school for one year and then marriedRusselThomas. They now live in Twin Falls. In the grade school that sameyear Ruby Ritter, a sister to Leona, was addedto the faculty as well as Ella Nilson. I must also mentionthe custodian,Frank Pope,who kept the building in tip-top condition. I well rememberReverendand Mrs. Frisbie in the MethodistChurch there, becauseLeona Ritter and Nevada Ebert roomed with them and I helped in the Epworth Leagueand choir. About eight teachersboardedone meal, in the evening, with Owen and Cora Youngkin. The meals were car to taxi great. Owen and his brother Walter had a garagein Richtreld. Owen often used his seven-passenger teachersfrom Shoshoneto Richfield, both ways. He also took a bunch of us to the Craters of the Moon NE of alsoabighelp. I rememberMr. and Mrs. Howard, Richfield.TheHill CitybranchrailroadfromShoshonewas he being station agent at Richfield. The first year I taughtthere, three of us occupiedthe three upper rooms in the Lemmon home: Laura Hine, Mable Ridd, and I. An incidenthappenedthat year I'll never forget. For some reasonthe house had to be quarantined. Our only entrancewas through the front door, across the living room, and up the stairs. We just couldn't makethat entrance,so Mr. Lemmon lovingly supplied a long ladder to an upstairs window in a large room adjoining our three bedrooms. There'salwaysa way to meet every need! The secondyear in Richfield (1926-1927)six teachersoccupied the three upstairsrooms:LeonaRitter andher sisterRuby, Ella Nilson and Layla Sonners, and Ed Fryer and I. We all had breakfastin our own rooms, took a noon lunch, and had dinner in the eveningat Youngkins' home. Believe me, it was a tull day teaching,studying, and correctingpapers. At least ten hours and nearly every weekend! Our school day consistedof six one-hour periods. I taught five different classes(two in scienceand three in math) and conducted one study period for students. It was a real test, but I loved every minute of it--most of the time. I was also given the job of coachingthe Senior Classplay eachof the two yearsI was there. LauraHine,MableRidd using I'll just haveto tell you one thing that happenedthe secondyear I coached "emergency entrance"at Lem- the plays. I had chosenMont Johnsonand Mae Pope to take the leadingroles. mons' Photo-w'T' Jester' They *.r. going togetherat the time and agreedto take the parts. About three or four days before curtain time, they had had some kind of falling out and informed me they couldn't go through with it. Well, I got them togetherand said: "Listen here, I'm not going to interfere in your private affairs; but you are both studentsin this school and have a responsibility in its activities. You simply cannot let us down." They came through with the goods and put on an excellent performance!
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Here are the names of the students(who come to mind) that I had in class for the years 1925-27: Tipp Strunk, Mont Johnson, Mae Pope, Walter Chatfield, Joy Erwin, Vearl Flavel, Harper Buel, Ernie Huffington, CharlesBrown, Cecil Shockley, Guinea Byrne, KathleenByrne, Ruth Petersonand her sister (Thelma). Ruth Lemmon, Eunice Powell, Loma Powell, Theo Brush,Jr., an Ebert girl, Arlie Chatfield,Mary Fletcher, Glen Scanlon,Maurice Conner, Leah Lumper, Joe Brennanand ClarenceLemmon. I know there are more and they can't be left out; and I just must say that I enjoyedso much the two wonderful years in Richfield, Idaho. Here are the namesof someof the townspeopleI had contactwith: The Rafe Lemmons, Owen Youngkins, Fred Powells,BerniePowells,Eberts,Theo Brushs,WalterYoungkins,Pridmores,Fletchers,Howards, Adams, and Ralph Edgingtons;also Rev. and Mrs. Frisbie, Mr. Frank Pope,schoolcustodianand Mrs. Hill, editor of the Richfield Recorder. I'm sure there are more, if only they could come to mind; but this is 1994 and the inbetween-yearshave also been filled with many experiencesand wonderful friends. nichfield will always have a warm spot in my heart, becauseit was therethat I startedmy career in teaching (44 years)--twoyears in Richfield, 28 in Coeur d'Alene and 14 in Boise (the last l l being at Borah HS). It was there also that I met and later marrieclthe best friend and companionI've ever known. Leona and I have had a wonderful,happy, andjoyous life together. God has beenso very good to us. (Source:W. T. (Ted) Jester) JOHANSBN Lester was born April 19, 1909, to N. C. and GertrudeJohansenin Mt. Pleasant,Utah. He enjoyedplaying football in high school and working in his father's blacksmithshop where he learnedthe trade. He was married to Hope Jensenin 1937. He worked for a large sheepcompanyuntil 1940 when they left and cameto ldaho. He workeclfor Martin Brothers ranch in Shoshoneuntil WW II. He enlisted in the Navy and serveclas Chief Petty Officer with a constructionbattalion. Most of his time was served in North Africa. He was in chargeof a blacksmith shop there with severalItalian prisonersof war working for him. He f'lew out of the basethere to repair runwaysthat had beenbombed,neverknowing where he was going or where he had been after returning to home base. After returning home they purchaseda farm north of Richfield. Although the work was hard he enjoyed farmingand working with horses,milking cows, plantingand harvesting,occasionallyshoeinghclrsesfor others. After Hope cliecl,he stayedon the tarm where he was not only the "bread winner" but also the "bread baker." Yes, he could cook, even to baking his own bread. On August 15, l953,he was married to Ruth Mishler. She broughtwith her a daughter. AlthoughHelen was not his biologicaldaughterhe took her to his heart anclloved her and raisedher as his very own child. She fulfilled that desire in hirn to have and love children. Later he helped to take care of nieces,nephewsand grandchildren. In 1964we decidedit was time to leavethe farm. We sold the farm and Lester went to work fcrr the school districtas custodian. Becauseof his greatlove for childrenthis was an enjoyablejob for him. He could tease, t e l l s t o r i e s a n d l o v e t h e m a lH l . e w a s a n e x c e l l e n t s t o r y t e l l e r , a n a b i l i t y p r o b a b l y i n h e r i t e d f r o m h i s fTaht hi se r . work also gave some free time for fishing and hunting which he enjoyedvery much and he could tell "fish stories"with the best of them. In 1993 some of the nephews,now grown with children of their own, were laughinganclrepeatingstorieshe told to them as children. They felt thejoy he had in loving them. One nephew thoughttherewas no one quite it this way; "Uncle was like a secondfatherto me." The grandchildren expressed like Grand Daddy. He and they were thrilled to go horsebackriding together. When he left the school he went to work for the city of Richfield as City Marshal and all around "handyman." He took care of the domesticwater systemas well as the irrigationsystem. He worked that job until the new sewer systembeganto be built. Then he transferredover to being city inspector. Atter the project was finished he becamethe caretakerof the system. person. He was able to take all the troublesas The family will alwaysrememberhim as a compassionate joys He always worked with the American Legion and his on top. of life in stride and come out well as the churchuntil the Lord he loved calledhim home on April 1,1977. One thing I enjoy most is Bible study. I startedteachingSundaySchoolas a girl and have been teaching whenandwhereneededsince. I haveworked in V.B.S., Bible studygroups,and in WomensMinistriesas leader for severalyears. Theseactivitieshavebeenin both the BaptistChurchand the Assembliesof God Church. While our daughterwas in 4-H,l was leaderof a cookingand sewingclub. I love to cook and have sewed most of my own clothessinceI was 14 yearsold. I belongedto the RebekahLodge for many yearsand servedin most of the offices of that organization;am also a memberof the American Legion Auxiliary for 40 years. I have held most of the offices at various times. Cakebaking and decoratinghavebeeninterestinghobbies. I havedeliveredweddingcakesto Nampa, Boise, Burley and Twin Falls, and many wedding anniversaryand birthday cakes in Richfield. Each year I try to
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crowhook stocking capsand sendto the VeteransHospital and nursing home. Quilting is anotherhobby I enjoy. I've not kept count of the number I've made. With God's help I have made and sold enoughof them to buy a piano, that was much neededfor the church. Most of them have been baby quilts. The largestone, king size, that I'm proud of was with a large spring wing dove applique. It was a blessing. This is somethingI can do and at the sametime listen to good music which I really do enjoy. My family, althoughsmall, is very importantto me and comesimmediatelyafter the Lord. I've beento the Boise Historical Museum "Comes To Life" for 4 years as a demonstrator. Helen graduatedfrom RHS she attendedSt. Alphonsusschoolof nursing one year, worked anotherat Elks RehabilitationCenter. She receivedLPN training at C.S.I. She worked many years at Magic Valley Memorial Hospital, married and had three daughters:Lucinda, Lisa and Lori Wells. They lived in Richfield for sometime and attendedschoolhere. Shortly after moving to Twin Falls, a car ran into Cindy as she was walking home from school, causingher death on Nov. 10, 1974 at the age of 12. She was buried in the Richfield Cemetery. Helen later worked at the Mercy Medical Center in Nampa and at the Idaho State School for the retarded for 15 years. Now she is back in nursing working in the total care unit at the Sunny Ridge RetirementCenter as nursing supervisor. She has studiedsign languagefor three years to help her communicatewith the deaf, a skill she also usesat her church. She has madetwo trips to Haiti as a medical missionary. One of her recent hobbiesis making porcelaindolls. (Source:Ruth Johansen) JOHNSON Aaron (Dick) Johnson,son of Quet and Martha Cook Johnson,moved to Alberta at the age of 14 in 1907. Dick punchedcows for Ed McNulty, as far north as CamasPrairie. McNulty lived on the placenow owned by PeteAppell. Dick enlistedin the Army in 1917,took his basictraining at Fort Lewis, WA and arrived in France, with the Allied ExpeditionaryForceson Dec. 12,1917. He saw actionin the Alsaci, Marne, and SoissonsSectorsand in the Argonne Forest. Dick receiveda shrapnelwound on Aug. 30, 1918, and was gassedon Nov. 5, 1918, in the trenchesof France. He was given an honorabledischargeon April 16, 1919, and awarded the purple heart. He farmed with his Father and brother on their homestead.In 1924the family purchased160 acres2 mi. W of town. Dick married Edna Kunz in ShoshoneMay 18. 1927. Edna Kunz was born Aug.27,1907, in Tremonton,UT. She was the 8th child of Emil and Mary Elizabeth Jones Kunz. She had three brothers.Emil. William and Leonard D i c k & E d n aJ o h n s o nF a m i l v and five sisters, Mary Lavern, Elizabeth (Bess),Elva (who died in infancy), Myrtle and Luenna. In July of 1911 the mother passedaway from spottedfever. Edna lived for a time with her sister Lavern Anderson and also with sisterBessBartlome. In l9l8 she movedto Richfieldwith her family. She attendedthe North End Schooland graduatedfrom RHS in 1927. Following their marriageDick and Edna lived on the ranch 2 mi. W of town. Edna Faye JohnsonChatfield was born in Logan on Jan. 3, 1929. Edna's GrandmotherKunz lived in Logan and they stayedthere before and after Faye's birth. Following the deathof Dick's Mother, Martha Cook Johnson,in 1934the family moved to town to live with Dick's father, Quet, and care for him. The ranch was share-croppedduring this period of time. Merle Pate,Jack Flavel and the Wolverton family operatedthe ranch at different times, with Dick running his rangecow herd. His grazing area was originally the '40's BLM lands on the JohnsonButte and surroundingarea. In the early Mont Johnsontraded lands with the BLM, which made the areaunavailablefor grazing. Dick's BLM permit was transferredto the Timmerman hills area or Sonner Lake area. On July 20, 1936, Richard Wendell was born. Frank Leonard was born Sept. 14, 1939, at the Wendell Hospital. Constructionwas startedon a home at the ranch W of town in 1943. The family finally movedto the new home in 1947. The housein town was sold to Jim and Ethel Brown^ A domesticwell was drilled in 1948. Before they could constructa well house, winter set in and a house was made of straw bales, not to be seenagain until spring. At this time Dick and Edna operatedthe ranch, with a hired man and their sons' help.
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Dick and Edna enjoyed a winter trip almost every year, to visit friends and relatives, in UT, CA, OR, and AZ. Someof thesetrips were madewith their dear friends Sue and Newt Crawford. The Crawfords owned the ranch now owned by the Damele family. A family partnershipwas formed with Dick and sons in 1957. Dick and Edna sold to the sons in 1969, and retired. They continuedto live on the ranch and were actively involved until Dick beganhaving slight strokesin 1975. Edna was an important part of her children's, grandchildren'sand great-grandchildren'slives, and a strong influenceon many a child. She alwayshad cookiesand milk ready. Shewas an excellentlistenerfor any disaster which camealong. To many, she was known as Mrs. Dick or Shorty,Dick's nicknamefor her. Dick was a Charter Member of the AmericanLegion Post #l for 58 years. Dick helpedbuild the American Legion Hall. Edna was an active charter member in the Aux. Edna, an excellentcook, supplied dinner rolls, cakesand pies for many a Legion meal and donatedher Majestic cook stoveto the Legion. Edna was a member of the North End Club and Woman's Club. They were also membersof the Richfield Grange and the Idaho Cattle Association,attendingconventionsand tours. Dick passedaway Nov. 29, 1977. Edna traveled with a friend, Arlie Chatfield Edwards to the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean and Alaska. On January 13, 1983, Edna was diagnosedwith cancer of the pancreas. After a courageoussix monthsbattlewith the disease,she passedaway on Sept. 13, 1983. Her family set up a fund at the Lincoln County Rodeo which suppliesa QueenBuckle in her memory. She loved to knit and each memberof the family had a sweatershe madeespeciallyfor thern with their favorite sport or hobby emphasized in the pattern. Dick was an expert horseman,enjoyingboth work horsesand saddlehorses. Dick was especiallyproud when his last work team, Doc and Tom, were the wheel horsesin the Big Hitch at the Ketchum Days' Parade for severalyears. His last and favoritehorsewas Buttons,purchasedby Dick as a long yearlingat the Frontier and neighborgirls in QueenContests.The Field Annual Horse Salein 1956. He carriedseveralgranddaughters boys roped on him and he was usedon the JamboreeTeam and on the desert. In Dick's eyeshe was the best. (Source:Wendell & Kathy Johnson)
L e f t : C h a r l e sP e t e rJ o h n s o nH o m e ,M a r l e y .R i g h t :L o u i sJ o h s o nH o m e , M a r l e y .
JOHNSON Charles Peter Land seekinghere after selling out in Green River, Utah, Charles Peter Johnson (1846-1930)first saw the Marley area in 1906. He and two sonswere unableto get fieight cars to ship four carloadsof cattle in Shoshone,so they pasturedthem on the Marley Burn for l7 days. It was called the Marley Burn becausea man by the nameof Marley had settledon about 400 acresof land in 1894. In trying to burn the sagebrush the fire got away and burnedabout50,000 acres. Mr. Marley died in 1902 and a man by the name of Bowman inheritedthe land. [Recordsindicatehis name was Elias Mgrley.l CharlesPeterand Annie Johnsonalongwith six sonsand one daughterpurchasedthe land fiom Mr. Bowman in 1907. Another daughter settled near Shoshone. Their 1l children were: Martin Peter (d. Mar. 1948) md Loretta Tucker (later ran the JohnsonCafe in Richfield), his son Louis Aaron md SarahNewby; Louis Jacobmd Ida Tucker; Niels Mathis md FlorenceTucker; Charles (d. 1891);Anna md CharlesSabenMeyers, Lawrence Iver md SarerhFindley; Oscar LeRoy md Ester LaVerne Chidester(later returnedto Richt'ield);Janie (did not come with family), Nora, George Vernie and William. The Idaho Irrigation Co. held a land drawing in 1907 and all the Johnsonswere lucky in getting land in Marley. They immediatelystartedclearingland for cultivationand building homes. "Lucky Mr. Johnson- Louis Johnsonhas a ranch near Alberta which has been under cultivation many years. When it was opened up not much attentionwas paid to the lines as it was not evendreamedthen that the surroundingland would be of value. When the Idaho lrrigation Co. made its segregation40 acresof the Johnsonalfalfa meadow was to be on govern-
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mentland. Mr. Johnson,however,wasfortunateenoughto drawnumberfour andhe at oncefiled on his own farm to stakeit down tight." (RR July 5, 1907) Theydug a smallcanalfrom the Little WoodRiverto getwaterfor theirfarmsuntil MagicReservoircould be completed. When they purchased the Bowman place the only dwelling in Marley was a "dugout" home. *'ffti,$ 'ruii: In a very few years the Johnsons had 1400 acres under cultivation. A large home was built for Charles Peter Johnsonon the banks of the Little Wood River. The home of Lawrence Johnson was built just north of C. P. Johnson. Oscar J o h n s o nB o y sa t c a t t l er o u n d u pa t M a r l e y . P h o t o - M y r o nJ o h n s o n . Johnsonhad his home just north of Lawrence Johnson. Next was Niels Johnson,north of Oscar Johnson,Niels also built a store and post office. Across the road from Niels Johnson was the home of Vernie Johnson.At the intersectionwhere the highway turned eastto Richfield was where Louis Johnsonbuilt his home. Three quartersof a mile west of Louis Johnson'sfarm was Martin Peter Johnsonon the south side of the road and sisterJanieNebekeron the north side of the road. A school housewas built across the road from the Lawrence Johnsonhome. The Johnson'sdug a well on the Louis Johnsonfarm and had a windmill with a large rock cisternto hold the water. A pipeline was dug to the river and all the homes receivedtheir water fiom one well. A railroad siding was put in at Marley and livestock and farm producewere shippedfiom there fbr many years. The Johnsonsstartedselling out in a few years. Martin PeterJohnsonsold his placeto Walter Stevens,Janie Nebekersold her land to Albert Stevens. CharlesPeterJohnsonsold the farm on the river to W. S. Thomas and movedto Utah. Niels Johnson'sstoreburnedin l9l5 and he sold soon after tcl Dave and CharlesGraves. In l9l8 the homeof Louis Johnsonburnedand this is when he built the large brick home and the barn, also known as the Marley Barn, wherebarn danceswere held during the 1930'sand 1940's. The favorite orchestra was "Glen Batesand His Nitehawks." The JohnsonPartnershipwas dissolvedand Louis Johnsonwas the only one remaining. He retiredand sold
W
his farm in 1951. He has two childrenstill ffi
living in Richfreld, Myron Johnsonand Edwin Johnson, one grandson, Lyle Piper and his posterity are in Richfield. Louis farmed until retiring two years before his death. Louis b. Oct. 6, 1873, in Springfield,UT, was the son of CharlesPeterand Annie ChristophersonJohnson,d. Dec. 3, 1952,in Twin Falls. He marriedIda TuckerDec.27,1897, in Price, UT. Ida was b. June 7, 1878, at Big Branch, Ash Co, NC, daughterof Moses and Emeline Dollar Tucker, d. Feb. 21, 1941.Louis and Ida Johnsonhad 11 children. Louis Orlin b. Nov. 30, 1898,UT, md Irene Anderson.Evert Leroy b. May 16, 1900, UT, d. June 23, 1980, in Hazel, Elva. Sitting: Emmett; md Anna Ellie Bahm. Elva May b. J o h n s o n f a m i l y : S t a n d i n g E d n a , S t e l l a , K e n n e t hO , r l i n ,L o u i s ,E v e r t ,M y r o n , E d w i n . Aug.26, 1902, GreenRiver, UT, md Clarence Bluemer. Alice b. Feb. 27. 1904.GreenRiver.
UT, d. Oct.24,1936;md JclePiper.KennethMosesb. Aug.7, 1906,d. Dec. 11, 1982,in WA; md Thelma BlaserJune18, 1933,in Richfield.Anna Ireneb. Mar. 1, 1908,d. in infancy.HazelOreneb. July 13, 1910, Marley;md VernonFredrickPerronNov. 15, 1930,in Hailey.Stellalda b. Dec. 16, 1912,Marley;d. Nov. Feb.9, 1935.Edna Emelineb. Mar. l, 1915,Marley;d. 26, 1981,Twin Falls;md JuniusEugeneFreeman July 18, 1991,Haileyimd 1) RolloSweatNov. 17, 1932,Richfield;md 2) RobertCraven.Myron Deweyb. Aug. 15, 1917,Marleyimd MabelAliceCarterMay i9, 1939,Richfield.Edwin Charlesb. Sept.5, 1920;md MyronJohnson) Rosselle Jo ConnerNov. 1, l94l Jerome.(Source:
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L e f t : l d a T u c k e rJ o h n s o na n d d a u g h t e r sE l v a ,A l i c e ,H a z e l ,S t e l l a ,E d n a . R i g h t :L o u i sa n d l d a J o h n s o n .
JOHNSON Chester The setting is Springville, UT, Jan.7, 1907. The dashingChesterAdelbert (Chet), born Oct. 8. 1881. and his sweetheartDolores (Doll) Barnett,born Dec. 1, 1885,were united in marriage. Sincethere was a "gold piece under every sagebrush"in the new tract of land that just openedup in Idaho, Chestergot "the bug", and filed on some land, irrigated and dry land, N of Alberta, along with his Uncle Quet Johnsonand sons Mark and Frank, in July of 1907. In March 1908, Chester, with the others, brought their b e l o n g i n g s u p t o l d a h o . A s o n , M o n t A d e l b e r t , w a s b o r n D el gc ,. l 9 0 T , s o D e l o r e s d e c i d e d n o t t o c o m e a t t h a t time. Two weeks after Chestercame to Idaho, he came down with spottedfever, so went back to Springville. He was very ill for 6-8 weeks and nearly died with it. Good "old fashioned"nursing kept him alive. So on June25, 1908, Chesterbroughthis wife and baby to Idahoto a 12 foot x 12 fbot shackon the dry land "JohnsonButte" about5 miles NW of Alberta, in the middle of nowhere. What a shockto Delores,who camefrom the beautiful city of Springville with its trees,green lawns and flower beds. She was never to go back t h e r e t o l i v e , a n d c r i e d w i t h h o m e s i c k n e s s , b u t t h e r e w a s t h a t d r e a m o f t h e " g o l d p i eTcheesn"e! a r e s t n e i g h b o r was Uncle Quet and Aunt Matt Johnson, l12 mile south. In that small room was a large bed, dresser,cupboard,small table, stove, box fbr wood, with a curtain acrossone corner for the clothescloset. The chairswould be put up over the rafterswhen not in use. All of this was bought with the big weddingstakeof $150. Some trials and tribulationswhile living there included:Plentyof coyoteswho tried to get the chickens; plenty of sagebrushfor Mont to get lost in, so he was tied to the clothesline; hauling water fiom Little Wood River south of Alberta in a water tank. Quote Delores, "Chesterwould drive the tank on the bridge, then stand on the tank, then throw the bucket into the river and pull it up and empty it in the tank, getting a tank full every other day. I would boil the water for drinking and put it in a canvasbag on the shady side of the house to keep it cool. One time I put somemilk in a bucketand hung it to cool in the cisternhe had dug. The milk got spilled and he had to dip the water all out and cleanthe cistern." Chesterhad 4 horsesand a plow, and plowed for other f'armersas well as fbr himself. In the fall he hauled wood to Magic Dam for their donkey enginebuildingthe dam. He only camehome on weekends,so Delores and Mont went to stay at Uncle Quet's at night. The road in front of the cabin was used by fieighters hauling suppliesto the dam, so it was not safe for her to stay alone. In the winter of 1909, Chet and his brother-in-lawJim Whiting built most of the bridgeson the tract that wentover gulliesand canals.Jim alsohelpedbuild the beautifulhotelandthe Reynolds'home. They alsohelped deliver cementfrom Bellevue to the dam over Timmerman Hill which was quite steep. After living there for 18 months to prove up on the land, the little shack (which had a kitchen lean-to by now) was movedto the irrigatedland abouta mile south.Chet'sdad had filed on a place4 112mi. NE of town so he came up to help farm both places. Then, bed bugs were discoveredin the little shackwith no ceiling. To get rid of them, Chet's mother helped,and every Saturdaythey put the big boiler on the stoveto boil water, and with the tea kettlespoured hot water all around the side of the house. It took a long time to finally get rid of them. Glen Barnett was born Nov. 30, 1912 andthe next summera new 4 room housewas built. What a mansionl During threshingtime, the men worked on the crew and the womendid the cooking, often carrying the food to the fields, for sometimesup to 22 men. For recreation, some Sundaysa bunch would get togetherfor a picnic and fishing on Big Wood River. Sometimesthey would get ice from the Shoshoneice cavesfbr ice cream. In 1916the house4 ll2 mL NE of town on Chet'sfather'splacewas built, and later (1918) Chet and his dad traded places. That was where Chet and Doll lived until retirement. There were many happy times in this house where the carpet was rolled up and a piano was borrowed from Uncle Quet for dancing, or Howard
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Campbell'sfather and mother played music. Many partiesandclub meetingswereheld therealso. Other placeswere Laynes,Biggs, Martindales,Leslie and Walter Spurks, Mel Huffingtons,Metcalfs and Fay Manwills. Someyearsthe snow was deep, some years it rainedall winter. In Dec. 1917,themenwereplowing in their shirt sleeves. That was the year Fred Lewis wasborn Dec. 21, 191.7.Anotherboy? Where'sthat girl?? Spring1918. HappyDay! Chetboughta Model T Ford car. But of courseit couldnot go in the mud and snow like the horse-drawnwagonsand sleighs. : o n t , F r e d ,G l e n . Often the men had to break the trail for the horses. T h e C h e s t e rJ o h n s o nF a m i l y . S t a n d i n gM S i t t i n g :C h e s t e r ,M e l b a ,D e l o r e s .1 9 3 1 / 19 3 2 . Another"HappyDay!" Melba was born March 9, 1922- a goodbabyher mothersaid. and hay crews, etc. Life on the farm was not easy. Gardening,canning,cooking for hired hands-threshers So mother generally had a girl help her in the summer. Then RosettaFlavel came to live with them fbr a while and she was loved by all. About 1926, the housewas remodeledwith addedrooms. This made a big housetbr the times with a total large hallway upstairs,living and dining room, kitchen, utility room and bathroom. Since there 7 bedrooms, of running water in the house,the toilet was a commodethat had to be emptied periodically. There was a was no bath tub, but water had to be pumpedat the sink in the kitchento use. Each personwas allowed one milk bucket of hot water in the tub with enoughcold water to cool it down. The water tank was upstairs. Each morning someonehad to hand pump this tank full from water in the cisternthat was filled with irrigation water that was run through a seriesof sand, gravel and charcoalto purify it. One spring some mice found their way into the cistern, so the water had to be bucketedout then cleanedand scrubbeddown. When the housewas remodeled,a septictank was put in which had to be "blowed out" by a professional periodically" Also a carbidegas light systemwas installed. Gone were the lanternsand lamps for eveninguse except when the system was plugged up or neededmore time to make the gas. The farm track didn't get electricity until the late 1930's. Another "Happy Day" was when the old irons that were heatedon the stove could be thrown away for an electric iron and an electric refrigerator insteadof the ice box" This ice box was filled from the ice housewhich had sawdustto insulatethe ice. The ice housewas filled with blocks of ice from the Quet and/or Mark Johnsonbig pond 3 mi. N 1 W of Richfield. Melba remembersdriving the team of horsesto pull the "slip" so the men could pitch the hay on. Then the stackerlifted it on top of the stack. Then Melba "graduated"to the tractor that pulled the hay to the stack. Melba also remembersthe many, manyjars of food "put up." One year Doll and her daughter-in-lawMae canned 100 quarts each of peasand corn. Now that is a lot of peasto pick, shell and can, and a lot of earsof corn to be shucked. The men often helped. It was fun to shuck corn with Carl Riley and others around. But the work didn't stop there. This was before we had a pressurecooker, so the "accepted"method was to boil the veggiesand meatsin the jars in the big clothsboiler on the hot coal stovefor 4 hours! As it happened,noneof us died of botulismpoisoning. They also canneda lot of meat. One year fried chicken, sausagepatties, beef chunks, pork chops,jams, jellies, raspberries,apples,peaches,peafs, relishes,pickleswere cannedin abundance. All of thesecamein handy during WW II and food rationing. Since Chet raised sugar beetshe was allowed a "bonus" of sugar to can the fruit but only ll4 cup per quart. We had honey to use, and whenever a shipmentof syrup cameto the store, every householdwaited in line for one bottle only. Mont md. Mae Popeand they had 3 girls: Dolores Mae, BerdinaRae, Norina Kae. Berdina died from back surgery complications Oct. 1978. After Mae died, Mont married Marie Thomas who also died; then Billie Dickeson and they were divorced. Glen md Gwen Smith Chouleswhose husbanddied in WW II just before their daughter Lynne was born. Glen and Gwen had 2 girls, Janiceand Teresa, and I boy, David, the only grandsonto carry on the Johnson name. Glen died in 1991" Fred married Barbara Oliver and they had 2 girls, Billie Ione and RobertaAnn. Barbaradied with cancer. Fred married Stella and he later died of a massiveheart attackJan. 1978.
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Melba md. Linley (Tim) Sanders.(SeeSanders) Chesterand Delores were active in community affairs. Chesterservedas a school board member and Big Wood Canal Director for many years. He was Presidentof Lincoln County Marketing Association since it was incorporatedin 1938, to 1953 when he retired. Doll was very active in the LDS Church, and was a member of the North End and Woman's Clubs. Wheneverthere was a death in the community in early years, she helped make clothesand preparethe dead for burial. Chesterdied of a suddenheart attack in Aug. 1957 in Richfield. Dolores died peacefully in a Shoshone nursinghome Jan. 1971. (Source:Melba Sanders,life sketchby DoloresJohnson) JOHNSON Ed was raised at Marley and went to schoolthere. He graduatedfrom RHS in 1938. He farmed with his dad and was married in 1941. Ed has farmed on numerousplaces: Marley, Gene Freeman's farm, Tapper farm, Rutherford's (Buel farm), E. D. Atkins, and Cora Stevens'farms. After running Birk Albert's Garage,he farmed in Montana for 2 years, moving back to Idaho, living at Rupert, Mt. Home, and then Hailey while engagedin constructionwork. He bought the old cafe, remodeledit and openedThe StockdadeBar in 1973. ln 1974, Ed moved into the old Mormon church which he had remodeledinto a home. Rosselle,born in Colorado,movedwith her family to Richfieldin 1934. In 1964,she went to LPN school and has worked in Rupert, Jerome, Mt. Home and Hailey hospitals.She has spentthe past l5 years working at the Wood River Care Center. We are retired and spendour time betweenFeathervilleand Richfield. Edwin C. Johnson,son of Louis and Ida Tucker Johnson,md RosselleJ. Conner Nov. I , 1941. Rosselle was b. Sept. 19, 1925in Grand Valley, CO, daughterof RossJ. and Alice Aplim Conner. Our three children: Leroy and Jackie live in Rexburg. He is coachingand teachingin Ririe, Jackie is teaching in Rexburg. Their 4 childrenare: Julie md. SteveMerrick of Hailey and live in Shoshonewith their 3 children;Shawnserved an LDS missionon the Easterncoastand is going to school,living in Pocatello;Jeff servedan L.S.D. mission in Philipines,md ShandaleByington. They are going to collegeat Ricks; Blake is a junior at Ririe. Glenda md Jim Weimer, lives at McCammon. He is an electricianand she works at the Flying J. They have4 children. Scottlives in McCammonwith his wife and 4 children;Karie is in Pocatellowith one daughter; Tuina works in Boise, David is in Pocatello. Nola and Jerry Preston live at Richfield. He farms and they both work for Avonmore West. They have five children:Kenny who is in TX; Dorothy md Mike Nelson,living in Bancroftwith one son; Janenemd Jeff Riemann,live in Bellevuewith their two girls; Paulaand son Tyler live in Richfield; Melanie is a sophomore. (Source:RosselleJohnson) Kenneth Moses Johnson was the fifth child of Louis Jacob Johnson and Ida Tucker. His JOHNSON Grandfather,Charles Peter Johnsonmoved in 1906 to buy a ranch in Idaho. They remained on the one they boughtfor a year, then sold it and settledin Marley. They bought I ,000 headof cattle from Pat Hughes and his P.H. brand. The cattle range running North and Southon the east side of Magic was called the Gold Belt. Kenneth'sparentsrented a house in Shoshonefor severalweeksuntil he was born in August 1906, then moved to Marley also. Kennethlearnedto ride a horse when he was five or six. One of his early jobs was to ride through Marley and gather everyone'smilk cows, drive them to the north end of the farms and herd them until it was time to milk them again. One day when he was eight or nine he was herding the cows when he saw a little rabbit. He wantedto catch it and take it home so he startedto chaseit around. It finally ran under a big rock. He ran over and stuck his head down to the cavity to see if he could spot the rabbit and saw - a big rattlesnake- not over a foot from his nose. Maybe the snakewas watching the rabbit since Kenneth was able to get away unscathed. Whateverthe reasonKen saysthe good Lord was watchingover him becausethe snakedidn't strike, but it sure scaredl0 years growth out of him. The children walked to the Marley school, about a mile from their home. One Halloween when he was in the 6th grade, Kenneth and severalother boys decidedit would be a great trick to take the rope off the school bell. The rope was off the bell for severalmonths. Later when the weathergot cold some of the boys would go to the Little Wood River to go ice skating. The teacher,Maud Huston, would ring a small hand bell to call the children back in from lunch break. They boys could not hear it so they would be late. Maud warned them not to be late again. When they were late anyway, she sent anotherboy to bring in some willows. He brought the largestones he could find. When the skaterscame in late they were informed of the willows. One of the boys was a big 8th grader named Leonard. He had been in the 8th grade for two or three years and had given two or three teachersa bad time all year long. He braggedthat Maud would never dare to whip him. Sure
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enoughafter schoolshe askedevery one of the group to stay but him. Then shetook eachof the errant boys out, wore a willow out on them and then sentthem home. The next day Leonard was gloating over them when Maud walked up with her buggy whip and give him a good whipping. After that everyonerespectedher and she had no more trouble from them. When Kennethwas 12 yearsold lda and anothercoupleof the women starteda bread club. Boys joined the club was well as girls. That fall Kennethmixed up a batch of bread and sent some of it to the county fair. The boys and girls were judged separately. Ken won first prize in the boys division. Then his bread was judged againstthe girls and it won first prize there. Later he baked anotherbatch and sent some to the StateFair and won first prize over the boys and girls divisionsthere also. He was always very proud of that. One day his older brother Evert wanted to go seehis girl so he got up early, built a fire, and went out to milk the cows. Louis and Ida had just remodeledtheir house. They had oilcloth on the kitchen wall and it got too hot. They heard somethingand cameto investigate.They found the kitchen on fire. The stairs to the upper story were next to the kitchen. The fire was alreadythrough the wall of the stairway when they brought Orlin and Kenneth down the stairs. The family lost everythingbut the piano from the front room and some of Maud Huston's clothes. She happenedto be boardingat their place at the time. The store in Richfield wouldn't open up for Louis to buy some clothesbecauseit was Sunday,so he had to go to Shoshonewhere the managerof the J.C. Penneystore let him get the family someclothes. Louis had just built a large two story barn. They were soon to pour a concretefloor in it, but when the houseburned, they rebuilt the houseand the barn floor was never poured. The upper floor of the barn was used in after years for barn dances. As they got older, the children had to ride their horsesin to school when the weather was warm. In the winter they had a sleigh with a box and cover over it. Kennethremembersgoing to school one morning when it was -44 degrees. The year he was a freshmanKennethwas hired to drive the horse drawn school bus. He picked up all the high schoolkids in Marley and hauledthem into Richfield. There were five of them: Kenneth, Alice, Elva Johnson,and May and Dorothy Newman. The next year a lot of the schoolkids wantedto drive the bus so they had to quit letting Ken do it. When he was 2l yearsold Ken went to N. Carolinaand worked in the rice fields one summer,then he tried logging in Oregon. After he got home he rode three yearsfor Percy Hunt rounding up horses. The horseshad run out on the desert for five years so they were very wild. Sometimesthey would ride tbr hours befbre they found the horses. It was a race to get them headedin the right direction and keep them there. Ken was about the only man who rode for Hunts who didn't get hurt. Ken loved to hunt and fish. He also loved ry1;,,rr.,,,,1tir,,,,,iiffit""'4 ,,:,i musicand going to dances. At one suchdance he met a young dark haired "grass widow" , (that meansshe was divorced.) Her namewas ,,', ' " '**tq''@i Thelma Juanita Blaser Fedrick. They found ,, t'+ i had they a lot of the same interests. '" 'a*: , " . Thelma was the oldestsurviving daughter "'' t?;''t and fourth child of Augustus Frederick Blaser and Minnie CatherineJohn. She was born Aug. 18, 1903,in Dempsey,ID. Gus worked for the UPRR as a roadmaster. The family moved around quite often as he was transferred. When Thelma was a teenagerthey lived in Minidoka and she rode the train every day to high school in Rupert, where she graduated. Somewherealong the line Thelma had K e n n e t h& T h e l m aJ o h n s o n .19 6 8 about six months of piano lessons. She then taughtherself to play well enoughthat she was
askedto play for manydifferentoccasions.Shecouldplayby earor by note. Shehada beautifulaltovoiceand sangwith her sistersandin choirs,duetsandtrios. The family movedto Twin Falls. ThereThelmametandmarriedClideLee Fedrick,Aug. 19, 1926"They hadtwo daughters, both of thempremature.BeverlyRuthborn Dec. 20, 1927. Shewas tiny, but the hospital hadjust receiveda newincubatorandwith its help,shesurvived.Thesecondbaby,Nadine,wasbornSept.27,
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1928. Shewastoo tiny anddiedthe sameday. WhenThelma'smarriageended,shewentto live with her folks for a while. They had movedto Richfieldby thattime. ThelmaandKennethweremarriedJune18, 1933,in Richfieldandsettlednearhis parents. OnDec.27, Johnsonwaspremature.Theywrappedhim 1933,theirfirst child, a boy, wasbornat home. KennethAugustus in blanketsand put him in a box on the door of the oven,but he was too small and did not live long" They buriedhim nearthe big brick housein Marley. November28, 1934,Doris Catherinewasborn. Shewasa healthy,full term babyandsurvivedthe rigors Bea. They were of babyhood.May 31, 1936,theyhad a setof twins, a boy, JeanRay, anda girl, Jeannette gainedweight Jeannette slowly smallanda nursecameto takecareof the babies.Jeanlived only 5 days,but andstrength. On Dec. 20, 1937,Ken andThelmawentto the templein SLC wherethey weresealedto eachother,and the childrenalsosealedto them. On April 4, 1939,GladysApril wasborn, a full term ninepounder. Patricia Elainewasborn August7, 1942. Not the boy her dadwanted,but not a badbirthdaypresent" Kennethand Thelmarenteddifferentfarmsin the Richfieldarea. ThenKen andhis cousin,Aaron, ran a garagein Richfieldandsoldnew cars. About 1946Ken andThelmamovedto Twin Fallsandboughtthe Truck LaneMarket,but he developedsucha caseof ulcersthat he hadto havepart of his stomachremoved. From abovethe garage,which he ran with severalof theretheywentbackto Richfieldandmovedinto the apartment his brothers. In 1948theyboughta farm a mile or so westof townandspentthe next25 yearsthere. They lovedmusic andthe girls wouldsing. andtaughttheirgirlsto sing. ThelmaplayedthepianoandKenplayedtheharmonica Thelma'shealthwasnot too good,but sheusuallyraiseda big gardenandcanneda lot of food everyyear. They raised chickens,cats, dogs, calves, hogs, sheep and . milked cows. One year she had a goiter removed from her i throat which helped improve her health somewhat, but she was not able to sing after that. Ken continued to farm, but finally sold off most of the farm when the kids were raised and they tried to take more time to camp, fish and go seethe kids and their 19 grandchildren. Christmasof 1973 they traveled to Boise to spend the holidayswith Gladysand Tricia and their families. Thelma had a stroke. After quite a while in the hospital, she was movedto a nursinghome. Doris movedthem to Washington, where sheand Beverly helpedtake care of them. Thelma died , March 4, 1978. Ken died Dec. 11,1982. Both are buried in the Richfield Cemetery. Kenneth and Thelma were religious, honest, caring people who did what they could for others. They left a great B a c kr o w : P a t r i c i aG , l a d y s ,B e v e r l y F . r o n t :K e n n e t h , heritage of love for all. T h e l m aD , o r i s .1 9 6 8 . Kenneth Moses Johnsonb. Aug. 7, 1906; md Thelma Blaser. Goth fathers were born on the 6th of October and both mothers were born on the 7th of June.) Children from first marriage: Beverly Ruth md. William Russell Thomas1948,divorced; Nadine. KennethandThelma'schildren:Kenneth August; Doris Catherine md Robert ZeraBowman Feb. 14, 1954 in Richfieldi Jean Ray (infant); Jeannette Bea killed in auto accident April 8, 1956;Gladys April md Lewis Philip SchaferJuly 12, 1963 in Richfield;Patricia Elaine md Cecil Carl Cope Dec" 3, 1962ldaho Falls. (Source:PatriciaJohnsonCope) JOHNSON Mark moved with his parents at the age of 3 to SpanishFork where he grew to manhood. He married Grace Rowe in 1905. Gracewas a sisterto Genevieve(Jennie)Rowe Thomas. Mark and his parentsand family moved to Richfield in 1907. They lived in the two-story rock houseand farmed there until Mark's death in 1938in SLC while on a visit. On the property,therewere largebarns,which had beenerectedby Mr. Henderson of SLC who made a fortune during WW I and constructedhuge barns and homeson severalranchesin the vicinity, including the ranch owned by Vern Thomas, I mi. W of town, as well as the ranch located near the Johnsonranch that was owned at one time by ReubenBradshaw. Mark, sonof Quet and Martha Cook Johnson,b. June2, 1885Springville,UT; d. Dec. 19, 1938;md Grace ElizabethRoweob. Dec. 31, 1885SpanishFork, UT, d. Oct. 23, 1961. Children:
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Mark Rowe (Toady) b. May 5, 1906 SpanishFork md Margaret (Pete) Stewart on June 27, 1924. Children: Lelburn, Beverly, Donald (Mike), :,,:,,,,:,,i Maxine and Dean Johnson. Beverly was killed by a train in ShoshoneJune .,,.r:;tt 11, 1940. Dean Johnsonlived in Richfield for a time in the 1980's" Mark ,i.:rrr;i 'lr.it; Rowe died in 1969 in Sacramento,CA. 1, l,l;',, md Mert Lyons Nov. 28, 1907, Fork, UT; Donna, b. Oct. Spanish 1927. Children: Dale and Joyce. Mert and Donna owned a resort in Idaho for ;,,;'t a time. They spentmost of their years in CA running a Super-Market. Dale r;r:,, and Joyce still reside there. Donna passedaway Mar. 16, 1974. Mert died ''.,ii i in Mar. 1971. They visited Dick and Edna Johnsonand family often. the ,;,',r i,lil , Johnsonsalso spenttime at their resort. Frank Ross b. Nov. 9, 1913, in Richfield, md Ruth Bradley and they had ,rj.r'r,t a daughterAnita. He servedin WW II and lived in CA. He was killed while ;iiri'' ;,=.1:,fi crossinga street in CA in 1947. Twin sons, Quet and Owen were b. Apr. ll, 1916. "Owen Johnson, MarkJohnson& GraceRowe shootinghimself one of Mark's twins, died [Aug. 29,lg24] from accidentally through the stomach. He had beenshootingbirds with the rifle and was in the act of dragging the gun, with his hand graspingthe barrel, through the barn, when the bullet was discharged. Funeralservicesat the city hall." (Obit, SJ Sept.5, 1924)"Little Quet" Johnson19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Johnsondied, [Mar. 8, 1935] following two weeksillnessof influenzaand l5 years invalidismfrom an attack of the same malady at ageof four. One of twin boys." (LCJ March 22, 1935) Grace b. Feb. 27, 1918, in Carey, d. June 25, 1927. "Grace Johnson,nine year old daughterof Mark Johnson,died after having receiveda shotguninjury in the back. The girl and her older brother and a neighbor boy were playing in the yard at the rear of the Johnsonhome. Dr. Sheetsand Dr. Dill were summoned." (Obit, S JJ u l y 1 , 1 9 2 7 ) ; d R u t h B r a d l e y J o h n s o n , R o s s ' s w i d o w i n CTAh .e y h a d a s o n G l e n A . b . S e p t . 1 5 , 1 9 2 3 i, n R i c h f i e l dm Alan Johnsonin 1948. Ruth died Dec. 10, 1983. Glen lives in CA; servedin WW II. (Source:Wendell & Kathy Johnson;Cem. Bk, Vern R. Thomas) JOHNSON Mont A. Johnsonwas born Dec. 19, 1907, in Springville,UT and moved to Richfield June 25, 1908,where his parentswere one of the original pioneersof the RichfieldTract. Mont graduatedfrom RHS in 1926 and attendedone year of college at the U of I at Moscow. In 1928 he married and out of that marriage came three daughters,one deceased;nine grandchildren,one deceased;and 27 great grandchildren. ln 1929 Mont began a ranching career on a small irrigated farm and rented for two years then started acquiring dry land, and by 1947 he had acquiredapproximately2,550 acresof land primarily sagebrushland. The land was so depletedthat he could run only 50 headof cattle per year during the summer months. In 1950, he was appointedto the Board of Supervisorsof the Wood River Soil and Water Conservation District and in 1951was electedChairmanand retainedthat positionuntil he retired from farming and the District in 1965. As a hobby, Mont sold real estateand specializedin ranches. Mont was instrumentalin introducingand helping to install an irrigation structure which was developedby his father and is widely used in this era. He was never afraid to try new things if he felt they would benefit himself or help some other farmer. He planted different types of experimentalgrass seedsto see which ones would do the best in this climate. As a result of his conservationpracticeshe was awarded Idaho Grassmanof the Year in 1955. Mont was also a dairymanand was the first to have his milk hauled to the creamery in a 500gallon trailer becausethere was no other tanks availablein the county. The trailer was designedand built by Linley Sandersand was put to work on Johnson'sdairy. Mont was honored in 1988 as the citizen living in Richfield the longest. (Source: Excerpts from Mont Johnson- Grand Marshal Lincoln County Parade1988) (SeeJohnson,Chet) JOHNSON Myron Johnsonwas born and raised at Marley. He attendedschool at Marley and Richfield, graduatingin 1937. He later graduatedfrom BoiseBusinessCollege. Mabel Carter moved to Richfield from Montanawith her parentsin the spring of 1937. She attendedhigh school in Richfield for two years, graduatingin 1939. Myron and Mabel were married the day after Mabel's graduationat the Manwill home in Richfield. They madetheir home at Marley, Boise, Shoshoneand back to
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Richfield to retire. Myron and Mabel are parents of five children, two sons Noel and Lowell and three daughters,Marilyn, Joyce and Gayla. The two boys were born at the Patrick Nursing Home in Richfield. Their eldest son Noel attendedschool in Richfield and Shoshone. He graduatedfrom Ricks College and serveda mission for the LDS Church to the SpanishAmerican Mission in Texas and NM. He graduatedfrom BYU with a Master's degree in Physical Education. He married Carol Yancey of Blackfoot. They have two children, Jace and Janae. Noel is currently teachingand coachingin Blackfoot schools. Their secondson Lowelt attendedschoolsin Richfield and Shoshone.He graduatedfrom Ricks College and BYU, and serveda mission to Brazil. He camehome speakingfluent Portugueseand taught the languageat the MissionaryTraining Center in Provo while attendingBYU. He married Claudia Romney and live in Orem with their five children, 3 boys and 2 girls; they also have one grandchild. Marilyn attendedand graduatedfrom ShoshoneHS.She worked at First Security Bank in Shoshoneand in Utah where she moved after marriage. She has 4 children, I boy and 3 girls, and 5 grandchildren. While residing in Sandy, UT, she began working as a secretaryto the owner of the Utah Jazz professionalbasketball team. The family becamefans of the Jazz and enjoy watchingtheir games. Marilyn is now enjoying retirement, married to Ken Smith of Bellevue, where they own and operatea well drilling business. Joyce graduatedfrom ShoshoneHS and JuansCollegeof Hair Design. She md. John McKinzie, a Sergeant M a j o r i n t h e l d a h o N a t i o n a l G u a r dT.h e y r e s i d e a t K u n a a n d a r e p a r e n t s o f T c h i l d r e n , 4 b o y s a n d 3 g iJrol sy.c e worked as a beauticianfor severalyears and is now employedin the office of the Kuna School District. Gayla graduatedfrom ShoshoneHS and attendedRicks College for one year. She served a mission to Australia. She worked for an accountingfirm in Twin Falls for severalyears, living in Richfield with her two sonsCody and JoshuaRosen. She is now marriedto Dr. Terrill Zech. They live in Shoshoneand operatethe ShoshoneShow Houseand SundaeMatineeIce CreamParlor. Along with helpingher husbandwith part of his Veterinarybookkeepingshe is busy helpingraisefour boys ages8, 10, 13 and 15. ln 1971while Gayla and Joyce and her husbandJohn were in Hawaii where John was stationedat Pearl Harbor with the Navy, Myron and Mabel enjoyeda trip thereto visit them. The highlight of that trip for Myron was catchingand landing a 318 pound 9 feet9 inch Blue Marlin. He carrieda picture of that fish in his shirt pocket until it was almost worn out. When Myron was Presidentof the ShoshoneRotaryClub, a LinOolnCountyswimmingpool was designated as the primary project. Myron researchedthe possibility of forming a RecreationDistrict. This was voted on and passedby Lincoln County residents. Myron was instrumentalin securingFederalfunds administeredby the Idaho Dept. of Parks for the building of the pool. As chairmanof the fund raising committee he organized a walk-a-thon in which he participated, with crutches and wheel chair, along with many other fund raising with plansfor a Walt Disneymovie to be filmed activities.The pool was completedin 1975.Myron alsoassisted in Shoshonein 1975. Starsof the show were Jim Davis and Larry Wilcox. Mabel worked for a dentist in Shoshonefor 30 yearsas receptionist,bookkeeperand generallab and office help. If askedof her 20 grandchildrentheir favoritememory of Grandma,they would probablysay cinnamon rolls or chickenand homemadenoodlesbut will probablybe rememberedby many othersfor a weddinggown, dancecostume,cheer leader or drill team outfit or maybe a pretty original design prom dress or even a quilt. Sewing and working in her yard as well as having grandchildrencome and visit are a "few of her favorite things." (Source:Mabel Johnson) JOHNSON Oscar L. Johnsonmoved to Richfield with his family in 1906. They purchasedthe Marley ranch and lived in a dugout until the big housewas built with materialshauled,by wagonsfrom Salt Lake City, Utah. Oscar fulfilled his LDS missionto the New Orleansarea and was Bishop in many placesin his life. On October4, l9ll, he married EstherLaVern Chidester(a Careypioneer)in the LDS Temple in SLC, UT" He had built a family home in Marley. He was awarded#2 drawing on the Magic Dam Water Project and Marley was his choice. They had a total of nine childrenfrom to their union - Virginia Saul, Williard, Darwin, Dorothy Clontz, Ruby Neel, Ben, Anna Augustine,Ted, and Eunice Powell, the first three in Marley. They left Marley in l9l7 and lived a nomadiclife, living in Emmett,Melba, NorthernCA. Becauseof the banks' closing in the depression,they had no money and took what jobs were availableto be able to feed and clothetheir family. They cameback to Twin Falls in 1933and to Richfield in Feb. 1942. They had always kept land SW of Richfield, and with the help of their children Ben, Ted and Eunice, clearedthe land of sagebrush by hand and built homesthere. Ben Johnson lived on the farm, later moving to Hawthorne, NV. He had three children - Terry, Laura Garner,Richard. He is now retiredandlives in MountainHome. LCJ Aug. 30,1946 Mrs. Ben Johnson,Helen,
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was knocked unconsciousby lightning. She was cooking over a hot plate at about 7:30 when a power pole was struck by lightning and the electricity traveledthrough the wires of the hot plate to Mrs. Johnson. Her husband Ben, brother Ted and OscarJohnsontook her to Gooding, where she was treated for shock and burns. Ted Johnsonleft Richfield\n 1947after finishing high school. He had one child, Leslie. He retired from Civil Service and lives at Pensocola,FL. Eunice graduatedfrom RHS and on May 4, 1947, md. JamesPowell in the upstairs of the old hotel (one of Richfield's largestweddings),being a double wedding with brother Ted Johnsonand wife. OscarLeRoy Johnson,b. Nov. 4, 1883,d. Dec. 27, 1961,at his homein Richfield. EstherLaVern Johnson b. Jan. 22, 1885,d. at the Grandviewhomeof her son Ben JohnsonJan.30,1973. She was laid to rest beside her husbandof over 50 years. Esther L. cameto Idaho in 1902in a coveredwagon. The trip from St. George, UT, took three monthsand she rememberedthe trip vividly. She was a personwho could do anything askedof her" A very talentedlady, there was no end to her many accomplishments.(Source:Eunice Powell) JOHNSON Peter Johnson,61, pioneerbridgebuilder, and residentof the Richfield tract for 14 yearspassed away Jan. 16, 1939in Twin Falls. Peter, b. Nov. 20, 1877, near Stockholm,Sweden,came to the United States when 16 yearsof age. He was marriedto AugustaHollingsworthNov. 15, 1916. She was of Plainfield,CN. RR May 27, 1909 Peter Johnsonof Chicagobuilt a home on Reservoir Street. An engineerin the employ of the ChicagoBridge and Iron Works for years, Mr. Johnsonworked in every stateof the Union. While he was constructingthe Richfield town water tank in the town's early years, he became interestedin the tract and boughtland. On April12,1925,he and his wife cameto Richfieldto take up farming and livestock businesson a farm acrossthe road from the Kunz farm. During constructionof the Richfield water tower, "Pete" had the misfortuneto fall from the water tower and was unconsciousfor severaldays. SJ July 28, 1922 PeterJohnsonand wife were in Richfield looking after businessinterests. Mr. and Mrs. Johnsonspentthe winter in Honolulu. AugustaJohnsonhad two nieces,Blancheand BeatriceHollingsworth, who stayedwith them about 1930and rode the bus to attendHS. LCJ The Peter Johnsonsmoved to the Lilian Crane farm in Apr. 1936. After Pete'sdeath in 1939 Augustamovedto a tiny housein town at the corner of Bannock and 2nd St. E. She did janitor work for the MethodistChurch. Maxine Stirton said she had a big black dog that she would send to the post office, store or butchershopwith a note, and he would bring her items home safely. AugustaJohnson, b. l88l; d. Sept.6, 1956.(Source:SJ) JOHNSON Quetlavakaborn Jan. 8, 1859,in Springville,UT, died June8, 1936,sonof Aaron Johnson.Aaron was a captainof a companyof 150 wagonswho crossedthe plainsto Salt Lake City in 1850. Aaron had 12 wives and 57 children. Quet's mother, MargaretFord, was his eighth wife. Quet had 5 brothers: Almon, Finley, (a half-brother from his mother's first marriage),Daniel W., Montezuma(ChesterA. Johnson'sfather), Gotemozen,and William A. Johnson. He had two sisters,Girilda and Zina. He also had many half brothers and sisters. Quet's wife, Martha Cook Johnson,was born Jan. 31, 1865 in Springville. She was known to everyoneas Aunt Matt. Many creditedher for their survival the first few years on the new tract, then known as Alberta. Quet and Martha had 4 children: Mark Q. Johnson (SeeJohnson,Mark) Franklin A. was born in SpringvilleAug. 24, 1886. He was attendingcollegein 1907 and did not move to Richfield with the family. He acquiredhis law degreeat Harvard Univ., practicedin SLC; servedin WW I as a Major in the Army; md Edna Evans. They had 5 daughters:Afton, Frances, Margaret (Peggy)and twins Janice and Jewel. Edna and daughterswere accomplishedmusicians,played in the Utah Symphony Orchestra and sang in the TabernacleChoir. Frank, Edna, Afton and Peggy are now deceased" Margaret Martha was born in SpanishFork, UT on April 17, 1890. Shecameto Richfieldwith her family in 1907. She never married and residedwith her parents. She was the Lincoln Co. Treasurerin the early to work. Sheand Mrs. Dewey Wilcox were good fiiends. Shepassed 1900's. Shetraveledby train to Shoshone away Jan. 3, 1934. Aaron Joseph(Dick) was born in Springville on Sept. 4, 1893. (SeeJohnson,Aaron) Quet, Martha and family cameto the openingof the Richfield Tract in 1907. They homesteadedon the S side of the JohnsonButte. They lived in a prove-up shackon the 320 acresthey filed on. In 1908 Quet contractedto deliver cementfrom Bellevueto Magic Dam over Timmerman Hill. Chet Johnson,Quet's nephew and Jim Whiting helped.
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i
lrtr
ffi
Left: Ouet Johnson home. one of the earlieston the Richfieldtract. Photo-GlenRoss. 19 3 4 . P h o t o - M e l b a Sanders.
The family built a two story rock houseon their Carey Act land. The first water was delivered to this land in Aug. 1910. The family moved into the rock house3 mi. N 3l4W in 1911. The househad running water from a large rock cistern, which flowed by gravity to the house. The housealso had hardwoodfloors. The home still standsand is owned by Rod Riley. The Johnson'salsobuilt a large rock barn, but the yearshave takentheir toll and only remnantsremain. In the early 1920's24 aqes of land and a modesthome were purchasedin town and Quet and Martha moved therewhile Mark and Grace lived in the rock housein the country. The property in town consistedof the house now owned by the Brown Estateand land owned by Clifford Conner, a small feedlot at that time. Quet and sons, Mark and Dick, worked on Magic Dam, canalsand lateralsin the off farming season. Quet contractedwith the Oregon ShortlineRR to provide ice for the ice house, hauling it from their large pond 4 mi. to town. Quet and sons raised mostly work horses,standingtheir Percheronstud tbr many years. Doll Johnsonkept a journal of their early days. An entry madein l9l8 talkedaboutChet, Doll, Uncle Quet and Aunt Matt going fishing in a high wagon box. Aunt Matt was driving the team, they hit a rock and Uncle Quet went flying through the air, landing hard on the ground. No one laugheduntil they were sure Uncle Quet was not hurt. Oh for the good old days?? Martha passed away in Apr. 30, 1934, and Quet June 8, 1936.(Source: Wendell & Kathy Johnson) RR Sept. 30, 1909 Quet Johnsonhasjust completedthreshinghis tjrst crop on the Richfield tract and is well pleasedwith the yield. Mr. Johnsonhas beenon his place about3 yearsand this is the first revenuehe has ever receivedoff the place. He has a homesteadand dry farms the place as it is abovethe canalsand cannot be irrigated. He raisedthis year nearly 1700bushelsof wheat and if he could have had water, the yield would have been double. He is selling the wheat for seedat $1.00 a bushel. Mr. Johnsonis the kind of a citizen it takes to make a new country as he is not a spectacularbut has come here to make his home, and if the country was filled up with such men it would be but a very few years until land would double in price, as by his untiring efforts he showsto strangerswhat this country will produceif properly handled. RR Oct. 20, l9l0 Quet Johnsonis building a new stonehouseon his ranch, 30x40' in size with 8 rooms. RR Jan. 21, l9l5 Mr. Quet Johnsonhas the contractfor filling all the ice housesin town. He is hauling from a pond on his place where the ice is fine and is sixteeninchesthick. JOHNSON Wendell, son of Dick and Edna Kunz Johnsonwas born July 20, 1936, two months prematurely, weighing 2 ll2lbs. The family was in Rexburg visiting and made a rush trip to Wendell where he was born. Insteadof placing him in an incubator,they left him in his mother's room, as it was extremely hot that summer. Kathy thinks this was the only time he ever arrived anywhereearly. Wendell is a great grandson of Quet and Martha Johnsonand also of Emil Kunz. Wendell has one brotherFrank Johnsonof Richfield and one sister Edna Faye JohnsonChatfield of Jerome. Kathryn Gill was born Jan. 22, 1936, in Fairfield, the daughterof Allison and Lula Burton Gill Wayment. Her families were pioneersof the CamasPrairie. Her father Allison Gill died in 1946, and the family sold their
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Dairy Creek Ranch and movedto Gooding,where her mother worked at the telephoneoffice. Lula married Stan Wayment in 1948 and they moved to Richfield in 1949. Kathryn has three brothers Robert Gill of Paul, Robert Wayment of Hansen and Don Wayment, Richfield. One sister Alberta Gill Brown passedaway in Sept. 1991. Her grandfather W.H. Gill who homesteadedon Camas Prairie, moved to Richfield to be near his only grandchildren. He residedon the property now owned by a great grandson,Craig Gill. Wendell and Kathryn both graduatedfrom RHS in 1954, md Oct. 3, 1954. They have a daughter,Brenda Butler, b. Sept. 23, 1955, and son Rod born Feb.2, 1962,both of Richfield. Brenda works at the Lincoln County Courthousein the MagistrateOffice. Brendahas threedaughters,Beci Brown, in nursestraining at CSI; Monica Brown, a sophomoreat RHS and StephiBrown an eighth grader. Brenda is md to Doug Butler, whose family are pioneersfrom the Gooding area. Rod, who is single, residesin the housebuilt by Dick & Edna. He rancheswith his parents,shoeshorsesand TEAM ROPES. Wendell & Kathy formed a ranchingpartnershipin 1955with Wendell's brother Frank and parents. Wendell and Kathy first lived on the Perry and Della Durfee place. In 1961they purchasedthe Charlie and Vera Housel farm and moved there. In the fall of 1965the houseburned. A new house was built. The community held a benefit, which helped furnish the home and clothe the family. This kindnesswill never be forgotten by the Johnsonfamily. Brenda and her family now live there. In 1966they bought out his brother and parents' share in the partnership. In 1978 they purchasedthe Sam Petersonplace from Glenn Ward, remodeledthe houseand moved there in 1979. In 1972they boughtsharesin Dietrich Grazing Assoc., with sevenother ranchers" Harold Pridmoreand C.F. Chatfieldwere also members.In 1991they boughtthe Mont Johnsonresidencein town and moved there, still operatingthe ranch. Wendell and Kathy joined the Outlaw Riding Club in 1956and were membersof the Jamboreeteam for ten years. Wendell has announcedOutlaw Day since 1964; Kathy has been secretaryor treasurerfor many years. They were given lifetime memberships,along with Carl Riley and Forrest Armstrong, for longtime service. They have been actively involved in HS RodeosinceBrenda, Rod and nephewsJ2 Brown, Shaneand Craig Gill were members and now with the granddaughters.Wendell has served as announcerand State Director" Kathy has servedas District Rodeo Sec. They were given lifetime membershipsin 1992. Rod and Shanewent to the Nat. HS Rodeo Finals in 1981 in Team Roping. Beci and Monica Brown have gone in Pole Bending, riding old Granny, Robin Johnson'shorse. Robin alsotook Granny, in her youngerdays, to the Finals. Wendell always kept bucking stock for the kids to practiceon, such as the good mare, Cranky Frankie. At one point he had 20 headof shetlandbuck horses. They would practicein the arenabehindthe PheasantClub. They are activein the Silver Creek ChariotRacingAssoc.in Richfield,being Pres. and Sec. this year. Kathy's brother Richard lived with them and worked on the ranch, also Rob and Don Wayment when their parentsmoved to Burley. Kathy's nephewShaneGill stayedwith them and attendedHS, as did Craig two years. Wendell was Director of the Big Wood CanalCo. and AmericanFalls Reservoirfor 27 years. He was at a meeting when the houseburned down. He servedas an advisor to the SnakeRiver Committee of Nrne. He was a Director on the Idaho Cattle Assooiation,StateDirector for the StateChariot Assoc. for ten years. He is Richfield chairmanon the Lincoln County P & Z, on Wood River Soil ConservationService; memberof the BLM Advisory Board, founderand Pres.of the RichfieldCattleAssoc., Pres.of Dietrich Butte Cattlemanand founderof the former Cowpunchers GrazingAssoc. He is Co-Chairmanof the newly formed Lincoln Co. Public Lands Committee. He is also a licensedRealtor, having worked for Harry LeMoyne Realty. Kathy worked as a telephoneoperatorfor Ed Striegelin 1953on the secondfloor of the bank building. The highlight of her telephonecareerwas connectinga long distancecall from Richfield to New York City, madeto the former Elsie Peterson,who was a nursethere. Elsie is Edna Akin's sister. ln 1954, she went to work for ContinentalStateBank, Max Hill was managerthen and alsogirls' softballcoach. She worked until Brendawas born. In April 1956 JeanetteJohnson,who worked at the bank was killed in a car accident,and Kathy worked until a replacementwas found. Jeanettewas a classmateand good friend. She worked off and on until 1962, when Rod was born. ln 1964she returnedfull time. In 1994,the bank offered an incentivefor early retirement, and thinking 30 years was enough,she retired. Kathy has enjoyedworking at the bank and will miss her many friends and customers.Especiallythe kids poppingin for suckers. Their lives and activities are centeredaround their children and grandchildren. Horses and rodeo have always been a large part of the family activity. The annualtrip to the mountainswith horses, dogs, kids and grandkids,has been a highlight. (Source:Wendell& Kathy Johnson)
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
JOHNSTON Jerry In Feb. 1956we boughtthe old CharlieHouseplace314mi. N of Richfieldin partnership with Bert and PeggyBillington,Joyce'sbrother. We movedin March22, 1956. Later Joyceformeda Cub Timmy McClintock, Scouttroop. TheyincludedMilton Behr,RichardMagoffin,DavidChatfield,Bill Johnston, andSteveKing. Whentheybecame Tom VaughnJr, EverettWard, BrianWard,PatWard,JimmyWellhausen the ScoutMaster. Aboutthis time I waselected scoutstheAmericanLegionPostformedthetroopandI became to the schoolboard, and also appointedto the AmericanFalls Water Board. Joycewas singingwith the Joycealsohad the AmericanLegionJuniorAuxiliaryGirls. They includedPam Appell, Jolene Choraliers. Vaughn,Davis girls and DebbieJohnson.In the springof 1964,we movedto the Vadenplace. Later I was electedto the AmericanFallsWaterBoard. Bill graduatedfrom RHS in 1968,thenwentto CSI for two years. He went into the Air Force, only to \n 1974,andwentto work in Twin Falls. Shelater on the farm. Debbiegraduated returnto go in partnership in 1976,marriedfour yearslaterandhasone girl. marriedandhadtwo children. Brad graduated was About 1976Mrs. Billingtoncameto live with us. The childrenenjoyedthis sincetheir Grandmother very talentedin recitingold poemsandsongs,whichsheenjoyeddoing. Most of themwerehandeddownfrom awayat age94.In 1978we soldmostof the placeto Bill. so far back,we hadneverheardthem. Shepassed We built a housein Richfieldin whichwe live today. mdJoyceA. Billington,dauof Leonard E. andVerdaButlerJohnston, J. bornAlmo, sonof Charles Charles WilliamA. b. Mar. 21, 1949Twin in Twin Falls. Children ll, 1952, andGenevaStaffordBillington,on June (Source: JerryandJoyceJohnston) Falls;DeborahL. b. Aug. 13,1956WV; Bradb. Feb.19, 1958Odgen. JONES A. Jay and Betty BluemerJoneswere married June 17, 1946, at Marley in her grandfather Louis Johnson'shome. A. Jay and Betty graduatedfrom the Southern Idaho College of Education (Albion) and taught at Inkom their first year. Betty had 44 1th and 8th gradersin one room and all subjects. A. Jay was HS coach and taught governmentand history. A. Jay had just returned from serving in the Europeanpart of World War II for four years. They taught at Soda Springs,Cambridge,Malad and Richfield, retiring in 1985 to the family ranch at Malad. A. Jay had been teacher,coach,principaland sup't. for 38 years. Betty retired after 35 years as teacher,Girls' P.E. and coach, A r n e J o n e s ;s e a t e dT e r r y . 19 8 1 . supervisorof English K-12 and Chapter I. Betty substituesat the JR and SR HS. Children: Terrell (Terry) co'aches and teachesin Malad HS. His wife Marshais the librarian. They have4 children.Barnard is in law enforcementin Evanston,WY. His wife Julie hasa day carecenterin their home. They have 5 children. Arne is in law enforcementin Pocatello,detectiveand polygraphoperator. Cathie, his wife, is a supervisor of computersat the FBI Data Center;have 3 children. The 12 grandchildrenare active in sports. JONES LCJ June 28, 1946Henry B. Jones,75, died at Wilder. Early settlerof the Richfield tract, engaged in the real estatebusinessin Richfield beforecomingto Shoshonewhere he editedthe Lincoln Co. Journalfbr severalyearsbefore 1920. He also servedas probatejudge of the countyduring his residencehere. Buried in Boiseat the Morris Hill Cemetery. JONBS Marvin and Lorraine Jones settled in Richfreld Oct. 1959. They purchased260 acres fiom Russell Powell, who said "the Jonesesprobably won't make it. " Marvin and Lorraine had three children at the time they movedhere, Ron Marvin age6, Christine Mae age4, and Roland Matt age2. Their fourth child CarleneRenea, wasborn in Richfield.The first few yearsMarvin raisedwienerpigs, 11-12milking cows, and chickensfor eggs. Now they have chickensfor eggs, pigs for meat only and 70-85 milking cows. When the family arrived the only running water in the housewas a hydrant in one room (not the kitchen at the time, but later convertedinto the kitchen). There was no well, the water camefrom a cistern that was filled by hauling water from town. They plumbedthe kitchen with water from the cistern shortly after moving here, but they weren't able to dig a well until 1966. There was no bathroomfacilities except an outhouseuntil 1963. The outhousefinally fell apart and was hauled away in 1989.
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In 1965 Jonespurchased47 acresfrom the Cecil HeldermanEstate. The hay was hauled by meansof a "slip" pulled behind a baler, then pulled by a tractor instead. The "slip" was a slick bottomedsled. About 15-20 baleswere stackedon it then using a crowbar the stackwas pushedoff in the field, then restackedonto a tractor and trailer holding about 100 bales. This would then be restackedat the hay yard. The Jonesesused the slip until 1972, exceptone summer they borrowed a "lift dump" from a neighbor. Then they purchaseda pull-type stackerand in the mid 1980's they purchaseda self-propelledstackerwhich they now use. ln l97l they built a milk barn, pouring cement,welding stalls, and laying brick themselves. The barn has individual raised stalls, two milking and one prep stall on each side. They milked into cans at first, but being winter no tub was neededto keep the milk cool. Early that spring they put in a bulk tank to hold the milk to be hauled to Ward's Cheeseby a tanker. The Jonesesbegan with 2 ll2 mile lines of sprinkler pipe (32 pipe to a line), and a PTO pump in the late 1960's. They now irrigate all the crop ground and somepasturewith sprinklersand a propanepump, increasing 'usable'ground. In the summerof 1973they had a new brick home built where they now live. the amountof Ron Jonesremainedin Richfieldand md. JoyceLyn Brauburger.Ron farmedwith his dad until 1977,then he worked outside the farm. He now has a farm in Richfield and works at Avonmore as a mechanic. Ron and Joycehave three childrenValerie Joe, SherryMichelleand JanineLyn. Roland Jonesalso remainedin Richfield and md. Kathy Lyn Hiatt. They lived on the farm working tbr rent and working outside the farm until 1977. Then Roland worked full time for his dad as he now does. They moved into the old farm house in 1980. Roland and Kathy have four children Katie Lou, Ryan Wes, Isaac Reo and Kyle Luke. In 1985 Marvin and Roland bought a boat together. Marvin enjoys fishing in the boat and hunting in the fall. Roland and his family enjoy water skiing. The work on the farm is busy in the summer, but they both find a littletime for family outings. "I guessthey madeit!" (Sources:Kathy Jones,RolandJones,Marvin Jones) JOY Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Joy, Edwin and Marian lived on the ranch nearly 5 mi. N of Richfield. The family had quite a scare when their house caught fire from an overheatedincubator in the basementin March 1932. Edwin Joy climbedthroughthe basement window andput out the flamesquickly. In 1933Mr. Joy was employed at the statehouse during the legislature,returning home early in April. He continuedworking in Boise later and the family moved to Boise. In Aug. 1934Marian was a houseguestof Alta Crist, who gave a wiener and marshmallowroast in her honor. (Source:News items,LCJ) [After the deathof W.B. Joy, Mrs. Joy donatedhis dark coloredpiano to the school. At the outbreakof the 1965fire it was moved out the south door; it is still being usedand enjoyedin the presentschool.ACBI Thomas B. and Della (Bertha) Williams Junkin farmed in ruNKIN Richfield,probablyin the1920'sorbeforeuntil the early 1930,acrossthe road from the Frank Sanfords(2 mi. N 2 W l/2 N). They were married in 1914, the secondmarriagefor each. Mrs. Junkin had some grown childrenin Washington. Della's first husband,Dr. Williams of Spokane, lost his health, so they moved to Richfield and bought 40 acres. While they were building he had a heart attack and passedaway. They had fcrur boys, Verne, Glen, Harold and Raymond,all now deceased.Glen and Harold Williams married sisters,Nellie and Lola Myrtle Crawford, niecesof Nathan Shockley. (SeeCrawford) Mrs. Junkin honored her husbandon his seventiethbirthday with a dinner at their home. Guests were the Speedys, Gages and Russell B e r t h a S w i t z e r W i l l i a m s J u n k i n & T h o m a sB . J u n k i n .P h o t o - L o lW a illiams Powells. (RR Feb. 1930) A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, Mrs. Junkin was a
diligentchurchworker. They movedfrom Richfieldto Okanogan, WA about2 ll2 yearsbeforethe deathof Mrs. Junkinon Oct. 23, 1935,followingan illnessof 2ll2 months. Shewasborn in IllinoisNov. 9, 1868. Her sons,l2 grandchildren andMr. Junkinsurvivedher. Shewasburiedat GrantsPass,OR. (Sources:Mary Akins, Obit, andMargieMerckling) (1920RichfieldCensus;ThomasJunkin59 b. Oregon,BerthaA. 51 b. IL, VerneWilliams29, GlenWilliams27.)
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KAUFOLD Merle Kaufold, 48, former Richfield residentdied at his home near Pasco,WA on Apr. 19, 1931, interment was at Pasco. He was a member of the American Legion and Grange at Pasco. Merle was born at Butler, PA. When a young man he camewest, later settlingon the Richfield tract, where he farmed for several years. He movedto Brooks, Canada,where he lived for three yearsbut failing health forced him to go to a drier climateand he purchaseda new home at Pasco. He was survivedby his wife, Mary, and an adoptedson, Willard age 14. (Source: LCJ May 14, 1937) KAYS Marion R. Kays died Mar. 13, 1946, at Emeroy hospitalat Atlanta, GA. He was buried at West Palm Beach,FL, Mar. 16. He will be rememberedby the older residentsas the managerof the Idaho Irrigation Co. for severalyears. (Source: LCJ Mar. 22, 1946) KELLY Heber and Ina Kelly and family moved to the former Joe Giles farm 4 mi. N of Richfield in 1962. The five children attendedRichfield school, and Sandraand Nancy graduatedhere. In 1969 they left their dctg, Cotton, with the Behrs and moved away, living in the Spokaneareafbr someyears. Ina passedaway in Spokane in 1987and Heber still lives therewith his son, Kevin. Sandra md.Ed Markham, and they live in MountainHome. Their two sonsand their daughterare involved in riding in rodeos. One boy has beento Nationals. Nancy and Layne Howell live on an acreageat Fruitland; Nancy has taught in the first and secondgradesfor the past ten years, and her husbandworks as a field man for Cenex. Their five acresare in pasture. Their son Jasonframeshousesin Cascade. Sarah is in her secondyear in ElementaryEd at the U of I. Doug is a six-foottall Junior in high school,and Katie, a sophomore,loves sportsand maintainsa 4.0 averageat school. Kevin hastwo children,a boy and a girl. Susanlives in Republic, WA, and drives an expressmail truck. She and her husbandown a laundromatand servicestation. Kathy, of course. She has a son, 14, and a daughter, I 1. Spokane,has recently completeda bookkeeping-computer They have many friends in Richfield. Shirley Flavel remembersthat for Trick or Treat at Halloween, the whole family cameand broughttreatsinsteadof askingfbr them. (Source: Nancy Kelly Howell) David H. and DelphiaKennison,cameto Marley in 1918. They lived in the KENNISON My grandparents, little housenext to the river, which is now Gary Kissler'sproperty. They movedto Jeromein 1920,loadedthree wagons,the family in one, the householdin one and livestockin the other. They madethe trip in one day. David Carl md.Zella Hellen Reddickin Juneof 1939. They movedthe family back to Richfreldin Mar. '70. They of 1965. They lived 6 mi. N 1 W; Bill Block ownedthe farm which Mom and Dad boughtin 1969or retired and moved to town in the fall of 1978. They raisednine children: R.B. (Dick) b. June 17, l94l,md MargretHackworthin 1959div. and md Shirley Kraussin 1972. He has four children--DonnaVanhoozer,Rose Madsen,Anna and Megan. He has six grandchildrenand now resides in Rock Springs,WY. David Allen b. Nov.27, 1942,mdConnieQuall:two children,Karolineand Kristina;Rock Springs,WY. Lone Ann b. May 14, 1945,md DelbertBeem May 19,1963; two children, Sherry Alynda Maestasand Shelly Lynn Meckly. She div. and md Tom Breshears.They residein Caldwell, ID. They own and operate Tom Cat's Diesel Repair. Gary Lynn b. Dec. 9, 1947,md ValerieHersingerFeb. 1970;they havethreechildren:RobbieLynn, Brian Marc and Carrie Elizabeth. They residein Buhl, ID. Keith J. b. Jan. 17, 1951, md Karen McRobertsJune 16, 1969. They married in the RHS Gym after graduation. They reside in Rock Springs,WY. They have three children: Dewayne Keith, Michelle Lee Ferrero, and RebeccaMarie. Dewayne attendedschool in Richfield. Kathleen b. Oct. 18, 1953, graduatedRHS in 1972, movedaway. Moved back summerof 1984. Went back to school in 1992 and becamea massagetherapist. Has three children: Steven and Kevin Cordier and Amanda Meyer. Residesin Richfield on part of the old Young place. T t. t e n d e d s c h o o l J a m e s D e a n b . J u n e l 5 ,1 9 5 5 m d C a r o l H a n d y l 9 T 5 , d i v . a n d m d T o n e t t e O r d a z i n l 9 SA in Richfield. Returnedin 1986, employedby Tri-StatesExcavationin Bellevueand lives on part of the old Young place.He has four children: Gary Wayne, ShawnaKay, SarahElizabethand JamesMatthew. Cammieb. June3, 1958attendedschoolinRichfield, becamea cosmetologist.She md Pat Garner in 1989 and they have one child, Gavin. They reside in Twin Falls. DouglasKevin b. Oct. 9, 1960,md JudyLanhamin Feb. 1979. They havetwo children: ChristopherJack ll,1982 and they havetwo children: Carl andDavid Wayne. They div., helater md Cindy StonebreakerDec. Stevenand Douglas Calvin. They reside in Buhl. He also attendedschool in Richfield.
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Dad and Mom loved music. Dad plays the banjo, mandolin and guitar. He was able to teach Dick, Keith and Doug to play. We had our own family band. Zellawas very active in community affairs. She loved being on the Tiger Mom's Drill Team. Shewas presidentof the Woman's Club and enjoyedbeing a part of community plays. She also loved to cook for the Quick Responseon Outlaw Day. She knew that it was a very needed additionto the community. She loved to sew. Christmaswas a 365 day a year project, sewing quilts for family and friends. She died June 3. 1990. (Source: KathleenCordier) KING Manuel F., farmer, passedaway Nov. 23,1946. Hehad justcompletedhis eveningchoresand seemed in excellenthealth. He wasborn on the AzoresIslands,Portugal,in 1889. He and his family moved to Idaho in 1926,moving to Richfield in 1940 where they purchasedtwo farms. They lived 6 mi. N of town on the old Billings ranch. He was a memberof the CatholicChurch. Survivorsincludehis widow, Mrs. AngelineKing, one daughter, Mrs. Laura Elliot and a son, Manuel, Jr. all of Richfield. M r i . M a n u e l K i n g b . i n l S S g , d . i n D e c .1 9 4 8 s; h e h a d b e e n r e s i d i n g w i t h h e r s o n , M a n u e l , J r . , w h o f a r m s near Richfield. The King family has residedin Idaho for the past 20 years. At one time Mrs. Laura Elliott ran a club acrossthe road from the Burton place which burned down. She later md.Floyd Wilmoth and they had severalchildren. ManuelJr., md Virginia Firebaugh,b. Jan. 23,1924 and their childrenare David and Frank, who now live in Washington State; Stevenwho md Debbie Swainston,children Stormi and Misti, of Shoshone;and Theresa Hallettof ForestCity, IA, threesons. Virginia passedaway Mar. 2,1991, following a long illness. Rev. Adele Hustis was in charge of the funeral servicesand burial was in the Richfield Cemetery. Manuel has since md Virginia Powell Petersof Boise. (Source: LCJ, ShirleyFlavel and ACB) KING Ralph M. and Lalove King startedlife togetherin Garland, UT,where all eight of their children were born. Ralph followed constructionwork, and being away from home a lot, rearing the family was mainly on Lalove's shoulders. Being the mother of five boys and three girls kept her very busy. She also quilted of the quilts being stitchedentirelyby hand and out of the smallestof scraps. They lived in beautifully--some Coleville while Ralph was working on the Echo Dam. One day the boys found a ladiespurse containing(to them) a lot of money. The grocer noticedthe boys were spendingmore than usual and talked to their mother about it. All good things must come to an end. The King family loved horsesand racedthem at the fairs after they moved to Jerome. One day Venna went to the fair with the boys and the horses. The boys decidedshe was to enter the kids race for her age group--the nine-yearolds. This was her first experienceracinghorsesand she won the race. She fiequently rode in fair races after that. Venna was as fleet of foot as the horse she rode. She came in first in many of the fbot races she entered at fairs in Jerome, Shoshoneand Carey. She met many friends at these races. While farming in Jeromeand Richfield,the whole family helpedwith the haying,driving slip, pitchinghay onto the slips,tripping, stackingand being the water boy. When they moved to Jeromethey had no electricit!, so the hang down cord lights were a real treat in moving to Richfield in 1940. Sterling and Aldean were the first to arrive, havingjust beenmarried. They got the house ready and started farming operationsuntil the rest of the family arrived after schoolwas out. Wendell rememberstrailing the sheep up through the desert. He, his horse and dog madethe trip, spendingthe night under the stars. The high school studentshad to walk one and a half miles over the snow drifts to catch the horse-drawnbus to drive four miles into town. Someof the kids would get out of the coveredwagon bus and run behind to get warmed up in winter. Ralph, after moving the family to Richfield, went to Nevadato work on the Boulder Dam. During the war Ralph coachedboxing at the school and taught shop and sciencefor one year, 1944-1945, after which he moved the family to Caldwell. Three of their childrenremainedin Richfield; Sterling, Wendell and Venna raisedtheir families here. Sterling has three of his children still in Richfield; Venna has three and Wendell has four grandchildrenin Shoshone. Ralph M. King b. Sept.29,1898, in Garland,UT; md Lalove Archibald, b. Jul 2, 1901 at Clarkston,Ut, May 1, 1918. Lalove d. at their home in Richfield Oct. 16, 1965, and Ralph d. at a Boise Hospital Sep. 27, 1984. They areboth buriedin Richfield.Their childrenare: Roland Ralph, b. Nov. 19, 1918,md Vivian Marie RoholtJuly 1, 1939,d. 10 Sept. 1944in France. Sterling Eti, b. Sept. 6, 1920, md Aldean Wolverton Mar. 26, 1940,in Logan, Ut., d. Jan. 16, 1984,at Boise.Wendell Archibald, b. July 29, 1922,md Mary Sorensen, 1 9 , 1 9 5 3 .V e n n a ,b . J a n . 3 , N o v . 2 5 , 1 9 4 5 , a t E l k o ,N V . V e r l G l e n ,b . J u n e5 , 1 9 2 5 , m d M e r l y n n P a g e J u n e 1927,md RalphRiley Jr. Nov. 28, 1943,at Richfield.Ruby, b. Oct. 7, 1,928,md Ray ShermanRobisonApr.
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12, 1968.Donna, b. July 2, 1931,md Archie BadgerPattersonJan. 17,1981, at Emmett, ID. Jack Duane, b. Aug26,1933, md SusanClark June l, 1982at Emmett, ID. (Source: Venna King Riley and Mary King) The Ralph King family moved from Jerometo Richfield in the spring of 1940. On my first visit just prior to our move, the last reach of the road betweenShoshoneand Richfield was being pavedfor the first time. The road was in a mess. When we reachedRichfield and turned up the Main Street, it was muddy and full of ruts' We got stuck in the middle of town and had to get out and push the car to get loose. We were successfulin getting through town and out to the farm we were buying. This turned out to be a prelude of future events. Severalyears later the road running N out of Richfield was still unpaved. Each spring the bottom would fall out of the road and it was very difficult to drive to town. One particular spring evening we were driving to town to attenda specialdance(either a Gold and GreenBall or Prom.) Banksof snow higher than the car lined eachside of the road. In betweenthe road had thawed and was very muddy. As we were coming down the hill in the secondmi. N of town we got stuck in the mud and couldn't get out. We carried the girls piggy-back in their formal dressestill we were out of the mud. That night it turned very cold. By morning the car was frozen solid in the mud. Our team of horsescouldn't move it. It stayedcold severaldays and then snowed again. When the snow plow came to plow the road the car was still there. They hookedon with the snow plow and were able to pull it loose. Fortunately none of the tires, axles, or other parts stayedbehind. (Source: Verl G. King)
Rita,Randy,Rena,Dawnetta. Verlyn,Boyd.BottomL - Loretta, Sterling, Kings:Topleft:Brent,Terry,Merlyn,Aldean,
KING Sterling and Aldean were married then moved to Richfield in April of 1940 and helped his Dad, Ralph King, farm. In August we left and movedto SantaCruz, CA. While there Sterlingworked in a woodlot, a dairy and chicken farm gathering eggs, feeding chickensand candlingthe eggs. Merlyn and Verlyn, our twins were b. thereJuly 5, 1941. A year later, LorettaFaye was b.July 13, 1942. She was two monthsold when we left SantaCruz and came back to Richfield and bought a trailer house,then moved to Hawthorne, NV. World War II had startedand there were good job opportunitiesin Hawthorne. On Dec. 5, 1943, Boyd William was born. Sterling was called into the Army to fight for our country. The children and I moved to Jerome. On July 3, 1945, Dawnetta arrived. The war ended,Sterling came home and we moved to Richfield and bought a farm. Terry Lee was b. Mar. 14, 1949, and we were so busy trying to make endsmeet and remodel our home. Then some very special bundlesarrived at our home--it was triplets, Rena, Rita and Randy were b. Nov. 10, 1950. We were so excitedand everyoneelsewas too. Lots of washingclothes,formula to make and diapers to change. Brent Noel was b. Ian. 15, 1952. Our home has improved over the years. We all went fishing, camping,picnicking and hunting. What a good time" Richfield has been a good place to live and to raise a family. They're all such specialchildren with lots of 16,1984,ofaheartattack.Istillliveontheranch. Terryoperloveforeachother. SterlingpassedawayJan. atesthe ranch for us and lives next door. Our youngestson, Brent passedaway Sept. 19, 1992, of leukemia. Boyd, Terry and families and Brent's wife, Sandyand family are still living at Richfield. The people here are all very much like family and mean so much to us" They are all great to help when you needthem and we love them all.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
2t6
Sterlingmd. Mar. 26, 1940, Aldean Wolverton,b. Dec. 23, 1923, Malta, dau. William and Edith OsterhoutWolverton' Children: Merlyn H., md Sharon OYler BargomoOct. 18, 1963,at SaltLake.Verlyn B., md Anita Marie DavisJune28, 1963,at Idaho Falls. Loretta Faye, md Louis Leon Mallea July 26, 1975, at Cheyenne,WY' Boyd William, md SandraStubbsJuly 8, 1963, at Richfield. Dawnetta, md Robert Lynn Terrill Dec. 31, 1977,at Cheyenne, WY. Terry Lee, md ConnieSueDainesSept. 20, 1968,at Twin Falls. Rena, md Terrance L. Lattin Dec. 26, 1970,at Richfield.Rita, md Gilbert Sluderat Richfield.Randy, md S t e r l i n gK i n g ,V e r l y nr i d i n gg a r d e nc u l t i v a t o r M , e r l y nr i d i n gt h e h o r s e . Linda Abbott Mar. 14. 1991, at Jerome. Brent Noel,md SandyOakesMat.27,1976, at Elko. NV. Aldeanmd. a long time friend and cousinof Sterling's,VanceThompson,at the Richfield LDS ChurchFeb. 12, 1994. Bishop Mark E. Bowers officiated at the ceremony and they are living on her tarm N of town. (Source:Aldean King Thompson) KING Wendell and Mary married in 1945 and lived fbr three months in Caldwell where Wendell worked for Simplot potatoes. Then wL movedto our farm 5 l14 mi. N of Richfield in March of 1946where we farmed until 1959. Wendell'sback wore out, so we sold our farm exceptfor 12 acresand the home. We havebeenblessed with eight children:Laura, stillborn Apr.3, 1947. Bva, b. May 11, 1948. ShegraduatedRHS in 1966,Ricks Collegein 1968and BYU in 1973. Sheserved LDS missionin Denmarkfrom 1969till 1971;md Van Ercanbrackfrom Lindon, UT June 1973. They still an live in Lindon with sevenchildren. Allen, b. Jan. 15, 1950, graduatedRHS in 1968. AttendedRicks and CSI, joined the Air Force in 1969 and made it his career;md Diana Timney tiom Hagerman(via Richfield)in Aug. 1970. They have two sons' They reside in Marysville, CA at BealeAFB. He will retire and returnto Idaho in Dec. of 1995. He left the '80's and attendedBoise Stateto finish his BA, has obtained his Masters s..ul.r for a few years in the early attendingclasseswhile in the Air Force. Ann, b. Mar. 14, 1951, graduatedRHS in 1970. AttendedRicks one year then worked until Aug. 1973 when she md Larry Jensen. They have four children. They were div. in the early'80's. Ann attendedand from CSI as a Medical Assistant. She md.Barry Gines in Aug. 1987. They had only a few happy graduatecl months together. In Apr. of 1988 Ann had bad head aches. In Oct. it was determinedshe had a brain tumor. Shetook chemoand radiationtwice and foughtvaliantlybut in Sept.of 1989she left us. We miss her. Baby girl, stillbornSept. 18, 1952. Chris, b. Sept. 25, 1953, graduatedRHS in 1971. AttendedRicks two years then to BYU. Serveda missionin New Zealandfrom 1973to 1975,md Diana Medinafrom San Antonio, TX in 1978. They residein Midland TX where Chris is an Area Managerfor Church'sChicken. They have five children. Craig, b. Dec. 11, 1955,graduatedRHS in 1974,md Valynn Gardnerof Richfield. Worked at Richfield Elevator until he was acceptedin the Law Enforcementprogram at Pocatello. Graduatedwith honors there and is now the Sheriff of Clark County, ID. They have six children. Rex, b. Aug 21, 1960, graduatedRHS in 1978" Attended Ricks for two years. Served a mission in Australia 1980to 1982. Graduatedfrom BYU in accountingin 1984,md Elaine Smith from SpanishFork, UT in 1984. They have four children and now reside in Nashville, TN where he works for the Heirlz Pizza Corp as Financial Officer. They are all grown now and married and happy, and we are pleasedwith them and enjoy visiting them often. Richfield has been a great place to raise our family, and we will always be grateful for the people here as they celebratedour joys and mournedwith us in our sorrows. In the mid 1950'sWendellwas an originalmemberof the RichfieldRiding Club and Chariot Associations. We had a lot of fun times. In 1951we purchaseda new GMC 3/4 ton pickup with all the chromefor $2,200.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
It servedus well and was still running and being used in the 1970's. We movedto town to our presentresidence in 1968. By 1981 the kids were all out on their own, so we decidedto live dangerouslyand moved to Maui, HI to work foi the Maui Land and PineappleCompany for an t8 month contract. Supervisingthe kitchen and maintenancework, they said; supervisingthe kitchen meantgetting up at 3 a.m. and working over a hot stove all day, so after 18 months Mary was ready to move on. We both found work with the hotel industry and stayed on Miui for eight years and two months.We enjoyedour work there and mademany good friends. If any of you go to Maui stay at "Napili Kai BeachClub" or the "The Mauian" right on Napili Bay. A very beautiful place. We mouedback to Richfield in the spring of 1989. Just got unpackedwhen we receiveda mission call from our church to go to the Johannesburg,South Africa Mission. Wendell said he wanted to go to Timbucto and I guessthat was as close as we could get. This was anotherenjoyable18 monthsand we made many good friends there. We are happy to be retired and able to spend time with our kids and brothers and sisters. We enjoy gardening,Wendell enjoys his shop and Mary enjoys quilting and crocheting. WOOPSI!! Forgot to tell you what we did as an occupationall thoseyears. After farming Wendell worked for Paulson'sMotor, the SugarFactory in Twin and then was custodianof the Richfield School for severalyears. He was custodianof the LDS Church just before our departureto Hawaii. Mary startedworking at the Bank of Idaho in 1962 and was there until Feb. 1981. It was strangeto come home shortly after leaving and see the "First InterstateBank" signs on the "Bank of Idaho" building. But, so life goeson. (Source:Wendell and Mary SorensenKing) KINSEY Henry H. and Harriet (Hattie Elrod) Kinsey lived on Big Wood River before 1885, filed on a homestead\n 1892and proved up by 1896on what becamethe Big CottonwoodRanch on the banksof Big Wood River 18 mi. N of Shoshone. With its many trees and greenfields it looked like an oasis in the desert, and travelersbetweenShoshoneand Bellevueoften stoppedat their two story home, where Mrs. Kinsey servedhome cookedmeals. Ten chililren were born to the couple. When Alpha, the oldest,was ten he cameupon the Indian Ice Caveswhile looking for his goats. Insteadof returning to the river for water, they found water where ice had melted. Alpha married Luella Landsborough,who camefrom North Dakotawith her tamily to Shoshonein 1909. Their eleven children went through the Shoshoneschools. She is the author of a book The Saga of the Little Town That Wilt Not Die. H.H. Kinsey d. Jan. 16, 1937,at 88 in Seattle.(Informationftom book.) The Kinsey Butte 2 mi. N of the Henry Kinsey ranch was so named by the BLM. A Microwave CommunicationsTower for the guidanceof all aircraft is locatedthere. L C J F e b . 5 , 1 9 3 7 H . H . K i n s e y d i e d J a n1.6 , l g 3 1 , i n S e a t t l e a t t h e a g e 8o 8f . H e c a m e a n d h o m e s t e a d e d and lived for a number of years at the Cottonwoods. KNODEL Gus and Lois. In 1934the economyin SouthDakotawas very bad, and my Aunt Anna Chamberlain hacllost her husband,Bert, who I believewas in someway connectedwith railroadwork. She askedmy dad, her brother, if we would come leaseher farm. Sheand her two children,Frank and Ivena, had moved to Boise and she worked at the Old Soldiers Home there. My dad agreed;we had a sale of our cattle, machinery and horses. We arrived in Richfield in Sept. 1934. I enteredschoolas a sophomorein that lovely rock school house. I do not know the circumstances,but Lee Monroes were not able to be moved when we got there, so we set up a tent at the Armstrong-Lloyd Campbellfarm until we could move in. My dad raised wheat, beets and hay. The irrigating must have been exciting and very different for him, as in SD where we came from, it was '30's it was so dry, windy and with grasshoppersthat hardly all dry farming. At this time, and for most of the anythinggrew. I believehe did O.K. and am happywe madethe move. Later on during the winters or slack times he worked at Lemmon Hardware, also at the Tri-State Lumber and Hardware. Around l94l or 1942my parentsmoved into Richfield, and lvena and her husbandKenneth Brown moved to the farm. My dad then worked as managerfor Tri-Stateafter Mr. Workman retired. It was sold to a company namedPayetteand Dad worked there until he and Mom bought it. They had a small, very comfortableapartment in the back of the hardwarestore. They both ran it until they sold all the contentsin 1962(later sold the building to a Mr. Swan, I believe). They bought a small trailer and spenttheir winters in AZ. Later they bought a house in Philip, SD where they were near their daughter,Gladys and family, and could get acquaintedwith their nine grandchildren.[Gladys,b. Dec. 22, 1919,md. RichardSmith Dec. ll,1937.] The winter of 1965 &'66 they were in AZ when my mother had surgery, was recuperatingand had a heart attackin the hospital there in Needles,CA and died at the age of 66. She is buried in a cemeteryat Quinn, SD.
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We broughtmy Dadbackto his housewherehefrettedhis life awayanddiedon Feb. 15, 1968. He hada stroke andjust couldn'tadjustto the lossof Mom. store Our lastvisit to Richfieldwas in 1987for my class50threunion. I took picturesof the convenience thatnow standswherethehardwarestorewas. The lastI knew,EugeneCox now ownsthe fbrmerCharnberlain farm. RichardandI still live on our farm at Quinn,SD; a sonrunsour cattleanddoesthe farming. Richhelps close;theothersarea bit morescattered. whenneeded.We havefour of our childrenreasonably [L. T. Sanders of Lois Knodel.l (Source:GladysKnodelSmith) andForrestArmstrongare nephews KOCH Ray E. Koch cameto Richfieldin Aug. 1936wherehe operateda garagefor severalyears. He had chargeof the repairshopin the People'sMotor Service,formerlyrun by FrankPopeand Son. He died in an accidentin Mar. 1939at Palmyra,MI, wherehe was a garagemechanic.Koch, about47, was buriedthere. (Source:LCJ Mar. 24. 193r. KODESH James "Jim" was born in Uronice, Czechoslovakia. Jim, at age ll, his older brotherAnton and sister, Mary immigrated to the US. They worked on the boat that landedin New York. They went to Perry, OK to homestead. Jim and Mary moved on to Denver. Jim drove stagecoachfrom Denver to Loveland and worked in a saloon. At one point he rode a bicycle from Denver back to OK. Jim and Mary migratedto Buhl, ID where he met and married Emma Kacalek Aug. 31, 1914, in Twin Falls. After his fatherpassed away in Czechoslovakiaat the age of 48, they farmed and worked to earn enoughmoneyto bring his mother, two brothersand two sistersto Buhl. In 1916Jimand his cousins,two brothersand Emma's three brothers took the statebaseballchampionship. In 1916the IdahoIrrigationCo. wasopeningland KodeshFamitv:L to R front:Janie,Mary,Eiteen, Jimmre, in Richfield so Jim and Emma decidedto move here. Rose.Backrow: Jim hotdingBobby,motherEmma,Tom. Jim drove the model T with Emma, Tom and Dorothy Lity,Elta,Dorothy,Anton. 1939. and Emma's sister, Nell. Emma's brothers,Frank, Lou and Joe drove the horses, cattle and milk cows through Tuttle, Gooding and Shoshoneto Richfield. Jim had purchased40 acresin the North End. They farmed there two years and moved into town where he purchased80 acresfrom the Idaho Irr. Co. This used to be the experimentalfarm. Mary recalls her mother telling her they stayedin the hotel overnight when they camehere and that it was beautiful,with the lobby having red velvet furniture. Jim and Emma had elevenchildren, nine born in Richfield, Tom and Dorothy in Buhl. In the early 1920'sthe big red livery barn in town that belongedto O. C. Burton was movedto Jim's place west of town. Tom recalls it was put on skids and four teamsof horsesand Paulson'stractor dragged it there. Tom recalls Emma's brotherstrapping coyotesfor pelts. They would drive a tall pole in the ground with a platform on top. They would put a cat on top with traps around. When the coyotescame fbr the cat they were trapped. When Jim was young he roomed with and worked for a chiropractor. Jim learnedhis trade quite well and was always adjustingpeople'snecksand backsin the community. Jim was also known for his wine making, with many locals coming to sampleit. There was a big hog scaldingvat on the farm and as well as scrapinghis own hogs for the family, he would scrapethem for Artie Peterson. Artie always gave the kids a bag of candy for putting the wood under and lighting the fire and filling the vat with water. The wild geeseand pigeonswould come in flocks and Jim always shot a goodly amountfor his family with the goosefeathersused in featherbeds and pillows. Jim always campaignedfor Sheriff Brown and drove people who didn't have cars to town to vote" He felt you should vote. Sheriff Brown alwaysgave him a Stetsonhat which he was never seenwithout. Jim received his naturalizationpapersat age34. In the very early days after threshing time Emma would sew mattressticking together and she and the children would go out and fill the mattresseswith fresh straw, later going to the modern mattress.
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Jim had a band of 200 sheepand the winters were spentlambing. When they were ready the lambs were driven by him and the children to the stockyardsin town and shippedby rail to market. Jim's brother Joe also purchasedland in Richfield at the same time he did, 4 mi N then E. He mostly lived in Buhl, renting the property out. Jim's niece, Bessieand her husband,John Base,also moved to the area living in Marley. Ali the children were raised and schooledin Richfield. Jim sold his place to Bill Flavel, now owned by Grant Flavel, and in March 1953they moved to the Dietrich area. He purchasedthe McNulty place on the road from Richfield to Shoshone. They farmed there until Jim was killed in an auto accidentin Shoshonein Aug. 1963. Emma came to Richfield to live with her daughterand son-in-lawBuck and Mary Ward and Everett, Jr. They farmed the place for her until she sold it to Dr. Sarasof Shoshone. She moved to Twin Falls and then to Buhl where she passedaway Dec. 9, 1977. Tom left school in 1936 to tend the sheep,taking them to the mountainsin the summer and driving them back in the fall for winter lambing. When war was declaredin Dec. l94l,he receivedhis call to Army duty leavingin Jan. 1942, shippedoverseasand returnedin 1945. He herdedSorensen'ssheepfor a while until he purchased the Brown place. He md Verna in 1948. They lived in MountainHome. Verna d.\n 1992. Tom still lives in Mountain Home. Dorothy md Jack Curl in 1935. They lived in a cabin out at Sandy BeachE of town and Jack cowboyed were b. in Richfield. for local cow owners and herdedsheepfor Merle Sorensen.Two sons,Jackieand Billie '40's for Hailey where Billie was drowned in a boating accidentseveralyearsago. They left Richfield in the early they purchasedthe Torch Bar. They were divorced,Dorothy md Jim Sherbine. He died in 1961. They were living in NM, where she met and md Tony Snyder in 1964. They moved to Filer and then to Roll, AZ where Tony d in 1988. Dorothy still residesthere. Ella attendedschool in Richfield, cooking for various farm couplesuntil she md Dallas Coombes, nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Milo Holmes of Richfield. He joined the Navy in Dec. 1941and they moved to San Diego. After the war in 1945, they returned to Richfield and he worked for Ben Kirkpatrick eventually moving to MountainHome where Ella still resides. Dallasd. as a resultof a swimming accidentin 1981. Ella md. Mr. Tennantand they div. She has eight childrenand many grandchildren. Lily graduatedRHS in 1939. She md Ben Kirkpatrickof Dietrich in Nov. 1939. They movedto Richfield in 1940. Larry and Cleo were born here. They farmed until 1946, movedto Dietrich in 1947 where Laurel and Becky were born. They had a farm salein 1954and movedto Warden,WA in 1955and built a home. In 1963 they movedto Othello, WA where they still reside. They havesevengrandchildrenand 5 great grandsons. Rose attendedRichfield school and during her high school days worked for Marie Burton in her cafe as a dish washerand waitress. In 1942 she md DouglasCarter. They moved to Burley and then to Hailey where he worked in the Triumph mine. They then movedto Shoshonewhere he was a meat cutter in Bill Cash's Meat Market which they eventually bought in partnershipwith brother-in-law Ben Kirkpatrick. He operated it until it burneddown. They had five children. They movedto UT and were div. In 195-5she md J" D. Farnworth, of Carey, where they resideduntil they div. ln 1979she md Herb Anderson. They movedto Gooding. Herb passedaway in 1990 and Rosestill residesin Gooding. Anton graduated RHS in 1944 receiving a scholarshipfrom Grand Island BusinessCollege, NE. He attendedschool there 1944to 1946. He returnedto ID and attendedAlbion StateNormal 1947-1948majoring '48, teachingthere until spring of 1951. He met and md Mona in English. He went to Blackfootthe fall of W a r d , d a u g h t e r oLf e s t e r a n d D o r o t h y W a r d oRf i c h f i e l d .T h e y w e r e m d D e c . 3 ,1 9 4 9 . I n t h e f a l l o f l 9 5 l t h e y movedto John Day, OR. He taughtin John Day and was vice principal. He receivedhis BS in Educationat EasternOregonStateCollege. Their two daughtersand 1 sonwere b. in JohnDay. They have 3 grandchildren. They are now retired and enjoying their family and Anton still substituteteaches. Janie graduatedRHS in 1946. In the fall of 1942 shewent to San Diego to stay with Ella and help with the children. She went to high school one year there, returning to finish her last 3 years in Richfield. She md Dean Brown, son of Pete and Iris Brown Nov. 16, 1946. They farmed with Pete until 1947, then moved tcr Spokaneuntil 1967. They moved to Seattleand Dean worked for Ideal Cement, retiring in 1986. They still reside in Seattleand have 3 sons and 3 grandchildren. Mary attendedRichfield school and during her high school years, worked at Johnson'sCafe, for Ivan and Hazel Johnsonas cook and waitress. Shethen becamea telephoneoperatorin Hailey. In the winter of 1948, she met Everett "Buck" Ward, son of Lester and Dorothy Ward and decidedto stay in Richfield. She worked for Bill Fulmer in the cafe that is now the StockadeBar. The cafe was built by Aaron Johnsonin 1947. Buck and Mary md Sep.4,1949, and havelived in Richfieldsince. They farmedwith his fatheruntil 1966when they purchasedRex Flavel's place and Lester's farm. They have4 sonsand 6 grandchildrenand are still on the farm.
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Jimmie attendedRichfield school and during his high school years worked for Buck Ward. He left Mar. 1952to join the Marines during the Korean War. He was on activeduty in Korea. When a truck he was riding in overturnedhe received a broken leg and was hospitalizedin Japan,returning home in 1955. He md Verna Burgess.daughterof Mr. and Mrs. Harold Burgessof ShoshoneJan. l, 1956, in Shoshone. They lived in Jerome, Twin Falls and Kimberly before going to KansasCity, MO in 1963. ln 1973 they returned to Buhl r,vherehe worked for Green Giant in refrigeration. He then went to work in the Twin Falls Hospital. He is now custodianat the Buhl school. Bileen graduatedRHS in 1954. During her high school years she worked in the Johnson's Cafe. After graduationshe moved to Twin Falls and worked in the Red and White Drive-In until she md Lawrence Heck in Dec. 1954. They have 2 sons, Barry and Chris. They were div. in 1964 and she md Wayne Steelein 1965. They have managedthe GreyhoundBus Depot since 1968. They have 7 grandchildrenand 1 great grandchild. Bob completed the 8th grade in Richfield, then in 1953 he moved with his parents to Dietrich. He completed high school in Shoshone. During high school he worked for Buck Ward, then for Harbaugh in Shoshone. He then returnedto Richfield to work againfor Buck. He moved to WA in 196l driving truck until 1967 when he went to work for Boeing Aircraft. ln 19'72he md Lee Bernasekin Coeur d'Alene. They had I daughterMindy. Lee lost her life in an auto accidentin 1986. Mindy is attendingcollege in OK. In 1993he was reunited with a teenagesweetheart,Iona Appell Matheney, daughterof Ed and Eula Appell of Richfield. They were md. June 1993. He retiredfrom Boeing Jan. 1994. They moved to Canyon City, OR where they have built a new home. (Source: Mary KodeshWard) KOHL Wistar S. and Ednawere md Jan. l, 1907,at Chandler,OK. The couplemovedto Kent, WA,and came to Richfield in 1915. Edna was b. Sep. 1886in IL. They farmed I mi. E and I ll2 mi. N of town. Two sons, Milton and Harold, were born to them. "Mrs. Kohl drove our horse-drawnschoolbus for a time and worked in town, picking beansduring the day. She drove a horseand buggy to town quite a while after most people drove cars," Joy Erwin wrote. In the 1930'sthey raisedturkeys. Mrs. Kohl belongedto the Methodistwomen's group and the RebekahLodge. When they retired they built a home on the E side of town, later owned by the Clifford Wards. Mr. W. S. Kohl d. Sep. 19,1961. Mrs. Kohl spentsometime in the ShoshoneConvalescent Centerbeforeher deathin the JeromeHospitalin Oct. 1961. Rev. Woodrow Harris, Methodistminister,was in chargeof funeral serviceswith quartetnumbersby Shirley Vance, Helen Pelley, Audrey Faddis and Ethel McClintock, accompaniedby Mrs. C. M. Pridmore. Intermentwas in the GreenwoodCemeteryat Spokane besideher husband. (Source: LCJ) KOUNTANIS John and Dan, brothersfrom Greece,bought 40 acresof land 3 ll2 mi N, 1/4 mi E of town in Sept. 1912. Dan, the younger,spokeEnglishwell and was an outgoingperson. John was quieter,both were thereeverysquarefootoflandwascultivated. veryfriendly. TheyspokeofthedifferenceinfarminginGreece; Here ditch banksand rock piles took up space. One day Dan hastily drove his team to Richfield to report having seensmoke rising out of the ground to the north. Being from Greecehe apparentlyfeareda volcano. The smokewas found to be coming from a campfire someboys had built in the Wind Cave to cook a meal, John Lemmon recalled. At somepoint John returnedto his home country. In Dec. 1930,Dan decidedto return to Greeceto see his people, whom he had not seen for 21 years. Expectingto be gone a year, he rented his place to Fred Johnson. He went to Pocatelloto spenda few days with friends befbre leaving. In Sept. 1931Dan returnedwith a bride. When we visitedto welcomethem, we had a greattime laughing and trying to make ourselvesunderstoodby gestureswhen Dan was outside. Mrs. Kountaniswent to a trunk and brought out lacy napkins,bon-bonsand exotic candiesand was a charminghostess. In the ensuingyearstwo sons were born. They lived in CA for a while after leavingRichfield. (Source: LCJ, ACB) KRAHN Mrs. Minnie Krahn, the mother of Marie Pope and Annie Hardman, lived in Richfield from 19371949. She was b. in Germany, cameto America with her family when a girl, and moved to CamasPrairie from WI in 1907. Her husband,Herman, died in 1934. Shewas living with anotherdaughter,Mrs. RaymondWade in Sedro Wooley, WA at the time of her death in Oct. 1950. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. (Source: NewspaperObituary.)
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TheHistoryof Richfield,Idaho
KUNZ Emil Kunz was born in Brughaus, Germanyon Mar. 29,1875. He Neuhafen, was the secondson of John Kunz and MagdalenaGrein. Their first child, a son, Emil Peterwas b. May 4, 1873,and d. May 24,1874. The familycameto theUS whenEmil wastwo yearsold. They settled in andaroundProvidence,UT. Two more sonswerebornto the family, Ervin Johnon andAlfredGreinon Oct.8, Sept.22,1889, 18 9 3 . On June 13, 1895, Emil md Mary ElizabethJonesat Logan,UT. Shewasb. To Emil and Mar. 31, 1876,at Providence. Mary Elizabeth were born nine children. All were born at ProvidenceexceptElva was b. at Honeyville,UT and Edna was b. at Tremonton,UT. Their childrenare: Mary Lavern b. Dec. 4, 1895,md Ed Anderson;Emil lran b. Apr 6, 1897, md PearleMae Dana; Elizabeth Magdalene (Bessie)b. Oct. 27, 1898,md Charles(Chuck) Bartlome; Elva (d in infancy) Mar. 1899; Myrtle b. Nov. 9, 1900, md Clifford BatesJohnson;William Orval b. Sept.23, 1902,md Myrtle Keel; John Ironard b. Sept.22, 1904,md Ethel M. Woodward;Edna b. Aug. 27,1907, md Aaron Joseph(Dick) Johnson; Luenna b. Oct. 24, 1909, md John (Jack)Flavel. The family moved to the Honeyville area a short time beforethe birth of Elva and then back to Providence until sometime in 1906when they movedto a farm in Bothwell,UT. On July 21,l9ll, Mary Elizabethdied in Providencefrom spottedfever. Emil md ElizabethBatemanwho later died. The family moved to a ranch N of Richfield in the spring of 1918. He moved from UT to Richfield by loading all they owned on his wagons and led and drove the livestock. He never spoke to any of the grandchildrenaboutthis event. However, it was sometimesdiscussedin family gatheringsby the adults. Emil md ElizabethWilson Martin, known as "Lizzie" of Logan at Shoshoneon Oct. 18, 1922. They were md by JamesL. Fuller, ProbateJudge. Bessieand Chuck Bartlomesignedthe marriagecertificateas witnesses. Emil andLizzie lived and farmed there until 1944. The Kunz farm was located5 mi. N I mi. W and ll2 mi. N of Richfield. The irrigation canal from Magic Reservoirran through the SE corner of his farm. He was always a hardworking,quiet man. He ownedhorses,cattle,pigs, sheepand chickens. His livestockalways seemedto and be as he was, quiet, confident,strong and gentle. He alwaystook excellentcare of all his possessions whateverresponsibilityhe undertook was always accomplishedin the samemanner. He enjoyedthe companionshipof his family and his many grandchildren. There always seemedto be family visitors to the farm. All the children knew where GrandmaLizzie kept her cookie jar and knew better than to ask for a treat. That was always given dependantupon one's behavior. Emil raisedhay and grain and marketed his livestockand produce for income. Lizzie alwayskept a garden,cannedtheir food, made and marketedbutter and cheeseand sold eggs. Emil servedmany yearsas a highway commissionerand was responsiblefor a large portion of the area N of Richfield. Roadswere gradedby the use of a horse-drawnroad grader. Gravel was appliedfrom the beds of farmers' trucks and unloadedby man and shovel. It was a welcome source of income to those who neededa few extra dollars. Due to Emil's ailing health they sold the ranch in 1944. They had somevery good friends by the name of Hill who lived in Medford, OR. Emil andLizzie bought a little retirementhome at Medford, where the weather was supposedto be milder than at Richfield. ln 1946 Emil experienceda severe illness; he felt a need to be closerto his family and he sold the property in Medford and returnedto Richfield. Soon after returning, Emil d. Oct. 7, 1946. GrandmaLizzie continuedto live in the homethey had purchasedin town. The two story home is now occupiedby the Lauciricas. To supplementher income,and to provide companionship,she took in boarders. Two school teacherswho came from the southernstateswere among this group, Fern Hensley and Delta DeWitt. They were wooed by many and eventuallymd Vic Cenarrusaand Darvel Newby, home town boys. Miss JosephineRichardsonalso boardedthere. GrandmaLizzie always had a big garden and beautiful flowers growing in her yard, both on the ranch and at their house in town. She was a great story teller and would tell the grandchildren of her life on a ranch in Montana with her first husband. She later moved to Gooding for a couple of years and then to Provo to live with her sisters. They ran a resort at Strawberry Reservoir,and the ladiesbaked pies for the community. She spentmany hours knitting, crochetingand playing
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
222
solitaire. She passedaway June 23, 1969, in Provo and is buried in Richfield near Emil. Bartlome and Wendell and Kathy Johnson)
(Source: Lorin
KUNZ Leonard and I lived in the North End many years ago. We had two sons, Marvin and Robert. They attendedthe one room school and high school in Richfield. The ladiesof the North End formed the North End Club; each took her turn as president,including me (Ethel). We all enjoyed each meeting, held at each home in turn. We were close friends of the Byne Crist family. LCJ Jan. 3, 1936The Leonard Kunz's leave soonfor Idaho Falls where Leonard will enter business. Mrs. Kunz was honor guest at a farewell party Sat night by membersof the NE Club. She was presenteda farewell gift. Twenty-four membersand husbandswere present. Marvin and his wife Franceslive in Elgin, OR now. They have a cattle ranch there. Our youngestson Robert and wife Linda live in Hampton, IL. Robert works for Case International where they make farm machinery. He is a welder on combines.We movedfrom Elgin to Hamptonfour yearsago. His healthbecame '40's. very bad and he d. Sep. 13, 1993. We had lived in CA for 40 yearsafter leavingRichfield in the early SinceLeonarddied, Ilivewith Robertand Linda in Hampton. (Source: Ethel Kunz and LCJ) LAMB "Dr. Harry E. Lamb was the leadingphysicianof Wendell and of Lincoln County" in the middle l9lg's, accordingtothe History of ldaho, Vol. III by Hiram French, 1914. "He is one of that classof physicians who considerfirJt the healing of sick peopleand last the money to be made. He was born in Nebraskain 1878, one of nine children. He taught schoolfor three years. Then he attendedmedical college in Omaha, coming to Idaho in 1908. Dr. Lamb is perhapsmore generallyknown as a personalfriend than any other man in this section, anclhis popularity is widespread." In 1907 he married Miss Effie Gergan. They investedin fbur fine ranchesin the area. Accordingto schoolrecordsa Mada Lamb, six yearsof age, attendedschoolhere in 1916 with Joy Erwin, Loma Powell and others. physician. When [Di. Lamb later locatedin Gooding. He was our family doctorand good fiiend as well as rememberhim. others will he moved his practiceto Twin Falls about 1927, we continuedto go to him. Probably every in Richfield ACBI In Miy 1909, Dr. H. E. Lamb of Shoshonearrangedto make professionalcalls Monday from 12 till 6. (RR) LANE Jamqs Henry Lane and family lived near the Little Wood River south of Richfield in the early days. He farmed and was a sheep man with huge bands of sheep. They had a large lovely home that burnedin the 1980's. Priscillaand Millard Pridmoreand manyother families lived there through the years. The Lanes had two children, Elizabeth and Jimmie. Part of the time the family resided in Boise. The old rock barn still standsbut the wooden lower left corner is beginningto collapseat this writing. LAYNE My parents, Lloyd and Ida Layne, and my sister Evalyn, who was four years old at the time, moved to Richfield from easternOregonin 1910. They homesteaded4 mi. N and 1 314 E of town along a creek. Their first home was a small three roomed house about a quarter of a mile from the highway, where their other three children were born, Doris,
t--i#'$ -S",.
L a n e B a r n . 1 9 8 8 . P h o t o - L o l aT o n e r .
Walter (Bud)andmyself,Cleora. In lateryearsa newhousewasbuilt up by the highway. The yearI startedto schoolmy daddrovethe schoolbuswhich was a canvascoveredwagon. Whenthe tip over andeveryonewouldcrawlout andtip it backup, sortout our roadshadbig drifts we wouldsometimes go to school. belongingsand merrily on person,sowe oftenhadcompanyfor Sundaydinners My motherwasa wonderfulcookanda veryhospitable pop corn andfreezeice creamandhavelots of would andthe neighborsall got togetherfor cardparties.They park; everyonebroughtpicnic lunchesandtheyhad at the town fun. The Fourthof July was a big celebration andlots of fun. We latermovedto a farm 1 mi. N and314W of town. all kindsof races,music,firecrackers 223
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Mother and Dad lived there until1942, when they sold the farm and moved to Shoshonewhere Dad worked in the AAA office. In 1947they moved to Boise. During their years in Richfield Dad servedon the school board for severalyears and was a County Commissionerfor sometime. He and Mother were charter membersof the Grange,Dad was an Odd Fellow and Mother a Rebekah. Mother belongedto the North End Club, the Richfield Woman's Club and a Bridge Club. We all attendedthe Methodist Church. At one time my mother's parents, Hiram and Eva Talley and her sister and brother-in-law, Addie and Leonard Biggs and her brother and sister-in-law,Irwin and Kate Talley, all lived in the Richfield area. My grandparentsdied and the others all moved away. (Source:Cleora Layne Taylor) Lloyd Lee Layne b. Dec. 13, 1882 Blakesburg,IA, son of Georgeand Maude Layne; md Ida Leta Kate Centeron Jan.27, Talley Dec. 18, 1905at Hemon, Oklahoma;he passedaway in the Wood River Convalescent Talley, McReynolds died in the same 1973.Ida, b. Sept. 10, 1887Salina,KS, dau of Hiram J. and Eva Adeline convalescentcenteron Jan. 30, 1974. They are both buried in the ShoshoneCemetery.Children: Evalyn Maude b. Oct. 29, 1906 b. Hemon, OK, md O.Crom Martindale in Richfield and they made their home in Burley and later in Shoshone.He precededher in deathin 1951. Evalyn later marriedVerbal Ballardon May 23, 1958 in Winnemucca,NV. They lived in Hailey and later inJerome. Heprecededher in deathon Dec. 31, 1984. She was a memberof the First BaptistChurch in Jerome. Shedied July 4, 1994,at the WRCC, burial at Shoshone Cemetery.Doris Eleanor b. Sept. 13, 1910Richfield,d. June9,1968 in Boise;md. CharlesMullica, deceased, Walter Lee b. June 14, 1916Richfieldd. Jan. l, 1989Issaquah,WA; md. thenJack Clemmens,also deceased. E t h e l J o h n s o n J u n e l g 3 6 I s s a q u a h , W A . C l e o r a F r a n c e s b .1J5a.nl 9. 2 l R i c h f i e l d ;m d . L a u r e lJ u d y , d e c e a s e d , Dec. 28, 1938Arco, ID; md Almon Taylor Oct. 5, 1961Elko, NV. They live in Jerome. LEE Alma Lee, 65, former Richfield residentdied Tuesdayat home in Twin Falls. Born Feb. 12, 1881, in Tooele County, Utah, at the age of 21, he serveda two year mission in the Southernstatesfor the LDS Church. He had one son Loyd and is buried in Oakley. (LCJ Oct. ll,1946) LBE In the early springof 1940Loyd's folks, Alma and BerthaLee, boughta 160 acrefarm I mi. S and I mi. W of Richfield. Loyd and I movedto Richfield,also,to help the folks on the farm. When we arrived there was mud "KNEE KEEP TO A TALL INDIAN:' Richfield'sheavy,rich soil stickslike glue when wet. Loyd and I moved into a small housein town with cold water inside,but no bathroom. While Loyd was out on the farm all day, I would look out the window watchingfor some kind of life---any kind, cat, dog or human. There was nothing but the continualrain. So, I stoodthere with tears streamingdown my face like the rain. I thoughtsurely Richfield must be the very end of God's creation!! Finally, the rain ceased,the sun shone,andUvadaBrown cameout of her houseand laid her mattressacross a coupleof boxesto air. I dashedout my back door and introducedmyself to her. We sat and talked until it wastime for our husbandsto comehome. LaVar was a ditch rider. When the men camewe had suppertogether and thus began a wonderful friendship that has lasted for over 50 years. What fun we had sharing meals, swimmingin the Old Wood River swimminghole, andjust havingfun and enjoyinglife. In Septemberwe went to Sacramento,CA,where Loyd worked at the sugar factory at Clarksburg returning to Richfield in March. The little househad been sold to Mrs. AugustaJohnson. Pop Lee had moved our belongingsinto a 2 room house with no inside plumbing owned by Brig Hansen:the dirtiest house I had ever seen. I spentmy days scrubbing,cleaningand bawling. Onceclean,it was truly a doll house.Again that fall, 1941,we went back to CA... Loyd to work at the sugarfactoryand I to work in the enlistedmen's P.X. at the newly built Mather Air Force Base. This time we had decidedto make CA our home. n sD.e c . T , l 9 4 l , t h e J a p a n e s e b o m b e d P e a r l F a t e s o m e t i m e s h a s a w a y o f c h a n g i n g t h e c o u r s e o f o u r l iO ve Harbor! Our peacefullives were thrown into chaoswith blackoutsand other panicky things. America was at war! In January 1942, Loyd's mother wrote, telling us his Dad had suffered a severeheart attack and was no longer able to even help with the chores, so as soon as the sugar run was over, we returned to Richfield..took over the farm on shares.The folks movedto CA that fall and we remainedon their place for the ensuing5 years. In June of 1946 we receiveda phone call from CA telling us of a baby that was up for adoption. We made a fast trip there and found, to our surpriseand greatestjoy, not only a preciousbaby girl but an adorablelittle boy as well. The baby, 7 monthsold..we namedMaryanne. The boy, two yearsold, we namedLoyd LeRoy. Our long awaited dream was finally realized...Godhad answeredour prayers. We had two beautiful children, the family we had been yearningfor...our life was complete. That fall (1946) we bought a farm of our own, locatedl12 mi. N and on the eastside of the road from where we were living, four room house with an unfinished attic, and a basementwith a dirt floor. With chinking
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missing in the rock foundation, it was COLD. We had an oil burning heater in the living room but it was not really adequate. Loyd was a good farmer...an excellentirrigator. He could make a stream of water go farther than most. He worked hard and his efforts paid offin good crops. He was active in church...was in chargeof the church welfare farms in the Stake,servedas counselorin the Bishoprictwice, and did many other church and community jobs as well. He servedon the Lincoln County SelectiveServiceSystemfrom 1957 through 1966. During that time he received three certificatesof appreciationfor his service on the board, one signed by Dwight D. Eisenhowerin 1958,one by JohnF. Kennedyin 1963,andone by Lyndon B. Johnsonin 1966. He alsoreceived The AmericanLegion Citationfor MeritoriousServicein 1960. He served,too, on the Lincoln County A.S.C. Board for Richfield 1968 through 1970. For years we had no telephone,t.v. or running water. Our cistern was filled with water hauled in a large tank from town. Ed Striegel moved to Richfield and took over the telephonecompany. Telephonewire was strung along the fence line. When we most neededa phone, the line was invariably out. However, we appreciatedevery conveniencewe had. The winter of 48-49 was a record breaker. Snow coveredthe fences...with a nine fbot drift in our back yard. Chuck Sluder plowed a road through our field three times so Loyd could follow with a tank of water...Finallywhen the roadswould blow shut so quickly I had to melt snow for everythingexceptdrinking water. Boy, did I learnto be frugal with water!! After washingthe breakfastdishes,I would washthe children's clothes in the rinse water, and then mop the kitchen floor in the remaining water. Loyd had to keep the temperaturejust right in the potato cellars so that the potatoesdid not fteeze..so he had to go to town every morning. He walkedto his jeep on the main road andwhenon into town" He alwayswalked the sametrail, thus built up a hard path. Twice during the winter, when I got cabin fever we rolled Maryanne in a quilt and tied her on the hand sled, sat LeRoy astrideLoyd's shouldersand walked out. If ever we would slip ofT the little path we would sink in snow up to our waist. What a winter!! In l95l we built a new homeon the SE cornerof our land wherethe countykept the main roadsopen. We had drilled a well at this locationaboutthree yearsbefore. This was a lovely home, and had all the modern conveniences.Many times I stood at my kitchensink and shedtearsof sheergratitudeto have all the wonderful water that we could use. I guessyou haveto live without thosethingsto really appreciatethem. Loyd raisedpotatoes,so did his uncleCliff Dayley,so everyspringwe cut seedpotatoes...Dutchie Dayley, Eva Sorenson,Clara Capps,and myself. What memorieslinger from the fun we had in that old potatocellar. We worked hard, alwayscompetingto seewho could cut the most sacksof spuds. When we got tired and our shoulders hurt, we would get silly. One day the other gals said I talked too much, so I just quit talking. Soon they were coaxingme to talk, askingme every questionthey could think of...still I wouldn't talk. By late afternoon they were really sufTering (ha, ha) then, finally I talked. They were surely happy to hear my cheerfulvoice again. Once our grain was just ready to threshwhen a terrible wind came up and shatteredit so badly that it was hardly worth harvestingwhat was left. Another year it beganto rain just before the grain was ripe and the wheat sprouted in the heads,good for nothing but feed. One year our potatoesall but froze in the ground and we had to wait until the frost was out of the ground in the mornings befbre digging. Then the pickershad to pick them out of the mud. Schoolwas let out for two weeks for the kids to help with the potato harvest. They were mighty loyal; they hung right in there no matter how tough it got" It helped them to earn money, and the farmers appreciatedthose kids. We remainedfbr 36 yearsin Richfield and had a wonderful life! The people of the community were such wonderful, loving, and caring tblks..we actually shared each others Slrl,* burdens,sorrows and joys. I was active in church work, Loyd Lee's Homes servedas Relief SocietvPres.. M.LA. Pres". SundavSchool
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teacherfor many years and held various other positions. Our kids went all 12 yearsto school and graduatedin 1963. Maryannewent one semesterat Ricks College, '63 LeRoy joined then in Nov. she married Fred Dixon and they moved to Washington. During the summer of the Army, then in Feb. 1964he married Carol Blakesleyand they movedto Texas. We have 7 grandchildrenand three great grandchildren. Loyd's health was failing, so in 1976we sold the farm to Jerry and Nola Rae Preston,bought a mobile home and movedto Twin Falls. In 1978Loyd had by-passsurgery,recoveredquitewell, then in August 1980he was killed in a pickup truck accident. I lived alonefor sevenyearsand then in 1987I married W.G. Brown. Loyd Alma Lee b. May 15, 1919 Oakley, ID, son of Alma Shielsand Bertha May Craner Lee;' md. Fay Bullock Sept. 25, 1933 Twin Falls. Fay, dau of Curtis and Julia Ann ChaseBullock, b. Oct. 23, 1916 in Caldwell,ID. Children: Lnyd Leroy b. June29,1944 Sacramento, CA; md Diana SweatFeb. 12, 1968 Elko, md Fred V. Dixon Nov. 29, 1963,Richfield. (Source:Fay Lee) NV. Maryanne b. Nov. 18, 1945Sacramento; LEGUINICHE John and Lorella arrived in the early spring of 1971,with daughterRegina (Regi). We ranched and farmed and raised our girls. Brenda was born in 1972and Ramonain 1976. We addedthe dairy in 1984to supplementour income. All of this time up to 1992we also had sheepand off and on hogs, being a farrow-to-finish operation.Many yearsI've had various baby calves, lambs or pigs in the houseto warm up. Richfield is really tough country but one also learnsthat hard work and adversitydevelop character. And if we're lucky, one day it will pay off. All of my girls went to Richfield school except for two years of high school in which Regina went to Shoshone.The first time she camehome in Bergin'sblack hearseI nearlypassedout. Apparentlythe bus was broken down and all the kids were deliveredhome in the hearse,and since Bergin took care of the busesat the Aimee, four in June, who is a busy happy little girl. time he used his hearse.We have one granddaughter (Source:Loretta Leguiniche) LEMMON Clarence was born in the back of the LemmonBros. Hardwarestore in the tamily living quarters. Clarenceplayedclarinetin a danceband in the 1930'sand oncetold me, "Don't worry too much aboutkeeping time with the music. Three-fourthsof the peopledancingdo not"" Mary Violet Dille was born at Neely, near AmericanFalls; her motherdied at her birth. It was a two day trip to the county seat at Pocatello,about 30 miles. They put blankets,food and hay in the wagon, left early, did the necessary businessand stayedovernightwith relatives,thenwent homethe next day. The AmericanFalls Dam was built and the water would cover the town site so the town was relocatedfarther up the hill before the dam filled. People referred to Old Town and New Town. When Mary Violet graduatedfrom high school a friend loanedher enoughmoney to go to school at Albion one summer. Shecould then teachthat winter on a provisionalcertificateand pay back the loan. The classwas told there was a surplus of teachers,so to be amongthe top 10% she studiedfuriously. She taught that fall at a one room country schooland lived with a family that had childrenin school.She attendedAlbion and taught winters then went a full year to earn her life time certificate. Clarencelearnedthe plumbing,sheetmetal,weldingtradefrom his father,Raf-eLemmon. He learnedhow to melt the lead and make a water tight join - a leadjoint - in the plumbing. Many years later when he was working for the highway departmentand becameill, it was diagnosedas lead poisoning. His years of breathing the lead fumes probably left him with a very high lead level. When Miss Dille came to teach at Richfield she stayed at Youngkins. Later Cenarrusaslived there. ClarenceLemmon and "Happy" Erwin were seniorsin high schooland loved to make life miserablefbr the grade schoolteachers. After high school Clarenceand three friends, includinga Pridmoreboy, took a trip to Califbrnia, going through some of the parks. They spentsometimeat the SantaMonica airport. Amelia Earhart often was there and Clarencemet her. That fall Clarenceworked for the railroad and lived at Pagari, 8 mi. E of town. He would walk the eight miles to go to the Saturdaynight danceand walk back after the dance, even in winter. Clarenceand Miss Dille did a lot of thingswith severalother "dating" couples. Picnicsand wiener roasts were popular and inexpensiveactivitiesfor the group. Of the severalcouplesall but one couple married and had long and successfulmarriages. "Clarence Lemmon and Miss Violet Dille surprisedtheir many friends Friday by making a quiet trip to Ontario, OR, accompaniedby Miss Ruth Lemmon, wherethey were married. Clarenceremainedin Boise, where he has work, and Mrs. Lemmon returnedto her teachingin Richfield. Their friends wish them much happiness^ "
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(LCJ Oct. 30, 1931) They wantedto keep their marriagea secretbecausethey were afraid Dille would lose her teachingjob since only unmarried women were hired. The news soon becameknown; the school let her finish out the school year, but did not rehire her. Shehad beenMiss Dille, so everyonejust called her Dille Lemmon. She was hired at a one room school near American Falls with a teacheragenear it, where they lived. One story Dille told on herself was that the floor neededmoppingbut Clarencetold her not to do it. She mopped it when he was out and the water froze. In spiteof the pot bellied stovegetting red hot the edge areasof the floor didn't thaw until spring. They skatedfrom the bed to the table. They went to Port Orchard, Washington,where Clarenceworked in the Bremerton Navy Yard. They were moving Dec.'1, 1941, anddidn't know of the Pearl Harbor attackuntil they got to Boise and heardthe newsboys hawking their papers.He preferredthe "graveyard"shift becausethey could get around some of the red tapeand get the job done faster. He had to work sevendays a week for many monthsat a time with no day off. We had chickensso had both eggs and meat and were not limited to the war ration stamps. Clarence and Dille had two foster girls, Carol and Julia, in WA and were delightedwhen the statelater let them go to Idaho. So there were four girls, not just Elizabethand Mary lda. Rules had changedand the first year they returnedto ldaho, the school neededa teacher for shorthand, typing and bookkeeping.Dille had had shorthandand typing but not bookkeeping.She asked the banker, Mr. Schwaner,a good friend, if he would help her when shegot stuck, and he agreed.She kept severallessonsahead of the class.One of her students,Jim Pate,said he was as well preparedin collegeas the Twin Falls students were. The next year she went back to teachingin the gradeschool. By the time she retired she had somestudents whose parentsand grandparentsshe had taught. She said it was time to retire when that happened. Clarenceworked for the railroad and was partnerat a servicestation. Then he took body and fender classes at Pocatelloand got a job with the highway department. He was still a licensedplumber, and when he developed the lead poisoninghe did a great deal of repair work at the variousrest areasand Port of Entry Stations. He said he had been sent as far south as the Nevada-Utahborder, eastto the Wyoming border, north to Salmon and west to Mountain Home. If he fbund he couldn't get home at night and couldn't call Dille, he would radio a coworker to have someonecall Dille and let her know. A good portion of his work was repairingvandalismand he alwayslamentedthat this was so. '30's and built a two room houseon it. They starteda larger They had bought property at a tax sale in the houseantl after they went to Washington,John and Ruby Mclntosh purchasedthe unfinished house and half the land. It is now owned by Jeff and Diane Norman. When they returnedto Idaho they bought a "Hunt" housebuilt for the Japanesecivilian internmentcamp at Hunt. After the war the governmentsold them off to be moved and usedfor houses,garages,storagebuildings, etc. After one year they tore it down and usedthe lumber to help build the two story housethey lived in the rest of their lives. Tim and BarbaraWilson boughtit after Dille's death.Dille did a greatdeal of the building of the houseas Clarencewas working most of the time. She climbed up and nailed the roof rafters togetherwhere the older carpenterwas afraid to climb. They put a fireplace in the front room and Dille faced it with decorative rock work. She had to learn to usethe rock cuttingtools and said by the time she finished, she had just about learnedhow. She put slicesof agateand petrified wood in to add to the beauty. Clarence loved Richfield and its people. He liked to go placesbut always looked forward to getting back home. He would look out the window and say MY town. Dille enjoyedteachingand lookedforward to the new group each year. They both loved the town and the people, and it was a joy to grow up with them as parents. (Source:Mary Ida Lemmon Leonard) ClarenceEmory Lemmonb. Feb. 7,1912, Richfield,d. Aug. 31, 1986,Richfield;md. Mary Violet Dille b. Nov. 18, 1906,Neely,ID; died Sept.15, 1988,Richfield.Children:Mary Ida b. Oct.29,1933; rnd. Oscar Leonard,both pharmacists;living in Paradise,CA. Two girls, I boy, Ida Dille, Clarenceand Sarah.Marion Elizabeth Kopp b. Aug. 15, 1936;living in Yuma, 3 children:Mary, Jim Cromwell and Jill. Carol Angela Mills b. Dec. 25, 1935; lives in MO, I daughter.Julia Helen b. July 24, 1939; md. Howard Forrey (d. 1994). Children: Melody Baugh, (Hailey);Jimmy, Becky, Billy. Julia lives in Boise. LEMMON John graduatedfrom RHS in 1935,attendedGoodingCollegeandjoined the Navy in 1939. For nine years he served on submarines,leaving the Navy in 1948. He returned to Richfield in 1964 and bought the Lemmon Hardware businessfrom his parents. He and Helen Petersonwere married in 1969. John has been active in the community and is a member of the Lions Club, American Legion, Masons and Eastern Star and affiliated lodges. He is a member of the United Methodist Church having been a trustee, chairman of the administrativeboard, Church SchoolSuperintendentand teacher. Although John has retired from the business,
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he continuesto help the people of Richfield with their plumbing, heating and other problems. [John has an Wtten asked a questionon the early history of Richfield, he would say..."As I exceptionalreroty. remernber..." or "I don't ever recall Mother mentioningthat.." His knowledgeof the areaand peoplehas proven to be tremendousresourcewhile collecting data for this history. MHWI HelenLemmon died May 6, lgg4, at the Twin Falls Clinic andHospitalof a suddenillness.Shewas b. Oct' lg, lgOT in Sharon Center, bH, the daughterof Ransomand Laura Frank Nolan Ensigh. She married Tom Robisonin Utah and they were later divorced. Helen moved to Richfield in 1946. She married Arthur Peterson,who proceededher in death in 1966. In Septemberof 1969, she marriedJohn Lemmon in Elko, NV. Helen is survivedby her husband,one son, Tom Ro^bison of Blackfoot, two granddaughters,and sevengreatgrandchildren. Funeralserviceswere conductedMay 11 at the American Legion Hall in Richfield by the Rev. Dan Thompson-Aueand Richfield Chapter No. 72, Order of EasternStar. (Obituary) died Tues. May 30, 1933, LEMMON R. A. (Dell) Lemmon, b. 1872,oneof the town's pioneerbusinessmen, after an illnessof 7 weeks. He had worked sometime in Wyoming and spent2 yeatsin Alaska. In 1908when the town of Richfield was being developed,he and his brother R. J. Lemmon settledthere. "Raphael J. Lemmon is one of the successfulyoung businessmen of Richfield, who have the enterpriseand ability and are not afraid of hard, persistentlabor. Born March 14, 1876, in Dodge County, WI, one of ten childien,he beganto earnhis living as a railroadman on the SantaFe RR in New Mexico. He took up the trade of tinner, locating in central Washington.He married Miss Ida Sharp who was born in Kansas. They came tcr Richfreld in Nov. 1908, when there were but four dwellings and two storesand erecteda splendidmodern stone buildingwith a separatework shop. His brother,R. A. Lemmonis in partnershipwith him. Honorablebusiness methodi, progresiiue ideasand constantindustryhavegiven their storea high reputationhere and throughoutthis section*her" the brothers are widely and favorably known." (Source:The History of Idaho, Vol. III by Hiram French,l9l4) RaphaelLemmon was in Washingtonstatein the early 1900'sworking in a tin shop. In thosedays tinners made all the pans and pails that were sold in the stores. He decidedto go into businessfor himself in central Idaho,as it was just openingup. His brotherDell camedown from Alaskaandjoined in the venture. Richfield was appealingas a placeto settle,as the railroadwas surveyinga main line into Boise,and in its planningstage, Richfield was t0 be a rail center. His wife lda and he purchasedproperty in 1908 and built a fiame buikling that was to serve as their house and store to be known as "LemmonBros. Hardware." The shopwas mostly in a shedby the store. They watchedthe building of the Magic Dam as the freight wagonswent from the rail siding past their store on their way to the dam. The town was really bustling. In 19l0 they startedtheir rock building. When it was completedit sporteda very new gas light. They continuedto live in their first building and their daughterRuth was born there. They usedthe front part of their shop. Their first son Clarencewas born in 1912, and always told everybodythat he was born in an alley as the porch was in the alley. ln l9l7 they built a house in the north part of town. In the early years, Ida did the book work for the businessand Dell did most of the store work and some of the shop work. Rafe did the plumbing and sheet metal work, which included working on the Perrine hotel in Twin Falls' The railroad on the Hill City branch was being built from Richfield to Hill T h e L e m m o nH o m e . P h o t o - T e dJ e s t e r . City. Their trips from Richfield to Twin Falls were a very large undertak-
Falls. Latertheywent to crossthe SnakeRiveron theferry whichwasaboveShoshone ing, asit wasnecessary Bridge. across the Hansen event ln l9l7 a secondson.John.wasborn. In 1918we movedto our finishedhouse. An interesting and It was all crated one pieceof furniturethat they had shippedout from Wisconsin,a secretary. concerned pile, rock as carefullypacked. When it arrivedin Richfieldor Alberta,it wasunloadedfrom the train on the or anyof the yet nothingwasscratched therewasno depothereyet. Therewasno cratingleft on thesecretary, glassbroken. Not like today'sshipping. ln 1929a mancameandaskedRafeto do someplumbingin Ketchum,ashe wasputtingin a swimmingpool andcabins. Rafetook thejob andwe spentthe summerin GuyerHot Springswhile the work progressed. TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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"New paint on the front of Lemmon Bros. Hardware store brightens that businesshouse like a thousand dollars. It was black and yellow which makesa fine combination""(RR Aug. 1, 1930) During theseyearsmany exploratorytrips were takento the ice caves,Valley of the Moon (now the Craters of the Moon National Monument). and over GalenaSummit to Red Fish Lake with horse and buggy and early cars. We had to figure one and a half hours to get to Shoshone,especiallyif going to meet or leaveon the train. During the next few yearsthe depressionaffectedus all. Our entire community pulled togetherand really did a lot to keep things on a statusquo. One Christmasthe community program was held in the town hall, Santa Claus cameto ihe program in an airplane. The men rigged up a cablefrom what is now the fire stationthrough the window down to the stage, and Santamade a very spectacularentry. This was necessaryas there was no snow till after Christmas,then we got plenty. During the great depressionour community was a close knit group of people. Fourth of July community picnics were held on the park, and all cameto town. Foot racesfor kids, three legged races for the kids and adults, sack races, and horse races, even Roman riding raceswere held. It was always a very full and eventful day for all. Ida worked at the store after Dell's death and becamean expert on farm repair parts. In looking back over our lives, our time here at home with all of our friends in the building of the town, all of the hardships,the fun times and the short water times, we were united in building our town. RaphaelJ. Lemmonb. March 14, 1876Fox Lake, WI; d. May 18, 1973. Ida E. Lemmon, b. Jan. 5, 1879 KS; d. Dec. 13, 1967.Children:Ruth M. b. Nov. 10, 1908Richfield;md Joe Magill, who was a printer. They had two children; Rafe cl. at about l2; Charliewho is working with Habitatfor Humanity in S. America. Joe died severalyearsago and Ruth is living at a carecenterin Oakland,CA. Clarence E. b. Feb. 7, 1912Richfield; md. HelenPetersonSept.26, 1969Elko, md. Mary Violet at Vale, Oregon.John P. b. Dec. 4,l9l7 Shoshone; NV. (Source:John Lemmon) LEZAI'{IZ The family originated in Spain. Ciriaco (Sid) was born in Bustariaand his wife Luchy was born in Guernica. Ciriaco cameto the United Statesin 1928,at the ageof 16. He worked variousjobs acrossthe United Statesbut mainly as a sheeptenderin ldaho. He worked for 13 yearsfor BruneauSheepCompany and 12 more years for Wackahony Sheepand from 1956-1960for Robert Stroutheras foreman. Luchy and Ciriaco were marriedin 1948in Spain. Ciriaco cameback and continuedas a herderand sheep fnreman. Luchy cameto the U.S. in 1952and lived in Bruneauwith Mary Lou her daughter,who was born in Spainbut cameto the U.S. with Luchy in'52. In 1960they movedto Richfield;purchasedRobertConnerplaceof 160 acres; 1962BerthaLee 160 acres; 1967 purchased160 acresfrom McNulty Trust Inc.; 1982purchasedthe old Loyd Lee place; 1984 purchased old Clive Cappsplace. They are presentlyfarming 1320 old Don Walker placefrom RobertLau; 1987purchased raising all the calves. They raisedsix children: milking cows, 320 acresunder sprinkler irrigation, Dan. L,ou,teacherin Caldwell;childrenBrandiand John, attorneyin Twin Falls; childrenBrett, Luke, Jodi. Margaret, attorneyin Boise; daughterLuci. Sid, realtor in Twin Falls; daughterMirari" Robin, farmer in Richfield; children Matt and Michael. Robin's wife Karen is Richfield SchoolSecretary.Lynda farming with Robin and Dad & Mom, living in Shoshone.(Source:Robin Lezamiz) "Located west of Richfield, a dairy and farm standsout like a beautiful picture postcard. Lush green fields of alfalfa and barley surroundthe machinery,milking parlor, out buildings,milk cows and ranch housewhere Sid Lezamiz calls home." (Farm Times) LISLE Charles J. Lisle was a journalist who establishedthe Richfield Recorder and the Gooding Leader about 1907. "It is the manhoodof which Mr. Lisle is a type that has madethis young stateinterestingand valuable. An ancestor,Major delisle, was the first known of the family in America, coming to fight in the Revolutionary War. His father, a Methodistpreacherfor 50 years,then becamelibrarian of Willamette University, Salem,OR. "CharlesLisle was born in Iowa in 1869,attendedNebraskaWesleyanUniversity,working in car shopsand a printing office. He worked in country newspapersbefore coming to the Daily Statesmanin Boise in 1906. In 1907 he moved to Shoshonewhere he had the promotion of the Gooding townsite with Edwin T. Barber, selling $400,000 worth of town lots. Then the Recorderbecamehis principal interest. "In 1890-91he servedin the Sioux Indian War in Nebraskaand the Dakotas, saw 18 months active service in the Philippines. He was recommendedfor a specialbravery medal when a command of a post of eight men were attackedby 150 Filipinos, whom they defeated. He held many appointmentsby governorsof various states, including trustee of Albion State Normal School for six years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was affiliated with the Commercial Club, the Fortnightly Club (Pres.), the County Fair and the
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in his classof 1897. of NE, Nov.27, 1900,whograduated RichfieldDayFair. He marriedLenaMaeWineland sihoolfor 3 years. The Lisleshadtwo children:EverettWillard,1901,andEstherLuella,born in Shetaught 1907.' (TheHistoryof ldaho, Vol. III by Hiram French,1914) the RichfieldRecorderpassedawayNov. 4, 1930,as a resultof a wound CharlesJ. Lisle who established while on duty asparoleofficerfor the OregonIndustrialBoys' Training half before year a and receivedabouta with the SpanishAmericanveteransin chargeof the servicesat the held at Salem were School.Funeralservices a sonandhis sister,Mrs. H.P. Blodgettof Gooding. (RR) grave. Survivorsarehis widow,a daughter, England,as was his father, George LOCKEY Harry Lockey was born January5, 1867,in Glouchester, Lockey,who diedin 1910. GeorgeLockeywasa GameKeeperof a largeestatecalledHorseCoachInn, Barton on the Water. When Harry was 16 yearsold he left school;sincehe did not want to go in the Army, his father sent him to Canada. Harry then went to North Dakota where he worked on a dairy farm and milked 160 cows. I have Harry's citizenshippapersfrom the Stateof Washington,County of '$$r::: Yakima,datedApril 18, 1904. He marriedEva Bell Bickleon October15, 1895, :iiiiiix $,'$ in Yakima, WA. Eva was born February4, 1880,at Bickleton,WA. Harry had :iii' severalbrothersand sisters. One sisteris buriedat Bickleton;shedied in 1887. f ; iii.t Harry worked for the railroad and was transferredto severaldifferent towns in the Pacific Northwest. We have a certificateof IndependentOrder of Odd Fellows, Red Apple Lodge #27 \.O.O.F. in Grandview,WA. After moving aroundfor severalyears,Harry and Eva finally movedto Richfield, Idaho, where Harry farmed, raisedalfalfa, and also drove a schoolbus. Harry died Dec. 17, 1944, at Richfield. Eva also died in Richfield on Jan. 8, 1941. They had 5 children:Melvin b. July 27, 1896at Toppenish,WA; d. Dec. 14, 1980Payette. Fred G. b. Oct. 30, 1897at Mabton, WA; d. Sept.27, 1983at Nampa.Carrie Lockey & father Harry Eliza b. Jan.3, 1899d. Sept.22,1899.Clara b. May 25, 1900at Prosser,WA; . 1940. d. July 8, 1968 at Shoshone;md. Charles Oscar PaulsonJan. l, 1919 at Richfield.BessieBell b. Jan.27. 1902Yakima; d. Dec. 4, 1980at Tulare, CA.; md. Mr. Zamzow Apr.4, 1920. Fred G. Lockey is my father. We left Richfield for Nampa in 1922when I was one year old. (Source:Fred Lowell Lockey, Mary B. PaulsonRoss) tiiiii:i
lfl
:ili::ii
LUFF Ervin A. (Ike) Luff was born December3,1892, in BigstoneCity, SouthDakota. Ruby Carter was born Dec.24,1910, in Sego,Kansas,to Mr. and Mrs. CharlesHenry Carter. She camefrom a large family, which northeastof Hinsdale, Montana. On March 23, 1929,Ruby and Ike were married. The family later homesteaded moved to Washingtonin 1937, andthen moved to Richfield in 1938. They lived on a small farm NW of town, at what is now the Mark Bower's farm. Ike worked on the farm and in carpenteringuntil he was forced to retire dueto poor healthand died Nov. 30, 1944,in Richfieldof a heartailment. He had servedin the military during World War I. The couplewas marriedfifteen years,during which time they had five children,Richard,b. Feb. 13, 1930;Robertb. June 10, l93l; Dorothyb. Aug. 18, 1933;Ervin Albert JR b. Feb.2, 1935,d. Feb. 19" 1935;Donnab. Oct. 19, 1940. Fred Petersonwas born January17, 1913,in Boise. He serveda tour of duty in Europeduring WW II, as an Air Force mechanic. After returning to Richfield, he married Ruby on March 20, 1947, at the Richfield Methodist Church during a midnight ceremony. A few days after their marriage, Fred went to work for Dick Johnson,and they moved into the Durfee farm. They had a son, Fredrick, born April 14, 1948. During the next few years, Fred, Ruby and family farmed the Wilcox place, then the Sweeneyfarm, until they purchasedthe Truman Anderson farm in 1957. Later, they moved to the Dayley farm, while Fred worked for Sid Lezamiz. The couple moved into town where they bought the Mclntosh house, locatedon CassiaAve. and Fred worked for the city of Richfield. During her life, Ruby always kept a beautiful flower garden near her house. She was a meticulous housekeeper,and could occasionallybe seen vacuuming leavesfrom her flower garden. She was an expert seamstress,and made severalwedding dressesfor local brides. She was a near perfectionistin everything she did. Ruby was active in church activities and was a devotedgrandmotherto nine grandchildren. Ruby Fay died Feb. 15, 1985, at the age of 74, after suffering and partially rehabilitatingfrom a stroke. Fred died May 31, 1985,from a lingeringillness.
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Richard CharlesLuff, after graduatingfrom RHS, enteredthe Navy in 1950 in San Diego, CA. He served on the USS Nerus during the Korean War. He later was sent to Pearl Harbor SubmarineBase for 18 months where he servedon a sub tender. He was dischargedfrom the Navy in 1954. While in high school,Richard met JacquieDayley. While Richardwas in the Navy and Jacquiewas working for Continental Air Lines, they began a correspondencecourtship and were married May 7, 1955. Richard worked for Bell TelephoneCo. for many years and is now retired. He and Jacquie have three sons, Kelvin, Kendall and Kimball and now live in Kimberly. Robert E. Luff married Mary Farnworth. (SeeLuff, Robert) Dorothy Eva Luff, after graduatingfrom RHS, married Henry Maestas,March 2, 1952. She worked at a cafe in Shoshonewhile Henry was inductedinto the Army, then followed Henry wherever he was stationed. They now live in Renton, WA, and are parentsof two children, Christine and John. Donna Marlene Luff, after graduatingfrom RHS and attendingsecretarialschool married Douglas Kelly, June23, 1962. They havethree children,Leisa, Laura and Daniel. Fredrick Lee Peterson,after graduatingfrom RHS in 1966and attendingcollege, md. JaniceSteelman,Dec. 15, 1968. They live at HorseshoeBend. Fred is a foremanof a ranch. (Source:Mary Luff, Mabel Johnson) Montanato Ike and Ruby LufT. After attendingschoolin LUFF Robert was bornJune 10, 1931,in Glasgr.rw, in 1954. He servedat Fort Ord, Fort Knox, and then served Army Richfield, Robert enteredthe United States part of a tank division, and was honorably dischargedin 1956, after a tour of duty in Meintz, Germany. He was Officer's rank of SP 3. He returnedto ldaho, leaseda farm in the Bellevue assumingthe Non-Commissioned area, and lived with his aunt and uncle, Ralph and Claire Carter. In 1958, he returned to the Richfield areaand leasedthe Dewey Wilcox farm. Mary was born March 24, 1938, in Goodingto Francis Chriss and Emma Minda Farnworth. The family moved to Richfield in 1940, where they residedat the former Gene Alexander farm in the Marley area. Mary attendedschool in Richfield, graduatingin 1956. She worked a short time at Sun Valley, then in September 1956,beganworking at the Richfieldbank. In 1956,Mary and Robert,who had known eachotherfbr manyyears,had a humorousincidentat the bank. Mary accidentallyshortchangedRobert, who was cashingin his bonds after returning from the Army. Robert joked to his aunt and uncle that he would have to marry her to get even. Little did he know that on May 13, 1959,they would wed at the RichfieldMethodistChurch. on the Wilcox farm during the summer,then pulled the trailer to The couple lived in a small trailer-house town for the winter. In the spring of 1960,they moved into the houselocatedon the Wilcox farm. In 1961, they moved to the Woods farm, just acrossthe fields. They moved five times in three years, but never very far. During the winter of 1962-63,the couplehad to walk the quarter-milelane from Nov. to March, becauseof deep snow and deepermud. In the fall of 1963,they moved to the Charley House farm, 314 mi. N of Richfield. Robertand Mary purchasedit from A. J. BillingtonandJerry andJoyceJohnston.They residedthereuntil 1990. In the fall, they moved ll4 mi. closerto town. Robert and Mary adopteda baby girl, on Dec. 9, 1968,CarmenJean,born in Jerome. During her school years,she was active in 4-H, FFA, drama, sportsand other schocllevents. Carmen wrote fbr the Lincoln County Journal from 1985to 1987,when shegraduatedfrom RHS. In 1991,shegraduatedfrom ISU in Pocatellowith a degreein Mass Communications.On Dec. 22, 1990,CarmenmarriedReedKyle Kofoed, son of LorenzoB. and Ardis Shaw Kofoed of Rigby, ID. The couplereside in Elko, NV, where Reed is employedas a Staff Geologistfor NewmontGold Co. Carmenis pursuinga careeras a writer and an artist. , Robert and Mary have farmed and raised replacementheifers for many years. Mary worked fbr thb tsank of Idahountil Carmen'sbirth, then worked for Ward's Cheesefrom 1971to 1980. In 1982, she beganclerical work at the ShoshoneSale Yard. In 1983, she beganpart-timeon-call work for the Richfield First Interstate Bank, and in 1986,she becamethe Richfield District Library librarian. After many yearsof holding at leastthree part-timejobs, in 1994, she gave up her clericaljob at the ShoshoneSale Yard to return to full-time work at the bank. She continuesto be the librarian. Robert is farming his own 160 acres, as well as leasing pastureland from Mack and Beth Proctor, longtimefriends and neighbors. From 1973to 1976, they tried their handsat dairy cow milking, but found they could make more money raising calves.There were many good years of farming, and in 1981, they "buried their money" on the northernmost 80 acresby installinga new wheel-linesystem. (Source: Mary Luff)
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
MAESTAS Joe and Lenor Maestaswere born and raised in Colorado and lived there until 1947 when they moved to Richfield with their family and farmed 3 mi. N and 314 W of Richfield on the old Quet or Mark Johnsonplace. They farmed there until 1950, then moved to Gooding. CharlesMaestasmarried Lois Wilson in 1948and lived in Richfield until 1950when they moved to the farm where they farmed for 25 years and raised five children, three sonsand two daughters. One daughter, Kayla, died when she was five years old. The four children were David of Richfield, Kent of CA, Douglas of Boise and Susan of Carey, all graduatedfrom RHS. Charles and Lois Maestashave six granddaughtersand one grandson. They moved to Bellevue, Idaho, in 1976. (Source: Charles and Lois Maestas) MAGOFFIN My dad, Louie (L.L.) Magoffin and brotherLeRoy, purchasedthe W.S. Kohl Ranch in the winter of 1948. There was quite a bit of snow on the ground, but not what there would be later. I, Clarence, came homeon leavefrom the Navy at Christmastime, and we went to the ranchon RussellPowell's sleigh. The snow drifts were over six feet deep and with more to come. Dad and Mom were able to move in by March and next to LeRoy and Lola in April. The ranch was really run down and the first year was a disaster,crop-wise. Richard was born on Sept. 8, 1949,followed by his sister,Sherryl, on Jan. 9, 1951. Both Sherryl and Richardgraduatedfrom RHS. Dad and LeRoy (Roy) built up the ranch with cattle and receiveda Grassmanof the Year award. My dad semi-retiredafter a heart attack in 1956, passingaway fiorn a tatal attack in 1967. LeRoy and Lola sold the ranch in the spring of 1972 and moved to Montana. In December of l99l they were tragically killed in a car wreck in the Clarkfork River. Richard has never married and currently lives in Thcrmpson Falls, Montana. Sherryl and her husbandVernon Behmerwohld,md. Jan. 1, 1972,live in Noxon, MT, with their youngestdaughter, Stormy, a junior at Noxon HS. Their oldest daughter, Brandy, is living in Missoula,MT, where she is attendingcollegeand raisingher year-oldson, Justin. The Clarence Magoffins have four girls and one boy. Mrs. Louie (Sadie)Magof1in is living at the Wood River Care Center. LeRoy W. Magoffin b. Jan. 26, 1926Twin Falls, son of Louie and SarahNorris Mogof1in,rnd Lola Olson b. Apr. 29,1926 KansasCity, KS; they md Nov. 16, 1947Twin Falls. (Source:ClarenceMagofTin) MANWILL Fay and Mary Manwill and baby son Don cameto Richfreldto make their home on October7, 1916. Fay got immediate employment with the Idaho IrrigationCo., as someof the canalsystemswere stillbeing built. Mary helped in the cook-shack,preparingmealsfor 30 workers that lived in tents which were at about the locationof Melvin Pope'shouse. ln 1917 they bought an SO-acrefarm located6 mi. N and 2 mi. W of Richfield. Lack of irrigation water had beena huge problem for local farmers, and the year of 1920 was one of those,with only 8 daysof irrigation. So in 1920 they left the farm and moved into town where Fay went to work for the ConsolidatedWagon and Machine Co. Cars were becoming the main mode of transportation. At this time they had on the showroom floor, an elaboratesurrey with two seats,a fully enclosedtop, side curtainsand lights on the front posts. At about this time Mary managed the cream-testing stationfor Nelson Ricks Creamery. The farmers sold the creamoff the milk and it had to be testedfor the percentage of butterfat. In the spring of 1924 Fay began working for the Big *l Wood Canal Company and worked for them until August 1928when he beganemploymentwith the ColoradoMilling and Elevator Co. After about 13 months, the Manager, F e r r i na n d M a r v M a n w i l l Floyd Steward, moved away and Fay took his place as Manager of the Richfield Elevator and continueduntil his retirementin January 1957.
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Fay was active in the Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) and served in many positions. He was first called to be a counselorin the Branch Presidencyin May 1920. After one year he was askedto be Branch Presidentwhich position he held for 14 years. On July 28, 1935, the Branch becamea ward and he becamethe first bishopof the Richfield Ward and servedfor over two years. He was on the High Council for nearly seven years, served as the Stake Presidentof Blaine Stake for 7 ll2 years and then was called as a StakePatriarch in March 1952. Fay also servedhis community well. He was a memberof the North End School Board and was a member and chairmanof the Richfield SchoolBoard, serving4 l12 yearc. For two yearshe was on the Richfield Village Board, and two yearsas a memberof the Richfield Mutual TelephoneBoard. He servedtwo years as a member of the Lincoln County Red Cross and one year as Chairman of Defensein Lincoln County. He was active in politics, successfullycampaigningand winning the State Senateseat for the State of Idaho for four two-year terms, beginningin 1940. Mary was also active in the community. Many Christmasseasonsshe servedon the buying committeetbr the Community Christmas Program and spent many days soliciting money, buying and sacking treats for the children. During World War II, Mary worked countlesshours rolling bandagesfor the Red Cross. She also made dozensof pairs of pajamas,night shirts, moccasinsand ditty bags for the servicemenand for hospitals. She served 4-5 years on the Funeral Committeefor Richfield and helped decoratethe hall with flowers and did whateverelse neededto be done. For severalyearsshe was a memberof the Singing Mother's Chorus. Along with her husband,shetoo was activein the L.D.S. Church,teachingin variousorganizations.Mary wastalented in crocheting, tatting, embroidering, was a beautiful seamstress,and had a great love for flowers. Their yard was always colorful with giant Oriental Poppies,roses, chrysanthemums,peoniesand many other flowers. In the winter, plants always bloomed in the windows to brighten their home. Fay and Mary tried to make a point of being the first to visit the sick and the homes where there had been a death in the family, providing comfort, food and assistingwith the clothing for the deceased. They had a fine orchard and always raiseda huge vegetablegardenand were very generousin sharingthe produce with everyone. The Manwills enjoyed dancing and attendedmost of the community dances. Fay was an avid hunter and fishermanand enjoyedtraveling. He had a great senseof humor and knew so many cute stories that appliedto most any subject, making him an often sought-afterMaster of Ceremony fbr dozens of banquets,parties and programs. Music was a very importantpart of his life. He had a fine voice and was continuallycalledupon to sing at funerals,meetings,programs,etc. as well as speakat suchfunctions. Ferrin (Fay) Manwill, b. Nov. 22,1891, in Benjamin,UT to JamesA. and Lucy Ann Taylor Manwill; d. A p r i l 6 , 1 9 7 5 , i n B o u n t i f u l .M a r y , d a u g h t e r o f W i l l i a m a n d R o s e t t a C h r i s t m a s F l a v e l , w a s b o r n A u g1.83807, in Palmyra, UT. They married Sept. 15, 1913, in Provo. Their children: Don, b. July 20, 1915 in Spanish Fork, first missionaryfor the LDS Church to leavefrom the town of Richfield. He left in January 1938for two years in the NorthwesternStatesMission with headquartersin Portland, OR. He married Mary A. Barraclough on Januaryll,1994, in Boise, at the age of 78. of Boise March 31,1947. Don passedawayvery unexpectedly Mission with headquartersin New York City. mission Eastern States 1921, a to the Feb. 18, served Lois, b. Apr. 1946. Their third child lla, b. June 26, 1929, married 8, She marriedJohn A. Larsenof Salt Lake City Wm. GraysonGurr of Parowan,Utah, Oct. 27,1950, and after Grayson'sdeathshe marriedBruce Ryanof Salt Lake City on Dec. 22, 1962. As of this writing, the Manwills havea posterityof 3 children, 15 grandchildren, 57 greatgrandchildrenand I greatgreatgrandchild.(Source:Don Manwill, Lois Larsen, Ila Ryan) MAPES "Mrs. Wade and Silas Mapeswere marriedtwo weeksago at Shoshone.They will make their home north of town, Mr. Mapeshaving rentedthe Cranefarm for this year." [Probablythe Fred Crane eighty, 5 mi. N.l (RR April 1914) Mrs. SilasMapeswas a sisterof O.C. Burton. They lived I mi. W of Richfieldwhenthey had an auction and left here, moving to Colville, WA. in aboutthe middle twenties. 1920Richfield Precinctcensus:SilasMapesage37 b. Michigan;wife Myrtle age 44 b. Indiana.Myrtle B. Mapes,b. 1877,died Jan. 9, 1965,and was buriedhere. (Cem. Bk.) Henry Mapeskilled a bobcaton Big Wood River in April 1914,while he and his family were visiting the area. The cat measured3'7 ll2" and weighted65#. (LCJ) Ten year old Martin Mapes enteredthird grade in September1914 but apparentlywas dropped after three weeks. (School attendancerecords.) Edward Mapes was six yearsold. (He may have transferredto N. End.) 1920 Richfield PrecinctCensus:Henry W. Mapes age 43, b. Michigan; Elizabeth age 36 b. New York; Children-Martin W. age 15 b. Wyoming; Edward L. age 9; Arthur H. age 7 born ldaho; Josephage I year and 11 monthsborn Idaho.
233
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
MARTINDALE Edgar and Lois, my parents,movedfrom Utah to Richfield in the spring of 1920. There were three children; Russel, Margaret and Oretta, all born in Springville, UT. We went to live on a farm on the north east side of the farming community, next to what was called the Lava Beds of Coolie that furnished the water from Magic Dam. We were five miles from the town proper; the only conveyanceswere horse drawn buggies and wagons and on horseback. Teddy was born in September1920in Rupert. We went to school the first two years at North End, almost 2 ll2 miles from home--againrode horses,two wheeledcarts and in the winter by cutteron runners. We were unableto go to town schoolas we lived on the "wrong side of the road^" About fifth grade, we were "graduatedto go to town school." We rode 5 miles in a bus (again horse drawn wagons and sleighsin the winter.) It usuallytook I ll2to2l12hours one way. In the Richfield school you startedfirst grade in the back door and graduatedout the front door. Many closefriends were made and when my parents decided to move back to Utah in 1932, Margaret and I were devastated.We left in March, and at the sametime Mr. and Mrs. Woods decidedto move to Brooks, Alberta, Canada. I was so in love with my childhood sweetheart,Kenneth Woods. We were married in June and I went with them to a new home and country. (SeeWoods) After 64 years,I still keep in touch with my "North End Buddies," Alice Crane Behr, Lola Conner Toner, Gonda Riley Sluder Hand. Our E d g a rH . a n d L o i s C . M a r t i n d a l e closestneighborswere the Lloyd Laynes, the Ralph Rileys, the Clark Hands and the ChesterJohnsons.(Source:Oretta Martindale Woods) Life on the Martindale farm was typically difficult with few conveniences;they did have a phone. Lois did all the tasksthat most farm women did: laundryon the scrubboard, madelye soap,put eggsdown in salt glass in a crock, cured their own meat, grew and cannedraspberriesand currants, etc., and raised turkeys. To ftll their cistern Margaret made two trips a day to town with the metal oblong tank mountedon four wheels. Ted grew pigs to sell. Russeland Margaretground the grain to fattenthem. Their grain grinder was drawn by a team of horses. As the team circled they dumped whole grain in the top of the grinder and carried the groundgrain to a bin in the granary. Lois and Ted drove a schoolbus. In winter ice was cut into 18" blocks to store in the ice house for summer use. Lois had a beautifulsingingvoice. She and Fay Manwill often sangduets,and she also sangwith a mixed quartetthat won first prize in a radio competitionat Twin Falls. Lois went over to Henry Fulbright's to hear the first radio, bundledup in a sleigh. The soundthat night was more like parrotssquawking. Lois and Ted were active in the Mormon Church. Ted was put in chargeof the building of the church in Richfield. He went to Salt Lake to pick out the brick. On April 28, 1932the family all moved back to Mapleton,Utah. Lois died at her home in Springville, Utah, of canceron Oct. 21,1953. Edgar HoraceMartindalelived until Oct. 16, 1962. (Source:LeonetteGiles Clark and Leon Capps) Edgar Horace Martindale b. July 9, 1888 Oakley, ID; md. Lois CatherineSanfbrd b. Sept. 28, 1886 Springville;md Sept.29,l9l3 Provo,UT. Children:RusselE. Blackettb.May l, 1908d. May 7,1987;md MargaretE. HadleyJune4, 1936.Margaret Martindaleb.Dec. 11, 1914,d. May 7,1989; md Lewis Marion Wing Sept. 15, 1933 Provo. Oretta Martindaleb. June2, 1916:md KennethFrederickWoods June 10, 1932 Provo. Ted J. Martindale b. Sept. 3, 1920 Rupert d. Aug. 31, 1989; md Mary Cameron Mar" 27, 1947 Springville.Lois Kathryn Martindaleb. July 18, 1927 Richfield; md Dennis E. RobertsonSept. ll, 1946 Springville.Mary Jane Martindaleb. Dec. 14, 1933Springville;md Garth W. PartridgeMay 18, 1959Provo. ,l
MASON I, Ann Bean,was marriedto Sonny Masonin 1955. We movedfrom Chicagoto Richfield. That was quite a changefor me. I had beenborn and raisedin the city and then moved to this tiny little town of Richfield. We moved in with Hap Mason, my father-in-law. I cried many tearsthat first year. The folks in Richfield were super nice to us, made some very good friends - among them were the Pridmores, Pelleys, and some young schoolteachers. I attendedthe Methodist Church regularly, playing the piano when needed. I learned a little aboutfarming which I liked. Helen Pelley taughtme how to cook and Priscilla Pridmore taught me how to fish. In one year exactly Mark was born. He was a joy to us and his GrandpaHap Mason. We rented a farm just 1 mi. N of town. We only stayedon the farm for about a year and then moved into town and rented a house for $25.00 a month. It wasn't much of a housebut it was home. Sonny drove truck for several months, then he appliedfor StatePatrolmanand got on. We then moved to Twin Falls. We stayedthere for a couple of years. Glen was born while we lived there. Sonny was at the Port of Entry. After a couple of years we were
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
234
transferredto Caldwell. We did not stay but eight monthsand were transferredto Shelley. We stayedtherethe rest of our married life. We lost Glen to a drowningin 1968. Sonny and I divorced in 1978, at which time I moved back to Indiana where I have some family. In 1980 Ron Bean and I were married. We have beenvery happy. Both of us love the Lord and attendchurch together every Sunday. We also both love music. I am substituteorganist. Ron and I sing in our choir of about 20. Mark and his wife live in Idaho Falls" Mark is supervisorof a sheetmetal shop and has been with the same firm since he first startedas a clean-upboy when he was 16. Mark married Debbie Crafts in 1980. They now have 3 children, 2 boys and a girl. Mark is very adventuresome.His latest endeavorsare hang gliding and kayaking. We get to Idaho to seeall of them aboutonce ayear. (Source:Ann Mason Bean) Urban (Hap) Mason, father of Urban (Sonny)MasonJR was born July 2, 1907, near St. Louis, MO; d. Oct. 7 , 1969, on the Dewey Wilcox farm 1 l12 mi. N of town, where Earl Davis and Leonard Rogers also had lived; buried at Shelley,ID. Mr. Masonhad a daughter,Jean,who md Harold Tanner. (Obit. from Helen Pelley) MATHEWS Frank Mathewscameto Richfieldatleastby 1911. Heand MatildaRankin,Marion Co, Iowa, were marriedat their home in RichfieldJuly 18, l9l 1 Shedied of heartfailure at nearly22 yearsof ageon Oct. 3, 1912. (Knoxville, lA Journal) Mr. Mathews later married KatherineHarris. Their first child died in October 1914. (RR) Frank J. and KatherineMathewsand children,Roy and Frances,lived I l12 mi. N of Richfreldon the eastside of the road. The hill there has lons beenknown as "Mathews'Hill." Mrs. Mathewsdrove a buckskinhorseon a one-horse buggy in the early days. 'i.r Mrs. F. J. Mathews,well knownresidentof the Richfield communityfor the past20 yearspassedawayJune ll, 1933, i., , at her home I ll2 mi. N of Richfield. Katherine "u.t15 18, , Mathews was born near Lands End, England,on Dec. 1879. She cameto America at the age of 5. A memberof the Methodist Church since girlhood, her activities in the i', SundaySchool, Ladies Aid and the WCTU will he missed, : ::::: [also her beautifulsingingvoice.] (LCJ June 16, 1933) 46 lists Frank born J. age The 1920Lincoln Co. census I Iowa, Katherineage37 born England.Frank J. Mathewsdied j in 1962. Roy Mathews who has been in one of the CCC camps was home for a vacationprior to joining the Navy. He will report to Salt Lake. (LCJ Oct. 12, 1934) Roy: I joined CCC for 22 monthsin ldaho. I received $30.00a month and had to send$25 home. I joined the Navy at $19 a month, served four years all except three months boot at San Diego. CA, the rest on USS Oklahoma. They wanted me to ship over, if I had I probably would be at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. Then I went into mining for one year in Central CA. No gold, just experienceof digging a hole 192 feetby hand with two other men. For the next 42 years I worked for Kelman ElectricCo., makinghigh voltagecircuitbreakersfor a power T o p l e f t :F r a n kM a t h e w s19 6 0 ; r i g h tK a t h e r i n eH a r r i s M a t h e w s ;B o t t o ml e f t :M r s .W i l c o x ,G r a c eM a t h e w s , co. I retired at 65 in 1981. My wife Eula and I boughtthis d a u g h t e rE l i z a b e t hA n n ; r i g h t F r a n c e sM a t h e w s . place in June 1943- 10 acreswith an old cattlewell on it. I was drafted to return to the Navy. 1943to 1945,on the
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and USSCastleRock. We startedbuildingthis "shack"in 1953andworkedfor 6 l12 yearson our vacations just landwith week-ends.Whenwe boughtthis placeit had no electricity,sewer,runningwateror telephone; a creekandwell 15' deep.EulaandI dugdownto 32'. Thisis our only sourceof water. We clearedthebrush anddugthe terracesfor thefruit trees,put a wooden5,000gallonwatertankon a hill 160' highwhichgives80# pressure. We havebeenthrough7 fires. We arelocated20 mi. W of SantaMonicaand20 mi. E of Oxnard. The fires (1993)came2 mi. E and6 mi. W of us. The floodingwas 8 mi. E. The earthquake did no damage to the house,only to the water tank pipe. I've replacedthe 2" pipe with 2" rubber hosefor vibrationin earthquakes.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
w of Malibu' we are l14 mi' from the ocean' Alta The land mark is "Paradisecove" on #1 Highway 6 mi. our "Shack" was broken youngkin is about 40 mi, away. Life here is a"war ion" drive by shoo_tings,drugs. August 1993' (Roy Mathews) inio +"y.ur. ugo. Eula and I were married fifty years-in Eula md. Augl 21. 1943, Sinta Monica, CA to Margaret Roy F. Marhews b. Oct 4, Lgl6, niJntfi, glizibeth Hirsch, b' Jan' l, l9l2 Lott' TX' Children: Turner. Eula, dau. JosephCarra Turner and Frances Lyndia g.u.h; mJ Douglas Eddington Aug- 17, 19'14 Landcaster' TX' Cheryl June b. Feb. 28, 1945 Long Germany' Herne, June24, 1971 Heinrich b. Nov. 4, 1946Long BeaJh; md Peter Heinrich NV, wrote as follows: After Mother died Aunt Fernley, in lives who Hymes, Frances, now Mrs. Clifford two storied house eastof where we had lived' Grace Mathews came to live with us, and we moved to a small the kitchendoor. when we carried the water we hauledour water from town and kept it in a small room outside follow us to the back door, his nails clicking into the house in a white porcelain pail, our friendly skunk would ge nevei uoitr.i.o u,iyonr, but.Aunt Grace was not used to wild animals and had on the board walk unJ poi.tr. her brother shoot the si<unkunder the house' Boy what a !!inq wore a small white ribbon bow and were for I remembertvtottrerUeingassociatedwith the W.C.T.U. They moved to Boise when I was 13' prohibition. when Mother died Roy went into the ccc's. we Hymes!' aptl8, 1928Prentice'IL on Sept clifford FrancesM. Mathewsb. July 16, lgzzshoshone,md Johnsonin Revo; Raymond md Sandyin Reno; lZ, lgs4in yuma, AZ. Children: Katherine V. md Charles Gregorio II, England' Dena Jo md David Delameter, Reno. Tina Kay mcl Thomas camehere about 1946fiom Wirth, Arkansas' He MAXWELL Ed Maxwell, a good friend of the Ecl Schislers, Ed lived in a small housebehind the Tri-State worked first in the beet fields, then was emptoyeoby the railroacl. getrr and with orvil Harclmanfor a short time in the midLumber. He was a partner in the Texaco witir Mai fifties. Ed was a cousin of Dorothy Seward' heartattackanclwas buried in the Richfield ThomasEdward Maxwell, b. oct. +,-igoo,d. May 5, 1960,of a Cemetery.(Source:Myrtle Schisler,Cem' Bk') west anclsettleclon Little wood River below McARTHUR George McArthur, a prof'essorat Harvarcl,came men who could pagari, where he horiesteaclecl with u iiu*, right. He broke the land anclwas one of a very f'ew 1934 or 1935' about marshal town anclwas grub an acre of sagebrusha day. He rocled-itchfirr a short time unload a car He could cliggingpipelinetrenches' Georgedid odd jobs; worked at the elevator,on farms, ancl He used to size' [J *u" a slim man of average of coal in a day by hancl. Although he was unusuallystrong, appearances ,,strongin the back, weak in the heaci." He often surprisedthe kids by his sudden quip that he was was listeclas a teacherhere in 1913-1914' at the sceneof their would-beprankswhen marshal. G. T. McArthur salary$67.20 a month' Avenue in a house later occupied Mr. and Mrs. McArthur livecl for many yearsat the end of East Bannock His son Ray married Leona Bee' marriage. by the Fehlmans--nowgone. He ha! ,-.u.*l".hitdren by a former marriedAndy Frees girls. younger .Connie The youngerchildrenGre Connie,Della, Helen,Geraldineand two as is known' She far as Nevacla, in sparls, of Dietrich after her graduationfrom RFiS in tqrg. Della lives records) School ACB, (Source:Mac Crowther, attendedthe classreunionbeforethe most recentone. 1948 and bought the fbrmer Ben crane place' McCORD Wayne and FrancesMcCorcl cameto Richfielclabout Their oldest son Lee startedtirst grade here Later they bought the old chamberlain farm (cox) west of town. north of Goocling. Lee has kept in touch \n lg4g bur graduatedfrom Gooding nGtt sltroi *L.1 rhey livecl neighbors. He rnarriedand had a daughter' occasionallywith a classmate,Maxini Stiiton, and the Behrs,iu.-e. Montana,broke horsesthen becamea long in ranches cattle Lee lived north of Howe, ID, at one time, *oik.d on McCord. Wayne and Francesmoved to Idaho distancetruck clriver. Other brotherswere Dan, Blaine and Jay Falls about 1960and are retired. (Source:Maxine Stirton,ACB) with their son Brown. He walked a mile McFARLAND Francis M. and Luda McFarland lived NW of town Feb. 23,1935, Lula later married Brig or two to catchthe schoolbus to attendRHS. After McFarland'sdeath to live for many years' Born Ntlv' Hansen. They lived in a housebehindPiper's store,whereshe continued Richfield Cemetery.(LCJ, Cem' Bk') 1gg9,Luda died oct. zz, l9:,g. Francisand Luda were buried in the
A History of Richfield,Idaho
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McGAUGHEY Joe and wife, Nellie moved to Richfieldin 1931. They lived on what was known as the old Byrne's place, then later moved to the CarsonBrown place9 mi. N of Richfield. They farmed there until moving to Washington in 1954. They were both active in the Catholic Church and Nellie was a memberof the North End Club. They moved around quite a bit looking for an environment that was suitable for Nellie's asthma. They finally settled in Goldendale,WA, and lived out their remaining years. Their four sonsservedin World War II. Barney and his wife lived in Richfield for a M c G a u g h e ylse f t t o r : M a r g a r e & t W i l b u r ,B a r n e y ,D o n a l d ,R o b e r tB e l l , short time, then moved around the Northwest R u b y ,L o r r a i n eM . B e l l ,M a r y , B a s i l ,J o s e p h ,B a r b a r a N . e l l i e .C h i l d r e n following construction.His wife passedaway W a y n eB e l l ,J i m & J a n e t M c G a u g h e yJ, a n e t B e l l . in 1987, and he now residesin Othello,WA. Wilbur and his wife farmed in Richfield and raisedsevenchildren. They now residein BakerCity, Oregon. Basil stayed with his parents until their death, then residedalone until his deathin 1991. After serving in the Navy in the early 1940's, . r; Donald married and stayed ' on the East coast. They A ' "=:r1;' ' had three children. He now =-,' \ lives in Fremont, CA. Ii ;, " "Donald , \ . McGaughey, ffiachinist mate second class, \f 'r[ madeeight overseastrips in the first | 8 months of service, touching 0n North Africa, Italy, South America. Iceland. Ireland and o t h e r A t l a n t i c s p o t s ". (Times News)
They also had three daughters.Lorraine,Mary Top: Sketch of Tom Byrne rock home (now remodeled)out near Cottonwoods where M c G a u g h e y sf i r s t l i v e d .B o t t o m :P l a n eu s e dt o f l y i n f o o d t o B a r n e y& R u b y 1 9 4 9 w h e n they lived N of Richfield.
f,orraine and Barbara. married Robert Bell. (See Bell) Mary married Jack McKeegan, and lived in Richfield until her death in 1957. Barbara left the area at an early age. She settled in Goldendale, WA where
shepassedawayin 1974. Theyhadonedaughter,TheresaStonewall. KS, sonof CharlesandMary KleeMcGaughey, ThomasMcGaughey b. May 11, 1883,McKracken, Joseph KS, dauof DanielandElizabeth WA. NellieTheresa Caseyb. Jan.8, 1894,McKracken, d. 1977in Goldendale, Joseph andNelliemd June25,1913, McKracken,KS. TheirchilO'KaneCasey,d. Feb. 1969,Goldendale. BernardFrancisb. Oct. KS, d. Aug.5, 1915,McKracken. dren:JosephHarold b. Apr. 30,1914,McKracken, 1,1940,Shoshone. Wilbur Jamesb. Aug. 21, l9l7,Mc' 26, 1915,Berthoud, CO; md RubyMelchertJune BasilLeanderb. Feb.27, 1919,McKracken;d" Feb. Kracken;md MargaretFriandApr.24, 1940,Shoshone. Sd ; R o b e r t B e l l M a y 2 1 , 1 9 3B 7 ,u r l e y . , o l d e n d a l e . L o r r a i n e E l l e n b . J u l y11982,1 , B r o w n e l l , Km 3 , 1 9 9 1G Donald Mary Elizabethb. Feb.4, 1923,Brownell,d. Aug. l,1957, Jerome;md JackMcKeegan,Shoshone. New York. BarbaraTheresab. Oct. 24, 1929Twin Laverneb. Oct. l, 1924Brownell;md EvelynKerney,
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Falls;d. Agg22,1974 Goldendale;md Joe Hedrick 1947,Elko, NV. (Source:LorraineMcGaugheyBell, Janet Brown) McGUIRE Mr. and Mrs. T.J. McGuire lived and farmed southof the Sam Petersonplace 2 mi. W and on south acrossthe railroad. The home is gone now. They were here in 1931,how much sooneror later is not known. They had one son, Kenneth,probablyborn around 1910. KennethMcGuire is especiallyrememberedfor his fine singing voice. He sang solos and in the Methodist choir. (Source:Beth Proctor; ACB) McINTOSH John Mclntosh was born in Denlow, MO and cameto Idaho in 1907. He worked for the Goodings in the sheepand then for Henry Lane in Richfield. In 1907he went back to Missouri, married Ruby Ellen Ketron - "bought her a pair of shoes" and brought her to Richfield. I think she was allergic to the shoes, becauseshe seldomwore them. Dad and Mom worked at various farms, but finally settledat the Strietz ranch where we grew up. On 200 acreswith two teams of horses, they raised sevenchildren, three boys and four girls. He was a "stern" but loving father. When he said "jump" - you jumped! We were up at 4:30 with our back sides to the heatingstove, and in the barn at 5 a.m. to milk the cows. We used to say that we went to schoolsmellinglike "ChannelCow." We fed the calves, sloppedthe pigs, raised chickens, turkeys and lambs. We gathered eggs,hoed beetsand raised a large garden (a lot was given to the townspeople.)We butchered our own meat - three hogs at a time which were made into lard, sausageand cured hamsin our own "smoke" house. We always had plenty of beef and poultry. We had no radio or t.v. (they weren't heard of.) We entertainedourselves. We played baseballwith a ball Mom made by ravelling wool socks - our bat was a stick. We playedhide and seek,follow the "leader" M c l n t o s h 4 5 t h W e d d i n g A n n i v e r s a r y .L t o r : J o h n , V i r g i n i a M . - led by the boys it was sometimesdaring and R e y n o l d sH, e l e nM . S t o r e y ,W i l m aM . B o g e r ,C a r l ,L o i sG r e e n ,H u b e r t , dangerous. "Kick the can" was alwaysfun. R u b y We swam in the canal and skated on the pond. There were always "town kids" coming out, especiallyfor ice creamon Sunday,the "crankit yourselfkind." If we had "unexpectedcompany"Mom could catchthree roosters,wring their headsoff, pick them, cut them up and have them frying in no time. She was a great cook and baked wonderful angel food cakesall on a coal range" Harvesttime meant "f'eedingthreshers." The farmerswent from farm to farm with their teamsand hay racks and an old threshing machine, harvestingeachfarmer's grain. We preparedhuge meals for them. We all walked to school, but sometimeswhen the snow was deep, Dad would take us in the sled" We gatheredup kids on the way" "Schoolwas great." Kids don't know it now, but schooldays are the best days of our lives. The boys all servedin World War II. Cliff was killed in Europein 1945. He is buried in Luxembourgand receivedthe Purple Heart. Carl was woundedin Europeand also receivedthe Purple Heart. Hubert was in the army at Pocatello.Jerry Storeyservedin Viet Nam. He receivedthe Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and Air Medal. Fred and Kerry Boger served in the peacetime Navy. Mom was truly a Gold Star Mother. Dad belongedto the Masonicand LO.O.F. lodges. Mom belonged to the Rebeccasand EasternStar. Shewas active in the Woman's Club, Burmah Club, Ladies Aid and American LegionAuxiliary. Both were membersof the MethodistChurch. Children:Hubert (Mac) deceased;Cliff (killed in WW II Feb" 24, 1945);Helen Storeyof Jerome;Wilma Bogerof Gooding;Virginia Reynoldsof Boise; Lois Greenof Boise; Carl is deceased. They had 19 grandchildren. (Source:Wilma Boger) Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mclntosh were honoredby their childrenwith a forty-fifth wedding celebrationon Sept. 25, 1955, at their home in Richfield. Ruby Ketron and John Mclntosh were married at Vanzant, MO on Sept.
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238
28, 1910. Ruby b. 1886d. Dec. 7, 1968. Rev. Hardy Thompsonofficiatedat the funeral services. John b. 1886,d. Dec.23, 1969. (TimesNews, Cem. Bk.) McKAY Alexander and Beatrice (Devaney)McKay were married in July 1897. She was a sister of Marie Burton. Alex McKay was foremanon the railroad at Pagari,where there was a sectionhouseand a pump house. According to the Richfield Recorderfor October 1930they moved into Richfield from their ranch in Pagari for the winter. They lived N of Frank Pope'sat one time. He worked on the railroad, as did sonsDee and Bill. Beatrice,b. Oct. 18, 1881, at Rush Hall, MO, passedaway at her home in Richfield in Jan. 1947 after several years of ill health. Her husbandand a daughterprecededher in death. Other children were Mildred Bowersand Mable Eubanks,both of Gooding;Fred W., Donald D. and William D. Bill marriedLouise Platz. Rev. George Roseberryand Marcus Bloodworth conductedfinal rites and gravesideservices in Gooding, with burial in Elmwood Cemetery. (Source:3 news items) McKAY Mr. and Mrs. Charles McKay, fbrmer Richfield residents, arrived here Sept. 23, 1930, from Washington. They left here three yearsago and havedecidedto take up farming here again. (RR) They farmed the place in eastRichfield now owned by Donald Erwin. Charleswas appointedpostmasterof the Richfield Post Office in 1938. He was listed as a residenton the 1920census. His wife Margaretwas a 4-H Club leader" Charlie did a lot of camping,fishing and hunting with Howard Mills, the Clifford Conner family and others, especiallyafter his retirement. Sometimeshe fishedby himself. His last fishing trip was in a rough terrainof the Big Wood River "Narrows," from which he failed to return. RonaldBell and Clifford Conner searchedevery day until the seventhday, when Ronaldsawhis body floatingin the river. Born in 1884,CharlesO. McKay died July 29, 1963, and was buried in the Richfield Cemetery. [Charleswas a Grangememberandin the 1940'sheoften broughthis violin to meetings. While the others playedcardsoccasionallyalter the meeting,it was a joy to accompanyhim on the piano. ACBI (Source:Cem. Bk., Clifford & Ethel Conner) McKAY Harry and Cora McKay farmed herefor sometime with his brother, CharlesMcKay. Another brother Paul spent some time here. Harry and Cora had a daughter,Geraldine,who was a good friend of LaRue Sorensen.Harry wrote from Seattleto Editor Hill to renewhis subscriptionto the RR in Jan. 1930. "Times are tough here," he wrote, "thousandsof men on the bread line and the city kitchensare full all the time, so the people that are there on the land in Richfreld shouldfeel lucky. If I was back there away from the city I would be more satisfiedthan here." 1920Lincoln Co. censuslists Harry age37, born [A, and Cora age25, born WA. McKEE Clyde grew up in Richfreld. While in high school he took a correspondencecourse in diesel mechanics.He married Velva A. Helderman. They residedin Shoshonefrrr the first year of their marriedlife and he worked for the StateHighwayDept. as a mechanic.They boughta small trailer and Vel movedwith him wherever the jobs took them. They moved to SouthernCalifornia in Dec. of 1940 and he went to work for GeneralElectric. While therehe workedon everythingfrom small switch boxesto large dieselelectricmotors in train locomotives,airplanesand ships.They had two sons,Dennis Clinton born Dec. 4, 1944 and Michael Dane born Oct. 15, 19a6. Clydeworkedfor GeneralElectricfor 41 years,retiring at the ageof 61. They moved to Weed, CA, and built a home on Lake Shastinawith a beautifulview of Mt. Shasta. They enjoyedtraveling and took many trips together. Vel died Mar. 24, 1994, andClyde still residesat Lake Shastina. McKEE Mac and Carrie McKee were living in St. Andrews, WA, when they read in the paper about a land drawing to be held at Richfield, Idaho in June of 1907. Mac came out alone and took up 40 acres at Marley. Carrie and23 month Vera cameto join him in Novemberof 1908. They had to stay at the Alberta Hotel for 2 weekswhile Mac and anotherman put up a two room house. Mac worked for Louis Johnsonthe next spring. That fall Mac returnedto St. Andrewsto proveup on his mother'shomestead.He returnedon Thanksgiving Day; to quoteCarrie: "We had a big dinnerat the schoolhouse.Two long tablesfull of eats,which we woman of Marley prepared." It was a long cold winter. They all ate Christmas dinner at Grandpa (Charles Peter) Johnson's. It snowedheavily all day. Louis Johnsonhad broughtthem to his father's place in his bob-sleigh. By late afternoonthe snow was 4 or 5 feet deep betweentheir place and Louis Johnson's home. They would have to stay the night. The next morning Carrie and Vera went home on "Old Brownie" with Mac leadinghim. On Oct. 8, 191l, LaVetaLuella was born. A practicalnursecameand took careof them. Carrie had what they called at the time "walking typhoid." GrandmaJohnsontold her what to take and she soon recovered.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Mac broke his leg June 20, 1916, and they sent him to Boise where he was hospitalizedseveral weeks. The Idaho lrrigation Co. sent a man out to do the irrigating. They had 90 acres in crops. When Mac got home he discoveredthat the man was taking their buggy and team to town every afternoon and drinking. Mac sent {fe tHCarrie out to look over the man's work. He let him go, which left Carrie to irrigate, mow the hay, milk the cow and still do the cooking and washing. In the fall they let their binder out to a fellow in exchangefor threshingtheir crop. A big wind cameup and threshed most of it for them--someheadshad only two or three kernelsleft. Mac had complicationswith his broken leg and had to return to the hospital in Boise. Discouraged,they sold their place. In Novemberof 1916, Carrie took the two girls to her father'shome. When Mac joined them, they decidedto move to Florida. They landed in JacksonvilleApril l, 1917, and went to Fruitland Park. Mac was still on crutches. They bought ten acresand put in peanuts and velvet beans. After awhile Mac was able to walk with one crutch. Carrie was getting so homesickfor Idaho and she and Vera had contractedmalaria. So, they sold their peanutsand velvet beans,got on the train the next morning and headedhome to Richfield. It took them five days, but they felt better and better the closer they cameto M r . & M r s . M c K e e .A p r i l 1 9 6 5 . Richfield. Mac was still usins one crutch. Somewherealonsthe line he sat on that leg with his foot hung over the seat,and his ankle popped. He turned pale, thinking he'd done it now, but lo and beholdby the time they left the train, he didn't needhis crutchto walk. On arrival in Richfield they stayedtwo nights with the Louis Johnsons,then borrowed a team and wagon from Powellsto haul their lumber. Boughta tentto stayin and went to work buildingtheir houseon the 80 acres west of Richfieldthey boughtfrom A.L. Fletcher. They soonhad the outsidewalls, roof and the windows in, so Mac bought a plow and five or six horsesand went to plowing in Januarythat year. 1919 was a bad year for the flu with thirteendeaths,and they turned the schoolhouseinto a hospital. Fortunately,none of the McKeestook it. Clyde Hubert was born Jan. ll,1920, and their family was complete. All their childrenwere raisedand attendedschools in Richfield. They continuedfarming until 1959, when they retired and moved to Gooding. They celebratedtheir 58th weddinganniversaryJuly 12, 1963. Mac died Dec.27, 1963. Carrie later moved to Yakima, WA, to reside with her daughter,LaVeta. She passedaway November 4, 1982, in Yakima. Both are buried in Gooding. (Source:Personalwritten history of Carrie Luella Cordell McKee.) Remembrances by Vera in 1993:Alexander(A.H.) McKee, Vera's dad, movedto Marley, l14 mi. N from Johnson'splace. Niels Johnsonhad a clothing,grocerystoreand post office where Baseslived. He would use a hook to retrieve the mail bag as the train went by. Vera went to Marley schoolfirst to third grades,with Miss Angie Durfeeasthe first teacher. In l9l6 A.H. broke his leg with the bone stickingout of the skin. He broke off the bone, poured iodine in the wound then fastenedthe two bonestogetherwith a l0 penny nail. A.H. built the Maxwell house, then sold to Kenneth Johnsonand to Bill Brown in 1945. (Melba SandersinterviewedVera McKee Monroe) AlexanderHolmes McKee b. May 24, 1882,Dayton, WA, son of JamesRobinsonand RebeccaFrancis ByarsMcKee, d. Dec.27,1963, in Gooding. Carrie Luella Cordellb. Feb. 17, 1888, Stanley,KS, dau of JohnsonEllison and Mary Luella SenterCordell, d. Nov. 4, 1982,Yakima, WA. They married on July 12, 1905,at Waterville, WA. Children: Veva Irene b. Nov. 7, 1906,St. Andrews, WA, d. Nov. 12, 1906. Vera Lorene b. Dec. 7 , 1907, St. Andrews, WA, md Leon (Lee) Walter Monroe Dec. 24, 1924, Pocatello. LaVeta Luella b. Oct.8, 1911,Marley, d. Sept. 12, 1991,Milwaukee,OR; md VirgilJamesCofTmanMay 16, 1930, Jerome.Clyde Hubert b. Jan. lI,1920, Shoshone;md Velva AthenaHeldermanAug. 6, 1939Shoshone.
N*.,fu,i
McKISSICK Claude and Anna Hunter McKissick were married in Shoshonein 1921. They moved to the Richfield tract in 1927 where he worked for the U.P. Railroadas a sectionhand. Mrs. McKissick attendedldahcr TechnicalSchool in Pocatello, and taught in severalLincoln County country schoolsas well as in the Richfield district, including substitutingin Richfield school. She was Methodist pianist fbr years, a lifelong member of the ShoshoneBaptist Church, a member of the Burmah Club and EasternStar.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
240
Their children, who attendedRichfield schools, are Clara Sankey, Edith Haigh, Jane Graham, Mary McKissick and Delmar McKissick. Claudedid sometrapping after he retired from the railroad in 1967. Anna, b. 1893, d. Jan. 1972. Claude, b. 1898,d. Apr. I,1978, after a long illness.(Source:Obituaries) McMAHON The story of the McMahon family beginswith Thomas Irwin McMahon of Irish descentwho came to Shoshoneand Richfield from East Ora, Ontario, Canada,in the year 1882, when Shoshonewas the end of the Oregon Short Line Railroad. He worked on the railroad and built up a band of sheepwhich he later became involved in as a full time occupation. He returnedto Canadato marry Celinda Eliza Phillips in 1889. She was of English-Frenchdescentand was born nearToronto, Ontario, in 1854. Grandmothercamewest as a new bride and settled originally in Shoshoneto raise a family of three daughtersand two sons. After running sheepin Lincoln and Blaine Counties (summer range in Galenasummit area and winter range near the Richfield Little Wood River area.) T. I. McMahon followed in the footstepsof his older brother Bob McMahon, who had openeda generaldry goods store in Shoshoneabout 1890. He got startedas a dry goods merchant in Richfield in the early 1900's while still very much involved in raising sheep. The offspring of T.I. and Celinda all grew up in Shoshoneand Richfield. The oldest of the five was Orene McMahon. She marriedLeonil Garlock and lived in Longview, WA, Richfield, Gooding and Twin Falls throughout her lifetime. She and Leonil ran the generalstore in Richfield in the 1930's and raised three sons and two daughters. Ava McMahon married William P. Barnes.(SeeBarnes) John Truman McMahon servedin World War I in the Army and marriedLois Bordenof Shoshoneand had threesons. He served as Richfield's postmasterfor a time and retiredas a railroadworkman in Sparks,NV. Robert McMahon, the secondson, servedin the U.S. Navy in World War I and returned to the southernCalifornia area where he spent most of his life as an accountantand sired three sons by two marriages. Tress McMahon, the youngest of the five, marriedTracy Journeyand lived in the Los Angeles, CA area; she too had three sons and worked with preschoolchildrenin later lif'e. LCJ May 20, 1932 A fine Mother's Day program, honoringMrs. CelindaMcMahon, was held by the Richfield Woman's Club at the home of Mrs. Owen Youngkin... A tribute to Mrs. McMahon was read by Mrs. CharlesMcKay, bestowingupon Mrs. McMahon the title of "The Mother of Our Club." Mrs. Walter Youngkin presentedt<lthe honoredguest a pottedplant--afuchsia. Mrs. McKay sang "Mother Machree"as "Mother McMahon." . o t t o m :L t o T o p : C e l i n d aM c M a h o nw i t h H a l & B i l l B a r n e s B comLois McMahon Reisenwrote to the reunir-rn , r e s s ,L o i s& T r u m a n ; obertT R : L e eG a r l o c kw / A v a G a r l o c k R possible years 50 it didn't seem mittee in 1987 that M c M a h o n ; C e l i n d a& T . l . M c M a h a n .F r o n t : A v a B a r n e s , had passedsinceshe left Richfield to move to Tucson, O r e n e& T o m G a r l o c k . AZ. She regrettedbeing unable to attend as she was 91. She has sincepassedon. Lois McMahon was a
much-lovedeighthgradeteacher. ThomasIrwin McMahonborn March 2, 1852,EastOra, Ontario,Canada,son of John and Mary Ann TrumanMcMahon,died Nov. 3, 1931.CelindaEliza Phillipsb. Sept.11, 1859Hamilton,Ontario,dau of GeorgeRobertand Eliza ValliersPhillips. They marriedJuly 16, 1889,in Elmvale,Ontario;d. 1951in Orene Phillips b. Apr. Blackfoot.Both are buriedat the RichfieldCemetery.Children,all born in Shoshone: Twin Falls;md LeonilWilliamGarlockAug. 16, 1910,Richfield.Ava Celindab. 24, 1890,d. Sept.27, 1,985 241
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
14, 1921,Richfield. Shetaught ID; mdWilliamPhineasBarnesApr. Feb.9, 1892,d.Aug. 18, 1983Moscow, in theRHS in 1933and 1934.John Truman b. 1894,md Lois Bordenfrom Shoshone.Shetaughtseventhand eighthgradesin Richfieldduringthe late 1920'sandearly 1930's.Theyhad3 sonsJackandBorden,deceased, and lrwin. Tress Eliza b. 1896,md TraceJourneyandlived all her life in SouthernCA. They had 3 sons. RobertJosephb. 1898. He spenthis marriedlife in CA. (Source:MarthaGarlockMcRill, HaroldT. Barnes) McITIULTY Edward cameto the countryfrom Irelandin 1882,filing on land alongthe Little Wood River in May 4, 1919. 1886. Hewasb. in 1855andd. atHotLake, Oregon,andwasburiedin Shoshone Dennis,his brother,camefrom lrelandin 1892andwasliving in this areaas earlyas 1900. He wasb. in 1860. (Source:SJ Obit May 9, 1919;1900LincolnCo. Census) McROBERTS Fred We didn't cometo Richfieldby coveredwagonor wagontrain. We lookedmorelike the "BeverlyHillbillies" with everythingwe ownedpiledin two pickupsanda carandtrailerwith two big, beautiful GermanSheparddogsguardingeverything.Therewerefour kids andonecat,plusmom anduncle,in the car. Actually,we nevermovedvery far, only about60 milesfrom Buhl, Idahobut Richfieldwas a completely differentcountrv. We arrived6 mi. N and ll4 mi. W March 10, 1959,all set to begin farming, only to be met by two feet of snow. When spring finally arrived we beganto farm. We farmed for aboutten years, then moved to town and Fred went to work for Ward's Cheese. He was a faithful, hard working employeefor 2l l12 yearsbeforeretiring. We raised <-rurfbur children, Karen, Gayle, Mike and Karla in Richfield. They are glad they got to grow up in a small town. Our four kids are all married and have given us 16 grandkids and 4 great grandchildren. We are glad we came to Richt-ield. If we had it to do over, we'd probably move to Richfield again. It's a nice, caring and ttiendly placeto be. M c R o b e r t s :B a c k : B e t t y , F r e d ; F r o n t : Karen married Keith Kennisonof Richfield; they have 3 children, G a y l e .K a r l a ,K a r e n ,M i k e . Keith Dewayne, Michelle and Becci; one grandchild" Gayle married Rick Pruett of Buhl; they have 4 children, Janel, Traci, Marlene and Shane;3 grandchildren. Mike married Carol Miller of Twin Falls; they have two sons Adam and Trenton. Carol passedaway. Mike md. Lorna Garner;she has one daughter,Melissa. Karla married Kelly Warren of Brigham City, Utah. They have fbur children,Karla Jean,Michael, Betty and Jennifer;they were divorced. Karla md. Boyd Meyer; he has two daughters,Myndee and Shannon.(Source:Fred and Betty McRoberts) '20's '30's. McWILLIS Mr. and Mrs. McWillis and family lived out in the Burmaharea in the and Someof the childrenwere Earl, Delmar, Letha, Doris, and Louise. Doris, now Mrs. Paul McKay of Paul, Idaho, wrote to the reunioncommitteein 1987that sheand her husbandowneda constructionbusinessand were retired.They had a daughter,two sonsand ll grandchildren.Doris graduatedin the classof 1938with Shirley Hand Flavel, Tom Vaughn and others.(Source:Beth Proctor, Mac Crowther,ReunionBk 1987) METCALF Earl, Bert and Max Metcalf were brotherswho lived out north of town, probably in the '20's and '30's. The Earl Metcalfslived where Bill Johnstonnow lives. They had three sons,Blaine, Gregg and Grant and daughter,Jane, who rode horsebackto attendRHS. She is now in a carehome. The Richfield Recorderreporteda runawaywhen a wheel cameoff the buggy of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Metcalf as they were driving to town. They were not injured. Blaine married Vanita Upshaw about 1940. They have three children: Viana, Bob and Dennis. Vanita was a checkerfor Safewayfor 24 years and took craft classes. They enjoyedsquaredancing. Blaine and Vanita are membersof the Christian Church and have enjoyed several foreign trips and traveling in their motor home. Their children and grandchildren are a great source of enjoyment,Vanita wrote for the reunion book. Bert Metcalf married Goldie Huff, also a Richfieldresident. They lived on the old Allen place, which had the first well out in the country; Mac Crowther remembersit had a windmill. Max was single and may have lived with one of the brothers. (Source:Beth Proctor, Mac Crowther)
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Richard Earl and Lydia Mickelwait cameto Richfield from Ord, Nebraska, in the summer MICKELWAIT of 1907 and Earl served as Vice-Presidentof the newly organizedAlberta StateBank. His brother GeorgeW. Mickelwait served as Presidentof the bank. Lydia, formerly of Scotts Bluff, NE, was a cousin of George Schwaner,who joined them here in 1910as cashierof the bank. Mickelwaitsbuilt the presentSchislerhouse on W. Bannock Ave. They had two daughters,Mary Ellen and Margaret, who married Welcome Garlock. [Accordingto schoolrecordsMargaretwas eight yearsold in 1914.] Earl took an active part in the newly formed town, serving as Presidentof the Commercial Club in 1909, the School Board of Directors in 1910 and on the town council in 1911. When they left here, the Earl Mickelwaits went to Longview, WA. Lydia visited here in 1947with GeorgeSchwanerand Marylee and family. 1920 Lincoln Co. censuslists RichardE. age27 born Nebraska;Lydia 31 yearsborn Iowa with daughter Margaret. (Source: Marylee Crowther) MILLER J. F. Miller, 81, died Sept. 14, 1938,in CA. Havingdrawn a 40 acretract at the Carey Act opening at Richfield June24,1907,he spentmany summerson his place2 mi. N of town, eventhoughresidingin Boise. Mrs. Miller died in 1922, and9 yearslater he left Idaho for CA. He leavesthree children, includingMrs. R. W. Pridmore.(LCJ Sept.23, 1938) MILLICAN Don and JeanMillican cameto Richfield in 1970fiom Montrose,CO. They had looked around for land to purchaseand liked this area. They boughtthe Andrew Paulsonranch, alsothe CharliePaulsonplace, which now belongsto Allen Laudert. At presentthey have 346 acresand run 50 to 60 head of cattle and up to 230 at one time. They havethree children:Shirley, marriedand living in CO; Judy, who married RobertAja (son of the late sheriffof GoodingCo.). They havetwo boys, Robert l5 and Joshua13, and live at Caldwell. Donald graduatedfrom RHS in 1974, then from the College of Idaho, Caldwell. He went into the insurance business,but after a call from the Lord to go into the ministry, he attendedthe Rama Bible Institute at Broken Arrow, OK, for two years and pastoredthe El ShadhiChurch in Jeromefor three years. He was youth pastor in Shoshonefgr awhile and has beenpastorof a churchin Councilfor four years, is married and has two girls, Kathryn 6 years and Kelsey 6 months. When in high schooltheir son Donald was terribly burnedin a pickup accidenton Boone Hill on Sept.9, 1972. Don said the whole family was really blessedby the help of the communityand the love and supportof that sustainedthem as he healedand enduredmany surgeries. ln 1973they made38 trips Donalcl'sclassmates to Boiseand he had four to six surgeriesa year for severalyears. He was able to stay with his classand attend sports events. After the HomecomingGamethe team signedthe football and took it up to Donald in the hospital. put on a fund raiser. His classmates In spiteof reversesand dry yearsDon believes"the Lord will take careof us." Miracles in their lives also causethem to believe that. He developedasthmain 1979. "A year later I acceptedthe Lord and was healed-with no symptomssince." In 1987Don had an aneurysmand brain hemorrhage.The doctorstold Jeanthatthey knew of no one who had survivedthat type of problemand gave little hope of his survival, that if he lived he would never walk or seeagain. "I praiseGod and am thankfulfor the prayersof the communityand their help during my recovery. I came home in eight days walking with a cane, had therapy three times and two weeks later was back in the fields," he said. During his stay in the hospitaltheir neighborscamein and cut, baledand stackedalmost all of their hay. "We have had a good life here, enjoy the country and living in a small community," Don said. (Source:Telephoneinterviewwith Don and JeanMillican) MILLS Howard Mills lived in Richfield with his brother Ray in later years, and he was also a carpenter. BlancheFivelandwas their sister. Howard was born in 1882,died June23, 1968,and was buried in Richfield. Raymond E. Mills arrived in Alberta (now Richfield)on June 25, 1907, the day fbllowing the project opening. He was lured here by the prospectsof much carpenterwork on a new constructionjob and stayed, completely captivatedby the wonderful opportunitiesfbr fishing and hunting. That summer he caught his first trout and becameone of the county'sbestanglers. Mr. Mills spokeof Mrs. Thomas' boardinghouse--andsuch meals! He built the O.C. Burton livery stable,the saloon,helpedwith the William Strunk home and in the fall went to Goodingfor threeyears...Aman whosenamehe couldn'trecall stayedin a tent wherethe boxcarstation was later installedand looked after the freight, baggageand mail that was sent up or down the branch...LCJ June 1934 "AnniversaryMemories." "Ray Mills is puttinga shingleroof on the city hall." (SJ Sept. 1921) Ray was a good carpenterand did all his work with only hand tools. He built the Clifford Conner house, also Melvin Pope'swith no power tools. He addedthe front bedroomto the Draper house,built the Ebert house,
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the garage-granaryon the Ronnie Goicoecheaplace when the Behrs lived there and many other buildings. He read a lot and was very much a self-educatedperson. He was describedby severalas an "upstandingcitizen" and a "very good citizen of our community." Ray was an early memberof the Odd Fellows Lodge. He spent one winter at Lake Mead and passedaway there. He was b. 1884,d. Feb. 8, 1953. (Source:Cliff and Ethel Conner, Beth Proctor, Joy E. Riedeman,Allie Draper) MOATES Kenneth, and Lillian Moates and family came from Kansasin Nov. 194'7,and lived 1 1/2 mi. W of town. They joined in the neighborhoodwell project. Kennethwas active in horse racing. Their children were Charles, Marilyn, Gary, Mary and Raymond. The family returnedto KS in the late fifties, from there to TX, then to Melba, ID. Kennethdied in Sept. 1989and Lillian in Oct. 1994. (Source:Edna, Burl, Mary Akins) MONROE Alden was born May 4, 1941,in Richfield, graduatingfrom RHS in 1960. He attendedLinks BusinessCollege and then becamemanagerof Van Lee' .88 Centerin Burley fbr two years. He was drafted into the Army on Feb. 14, 1962,and spent l8 monthsin Germany,dischargedMarch 20, 1964. On his return he worked for Myron Harbaughat Goodingsellingcars. He marriedSandraL. Gillenwater May 16, 1967in Las Vegas. They movedto Odgen,UT, wherehe drove truck at the Army Def'enseDepot. Their two children Richard Lee and Brenda Arlene were born there. They moved to CA in January of 1972 where he sold cars and worked in real estate.They reside in Reddingwhere they are managersof the Starlight Mobile Estates.(Source:Interview with Alden L. Monroe by Virginia Monroe) MONROE Dale was born July 5, 1928,at Fairfield, ID. His motherhad to ride the train to Fairfield to have him becausethe doctor who had lived in Richfield had moved in the meantimeto Fairfield. He graduatedfiom RHS in 1946, spenta short hitch with the Merchant Marinesand then cameback to Richfield. Dale was drafted i n t o t h e A r m y o n O c t . 2 4 , 1 9 5 0S. e r v e d i n K o r e a , w h e r e h e w a s w o u n d e d i n J u1n9e5o2f .H e s p e n t s o m e t i m e at a military hospitalin Japan,and was dischargedAugust27,1952. On his returnhe went to work fcrrthe Big Wood CanalCompany. He marriedVirginia M. Shafferon May 4,1953 in Elko, and movedto Shoshone.They had twin sonsD. Frank andJamesB. born in 1957. Dale went to work fbr the Stateof ldaho, Departmentof Transportationin 1954. He worked there firr 32 years, retiring in 1986. They still residein Shoshone.(Source:Recordsof Dale Monroe) MONROE Lee and Vera came to Richfield at the age of 23 months. Her tolks homesteadedat Marley, about 1 112mi. N of Louis Johnson. She can remembergoing therefor water, becauseJohnson'shad a well. After a short stay in Florida, her fblks bought a place | 112mi. W of Richfield. Vera and her mother would take Vera's wagonwith a 5 gallon milk can and go to Louis Johnson'sfor water. She attendedRichf-ieldSchool,and playedbasketballin high school,nevermissinga gameand won most of them. Someteam mateswere Elzada Reed,KathleenByrne and the Stark girl. Lee cameto RichfieldbeforeWorld War I and worked fbr SilasMapesuntil he went into the Army, where he servedin France. He cameback to Richfieldin the fall of 1918. Lee and Vera startedgoing togetherin her sophomoreyear and they were marriedon Dec. 24, 1924. Lee wantedher to meethis fblks, who lived in Soda Springs. Pocatellowas the only placethat was openon Saturdayfirr them to get married" So they were married thereon their way. At the start of their married life they rentedthe K.G. Phelpsplace. Vera graduatedtiom high schooi in the springof 1927. Later they boughta plain 80 from Phelps'sister,which wasjust over the fencefiom the place they had beenrenting. They had three children:Dale W., Audrey A. and Alden L. They moved to Richfield in the 1940'sand bought the Shockleyhouseat the north end of town. Lee went to Soda Springsduring the summersto work the Monroe family farm. Vera took in boardersand cooked for the school. When Vera was 50 and Lee was retired, shedecidedshe wantedto becomea school teacher,which she did, getting her degree in August of 1971. She taught at WashingtonElementarySchool in Jerome and Harrison ElementarySchoolin Twin Falls. Lee died January24, 1974,in Twin Falls, where Vera continuedto live after her retirement.She is now a residentof the Wood River CareCenter.(Source:Conversationwith Vera Monroe) Leon (Lee) Walter Monroe b. Sept. 14, l89l Eight Mile, Bear Lake Co, ID, son of Jamesand Mary Ann Baird Monroe. Vera Lorene McKee b. Dec. 7, 1907St. Andrews,WA, dau of Alexanderand Carrie Luella Cordell McKee. They married Dec. 24, 1924Pocatello. Children: Dale Wayne, Audrey Arlen and Alden Lee. ; d E l m o " J " V a n W a g o n e r N o v1. 8 , l 9 5 2 E l k o "E l m o b . J u l y 7 , 1 9 3 1 A u d r e y b .A u g . l I , 1 9 3 4 R i c h f i e l dm Provo, UT. Their children: Kerry Jean,Dirk Delos, CarmenAnn, BarbaraLea, Eric Jay and Jolene Marie"
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Audry is now an X-ray technicianin chargeof the x-ray departmentin Cordova, Alaska. Her husbandis retired and spendshis time fishing. They lived most of their lives in Ogden.(Source:Virginia Monroe) MORLEY Elias S. Morley was born in Jacksonville,Vermont and grew to manhoodthere. After marriageto LauraJ. Sawyer he enlistedin the Civil War, serving in CompanyF, First Vermont Cavalry for four years. He farmed after the war and then moved to Boston,later Iowa where he engagedin railroading for three years. He moved to Idaho where he lived for 20 years. Original land patentrecords indicatethat Morley filed in 1885for 160 acresof land locatedin Range 19E TownshipNo. 5 South,Section6. This land was later owned by C.P. Johnsonand was creditedwith water rights dating back to April 6, 1883. This information indicatesthat Morley was among the earliestsettlersin the area. He also filed on land in 1888 for another 160 acres. M o r l e y i s c r e d i t e d w i t h t h e " M a r l e y B u r n .""A r a n c h e r n a m e d M a r l e y , w i s h i n g t o m a k e a c l e a r i n g , s e t f i r e to the sagewhich, on accountof its rank growth, burnedfar beyondhis expectations,and as a result some50,000 acresof land were bared of the brush. That fire, however, is a great advantagejust now to the settler under the new ditch as the land is alreadyto plow and the expenseof clearingthe sagehas been removed. This alonesaves the settleran expenseof some$5 per acre in the cost of clearingthe land." (SJ May 17,1907) Six differenrdocumentsverify the spellingof MORLEY - althoughtraditionstatesMARLEY" [1900Lincoln Co. Pagari Precinct Census; Land Patent Records-BlM Office; Book of Minutes and Bylaws of the Big CottonwoodCanal Co., Ltd.; obit. of Elias S. Morley SJ; DeathRegisterof wife Laura J. Morley Lincoln Co. Courthouse;Index of Land RecordsElias Morley to J. W. Bowman.) of this areaby the IdahoIrrigationCompany.The Johnson In reality, Elias had died prior to the development families, early settlersof Marley, had no direct contactwith him, as Bowmanobtainedthe land from Morley. onceor twice, and Marley couldhavebecomethe acceptedname. Elias His namecould havebeenmisprounced VT [1900Censuslistedb. 1840]d. May 30, 1902Lincoln County, S. Morley b. Nov. 19, lS30Jacksonville, funeralconductedby the MethodistChurch,burial assumedto be in Shoshone;md. Laura J. SawyerOct. 1866 Jacksonville,VT. Laura Jane,b. Boston,MS [900 Censuslistedb. 1845],d. April 16, 1907Shoshone.One by MHW) daughterMrs. Lysle of BoisesurvivedMorley. (SJJune6, 1902;SJ Nov. 20, 1908;Researched MORRISON Neil E. and MargueriteReid Morrison were marriedin 1891. In 1910when the Richfieldtract was being settledthey purchaseda farm there and operatedit fbr l2 years. In June l9l5 the Recorder reported that N.E. Morrison and Hugh Fentonhad the requirednumberof signersfbr the RFD tri-weekly rnail route. In 1922Mr. Morrison was selectedcounty assessor,servingfor eight years. They had two sons,John and Earl. Earl Morrison, for whom RichfreldAmericanLegion Post, No. I is named,was killed during World War L residentofthecountyfor25 years,died Johndiedearlyin 1951in Blackfoot.N.E. Morrison,ahighly respected Canada,Apr. 11, 1865. Mrs. MargaretMorrison,b. Oct. 9,1871, Nov.6, 1936. Hewas born in Chiselhurst, died at a Burley invalid home in May 1951. Serviceswereheld in Shoshone.No closerelativessurvived. (LCJ Obituaries) MURFITT J. H. Murfitt, of SaltLake, was in Richfieldlastweek, and on Friday boughtnine lots in Richt.ield, in the block with the J. G. White Co. warehousenearthe railroad. He intendsto open a lumber yard, as soon as he can get the material here, and he has ordered severalcars of stuff that should be here possibly this week. He will get materialfor the lumbersheds,the first thing, and havethe shedsbuilt as soon as possible. The yard is to be fenced also, and an office built. Mr. Murfitt is an old time contractorand builder. He was fbr some years contractorfbr the Colorado lron Fuel Co., and built for them many houses. He built housesat Garfield and 100 housesfor the Newhouse and Mining Companyat Newhouse,UT. (Source:RR Apr. 29,1909) MYERS Don and Irene and children,Donna, Alice, Tommy and Judy, lived in Richtjeld in the sixtiesor longer in a home locatedon the Ray Appell corner. Don was a mechanicand also drove schoolbus. He and Bob Myers are brothers" Alice Myers becamea teacherin Burley, Rupert area, now in Twin Falls. She ran the Boston Marathon once and plans to do so again next year. Tom was found to be working at Libby Battery and Electric, next to the Kieffer's Chiropractic Clinic in Mountain Home. [Dr. John Kieffer, formerly of Gooding, is well known to many local residents.]Donna also lives in Mt. Home. Don is married again and works near Shoup, ID, as caretakerof the Girl Scout Camp and ranch. (Source:Edna Akins, ACB)
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NELSON Earl C. Nelson bought a ranchfrom Leon Hubsmith and movedto Richfield in January 1979. It was calving time and he came to help with that. His wife, Gloria, and their children, Suzanne, Jeffery, Michael, Daniei and Melissa, moved here after schoolwas out in June 1979.Earl also openedEarl's HarnessShop in Carey. He built and repairedharnessand saddles. in May 1981, Earliold the ranch to Mike Telford. The day after Suzannegraduatedfrom RHS, they moved back to Winder, ID, where they had comefrom. In the springof 1984Earl bought Nyle Swainston'splace and cameto farm it. The rest of the family stayedin Winder until Septemberwhen Gloria, Daniel and Melissa came to Richfield so the kids could go to school.In May 1985they movedto Kelly Lee's place. Michael married Dorothy PrestonMay 10, 1986, and they lived in Richfield until 1987 when they moved to Bancroft, ID' Daniel had a stroke in August 1985, but managedto graduatefrom RHS in 1986. Suzannemarried Kipp Norman, whom she metwhileihe lived inRichfield, on April 24, 1987.Earl and Gloria, Daniel and Melissa movedto Bancroft in August 1987. phil and Vickie Kenimoved to Richfield in April 1980. Vickie is Earl and Gloria's oldestdaughter. They moved here to help Earl in his HarnessShop. It soon becameapparentthat the shop wouldn't supporttwo families,so phil appliedfor a job at Ward's Cheeseand has worked theresince.When Phil and Vickie moved heretheyhadthreeihildren,Callan,MatthewandCrS a iign.c e t h e n , t h e y h a d s e v e n m o r e a l l b o r n i n R i c h f i e l d . They are Mincly, Quinton,Joseph,Vatlyn, Angela,Levi and Jordan.(Source:Vickie Kent) NESBIT Louie Watson (Mack) Nesbit was born November 12, 1900, in Eureka, Utah, to Ida Meyers and WatsonM. Nesbit. Raiseclin Eureka,Mack movedwith his family to Pocatelloin 1905,and begangradeschool there. The family moved back to Eureka in 1907. At age 13, after his fathers'death, Mack drove a team of for six years, returning home to Eureka horsesto the SandRanch west of American Falls where he homesteaded his schooling. to continue wagon horse and by eachwinter Mack came to Richfield about 1920, farming various tracts in the area. In 1923-24 he worked on the constructionoftheBy-Pass. Hemarried Mary Flavel in Richfield,February14,1925. They lived in Pocatello, Gooding and Shoshone. He worked construction,for the Water Departmentand State Highway Department' A s o n , W a t r o n M a r s h a l l , b o r n F el bO., l 9 2 6 , d i e d M a r c h 2 2 , 1 9 4 7L.o i s M a r y , b o r n M a r c h 2 3 , l 9 3 l , m a r r i e d Tom Vaughnon Aug. 7, 1949. (SeeVaughn) In l93l they purchasedand moved with their son and daughterto their ranch north eastof Richfteld. To supplementincomeduring the depressionand droughtyears,Mack worked on the constructionof the Hoover Dim, took Naval Engineeringtraining in Seattle,threshedwheat in the Richfield tract, and installed telephone equipmentand maintainedtelephonelines acrossthe Richfieldtract. In 1963,he sold the ranch and moved back to Pocatello,working fbr the schooldistrictuntil his retirementin 1968. Mary was born Feb. 14, 1906,in SpanishFork, UT, to William ThomasFlavel and Caroline Huntington. She cameto Richfielclwith the family in 1913. Beforeher marriage,Mary worked for severalfamilies in the North End. She cooked for the constructioncrew at the By-Pass. Later, she worked fbr Art Petersonin his grocery storefor l7 years.Mary Nesbit, 84, died Jan. 13, 1991,at a careoenterin Pocatello. She attendedthe -End School,Richfield,and high schoolin SpanishFork. Mary was a sisterof RosettaDeeds,Rex Flavel, North Ray Flavel; GladysHewitt of Trinidad, CA andKay Poppletonof Boise,werehalf-sisters.Funeralserviceswere treiOat the Richfield Assemblyof God Church,with Rev. Adele Hustisofficiating.(ObituaryLCJ) Mr. Nesbit cliedon Dec. 19, 1991 in Shoshone.Both were buried in the RichfieldCemetery.(Cem. Bk.) NEWBY As a youngboy, Ellis, sonof Nicholasand Emily LorindaNewby, worked for farmersin the Richfield area. When a teenager,he returnedto the Rexburgareaworking on the dry farms. He then returnedto Richfield and was later employedas track maintenanceworker by the Union Pacific Railroad. After he applied for section foreman position, he worked as relief foreman in many places in Idaho and Nevada. He finally received a permanentappointmentas the Magic sectionforeman on the Hill City branch and he and Susie Bonner, whom he had married May 20, 1933, madetheir home in Richfield. Ellis and Susie were parentsof two children, Darvel b. 1934 Richfield, and Nicola b. 1942 Richf-ield. Darvel was bit by the love bug when a young schoolteacherfrom Missouri arrived in town. Darvel and Delta DeWitt went to CA and were married in Arroyo GrandeJuly 10, 1953. They are the parentsof a daughter, Deborah, and two sons, Gary and Shannon. Darvel worked many yearsas clerk and managerof a grocery store chainand later was areadistributorfor SchillingsSpices. He retiredin 1992. While raisingthe young children Delta continuedher collegeeducationfor a teachingdegreeand has taughtapproximately30 years in an Arroyo
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GrandeSchool. She plans to retire at the end of the 1993-94schoolyear. During her years of teaching,shehas always sought knowledgeto improve teachingabilities and better studentachievement. After Nicola and Ed Pearsonwere married, they lived in the Spokane,WA area. For better employment they moved to Alaska, residing there for many years enjoying the hunting and fishing. Ed and Nicola are the par-ents of three boys and a girl. Susie,a suffererof multiplesclerosis,died of complicationsin 1955. Ellis and Agnes Fehlmanwere married in Sept. 1956. This marriage combinedfour teenagegirls into one household,creatingexcitementand worries. Thankfully, the girls all grew up and establishedtheir own homes' Agnes worked part-time for severalyears in the cheesefactory managedby Clifford Ward. She retired in the su.rner of 1957. A daughterRuth, b. 1958Jerome,and a son Michaelb. 1959Jerome,were born to Ellis and Agnes. The railroaddiscontinuedmany branchlines in 1960includingthe Hill City branch. EventuallyEllis was appointedsection foreman in Ketchum in early 1961. The family resided there until the death of Ellis from surgerycomplicationsin April 1969. Agnes, Ruth and Michael moved to Hailey where Agnes still lives. Ruth and Michael both graduatedfrom Wood River High. Ruth married CharlesBoyer in 1977and they are the parentsof a son, Ellis, and are now living and working on a Bliss arearanch. Michael marrieda schoolfriend, Terri Lee. They movedto Bellingham,WA, in 1982, in hopesof better employment. Thosehopesfadedand Michaeltraveledto Phoenix, AZin the fall of 1986. He was killed in a car-motorcycleaccidentMar. 1987. Terri and Michaelwere parentsof a daughter,Carla, and a son, Patrick, who still live in WA with their mother. Ellis FrancisNewby b. July 29,1908 Herbert,ID.; md SusanAgnesBonner,b. Jan 29, l9l4 Coleman,AL, May 20,1933 in Shoshone.He md 2) AgnesCravenb. Apr. 30, l9l9 Ogden,UT, in Sept. 1956Sparks,NV. Agnes Cravenhad md 1)LamontFehlmanb. Jan 22, l9l8 in Amalga, UT. Their children: Gary Lamont, 2)KarenWashburn;RebeccaKathleen(1941-1991)md Earl ThomasEugene(1940-1978)md 1)SharonPascoe, Humes;BobetteElainemd Floyd J. Sievers;Karyl Lorraine. (Source:Agnes C. Newby) NEWBY In early summer 1923, the Nicholas Newby family moved into the home provided them by the Union Pacific railroacl. This consistedof two boxcarsset in the shapeof a T. A lean-tokitchen was added,a toilet built, coal houseand cellar provided,and we lived therefbr the next l9 years. There were nine children-Ellis, Lorin, Sarah,Veda, Willis, Tom, Edith, Jack and June. Edna and Della were born in Richfield. Nick worked as pumperfor the railroad. He had four stationsbesidesRichfreld. At Pagarihe would service the engine,startthe pump and then grab his fishingpole and fish on Little Wood River. At Picabohis tavorite spot was on Silver Creek. Hill City was where the train turned around so he would start the pump and the depot agent would turn it off when full. Magic was Dad's favoritestation. He would hike throughthe sagebrush and fish Magic Dam till the engineertooted the whistle to alert him. It was on one of thesehikes that Dad was bitten by a spotted tick and he died of spottedfever in June 1942. After Dad's death, our Mother bought the old Alberta Hotel and ran a thriving businessfor many years. She was a very good cook and her applepie was superb!In later yearsshe sold the hotel and bought a small housein Shoshone.One day in Juneof 1957,she was sittingon the bank at Magic Dam fishing with Tom and Tina and three grandsonswhen she died of a massiveheart attack. Ellis left schoolafter the 8th gradeand worked whereverhe could. (SeeNewby, Ellis) Lorin died in 1930of arsenicpoisoning. No one was ever chargedwith his murder. Sarah married Aaron Johnsonin 1929. They lived in Salt Lake fbr a f'ew years, then returnedto Richfleld where they farmed, ran a cafe, a garage,and other enterprises. They are the parentsof nine children: Alan, Eldon, Janice,Lyn, Ardyth, Norma, Linda, Bruce and Bob. Most of the older children attendedschool in Richfield. Aaron worked as a carpenterbuilding dams and also building LDS churchesin Wyoming, WA, and Idaho. On retirementthey moved to Shoshonewhere Aaron died in 1977. Sarahstill lives in Shoshone" Veda was the first Newby to graduatefrom high school. She married Don Johnson in 1933. They first worked in Stanleymines, then Richfield and later boughta home in Shoshone.They had 3 sonsand 3 daughters. Don died in 1981. Veda still lives in the family home in Shoshone. Willis spentall of his young life in Richfieldworking on the railroad. In his later 40's he moved to Howe and married Kitty. They had 2 daughters.Willis died of cancerin 1967. Tom worked for the railroad for many years. He servedin the Air Force in World War II. He met and marriedan Englishgirl, Tina Alacia. SheandTom lived in Nevadaand Bliss beforeretiring to Shoshone.Tina
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T .o m a l s o d i e d o f e m p h y s e m a i n l 9 S S ' C a r o l d i e d o f e m p h y s e m a i n l g 8 5T. h e y h a d 2 c h i l d r e n , C a r o l a n d G l e n cancer. She attendedgradeschoolin against battle short Murphy, i6,-ofTwin Falls, diediuly 6,1994, after a places; and CSI. She lived to fish, garden nicnnjd. Shoshoneand Nevada;high schoolin Twin Falls and other and make crafts. She had four children. (Times News) Edith married Orris Sword in her teens. As he was also a railroader, they moved a lot, finally settling in American Falls. They had 2 children. Orris died in 1970. Severalyears later Edith married Don Zaring and they still live on theZaring Ranch at Neeley, ID. in 1951. They had 4 daughtersand spentmost of their lives in Wells, NV, Jack marriedMarion-Clernents whereJack worked for SouthernPacific RR. Jackpassedaway in Aug. 1981,and was buried in Elko. June graduatedfrom RHS in 1941. That samesummer she married Marx Nielsen. They spent3 years in CA where Marx worked building planes for the war effort. When he went into the Navy June returned to Richfield to work at Peterson'sjust as she'd done all throughhigh school. Following the war they bought a home in Shoshone. Marx died at work for the Idaho Highway Dept. in April 1980. June continuedworking at the Library until retiring in 1988. They had 2 children. Junestill lives in their originalhome in Shoshone. Shoshone Edna graduatedfrom RHS and went to Albion where she got her teachingdegree. She taught in Blackfoot for one y"ai th.n met and married T.W. Conner. They worked on farms for severalyears till Wid was elected sheriff of Lincoln County. He served in that capacityfor 22 years. Following his retirement they spent some time in California before returning to Shoshone,where they now reside. Wid maintainshis interest in horse training and Edna devotesa lot of time to the ShoshoneSenior Center. They have two children. Della graduatedfrom RHS and spentone year at Albion. She met and married Dick Conner and had one son. Followingher divorcesheworked at the bank until her marriageto EugeneHansen. They lived in Montana at Soldatna. They live on the Kenai until 1957,then moved to Alaska with their 4 childrenand homesteaded pack horseshe usestbr big game hunters has run. Gene River where the salmonturn the river red when they of fiiends and relativeswho for multitude a in Aug. and September.Della is activein churchwork and cooking go to Alaskato fish. Everyonein the family remembersour happytimes in Richfreldand all the good fiiends we had there. We have many memoriesof silent movies,travelingtent showsand circuses. On summerdays Bill Carter would hitchhis hors"sto the water wagonand sprinklethe dirt roadsto keepdown the dust. We loved to fbllow behind and run in and out of the water. We swam in the big ditch north of town (therewas a metal f'lume with boards acrossit), and later we swam in ByrnesSlougheastof town. The occasionalblood suckerwas just something we put up with. Everyonewas poor, I guess,but looking back on it we were rich in so many ways. Even the of the finer things in life. (Source:June Nielsen) tough times helpedto build characterand an appreciation NEWEY David and Colleen Newey and their two sons, Chad 3 ll2 and Todd almost 2 years, moved to Richfieldin December 1971. They movedfrom Huntsville,Utah, where David was born and raised" Colleen was born anclraisedin Farmington,UT. They moved approximately60 headof milk cows and all the young stockthat goes with them. They purchasedthis dairy farm from Harold and MargaretPridmore,2 314 mi. N of Richfield. Pridmoreshad purchasedit in 1962fiom Mrs. Winnie Crowtherwhosef amily had l ived on it firr yearsprior to Pridmores. many -On May 28, lg72,less than six monthsafter moving here, Todd drowned in the lateral ditch behind the house. He is buried in the Richfield Cemetery. The love and supportof the peopleon the Richfield tract was much appreciated.Other childrenwere born into the Newey family: Melissa, April 8, 1973; Nicole, June 25, 1975;DeeAnna Feb. 10, 1978; and Robert Allen, October10, 1980' The Richfield Schoolsystemhas educatedall the children. Chad, Melissaand Nicole have all graduated from RHS. DeeAnna is a junior and Robert in the 8th grade. Chad spenttwo years at Ricks College in Rexburg, then attendedUSU in Logan where he graduatedwith a doubleclegreein AG Businessand Businessin 1993. He also spenttwo yearsin Pennsylvaniaon a mission for the LDS Church. On September14, 1990,Chad marriedTarilynn Smith of Orem, Utah, in the Provo LDS Temple. They now have 2 sons,TannerChad and Blake Max, and live in Twin Falls. Melissawent to collegeat CSI for a year, then spentl5 monthsin Watch Hill, RhodeIsland, as a nanny. She is presentlyon a missionfor the LDS Church in New Mexico. Nicole is living in Twin Falls and attendingCSI, majoringin CommercialArt" Colleen has worked as the librarian for the Richfield District Library, has served on the Board and is currently serving as chairman. From August 1986 to July 1991 she was the librarian for the Richfield School District. She then startedsubstitutingat the school.
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Over the years David and Colleen have held many civic and church positions. These included a combined 21 yearsas 4-H leaders. Colleenhas held severalleadershippositionsin the PTO. David has servedon the local DHIA board in various capacitiesfor the past 18 years. They have been active in Lincoln County Farm Bureau since they moved here. Activity in the LDS Church has been constantand varied. David has served in the bishopric, as scoutleaderand on the scoutcommittee,as Young Men's presidentand in other capacities. Colleen has served in Relief Society, Primary, Young Women and SundaySchool. (Source: Colleen Newey) NORMAN Jeff K. Norman was born in Brigham City, UT on August 20, 1957, son of Karl and Nelda Norman. He has three brothersand four sisters. Jeffs family movedto Richfield when he was 16 years old. They moved onto a farm north of town. He graduatedfrom RHS in 1975 and servedan LDS mission in CA. Diane Cobia Norman was born in Pocatelloon Dec. 20, 1956. She has 3 brothers, lived in Salt Lake City as a child and in McCammon, ID. She graduatedfrom Marsh Valley HS in 1975 and from ISU in 1979. Jeff and Diane met when Diane was hired to teachfifth gradeat the elementaryschool. They datedand were marriedin McCammonon June28, 1980.Their first child was born April20, 1981,and he was given the name Bret Karl Norman. Bret attendedPrimary in the Richfield Ward. He attendedRichfield Elementary School. His kindergartenteacherwas Lana Fuchs and his first grade teacherwas his mother. During that year in first grade Bret died at the age of six on April 9, 1987, as the result of an accident. Cade Benjamin was born Feb. 22, 1984. Cade has attendedchurch and school in Richfield. He has been active in cub scouts,baseball,4-H and basketball.Cade is currently in the frfth grade. He is a great studentand enjoysbeing with his dad. Brooke Marie was born July 30, 1987. She is a delightto her family. Brookeis now in the secondgrade in Richfield School and she enjoys Primary at church. Brooke is an excellent studentand is taking piano lessons. She plays baseballand enjoys playing with her friends. JefT Brody was born on May 22, 1,991. Brody is a true blessingto his family. He brings so much fun with him whereverhe goes.He loves to go out with his dad and do the chores. He will be a great man someday. Diane is currentlyworking in the ShoshoneSchoolDistrict as a sixth gradeteacher. JefTfarms and works at the post office and Avonmore part time. The Normansenjoy Richfield and appreciatethe fiiends they enjoy here. (Source:Diane Norman) NOYES Mr. and Mrs. John Noyes lived on the fbrmer Breck farm northeastof Richfield. An Ivy Noyes is listed in a Richfteld attendance book as being a student in the 1920's. They moved to town north of the school and had a f-ewhorses,cows and other livestock. After the deathof Mrs. Noyes, Johnny continuedto live there. He was still here in the 1940'sand spentsomeof his time at Orvil Hardman'sservicestation. He liked to talk to the children. In May 1930John Noyes' mule teamwith walking plow took French leave and dasheddown the street, occasionallytearing up the earth. Ntr damagewas done. (RR) OLLIEU Theo J. Ollieu cametiom Franceto New York and Massachusettsand worked his way west to Nevadaon freight trains and to Richfield J o h n a n d L i z z yN o y e s in the springof 1912. He barteredwith a man for somesheep,which he herded near Magic Dam. ln 1932 he and Dona Flavel were married.
ShelleyandtheirsonEric, Ted, marriedGiselaBaer,a daughter of Jerome; TheirchildrenareMelba (Burgess) (Mick) who livesin Battleground, 13, attending schoolin Richfield[TeddiedFeb. 11,1995at Gooding];Max WA, two girlswho go to schoolin Portlandandwork. Donaenjoysa numberof hobbiesincludingquiltingand crafts. The Ollieuslived NW of town andin the late 1940'smovedinto town. A brotherMauriceOllieucame to Richfieldlater. Maurice,b. 1889,d. April 29,1952. Theo,b. 1885,d. July 19, 1977. Both areburiedin the Richfield (DonaOllieu,Cem.Bk.) Cemetery. ORCHARD The OrchardfamilylivednearRichfieldfrom 1930to'34. Theoldestdaughter,Mary, in theclass for herdramatic abilityin playsandreadings.Merlewasin theclassof 1938.In a letter of '33, wasoutstanding from their 1987reunionbooklethe wrotethat in 1950he marriedRuth Gordon,a teacher,now retired. They "writingmemoir-type trivia,etc,andtrying havethreechildren,Anne,DavidandJanet.Merlewassemi-retired, 249
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to figure out what to do next." He attendedBrigham Young U. and StanfordU; was Deputy Attorney General, then District Attorney in Mendocino, CA and in private practicein law. Their home is in Ukiah, CA. Merle wrote: "I recall my Richfield years as a precioustime in my life. I often interject in conversations 'You know I lived on a farm in a little town, Richfield, Idaho'; 'Let me tell you what we used such things as: to do in Richfield (on Halloween).' I love to recall thosedays and thoseboyhoodfriends of yore. Don't we all?" [Merle Orchard d. Dec. 9, 1992, his wife Ruth wrote.] Another member of the Orchard family in Richfield was Loren. PARKER Jodey and Patsy Parker cameto Richfield April 2, 1957. We boughtthe old McCord place in 1958. O u r d a u g h t e r D e b r a w a s b o r n N o v . 8l ,9 5 7 , i n J e r o m e .O u r s o n J o e y w a s b o r n t h e r e o n J u n1e1 , 1 9 6 0 . T h e y both attendedRichfield school their 12 yearsof school. Debra went to ISU and Joey went to BSU. Jodey worked at the Texaco with PeteSchmidtand worked on the farm. He drove truck for Ward's Cheese for 13 years and milked cows also. We sold the ranch and moved to the former Deed's home in 1967. He worked for the Big Wood Canal Co. as heavyequipmentoperator. Joey married a Meridan girl, Michele Wright, in 1981. They havetwo childrenMichael, age 8, and Melissaage 3. In 1985Jodey and Patsywent into their own trucking businessfor 9 years. Jodey had to retire due to ill health. Debra works for Health and Welfare in Twin Falls and Joey has worked for Utility Trailers of Boise for 14 years. He is operation managerand servesas vice presidentof the board. (Source:Patsy Parker) PARKER LeRoy and PaulineParker were both from Kiowa, OK. They were married in Pratt, Kansas,in 1945 and camewest to California where they lived in severalplacesincludingI I yearsin Fresno. They had a son, Roy Lee, and lost four other children; one, Michael Lynn, lived a day and a half. When Roy graduatedfiom eighth grade he faced the prospectof attendinga high school of 4,000. They moved to Richfield fiom Eureka, CA, arriving at two A.M. on March 5, 1961. In the morningthey got up and saw three inchesof snow on the '61 ground--thefirst snow of . Paulinewantedto turn aroundand go back! They lived on the eastWilcox place for two years, then bought the Cecil Heldermanfarm. They had just finished moving in November 1963 when they heard the news of Kennedy's assassination. Roy loved every day of school here. The first day he went with the team to a ball game in Dietrich and camehomethrilled with school. He participatedin basketballandbecamequarterbackon the fbotballteam. The year Maxine Behr was rodeo queen,Paulinesaid, she cameby on her horseand stoppedto visit with Roy; he couldhardly wait to get his own horse. When he did he boughtit himself. He learnedto drive tractors,do freld work and help in their dairy business.Roy graduatedin 1965. He andJanetArmstrongwere married and their daughterAngela was born Sept.20, 1966. Roy becamea firemanin Twin Falls and lost his lif-ein a fire at the old Penny-Wisestore on March 29, 1969. He had gone in the secondtime to help put out the fire when the glasseswere knockedout of his face maskand he died of smokeinhalation. The Parkers rememberbeing snowed-inthree times in 1963tbr five days each time. They took their milk cansout to the road on a car hood pulled by a horse. The temperaturedroppedto -25 degreesthe first winter they were here. They made a lot of preciousfriends. Paulinehelpedwith VacationBible Schools,and they helpedto start the Assemblyof God Church in 1977. They took in fbsterboys: Terry Byrd in 1977 and Joe '78. Maltos in They got special tutoring for a brother of a Mexican, who worked for them, at the Richfielcl schoolby Betty Ann Clark. Paulineand LeRoy sold their cows Dec. 11, 1989,and movedto a SeniorHousingapartment. They enjoy their church work, and Pauline likes to do crafts. The Parkerswere membersof the Richfreld Riding Club for 14 years. He was in team roping and chariot racing and was captainof a team tbr ten years. Their team won severaltrophies. They have two beautiful grandchildren,Raysa ("Tootsie Roll" to her grandfather)and Tel Clark. The Parkerswill have been married 50 years in Sept. 1995. (Source:Telephoneinterview with the Parkers) PARKHURST William S. Parkhurst was an early promotor of the Richfield tract and apparently did some traveling for that purpose. He was a man of many talents. R R J a n . 1 3 , l 9 l 4 F a r m e r B i l l P a r k h u r s t oRf i c h f i e l d a p p e a r s a s t h e a u t h o"rG o fr i t a n d a G r u b H o e " i n t h e last issueof the Country Gentleman. He gives a faithful picture of pioneeringin the sagebrushcountry. On April 24, 1914, a box social was put on at SchoolNo. 8 (North End) with Farmer Bill Parkhurstas auctioneer.On Sept. 10, 1915W.S. Parkhurst,betterknown as FarmerBill, purchasedthe RichfieldRecorder a n d i t s p l a n t a n d J o h n s o n c o n t i n u e d i n c h a r goefof ifc e w o r k f o r a t i m e . R R N o v . 1 , 1 9 1 5 W . S .P a r k h u r s t h a s
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beennamedCarey Act commissionerat Richfield. In June 1916he becamepresidentof the Idaho StateChamber of Commerce. PATE Floyd Pate and Bernice Richardsonwere married Nov. 26, 1939, at the Methodist Church. They begantheir marriageliving out on the farm of Charlie House. Floyd worked for Charlie, and Bernice set up housekeepingin a place that was so small that it seemsinappropriate to give it the term "house." It had one room and the cupboards were made out of orangecrates,but Floyd and Bernicewere happy and warm. Then at the end of summer 1940, they moved 3 mi. N of Richfield where they rented acreageand an old farmhouse. Floyd obtaineda FHA loan to purchaselivestock and equipmentto begin life as a farmer and future landowner. This is when Florine was born in Mrs. Patrick's rest home in Richfield the fall of 1940. After one year a realtor sold the place, which Floyd could not afford to buy, so they set up residence in town at the north end of Main Street. Their neighborsacrossthe streetwere Virginia andWoodrow Ash and family. They enjoyedtheir stay at this residenceeventhoughseveraltimes they moved out and then back in, becauseFloyd would becomeemployedfor various farmers during peak seasons. While at the residencein 1945 Mary was born. She became friends with Rosalie Ash and still remembersher as a sweet person. A sad significant memory of this place for Mary was when somegirls were playing with matchesand the W e d d i n ga t M e t h . C h u r c h .R e v . S t a n l e y neighbor girl caught on fire. Mary can still rememberthe girl being T r e f r e n ;B i l l F l a v e l& T h e l m aR i c h a r d s o n , wrapped in blankets by Bernice, screamingand the smell of burning a t t e n d a n t s . F l o y d & B e r n i c eP a t e . flesh. [The burns were fatal.] In 1948Floyd and Berniceleft Richfieldfor Moore alongwith otherRichtieldfamilies, Max and Alice Behr in 1950 and Bernice's sister Florence and Albert Sipe. The hopes were for greener pastureswith great job opportunitiesat the Atomic Energy Commission. Floyd worked at the site fbr Morrison Knudsenfor three years. Then Floyd went to work at the Lost River Co-op. Floyd and Bernicehad many happy years at the Co-op. Floyd servedas the managerfbr 14 yearsand Bernicewas the accountant.Their two daughtersFlorine and Mary graduatedfrom Butte County High School in Arco. Florine attendedCSI, worked for the Forest Service until recentlywhen she made the decisionto retire. She has 3 children,Kevin, Melissa,and Jerri. Mary attended the U of I and ISU where sheobtaineda B.A. in education.ShemarriedDon Voelker and they have 3 children, Todd, Troy, and Tyler. Mary obtaineda mastersdegreetiom WestministerCollege and just recently completed her doctorateof educationfrom the U of I. At her graduationshe had fbnd memoriesof her mother who loved schooland was so very good at writing. Boy!! did I needher when I had to write my dissertation. Community accomplishmentsat Moore were that Floyd was the mayor of Moore fbr two years; Bernicewas actively involved with 4-H, hospital board and PTA. She organizedthe first PTSA in the Butte County High School. After leaving the Co-op Bernice was employed at the Lost River Hospital in Arco as the head bookkeeper. In Dec. of 1979 Bernice, after four years of courageouslybattling cancer, died and is buried in Arco. Floyd worked for the forestservicefor 13 years. He recentlysold his place in Moore and is looking at severaloptions before he settlesdown. He has still not grown-up and is happy as a clam. (Source:Mary Voelker) PATE Harley and Irene Pate and family arrived in Richfield on Memorial Day of 1945 relocating fiom the Sandhill country of north central Nebraska. Richfield was the chosenlocation as there were several members of the Patefamily already living in the area. My grandfatherhad worked fbr A.J. (Dick) Johnsonfarming prior to his deathon Aug. 4, 1944. My father'sbrothers,Merle, Floyd, and Sidney,were all living in the Richfield area - other brothers Lester, Nelson, and Clyde were still serving in the Armed Forces. Harley startedworking for the Union Pacific Railroadshortly after arriving and worked for the railroad until his retirement. Born in 1906he passedaway on Oct. 3, 1980. My mother Irene still lives in Richfield. There were 3 children,Jim who was 15 yearsold and a junior in high school,Shirley was 13 yearsold and a freshman, Russell was 11 yearsold and in the 7th grade. All three of us graduatedfrom RHS.
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Russelland I both served in the U.S. Navy - Russellaboardthe aircraft carrier the USS Essex and I with the Naval Air Force in an Air-Sea RescueHelicopterSquadron. Shirley was married to Ronald Peak who served in the Air Force and was in the Air Force when he died as a result of a car accident. Shirley still lives in Mountain Home, Russelllives in Fairfield and Kathy and I still live in Shoshone.(SeeBushby) We are all now retired, but still find lots of activitiesto keepus occupied.[Jim was managerof the ASCS office in Shoshoneand Russelldid the same in Fairfield. Both worked for 35 years. Kathy keepsbusy with gardeningand crafts.l Irene Patehas overcomeseveralperiodsof ill health. She enjoyshandwork and has made numerousquilts. Harley Pate, son of James R. and Ida May Sopher Pate, married Irene A. Crawford Jan. 30, 1929 at Ainsworth,NE. Irene, dau. of William and RoseMay WhitemoreCrawford,b. Dec. 23,l9l0 at Burroak, KS. Children: James W. b. Oct. 25, 1929 Johnstown,NE; md CatherineMae Bushby Feb. 5, 1950 Richfield. Shirley Jean b. Sept. 23, 1931 Johnstown,NE; md 1) RonaldPeak (died June 25, 1,972)April2, 1950;2) GeraldStackle 1973 (div). Russell H. b. Sept. 6, 1933Johnstown,NE; md RosanellBaugh Aug. 13, 1955 Gooding.(Source:Jim Pate) PATE James and lda Pate cameto Richfield from Nebraskain l94l to residewith their son Merle at his ranch. Other sonshad come in the late 1930's. Mr. Patedied Aug 6, 1944. Ida lived with her canary and dog Chipper in a little house,locatedat the Ray Appell corner, for many years. Their sonsMerle, Harley and Sidney (19101960)and their daughterspassedaway. Clifford and his wife live in Nampa, Clyde (Bus) in Phoenixand Nelson in Gooding. Floyd has lived in Richfield and Moore. (Source:Irene Pate, LCJ) PATRICK J.R. and Teresa Patrick came to Richfield in 1924 from Shoshonewhere they had resided since 1920. Their children, Charles, Lueen and Betty L,ou, attendedschool here. Lueen, blessedwith a beautiful voice, sangfor many communityprogramsand oncefor the CountyPomonaGrangein 1930. Her renditionof "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" was a favorite of many. Her thirteenthbirthday was celebratedat her home in January1931. Charlie Patrick marriedPearlSorensenand they haveone daughter,Merlyn. Mrs. Patrick, a nurse, openedtheir two story home at the north edgeof town fbr maternity and other cases. Shewas a caring, helpful influencein the area. Mr. Patrickwas a barberhere and later in Antioch, CA. Once Dan Kountanis, former Richfreld farmer, walked into his shop for a haircut and was pleasantlysurprisedto see his old barber. The Patricks left Richfield in 1942. They lived in Hagermanfbr three or four years then went to Boulder, NV. Mrs. Patrick died at her home in Antioch in July 1952, age 55. Intermentwas in the Holy RosaryCemeterythere. Lueen, J.R. and Charleshave also passedaway. Betty Lou, born about 1930, is still living in CA. (Source:RR, LCJ Obit, WendellKing) '40's, PATTERSON Blmo Ray and Norma (Baird) Pattersonmoved with their family to Richfreld in the late '66), Kenneth('69) and wherehe was in the bee business.Their childrenwere Linda, Bonnie,Marilyn (Classof group girls Bonnie Maxine Behr in t-ive who went through and were a of Julie. Maxine Stirton recallsthat she, '61. 12 yearsof school,graduatingin the classof Julie startedfirst gradein 1964and is now an attorney. Elmo (Brig) Pattersonwas instrumentalin forming the Richfield Library District in 1967. He was a State movedto Utah. Shewas Senatorfrom1955-1956.B. Nov. 12, 1911,hed. June5,1967. Mrs. Pattersonlater b. April 13, 1919,d. Nov. 8, 1991. Both were buried in the RichfieldCemetery.(Source:Cem. Bk., ACB) PAULSON Charles O. Paulsonwas born in Hogsater,Sweden,on Oct. 19,1879, and immigratedto the United Statesin 1900. He spent a time in Minnesota,then journeyedto Spokaneand was employed as a nurse fbr the on 80 acresof land 6 mi. N and ll2 mi. W of Richfield where Union PacificRailroad. In 1907he homesteaded grain years raising hay, he spentthe next 37 and sheep. In 1913he bought a casetractor which they called Jumboand separatorand did customgrain threshingon the surroundingfarms eachfall until 1947, when his right hand was caught in the machinery causingthe loss of two fingers and part of his hand. The family had moved into town in 1943, and Bob and Mary Ross were farming the Paulsonranch at the time of the accident. On Jan. l, 1919, Charley was married to Miss Clara Lockey and they were blessedwith four children. Their oldestdaughterMary, was born Sept. I , 1922. Carl put in an appearanceon June 6, 1924. Charlottewas next to join the family on Aug. 20, 1931. The youngest,Raymond,was born on July 13, 1937. Always active in community affairs, Charley servedon the North End and the Richfield School Boards fbr a total of 20 years. He was a member of the SelectiveServiceBoard during World War II, also served as a countycommissionerand was a memberof the NationalFarm Loan Association. During the early fifties he spent
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two terms in the StateLegislature. Charley was also active in the Richfield Methodist Church, the EasternStar and the Lions Club. He was a charter memberof the RebekahLodge and the Richfield Grange. Charles died on Oct. 21, 1955. Clara suffereda stroke in 1953 and spentthe last ten years of her life in the Wood River ConvalescentHome. She died on July 7, 1968. Following her death the farm changedhands severaltimes with Allan Laudert beingthe presentowner. He raisesturkeys and sells them mostly to restaurants. Three brothers of Charley came to the United States in 1909. Andrew homesteaded the farm acrossthe road from Charley's place and also raisedhay, grain and sheep. He retired in 1945and moved to town. His farm is now owned by Donaldand JeanMillican. After retirement,Andrew kept busy doing carpenterand remodeling work. He also built severalhouseson the Richfieldtract. His nephew,Carl, is living in the last housethat he built in 1953. Andrew d. in Oct. 1964. John Paulson,a brotherof Charleyand Andrew, went on to Alaska, where he operateda trading post until his retirement in 1949, when he returned to Richfield. Another brother, Ivor, settledin Utzrhand very little was heard tiom him until he died in 1950. John passedaway in 1950 also and both are buried here. The children of Charley and Clara all got married and moved away except Carl who has spenthis entire life here. Mary was married to Bob Ross and they movedto CA where Bob worked at constructionuntil his retirement. They were A n d r e w P a u l s o n .b o y - G e o r g e parents of two children, Robert, who retired to Richfield and is engagedin R a y S c h i s l e r ,E m i l K u n z ; a b t . 194O.Photo-Marylee Crowther. farming the old Frank Johnsonplace and the Kenneth Moates place. He also raiseshog, hay and grain. Their daughter,Andrea,was married to JamesSmith and they bought a farm in Goodman, Missouri, where they raise cattle and registereddogs. They are parentsof two children,Normanand Cara and have one grandchild. Carl was married to Wanda Roundy in 1947. Her parents,Lauren and Nettie Roundy, farmed the Charley McKay acreageeastof town in 1944and 1945. On March l, 1948,they purchasedthe J & J Garage and changedthe name to Paulson Motor Service, which they are still operatingtoday, 46 years later. They added five boys to the Richfield population. John was born in 1952 and was married to ChristinaBreesein 1976. After his discharge from the Air Force they moved to Rupert where he has since been employedas an electronictechnicianfbr the AmalgamatedSugar Company. They have three children, Angela, Andrew and Alisa. Alan arrived at the Paulson C a r l ,C l y d e ,R o g e rP a u l s o n . householdon Christmasday of 1953. He is the only one of the boys to settle in Richfield. He purchasedthe former home of Lon and Laura Woods after her death. He is a self employed carpenterand has made severalthousandarrow and spearheadsin his sparetime. Clyde was born in 1955and was marriedto DeborahUribe of Pocatelloin 1972,shortly afterhis graduation from high school. He worked in the family businessfrom the time he was 12 until after his divorce in 1984, when he moved to Spokaneto work fbr WesternConstructionCompany. Their two daughters,Sheilaand Winter Dawn, live in Layton with their mother. Sheilaand her son Max live in Ogden. Roger was born Dec. 9, 1956. When he was 17 he joined the Navy where he spentthree years. After his dischargehe spentseveralyearsworking in the family business.In 1990he took a coursein card dealingand has been employedby CactusPetesin Jackpot,NV, as a blackjackdealer. Stanleywas born Aug. 19, 1960. He was marriedto Kim Holbrook in 1987 and they have two children, Jake and Katie. They live in Twin Falls where Stan operatesa home improvementbusinessand Kim works as a sursical nurse for Dr. Retmier.
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CharlottePaulson married Bill Gosvenerin 1949. After farming two years at the ranch, they moved to Tulare, CA, where Bill was employedby StandardOil Companyuntil his death. Charlottecontinuedto live there and raisetheir three children; Steveof Tulare; David a statepatrolman,who md Mindy Bonds and lives in Santa Barbarawith their son; Karen md Leonard Slaazarin Tulare and havetwo boys Adrian and Jasonand a daughter Stacey. Charlottedied April 3, 1986. Raymond Paulson was married to Aletea Smith of Boise. After serving four years in the Air Force, he worked for Gem State Utilities in the Richfield office for two years and then was transferredto the Grandview office where he is still stationed. They are parentsof three boys, Charles,Danny and Eric, and two daughters, Esther and Crystal. Jumbo is still going strong. It can be seeneach Outlaw Day as it lumbers down Main Street in the annual Outlaw Day parade. CharleyPaulsonwill be rememberedfor his love of pinochleand his senseof humor. After his retirement he spentmany hours fishing at the narrows. (Source:Wanda Paulson) RR Nov. 4, l9l3:. In 1913, C.O. Paulsonbuilt a large barn on his place north of Richfield - the second largestone on the tract. Paulson,md Clara Eliza Lockey, Jan. l,l9l9 CharlesOscarPaulson,son of Paul and CharlotteJohnson at Richfield. Clara, dau of Harry and Eva Belle Bickle Lockey, b. May 25, 1900,Prosser,WA. Children, all born in Richfield: Mary Belle b. Sept. l,1922; md J. RobertRossOct. 11,1942 Richfield. Carl Fredrick b. June6, 1924, md Wanda Roundy March 16, 1947Richfield. Clara Charlotte b. Aug. 20, 1931, d. April 3, 1986Tulare; md William Gosvener(d. 1963)md. Oct. 1949Richfield.Raymond Faye b. July 13, 1937 md. Aleta Smith. (Source:Mary B. Ross) PEARMAN Mr. and Mrs. Ed Pearmanlived on the Lane ranch in the late twenties. They had two adopted daughters,Alberta and Helen, who becameplaymatesof Ethel Pope. At one time they had a couple of coyotes for pets. Pearl Blakesleestayedwith them and took care of the girls. (Source:Ethel Conner) PELLEY Albert and Helen (Deeds)Pelleywere marriedJune30, 1933,at the Baptist parsonagein Jerome. They cameto Richfield in March 1934to farm with her father, John Deeds. Albert did farm work with horsesand changedthe water by kerosenelantern light, which Helen carried. Albert and Helen met while Albert's mother, a nurse, was caring for Helen'smother. Albert was born Aug. 14, 1908,in Oak Hill, KS, the son of Stephenand Matilda Pelley and receivedhis educationin KS. He came to Jeromewith neighborsand worked for areafarmers. While employedby the Newman SheepCompany he injured his left arm and hand, and returned to KS. Two and a half years later he heededthe call to "Go West young man" and with his mother, two sistersand a brother, cameto Idaho in 1929. Helen, born in Loveland, CO, June 20, 1908, to John and Bertha Deeds,cameto Twin Falls in March of 1909with her parents. Sheattended schools near Kimberly and Jerome and graduatedfrom Jerome HS and Albion Statewith a degreein Primary Education. Shetaught in Malad City, Twin Falls and substitutedin Richfield. Their sons, Darrell and Melvin, both graduatedfrom RHS and College of Idaho in Caldwell with honors. They continuedtheir educationalter dischargefrom military service during the Vietnam War. TheyaremembersoftheRichfieldUnitedMethodistChurchandchoir. Brideand groom,Atbert & Heten They have been officers of Official Board and Sunday School teachers. peley Helen is WSCS president at this time. Albert was Lay Leader for several years. They have each held a variety of offices for the church. Albert is a 49 year member of the Richfield Lions Club and they will be celebrating50 years March of 1995" He has been a commissionerof Richfield Fire ProtectionDistrict since it was organizedin June of 1967. He was active with the Lincoln County DisasterCommittee.Albert helpedorganizethe Dietrich Butte Cattlemen'sAssociation, and was vice president and presidentuntil they sold their ranch in 1976. Helen has been a member of the Lincoln County Housing Board, the Golden Years Senior Citizens, and the Richfield Senior Citizen's Board and on the schoolboard for 9 years.
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Albert suffered a heart attack in 1982, and since then they have had to limit their activities but still travel. They feel that Lincoln County hasbeen a good placeto live, raisea family and retire. They purchaseda home at 415 Main North in Richfield. (LCJ July 6,
r994\ The Pelleys were chosenas one of three Lincoln County couples to be grand marshals of the 1994 County Fair. Albert suffereda heart attackJuly 6, 1994, shortly before the fair and M e l v i n , A l b e r t , H e l e n , D a r r e l lP e l l e y . they were unable to participate.We lived on the Union Portland Cement hay, wheat,peasand potatoesuntil raised 40 We McKay adjoining. rented the and N Richfield Ranch l12mi. of Potatoeswere harvestedwith poorer prices freezes. and government regulations, they becameunprofitabledue to Bank on Mathew's Hill and Land from Federal the a digger drawn by four horses. In 1935 we rented 80 acres hirn to forget milking advised hand doctor the purchasedit later. When Albert beganto have trouble with his range cows. Short water replaced with cows, also using a shovelwhich was not possible. The milk cows were gets "What down to me isn't even little waste water years meant irrigating carefully, and Mac Crowther said, wet." Albert was proud of his horsesand sold teamsto severallocal farmers. We farmed our 280 acreswith hired help until our sonswere old enoughto help. We securedgrazingrights on Dietrich Buttewhere we ran 204head of cows and calves. Steerswere pasturedon the ranch; heifer calves were sold. A Bull Cornmittee of five men purchasedpurebredrangebulls. We developedour land into a stock operation,raising hay, some grain and corn for silage,which we madewith Lou, Mac and RaymondCrowther. We exchangedwork with neighbors,the John Coffmans,EverettLarks, Bob and "Gramp" Abrams. Tom Ebert lived with us during his Senioryear. Albert's mothercontracteddiphtheria,and we andTom were quarantined.His friendswould come neighborslikeJewel Coffman who did the shoppingand brought by and holler, "Bugs, bugs!" We appreciated the mail. rabbits,and coyotestook their toll Farminghad its problems:dogskilled 198fryers in 1984;grasshoppers, along with the weather;hog raiserslost hogsto cholera,and brucellosisappearedin cattle; brain fever took many horses. Farmerssurvivedby tighteningtheir beltsone more notch. Did you everytry to move hogsagainsttheir will? One blizzardy day the snow was blown into their shed,and all we could seewere eight white humps where red ones shouldhave been. We had to move those200# hogs one by one by pulling on their earsand pushing them into the other part of the shed. Among good yearswas a very good yield of clover and alfalfa seedat extra good prices, which helpedat the bank. We sponsoredthe MYF for severalyears. Darrell and Melvin were oflicers and also church ushersand choir members. Our 15 to 18 memberchoir (includingtheSimpsons,L. Rogers,PriscillaPridmore,Ann Mason, Richard Vansant)with Esther Vansantas accompanistgave cantatasand at times.ioined with eight other Magic severalyears. He helped Valley MethodistChurchesto put on public concerts.Albert wasTroop 8 Scoutmaster fight fires on BLM land to help savenearby grain fields, using wet gunny sacks. library locatedin the tiont of the club-sponsored As a memberof the RichfieldWoman'sClub I catalogued the Masonic Hall, using the Dewey Decimal System. Mrs. Edna Piper, Mrs. R. J. Lemmon and I servedas volunteer librarians with Dorothy Sewardas the first paid librarian. While I was on the school board the new HS was built, motor busesreplacedhorsedrawn busesand Marley, North End and Burmah Schoolsconsolidated with the town district. D a r r e l l , b . M a r . I , 1 9 4 3 , m e t M a r y A n n S t e c k a t t h e C o l l e g eIodfa h o w h e r e h e w a s a m a t h m a j oTr .h e y were married the afternoonof his graduationMay 5, 1965. Darrell taught math in Boise Borah HS until he was called into the Navy and sent to Great Lakes Naval Station. After dischargehe and Mary Ann taught math in Newark, Delaware. After studyingcomputerscience,he workedfor Wang ComputerSalesin Tempe, AZ,lhen from WeyerhauserLumber Co., Tacoma, where he still works and travels for the company. After a divorce in Aug. 1983,he and Margie Gregorywere marriedApril 16, 1992. She has two young girls. His two sonslive with their mother in Kent, WA where she teachesmath. Son Kevin attendsU of WA at Seattle,and Allen is a
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HS junior. Darrell is choir director of Browns Methodist Church, Tacoma. He enjoyed directing a masschoir from 8-10 churchesonce. He, his sons and father-in law make up a male quartet. Melvin, b. July 3, 1944, and Carolyn K. Vierck met at MYF Church Camp and College of Idaho where he earneda degreein businessadministrationand accounting. They were married in Idaho Falls Aug. 24, 1968. They havetwo sons,Eric 14 and Scott 11. Melvin said he was glad he had learnedto work, as they earnedmuch of their college money picking rock, working in the hay, etc. When he served in the Army for l3 months in Vietnam he felt sorry for boys who had never learnedto work. After his dischargehe and Carolyn settled in Phoenixwhere both were employedby Arizona-ColoradoLand and Cattle. He was assignedthe accountof the cattle operationof John Wayne, whom he met. He worked briefly in Kuwait, then returned to AZ to work in DiagnosticResearch. He has since worked in Seattleand is now in Las Vegas. We sold the farm in 1976 and purchasedour home in town. During our years here we have made many wonderful friends. Somehave moved away, othersgoneto a "better land." This is Home for us for now. Since retiring Albert has kept busy with flowers and gardeningand enjoysgiving produce to others, and keepsa neat yard. We celebratedour 6lst wedding anniversaryat the senior building, hostedby our sons and daughters-inlaw, on June26,1994, with over 120 registeredguests.(Source:Helen Pelley) LCJ June 14, 1935 Friendswill be grievedto learnthat the baby girl born to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Pelley June10, 1935,passedaway after living but 15 hours. The little one (ShirleyA.) was laid to rest in the Shoshone Cemeterywith gravesideserviceconductedby Rev. Johnsonof the JeromeBaptistChurch. Mrs. Tillie Pelley is staying a month. PBTERSEN Samuel Neils Petersenwas born in Denmarkon May 16, 1886. When he was a young man he and his brother Hans worked their way aboardship for passageto the United States. The ship docked in Virginia and the brothers worked at various availablejobs until they cameto Council Blufls, IA; there they began work for the railroad and came westward. Samueleventuallywent to work in Boise at a creamery, where he worked in the plant and deliveredthe dairy products. On July 23, 1910, he was married to Ruth Robertsat Boise. Edward was born to them in 1911 and Fred in 1913. In l9l4 the family moved to the new ldaho lrrigation developmentof the Richfield tract, they clearedsagebrushand rocks from 160 acres2 mi. W of town" Mr" Petersenbuilt a large houseon this farm and four more childrenwere born to this family: Edna Christine,Ruth Frances,Robert and Elsie Marie. On March 10, 1925, Samuelwas granteda certificateof naturalizationto becomea citizenof the United Statesof America. Ruth, the mother,passedaway in 1936and Sarnuel.Sept.27, 1953. Fred was deceasedin 1985and Edward in 1992. The farm remainedin the farnily 42 years. SamuelPetersonmd Ruth Roberts,dau of Georgeand KathrynLogan Roberts. Ruth, b. July 10, 1887 in Boulder,CO. Children: Edward b. March 19, 1911Boise; died 1992Hoquiam, WA. Fred b. Jan. 17,l9l3 Boise,d. 1985Richfield,md Ruby Luff. Edna b. March 29,1915; md 1) F. A. Swinney(dec)Oct. 15, 1935; md 2) Burl Akins Nov. 29, 1946. (SeeAkins, Burl) Ruth b. Jan 9, 1918Richfield; md Robert Myers. Lived in Minnesotafor years, now in Nampa; 3 children.Robert b. June9, 1920Richfield; wife Wilma, live at the Dalles,OR. Elsie b. Dec. 10, 1922Richfield;md AnthonyPlonski. Retirednurse. They now live in Payson, AZ: 4 children. (SourceEdna Akins, Cem. Bk.) PETERSON Andy Petersonwas born in Scandia,Minnesota,in 1871. His early life was spenton a farm. He movedto Stillwater, MN, where he met Mary Elmquistand in 1897they were married. Their daughterAlpha was born in 1899 and their son Arthur in 1905. Andy becameinterestedin being a cook. When the Great NorthernRailroad was being built he worked for them as a cook. He took his wif-eand children and headedwest as the railroadwas built. In 1907he cameto Shoshoneand to Richfieldin 1908. He starteda cafe which was a big success.Andy was the chief chef and with the rest of the Petersonfarnily helping, it was a popular and economicalplace to eat. Meals were served family style for 50 cents, which includedsoup, pie and drink and all the tbod you could eat. Andy bakedbread which sold 3 loaves tbr 25 cents and bakedpies a dozen at a time. A big coal stove which had a double oven took up most of the kitchen. The temperaturemust have been above a hundreddegreesbut no one seemedto mind. A grocery storewas addedand as time progresseda clothingstore,which consistedmostly of men's clothes-also a shoe departmentand a cream station. An ice housewas built and huge chunksof ice were kept frozen in sawdust.These were sold and also used to keep the meat, kept in a small room in the back of the caf-e" The Petersonslived in three small rooms in the back of the store. Ruth was born in Shoshonein 1908 and Thelma in l9ll. They moved from the storeand lived in rentedhousesuntil Andy built a new home for his family in I9l7 " The home is still there acrossthe tracks and is occupiedby Richfield residents.
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Artie Peterson,as he was called, went on his own and got started in the sheep businessand had a flock of his own. This notice abouthim appearedinthe Richfield Recorder-Richfield'sown newspaperedited by the Hills: "Richfield has one businessboy who is full of snapand ginger, ever watchful for an opportunity. This boy starteda year ago with a pig or two, hustling around doing odd jobs here and there, investedhis money in more pigs and feed tbr them; watched the stock trains go through and when any dead sheepwere thrown out of the car he was right there with a skinningknife, had the hides on the fence in a jiffy, got his pigs and hides to market, openedan accountat the bank, bought a calf when the price was right and sold it when he saw a profit. Down on the lower end of the street can be seenhis sign printedby himself. "Cash Paid for Hides" and he gets them. He can drive a bargainequalto David Harum. He just sold a bunch of hidesfor $180.30and reinvestshis moneyin hides,peltsor anythinghe can seea profit in. He is just a boy full of life with an eye for businessand a real optimist. Such is Artie Peterson, " Richfield'sboy merchant. Artie Peterson. until 1931when he died of a heart Andy Petersoncontinuedin the storebusiness attack. Mary Petersonlived in Richfield until her death in 1956. t hwespoaf s s i n g R R O c t . 1 0 , 1 9 3 0 R e s i d e n t s oRf i c h f i e l d w e r e g r e a t l y s h o c k e d S a t u r d a y b y t h e s u d d e n n e paralysis suffered sometime fbllowing of a stroke of Andy Peterson,one of the town's earliestpioneers.He died Friday night. He had beena residentsince 1908,when he openedthe storeand restaurant...Children were his specialfriends, as he scarcelyever alloweda little one to leavehis store without handswell filled with candy. Interment was in Shoshone. Alpha was marriedto Patrick Byrne in 1916and they had five children. Patrick passedaway and Alpha later married Andrew Herman. They lived in Payetteand later moved to Jerome. Ruth worked in the store and later was chief operatorof the telephonecompany which was ownei.lby the Jensens. She went to Albion Normal Schooland becamea teacher. Her first school was a rural one near Ashton, Idaho. She marriedAfton Jenkinsof Ashtonand taughtmany yearsin the town of Ashton. They have a daughterJeannineReimerswho lives in Idaho Falls. Thelma also went to Albion and becamea teacher. Her first schoolwas a rural one in north Shoshone. In 1933 she came to Richfield where she taughtfor five years. She taught in various schoolsin ldaho and in 1942 moved to Boise. Here she met Kenneth Skinner who worked for the telephonecompany. They were married \n 1946and had one daughterwho lives in Parma. Shehastwo boys and one girl. Kennethpassedaway in 1970. Thelma continuedher teachingin Star, a small community12 miles west of Boise. After retiring in 1976 she continuedto live there. After Andy died Artie took over the store and was successfulin running it. He did a lot of remodeling. The caf'ewas closedand emphasisput on the grocery store and meat market. He was marriedto Helen Robinsonand they lived in the apartmentbuilt in the store. Artie passedaway in 1965. The building still stands. RR Dec. 6, 1916 Andy Petersonhas beenserving70 to 100 mealsper day the past month. RR Dec. 27, 1936 Andy Petersonhas receivedhis 3rd carloadof flour this fall. LCJ July 27, 1932 Arthur Petersonis having the Peterson store and restaurantremodeled converting the restaurantand dry goods rooms into a general merchandisesectionand using the south part, fbrmerly grocery departmentfor the restaurant. This is quite an improvement. Andrew Caleb Petersonmd. Mary ElmquistNov. 12, 1897at Stillwater, MN; Mary b. July 12, 1876at Stillwater. Children: Alpha b. April 8, 1899 Stillwater,MN, md Patrick Byrne. Alpha d. Dec. 13, 1994 in Jeromeand is buried at Morris Hill Cem. in Boise.Carl Arthur b. July 12, 1905Stillwater,d. Sept. 15, 1965 Richfield; md Helen RobinsonDec. 16, 1947. Ruth Marie b. Sept. 14, 1908 Shoshone;md Afton Jenkins. Thelma Eva b. July 7, 19ll Richfield md KennethSkinnerAug. 21, 1946 Boise. (Source:Thelma Peters<ln Skinner) PETERSON Oscar Petersonwas Lola Peterson'shusband,who made the Navy his career. During WW II he was killed in the Battle of the Coral Seain 1942in the line of duty. He was rescuingsome fellow seamenfrom the boiler room of the ship. He receivedthe CongressionalMedal of Honor and the Purple Heart posthumously for the sacrifice of his life. After his death Lola and her sons Donald and Fred came to Richfield from San Diego, CA, to be near her sisters,Nell Albert and Laura Woods.
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Donald and Fred graduatedfrom RHS. They went to collegeand were in the service. After sometime Fred wenttoworkfortheldahoStateHighwayDept. Heretired after20yearsin 1992. He andhiswifeMarylive near Rupert. They have 2 daughtersand one son. Donald worked as a geologistfor the Federal Government. He retired some years ago, but is still contactedby someof the federalgeologistsfor information and help with their problems. He and his wife Marie Joe movedfrom Golden,CO to Aragon, NW, to a little ranch. They sold that and moved to Safford, AZ where they now live. Donald still goes to collegejust to have something to do. Lola lived in Richfield on W. Oneidauntil illness made it necessaryfor her to go live with her son Fred. Shespenta few monthsthere. Shepassedaway March 31, 1991,at Rupert. She was laid to rest in the Richfield Cemetery. (Source: Gonda Sluder Hand) (Condensedfrom an article in the Saturday Evening Posf, Feb. 6, 1943) The U.S.S. Neosho was an overgrowntanker that carried 378 officers and men on Dec. 6, l94l when it refueledships all night in Hawaiian harbors. "She also had a chief water tenderwho walked open-eyedinto deaththat his ship might live, " the writer on U.S. ships and releasedtheir deadly cargo at stated. The next morning Japanesedive bombersdescended Arizona blew up andburst into flames. The Neosho,the only PearlHarbor. The Oklahomasankand at 8:15 the fleet oiler in the Mid-Pacific, escapedto Merry Point. For five months this "floating gas station" fueled Pacific fighting ships. On May 7 she had a rendezvous bomberdroppeda bomb nearby. Later with a big task force 450 miles from Australia. At 9:30 a.m. a Japanese 24 bomberscame over in squadsof four. The Neoshoreceivedsevendirect hits with 500-pounddelayedaction plane,hit by her guns,struckthe deck, settingit ablaze. A direct hit fiom the next corditebombs. A Japanese bomb explodedamong the boilers and steam lines. Steamrushedout at 400 pounds pressureand 750 degrees; the tanker lost power and stopped,tilted to starboard. Oscar Vernon Peterson,the Neosho's chief water tender, had the specific duty of closing the four mainstream-linestop valvesif damagewas sustained.His face and handswere burnedand all his men were injured. The machinist'smate in the engineroom below told his men, "Petersonwill shut his valves. I know Pete." He did, neverexpectingto make it out alive. When he reachedopenair, the skin on his handscameofT like gloves. He died six days later and was buried at sea. Somemen escapedon four rafts. A pharmacist'smate took a first aid kit and swam fiom raft to raft to aid the injureduntil he disappeared under a wave. The fire burneditself out. CaptainPhillipsdecidedto bury his . reparedtoabandontheslowlyd e a d .H e a s k e d t h e c h i e f p h a r m a c i s t - m a t e t o s a y a p r a y e r o v e r t h e bTuhr ieayl p settlingNeosho. One afternoona Royal AustralianAir Force planeflew over, maderadio contactand left. At 1:40 on May 10 the U.S.S. Henleyrescued123 men. "At2'.22 P.M. the Neoshowas, upon orders, sunk...herstackvanished,and last of all, the spar with her colorsstill flying." [OscarPeterson'swidow, Mrs. Lola C. Petersonand two sonsFred and Donald, movedto Richfield. She wrote to thank the SaturdayEvening Post for the article; they publishedher letter and a picture of her husband by her sonLewis Fred and sister,Nell Albert, went to Orange,TX, andsonsin a later issue. Lola, accompanied whereshe christeneda new United StatesNavy destroyerthe U.S.S. Peterson,on May 15, 1943. A training oamp at the Farragut Naval Training Centerin north Idaho was also namedCamp Petersonin his honor. It was decommissioned in 1946. In 1980a 6.5 million dollarbuildingwas completedat the f'leettraining centerin San Diego and called the PetersonEngineeringBuilding. Donald and his wife of Arizona attendedthe dedication.May we neverforget thosewho gavetheir lives for our country.l (Source:Nell Albert) PETERSON S.C. (Buzz) and Carol Petersonand family came to Richfield in 1965. He first worked at the cheesefactory and they lived in the Striegel house. Tom, b. 1960, Jamie b. 1962 and Teri b. 1964 all started schoolhere and are all living in Bellevue at present. Jamie md. Ann Larsen and Teri md. Lynn Ruhter. They moved to the former Speedy ranch which Buzz operatedfor the owners. He also broke horses includingthe colt of RosalieBehr's queenhorse,a grayArabian quarterhorse. Carol drove a schoolbus. The family attendedand was active in the Methodist Church, Carol being a Sunday School teacher, Sup't. and VacationBible School worker. She and Buzz sangduetsand Teri also sang in a school talent show for the first gradeonce. The Petersonsmoved to the Diamond Dragon Ranch30 mi. N, over TimmermanHill about 1975, where Buzzis foreman of the 2,000 acre ranch owned by Hadley Stewart. Carol runs the "Early Start Christian DayCare School" in Bellevue.Shirley Wickham works there.Buzz, b. 1940to Cleo and Sibil Petersonand Carol, dau. of Eugeneand Faye Coffman, b. 1942,were md June6, 1963. (Source:Carol Peterson,Wickhams)
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PHELPS Kenneth and Eleanor Phelpscameto Richfield in 1908. By Nov. 1912they had built a rock barn on their farm west of town. They lived on the Hill place formerly owned by L.E. and Mary Browning (long time fifth grade teacher, who passedaway in Twin Falls March 11, 1993.) The Akins place was once owned by a Phelps,also. The railroad cut acrossthe north part of the Phelps' original farm in 1912. A I9l2 item statedthat Mr. Phelps had returned from Illinois and the family would follow a month later. Kenneth G. Phelps replacedMr. McMahon in Nov. l9l2 as Richfield SundaySchool superintendent.The nameof GertrudePhelps is in schoolrecordsin 1915. Eleanor taught at RHS while they were here. She also had severalpiano students. In 1914, Kennethwas appointed l a r t y .P h o t o - J o h nL e m m o n . postmasterfor Richfield. He kept this job until they left 1 9 1 7 P h e l p sF a r e w e l P Richfieldin Oct. 1918.
W
visitedthemthereseveral times,Allie wrote.WhenMr. CA, andtheDrapers Thefamilymovedto Oakland, memoriesof our lives he stated:"Many of the happiest Phelpswrote(l-1931)to renewhis RichfieldRecorder Akins;RR) aroundthe 10 yearsspentin Richfield."(Source: aregathered , a f e& l d a L e m m o n ,C l e n P r i d m o r e ,M r s . P h e l p s ,R . W . l a r t y : B a c k r o w M i l l a r dP r i d m o r eR l P i c t u r ea t t h e F a r e w e l p , l a r e n c eL e m m o n ,M r s . ; i d d l e :M r . A l v i n E s k e l s o nR, u t hL e m m o n ,M r . P h e l p s C P r i d m o r eM , r . A d d i s o n ,? , W a l t L u n d b e r gm . , K e n n e t hC l a r k ,M r . C l a r k ;f r o n t : H e l e nH a r b i n ,G l a d y sJ o n e s ( L u n d b e r g )A, n n a P r i d m o r eD , i c k ,M r s . C l a r ka n d M a r g a r e t ? E s k e l s o n( s i s t e ro f A l v i n ) ,M r . H a r b i n . PIERCEY
We, Glenn and Bernice Piercey, saw a farm advertizement in the Twin Falls paper back in 1948
advertisingthe Joe Piper farm in Richfield. My husbandhad worked for farmers and decided to go look and maybebuy one of his own. We took one look and boughtit. I thoughtit was the end of the world after living in Twin Falls. We movedup in the winter of 1949,the worst winter they ever had. My husbanddrove our car down by the road when it starteddrifting and snowing. The snow plow came along and completely coveredit. We were snowedin almostthreemonths,went to get grocerieson a sleighand the kids went to schoolin a sheep wagon with horsespulling it and madelike a sleigh. They loved it. We milked cows and madea living. Later Glennopeneda machineshopat North Main St. and did machine work for the farmers. We did all our shoppingat Joe Piper'sstore. We had three childrenwho attendedschool that were born when we lived there. in Richfield. Later we had two "afterthoughts" We left in 1960and went backto Twin Falls. The kids f'eltbad abouthavingto leave. Glenn went to work at Abbott's Auto Supply and worked until he was disabledand died in 1980. I later marriedGlenn Ward. I had met my other "Glenn" at his mother-in-law'splace at Richt'ield,Veda and Harry Holt. We were married 36 years later. Never even dreamedof such taking place. His wif-edied in 1984. He never lived in Richfield but bought Bob and Ruth Myers farm up there and his kids and relatives farmed it, then he sold it to WendellJohnson.Glenn Ward had five children. Togetherwe have 37 grandkids and I have 15 great. I have two childrenliving in ldaho and the rest are out of state. My oldest son has a wrecking yard in Kirtland, NM. Judy works for a doctorin Phoenix.My other two daughtersare homemakers in Jeromeand HorseshoeBend, ID. The youngestdesignssignsin Phoenix. The way Twin Falls is enlargingand the way the crime rate is my husbandsayshe thinks we shouldmove back to Richfield where you can make a U turn on Main St. I'd love it and think it would be great in our "Golden years." There are so many memoriesand nice peoplethere.(Source:BernicePierceyWard) PIPBR Sherman Piper, my father, had a store in Cadwell, Illinois. After a long illness he died in 1912 and left my mother, Edna Piper, with four children:Ruth, Paul, Jody and Dorothy. Mother was only 4l yearsold. She sold the store and moved to Arthur, IL, a town aboutfour miles from Cadwell. She boardedschoolteachers and becameactive in civic affairs and her church. My sister Ruth was married at the age of 18 to Tom Supan,a telegrapherfor the railroad. They moved to Brigham City, UT, where Tom had a better job. They heard of the opening of the Richf-ieldtract and sent literature to my mother about it. She took me to my sister Ruth, while she investigatedthe area. She bought 40 acresof land from Charlie House, locatedjust north of Chatfields,NW of Richfield"
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There were no buildings on the land so mother rented a two room tar paper covered shack in town across Main Streetfrom Andy Peterson'sstore. She then returnedto Arthur to get her furniture and belongingsand to bring her son Jody. Paul remainedin IL and was drafted into the Army. She sent for her daughterDorothy (me) - who took the train from Brigham City to Shoshone. You can imagine the excitementfor a ten year old girt. I was sure I'd see Indians and cowboys and that I'd ride in a horse drawn stage coach on the way to Richfield. My brother Jody was only 17 yearsold and had neverseenan irrigation ditch. The ditchesin IL were dredgeditches.My mother had a tiny three room housebuilt on the ranch with a nice porch facing east. Painted white, it looked like a doll house. We soon settledin. After breakfastMother and Joe would plan the day's work and we all got busy. Water had to be hauled from town in ten gallon milk cans carried in the back of the buggy. With no refrigerator, we used ice from the river, stored in sawdustin a shed. Later,I made a cooler on the north side of the house with shelvescoveredwith burlap that was kept wet with a bucket of water dripping to keep it cool. No bathroom so we had a "little house" with a half moon cut on the door and kept a Sears Roebuckcataloghandy. For a bath tub, in the summer, we put a plank acrossan irrigation ditch next to a tree where we hung a can for the soap and a nail for a towel. We brought sheeppanelsover to encloseour private spot. Wonderful! For light Mother had an Aladdin lamp in the middle of the dining table. Later we had carbidelights. Our washerwas hand operated. I rememberthe smell and tasteof the bread and baked beansthat mother baked in that old Majesticrangeon wash days. My brother Paul died \n 1922, a result of illnesscausedby the war. Ruth's husbanddied in 1932, she broughther childrenJim, Mary, Romona,Helen and Tom to Richfieldto be nearfarnily. She starteda store in the brick building acrossthe street from the old town hall. The family lived in the apartmentover the store. My brother Joe married Alice Johnsonfiom the Lou Johnsonfamily at Marley. They had three boys, Sherman,Carl and Lyle. Alice died in a huntingaccidentin 1936. Shermandied while in high schoolfrom a gun accident. Joe later married Helen Melchert from KansasCity. I graduatedfrom RHS in 1924and after a summerterm at Albion Normal School, startedmy teachingcareer in a country school north of Shoshone. The next year I went to the College of Iditho in Caldwell, then to Montpelier, ID, to teach the third grade. It was there I met my husbandEarl Clayton and we were married in 1928. We had three children, Beverly, Ray and Rodney Earl who died at birth. motherdied in 1958. In 1978 my brother Joe and I am sad to say that after a long illnessmy courageous sisterRuth died within a month of eachother, and in 1969my husbanddied after a long illness. In 1982,after teaching31 years,I sold my housein Shoshoneand movedto Twin Falls where I now live. My children: Beverly is married to CharlesThompsonand lives in Vancouver,BC. She had fbur daughters, Cherie,Cynthia,Deanie,and Debbie. Ray marriedBetty Finlaysonfrom Shoshone.They havethree children, Jodi, Toby and Penny. I want to end this "memory lane" by sayingI feel blessedto havebeena part of such a wonderful, loving and caringfamily. As my motherwould say, "All our geeseare swan." I could add pagesof all the things my mother did and said to make life happy and easy. Our work was hard at times but we made it fun - my wish is that I could give to my family the teachingsmy mothergaveto me. I miss her. She could bring me "down tcr earth" when "l'd fly off the handle." (Source:Dorothy Piper Clayton) Grandma,as she was calledby all, was very activein all communityaflairs, a Sup't. and SundaySchool teacherfor the MethodistChurch for many yearsand shehelpedestablishand maintaina library. At the age of 78 (1948)she was nominatedas ldaho's Mother of the Year. In 1958 she died at the age of 87. Sheleft us a rich heritage,not in materialthings,but suchas courage,toleranceand love for family, country and our fellowmen. (Source:Betty Piper) PIPER S.J. (Joe) moved to Richfield in l9l7 at the age of 17 with his mother, Edna V. Piper and sister, DorothyClayton. He farmedand ranched(sheep)until 1939,when he purchasedhis older sister's(Ruth Supan) grocery store in Richfield locatedacrossfrom the Bank. ln l94I he purchasedthe building north of the presentPiper's store and remodeledit into one of Lincoln County's first "self service" grocery and generalmerchandisestores. ln 1945 Jody purchasedthe Tom Byrnes store and remodeledit into what is now Piper's ShoppingCenter, addingon the ultra-new frozen Food Storage locker Plant with V.F. Perron as half owner and manager. At that time the former store was remodeledinto a full line of clothing, shoes,etc., with his wife Helen Piper and Ruth Supanmanagers. It later becametheir home but was recently burned.
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Civic improvementand public servicewas alwayshis key to success.In early yearsJody was a much sought after baseballplayer, also helped promote boxing matches,dances,etc. He served on the Richfield Village Board, was a charter memberof the Lions Club and enjoyedthe Rod and Run Club. Jody took many youngsters for their first airplane ride and rancherslooking for lost stock. Helen was born in centralKansasand worked for GeneralMotors in KansasCity, MO, befbre marrying Jody in November1939. Helen was activein the storeuntil 1957. She now lives in Twin Falls. In 1950 Carl Piper bought the meat market and cold storageplant from his dad and V.F. (Bus) Perron, which he manageduntil 1962, selling it back to his dad Joe. He moved his family to Dawson Creek, B.C., Canada,to homestead.(Children:Vicky, Linda, Brent, Juan.) Upon serving a tour in the Air Force, Lyle returnedhome to take part in the store businessMarch 1955. In 1984 Lyle becameowner of the store and his son Mike took over in 1994. Lyle and Betty (Wood) Piper, md. 1954,have three children: Pam, Mrs. EverettLee Ward. (SeeWard); Kent married to Debbie Robinson,children Casseyand Andrew; Mike, who married Lori King. Their children are Max and Lea. They built their home in the storein 1963. Lyle and Betty are activemembersof the Legion and Auxiliary. Lyle has been in the fire dep't. since 1955and Fire Chief for about 25 years. Betty helped organizedthe QRU and was a chartermember. Lyle Piper has beena Lions Club membersince 1955. The business"grew from a small country store to a fairly modern one with custom meat cutting, and we grew with it. We believedin the community,"Lyle said. (Source:Interview with Lyle and Betty Piper) "We like our little community,and we enjoyall the benefitsof belonging. Wonder if GrandmaPiper could seeRichfield as it is today in her dreams,as she loadedall her belongingsand three children, and boardedthe train back in Illinois in l9l7 . As sheclearedher farm land fiom sagebrushand lived in her tar-papershack,how many times did she think she'd done the wrong thing by coming west. We are sure, without encouragementfrom neighborslike GrandmaRoss,GrandmaChatfield,and many others,it would have been easierto give up, and go back home to other family members.Wonder if thosespecialpeoplethat built 'Richfield' look down from heavenand say'those folks are doing well, taking careof what we started'." (Piper's MessageDec. 1993) SJ Nov. 23,1923 Joe Piperof Richfieldwas a visitor in ShoshoneFri. and playedfootball for the All-stars. LCJ July 30, 1937 Birthdayparty by Mrs. Edna Piperfor grandsonShermanincludedMarylee Schwaner, MargaretSwinney,ZettaCooper,CarolWalker,JeanPowell,CharlotteHuffington,GrantFlavel,Tommy Supan, Marshall Nesbit, Billy Reynolds,CarltonCraneand Junior Sanford. Shermanwas 14. LCJ Feb. 17, 1939 After basketballpractice,ShermanPiper had beenat the home of Ruth Supanplaying with an unloaded22 rifle. One of the boys picked up anotherweapon, a 30-40 Craig rifle, and it went ofT. Elmer ShermanPiper b. Feb. 6, 1868Mildford, Indianadied Sept. 18, l9l2 at 44 years; mcl. Edna Viola Boone,b. Aug. 18, l87l Arthur, IL; Nov. l, 1891DecaturCounty,Indiana. Children: Glen, d. in 1893. Paul, b. Apr. 16, 1894,d. Apr. 20, 1922in Denning,NM. Ruth, b. May 18, 1896md ThomasAnthonySupanMay 18, 1914. SylvesterJerome (Joe),b. Dec. 6, 1899Arthur, IL; md. l) Alice JohnsonJune20, 1922Marley. Children: ShermanLouis b. July 24,1923 Richfield,d. Feb. 1939Richfield;Carl Jeromeb. Nov. 21,1927 Richfieldmd Pat Brock Feb. 28, 1949Richfreld.(div); md Lucila deleon; Lyle Richfieldb. June2, 1932Richfield; md Betty Wood June 2, 1954Twin Falls. Joe md 2) Helen MelchartNov, 21. 1939. Dorothy Mae b. April 10, 1906,md Earl ClaytonNov. 21, 1928.(Source:Obituary; Betty Piper) POPE Frank was born in SaltLake City, Utah, April 20, 1896. He lost his father in a railroad accidentwhen he was four yearsold. When he was eight yearsold, he was sentto Hailey to live with his grandmother,Mrs. JohnThomas. They movedto Richfieldin 1907wheresheoperatedthe AlbertaHotel. The t'irstsuppliescoming to Richfield at that time were kept under a canvascover. What few people there were left their money for the suppliesin a box. A black shackwas built thentbr suppliesthey had fbr use. Mail was pickedup when the train stoppedat a cut in the rocks south of the presentday Legion Hall. Incoming mail was left there in a box. The people sorted for their own mail and left the rest for othersto do the same. Frank went to school as one of the first studentsin Richfield with Mrs. Ted Brush as his teacher. Frank helped his grandmother at the hotel. He helped the surveyorsto survey the railroad track to Fairfield. He attendedU of I for a short time. Frank put up an exhibit of farm produce, which was sent with other Idaho exhibits to San Franciscofor the World's Fair. He had a chanceto go to the fair but his grandmotherrefused to let him go. There were 34 exhibitssent to the fair from Idaho. Richfield received 17 first and secondprizes. Frank first met Marie Krahn while working at Fairfield. They were married on Sept. 19, 1916, in Shoshone.then moved to Montanato farm with his mother. Melvin startedschool there. At 2 | 12 Ethel fell on
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a stick or piece of steel, making it necessaryto have one kidney removed. The doctor recommendedthey move from the alkali water for her health. After testing samplesfrom severalplaces,he said Richfield's water would be the best, so they returned in 1924. One of his first jobs was janitor of the Richfield school. While working there he pulled teeth for the first and secondgraders. He also guided kids in the noon hour who wantedto learn boxing. He played SantaClaus manytimeswhile at school. He was very happywith thejanitor job as he liked children. He could be their pal if they were having good fun and could control them well if they were doing wrong. But he liked to be in on their fun. He kept Melvin and Ethel busy emptying wastebaskets,sweeping,cleaningblackboardsand erasers after school. About 1932 Frank started a service station with a brother-inlaw - Ray and Herta Wade. They had two children, Lester and Margaret. Ray often took people to the hospital in emergencies in his big Hudson car. They operatedPeople's Motor Service in the current city office and highway building. When Wades moved away about five yearslater, Frank ran the stationwith the help of Marie, Melvin and Ethel. At that time gas was pumpedup in a tank by hand--quitea job when there was a line of cars. Lots of flat tires meant everyone had to know how to changea tire, check and add oil if needed. Marie would do housework,cook mealsand still cometo the stationand work. Then World War II cameand Melvin was called. Ethel was running her own beauty shop, so Marie and Frank held the station down by themselves. Ray Koch came from Montana and helped. Frank enjoyed fishing and hunting with his son Melvin. He was quite an entertainer,presentingreadingsin dialectsof Italian and Germanat partiesand programs. During the depressionhe took wheatfor paymentfor the garagebills. The lowestprice fbr wheat was 22 centsa bushel. After holding the wheatfor 6 to 8 months,he sold it at approximately45 centsper bushel. He split the profit with the farmer who storedthe wheat at the elevatorfor him. This extra protit helped to finance the farmer's next year's crop. Frank worked at People's Motor Service until he went to Boeing Aircraft to do defensework near Seattleduring World War II. After the war Frank returned to Richfield and with Melvin discharged fiom the service. went into the service station businessagain. They built a new building at the intersectionof Main St. and Highway 26-93. He enjoyed working with the public. The touristshe found interesting. He loved to talk about fishing, hunting, and farming in this area. After l5 years in the service station, he suffered a heart attackwhich terminatedhis life on May 23, 1959. (Source: Melvin Pope, Ethel Conner, 1992 Program) Frank Pope, b. April 20, 1896, Utah, son of John Thomas and Minnie Scott Pope; md Marie M e l v i na n d F r a n kP o p e ,T r m S a n d e r sa t P o p e ' sG a r a g e .P h o t o Krahn Sept. 19, 1916, Shoshone. Marie, dau of M e l b aS a n d e r s . Herman and Minnie Krahn, b. Aug. 8, 1894. Children:Melvin Krahn b. May 23, 1917, Sumatra,MT; md Ada Marie Paoli Dec. 15, 1945,Richfield. Ethel Minnie b. June 21,1919, Sumatra;md Clifford Merle ConnerAug. 30, 1942, Gatesville,TX. Frank's grandmotherMrs. Thomas,was born Mar. 28, 1850,d. Dec. 12, 1928. POPE Melvin went to school here and graduatedfrom RHS in 1936. He attendedGooding College and BYU. Then he joined his father in the People's Motor Serviceand worked for the new owner when it was sold. He was drafted into the Army in August of l94l and spentfour years in the service, until the end of the war. He trainedin Fort Momath, NJ, in the SignalCorps, was transferredto Camp Crowder, MD for I l12 years,to help establisha new Signal Corps camp before being sent overseas. He served in lceland, Holland, France and Germanyin the 18th Corps of the one hundredfirst Airborne Division in connectionwith the Signal Corps for 2 l12 years. Melvin served at the Belgium Bulge, the last strongholdof the Germans. They kept them tiom capturingthe American suppliesat Antwerp, in which casethe war would have been prolonged. Melvin met Ada Marie Paoli, Richfield teacher,on one of his leavesbefore going overseas. They later becameengagedand were married Dec. 14, 1945, afterhis return at the home of his parents. The bride's gown
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was designedand made by the bride from a parachuteused in the crossingof the Rhine river and sent to her by the groom while he was engagedin combatthere. (TN Dec. 21, 1945) Ada Marie came from Rupert and was a teacherfor 34 years. She went on to earn a B.A. degree. Ada Marie taught PE to 6th, 7th and 8th gradegirls for three years and taught many creativethings in her class, including dancing. ln 1972 she was chosenas an OutstandingTeacherof America along with Violet Lemmon and Alice Behr. The Popeshave Manone and Norlyn who grew up here. Both were honor studentsin HS as valedictorian and salutatorian. They attendedcollege and earneddegrees. Manone becamea teacher, was married and has t a u g h t i n A r c o , R i c h f i e l d a n d i n S h o s h o n e f o r l 4 y e a r s , m o s t o f t h e t i m e i n s e c o n d g rSa hd e h. a s a s o n , A d r i a n Meyers, and lives in Shoshone. Norlyn graduatedin businessand after 13 years working for the Project Board of Control in Boise, went back to school in Education. He has taught in Twin Falls and Dietrich and makeshis home in Shoshone.(Source:Ada Marie and Melvin Pope) POTEET L. J. Poteet,blacksmith,was listedas a memberof the CommercialClub in 1909. Mrs. L. J. Poteet was listedamongthe femaleresidentsof the town in 1909. L.J. Poteetbecamethe marshalof Richfield. In 1911 Poteetsold the stone barn on Main Streetto a Twin Falls man for a livery stable. Poteet and Youngkin traded some property and the PoteetLivery Stablelater becamethe Youngkin Implement. '12 MarshalPoteetis the busiestman in sevenstates--andaboutthe most useful-in SJ: 19 yearsago: May 9, l o o k i n g a f t e r t h e t r e e s s e t o u t o n M a i n S t r e e t a n d i n t h e p aR r kR. A u g . l 9 l 2 O n e o f t h e b e s t t h i n g s i n R i c h f i e l d is the city park, which underthe constantcareof MarshalPoteet,is becominga thing of beauty. RR July 1913 Marshal Poteetis busy thesedays running the water wagon on Main Street. Thomas,who ran the Alberta Hotel, married L.J. Poteetin Ethel and Melvin Pope's great-grandmother 1921. He died Feb. 2, 1923.(RR) Richfield's oldestcitizen, Mrs. Poteet,more familiarly known as "GrandmaThomas," passedaway Dec. 12, 1928from bronchialpneumonia. Grandma'smaidennamewas MelissaMulvinny Bird; b. Mar. 28, 1850, in Utah; came to Hailey about 1887. In 1891 she md. John R. Thomas in Shoshone;he died in 1906. She moved her hotel equipmentto Richt'ieldin 1907and continuedto feed the public until 1921, when she married Mr. Poteet. They moved to Nampa. After his deathtwo years later, she bought a home next to her grandson, Frank Pope,who with his good wife caredfbr her until the last. She was buried in Hailey besideher husband, Mr. Thomas.(RR Dec. 1928- from Marie Pope'sscrapbook) 1920RichfieldPrecinctCensus:John L. Poteet56, b. Arkansasliving at the hotel. Also listed in the 1920 census:ClarenceH. Poteetage32 b. CA; wifeJennieB. age 38 b. WV withthree stepchildren.CharlesPoteet was on an April 1909lists of residents. JohnW. Poteetwas mentionedas a land owner in 1912.RR Oct. 13, 1910 J.W. Poteetwho camehereand back for home in Colfax, WA this week. He plans to ship a lot of bloocledhogs made proof last year--started next season,believing that no other stock will make so much for the f'armer. POWELL Fredrick Wilson, b. Sept. 7, 1870, at Civil Bend, MO; md. l) Savilla Della Petty; md. 2)Retta Miller, b. Aug. 14, 1889 Civil Bend, MO on June5, 1908in Missouri. Childrenfiom first marriage:Russell b . A u g . 2 2 , 1 8 9 2D a v i s C o ,M O , d . S e p t . 9 ,l 9 6 l J e r o m e ;m d . A g n e sH a n s e nB. i r n e y W i l l i a m b . O c t . 1 1 , 1 8 9 4 e ;d . H a z eLl i l l i a n H a n s e n O c1t .5 , 1 9 1 9 . L e l a n d W i l s o n b . M a rl.l , D a v i s C o , M O , d . J u n e 3 0 ,1 9 5 4 J e r o m m 1 8 9 7M O , d . N o v . 1 , 1 8 9 9M O . I n f a n t s o n b . J u l y l , 1 8 9 9 ;I n f a n t s o n b . J u n e 1 , 1 9 0 1 ,d . J u n e 1 3 , 1 9 0 1 . Buford Eugene b. July 7, 1902MO, d. April 16, 1932Shoshone. Childrenfrom secondmarriage:Loma Martha b. July 6, 1909Orot'ino,ID. Chester Richard b.lan25, md. Inez Bradshaw.LCJ Mar. 9,1934 ChesterPowell and Inez 19l1 Richfield,d. Nov. 2l ,1982 Shoshone; Bradshawwere married Sundayafternoonat the Methodistparsonagein Shoshoneby Rev. Henry Fryer. That evening l4 cars full of young peopletreatedthe bride and groom to an old-fashionedchivari and sight-seeingtrip over the Richfield tract. Eunice Irene md. Boyd Smith. Fredrick Wilson Jr. b. Apr. 13, 1913 Richfield, d. Aug. 31, 1936 Boise; md Ella Sweat.Grace Mae b. Mar.24, 1915 Richfield,md. Millard Easley.Neva Margaret b. May 7, l9l7 Richfield, d. March 4, 1990 Boise; md. Norris Livingston Sept. 6, 1939. Mary Elizabeth b. July 6, 1919Richfield,md. Wm. E. FlavelJuly 3, 1941Pocatello.Richard Melvin b. May 2, 1922 Richfield. Jean Agnes b. June 20, 1924 Richfield, d. Sept. 1991, md 1) Homer Hicks; 2) Harley Kennard. James Wayneb. Sept. l, 1926Gooding,d. April 5, 1978:md EuniceJohnson.(Source:Mary E. Flavel)
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POWELL James W. Powell (Sept. 1, 1926- April 5, 1987)was born in Gooding, the tenth child of Frederick andRettaPowell. They lived 1 mi. W of Richfield on a farm his parentshad purchasedin 1916. Eunice Johnson Powell was born Dec. 17, 1927, the ninth child of OscarL. and E. LaVern Johnson,in Weed, CA. We met while in high school, Jamesbeing the best friend of my brother Ted. We were married on May 4, 1947, in a beautiful double wedding ceremonywith my brother Ted Johnsonand Beverly Clayton. It was super;the brides wore identicalwedding gowns and went on a doublehoneymoonto Boise and Valley, ID, where sisterRuby Hankins lived. Ruby delightedin putting one of her children in bed with each newlywed couple. Jameswas in the U.S. Navy and had to return to active duty until June 1947. We then settled in Jerome as I was chief deputy auditor and Jamesworked for a Texaco servicestation. Jamesalways wanted to farm so in 1948moved to Richfield to farm a place his folks had purchasednorth of town. Our oldest child CarolYn Jo was born Oct. 6, 1949. ln April 1952we were able,with a FHA loan, to buy the farm Jim was raisedon. Our secondchild Fred W. was born Dec. 6, 1952, and we felt God was really good to us. Jim always wanted to have dairy cows, so we raised Holstein dairy heifers and were able to start our own dairy. Peoplein Richfield thought we were crazy as the whole Richfield tract was row crops. During this time I learnedhow to do people's income tax and for 15 years helped Theo Brush do tax work for people around Richfield. I did book work and taxesfor over 40 years,gettingmy Idaho Public Accountinglicensein which I had a lot of pride. On Aug. l, 1958,we were blessedwith our seconddaughterChrista Ann and on Sept. 25,1960, our son James W. Powell Jr. was born. Our family was one to work together,love togetherand play together. During this time we had a bonusof having many troubledchildrenlive with us a year or more. To this day some of them return and say, "Thank you for helpingto build my character." On Aug. l, 1969,I camehomefrom the hospital,havinghad surgery. It was Christa's I lth birthday. We had a big family dinner honoringher. After dinner Fredjumped on his Honda to checksome irrigation water for his dad. He rode out of our driveway into the path of a neighbor'scar. The impact was terrible, and on Aug. 2 he was calledhome by God. What a hard time for all of us. Carolyn,who had marriedtwo yearsbefore,camehometo returnto collegeand we were blessedby having her and son Jameshome to help cure the hurt. Two yearslater she marriedagainto Herb Snoeyand gave us two more beautifulgrandchildren,Eric and Nicole. Christagraduatedfrom HS and wantedto go to VeterinaryTech. Schooland regardlessof how her dad tried to talk her out of the idea, she still insistedand got her degree. While shewas in college,she met and married Edwin Lucero. They gave us two lovely grandchildrenCandaceand Mitchell. JamesJr. (Jimmy)alsofinishedhigh schooland washonoredwith a collegefootballscholarship.This didn't lastlong as he marriedJoyceFlynn and decidedschoolwasn'this "bag." They returnedto Richfield and helped us f'arm. We had purchaseda housein town and took a lot of pride in remodelingit fbr our retirementhome. We movedto town in 1982,and by that time Christaand Edwin camein our farming group. Jimmy and Joyce gave us three beautifulgrandchildren,Jessica,Janin,Joshua. Jimmy felt the calling from God and moved to Dallas,TX, where he and Joycewent to MinisterialCollege. He is pastorof Church on the Rock in Boise" Jim and I moved back to the ranch and with Christa'sand Edwin's help milked 100 to 120 head of cows. In 1986we went into the Dairy Diversionprogramand sold all our cows. Christaand Edwin wantedto continue farming and we wanted to retire again, so in August 1986, we again moved to town and Christa and Edwin moved into the ranch house. On Feb. 24, 1987, Jim had somecorrectivesurgeryin Boiseand we hadjust had the doctor's report when I was called to the phone and told the ranch househad burnedto the ground. Christa and Edwin were unable to saveanything. We had a severewind that day. Jim took the contractson the rebuilding and we all worked with a real purpose. During our marriage, there wasn'tanythingJim couldn'tbuild or fix, so he was in his element.On April 5, 1987,the Lord calledJim home and we finished the house as best we could. I'm trying to live in the path chosenfor me. I was a certified EmergencyMedical Tech for 15 yearsand servedas Director of the Stateof Idaho fbr the Idaho Girls Stateprogram. I also am a memberof the RichfieldTiger Moms, a drill team of Senior ladies; Christais our leader. I keep recordsfor the RichfieldHigh SchoolGirls' Volleyball and Basketball,sornething I take a lot of pride in. I am also site directorfor the local SeniorCitizenshere in Richfield. I sew quite a bit, making dolls and quilts. I sincerelyhope that in somesmall way both JamesW. and I have contributedto the bettermentof our familv and the town of Richfield. (Source:Eunice Powell)
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POWELL Russell and Agnes Powell were married Jan. 2, 1917, at Moscow. Agnes had graduatedwith a major in home economicsfrom the U of I. They farmed eastof Richfield for many years and were parentsof two sons, Phillip and Myron, and two daughters,Bernice Newcomb and Virginia (Peters) now Mrs. Manuel King. Agnes was a memberof the Methodist Church, the Alta RebekahLodge, Richfield Woman's Club and the Grange. Shewas the first policejudge in Richfield, servingfor five years. Agnes spenther last yearsand passed away at the Wood River Center at Shoshone. Phillip and Dorothy J. Powell lived in Richfield in the early yearsof their marriage. Dorothy passedaway in 1991and is buriedhere. Myron's wife died someyearsago. BernicemarriedHendersonNewcombover 50 years ago; they have three children and are living in Idaho Falls. Hendersonworked for Westinghouseunder AEC. They had sevenfoster children for many yearsand have five foster grandchildren. Bernice's hobbiesare gardeningand writing poetry. She belongsto the Methodist Church and is a volunteer caller for shut-ins. AgnesD. Powellb. Mar. 18, 1895,d. Jan.22,l98l at 85. RussellPowell,b. Aug. 22, 1892,d. Sept.9, 1961. (Sources:Obituary; letterfrom Bernicein 1987reunionbooklet) Birney, brotherto Russell,and HazelPowell lived in Richfield,then Shoshone,wherehe was employedby the Big Wood Canal Co. Hazel was a sisterof Agnes Powell. Hazel spenther later years at Heritage Manor in Twin Falls. She was b. Feb. 23, 1899:d. Dec. 14, 1982. RR Sept.22, 1923Donald, son of Mr. and Mrs. Birney Powell, was laid to rest in the RichfieldCemetery Monday morning. The little fellow had been ill at the Shoshonehospital for two days and had undergonean operationfor a severecaseof appendicitis. PRIDMORE In April 1909I first saw the particularspot in sunnySouthernIdaho, which has beenmy home ever since. On a cold windy morning in April, my two small sonsand I alightedat the box car, which servedas a depot at the time, and was locatedjust S of the John Byrne place. The huge piles of lumber alongthe track, the vast expanseof unbrokensagecoveredacres,and the wind, were the things that impressedthemselvesupon my mind. The lumber was the nucleusof the presenttown of Richfield, which then consistedof a few scatteredbuildings,many of which had canvasroofs. My husband,R.W. Pridmore,and my father,J.F. Miller, who had come about six weeksearlier to build our shack,and beginclearingour land, met me with teamand lumberwagon, in which were the inevitablewater barrels. We drove directly north, passingthrough numerouscoulees,small and large, unhamperedby any such obstacleas a road or a fence, to our placejust two miles out. Upon arriving at our home, a 16x20fbot one room at thattime, mostof the t'ewbuildingsbeingbachelors'proving building,which was ratheran imposingresidence feet. I look in all directionswithout seeinga f'ence,a telephonepole, quarters, measuring 10x12 could usually up green. or a spot of That summerwas spentclearingthe land of brush, somebeinggrubbedoff, someplowed under, and seeding to oats and barley, in hopesof raisingenoughf'eedfbr our stockthe fcrllowingwinter, taking time out eachday to make a trip for water, which had to be hauledfrom the river l12 mi. from town, to supply drinking water for <lurstock, as well as fur householdneeds. Grain grew well and by fall we had a nice crop on the land we had cleared. We tried every way to get it harvested,therebeingpracticallyno suchthing as a binder in the country. Mr. Pridmoredrove everywheretrying to hire a mower. By the time we senttbr a hand scytheand it arrived, so had the snow, which soon coveredour standingcrop, and we bought hay through the winter for the stock, at $28.00a ton. So endedour first year on the Richfield tract. As hope never dies, so year after year we worked and hoped, and while there may have been better placesto accumulatemoney, there could have been no place where could be found better neighborsor dearerties of friendship.(News article April27,1934,by Mrs. R.W. Pridmore) "Richfield was mostly a tent city at that time," shesaid. "What weren't tentswere tar papershacks. When I went anywherealone, I went on horseback. Our first Christmastree fbr our boys," she added, "was an old black sagebrush. We decoratedit with cranberriesand popcorn. We used to have lots of fun. I played the guitar, and my mother usedto sendus black walnutswhich we servedwith the ice cream. Every Saturdaynight we had a big time. It was wonderfulland. We had a lot of hardships,but we madea lot of friends. It wasjust 'Get your team and bring a like one big family. If we were going to visit someone,our hosts would say, crowd'." As hobbies,Mrs. Pridmore took and developedher own pictures,and did a lot of sewing. Both were membersof the Grange, and she of the Woman's Club and the Ladies Aid.
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The Pridmores grew potatoes,wheat, barley, alfalfa, oats, peasand beans. Besidesfarming in Richfield, he ran a dray for three years and later picked up cream in the rural districts. She ran a cream station. After 35 years in Richfield, where three of their children were born, the Pridmores moved to Napa, CA wherehe worked for nine yearsfor the Buick Cadillac garage. She was employedby the Cameron Shirt Factory for eight years in Napa. His hobby was taking care of the yard. The couplecelebratedtheir 50th weddinganniversaryin Napa and their 60th in Modesto. Both are members of the Methodist Church. He was a Mason, and she was a member of the Eastern Star. (Excerpts from an interview with Mr. and Mrs. Pridmore at the time of their 65th wedding anniversaryin 1968.) The R.W. Pridmores moved from Richfield to Napa, CA in 1941, then to Patterson. They both died at Newman Rest Home. They had been married within one month of 70 years. ReynoldsWickham Pridmoreb. Sept. 15, 1878Ft. Lupton, CO, son of CharlesHendrick and SaraDare Pridmore;d. 1973. He marriedFeb.25, 1903Denver,CO Katie ClendeninMiller b. Oct.20, 1884Evanes, CO, dau. of John F. and Hattie Little Miller; d. May 18, 1977. Children: Charles Millard b. April lI, 1904Denver,CO; md PriscillaB. Buel (d. 1977)June 12, 1927, Richfield. Their children:Harold F. b. Nov. 26, 1928Gooding,d. June9,1978 Jerome;md MargaretVivian Rutherford (d. 1982)Nov. 26, 1947Elko. Four children:Cheri andKelley Edwardsat Twin Falls; Lori Dayley of Spokane; Rod at Fairfield. [Rod and Sally PattersonPridmore and 4 girls lived at Richfield for many years in the dairy d ;d . 2 ) J e r a l d V o i g t 1 9 5 5 W i n n a m u c c a , NAVs.o n R o y b y b u s i n e s sP. lh y l l i s M a y b . D e c . 2 l , 1 9 2 9 R i c h f i e l m first marriage.Three daughtersKathy, Jenniferand Karen. Donald Charlesb. June 11,1931 Richfield, lives at Lonasket,WA; md Mary Ellen OgstonJune 8, 1958Pullman,WA; 2 daughters,Kai and Lori, son Paul. Clen b. May 19, 1905Denver, d. at Modesto;wife still lives there;one daughter. Harry Robert b. May 7,l9ll Richfield,now livesat Hilmar, CA; md. Vera Alice McNeal Feb. 9, 1930 Richfield. Their children:BarbaraMarilynn b. 1954;md. JamesLambert;lives at Fresno.JaniceAnn b. Nov. 3, 1935Richfield; md" KennethLundquist.Harry Richard(Dick); lives at Stockton.RonaldLynn b. Feb. 21, 1941Gooding,d. Sept. 7, 1966in a car wreck. Richard (Dick) b. May 1915. Nell b. Sept. 1923; lives at Eugene,OR; fbur girls, two boys. Millard Pridmore:My grandfatherPridmorewasbrick layerby trade. My grandfatherMiller was motorman on the streetcars of Denver. R.W. Pridmore,my dad, worked for the ContinentalOil Co. deliveringcoal, oil and greases.Mother beforeher marriageworked for the EdisonLight Bulb Co. of Denver making light bulbs. My first recollectionon this earth was living on a farm betweenFort Lupton and Brighton. Dad raised cabbage,tomatoes, cucumbers,and sugar beetsfor the canningfactory at Brighton. I remember driving in a buggy with Mother and Clen, also some of the racesshe had on the road with some of the neighbors. The farmerswould plant watermelonsin the Sandhills. What melons! I have nevertastedany as good since. The Spring of 1909Dad and Granddaddrove four head of horsesfrom Boiseon a high wheelwagonloadedwith plow and harrow and householdgoods to Richfield. Granddad's placewas 2 mi. N of town on the north sideof the crossroad. Dad's was east of it. They built a house and barn and sent fcrr Mother, Clen and me. At Richfield they had a box car fbr a depot. Dad startedgrubbing brush with a grub hoe. One day I had three sageticks as big as garden peas in my hair. Dad pulled them off and it itched for a year. The first winter we burned sagebrush. Our first Christmastree was a big sage brush strung with pop corn and cranberrieswith clamp-on candleswhich we had to watch all the time when they were burning. Dad made most of the toys. I startedto schoolin 1910in the new rock schoolhouse. The four rooms held the gradesand high school.In May 1911 M r . & M r s . R . W . P r i d m o r ea t b r i d g ew h i c h c r o s s e d Brother Harry was born at the ranch. Summertime Clen and t o g o t o t h e i c e c a v e . I herded the cows by the roadside and along the coulee to keep them out of fields. Friday nights we churnedbutter and wrappedit for delivery in town on Saturday. Dad made a pair of skis. I would hunt rabbits with a twenty-two on them. One summer we took Grandpa and GrandmaPridmore to the ice cave. Our neighborBert Draper and wife went with us in a lumber wagon with
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Grandma on a horse. We drove to the Cottonwoodson Big Wood. They put a rope around Grandma and let her down into the cave. They had to pull her back out. Grandpawantedno part of any cave. If you think riding a lumber wagon 30 miles is fun, try it sometime. Every SundayClen and I went to SundaySchoolat the MethodistChurch. We learnedto swim in the pond on the ranch. After I was 12 I beganworking part-time for other ranchers,irrigating and some team work. In 1914Dad worked on the Hill City railroad. In July 1915brotherDick was born on the ranch. We got a new Model T Ford in 1918. That fall mother and us kids went to Boise for the school year. We all had the '18. Dad nearlydied. flu of I met PriscillaBuel at churchthe springof 1919. They hadjust movedfrom Nebraska. I was in football, basketballand track. I have severalribbonsfor track. ln'22 and'23,I drove bus during my senioryear. The folks moved to town in 1921. I worked one summer for RussellPowell. One summer I worked for C.L. Buel irrigating. We went to lots of dances. I graduatedin 1923, and Clen and I farmed a forty 2 mi. N ancl I mi. E of town. We ran the movie projectorsat the old town hall on Saturdaynights and took tickets at the dances. I starteddatingPriscillaaboutthis time. I herdedsheepfor E.E. Stritz. We lambedat Hagerman. Clen went to Gooding Collegeand worked in a drug store in Gooding. Nell was born in 1923.Theyear 1924 was a dry year, 30 days of water. I got a job with the Canal Company hauling rock for Rip Rap on the Main Canal from the Forks north. In Sept. we movedto the Big Wood River to put in the by-passdam. I drove four head of horseson a wagon hauling gravel, cementand lumber. In Dec. went back to Hagermanto work in the sheepsheds. Priscillawas going to GoodingCollegethat winter. In the spring of 1925I worked in the drug storefor Ted Brush. It was 7'.20 a.m. to l0 p.m. with every other Sundayoff. I got a Ford Bug and later anew 1926Roadster. I didn't get much sleep but had lots of fun. Priscilla taught at the Cottonwoods. I took her out there Sundaynights. We were engagedChristmasEve 1926 and married in June and left for Portland, took in the Rose Parade;drove the Ford Roadster,took a tent and cookingutensils. Ed Fryer, Supt.of Schools,marriedPriscilla'sroom mate GladysEdwardsthe sameday we were married. We had somegood times together. Harold was born in Goodingin 1928. I had my tonsilsout theretwo days later. In Sept. of 1929| worked fbr Dad runningthe dray, haulingcreamfrom Lincoln Countyto GoodingCoop Creamery" The depressionwas on. Phyllis was born in 1929at home. I truckedfor ten yearsdeliveringcoal, lumberand cementfor the lumberyard and elevator;hauledthe mail to the post office and freight from the train to the stores,hauledgravel fbr the Canal Co. fbr head gates,haulecl livestock,beetsand spuds. Donald was born in 1931. In the fall of 1939| took over the cream route to Jerome. ln l94l we bought the big greenand white house. ln 1942I went to work fbr Birk Albert in the garage.In 1943I went to Oakland to work in the ship yards for 3 months. Then worked fbr the railroad as sectionhand. That fall I worked at the J and J Garage. When they sold to Paulson,I worked for him until the spring of 1949 when I went to work fbr the stateof Idaho and worked for 20 years. Priscilla and I fished a lot on weekends,also hunted Indian artifacts and had good deer hunts in the falls. In 1954went back to Nebraskato seePriscilla'sold home and her cousinsand stoppedin Denver to seemine. In 1969I was 65, so retired. HelpedHarold and Rod on the farms. Priscilla was botheredwith arthritis so we sold the big house and moved to New Plymouth. Priscilla continuedto get worse and she died on EasterSundayof 1977at Ontario, OR, at Holy RosaryHospital and is buriedin Richfield. Priscillawasalwaysactivein the MethodistChurchaspianist,in SundaySchool,Wednesday class,WSCS and the EasternStar. Lost my brotherClen in Feb. of 1978and my Mother in May, then Harold in June. Four in 14 months, very hard to take. In 1980got marriedagain,sold the placein New Plymouthand movedto Shoshone.After l4 monthsthe marriagewas over so I movedto Fruitlandand havebeenliving with daughterPhyllis and Jerry Voigt. [Phyllis and Jerry gave a party for Millard on his 90th birthdayin April 1994.1(Source:Millard Pridmore) PRIDMORE I, Richard (Dick), was the fourth boy in the family, born near Richfield luly 29,1915, on my folks' ranch 2 mi. N I12 mi. E. There is nothing left of the houseand buildings as the two adjoining farms have been combined. When I was about five we moved into town to the house between what was the Bushby and Deedshouses. When I was eight we movedto the Heldermanplaceon the E side of town. When I startedto schoolat six, my Dad wasjanitor. Bill Ebert, Win Draper,EdnaPetersen,Bart Reynolds,Evelyn Byrne, Cliff Mclntosh, Grace Powell, Fred Peterson,Fay Chatfield and a few others and I went all through school together.
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When I was big enoughI herded cows on the desertE of town and on the School SectionW and N of town. When I got off a horse about the age of 14 I said, "I don't care if I never get on a horse again" and I still feel the same way. In high school I hired out to some of the farmers and unloadedcoal and lumber, etc. for the lumber yard, the school and the elevator. I played football, basketballand pole vaulted in track. As there were about20 of us good sized HS boys, we had somepretty good teams. In the spring of 1933, three of us qualified to go to Boise to the statetrack meet. Bill Ebert ran the quartermile, Fred Petersenthrew the discus and I pole vaulted- quite good for a small HS of 65 or 70 students.The last year I was in HS, the Deeds family moved to Richfield and Lois and I starteddating. We graduatedin 1933 and that fall I went to the U of L As this was during the depressionI only was able to put in one semester. On Nov. 3, l934,Lois and I were married and I worked for Birk Albert, learning to be a mechanic. In May of 1935 I got a chanceto work for the StandardOil Co. in Twin Falls so we moved there. I worked until Jan. of 1936, then was transferredto Goodingto run the wholesaleplant there and delivered gas, oil, etc. to farms and service stations. My territory ran west to Mt. Home and covered Shoshone,Jerome. Fairfield, Hagerman and surroundingarea. I servicedthe CCC campsup in the mountainsabove Fairfield and out in the Bruno area. Our first little girl, born in Gooding,only lived a few weeks. Our son Gary was born in 1938in Gooding. In June 1942we movedto Boiseand I starteddriving for U.P. Stages,later Greyhound. I drove for Greyhound for a coupleof yearsand then l2 years. In 1944our son Ron was born. Lois worked for Morrison-Knudson fcrrthe telephonecompanyfor 26 years,retiring in 1977. While driving for GreyhoundI worked tor a window coveringbusinesson the side. After six or sevenyearsI quit driving, worked full time and eventuallybought the business.We expandedto sellingwindows,draperies,f'loorcoverings,etc. We did quite a lot of commercial work, like schools,office buildings,banks,etc. I also retired in 1977. Since then we have traveled a lot, we golf, take in football and basketballgamesat Boise State. Summers we attendthe Boise Hawks baseballgames.I also have a fun job, running a crew of about 25 men and women. We shuttlecars fbr some rental companies,which meansthat when cars get stackedup at some location we get a crew together,get in a van and bring them back or deliverthem whereneeded. We drive all over, Salt Lake, IdahoFalls, Hailey, Pascoor anywhereneeded.We are all retiredfolks and have lots of fun. Sometimeswhen we are only moving two or three cars, Lois goeswith me. Both our boys are marriedand we are lucky that now both are living in Boise. We havefive grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Lois and I are both in good health and will celebrateour 60th anniversaryin November1994. We still enjoy seeingand visiting with all our Richfieldfriends. (Source:Richard Pridmore) PROCTOR William McKinley Proctorarrived in Richfieldin Apr. of 1935,a young man of 24 and a product of the 1930'sDepression. There were no jobs to be had in the Ozark Mountainsof Missouri. He was one of dozensin searchof a way to make a living. He tbund a job on a Richfield farm, learnedhow to irrigateand do it well! That fall he and a neighbor's daughterAllison Beth Chatfieldhad decidedto marry. They were marriedon Dec. 22, 1935, at the Shoshone Methodistparsonageand left for his home in MO. Mack workedfbr abouta l8 monthsat a cementplant in OK. Their son Lee was born at Dewey. That job endedso they returnedto Idaho in'37 . Mack worked for Beth's father for the next year and bought 40 acresof partly clearedsagebrush. ln 1946 he boughtthe adjoining40 acres. They movedto the 40 acresof R.J. Lemmon and bought it in 1946. Three little daughtersjoined their family with approximately6 years between.The Proctor children went all l2 yearsof schoolat Richfield. I think they receiveda more than averageand well roundedschooling. person. He believedin doingone's very bestat everything. Mack Proctor is a hard working and dependable his schoolingwas minimal. He plans aheadand is a mathematical although is with anything He still brilliant real businessmanager. About 1954 we bought 120 acresmore making 240 acrestotal, a lot of land for one man - plus livestock. In 1966 another 160 acresdryland from Grant Thomas- "Up on the Butte" made400 acres. Catastrophestruck '68 was spentlearning to talk - by first when Mack suffered a massivestroke on New Year's Day 1968. Early learningthe alphabet next the daysof the week, etc. He lost the useof his right arm. Neighborsand relatives helpedwith chores. Our thanks again to them! We hired someonefor the rest of winter. The cattle were sold, then the farm except for the 40 with our home. It was a sad time. We had some good times after Mack was better, traveling in our pick-up and camper then a motor home. We stayedhome severalwinters. Last fall, 1994, our childrenpersuadedus to come live near them - all 3 girls in Montana. So here we are with a very lovely and comfortablesinglewide mobile in Lolo, MO.
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We are very proud of our family. Four fine American citizens,our children; ten young grandchildrenand 3 wonderful great grands. How thankful and proud we are to be Americans. [Beth is a member of the Richfield Methodist Church and the NE Club.l Children: LawrenceLee b. Dec. 9, 1936; md. Edith McCarter 1956,div. 1980. GraduateElectricalEngineerU of ID 1961. Children: Lisa Gay d. Sept.23, 1994;Laurie Lyn b. 1962; realtor;Longmont; Lonnel Lee (Lon) b. 1967; chef',auto mechanicLongmont. Lois Maxine b. June 6, 1939;md Dan Pence1961. Children:Jan Marie Bowey; Jay md SusanHalferty 1994;Teri Lynn b. 1969. (Marti) Martha May b. Feb. 12, 1945 md & div. 1) Robert M. Sorensen;md 2) Clint Johnson 1986. Children: Lane Sorensenb. 1966;PamelaJo b. 1965;StephenMcKinley Sorensen,died at 3 yrs. Claris Ann b. Apr. 17, 1951,md Wm. ThomasWittinger 1970;she is a nurse,they live in Big Fork, MT. Children: RachelAnn b. 1971;ChauceyReneeb. 1972;DanaJeanb. 1975. (Source:Beth C. Proctor) Thanksto the Proctorsfor sharingtheir son'smemories:I'm at my parents'farm home in Richfield. I can look out and seethe snow cappedSawtoothMountainrangein the distance...surroundedby a peacefulsilence. What a changefrom my comfortablehome in the busy noisy city at the fbot of Long's Peak in Colorado. A refreshingbreeze moves the white-embroiderytrimmed curtains of my old upstairs bedroom. The sky of sounds is darkening,thunderis rumbling and the tall cottonwoodtreesare rustling in the breeze...Hundreds frogs, crickets and sometimes were emitted from the pond the last two evenings,a deafeningbarrage---cicadas, a pack of coyotesnearby, barking and yelping. I'm amazedto rediscoverhow many wonderful difTerencesexist. This morning it was beautifullyquietwith only the songsof birds. The trees,pasturesand pond were alive with the songsof birds, and I doubtthat any aviarycouldhavemore variety, ducks,geese,swans. Mingled with soft coo of mourning doves, the caw of the songsof transientbirds, I could hear the permanentresidents--the crows and the song of the meadowlark...Whata gardenof soundin this crystalclear silence. Rain is falling softly. My old brassbed with its handmadecrazy quilt looks inviting--a great night fbr sleeping,lulled by the pitter-patterof raindrops...Mythoughtswanderback to Mom readingaloudarounda cozy led me far away. How warm fire to the entire deeply absorbedfamily. I love this farm, yet circumstances planted, housethat is my firmly white I where my roots are this big, two-storied fortunatethat can visit...here personal lives THE STUFF glad here. Thanks my Shangri-La on. to them, own harbor. I'm so they stayed guidance your in rny youth THAT MEMORIES ARE MADE OF... Mom and Dad, I wantto tell you how much has meantto me. Thank you for everything. I love you. Lee. RALLS Ron and I cameto Richfield in the spring of 1951. He had a job working at Ward's Cheese. We parkedour little trailer housebehindthe old cheesefactory,which now housesthe Quick ResponseAmbulance. That spring it rainedand rainedand the city was preparingto pavethe Main Street. They had it dug down and what a messit was. We later boughta little houseand lot acrossfrom Sam and ElizabethPetersen. Conny Lorraine was born July 9, 1951,at the Hailey hospital. She weighed4# l12 oz. andhad to stay at the hospitalfor abouta month, until sheweighedalmost5#. PeggyLynn was born at Hailey on Oct. 21, 7952, while we were stayingwith Hannah'sparentsin Carey for a while. We cameback to Richfreldthe fbllowing summer- to stay. Ron went backto work at the creamery. Norma Jean was born January20, 1954,at Hailey. Ron's folks, Georgeand ThelmaRalls, movedto Richfieldafter sellingtheir place in Carey. He worked at the creameryfor a year or two, then for severalyearsin Hagermanand Burley where they both worked in the potato plants. After George passedaway Thelma cameback to Richfield and lived in the Senior Apartments, leaving in 1992 for Utah to live with her daughter. Togetherwith Hannah'smom and dad, Normanand Dolly Albrethsen,we boughtthe Sam Petersenplace. We boughtthe houseand they got the pasture. They had Herefordcows in Richfreldwhile still living at Carey. In 1957 Ron went to work at the elevator. Mr. Manwill had retired and George Coateswas manager. Ron becamemanagerof the Richfield Elevator when GeorgeCoatesdied in an accidentreleasinga railroad car. Dale Norman was born February6, 1959,in Jerome. ln 1962Hannah'smother and dad sold their farm in Carey and moved to Richfield. They bought the Paulsonhousefrom Otis Brush. They sold their Herefords and bought milk cows. We both milked cows at the Petersenplace. Together we put a new milk barn on it" They really enjoyedfishing so we all went fishing quite a bit. They had a small boat and we used it on the reservoirs. We later got a bigger one. They alwayshad a good gardenand enjoyedsharing it with others. They retired and we still milked cows and raisedcalves. We got 15 Wisconsin calves in Jerome. That was aboutthe first real experiencePeggy and Norma had had feeding calves. Maybe that's where they really learnedto cuss.
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Peggy graduatedfrom RHS in l97I and went to Ricks College. Norma graduatedfrom RHS \n 1972 and married Lynn Tree that fall. The Trees had moved here from Utah at the beginning of her senior year. They lived in one of Tree's housesand worked with his dad. Peggygraduatedfrom Ricks in 1973 and went to Provo for a year and a half, camehome and worked and then went on a missionto Columbia, South America. ln 1975Norma and Lynn moved into a trailer houseacrossthe road from us and worked with us, milking cows and raising calves. Dale graduatedfrom RHS in 1977 andstayedhome and farmed and milked cows with us. We purchasedIl2 of the Humphries place and farmed it after work. When Peggy returned from her mission she went to work at K Mart in Twin Falls and later moved there. Ron quitthe elevator after working for the Colorado Milling and Elevator Co., the Union Seed Co. of Burley and Bob Reed of Gooding. We had a fire in it while Bob owned it. We had been unloading Millo the day before. We purchasedpart of the Johnsonplace and in 1979got a doublewide mobile home to put on it. While living in Twin Falls Peggy met and married Wallace Pickett from Wendell in Oct. 1981. They live in Jerome. We milked goats for quite a while and fed the milk to the calves. The goat businessgot started because Melanie(Norma's youngestgirl) couldn'tdrink cow's milk, so we boughtone goat. Shedidn't give enoughmilk and we bought another one. Then we had to get some more so we would have milk when the first ones went dry. We endedup with about 70 goatsbefore we had to sell them becauseof Ron's ailing health. ln 1982Ron had a stroke which took a long time fbr him to get over and contributedto his early retirement anclturning the dairy over to Dale, Norma and Lynn. In 1984Dale married Cindy Hennings. She had a two year old girl named Shantell. Norma and Lynn moved into the Petersenhouse and Dale and Cindy lived in the trailer house. Dale and Cindy lived in Charlie Jaynes'housefor a while and then at the Pridmoreplace after purchasingthe dairy. Later Norma and Lynn moved into that houseand Dale and Cindy moved into the houseMrs. Ginther had bought fiom Pridmores.Rowdy was born to them Sept.5, 1985. He was a cute little red head. Yates was born Nov. 18, 1988. He has dark hair. Dale and Cindy were later divorced. Yatescameto live with us and Rowdy stayed with his aunt Norma. Dale later went to Jackpotto work. Rowdy cameto live with us in the summer of 1993 after visiting his dad in Nevadafor a while. We had atry at raising rabbits. They tied you down as much as milking cows. They were pleasantto work with; they didn't kick but they do bite. But when they were ready to go, you didn't know whether or not you could get rid of them as the market wasn't very stable. Mother passedaway Dec. 29, 1990. She was buried in the Carey Cemetery. Dad lived by himself until Aug. of 1993when he cameto stay with us. In Juneof 1991Conny went to live at a carecenterin Twin Falls, after moving to the Clearwaterfacility. Shegoesto classesthere and really enjoys it. She is learningsign languageand to care fbr herself. In April of 1994shewent to live with Jim and Mary Wray of Filer but is still attendingClearwaterschool. She comeshome and spendsholidays and weeks once in a while but is always ready to go back. (Source: Hannah Ralls) REBD Mrs. JennieReed, wife of L. C. Reed,died Sept.7, 1946. She was born May 10, 1880, at Decatur, Arkansas,and was married there. The family lived in Arkansasand Kansasuntil 1917when they cameto Idaho, movingto Richfieldin 1918. Shewas a life-longmemberof the BaptistChurchand a sisterof Mrs. Ben Skelton, Troy and Ambrose Wilmoth. Her husband,Cecil Reed, b. 1881, d. July 27,1966; both are buried in the RichfieldCem. (LCJ Sept. 13, 1946) R. M. Reed died Aug. 4, 1947, in CA. A WW I veteran,he left Richfield in 1940 after farming in the North End district with his brother-in-law, CharlesBartlome. The Reedfamily formerly occupiedthe residence ownedby Lon Woods, now by Alan Paulson,for about ayear beforemoving to CA. (LCJ Aug. 29,1947) REES Lola and Carlos Reesmoved here from Thayer, Missouri, in the middle 1950's. Lola was a sister of Ed Maxwell. Their children, who attendedRichfield schools,were Jimmy, now a foremanfor a building contractor; Eddie, in hospital administration;Billy, in Forestry; and Leola who works in the statehousein Boise. Carlos drove a milk truck in Richfield and was the schooljanitor. They moved to Boise, where Carlos was custodian at a schooland Lola did baby-sittingin her home. The childrenall went to college. (Source:Myrtle Schisler) REYNOLDS Floyd E. Reynoldscameto Richfield around 1913to farm northwestof town. His father bought the land sight unseenand it turned out to be mostly a rock pile. He soon met Dorothy E. Speedywho was sent to Richfield from Minneapolis by her father to keep housefor her brothers Robert S. and Thomas E. Speedy. Dorothy and Floyd were married in her brother'shouseon Oct. 17,1914.
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Floyd farmed severalyearsand then movedto town wherehe becamepostmaster. When A.G. Draper, rural mail carrier, drowned in the swimming pool at Easley,Floyd becamemail carrier and Mrs. Draper was appointed postmaster. He continuedas rural mail carrier until his suddendeathin 1948from a massiveheart attack. Floyd always had a few milk cows and for a time deliveredmilk and cream to some residentsin Richfield. He raised hay, had a few chickensand sometimesa pig. Floyd and Dorothy raised seven children. John Bartlett married a girl from CA. Later moved to Estes Park, CO, where she passedaway. He met an old friend who was a widow and moved to Chico, CA, where they still reside. Bart was a cabinetmarker and did beautiful work. He is active in bowling. No children. Dorothy Elizabeth worked in SupanStore before she married Elmer Bollinger, had 3 daughters;divorced in 1951. Married Antonio Beitia in Shoshonein 1952and he helpedher raise her three daughters. Worked in GrosseDrug Store elevenyears, A.S.C.S. office for 20 yearsand taught ceramicclassesfor 15 years. Widowed in 1992; enjoys China painting and bowling; lives in Shoshone. Margaret Emma married Forrest Armstrong, had 4 children. They farmed in Richfield. She died in Salt Lake City hospital after heart surgery to replacea valve. Her heart was damagedfrom rheumatic fever when she was 5. She was a pianist and a writer for the Journal. Floyd Robert married Lillian Appleton of Palo Alto, CA and was in the Army four and a half years; raised 5 children. Moved to Chico, CA and was a city mail carrier for 30 years. Heart attack at age55, retired, still lives in Chico and enjoysbowling. When Robert was a boy at home he was on a sled behindthe mail sleigh when the horsesran away. He got draggedwith a chain aroundhis neck, but he had a big turn-up collar on his coat that kept the chain off his neck. Later Jim Kodesh gave him sometreatmentson his back. Eleanor Ethel married Teddy Frangosfrom New York, one daughter,Irene. Teddy was killed in England during the war. Married Burton Reevesfrom Nampa,5 children. Burton died from injuries sustainedwhen he fell offa roof. Eleanor worked in the House of Fabricsseveralyears. Moved to Kent, WA in 1991 to care fbr new grandson. She had a heart attack in March 1992, triple by-passsurgery. Diagnosedwith cancer in 1993, she passedaway in May 1994. Thomas Whitman joined the Navy, met Louise,a W.A.A.C. from Ohio, married,4 children. Worked for a big seedcompanymany years. Lives in Hollister,CA. Heart attackFeb. 1990;doubleby-passsurgeryAug. 1990. Retired and has small greenhousewhere he raisesplants. William Edward joined the Air Corp., met and married a girl from Scotland;2 children; divorced. Later married a girl from England; 2 children. Left the serviceand took a geology course. Re-enlistedin the service; retired, living in Spokane,WA. Worked in a bank severalyears; retired and enjoys golf, volunteer work with blood bank and a food bank. Bill was an active rock hound and made and sold over a 100 ming trees. George Harvey, the last child of Dorothy and Floyd, died at birth. (Source: Dorothy Beitia) From "Looking Back," Centennialcolumnin T.N. by Dorothy Beitia and JanetRobinson:Floyd Reynolds came to Richfield from Washingtonand roomed with two friends, Bob and Tom Speedywho where working a homesteadnorthwestof Richfield. The brothershad a sister, Dorothy, who kept house for them. Dorothy had polio as a child, and walked with a limp. She alwayswore a bandageon one ankle and had a specialshoebuilt. However, Dorothy was a strongwilled little woman, beingonly 4 foot I I inches,and she packedher trunk and came to Idaho determinedto make a successof her life. Reynolds moved back down the road to his place before Dorothy arrived, and later did meet, court and marry her. Shehad won his heart sight unseen,when he first saw a picture of her. Dorothy was a talentedlady, spendinghours hooking rugs, painting, and doing handiwork. Early in 1933 there were snowstormsthat kept the roads unpassable,and a few times the mail carrier was unable to deliver mail in Richfield on the rural route. Floyd E. Reynolds was the mail carrier at that time. Reynolds had rigged up an old mail sled, which was an old car body on runners, pulled by a team of horses. The snow packedhard enoughin placesto enablethe team to walk on top; other placesthey would sink to their bellies. That is what wore a team out and Reynoldshad to keep at leastone extra horse so one could be laid off eachday. The 30 mile route usuallytook all day, evenwhen the roadswere open. A noon stop was made at some farmer's home, where the carrier was alwayswelcome. The team was unhitched,wateredand fed grain Reynolds carried with him. He ate the lunch he carried in the housewhere he could get warm and relax. He rarely made it back home before 8 o'clock in bad weather.One lady on his route usedto make bread, and put it in the oven to cook, leaving a note for Reynoldsin the mail box to pleasetake the bread out of the oven. Reynoldswas also known to deliver Christmaspackagesto families that had come into the post office on that day. It was always a welcome surpriseto seehim pull up with a box of gifts.
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Suddendeath claimed Floyd E. Reynolds, 64, in a downtown garageMonday afternoon. The prominent Richfield resident and well-known mail carrier was helping remove tires from his jeep to another car when he collapsedand died. Born in Jackson,Michigan, in 1884,Reynoldswas an activememberof the Methodist church and a charter member of the local Lions club. RR July 24, l93l Mrs. Floyd Reynoldsgave a quilting Friday and serveda chickendinner to: Mrs. Speedy, Mrs. Vaughn,Mrs. Barnes,Mrs. Piper and Mrs. Lemmon. LCJ July 8, 1932 Mr. and Mrs. Reynoldshad a letter from their little son, Buddy, who is at the health camp at Buhl, having the time of his life. Tommy Reynolds enjoyed his tenth birthday Sunday with a party attendedby Borden and Erwin McMahon, Richard Garlock, Lester Wade, Lester and Albert Harvey. LCJ Dec. 29, 1933The Floyd Reynolds'had a letter from their son Bart, CCC worker at Grimes Pass,and he saysthe crickets aboundthere by the millions. LCJ Feb. 7, 1936 F.E. Reynolds have received word from Bartlett that he will soon take his entrance examinationsfor the March Field aviation school near Long Beach, CA. LCJ Aug. 14, 1936 Floyd Reynoldstook Tommy and Billy Reynolds, Tommy Supan, Grant Flavel and Carlton Crane to a fine campsite8 miles beyond Carey Friday tbr a weekendof camping and fishing. as bombardierin his first missions Aug. 9, 1946 Wm. E. Reynoldstold at a Lions Club of his experiences over Germany. Mrs. Reynolds,b. Sept. 8, 1892, in Minneapolis,d. Feb. 28, 1978. She had moved to Shoshonein 1967 to makeher home nearher daughter,Dorothy Beitia. Shehad 25 grandchildren,29great grandchildrenand three great greatgrandchildren.(LCJ Obit.) RICHARDS Park and Mary Richardslived acrossthe streetfrom the Frank Popes. Their children were: Mark, Lois, Vernis and Enid, who was a specialfriend of Ethel Pope. Mr. Richardshad the lumber yard for many years,then moved to Twin Falls and was managerof the Diamond Hardware. The children attendedschool here. They had a dog named Runt that they gave to Popeswhen they left. It was a long time before he would stay at them, and they had him until he died. (Source: their place;they fed him at his old homeuntil he finally accepted Ethel Conner) RICHARDSON Andrew M. Richardsonwas an early resident,a member of the Richfield Commercial Club by May 20, 1909. Mrs. Ella Gay,57, d. at the home of her brother, Andrew M. Richardson,Nov. 2, 1914. Shecameto makeher home with him lastJune. Sheleavestwo daughtersand threesons. Funeralserviceswere held at the Methodist Church. J . M . R i c h a r d s o n , 6 T , d i e d a t h i s h o m e w e s t o f t o w n M a r . 2 51,9 1 6 o f o r g a n i c h e a r t t r o u b l eH. e w a s w e l l known, having lived in Hailey and Richfield for many years. He leaveshis widow, five sonsand two daughters. He,iljrasburied in the Richfield Cemetery. RR Feb. l9l4 A.M. Richardsonmournsthe lossof 100 treesin his orchardSW of town from the inroads ofjack rabbits. LCJ Mar. 25, 1932 Mr. Junkin receivedword of the deathof A.M. Richardsonof Wenatchee,WA. Older residentswill rememberhim, as he and his wife operateda restaurant,later moving to the farm W of town now ownedby CharlesGiles. (Sources:RR, LCJ) RICHARDSON Art was born at El Reno, OK in 1924. At the age of nine he moved to MO. In 1939 he moved to Eden, ID. Iola was born at Idaho Falls in 1926 and moved to Jeromeas an infant. I went to high school in Eden where Art and I met. In 1941Art enteredthe Navy and I moved to Portland in1942. AfterArt'stourofdutyontheU.S.S.WaspandU.S.S.BlocklslandhewasstationedatNorfolk,VA. He sentfor me and we were married in SouthMill, N.C. on Dec. l, 1944. When Art was dischargedin 1945we movedback to Eden. Art's folks Alva (Red) and Mabel had purchased a farm 2 mi. N of Richfield in 1945 and rented it out for the first year as Red was still in the logging business. Art and I decidedto try our hand at farming and moved to Richfield in the spring of 1946. By this time we had a son, Alva Barker, born Aug. 1945. Our daughter,Tamara Maxine, was born Dec. 1946. As two greenhornswe startedfarming. Art had never farmed but I was raised on a f'arm until I was 12. My Dad died when I was 6 and my Mother was left with 5 children, sevenmonths of doctor and hospital bills and the depressioncoming on. I'd always said I sure wasn't going to marry a farmer but I endedup on a farm anyway. Mother sold the cows to her brotherswith the promise of a heifer to each of her children when they got married. This was her way of making sure she could give eachof her children a wedding present.
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We startedout with one cow, our weddingpresent,two horsesand some old machinery,40 acres, a'31 Internationaltruck and very little farming knowledgein a town where we knew nobody. Thank goodnessit turned out to be such a friendly and helpful town. That first summer we tried to fix up the old houseso it would be warm come winter. We first tacked felt paper on all the outside walls. Wind camethrough the cracksand blew the paper down. So we got cardboard boxes from Piper's store, flattenedthem and nailed them over the felt paper to stop the wind, then coveredthe boxeswith newspapers.We moved into the front room as we didn't have enoughwood to heat the whole house. I used a hotplateto cook with. For entertainmentwe could always read the paper on the walls. Art took "on the farm training" and learnedhow to weld. We got more cows, better machinery, a tractor, and learnedto love Richfield, the peoplethere, and yes even farming. It was becoming a good life. Later for entertainmentwe could go to town to a movie, when the snow got deep we would tie our two children on our backsand trudgethroughthe snow to play cardswith Vern and Lula Spencer. They would return our visits. After television this changedand peopledidn't have as close relationshipafter that. We hauled water from town to fill the cistern and got water from the cistern with a pail tied onto a rope very a cold job in the winter. We built more outsidebuildings and a potato cellar on the place later. Red and Mabel decidedto quit logging and move to the farm. We purchased40 acresfrom Vern and Lula. We built a house from logs Red had gottenout of the timber and had sawedon three sides. We rented another 40 so now Art and Red were farming 120 acres. We had a nice herd of cows and a few pigs. With the pigs came some new experiences. Once we had 16 pigs (about 200# each)almost ready for market. One evening after an exceptionallyhot day he headedto town to get whey from the cheesetactory for the pigs. As we loaded the cans into the pickup there was a little whey left in a coupleof the cansso we dumped it into the pig trough. When he returnedto our surprisetherelay l6 pigs all over the pen, still breathingbut wouldn't move or get up. We called the vet in Shoshoneand he said it soundedlike the whey had fermentedfrom the heat and the pigs were inebriated(drunk) and passedout. He said we had to get them moving or they would die. We held them, one at a time, between our legs to get them to walk up and down the pen. We'd lay one down and pick up anotherone and start all over again. It was quite a job and also quite a sight. When they beganto sober up they were staggeringand fighting to get away. We did save all 16 but from that time on any whey left over was thrown away. We purchaseda dry 40 acresfrom Coatesand had enoughwater to farm it. We moved our log houseonto it. It had a cow barn and other out buildings. We built a cisternand put in a pressuresystem. My first running water in the kitchen. It had no drain so we had to empty the bucket under the sink when it got fult. When they remodeledthe hotel in Shoshonewe bought an old bathtuband stool but never did get any water hooked up to them. We just used the tub with a feather mattressin it for an extra bed when Alva or Tamara had kids come out. They thought it quite exciting to sleep in a tub. We bought a 40 from Henry and Joy Riedemanjust acrossthe road. We sold the log houseto Nadine Brown Holland and her husband. They moved it to town. Nadine later married again and moved the houseto Bruneau.The houseon this place was run down, so it was fix-up and remodeltime again. We built another cistern and put in a pressuresystemthis time. Finally we changedour path room to a bathroom anclfinally got to enjoy the bathtuband stool. I got an automaticwasherand dryer. We built a milking barn on his folks' place where the milk went from milking machineto the cans. What an improvement,but nothing like today. In Nov. 1960 we took the first vacationwe had had since we got married. We took Alva and Tamara out of school and traveling with Art's folks went to Kansas,Oklahomaand Indiana to visit relatives. While we were gone our year's hay crop caughtfire. Mac Crowther saw it and with help managedto save a small truck load of hay. When we returned it was still smoldering. I spentmany hours watching it tiom our kitchen winclow and crying, wondering what we were going to do - either buy hay for the winter or sell our cows and move. After 16 years of farming we decidedto sell the cows and bought a place in Twin Falls. When we moveclArt clidn't have a job but soon found one as a mill man for Kimberly SeedCo. Later he worked for AmalgamatedSugar Co. I worked in a cafe and went to businesscollegetaking bookkeepingand businessmachines. After college I took a job at Jerome Co-op Creameryin Twin Falls. We remainedin Twin Falls for 8 years. Surprise, surprise, in July 1968we had anotherchild, a boy we namedArthur (Artie) Barker. We thought our child raising days were over. Alva was married to Sherry Card, Tamara to Albert Morgan and they had two children. Both had moved to Portland. In 1969 they convinced Art and me to move there and made arrangementsfor Art to have an interview with the place Alva worked, so off to Portland we movecl. In 1986 Art retired from CarnationPet Food Co. and I from Tektronix Inc., an electronic company. We did a lot of travelingin our motorhome.spendingour wintersin Quartzsit e, AZ. We met someof our old iriends
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& BettyPiper,Reuben& Mary BradshawandTim from Richfieldwhile there- Jerry & JoyceJohnston,Lyle & MelbaSanders. like hometo us than anywhereelse' when Art In all our movingandtravelsRichfieldstill seemedmore rggr, itonly seemedfitting to returnhim to Richfield diedin Las vegas on our way homet o*buart site in for his final restingPlace. for the winters. I make severaltrips to I still live in portlandin the summerand travel to Quartzsite Now the placeto seeour old friends is on Richfieldeachsummerand enjoy visitin! with eueryoneth.r.' Mondayat the SeniorCitizen'sdinners' Theyhave7.children,all still at home' Alva Alva andsherry live in Boring,oR just 15 milesfrom me' Albertirave5 children,4 married' They have4 worksfor washingtonSanitationCo. in tie lab. Tamaraand They live just a few blocks with Z \n theincubator.Albertis a managerat Portlandfor Boeing. grandchildren milesfrom Portland' They 70 about oR from me. Artie is marriedto AmieeH.tgirtJund livesrinwillamina, grown quitea bit to now has andmy family havetwo childrenandhe works in rigard, OR asa printel. Art's more' many 4 greatgrindchildren,andlots of room for 3 childrenand in-laws,14 grandchildien, ramara enjoyedtheir life place.Both Alv-a.and Richfieldwas not a rich community.Jtista Jmaltfriendly wantedto...Weenjoyedwatchingthemplay thereandlovedthe schools.They couldtakepart in anythingthey a family. we startedour marriedlife in sportsand also in the band. it *as u gooi placeto live and-raise therein the lovelycemetery'(Source:Iola Richardson) togetherthereandwill endour livestogeth"er andcameto Idahowhenhe was 10 yearsold' RILEY Carl H. Riley wasbornoct. 17, lgI8, in Bell c1ty,],vIo whenshe*T ty9 yearsold' -Carland Nellie Nelliewasborn in nu'rr.y Oct. 11, 1920',andmovedto Gooding riarried life in Richfield' They have I daughter TreesweremarriedAug. 14, 1937,andnuurrp.nt their entire colei' cody andcatei' ToddandMistee,threegreatgrandchildren, carleeRileyMcClintick,two grandchildren CarleewasOutlawDay rodeoqueenin 1963' for commissioncompaniesfor 26 They were ranchersfor 37 years. Carl alsoworkedas a weighmaster racing'[Gondawrote:He had a beautiful years,alsotruckinglivestock,und*us .;i;k ;p mana! rodeos,cutt-er irorsecalledCopperthat he usedfor workingcattleandatthe rodeos'l rihi.tr lefthim in a wheelchairfor 19 l12 Y!ars..[FromCarl'sletter OnJan.7,lg:,4,Carl hadananeurism whena bloodvesselbrokein my headwhile in the 1gg7ReunionBookl I was goint gr.* gunsuntil 1974 andwastold I wouldbe a vegetable"'asthey rehabilitation threemonttrsin the"hJspitaiand cattle...spent f'eeding long' I gavemy lif'eto God and He beganto foundseveraltumorsin my headandsaidI wouldnot be around how-mucfiI had missedin my life; eventho I work in my life, daily restoringmy mind andbody. I realized the tumorsgone. I can now walk with couldwalk andrun, withoutGod I had nothing. iater X-raysshowed a walkerandtakecareof myself. Godis Good' everyoneon their birthdaysand He becameknown as the BirthdayMan, keepinghimselfbusy calling years' their50thweddinginniu.trttyin 1987.unqI"-t"married55 l12 rney feteurateo anniversaries. 1985. Carl and Nellie workedwith Nellie workedfor the postaldepartmentfor-26y.uru und retiredin and high school,rodeotrucking and childrenall their marriedlife in 4-H programs,room parentsat school of the RichfieldRidingclub, furnishing furnishingstockfbr themto practiceon.'itr.y'*.r- u.iiu. members of OutlawDay; activemembersof the RichfieldChristianAssembly live stockand helpingin all preparations built a new homeon south Main in of God church fbr which they gavethe landto build the church. They Richfield. added,"Nell gaveCarl They were GrandMarshalsof the Igg2LincolnCountyFair andRodeo. [Gonda weeksof life at the Wood River Care very specialcareOuringhi, y.u., of disability, !. tP"lt^iris last few andhonoredby the Riding remembered Centerwhenhe neededfurthercare."l Carl diedMar. 3, 1993. He was "Hell RoarinRiley." Nelliekeepsherselfbusywith club with theparadeandrodeodedicatJ to the memoryof (Source:Nell Riley) crafts,ceramiis,churchprojects,SeniorCenterandSeniordrill team. In 1928whenthe family movedto RILEY Donald w. Riley was born July 17, 1921,\n Bell city, Mo. Richfieldhe startedat the i{ichfieldschooi. Dille Lemmonwashis teacher' for the duration,four years He volunteer"Jfo, the Navy ln 1942whenworld war II startedandwasthere a was graduateof Albion Normal in activeseaduty. ln lg44he marriedNina sorensenin Elko, Nevada.She lived in the Richfieldarea- farmedin andtaughtschoolin GrandviewandRichfield. Theyhad2 sons. They placeeastof Richfieldin 1965where in t9ot, andSorensen l94j ontheKountanisftace, the swainstonplace Donaldstill lives. Nina latertaughtin Gooding' TheHistor! of Richfield,Idaho
274
Cottonfarmedthe placein town and workedfor the CamasCattleAssociationherdingcattlefrom early springuntil Dec. 1. Helived alonein a little log cabinbeyondCouchSummitin Little SmokeyMountainsuntil join him afterschoolwasout in the spring. He retiredfrom herdingcattleafter22 years. Nina-woutO In the wintersfor severalyearshe workedat SunValleydrivingthe sleigh,haulingmoviestarsthroughthe snow.In SunValley in the eariy 1950'she usedto chariotracein the snowthere. In 1989he drovehis covered wagonand mule teim from Ri;hfield to Helena,Montana,(500miles)to join the MontanaCentennialWagon to work with Train. He hasrestoredseveralold wagonsandmadecoveredwagonsout of some. He continues Donaldservedas a CountyCommissioner mulesanddriveshis wagonandmuleteamsin somesummerparades. 1950's. for six yearsin the Chlldren:MichaelRiley,b. 1946,d. 1950;andJack Riley.(Source:GondaSluder,NinaRiley) on Nov. 12, 1971. They havetwo sons,Jake,b. Sept. JackRiley marriedCariaRobinson,a beautician, Falls. Jakewaschosenfor All-Starin footballhis senior 26, lg7l, andJade,b. May 25, 1975,bothin Twin D.C. in 1990-91,his junior year,nominated in Washington, May 1991. Jadewasa Page year. He graduated It was an educationin itself being at Idaho. 6y Richard'Stallings.Fir *ur the third personchosenfrom at BoiseStateCollege. He workspart time in the PoliticalScience D.C. Jadeis a sophomore Washington, Building. He was workedtwo summersfor the BLM' Jackhasbeenemployedby the City of Richfieldfor 15 years. Carlahasworkedfor Jane'sPaperPlacein yearJakehasbeenworkingfor Joe'sBackhoeServicein construction. Hailey for 3 llT y.urr. tiris is ihe seuenth presidential D.C., Jan.16 -23, 1993. His seniorclasswent in Washington, Inauguration the lade attenOed from high schoolon May 20, 1993. Jade to Edmonton,Alberta,Canada,for their SeniorSneak.He graduated 4rh, 1992,Early RichfieldFamilies for theJuly in 1990 and Program Centennial Richfield wasnarratorfor the The family hashad many Fairfield-. beyond camp cow Cotton's time at Program.The boysoftenspentsome (Source: CarlaRiley) years. the through vacationing enjJyabletimeshlnting andfishing,campingand weremarriedin Advance,Missouri.They farmedin Missouri RILEy Ralph RileyandMyrtleMaeJennings andsomeotherfamilies.Theymadethetrip in Mr. until 1928. Ii.alphcameto Richfieldwith OscarHelderman truck. The trip tookseveraldaysof hardtravel. Helderman's they Ralphworkeclon thefarm thatsummerfor Karl Williams. He learnedto irrigatethe t-ields,sornething join In him. to come his family to wanted ldaho and liked he He decided time. at that Missouri clidn'tdo in in Idztho. years arrived "Cotton" Jr. 3 Ralph and 6 Donald 11, Carl 9, Gonda OctoberMyrtle, the chilclren We traveledby train from St. Louisto Shoshone.It took fbur nightsanddaysto makethe trip a longtrip fbr four little kids. thatwinter- therewereno housesto rent at thattime" We had no furniture We lived with ShortySanders for everythingwe had wis shippedby train from Missouriandthe box car carryingour thingswreckedon the way to tOatro.All we hadwaswhatwasin our luggagethatwe broughton thetrain with us. In the springDad stayedandhelpedShortyfarm, for he wasratherold andneededhelp. He alsoliked Mom's cookingandhouse families. LloydLaynes,andtheHarveyHelderman theTedMartindales, keeping.We trid suchgoodneighbors, hadsuchfun times. We all rodethe sameschoolbus. That wasquite All thtkids in that little neighborhood for the Rileykids -we walkeclabout2 milesto a little oneroom schoolhouse,"Little Rock,"in an experience Missouri. We had neuerieen a schoolbuspulledby horses.In the winterwhenthe snowcamewas another for us also. experience When Harvey Heldermanmoved his family to Bruneau,Idaho, Dad rented the Biggs' place where Heldermanhad lived. He farmedtherefor a coupleyears. He alsofarmedthe Davis placejust north of the Martindaleplace. Thesewerethetimesfarmershelpedeachotherto do their farming. The kids alwaysgot ttr therewaslots of play andnot muchwork.) help in the fieldswhich wasgreatfun for all of us. (Sometimes place. Dad still farmedthe Brush ln 1932the Rileysmovedto the Starkplace,l12 mi. S of ChetJohnson's movedawayfrom their farm to Springville,Utah, place,knownas the bld Oavisplace.Whenthe Martindales movedthere.The ClarkHandfamilymovedintotheLloyd Layneplace. Dad andthe Handsdid SnortySanders FredJohnsonjoined the groupof boys. farming together.We kids still had lots of fun, sometimes a lot of place theyfarmeduntil theyboughtthe Dan where Martindale to the moved over Myrtle nitptr anO In 1936 B y t h a t t i meDadhadgivenuptheDavisplace. 1 9 4 1 . K o u n t a n i s p l a c e 3 l l 2 mNi .l / 4 E a n d m o v e d t h e r e i n Brown from Bellevueand helping for John joined herding sheep the Navy. He hadbeen In 1942Cotton "war plants." RalphJr. took careof the farm Dad. In 1943Dad andMom wentto L.A. andworkedin some for Dad. WhenDad andMom camebackRalphJr. wentinto the Navy.
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ln 1946 Cotton and Nina took over the farm and Ralph and Myrtle retired and moved into town. They bought the little white housejust east of the old town hall - later, the Ward's Cheeseplant. After moving to town, Dad worked for Mont Johnsonuntil he becameill with cancer. After fighting that for two years, he passed away at home Jan. 15, 1959, at the age of 63. Mom worked at Piper's store for sometime. She worked at the school as cook for the hot lunch program and retired from there at the age of 72. She continuedliving alone in the little house until the last three weeks of her life which she spentwith her daughterGonda where she passedaway in her sleep Oct. 15, 1990, at the age of 93. She was laid to rest in the Richfield CemeterybesideDad. (Source:Gonda Sluder Hand) Ralph Riley, son of Henry and Sara Moore Riley, b. Sept. 22, 1896 Mcleansbur, lL; md Myrtle Mae Jenningsin 1915 at Bloomfield, MO. Myrtle, dau. of Harrisonand Franci Glenn Jennings,b. Feb. 16, 1897 at WayneCity, IL. Children: Gonda b. March 27, l9l7 Advance,MO; md Sept. 15, 1934Shoshoneto Charles Sluder(d. June 12,1988Richfield); md 2) KeithHand Apr.2,1993 Cody,WY. Carl H. b. Oct. 17, 1918Bell City, MO, d. March 3,1993 Richfield;md NellieTrees.Donald W. b. July 17, 1921Bell City, MO; md Nina Sorensen1944Elko, NV. Ralph Jr. b. July 12, 1925Advance,MO; md VennaKing Oct. 27, 1943Richfield. RILEY Ralph Riley, JR. and his twin sister(stillborn)were born on July 12,1925, in Bell City, MO, to Ralph Sr. and Myrtle JenningsRiley. At the age of three he moved to Richfield. He lived with his family on several farms in Richfield until the age of 18, graduatingfrom high school in 1943. Venna King was born in Garland,Utah, on Jan. 3, 1927, to Ralph and Lalave Archibald King, joining brothersRoland, Sterling, Wendell and Verl (later followed by sistersRuby and Donna, and brother Jack). She lived in Garlanduntil the age of six at which time she movedto Jeromewith her family. At the age of 13, in 1940, she and her family moved to a farm north of Richfield. She attendedthe North End School for the 8th grade, then into Richfield, graduatingin 1945. Ralph and Venna met soon after she moved to Richfield and becamefriends. Later their friendship turned to love and they were married on Nov. 28, 1943, at her home north of Richfield. They moved to some rooms over the bank. He went to work for Bill Ryder in the BlacksmithShopand she continuedin school. In Juneof 1944Ralphjoined the U.S. Navy. After boot camp at Farragutin North ldaho, he was assignedto the battleship suicideplanes. Lots of U.S.S. New Mexico and servedin the SouthPacific,wherehis ship took two Japanese men were lost, but Ralph was fortunate not to have been hurt. After graduating,Venna moved to Caldwell with her parentswho had sold their Richfteld farm to their son Wendell and his wife Mary. While at Caldwell, Venna worked at the Bank of Idaho until Ralph was honorably dischargedfrom the Navy in Feb. of 1946. He camehome for Thanksgiving,then went back to Boston until his dischargethree months later. On his return home, they bought 80 acres3 mi. N of Richfield. After one year, they sold the farm and renteda farm for a couple of years. On Aug. 24, 1946, their son Patrick Jameswas born. When he was twtr and a half-,they boughtthe Hansenplacefrom Happy Erwin, 3 mi. N and 1 314E of town. For the next 40 yearsthey farmed, raisedhogs, beef cattle, and milked cows, and raisedtheir five children: Patrick,Linda, b. March 23, 1948; Kathleenb. Mar. 4, 1950;Rodneyb. Sept. 21,l95l; and Joanneb. Feb. 1, 1955. They all attendedschool and graduatedat Richfield. Ralph served on the Highway Board, the Big Wood Canal Company Board, and on the Richfield School Board (for 12 years). He also spentsix yearsworking as a cowboy for the CamasCattlemen'sAssociation,north of Fairfield. Ralph rode ditch for Big Wood Canal Companyfor eight yearsbefore retiring in 1993. Venna, besidesraising their family, was busy in her church, P.T.A., was room mother every year while their children were in school, and worked for the Richfield schoolsin the Hot Lunch Program as a substituteand then full time employeefor 28 years. Pat md. PattyJacobsonin Nov. of 1968. They had one daughter,Mary Shannon,and were later divorced. He then md. Laura Anderson. They havethreesons:Casey,Gabrieland Shean. They live in Richfield, and he works construction. Caseymd. Tammy Urrutia and lives in Shoshone.They have a daughter,Kelsi. Linda married CharlieJayneson June 17, 1967. They have 7 children:Lori, Marcy, Ty, Matt, Russell, Mitch, Tess. They farmed north of Richfield until 1983, at which time they moved to southern Utah. Lori married Douglas Slack and lives in Cedar City, UT. They have 2 children: Venna Ashley and Erin. Marcy married Wade Udall and residesin Arizona. They have 3 children: Jade,Talon, and Kelly. Kathleen married Gary Brownleeon Dec. 28, 1968,and have7 children:Tina, Travis, Brandon, Nathan, Ryan, Gary, and Tiffini. They still live in Richfield. Gary works for Avonmore Cheese. Travis is married and is still in Richfield. He and his wife, Katie, have a daughterKatelynn.
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Rod married Katherine (Kate) Gonzaleson June 30, 1973. They have 3 children: Ben, Mary and Sam. They still live and farm and raise cattle and dairy in Richfield. Rod has a farm of his own and runs his father's ranch. Ben is away at school in Moscow. Joanne married Stan Duffin June 19, 1975. They have 5 children: Aaron, Braden, Preston, Leighton and Tyson. They reside in Boise. Ralph ind Venna have 26 grandchildrenand 8 great grandchildren. They celebratedtheir 50th wedding '49. anniversaryNov. 28, 1993. Probably one of the things they remembermost was the winter of 1948 and They weni to Venna's brother Wendell's house for Thanksgiving with a wagon and team becausethey were alreidy snowedin. It turned very cold and snowedand the wind blew every day. Venna didn't get out until the last of March and that was also with a team and wagon. They didn't get plowed out until April. During that winter, one day Ralph would haveto haul hay to the cattlefrom a few miles away and then the next day he would have to haul siraw ior bedding and the third day he would take the cream to town to sell, picking up neighbors as he went. They had two babiesand it was just too cold to take them out on the wagon. Ralph and Venna say that Richfield hai been a good place to live and raise their family. (Source:Ralph Jr. & Venna Riley) ROBINSON Carl has lived in Richfield all his life and attendedRichfield schools. He married a local girl Carol Morley. They lived in town for a while before buying the farm north of Richfleld that belongedto Max and Alice Behr. They have4 children:Carla, Cathy,Mike and Holly. Carla lives in Richfield, marriedto Jack (SeeRiley) Riley. -Cathy graduatedfrom RHS and attendedcollegein Boise, graduatingas a dental assistant. She is married to Jock Brown, whose family farmed in Richfield. His mothertaughtgrade school in Richt'ield. Jock and Cathy residedin Oregon for many years. They have returnedto Idaho with their two children, Jill and Tyler, to make their home in Hailey. Jock managesa tire store and Cathy works for a dentist. Mike graduatedfrom RHS, met and married Toni Barton of Carey. They have two children: Ryan and Britney. They own a farm in Kimberly, raising cattle and training cutting horses. liolly graduatedfrom RHS. She and husbandHarold Cook own and operate a cattle ranch in Dietrich. Holly is a trlgtrschoolrefereeand owns her own cleaningservice. She has two children: Rachelleand Keely. Carl is thinking of retiring after working fbr the Big Wood Canal Co. almost 40 years. Carol has been custoclianof the Richfield school systemfor many years. They will continue making their home on their farm. (Source:Carol Robinson) ROBINSON My grandparentsEd (1870-1951)and Dona Belle Robinson(d. 1962) cameto Richf.ieldfrom Edinburg, Missouri, a little settlementout of Trenton, MO, in 1927. They settledin Marley, just north of the Marley grade school, where they farmecluntll1929, when they sold out and returnedto Missouri. They returned to Richfield in Feb. 1930 with my father, Willet, my mom Velma, myself Alford Eugeneand my sister Louise who was two yearsold. My dad and grandfatherdrove out west in an Essextouring car and I had my very first train ride withGrandma, Mom and Louise. The most vivid memory of Richfield fbr me at age four was the very mucldy streets,causedby wagon loads of hay that were being taken to the sheepcompany on the Lane Ranch. We arrived in Richfield three days before my dad and grandpa,and I rememberour first meal was at the Andy Petersonstore and lunch counter. When Ed and Dona Belle returnedto Richtreld,Edwin farmed and traded horses. Willet and family moved to Dietrich, where he worked constructionon the AmericanFalls canal and ran a small farm eastof town. This is where Udell Frank was born on May 30, 1930. We stayedthere until we moved to the Layne farm, where in recentyears,Leroy Parkerhad farmed. Ralph Riley's family were our closestneighbors. Junior Riley and I becamegood friends and startedschooltogetherin 1931. My father's constructionjobslead us to various locationsaround southernldaho - Jerome, Gooding, where he did road constructionon the old Goodinghighwayeastof town and Hailey, where Carl Prestonwas born July 12, 1932. We moved back to Richfield in 1932and stayed. The rest of my brothers and sisters were born in Richfield, which includeBonita, Leona, Loren, Stanleyand finally Vic on Dec. 28, 1945. They all attended Richfield schools,where therehave beenRobinsonsattendingsince 1931. (Source:Alfbrd Robinscln) There are still RobinsonsattenclingRichfield school - four of Udell's grandchildren and Vic's daughter Jessie. There are only threeof Willet's childrenremainingin Richfield - Udell, Carl and Vic. Udell Frank Robinson has lived in Richfield all of his life. He married a Shoshonegirl Frances "Peggy" Porter in 1953. They lived in Shoshonefor two yearsthen returned, buying Elias Flavel's place on the south edge of Richfield, raising five children.
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Beva-DawnRobinsonMorris graduatedfrom RHS, then attendedCSI and the Univ. of Wyoming. She then returnedto ldaho and married Bob Morris; they haveone son Kurt. Beva and Bob own and operatethe Richfield ConvenienceStore. DebbieRobinsonPiper graduatedfrom RHS and movedto Twin Falls, working for two years" She married Kent Piper, son of Lyle and Betty Piper and returnedto Richfield, purchasingthe Joe and Helen Piper home, Kent's grandparent's,acrossfrom Piper's store. Their homeburned in 1992. They built a new home where they now reside with their two children Cassey-Dawnand Andrew who are attendingRichfield school. Some of the teachersat the school taught Kent and Debbie. Kent is working constructionand Debbie has worked for First SecurityBank in Shoshonesince returning to Richfield 16 years ago. CaseyUdell Robinsongraduatedfrom RHS, CSI and BSU. He did his graduatestudiesat the U of I graduatingwith a Juris DoctorateDegree. He is practicinglaw in Boise where he resideswith his wife Wendy and two children Hailey and Matthew. Franklyn Dale Robinson graduatedfrom RHS, CSI then went to B.S.U. but transferred to the U of I at Moscow, graduatingwith a degreein ElementaryEducation. Franklyn residesand teachesin Boise. Jerry R. Robinsongraduatedfrom RHS and CSI where he receivedan AssociatesDegree. He and his two girls Danielle and Kresley returnedto Richfield in 1992. J.R. works for the Big Wood Canal Co. Danielle and Kresley attendRichfield grade school. Udell is getting ready to retire after working for Ward's Cheese,now Avonmore, fbr 37 years. He plans to continueliving in Richfield. Vic Robinson(the youngestof Willet and Velma'schildren)haslived in Richfieldall of his life. After their mother died when Vic was two he and his two brothers,Loren and Stanley,lived with Carl & Carol and Udell & Peggy. Vic graduatedfrom RHS. He worked for the Big Wood Canal Co. before he and Blaine (Curley) Sorensenformed a partnershipand bought the dairy farm belongingto Joe Parker (the former John Mclntosh place). Vic marriedJanetArmstrongParker. They hadone child, Jessie.Janetpassedaway in 1991when Jessie was 6 years old. Janet and Vic were very happy on the farm. She wrote many articles for the Lincoln County Journal abouther, Vic and Jessie'slife "Down on the Farm." (SeeChapter8 Farming and Ranching)(Source: Peggy Robinson) Willet "Slim" Robinsonb. Jan. 23, 1906,d. Sept. 16, 1988md. Mrs. Velma Robinsonb. 22 Aug. 1905 Maysville,MO. She camehere in 1930,was a memberof the BaptistChurch, died Mar. 14, 1949. Services held at the town auditoriumwith Rev. Wm. S. Frank Methodistministerofficiating. (Obit.) ROBINSON William Robert Robinsonwas born June 14, 1878,in Farmington,Utah, son of Oliver Lee and Anna Stratford Robinson. He met Luvena Vilate Batesat a dancein Oakley after hauling freight from Kimama fbr his brother. They dated several times and were married two years later, Oct. 10, 1900, in the Salt Lake Temple.They both enjoyedmusic. Vilate playedthe piano,the guitarand enjoyedsingingwith her sisterswhile they playedtheir guitars. William loved to sing and danceand held many choristerpositionsin the church. He was ward chorister and Vilate was ward organist. They were on many programs together and taught their children to sing and perform for church functions. [W.R. Robinsonbecamethe first L.D.S. BranchPresidentin Richfield in 1918. He was managerof the Consolidated Wagon and MachineCompanyhere. They lived in the Reedhouseon N. 3rd St.l The eldestson William kGrand b. 1902md. Ida SusannaPrice and they had two sons- William Robert LeGrand and JesseWeston. LeGrand was accidentallyshot while duck hunting in 1923 at 2l years. Larene Vilate md. Leslie Holton Nims; 3 daughtersJanetRoberta,CaroleeVilate and Leslie Jean. JesseOdell md. Ferne Creole Lewis; 2 sonsJesseOdell and Jack Allen. Phyllis Anne md. Allen Wayne Kenworthy; children, Allen Wayne, Richard Morris and Lynne Joyce Gloweinke. Ruthe Elaine md. Robert Wayne Mink; son, RobertWayne. Rutheand Phyllis madetheir living singing for a while. Phyllis and Wayne dancedprofessionally.Ruthe, a tomboy, was fascinatedby the water tower and climbed up and played around on the way home from school one day. Beverly, the only one living of her Robinsonfamily, md. Lorus RussellWoolley in 1937,later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple; are still living on the farm in Jerome,work in the Boise Temple. We have 3 daughtersand one son and lost one son shortly after birth; Joanne,of Payette;2 sons and I daughter md Earl NewtonFulkerson, SalesRep. for AmericanFine Foods,Joannehas a cateringbusiness;Ronald Lee, an engineer in Provo, md. Ann Mellor - 2 boys and 3 daughters.Christine Sue of Layton, UT md Calvin Grondahl (a political cartoonist for the Odgen paper) 2 boys and 1 girl. Sue teachesschool. Myriam June, the youngest
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daughterlives at home, takespiano lessonsand plays the zither. She keepsus on our toes and loves the gospel and her family. (Source:Beverly Woolley, Jerome; Mac Crowther) LCJ Jan. 29, 1937 Mrs. W.R. Robinsonof Jeromedied from heart trouble Jan. 23, 1937. She formerly lived in Richfield. She was buried next to son LeGrand at Richfield. Besidesher husband,she leavesto mourn her four daughtersMrs. LareneNims; Mrs. RutheMink; Phyllis and Beverly of Jerome;two sonsOdell and Jess. Wm. Robert Robinsondied Aug. 4, 1959,buried in Richfield. ROGERS Adolphus Hosea Rogersdied in Oct. 1952. He was born in Manassa,CO, May 1889 and married Eva Belle Hunt at Sanford, CO, June 22, 1916. The family moved to Rupert in Nov. 1929. His wife died in April 1940;family movedto Richfieldin 1941.He md. Dovie Belle Beamonof NationalCity, CA Feb. 8, 1948. ROGERS James R. Rogersdied April 1950.He cameto the Richfield-Careyarea in 1934. He worked for the railroad in Shoshoneand later as caretakerof the Richfield cemetery" ROGERS Leonard and Marie (Polly) Rogerswere married in 1940. Polly was a daughterof the Jim Coffmans and a memberof the classof 1937. "We have three children, Ronnie(Boise),LaRae(Cruser,Boise) and Mike (Caldwell). We farmed most of our married life in Richfield then moved to Dietrich where Leonard worked for the highway and farmed on the side. We have beenactivein the MethodistChurchand sangin the choir." (From 1987 reunionletter.) They retired in Shoshoneand Leonard died May 14, 1991. Marie soon went to live with their daughter, LaRae, classof 1964. She passedaway Nov. 15, 1994,at77 yearsin a Boise care center.(Source:Pelleys) ROGERS Norman Rogers' father boughtthe GeorgeBear place north of Richfield, and Norman came when he finished HS in Carey in 1941. He remembersthe wooden sidewalks across from Piper's to the Lemmon Hardware. Norman later bought 320 acresfrom Melvin Moore below the Forks. He md. LeaEtta Nelson, Wendell, in 1962" Gary Brownleeis his stepson.Other children:Elaine Henson;Dennis, VT; Vicki Rogers, '94. Gary doesthe Gordon, CA. LeaEtta suffereda stroke Mar. 20, 1993; Norman retired from farming June farming and works at the cheesefactory. His sonshelp. Gary md. KathleenRiley; 7 children; live in R.J. Lemmon's former home. Both Gary and Gordonattendedschoolin Richfield. (Source:Norman Rogers) ROSEBERRY Tom and Jenny Roseberryarrived in Richfield with their fbur sonstiom Pawhuska,Oklahoma, in the fall of 1927, after sevendays on the road in a model T Ford. We stayedwith Buck and Amy Roseberry a short while then settled in Marley on the old Taber ranch. In the late 1930'sChesterand Keith Hand openeda pool hall in the Joe Piper residencebuilding on Main Streetand then moved acrossthe streetinto the old lumber yard building which was acrossMain Streetfiom Tom Byrne's grocery (now Piper's). EventuallyKeith withdrew from the businessand Chesterwent back to work at Sun Valley. At that time Tom ran it and then closedit up and went to work fbr the Union Pacific Railroad on the bridge gang--ajob which he held until retirement.In the early 1940's we moved to Richfield and Jenny managedthe cabinsfor lvan and Hazel Johnsonthat were locatedwhere the StockadeBar is now. Marie and I have four children--Davidof OrcasIsland, WA; Robert of Whidbey Island, WA; Teresaof Boise and Carol of Twin Falls. Tom Roseberryb. March 4, 1893,IndianTerritory, OK, son of David and Anna Roseberry;md. Jenny Walton Sept. 1910 Miami, OK. Jenny,dau. of Park and Lucy WadsworthWalton, b. Nov. 10, 1892 Indian Terr., OK. Children:Chesterb. June15, 1911Miami,OK. Donb. Jan. 13,1920Pawhuska,OK, d. Dec.7, 1954CrescentJuntion, UT; md Evelyn Barrol. They have two children Buster and Dawn. Jerry b. July 4, 1924 Pawhuska,OK; md Marie Hepler lan.20, 1945Seattle.T.C. (Bud) b. June 6, 1927; md Veta CooperJune9, 1945 Shoshone;4 children Karen, Karla, Blake and Steve.Anita b. Sept. 27, 1929 Marley; md Albert Renner, Roxy b. April 5, 1933Marley; md Bruce Sorensenof Jerome. They 3 childrenDon, Leroy & Jess(deceased). have 4 children Blair, Blaine, Becky and Shelleywho attendedRichfield schools. Blair and Vicky have 2 childrenGregory (Richfield)and Tawyna. Blainealso lives here. (Source:Jerry Roseberry,Seattle,WA) ROSEBERRY William The editor and wife and Mrs. Roseberrybrought "Buck" home from the Wendell hospital after 45 days there, much of the time in critical condition. (RR July 24, I93I) W i l l i a m M . R o s e b e r r y , 8 l , k n o w n a s " B u c k " , p a s s e d a w a y A p r . 2 T , 1 9 3 3 , a f t e r 3 y e a r s o f iHl lenw e sa ss . born in 1871. On Jan. 5, 1915he was marriedto Amy Ray. His wife, a daughterand 5 brothersincludingTom
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Roseberryof Richfield survive him...Fay Manwill sang "Lay My Head Beneaththe Rose", a request by the deceased. Amy Roseberry,b. 1881, continuedto live here for many years;d. May 13, 1959. ROSS Stanton Ross and Alice (Taylor) Ross drew on land drawing in Alberta, in 1907, homesteading12 mi. NW of town on the Hoodenpyleplace. The original part of the househe built is still standing.Halton Ross came to Richfield in 1910. He farmed with his father until 1913 and also worked in the mines at Hailey. Then he workedfor the ldaho Irrigation Co. until 1917. Robert Haines cameto Idaho around 1909, worked in the minesat Hailey and later cameto Richfield where he operateda laundry. His daughterMary cameto Richfield in April 1915from Omaha, Nebraska,to help her dad with the laundry. The day she came into town there was a large celebration,burning the mortgageon the Methodist church. After her father's death she continuedwith the laundry until her marriage to Halton Ross. Halton and Mary met at a danceat the old Marley Barn. They were married February 18, 1917. They were the first couple to be married in the Richfield Catholic Church. They first lived 2 mi. W of Richfield, then moved to the presentRoss farm in 1920, where they grubbedthe brush on 80 acresand built a tar paper shack to live in. They bought a threshingmachineand did customthreshingfor severalyears. Mary would cook for the crew and even took the meals to the crew when they were too far away to come home for dinner. When the depressioncame, there were six hungry mouthsto feed. In order to keep the farm Halton hauled gravel with team and wagon to help gravel the road to Carey. Due to a demand for good fiesh eggs Mary ordered300 baby chicks from SparksHatcheryin Caldwell,Idaho. She broodedthe chicks in the living room behind a sagebrush heating stove. She took good care of her eggs and fryers. The demand soon outgrew her supply, more layers were needed. In 1933 Halton startedbuilding more hen houses;by 1939 they were the largestproducersin Magic Valley, having3,000 layers,smallby today'sstandards.This kept the whole family busy, farming 160 acres, looking after 100+ cattle and the poultry. Edwin Wilson cameto Richfield in the 1930'sfrom Texason a freight train looking fbr work. He spent severalyears working for the Hal Ross's. He was the sameage as their sons and fit right in with the family. He alsodid somework for C.O. Chatfieldsand Ben Cranesat difTerenttimes. He becamelike one of the Ross family and often returns for Outlaw Day and other specialdays. Halton served many years on the schoolboard. Mary was a devotedmember of the Burmah Club, where they mademany quilts to raise moneyfor the CrippledChildren'sFund (EasterSeals). They both belongedto the Grange. Mary went weekly to visit patientsat the Wood River ConvalescentCenter, also visiting shut-ins in Richfield,alwaystakingfood or flowers. In later yearsshewas known as "GrandmaRoss." She loved and motheredlots of children of Richfield. ' They had six children. Howard the oldestdied in a drowningaccidentin 1946. Stan and wif'e Ruth live in Riviera,Arizona. They haveone daughterLynn. Robert and wife Mary live in Perris, CA. They have two children, Robert Jr. who lives in Richfield and farms; Andrea lives in MO. Hal and wife Donna live in Shoshone.They have three children,Gail, Hal Jr. and Bruce. Jean and husbandVal Joneslive in Stites,ID. They havefive children,Violet, Owen, Leonard,Betty and Paul. Glen and wife (Pctlly)Paulinestill live on the family farm. They have two sons, Arnold and David. Glen and Polly met in Richfield. Polly's sister,Darline Simerly, lived here. (SeeSimerly) They were marriedJune 15, 1949, in Wendell, ID. They startedin the egg businessayear later, when Halton and Mary retired. They continuedto farm the family farm, in time enlargingthe chicken operation to 12,000 layers and 4,500 replacementpullets. Their businesswas namedFairviewPoultry Farm. Glen deliveredeggsthroughout Magic Valley until they retired in 1992 and closeddown the business. Polly and Glen's home was remodeledby JohnDennisonin 1951from the former Huff house. The kitchen of the former Hal Rosshome where Arnold and family now residewas the old Haines laundry building that was behindthe old lumber yard - the location of the presentC. Store. They addedto it from time to time and John '54. Dennisonremodeledit in John lived with the Rossfamily for three or four years doing carpenterwork in the area. He worked on the Lloyd Lee brick houseand others. Through the years they enjoyed being active in Grange,BurmahClub, school,PTA, 4-H, CountyFairs, Scouts,Churchand SeniorCitizens. Glen's hobby has beenphotography. Polly's have been gardeningand her flowers. They both enjoy camping. Their oldestson, Arnold, was born Feb. 28, 1952. He went all 12 yearsof schoolin Richfield. He went to collegein Pocatelloand CSI. He returnedhome and worked in carpentry. Shortly thereafterhe married Cheri Young from Twin Falls. They have two daughters,Heatherand Barbi. They live in the original Ross home. Arnold has worked locally as carpenterand works in town at the grain elevator. He servesthe community as
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local fix-it man, local fire departmentand serves on various school committees. Cheri works at school as teacher'said for pre-school, is a member of local Quick ResponseUnit, taught church school many years and at presentis youth group leader. The family is active in church and Grange, and enjoy camping and fishing. Their second son David was born Sept. 26, 1954. He went through the first 12 years of schooling in Richfield, went to CSI two yearsand spentseveralyearsin real estatebusiness. Then he finished his schooling at ISU and teachessecondaryeducationat PocatelloSchoolDistrict. David is married to Crystal Pettersonfrom Rupert. Since their marriage Crystal has graduatedfrom ISU and is working at ISU. They have three children, Michael, Weston and Hannah. Their family is activein school,churchand scouts.(Source:Glen and Polly Ross) "The Fruit Peddler"by Glen Ross. When I was growingup during the 1930's,we had many salesmenand peddlerscome to our farm north of Richfield. Our home was located up on a small hill. One day this fruit peddler drove up to our house. I always liked thoseselling fruit becausemost would give us an apple or pear as a sample. This fellow drove an old model A truck that had seenbetter days. When he got out of the truck we noticed he walked with a crutch as he had only one leg. He was wearing an old dirty blue shirt and filthy overalls. Looked like he hadn't had a bath or shavedfor severalweeks. The first thing he did was to take his knife out of his pocket and cut himself a chew of tobacco. The next thing was to get one of his wormy apples,and againtake out his knife, wipe the bladeon his dirty overalls,cut the apple in two pieces and offered them to my mother. My mother, being a very clean person, couldn't stand the sight of the man let alone the apple. He then offered the apple to me, but my mother wouldn't let me take it. She was trying to tell him she didn't want any of his fruit in a nice way, but he insisted. I wonderedhow the standoffwas going to come out, when suddenlyhis truck startedtcl go back down the hill. "Hey mister," I yelled, "Your truck is leavingyou." He whirled and saw his truck picking up speeddown the hill. He dropped his crutch and out-hoppedhis truck, got in and stoppedjust before it hit our fence on the other side of the road. In the meantimemother ran back in the houseand slammedthe door. With much disgustand angerhe shoutedto me, "Hey kid, bring me my crutch and be quick about it." I took the crutch to him, he didn't thank me or anything else. As he starteddown the road I heard him say that he would never stop at this ----- placeagain,and he didn't. Halton A. Rossb. Jan. 28, 1887Rathdrum,ID, one of 7 childrenof StantonDenver Ross(b. 1863IL, d. 1960at 97) and Alice Taylor Ross(b. 1864,Mount Moriah, MO, d. Nov. 1964). Halton md Mary HainesFeb. 18, 1917,Richfield. Mary b. |une27,1893BrokenBow, NE (cameto RichfteldApril 1916),d. Feb" 12, 1985, dau. of Robert and Mary McNeil Haines. Children:Howard b. Mar. 27, l9l8 Richfreld, d. July 14, 1946. Stanton D. b. Jan. 2, 1920 Richfield; md Ruth Capps Oct. 12, 1941 Boise. J. Robert b. Oct. ll, l92l Richfield; md Mary PaulsonOct. 11,1942 Richfield.Hal A. b. Aug. 8, 1924Richfield; md Donna HalesSept. 29,1946 Richfield.Glen b. May 6, 1927Richfield;md PaulineBitterliJune15, 1949. Jeanb. Jan. 21,1932; md. Val V. JonesMav 28. 1950Richfield. ROSS Stanton D. and Ruth Ross were married in 1941 in Boise. ln 1942 he enteredthe Army and I (Ruth) moved to CA and beganwork at DouglasAircraft as a riveter. Due to an eye injury Stan was discharged. He worked in the shipyardsin CA as an electrician.In Oct. 1944our daughterLynn was born in Artesia, CA. A year later we moved back to Shoshoneand Stanwent to work for Shaw Electric. In 1950 it was back to CA where Stan worked for Federal Mogul as an electricianand electricalmaintenancesupervisoruntil retirementin 1982. We moved to Riviera, AZ and lived next door to Ada and Cy (Babington). Our daughter Lynn and husbandGeneSoulenow live nearbyin BullheadCity, as do her daughterEvelyn and her husband,John Rouse, and their two year old son Scott. [Ruth has made many beautiful craft and crochetedarticles. Stan's hobbies include making small tables and clocks using myrtlewood and other kinds of wood. He donateda clock to the Seniorbuilding in Richfield. They spendpart of their time in ldaho every year.l (Source:Ruth Ross, ACB) RUMPEL The Rumpel family lived in Richfield around 10 years, moving there from Vale, OR around 1914, where they lived about a year on a homesteadcoming there from Adna, WA. Joe was married and Henry in the Army. The family lived about 2 mi. NE of Richfield. They moved to town in the winter months. Joe, the oldest, was married to a Mary Wilson. Their first child died and is buried in Richfield. Their living children were Arthur, d. 1993, Earl and Dorothy. Earl and wife live in Boise and Dorothy and husband in Yucaipa,CA. Joe and Mary divorcedabout1940.He md. LeonaWarren in 1941. Joe d. Dec" 1972in CA, around 80 years old. Henry md. Lutie Tyler. Joe, Henry and Dick, CA, were pile drivers. Henry died in 1985at 90.
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Fred b. Feb. 1900 is in an Idaho StateVeteran'snursing home in Boise; has Alzheimer's disease. He was a Wake Island prisoner of war in World War II. They had 4 children: Eleanor, Nampa; Don in Kellogg; Delbert and his wife of Mundelien, IL. Florencedied at 17 with cancer. Ann RumpelMcFarland,b. Jan.9, 1902,was ababy whentheRumpelfamily cameto theU.S. in1902 from Austria. She and Don McFarland divorced and Ann raised Don, Pat and Marianne; worked in a fish canneryand lives with Marianne in GardenGrove, CA. Dick, 1904-1986,had Ann and her kids move in with him. Oscar b. 1906md. Irene Reimersin 1931,d. 1954,had cancer;2 sons,Dick and Jim. Irene, 87, lives in FederalWay, WA. Oscar had worked for the Idaho Power Co. Matilda Rumpel Reynolds, b. 1908, lives with daughterLouise and Doug Egland in Everett, WA; raised 3 sonsand 1 daughterafter her husbandhad a massiveheart attack. SonsRaymond and Robert and families live in Portland;Richard,Tilda and family live in Nampa. Albert b. Sept. 1910was in the Army in Hawaii in artillery. We, Albert and Bertha,were marriedon Oct. 3, 1940, have farmed and been in the dairy until he retired at 65; 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. Kathleen Hammons,Meridian, an x-ray tech in Mercy Hosp; Ray and wife,2 children,of Boise, a vice-principalof So. Jr. High & his wife a counselor;Frank (a logger),his wife and sonof Woodland,WA; Elaineand husbandDoug Phillips, an electrical inspector;4 children live near Woodland. We have 10 grandchildrenand 2 great. Bill Rumpel b. 1915 is the youngestof that clan. He servedin World War II in Europe; md. a lady from Arkansas;a daughterand a son. He becamea Lutheranpastor; retired early becauseof his wife's health. She died and he lives alonein Wichita, KS. Just a few lines to add to what my wif'e Bertha has written: I can recall going to school with Marion Crane from the North End; the Lemmons, who owned the hardwarestore, Ruth, a grade aheadof me, Clarence,a year younger, and John. I have always been glad for the years I spent in school there, they taught hard work and honesty,which have been with me all my life. With all my thoughtsof good times in that old rock building. (Source:Al & BerthaRumpel) '40's RUTHERFORD Fred and Elnora Rutherford came in about the mid to live on the Charlie Buel place. Margaret and Jimmy attendedschool here. May Poole was an older sister in Twin Falls. Margaret often rode to church with us. She md Harold Pridmore (1928-1978)and they lived on f'arms here, including the Mont Johnsonplaceneartown. They had four childrenand latermovedto Jerome. Son Rod md. Sally Patterson,they and their four daughterslived here and were active in church and communityaffairs before moving to Fairfield. Margaret,b. Dec. 23, 1929,d. Dec. 25, 1982,fbur yearsafter her husbandmet his death in an electrical accidentwith an irrigationpump. (Source:Cem Bk, ACB) SANDEEN The Sandeenfarnily lived nearthe Little Wood River nearly acrossfiom Flint Butte. Joy Erwin believedthey lost their water rights as othersdid, and they movedto town. Erick Sandeen'sname was on the 1920censusand as having obtainedland in Section20in 1907and 1914. Sandeenchildren whose nameswere found on teachers'registers were Oscar (10) and Ethel, 19la-1915: (11) Charles and Victor in 1923. Ethel was agrade aheadof Joy. They lived fbr a time in a little housenear the school.(Source:Joy Riedeman;records) SANDERS It all startedwhen that tall, dark curly headed,handsomelad from South Dakota, Linley T. Sanders (Tim - b. Sept. 29,1913 S.D.), cameto Richfield in 1937to visit an aunt, Lois Knodel, and endedup working for "the father" for 5 yearsto finally obtain "the daughter"(MelbaJohnsonb. March 9,1922, Springville,UT) for his bride on Dec. 18, 1942. They first lived with her parents,Chesterand DoloresJohnson,4 l/2 mi. NE of Richfield. The parentsmoved to town and a brother, Fred Johnson,brought his bride, Barbara Oliver, to live on the ranch also. After "the parents" moved back to the ranch and a baby was born to Fred and Barbara,Tim and Melba decidedthat was more than enoughso they moved out. The only place to live was in one rooln, now the bank vault, the former Ethel Pope's BeautyShop in the bank building. There was a corner sink and a closet, to which was addeda meageramount of necessities.Restroomfacilities were in the bank to which the key was providedfor Tim and Melba as custodiansin lieu of rent. They movedto this room in Nov. 1945. About the next March an official letter cameto Tim with a checkof $600.00, from a rich great uncle. (Mr. Schwaner,the banker, said it was real! Wow! Tim and Melba were working at Johnson'sgaragefor $100 at that time.) Money to buy a house! After househunting one Sunday,the housedecidedon was the old Marley schoolhouse. So Tim and Melba movedto her parents'home (165 W. Cassia)who had retiredto town, so they could
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to the lot next door' prepareto move the schoolhouse i thebasement, cemented and dug Tim buiing thatsummer to Marley to trips i several parents made and Melba and dismantlethe insideof the schoolhouse. i A daughter,Lana Lorraine,was born to Tim and' MelbaSept.21, 1946. The moversmovedthe school-i houseon to the foundationDec. 31, 1946. Tim and Chesterstartedmakinga "home"out of the building. It could was finishedenoughby April so the threeSanders movein. Therewasrunningwater,but no drainandno bathroom,but the parents'homewasnextdoor. Tim did closets,etc.,andall the all of the finishwork: cupboards, plumbing. A utility room was addedthe next year,and we wereHOME! About that time, Tim went to work for Frank and S a n d e r sf a m i l y , M a Y 1 9 6 8 . D a l e ,M e l b a ,T i m . S e a t e d : Melvin Popeat Pope'sGaragefor severalyears'working L i n d a ,C a r o l ,L a n a . on the housebeforeand afterwork. Linda Kae was born Aug. 18, 1948. The housewas wedding anniversary.) almost finished. (Actually the last closetwas not built until 1992 the year of our 50th Nov. 17, 1953' Lyn, Carol was born be The last to Their only boy, I)ale Jay, was born Jan. 29, 1950. a partnershipto run formed Parke, Curtis Tim and Melba's biother, Mont Johnson,and Mont's son-in-law built the first They eventually Mont,s ranch at the north edgeof town and the dryland butte, 6 mi. NW of town. (??) opportunity the modern dairy barn in Richfild, milking about 100 cows. This gave the Sander's.children Tim ran Eventually to learn to milk cows. Eachof them, ui ttr.y got old enough,had milking responsibilities. the ranch and dairy alonefor six years. going up Each summer the family found a way to take a vacation (one year i! wa1 only I day), generally ski. to water learned (except Melba) all they Lake where Redfish Mulcloon on Fish Creek way, and growing There was tap danceclisses and recitalsfor Lana, Linda and Dale, anclsportsfor Dale as they were imaginary made yard that front in the poplar trees big up. All four children, especiallyCarol, rememberedthe Dad had chopped tree housesfor them.' Tlien on" day they came home from school and there were no trees. There were the shade. gone was for a swing, rope them down! Gone were the tree houses,gonewas the long four unhappy and tearful kids. ulceratedcolitis during junior high years, which eventuallyled to his death from cancerin Dale d^eveloped and had 3 Nov. 1978. He had gone on an LDS ririion to St. Louis, MO, area; married Addie Gardner, master's his children, Aaryn, Jereriy, Rebekah;earnedhis collegeBA degreefrom BYU and was working on (Rainbow Day degree;bought a house in Bothel, WA and was hired as supervisorof a large day care center Care) in Seattlewhen he died. He is buried in Richfield. and Lana got her teaching degreefrom BYU (went to Ricks College two years prior), taught in Dietrich children: eight have They live. to Richfield to returned 1979 rhey Cambridge-andmarried {ugri Fuchs. ln Lana teaches Ryan, Cimille, Nathan, Me-lanie,Larisa, Loran, Ben, Katrina. They still live in Richfield and preschooland kindergarten. Falls Linda attended{i.k. Coll"ge one year, and beauty school one year; worked as a beauticianin Twin rural tiom change a D.C. Quite until she and her cousinReneePirke delideclto work for the FBI in Washington agent. FBI special an small towns. There she met and married Tim K. Childs from Salt Lake City, who became PA. They They have8 children:Jared,Jolyn, Amy, Ben, Lisa, Lara, Jacob,Saraand live now in Williamsport, either come to Richfield or we fly to PA about each year. Scott Carol went to work at ByU, then on an LDS misiion to Switzerland. After coming home she married full-term lost two and Katie, Scotty, Stephanie, Rachael, Michelle, Cluff. They have five living children: stillborn girls. They live in West Jordan,UT. Melba had gone to BYU for two yearsafter high school,then decidedto marry Tim. In 1963she went back from 1964 to school againio becomea teacher" ShetaughtHome Economics,Music and was Librarian at RHS students! those loved She her life. to l9g6 when she retired. Thesewere someof ttte most rewarding years of years before many for In later years, Tim went to work for Ward's Cheese,and stayedas maintenanceman retiring, completelyretiring. Thesewere someof his best years. He loved the work and the people there. After "down south" Tim and Melba spentsometime travelingin theii 5th wheeltrailer to variousplaces,especially
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with friendseachwinter.Oneof theircampinghighlightswasin 1991whenLana's,Linda'sandCarol'sfamilies andTim andMelba(29 in all) wentto SouthDakota. in 1992. All of their immediate And of course,thebestmemoryeventwastheir 50thweddinganniversary HappyDay! Wonderful friends. many relatives and other family(36)werethere,aswell assistersandbrothers, 50 years! Tim hasalwayshada positiveattitudeaboutlife whichhas In spiteof manyhealthproblemsandoperations, his 80thbirthdaySept.1993. He still enjoys"living" - fishing, him to manyfriends. We celebrated endeared travelingand "socializing"with friends.Melbastill enjoysher music,especiallyplayingsimplepieceson the piano(because of arthritis),playingat churchandat the carecenterin Shoshone. in Richfield- the bestplacein the world to live! (Source:Melba And - they still live in that old schoolhouse
Sanders) SANFORD Frank Sanford (b. Feb. 2, 1882, Springville, UT) to Cyrus and Mary JaneHunt Sanford, was the seventhof twelve children. Frank's parents also had a ranch up a nearby canyon where Frank worked with his father. Jennie Thorn (b. Apr. 4, 1887, in Springville)to Josephand Eliza JohnsonThorn, was the fourth of twelve children. Jennie's father was the founder and owner of the Thorn Road ConstructionCompany. Jennieoften went with him as a camp cook for a dollar a day. Some of the places she went were GrandJunction,CO, SanFrancisco,and New Mexico. In Mexico she had a chanceto see the Aztec ruins and their celebrations. They would makebreadtwice a day, cookingfrom 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 or 10:00at night. Frank Sanfordhad a great love for horsesand dancing. He and his sister Lois Martindale would enter dance contests.Frank met Jennie at a summer concertin Springville. He askedif he could walk her home and then offered F r a n ka n d J e n n i eS a n f o r d .1 to milk her parents' cow, an interestingand quaint approach. They were married on Dec. 16, 1908,at the Thorn home. subsequently In the spring of l9l9 Frank and Jenniesold their home and boughtan 80 acre f'arm near Richfield. They remainedhere for the next 24 difticult years. Frank worked the farm and drove a horse-drawnschocllbus. One afternoon,Frank was caughtin ablizzard driving the horseschoolbus. He left the kids at a neighbors,unhitched the horsesand rode one of the horseshome. Frank couldn't see, so he let the horse find his way home. He arrivedhome after dark; he had left the schoolat noon. Jenniewas fiantic by the time he camehome. He had frozen his ears and fingers and he had trouble with them eachwinter alter that. Thomas,Will and Erma Flavel, the Frank and Jenniemade many friendshere - the Johnsons,Sorensens, Relief Societypresident. Shewould Richfield LDS ward and stake Manwills and others. Jenniebecamethe first drive to her many church functions and shoppingby horse and buggy. Their tirst car was a model T Ford. In 1943 Frank and Jenniesold their farm to the Silveys and movedto Salt Lake City. Two years later they boughta 1,000acre ranchnear Elko, NV, going into businesswith their son and daughter,Hunt and Josephine. In 1951, Frank and Jenniereturnedto Springvillewhere they remainedfbr the balanceof their lives. Frank Sanfordd. Sept.23,1966 in Springville.JennieThorn Sanfordd. Nov. l,1971, in Springvilleat the ageof 84. Their children: Josephine,b. in July of 1909in Springvillecamehereat the ageof ten with her parents. Her grandfather Thorn passedaway while she was in high schooland her grandmotherrequestedthat Josephinereturn to stay with her. She graduated from high school there and entered BYU in the fall of 1927, earning a Certificate in Educationin 1920. Her first teachingposition was in Elba, ID where she met and married Howard Hubbard in 1930.(SeeHubbard) Hunt, b. May l, 1911, in Springvilleand was 8 yearsold when they cameto Richfield. He returnedto Springvillefor his final year of high schoolto enhancehis prospectsfor attendingBYU on an athleticscholarship. This was not to be due to previously incurred athleticinjuries. He worked his way though BYU, however. Then he settledin Salt Lake City where he met and married Eddis Jonesin 1936. They later divorced. Hunt left SLC in 1945 and moved to Elko where he went into the ranching businesswith his parents and sisterJosephine.Hunt marriedIreneCaremanon May 31, 1947. They had no childrenbut assistedin the raising of his sisterJosephine'sthree children. The family ranch was sold in 1955. Hunt and Irene moved to Elko where they entered into a number of successful businessventures. Irene passedawayFeb. 15, 1978in Elko. Hunt marriedMary Yochum on Aug.
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9, 1979. They were later divorced but have since remarried. Hunt sold all of his business interestsand is currently living in retirement in Elko. LCJ June30, 1933Hunt Sanfordand RossJohnsondrove a herd of 13 horsesSat.to one of the CCC camps on Warm Springs creek. The horseswill be used on the constructionwork there and are hired out by Frank Sanford, Dick and Mark Johnson. Eliza Jane grew up and attendedschool in Richfield. She married Leon Giles. (See Giles) Frank Jr. (Sandy)was b. Sept. 3, 1923, in Richfield where he went through school. World War II soon had begun and Sandy enteredthe military. He spentfour years in the U.S. Navy, seeing service in the Pacific area. While he was stationedin Seattlehe met SusanSunski. They were married on Feb. 16, 1945. Shortly after the war, Sandyand Sue movedto Elko but soonreturnedto Seattlewhere he was foreman of a large grocery warehouse. Three children were born into the family: Suzette,Danny and Jennie Lee. Sandy and Sue bought a little island near Seattleand moved a trailer out there. They all loved this little island and spent many happy weekendsthere. Sandy had a deep attachmentto his family and frequently returned home to visit. He passed Leon Capps) away on Dec.24, 1972in Seattle. (Source:LeonetteGiles Clark, granddaughter, SCHENK Charles J. and Anna S. Schenkand son John moved to the Burmah area and located on the place where Bob Billington now lives. Charleswas born Sept.2, 1864,when Lincoln was president,and lived to be nearly 89, passingaway on May 3, 1953. Anna was born Sept. 26, 1868, and died June 6, 1933. Their son John, b. 1890, continuedto farm the placefor someyears. His wife, Hattie Lorraine, b. l9l1 at Hibbard, ID md John at Blackfoot in 1934. She died of cancerat her home on Dec. 2, 1957, al\er an illnessof several months,survivedby a son Larry andthreegrandchildren.Sheresidedin Burmahfor 30 yearsand was a member of the LDS Church and the Burmah Club. After John sold the farm in 1969and left Richfieldin 1972,he lived the last yearsof his life with Larry in Boise until his deathNov. 14, 1977. Gravesideserviceswere held Nov. 18, 1977, at the Richfield Cemetery wherehis wife and parentswere alsoburied. (Source:Obituariesfrom BurmahBk--LCJ; Cem. records;Rosses) SCHISLER Bdward Charles Schislerwas born Dec. 3, 1910,in Denver, CO. His mother and father moved hometo help on the farm. His father died shortly afterthey to Wirth, Arkansas,taking him to his grandparents' moved to the Ozarks. When Ed went to school at Wirth, he could speakonly the German language,making a big problem for him. Ed went to Ohio at an early age to work in corn husking and do farm work. He also worked in Wisconsinto help his motherpay for the farm his family was buying. In 1936he and Paul Rosecame to Richfield looking for work and to seeEd's aunt, Edith Schwaner. They went back to the Ozarks and on June 9, 1937, he married Myrtle Dunsmore. We cameto Idaho in a 1926Model T Ford coupe, taking us two weeks. Ed got work with the Big Wood CanalCo., working on the bull gang; Jim Petersonwas his boss. ln 1942 he startedworking for the UPRR on the sectionunder Arvin Pounder. Arvin and Ed becamevery good fiiends. Ed enjoyedfishing, hunting and camping,also traveling. He belongedto the Masonsand Lions. He worked for the UPRR until he becameill. Ed was home abouttwo yearsbefore he passedaway Sept. 16, 1973. We had two children, George Ray and Agnes LaVerne. George, b. July 31, 1939,md FrancesJacovackFeb. 13, 1968. Georgeis employedwith the UPRR as engineer. Francesis a teacher. They havefour children:Bernadine,GeorgeJ., Rena Marie and BarbaraMay, who are all in college. Agnes, b. March 25, 1945, md Jack Kehrer May 13, 1964. They had three children: Richard Scott and Debbie Kehrer who have two children,JordanAnn and KassandraLynn; JacquelineRay, b. Aug. 8, 1966,d. Nov. l, 1986;Jill La Verne md. Anthony Vaughn,one child, MeghanRae. (SourceMyrtle Schisler) [Myrtle is a member of the North End Club, attendsthe Methodist Church and WSCS, which she has entertainedevery Januaryfor over 55 years, and a memberof the Star for over 50 years. She is known for her manyhandmadequilts,the deliciousrolls and piesshehasfurnishedfor manygatherings,and the "bestmolasses cookiesin the whole world," to quoteElaineBehr as a child. ACBI SCHWANCK Joe Schwanck,79, of Richfield for the past 7 years died Wednesdayin Shoshone. Born Oct. 22, 1858, in Germany,he cameto the USA when22 yearsof age. Burial in Shoshone.He is listedon the 1920 Richfield census.
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City, SCHWANER GeorgeRobert Schwanerwas born Mar. 30, 1880,on the Schwanerfarm near Sauk in Prussia was born His mother lived. Schwaner Hanusa Henrietta and wherehisiarentsRobertCarl Wisconsin, from andmovedwith her fimily to the UnitedStatesandsettledin WI. His father'sfamily had movedearlier manner. fair in a others to treat and honest Germany.Theseparentstiught Georgeto be a goodworker,to be The family movedto Nebraskato be with otherSchwanerfamily membersand Georgeattendedpublic and College. He startedhis businesscareer from the GrandIslandBusiness high schoolinbrd, NE and graduated for theDierki Lumber& CoalCo. at theageof 22. His sister,Frances,wasbornFeb. 3, 1894, as'abookkeeper scarletfeveranddiedJan.3l , 1897. RobertandHenrietta in Ord. Whenshewastwo yearsold, shecontracted Shewasb.March.17,1899,inOrd. She Schwaner. thenadoptedRuthHardestyandgaveherthesurnameof no md. Arno Miller June16,igzo.-strr d. Apr. 22,1947,andis buriedin SaukCity, wI. SheandArno had children. lasted While living in NE Georgeplayed baseballwith a minor leagueteam and got a love of baseballthat in in handy fast came run him throughouthis life. His learning to Oct. 1935 when he was called at the bank that there was a fire at
runningthehalf hishomeandhe outrantwo carsanda motorcycle with mileto his house.Duringthe 1890'sHenriettawasdiagnosed cancerand told that shehad not long to live so the parentsand Ruthmovedbackto WI.
l P i c t u r e di n p h o t o , B a c k r o w : D e l l L e m m o n ,W i l l i a ma n d E r w i n t rmstrong, A r m s t r o n g?, l p o s s i b l yH a n kM u n s o no r M r . S o n n e r ]F, o r r e sA p o s s i b l yM r s ' ? A r m s t r o n g , M a r g a r e t G o u g h , H e l e n A n n aC h a m b e r l a i n , S o n n e r ,F e r nA r m s t r o n g ;M i d d l e :l d a L e m m o n ,M r s . H i l l ,J o h n L e m m o n . M r . H i l l , R u t h L e m m o n ,G e o r g eS c h w a n e r ,M a r y l e eS c h w a n e r ,E d i t h S c h w a n e rF ; r o n t :B e r t C h a m b e r l a i nF, r a n k& l v e n aC h a m b e r l a i n ' l
Georgecontinuedto work for the LumberCo. asbookkeeper in their branchesat Ord and Wood River, NE' He then was managerof the branchat Ansley. While therehe met a young P h o t of r o m A r m s t r o n gF a m i l Y . whowasb. Dec. EdithWingertSchisler, nurseandschoolteacher, 2, 1873,in GrandIsland,NE, daughterof SamuelMyersand Mary efizabethWingertSchisler.Aftir their marriagethey movedto NE andthento Denver,CO. Edith was tnetltrirochild of 5 girls and2 boys. Whenthe Schislerfamily movedto Denver,Georgewent alsoandhe and Edithweremd. June28, 1909in MountainView, CO. Mickelwait,thata bankerwasneededin Richfield,he and After learningfrom his cousin,LydiaSchwaner *j,!:,t:1ii1i;,
G e o r g eS c h w a n e r ,a g e 8 2 y e a r s ,19 6 2 .
E d i t h a r r i v e d i n R i c h f i e l d A u g . 3 ll,g l 0 , a n d m o v e d i n t o t h e o r i g i n a l t w o r o o m s i n the housethat is now 175 E. KootenaiAve. He startedwork as assistantcashier in the First StateBank Sept. l, 1910. He soonbecamecashierand then Presidentof the bank and workeclthere for more than 40 years. He retired and then returned to the bank when Louis Hastingswas convictedof embezzlingfunds fiom the bank until a replacementwas hired. It was a compliment of his caring and honest attitude toward thosewith whom he did businessthat he handledtheir financial matters and other businessfor more than 40 yearsand still remainedtheir friend. In 1911they had the housebuiltthat is now 252 W. Bannockand moved into it that fall and lived there the rest of their lives. Edith enjoyedbeing a homemaker, gardeningand being active in communityaffairs. They were membersof the Methodist Church, Masonic,EasternStar, Odd Fellows and RebekahLodges and gave freely of their time and money wherever it was neededand at times before it was needbd. SinceEdith was a trainednurse,shehelpedout with thosewho were ill and having babies. On Mar. 2, 1925,she helpeddeliver a baby girl west of Richfield whose mother died at the birth. No one in the family was able to care for the baby so Georgeand Edith took her into their home. Mary Pearl Shepard'stather married againwhen shewas 11 monthsold and took her back into his family in Nampa, ID. The Schwanerskept track of her and she married and had 2 sons. She died in 1952
from havingmumpsandgettinghepatitisafterward.Sheis buriedin Nampa.
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1929, they took a daughter, Marylee, into their George and Edith had no children of their own, so in Aug. gave her the advantagesshe was deniedbefbre' home to raise. She *u, nru.ty five yearsold at the time and they provide for them after the father died' The 7 Due to being in a family of sevenchildren, the mother could not afriend went to Boise by train and brought her children were taken to the children's ttome in Boise. Edith and in 8th gracle,Edith died at her home of a sudden to Richfield. She attendedschoolin Richfield and when shewas live in their home and Marylee gradt'atedfrom heart attack Dec. 15, 1937. Georgeand Marylee continuedto In Dec. 1943 she md Mac crowther' (See RHS in May 1g42. she attendeoitre u of I in Moscow one year.
FrankCrowther) Georgewas alwaYs
farmersandhelpedthemin manywaysto raisetheir cropsandtheir the -WM families. He felt thathe couldbetterhelp themfinanciallyif he knew first handabouttheir business.After he was retired,he gettinginto spentmanyhourson his daughter'sfarm, sometimes old befbre years 50 was He tractor. the drive tioubleleirningto driving comfbrtable never was and he learnedto drive a car
outsideof Richfield. He likecl to trsh and hunt and go 10 the mountains and camp with his tamily and many tiiends' A favoriteplaceto campwas the PaulsonBros' sheepcampwest of Ketchumat warm Springs. During his lif'e in Richtjeld he was the one that everyonewent to with their questionsand.he took time to listen and advise them. Edith had chronic asthmaand was unableto sleepduring the early hours of the night. Shewas ill each spring un,l fot several weeks had to have a nurse live with them and take care of the house. George was always and Mr' Prid- healthyand althoughhe haclheart problems,he was alwaysup 1927 Back:HarperBuel,Priscilla more;Vera & HarryPridmore.Middle:*rn'^l and doine eventh.ugh he had beenaclvisedt. rest at times. He
Hii,nill:
Dick& Nelr Edith& Geo'schwaner; ffi;;?r;rr.
tt"* heartfailurethenightof Dec.21, 1962.
They are both buried in the Richfreld cernetery.(Source: Crowther) MaryleeSchwaner section those-ofthe rapidly-growing especially ancl Idaho ni rn.n It is to a largedegreeto the self-made their owe of this part of the west whereinlies the city of Richfield,that the inclustrialanclfinancialinterest condition.In this classstandsprominentlyGeorgeR. Schwaner,cashierof presentimportanceandprosperous ideasandpublicspirit,is widelyknownin business the FirstStateBankof Richfield,anda manof progressive andfinancehasbeendue to his own eflbrtsand andbankingcircles. His rapidrise in the worid of business for the highestbusinessintegrityandhonorabledealingin all abilities,andhe hascarefullybuilt up a reputation in thebank. He is devotinghis time to organizinga Commercial stoit<holders matters.He is oneof the teaOing citizens.Duringhis leisuretime, Mr. Schwanertakesopportunityto Club, with rany of ttr. city's i-eading of the furry and finny tribe indulgein his favoritesportsof huntingandfishing,uni nur..ous fine specimens 1914,page937) h a v e f a l l e n v i c t i m s t o h i s s k i l l . ( S o uHricset o: r y o f l d o h o , v oIl I. I , B y H i r a m T - F r e n c h , is beinghonoredin Richfielclby resolutionsand memorials The memoryot the late GeorgeR. Schwane? manyyearsof work and.supportduringhis 52 years to whichhe hadcontributed from the serviceorganizations his retiringandmodest of his5oyearsastreasurer,lauds in Richfield.TheRichfieldvillageboardin recognition he wasa charter which of club, Lions Richfielcl The mannerandstrongsenseof civicdutyandrespJnsibility. in his contributions fiienclship. and perforrn-.. of membership of his constientious member,gaveexpression of the treasurer also was He memoryhavebeenreceivedby theRichfieldMethodistchurchfrom manysource_s. since #72 Star Eastern of RichfieldSchoolandsecretariotttre MasonicLodge#70, chartermemberof the order with the FederalLandBank his association 1914,andoneof two RichfieldRoyalArch Masois. He continuecl as a directorsince1951. (SourceTimesNewsJan.19, 1963') andservecl cameto Richfieldin 1943from MammothSprings, sEwARD JosephB. and DorothyAlice (wirth) Sewarcl got frozenon the job antt couldn'tgo back to get the Arkansas. Joe cameout first to work on the railroad, workedon the RR for a while family. SoDorothyurougtrtthesevenchildrenouton thetrain in october. Daddy Motherworkedas cesspools' cleaned and andworkedas a trucky fir tne city, haulingcoal,grainor w_hatever, beenkilled in a had Donald call.that the operatoruntil dial phones.u*.in. StrJwason dutywhen telephone to crochet, loved She in church. car wreck camethrough. shf workedin the libraryfor yearsandwas active as well as others andvestsfor bazaarsand afghans,doilies,siippe.s,sweaters ta6lecloths, makingbedspreads, 281
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
andthe boys' shirts,out of feedsacks andmy dresses for her own use. Shesewedall our clothes,Josephine's patterns She taughtme to sewwithouta pattern, were not so available. pattern. In times those andneverhad a get patterns I foundsewingwasmucheasier grew I up and could andI mademyselfseveraldresses.Thenwhen no stoppingher. (Source:Elsie there was andmorefun, so I boughtpatternsfor Mother. Shesewedeverything; SewardWilmoth) [TheSewardfamily lived on BannockAvenueandthechildrenwentto schoolhere. WhenDorothyandJoe I missedmy goodneighbors.Joeoftenplowedthe snowout latermovedto the SawtoothSeniorApartments, of our laneso I coulddrive to school,andDorothycaredfor my plantsanddog whenI was gone. Shemade her homein Twin Fallswith her daughterElsiein her lastyears.ACBI DorothyA. Seward,82, of RichfielddiedFeb. 15, 1991,in Twin Falls. Mrs. Sewardwas a memberof Assembly of God Churchand a former memberof the RebekahLodge. Shewas also a memberof the the in deathby her husband Women'sSocietyof ChristianServiceandRichfieldSeniorCitizens.Shewaspreceded with Church burial at the Richfield Richfield Assembly of God held at the The was funeral and two sons. (Obituary, l99l) LCJ Feb. 20, Cemetery. JoeB. Sewardb. Dec. 2I, l90l St. Louis,MO, sonof JosephB. andMyrtle Seward;md DorothyAlice Wirth Oct. 15, 1927at Wirth, Arkansas.Dorothy,dau.of EdwardAlbertand AltenaIonaWhitneyWirth, b. April 14, 1908Wirth. Children,all bornin MammothSprings,AK. PA. Otis E. b. Feb.4, 1932,d. Sept.30, 1989Susquena, Bennyb. Oct. 10, 1928md ShirleyFarnsworth. L. of Leeper,PA b. March ElsieM. b. June22, 1933,md BoydWilmothSept.6,1953Richfield.Josephine 11, 1935;md FrancisSlater.Donaldb. July21,1936,d. Sept.12, 1953Richfield.GeraldA. of Strattonville, ID b. Iune27,'1941. PA b. Aug.24, 1939"DaleR. of Caldwell, '27. After living in a coupleof otherhomes, andfamilycameto Richfieldabout1926or SHEETSDr. Sheets theymovedto the presentThomashomewherehe couldkeeppatients.He movedto Fairfieldaround1928, JohnLemmon,ACB) wherehe hadhis medicalpracticefbr abouttwo years.(Source: RR Oct. 20, 1930 Fairf-ieldis soon to lose its Sheets,which will be a real catastrophenow winter is approaching,almostas big a calamityas when the Sheetsblew out of Richfield.The referenceis to Dr. Sheets, recentlvdoctor in Richfield.
. Back:Richard, Ralph. MarianDeWald Family,Left. Right:Frontrow:AnnieBaird,MaryHughes, Shelley SHELLEY John and Agnes Shelleyand their childrenAnnie, Ralph, Marian and Richard, all born in Mt. Pleasant, UT, cameto Richfield in 1925. We arrived EasterSunday,1925. lt was a sunny, bright day, quite different from some days we encounteredon the way. The first year we rented and farmed what was known as the Bush place, located I mi. N and 314 mi. E of Richfield. The house has been gone for many years. That fall we moved acrossthe road to the Gunn place, farming both placesthrough the years. Henry and Anna Rumple had previously lived there. Times were good and bad through thoseyears. The depressionwas on with short water years, poor crops and grasshoppers,but all was not bad; we had enjoyabletimes too. Most families lived under the same circumstances.
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In the eveningsmy sister, brothersand I gatheredaroundthe dining room table to study. A kerosenelamp provided our light and a wood-coalheaterin the corner provided our heat. Sometimeswe'd chill on one side and be cooked on the other. Before going to bed we'd have a snackand prayer before trudging upstairsto bed. We didn't have TV or radio, but we played gamesand enjoyedrecords played on a hand-woundVictrola. When other kids were around, we played tag, kick the can and other outdoor games. In cooler weather we enjoyed checkers,crocinol and flinch. Ralph and Richard, along with other friends, liked to visit the old junk yard near town. They brought home many "treasures"that caughttheir eyes. At times theseturned out to be things our Dad had hauled out during the week. Ralph belongedto a 4-H group and had four grade pigs the first year. Then he acquired a registeredone with a fancy name and papersa mile long! We were all proud of his project. I joined a 4-H Canning Club, riding a horse to Burmah for the meetings. It was about the time the home pressurecannerscame out and our first project was canningpeas. Mrs. Vaughn, and I believeone of the Sorensenwomen, were leaders. The County ExtensionAgent, Mr. Truman Anderson,took a pictureof me on my horse and wrote a story aboutthe 125 miles I traveled. When I was in 5th grade, Mom stayedin SLC for medicaltreatments. Pop always had soup or something for us to eat when we got home from school. He also mixed and baked our bread. I did the washingon the board on Saturdaysand ironed as neededduring the week. This was also done for some cousinsand an uncle. Bob-sleddingpartieswere enjoyedin the winter. Pop would let us take the team and sled, providing Ralph drove. Many streetcornersin Richfield could tell a story if they could talk. One night our sled swung a corner, tipped over and my brother, Dick, landedon his head. Another night, our gang was out in a snowballfight with a rival group and fbund ourselvesacrossthe only railroad crossingin Richfield. They would not let us back. Ralph tried to crosssome distanceup the tracks, going over huge rocks hiddenby deepsnow and finally broke down. He unhitchedthe team, driving them and we all walked home. The next day our dad got the sled repairedbefore he could bring it home. Another pastime we enjoyed was walking through the lavas. My dad half-soledmy shoeson a Saturday night, but by Sunday night, the soleswere worn through.There were cavesaroundand we exploredthem all. I was the only one in our family to graduatefrom RHS. Ralph and Richard attendedsome and Marian startedher senior year in Richfield, but graduatedin Melba in 1937. Schoolpartieswere enjoyedin varioushomeswhere many kids learnedthe "modern dances." Homesfbr (Paulsons),Ben Cranes,Garlocksand ours. theseoccasionswere Reynolds,Lemmons,Richardsons In winter our horse-drawnschoolbuseswere on sledsand on wheelsfbr the rest of the time. Seatsand windows that openedwere on eachside. Fred Lockey was our bus driver fbr many years and we were the first kids on the bus. He'd tie the reins up front, then comeback and play with us. Another driver was Mr. Hand. We gave him rhubarband he gave us a deliciousrhubarbcakerecipe.In cold weather,blankets,charcoal,and footwarmerswere furnishedby the school.Our folks put partsof a charcoalbrick in the frrebox on the kitchen range till it got red-hot, then put the piecesin a small box in the foot-warmersto keep our feet warm. Our folks would get togetherwith relatives,neighborsand friendsfor homepartiesand dancing. Our dad's sistermarriedWill Coates. He had a brother,JessCoates. My mother'snephewsmadetheir home with us off and on; her brothers,Keith, Roy, Mauriceand Alvin Brown, were aroundalso. Years later our youngestsister, Mary Agnes,joined us. She was specialand still is our pride andjoy. Our drinking water and water for householduse was hauledfrom town in milk cans or water tanks. If the water in the couleewas clear enough,we usedit for washingcolored clothes. The washing was mostly done on a washboard,althoughwe did acquirea hand-powered washer,with a handleto push and pull to make it work. It was great when we got a gasolineMaytag washer. It seemedlike aboutevery washday,Pop would haveto go to town to get Mr. Durfee to help start it. The clotheswere ironed with hand irons heatedon the kitchen range. Ah...the coulee...alsocalledthe slough. It was interesting,fascinatingand ever difl'erent" When ttrerewas no water in it we could run acrossthe flat lava rock beds. My brother, Richard, always shed his shoeswhen school let out for the summer and his feet got so tough he could skim acrossthe hot lavas, as if skating on ice. In winter the ice would freezethick enoughfor skating. Sometimesone could fish through the ice and catch big fish, 12to 14 incheslong... trout (and suckers!) We eagerlylookedforward to spring when the water was turned in. Sometimesit would be a small stream that meanderedalong, filling one hole and moving on to another. Other years big streamscame down, seemingto tumble over the rocks and just roll along like it was in a hurry to empty into Silver Creek and move on to far away places. Many summer eveningdips in the coulee were enjoyed by our family. It was like we'd lost a friend when the water was turned off in the fall.
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In the fall of 1936, the folks had a farm sale. The depressionwas still on and no one had a lot of money. The hay brought $7.00 per ton in the stack. Recentshort water yearsbrought it up to $100.00 and more. Mom's health was never the best, yet many times shegot out of bed to go help others in illnesses,death and childbirth. People would come for her in buggies, bob-sledsand cars. Our family was active in the LDS Church. Pop helped when the red brick Church was built on Main Street. As a storm was coming in and the shinglingof the roof was not quite completed,Pop and my brother, Ralph, worked Thanksgiving Day to finish the work. Pop had serveda mission for the Church before he was married and was a missionarythroughout his life, expressedby his love for the Gospeland his fellowmen. LCJ Oct. 28, 1936 Eleanor Reynoldsgave a farewell party for Annie and Marian Shelley, who will leave soon with their parents for Melba, ID. They enjoyed a taffy pull and games. Others present were Gladys Knodel, Shirley Hand, Bernice Powell, ConstanceMcArthur and Edna Holmes. Our family moved to Melba in Nov. 1936,to start a new life on a farm they had purchased. Mom took care of our Dad who suffered strokesfor ten years before his death. She lived anotherten years in a nursing home and finally went to join Pop. A great lady was laid to rest. John Mason Shelleyb. Dec. 2, 1883Mt. Pleasant,UT, son of SamuelLevi and Marion BurnsideShelley; md AgnesBrown Dec. 2, 1914 Manti, UT. Agnes,dau of Richardand Annie HutchisonBrown, b. Sept. 17, 1889Mt. Pleasant,UT. Children: I (Annie) was born Dec. l,1914, md Robert Baird from Carey in 1936 in Nampa. We lived in Carey 6 years,then movedto Melbato farm with Ralph. We had three children, Robert, Dean and Sharon, and 9 grandchildren,9 step-grandchildren.Bob passedaway in May of 1992. Ralph b. Aug. 19,l9l7 md Edna RobertsJuly 3, 1940;four children,Linda, Carol, Dennis and Delores, l l grandchildren.Ralph passedaway June7, 1983. Marian b. June 25, l9l9 md Jack DeWald Aug.7, 1947. He is a retired StatePatrolman;one son, Phil, grandsons. She passedaway in Sept. 1984.Jack DeWald d. Jan. 1995. 2 T .h e y h a v e t w o c h i l d r e n , J a n e a n d R i c k a n d R i c h a r d b . J u n el , l 9 2 l , m d E i l e e n M c G u i r e M a r . 2 7 , 1 9 4 8 three grandchildren. He has retired from the telephonecompany. Mary b" Sept. 14, 1930, startedfirst grade in Richfield. She was one of the first Girls' StateDelegates when the program started. She md Robert HughesFeb. 24, 1950, now retired from the telephonecompany. Mary worked in the schoollunch programfor 29 years. They have5 children,Jonilyn, Shelley,James,Dan and David, 22 grandchildren. Memoriesare the happeningsof the past that enrich our lives today. Richfield has a specialplace in our hearts.(Source:Annie S. Baird) SHEPARD Funeral of Pearl May Shepardheld Wednesdayat the Methodist Church. Pearl May was born at Paltonsberg,MO July 22, 1895, and died at the homeof her parentsMarch 2, 1925, leaving to mourn a husband, 4 yearold son and day old daughter. Parents:David Fieldsand wife; one sister. 9 mi" SHOCKLEY Nathaniel and Lorena Shockleymovedto Richfieldin March of 1910. They homesteaded NW of Richfield near where the railroad siding for Burmah used to be. Mamma, Lunetta, and Lorena Ann movedto SantaMonica, CA Sept. 14, 1942,to live with Wesley,Bertha and Etta Lee, where the girls were goingto businesscollege.Mamma marriedA.A. Markley May ll, 1950,at Smith River, CA. She died and is buried there. NathanielShockleyb. Aug. 25, 1876,Kentucky,son of Isaiahand Lydia McDaniel Shockley,d. Nov. 25, 1935,buriedat RichfieldCemetery. He md l) Eva James(d. 1902),Tiff City, MO Jan. l, 1896;2) Lorena Bell Arnold May 3, 1908,Coeurd'Alene,ID. LorenaBell b. July 19, 1889,Las Vegas,NM, d. Dec. 13, 1954,dau of John Wesley and RachelPattersonArnold. Children: Cecil b. Feb. 14, 1909, Coeur d'Alene, d. Dec. 31, 1955,Coeurd'Alene; md Vivian Mae Dec. 20,1934, Jerome;3 sons.John Raymond b. Nov. 20, 1913,Coeur d'Alene, d. Nov. 3,1956, Napa, CA; md Erma Mae Finch Nov. 26, 1932,Gooding; I son, I daughter.Mary Mildred b. Dec. 17,1917, Richfield; md Paul Akins Dec. 24, 1937,Shoshone.Paul Akins b. Sept. 3, 1917, Tellico Plains,TN. Children: 1 son, I daughter.Harold Wesleyb. Nov. 31, 1919,Richfield; md EstherViola BartonJune1,1947, SantaMonica, CA; children:3 daughters.Bertha Evelyn b. Feb. 26, 1921,Richfield; md l)Arthur W. KoeppenMar. 16, 1943,SantaMonica, CA; 2) Don Mullin Oct. 13, 1963, Nampa,ID. Children: 2 daughters,1 son. Etta Lee b. Mar. 7, 1923,Richfield;md Frank A. CannonApr. 20, 1946, SantaMonica, CA; children:6 sons,2 daughters.Lunetta b. Jan. 18, 1928,Richfield;md Robert M. Miick Sept. 12, 1948, SantaMonica; children 1 son, 1 daughter.Lorena Ann July 10, 1929, Richfield; md Claude Edd Henderson Sept.24, 1946, SantaMonica. (Source:Mary ShockleyAkins)
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He was a small man 5'6" tall, weighted158 lbs. Although a small man he changeda lot of people'slives 480 acres NW of town above the canal. He with his ministry. After their arrival in Richfield, he homesteaded for the Idaho Irrigation Company on Magic He worked work. it didn't water, tried to dry farm but without Cottonwoods. ranch at the had a who Reservoir, also for Tom Byrnes, He startedhis ministry in l9l7 . He becameill with the flu during the flu epidemic. He told his wife if he lived through the night he would devotethe rest of his life to God. Had a vision that God spoketo him, told him to get a pi& and stiike the ground and he would becomewell, also to dig one cable length and he would find thr6e pots of refined gold - one large one for widows, orphansand poor; one medium sized one for the followers of his church and a imall one for the continuingof his church. He called his church The True Followers of Christ and held church every Sundayat his househe had built on his homestead.His church grew slowly at first. He believed in faith healing which got him in trouble with the law enforcement. One of his follower's children died while he was gone. They had the funeral the sameday that he returned. He wanted them to dig her up str he could revive her. Someonetold the sheriff and he stoppedhim. He never turned anyoneaway who was in need. If someonewas hungry, neededclothesor a place to stay he provided. When askedwhat they owed he would say, "When you recoverseld a dollar or a sack of f-lour." When peoplejoined his church they were baptizedin the canal that was ll2 mi. away. He never did the baptizinghimself, but a closefriend (Will Woods, an ordainedBaptistminister) did the submergingwith Shockley asiisting-. He filed corporationpaperswith the Stateof Idaho in 1930 for The True Followers of Christ. Shockleyclidn'tuse modernequipmentto dig his mine. The hole was aboutfour f-eetsquare. He dug it all by hand, driileO the holes for dynamite with hammer and hand drill, using a bucket about tw<l f'eet acrossand four feet deep. He had two men to operatethe hand windlassto bring the rock up to the surface. He let some of the men help him dig until they reached150 feet deep. He had a vision that it was too dangerousfbr the others, so did all of the work himself, letting no one in the shaft. LCJ Nov. 20, 1935 "NathanielShockley,well known Richfield ReligiousLeader, dies immediatelyfiom smash-upon ShoshoneStreet. In one of the most shockingcrashesin the long list of those injuriesin spectacular eiperiencedthepastfew months,NathanielShockley,59, met instantdeathat I I o'clock as the machinein which he was riding with Milo Homes as driver, left the highway at its north entranceto Shoshone,shearedoff a telephonepoie like match-wood and flatteneclitself againsta large tree. Mr. Shockley expired within a f-ew causedhis death...MiloHolmeshad a broken leg, a broken minutes. Dr. C.W. Dill saidthat a brain concussion hand and two broken ribs. Their small Hupmobilegray sedanwas wrecked completely. Mr. Holmes said Shockleywas hasteningfrom the west enclof the Richfield track to Gooding where Mr. Holmes' wife was ill at a hospitil... "Mr. Shockleywas founderof the sectknown as The True Followersof Christ, which has several hundiedmembersthroughoutsouthernIdaho. For severalyearsMr. Shockleyand his workershad beendigging a hole, now 437 feet in dept, through solid lava rock a f'ew miles NW of town." His body was returnedto his home where his fbllowerswaitedfor him to return to lif'e. After l0 daysof waiting the authoritiesinsistedthat he be buried. He is buriedat the RichfieldCemetery.His fcrllowerscontinued to live and hold meetingsawaitinghis returnas he had promisedthem. Finally his wife and childrenmovedto Richfield where they could attendschool. A few stayedon and lived at the homesteadfbr severalmore years. Two men, Holmes and Luther, took turns keepingthe house,leavingfood, table set, bedsmade,bringing water to keep flowers alive. The housewas never locked. Anyone could stop and get shelterand provisions. They held rites every November for Shockley. Mrs. Shockley and family stayed for several more years in Richfield. ln 1942 she moved to California and married a man who had been a memberof the church. As interestfadedand yearswent by the churchhousewas abandonedand vandalized,cattle used it as shelter. It burned during a range fire. Today the only thing left is a large pile of rocks and a hole in the ground 437 f'eet deep. (Source:Glen Ross) Mary KodeshWard remembersher neighbors,the Shockleys,with greatfondness. They were truly kind, loving, generouspeople. Nathaniel Shockley was a dark headed, very soft spoken man, and very much a gentleman. He loved children. Mary recallsthe Sundaysspentat their "homestead"NW of town as somettf the happiestdays of her childhood. They would pile up in Shockley'scar and headoutfor the "homestead." People came from here and surroundingtowns. The women all brought dishesof food. The men visited and the kids played until dinner was ready. After disheswere done Mr. Shockley read from the Bible and hymns were sung. The first time Mary sang "Bringing in the Sheaves,"she misunderstoodand lustily sang "Bringing in the Sheep," and for many yearsthoughtthat was what it was. They lived acrossthe street south of them, just west of town at the city limits. Mary recallsthe day Mr. Shockleywas killed in an auto accident. Mary, her
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wild flowersandwhatflowerseachhad,andwove crosses sisterJanie,LorenaAnn andLunettaalwaysgathered grave MemorialDay. Mary hastakenflowerseversince. She on Mr. Shockley's take to to out of dandelions N of town, playingaroundin it while it wasbeingbuilt and log house built the whenMrs. Shockley remembers andis ownedby Jim Newberry. Mary also stuccoed has been house since The manyhappydaysthere. spending Mrs. Shockleyrushingright out to help doctor bull and eye by a recalls*hen her iattterwas hookedover the to SantaMonica,CA. LorenaAnn came move away him. Theyweresuchgoodfriends,andweresadto seethem high schooldays.(Source:Mary Ward) to finish high schoolhereandtheyhadhappy backto fiictrRetO SIMERLY Robert and Darline Simerlymovedto Richfield\n 1947from California. They purchasedthe from Jim and Ethel Brown. They movedthe oil RichfieldMotor ServiceGarageand WestcottOil business to Wendellin 1950. business They lived in the housebehindthe garagefor a while thenmovedto the homeon the Ray Appell corner. Darlinewas a sisterof Polly Rossand was activein Circle II of the WSCS. They had two sons,Harold and Richard,who now operatethe Bitterli Storein Wendell. (Source:Polly Ross) '17. He worked SIMPSON My fatherandmother,Fred andLaurettaSimpson,cameto Richfleldabout1916or on the CareyHighway. They movedto Richfieldandlived on the old Stewardplace. After a coupleof years my dadfarmedon the old Wilcox placeandthenafterI camealong,we movedto the old JessBrown placein rancher.We rodethe coveredwagonschool t92l andlived thereuntil Dad sold in 1965. He wasa successful to the motorbus. All of us attendednichfield gradeandhigh busuntil I was in 8th grade,whentheychanged of our classes. andsalutatorians schoolandwerequitehigh in gradesandsomeus becamevaledictorians andmarriedgoodmenwhicharehardto find nowadays.Jack After high schoolwe wereprettysuccessful (JohnGrayson)becamea hobo, I guess. He workedat pickingdifferentkindsof fruits andvegetables.Doris owneda cafeuntil shemarried. Fredaworkedat theLincolnCountyCourthousebeforeandafterher marriage. Beawasa schoolteacherandtaughtin Twin Fallsuntil her marriageto BobO'Connell. Parker got all his extra companyuntil my schoolingin the Army andat the Yumaprovingground. I, Audrey, workedat the telephone joined Air Force and becamea the marriageto the late R.A. ReynoldsSr. I live in Kodiak,Alaska. Reba R.N.V. andworkedmostofher marriedlifeuntilsheretired.Shirleywasan A-1 Waitressin Auburn,CA, but Reynolds) now! (Source:AudreySimpson is a homebody b. Nov.28, 1889,Girard,KA, d. June3, 1974,Auburn,CA; buriedRichfield; AloysiusSimpson Frederick sonof EdgarandMary Ann BeckSimpson.He md 2)LaurettaKetronFeb.7, 1913,Douglas,MO. Lauretta, clau.of Reubenan{ SarahEllenBairdKetron,b. Sept.28, 1892,Trenton,MO, d. Nov. 20, 1933,Gooding; buriedRichfield.Children:SusanMildred b. Apr. 1914St.Louis,MO; d. Dec. 17, 1986.md 1) GilhertKistler Helenl.,ouise b. Apr. 61914,St. Louis;d. Oct. 10, 1914.Mary Virginia Sept.l,1933;2) EwenCampbell. , a n e yK, S , d . D e c . 1 3 , 1 9 9 4 , b . J a n . 6 ,1 9 1 8C , a n e yK, S ; d . F e b . 6 ,1 9 1 7J. o h nG r a y s o n b . N o v . 2 1 , 1 9 1 6C md CecilSchreckMay 26, 1946. Auburn,CA. Doris Gertrudeb. July 16, 1919,MuldoonFlats,Carey,ID; Remaining childrenbornin Richfield.Carrie Fredab. Aug. 24, 192I,d. Feb. 10, 1963;md Ray OyerJuly 5, 1942,Reno.Leah Beatriceb. May 4, 1923;md RobertO'ConnellJune19, 1943,Pullman,WA. Harvey Ash Sept.13,1952,Baltimore,MD; d. Aug. 8, 1990.Audrey Pearl Parkerb. May 28, 1925;md Geraldine WA. RebaHope b. Dec. 4, 1928;md James 1951,Seattle, Mar.24, Reynolds md Robert 20, 1927; Feb. b. md 1)Pauline Jan16, 1954.(Frederick 1933, md Clawson 15, James Mae b. June 1954. Shirley Aug. 14, Reeves (Source: Audrey Simpson) (2 Jack Simpson, DeVries 4) Violette sons); Winifred;3) Alta McChestney motherof the Richfieldcommunity,passedaway Mrs. Fred Simpson,4l, a well knownand respected Monday,Nov. 20, 1933,at Goodingfollowingmajorsurgery.Shehaslivedhere30 yearsand is the mother of ten children.JackSimpsonwas broughthomeThursdayfrom Twin Fallswherehe had a doublemastoid operation.(LCJ Nov. 24, 1933) Fred Simpsonlater marriedVioletteDeVries. They werevery activein the MethodistChurchandchoir. Shehadtwo sons,AntoneandVictor DeVries. FredandVioletteleft Richfieldabout1956.Violettelives at the '74) ageof 93 or 94. (Source:HelenPelley;LCJ ObituaryJune Dec. 13, 1994. On REMEMBRANCE a cancerpatient,diedquicklyof pneumonia SIMPSON Jack Simpson, with artist's brushin hand./And it is thus,so land,/ We're born an the Card:Acrossthe world,/ Throughout years of joy and strife/ We paint the I am told/ We brushwith strokesbothweakandbold,/ And throughthe "What a strikingportraitJack'slife would added: portraitof our life! By FredSimpson,1967ShirleyBetteridge of spirit,hardwork, honestyandbravery:soft pastelsfor his make!...bold bright colorsfor his independence TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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gentlenessand love of all small creaturesand the beauty of nature: for his love of God and generosityof spirit...with sharpaccentssignifyinghis dry senseof humor..." SKELTON Mr. and Mrs. Ben Skeltonand daughterDarlene lived on the Hendersonplace 1 mi. W 3 N in the '41, buther life was cut short when she was in afatal thirties. Darlene,b. May 23, 1923,was in the classof car accidenton Oct. 13, 1938. Her mother,PearlWilmoth Skelton,b. Apr. 20, 1891,d. Nov. 7, 1947. Both were buried in the Richfield Cemetery.(SourceCem. Bk.; ACB) SLUDER Charles Sluder married Gonda Riley Sept. 15, 1934, at Shoshone. They spent all their married life in the Richfield area. Chuck startedwork for the Richfield Highway District as equipmentoperator in 1937. He worked there severalyears; worked for the StateHighway Dept. for a time in 1943and for Big Wood Canal Co. for 6 years. ln 1949 he startedhis own construction,sand and gravel business. He retired in 1979. Douglas and Gilbert continuedthe businesswith somehelp from Dale. Dale worked for Union Pacific Railroadfor l0 years. Ronald and his family left Richfield in 1961to work for a constructioncompany from Portland. He is still in Vancouver, WA, in construction. Donald "Duke" went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration Dept. right after he got out of collegeat Pocatello. He is almostreadyfor his 20 year retirement. Chuck spenthis retirementyearsworking his little farm north of the ShoshoneIce Cavesservice stationby Highway 75 and Big Wood River. He also enjoyedworking with his collectionof old enginesand machinery, which he had spentmany yearscollecting. In his "youngeryears" he enjoyedflying and his airplanes.Chuck passedaway June 12, 1988, at his home in Richfield after a hard battle with cancer. He was laid to rest in the Richfield Cemetery. Gonda helpedwith the constructionbusinessand enjoyedworking at the little farm also. Kept busy with the five sons and their families. She went to work fcrr the PostalService as clerk in 1969, becamepostmaster S.h e c o n t i n u e d t o w o r k a s j a n i t o r f o r t h e F i r s t l n t e r s t a t e inl9T9,retiredfromthePostalServiceDec.20,l9S5 Bank until retiring Nov. of 1992,continuedliving in the Sluderhomeat 180W. Oneida. In 1993Gondamarried Keith Hand of Cody, WY. They live in Powell,WY in Keith's homewherehe had lived for many years. Gonda still hasher housein Richfield. Glen Cox "housesits" for her. Sheand Keith cometo Richfield as often as they can. Keith enjoys coming to Richfield sincehe lived there for many years, graduatedfiom the Richfield school in 1932and has a sisterto visit there also, Shirleyand Rex Flavel. (Source:Gonda Sluder Hand) One man's hobbyhasturnedout to be Richfield'sbiggesttouristattraction.His displayof outmodedtractors and threshingmachineslines one half block of streetfacing93A in downtown Richfield. Sluderstartedhis collectionin 1961with the purchaseof a steamCaseenginehe was reluctantto see.iunked. He has 32 engineson the lot, including14 stationaryengines.The oldestpiecewas built in 1907and camefrom the Elk Creek Rocky Bar country. It is a 60 horsepowersteamengine. A Casegasolinethreshingmachine,not ownedby Sluder,is alsodisplayedwith his equipment. Called"Old Jumbo," it is owned by Carl Paulson,son of the late C.O. Paulson,who purchasedthe machinein l9l3 from R.J. Lemmon's store in Richfield. It is said to be one of sevenmade with only two still in running order. Paradetime finds many children and others anxiousfor a ride on "Old Jumbo," but only the hardiestor experiencedemergefrom the experiencewithout a "gassed"feeling. He still retainsa fondnessfor the old, keepingalive memoriesfor many, and an awarenessfor the past fbr a new generation.(Source: Twins News, date unknown) CharlesSluderb. Jan 11, l9l3 Mt. Grove, MO, son of Tom and Laura Tilman Sluder. GondaRiley b. Mar.27, 1917, dau. of Ralph and Myrtle JenningsRiley. Children, all born in Richf-ield:Ronald Eugeneb. Deeds,3 girls. Donald Lee b. Apr. 3, 1938;md Mary McWillis,2 boysand I girl. Jan. 13, 1936;md Jeanette Charles Douglas b. Sept. 21, 1943;1 girl and 2 boys. Dale Howard b. Jan. 7, 1947; md Louise Larson Trammel; I girl. Gilbert Thomas b. May 30, 1953;md Rita King; 3 boys, 2 girls. SLUDER Howard Sluderwas born Nov. 20, l9l7,in Mt. Grove, Missouri. He cameto Idaho in 1920with his family. He graduatedfrom RHS in 1937 and from the Albion Normal School. ln I94l he went to CA, worked for DoublasAircraft Corp. and went into the Navy Air Force in 1942. He earnedhis Air Force Wings in 1945.ln 1945he was dischargedfrom the service. He married RosemaryReynoldsin 1945 in Texas, and cameback to Idaho. ln 1946 they lived in Gooding where Howard taught school. They went to Moscow where Howard receivedhis BachelorsDegree in Education in 1949. In 1950 he receivedhis MastersDegree.From 1949to 1952 Howard was curriculum Directoi fbr the Nampa schools. ln1952 Howard and Rosemarylived in IdahoFalls where Howard was principal of theschool
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systemuntil 19r<2.He went to work for the FederalEnergy Department(atomic energy) near the Arco site and was transferredto C.and Junction in 1970. From there he was transferredto Oak Ridge, TN. He worked there until retiring in 1992. Rosemaryworked in Oak Ridge for a large corporation.They moved to a new home in San Angelo, TX. They are very happy there. Howard and Rosemaryhave a daughter Susan who lives in Lexington, KY and a son Peter Brian who lives in Knoxville, TN. (Source:Gonda Sluder Hand) SMITH Charles W. Smith and Ferma Verne (Plymire) Smith moved from Beloit, Kansasto Richfield in 1938, with their two sonsWarren W. and Ralph E. Smith. They built a housesouthof the railroad track in 1939 and '50's. The housewas sold to Gene Cox family new occupied lived there until they moved to Twin Falls in the by McRoberts. Charles Smith farmed in Richfield for severalyearsand worked on farms. We had a team of mustangsnamedBill and Rodneythat Warren and I had a runaway with at our housesouth of the railroad and endedup just north of Ed Schisler'shousewith one horseon one side of a power pole and one on the other side. When we got stoppednot a tug was hitched. Ralph started6th grade at Richfield and graduatedfrom RHS in 1944. Lettered in fbotball and basketball and one year of boxing. Served in the Army from Oct. 1944to Aug. 1946. Went to Univ. of Idaho Southern Branchwhich is now ISU. Graduatedwith B.S. Degreein Pharmacyin 1950. Worked as pharmacistin Wallace and Osburn, ID, until 1955 and then bought Richfield Drug from Lorene Swatman,operatedit until Aug. 1963, then closedthe store. They gave the Richfield Drug building to Richfield to be used as a library. Married Betty Lucille Pauli in Sept. 1956. Two boys were born while living at Richfield, Ray Dean and CurtisLynn. They now have5 grandchildren.Ralphis a memberof the RichfieldMasonicLodge where he was Master of the Lodge. He belongedto the Lions Club and servedon the board of the Wood River Convalescent Center when it was started. He received the "Bowl of Hygeia" award at the ldaho State Pharmaceutical Conventionin Juneof 1993which was awardedfor CommunityService. This awardalso includeda trip for him and Betty to Philadelphia,PA. One award is given for eachstate,Dist. of Columbia,PuertoRico, and eleven from Canada. They moved to Buhl in 1963 and have stayedactive in church, clubs and community affairs. (Source:Ralph Smith) Betty: We lived abovethe Drug store. Ray, our oldestson, was 6 when we left Richfield and Curtis was '57. '56 I alsosubstituted and until we left. I filled in for the husinessteacherwhile 3. I taughtat Richfield in job. Ray had a heartattack,as I remember. he took over Ray Brigg's superintendent's I worked in the Methodist Church some. I was Worthy Matron with Forest Armstrong as Worthy Patron in OES at Richfield. I held many offices and was activein OES while living in Richfield. We played a lot of pinochlewhile there as it was cheapentertainmentand there wasn't much else to do in the winter. Ray graduatedfrom Buhl High School in 1976and from NorthwestChristian College in Eugene, OR, later to Jefferson,IA, as ministerat CentralChristianChurch. They havea girl, Lora Kay, and a boy, Aaron Dean. Curtis graduatedfrom Buhl High Schoolin 1978and from NorthwestChristianCollege. He is working at Univ. of Oregon bookstorein the electronicsdepartmentand leadsthe choir at University StreetChristian the Churchand is an elder there. They havetwo boys and a girl. I havetaughtat Buhl, Castlefordand CSI sincemovingherefor andhavebeenactivein communityservice. [Betty is a nieceof Myrtle Schisler.] Ralph E. Smith b. Oct. ll, 1926Beloit, KS, son of CharlesW. and Ferma Verne Smith; md Betty Lucille Pauli. Betty, dau. of Adolf and Lucy DunsmorePauli, b. Oct. 3, 1933Thayer, MO. Children: Ray Dean b. Nov. 2, 1957Jerome;md Wendy BensonMar. 19, 1979Anacortes,WA. Curtis Lynn b. Ian.24, 1960Jerome; md BrendaPattersonAug. 2l , 1982,Eugene,OR. SORENSBN In November of 1922Hans Sorensenand four sons, Leo and Lillian, Frank and Beulah, Merlin and Eva, and Chad, and two daughters,Gladysand Iris, movedto the Big CottonwoodRanch. A short time later anotherdaughter,Myrtle and husbandJuneFreeman,camefrom Boise. Lee and Lillian had one son, Glenn, abouttwo yearsold. Merle and Eva had two daughters,Pearl one and a half years old and Nina one month old. Lillian drove a team of horsespulling somemachinery. Eva drove the touring car with Hans, Mary, and Nina. The men drove wagonswith the householdgoodsand machinery. Somedrove the cattleand horses. There were three houseson the place to accommodatethe families. Hans and Mary, Frank and Beulah, Chad and Iris and Gladyslived in the big house. Lee and Lillian lived in the housenorth of the barn. Merle and Eva lived in a small housejust north of the big house. Frank and Beulah stayedpart of one year and then moved to Fresno, CA. Later when Myrtle and June camethey lived in a houseon the farm just south of them. They had six children; Helen, Gene, Norma, Roger, Raymond,and Gai. Lee, Merle, and Chad farmed the big
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placefor severalyears. All equipmentwas horsedrawn. The irrigating was done with corrugationsand shovels. They had a few dairy cows and somerangecattle. While living here they were able to get some bum lambsfrom -Simms brothers who lived west of the river and a little south. The women and children bottle fed these the lambs. The ewe lambs were kept to form the nucleusof the sheepherd. Later enoughewes were boughtto form two 1.000headherds. Wayne, Vernon, and Shirley joined the Lee Sorensenfamily while they lived here. Muriel and Mary came to the M-erleSorensenfamily. Myrtle and Juneand family had movedto Rupert by 1928. The Sorensensbought the farm from Mike Byrnes. Merle's family moved into a four-room houseon this place. Lee's family moved into a two room-housethat had been used as the schoolhousewhile a new home was built for them. Hans and Mary then moved into the little house. The men worked from daylight to dark preparingthe fields, sowing, irrigating, and harvestingthe crops. The cutting, raking, and stackingthe hay took two or three weekstwice during the summer. The stackingwas donewith slips and chains. The childrendrovethe slipsas soonas they could handlea team. Two men pitched the shocksof hay onto the slips in the field. At the stacka tripper would fastenthe chains to a cable that would lift the load to the stacker. He would guidethe load to a spot on the stack and the derrick driver backedthe team to place the load on the stack. The tripper pulled a rope that tripped the load on the stack. If everyonehad done his job right, the man on the stackhad to move very few shocksto make the stack. When the grain was ready,a bindercut the grain and tied it in bundleswhich were hand piled sevento ten into a shock. Someyearsthe grain was hauledinto a yard and stackedin neat round stacksto wait the threshing machine. Other years it was hauled from the field and fed into the thresherdirectly tiom the wagons" Some years the threshing was done the last of October. In late Januaryand Februarythe lambswere born. The new lambs and their mothers were put in individual pens in a canvas-covered shed. One man had to work nightsto bring the lambs in befbre they chilled. Later they put pens with six or eight ewesand the lambs. The twins and singleswere kept separated.The in outside were hay put up during the summer was fed and additionalhay was bought from Elfrings and Schenks. This had to be hauledfour or five miles on hayrackspulledby horses. In the springthe sheepwere shorn and takenout on the sagebrushland for two months. A range right above Galena was securedand one of the men spent the summer months up there taking care of the herders,moving their camps to various spots, and checkingthe growth of the lambs. The lambs were trucked to Ketchum for shipmentto markets in the Mid-west. When it was Dad's turn, the family movedto the hills for the summer. The women worked long hourscookingfor crewsof men and the children,canning 100's of quartsof fiuit and vegetables,raising a big garden,chickens,and turkeys. GrandmaSorensengatheredwool fiom the barhs on the wire fences, washedand cardedit, and made it into quilt batts. There was no water piped into the houses. It had to be hauled in by buckets and heated in a reservoir on the wood burning stoves.Laundry was done with a stomperand washboarduntil 1932 when a gas-powered washing machine was purchasedand used by both families. The childrenwent to a one room schoolabouta block west of Merle's house. One teachertaughtall eight grades. As the studentsleft to go on to high schoolor to a town schoolthey had receiveda good foundationand in the largerschools.During recessand noonhour we playedbaseball,steal didn't haveany troubleacademically sticks,pom pom pull away, kick the can, fox and geese. During the summerwhen we had free time, we swam in the by-pass,madeplay houseson huge flat rocks, rode horsesto explore the desert, went through the ice caveswith sagebrush torches. The ice cavesprovided ice for delicioushomemadeice cream. Eva and Mrs. Vaughnwere4-H leadersfor severalyears. They enabledthe girls to take projectsin sewing. canning and cooking. Lillian and Eva were chartermembersof the Burmah Club. While living on this farm Lee and Lillian had five childrenborn to completetheir family; Sherman,Eileen, Gordon, Alice and Kristine. Bruce, LaRue, and Janetjoined the Merle Sorensenfamily. Merle and family moved to Richfield in 1936. He bought a farm on the eastside of town from John Byrnes. (Donald "Cotton" Riley lives therenow.) Nina and Pearlwere in high schoolthen and the schoolbusesdid not run to the Cottonwoods. Lee kept the range cattle and Merle kept the sheep. He continuedto go to the hills in the summerand hired someoneto farm the place. Merle liked the hills, riding Old Dude and fishing. Charlene and Bob joined the family while they lived here. Lee and family moved to Shoshonein 1951. Some of the boys stayedon the farm. Wayne and his wife Nina lived in the big housefor sevenyears before moving to a place north of Shoshone. Glenn and Alberta moved to Dietrich. Lee's son Gordon and Gloria and a grandsonTracy and Connie still live on the ranch. Both placesbelongto them now. The big housewas recently sold to Gib and
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Rita Sluderand moved north of the ice caves. GeneFreemanboughtthe houseEva and Merle lived in when they first moved there. It was moved to the Freemanfarm now owned by Berle Coatesof Shoshone. The rest of Lee's family is scattered. Vernon is in Washington,Shirley in California, and Alice in Shoshone.Eileen, Shermanand Kristine have died. Merle's childrenlive in the following places:Pearlin SaltLake City; Nina and LaRue in Twin Falls; Muriel and Mary are still in Richfield; Bruce lives south of Jerome;Janetin Boise; Charlenein Arkansas; and Bob in Missoula. in 1950,Merle in 1951,Lee in 1966,Lillian in 1981, GrandmaMary Sorensendied in 1932,HansSorensen Eva in 1982. The Sorensenmen and women worked hard long hours, but took time to work in their respectivechurches, help in community projects. They enjoyedtheir neighborsand joined them in various activities and parties. Chad Sorensenmarried Ada Brown of Richfield and lived on CarsonBrown's (her dad) place 7 mi. N and I ll2 m\. W for several years. They had two children, Winifred and Ivan. They finally moved to Coeur d'Alene. Ada and lvan's family live at HaydenLake and Winifred in Coeur d'Alene. Iris Sorensenmarried Pete Brown. They lived in the big housefor severalyears. (SeePete Brown) Leo Sorensenb. May 5, 1894, Georgetown,ID, son of Hans and Mary Tippetts Sorensen;md Lillian , ,dau.ofFrancesAlmaandCelia D i m i c k O c t . 2 , l g l g , S a l t L a k e C i t y .L i l l i a n , b . O c t . 3 0 l,8 9 9 , W a r d b o r oI D Alice EvansDimick. Children: Glenn L. b. Jan. 2, 1921,Boise;md Alberta FerrimondSept. 4, 1943, SLC. Wayne Dimick b. Feb. 6, 1923,Montpelier;md Nina ElaineFergusonMay 22, 1943,Richfield. Vernon Hans b. Sept.5, 1925,Burmah, [Richfield];md Ruth ElainePeakJune 15, 1946,Shoshone.Shirley b. Aug. 9, 1927, Burmah; md Iral Davis "Ike" Larsen May 15, 1947, MountainHome. Sherman Frances b. May 18, 1929, Burmah,d. Aug. 9, 1979 Malta, ID; md Mary Ann Boyd Aug. 8, 1952,Shoshone.Eileen b. May 15, 1931, Burmah,d. Aug. 26,1989 Boise; md Frank Wilford Morris Oct.29,1948, Shoshone.Gordon Everett b. June 10, 1933,Burmah;md Gloria Leona NebekerMay 31, 1952,Carey.Alice b. JuneZ9, 1937,Burmah; md James Kristine b. Dec. 5, 1940,Burmah,d. Nov. 9,1963, Elko; md David Bernett Webb Oct. 11. 1955.Shoshone. Alger Feb. 12, 1960, Shoshone. Merlin C. Sorensenb. April 9,1899, Georgetown,sonof Hansand Mary Ellen TippettsSorensen;md Eva Wyler, b. Oct. 21,1897, Paris,ID. Elizabeth Wyler May 1919. Eva, dau.of CharlesArthur andLouisaJonley Children: Ralph Wyler b. March 30, 1920,Kuna, d. July 4, 1951,Kuna. Pearl b. May 20, 1921. Kuna; md CharlesPatrick July 4, 1940, Richfield. Nina Lee b. Oct. 4, 1922,Boise;md Donald W. Riley Jan. 5, 1944, Elko. Muriel Fay b. Oct.29,1924,Burmah;md GrantT. FlavelSept.l,1946, Richfreld.MaryJean b. Dec. 28, 1926, Burmah; md Wendell A. King Nov. 25, 1945, Elko. Bruce W. b. Aug. 3, 1930, Burmah; md Marguerite(Roxy) RoseberryJune 12, 1949,Richfield.LaRue b. Jan. 12, 1932,Burmah;md William Edward md Roy IsaacMiller May 26, 1954,Idaho HortingSept.21,1949, Elko. Janet b. Feb. I7,1936, Shoshone; Falls, ID. Charlene Rae b. June 25, 1938,Richfield;md l) Daniel Davis Ralls Sept. 14, 1957; md 2) Dean Baxter.Robert W. b. Sept. 17, 1943, Gooding;md 1) Martha Mae Proctor Sept. 6, 1964, Richfield; 2) Rose Williams. (Source:Muriel Flavel) SOWERSBY The Frank and Bea Sowersbyfamily arrivedin Richfieldin N{ay 1939. The family spentthree years in Shoshonewhere Frank worked on farms and ranchesnorth of town. The family came tiom Macomb, Missouri,in 1936.Therewere six kids in the family in 1939:lrvin (1927),Jack (1928),Harold (1930),Evelyn
(1933),Verlin (1935),andPearl (1937). We first lived on the NW corner3 mi. N of Richfield. We laterlived briefly in a small housein town acrossfrom the present Veteran's Hall. In 1940Dad bought80 acreson the NE corner2 mi. N of town. Jayne (1940)andRichard (1942)wereborn there. Thosewere the yearsof corn, pinto beansand potatoes andwe did themall. Neververy profitably! In the Springof 1942we boughtand movedto the Biggsplace4 mi. N 2 mi. E of town, acrossthe river from the Cecil Heldermanplace. That was a magical place. It had a big house-stillmiraculouslystandingin F r a n kS o w e r s b yf a m i l yi n R i c h { i e l dS, u m m e ro f 1 9 4 1 . goodconditionin 1994- a big framebarnandseveral
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other good farm buildings. The lava flows from Cratersof the Moon were our back yard and were the scene of many live ammunition cowboy and Indian battleswith other farm kids. We must all have been poor shots! The early 1940's still had horsedrawn schoolbuses. Joe Giles drove our route. We had to walk a mile through the rain, mud, snow and bl\zzardsto where he picked us up. So it was great when in 1943Dad had to take the route. There were 6 kids in schoolin the family. At leastwe didn't have to walk that mile twice a day. Those were rough years, weatherwise. No droughtsthen. We managed,and I considerit all a great time in my '45 VennaKing, Glen Ross,BobbyBell, Jimmy with Mary andShirleySorensen, life. I graduatedin the Classof Powell, and Geraldine and Della McArthur, etc. I left Richfield in July 1945 to go to the US Maritime Academy on CatalinaIsland, CA, and on to travel the world ever since. My brothersJack and Harold joined the Navy and never returned to the farm. Dad sold the farm in 1948; the family moved to Shoshoneand on to Portland. Jack was killed in a highline electrical accidentin Arizona in 1959. Our youngestbrother,Richard,died of cancerin 1963 in Oregon. Pearl died of cancer in Yuma, Arizona, in 1989. Mom died in Vallejo, CA in 1977 and Dad in 1979 in Missouri. The rest of the family are prospering. Harold is a retired cowpoke in Leadore, ID. Evelyn lives in Roseberg,OR. Verlin also lives in Oregonat La Pine. Jaynelives near her three kids in Napa, CA. I spent34 yearsin Federalserviceand retiredfrom Mare Island Naval Shipyardin Vallejo, CA in 1982. I live in Camp Meeker, CA in the summer and in Green Valley, AZ and Mexico in the winter. I have faithfully attendedall but one of my five year classreunionsand am especiallylooking forward to our 50th AnniversaryReunionin June 1995. I recentlyvisitedRichfield to discussmy making a stainedglass winclow for the new Senior Citizen Center. I was shockedto find the old gym finally gone, and to note all the other changesin town and out in the country. It is sad to find so many of the old farmsteadsvanishedor abandoned. And to miss all the trees that used to line the canals and ditches. No magpie bounty, few rockchucks, no threshing machinesand crews, no hay stacking, no school vacationsto pick spuds. Lif'e must be very dull in Richfield nowadays! But I still enjoy returning for the reunions, and consider my few years in Richfield as a great preparationfor my life ever since. The annualOutlaw Days weekendis quite a changefrom the Riley corral rodeosthat I remember.(Source:Louis lrvin "Suzy" Sowersby) SPEEDY RobertS. Speedycameto Richfieldin 1911from Minneapolis,MN. He returnedin 1912 to farm. His place was located2 mi. N and 3 W of town. His sister,Dorothy, cameand kept housefor him and their brotherTom, until her marriageto Floyd Reynolds. AgnesAitken cameto the US fiom Scotlandin 1913. Shemd Aurilius Richardsonat Richfieldin 1916. Two daughters,Bernice and Thelma, were born in Richfield. The family moved to Lethbridge, Canada,where anotherdaughter,Florence,was born. After the death of Aurilius in 1924 the family moved back to Richfieldand madetheir homewith Agnes'suncle,RobertAitken. Agnesmd. RobertSpeedyin 1928. They had threechildrenMargaret, Bob and Alice. The family was active in the Methodist Church, 4-H Clubs and school events. After retiring from farm '68. '65 Bob and to Weiserin life the Speedysmovedto Boisein Speedy d. in July 1970 at the age of 88. Agnes moved to the Weiser Rest Home during her last few years, where she passed away in Apr. 1987. LCJ items: Mr. and Mrs. RobertSpeedyarethe proud parents of a baby boy b. July 7, 1933,namedRobertPalmer. He weighed 9 1/4 poundsand is most welcome, being the only boy in a family B o b & A g n e s S p e e d y , F l o r e n c e ,T h e l m a & B e r n i c eR i c h a r d s o nA; l i c e ,B o b b ya n d M a r g a r e t of five children. Richfield had an increasein its female populationlast week. S p e e d y . Mr. and Mrs. Speedy are rejoicing in the birth of a daughter [Alice] b. July 231' Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Johnson,a girl b. the next day; KennethWilmoths, the 27th; and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Cappshad a daughter[Nola] July 31. (Aug. 2, 1935) Bernice Richardsonwas one of ten 7th and 8th gradersto receive a Palmer Method Certificate. Bernice Richardsonand Edward Scanlonhave the honor of receiving the highestgradesin the county in Geography-99 and 98 respectively. (RR May 1930) Last week BerniceRichardson,HS sophomore,was awardedfirst place medal for county championshipfor style revue in 4-H, with presentationmade by Truman Anderson, County
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won first prize of $2.50 in the Agent. (RR Dec. 1932) BerniceRichardson enteredin the statecontest. paper has been Her countyfor her HealthEssay. (Apr. l93a) in 1935,thentook a coursein Dress Bernice,b. Dec. 23, 1916,graduated Designin L.A. Sheliked to ride, and we often took their 100 or so headof weekend cattlJout on thedesertdailyfor a weekin the summer.We exchanged visits and went on outings. Beforeher deathfrom cancerin 1979 in Arco, Virginia andWoodrowAsh (formerSup'there),Myrtle SchislerandI had many goodvisitswith BerniceandFloydPate.(SeePate)(ACB) in 1938. In 1941 schoolin Richfieldandgraduated Thelmawrote:I started Hospitalfor Mercy at I worked training. nurse's I took where I cameto Nampa of cattle--lots herded horses and rode We lot. 30 years. I enjoyedRichfielda 27, he Nov. d. 1943, and in Hellwege Herbert goodmemories.I wasmd to iq8q. We hadfive children: Georgia,Carolyn,Richard,Jamesand Donald. all of the classreunions,whichI really enjoyed.It's wonderfulto see I attended the MethodistChurchand campin the summersand old friends. We attended to 4-H sewingandcookingclubs. A groupof us werein the Ee-da-how , l i c e belongecl B e r n i c eR i c h a r d s o(nP a t e )A as our instructor. We had fun at the dancesat the C r a n e ( B e h r ) i n C r a n e ' s o r - Girls with Mrs. Swatman whenwe had lots of snow. In thosedaysfarming winter the Barn and Marley chard. equipment. wasdonewith horse-drawn Richfieldwas a very smalltown but had rodeos,4th of July celebrations,etc. The school was a beautiful rock builcling but was replacedwith a new building the last few years. I have lots of fond memoriesof Richfield. Florence, b. Mar. 28, 1922,md. Albert Sipe; they were the parentsof Linda (Spokane),Donna who teaches in Hailey and Ron Sipe. Albert worked in National Park maintenance,was transferredfrom the Craters of the on the job. Florencemoved to Weiser and Moon to the rain forest in WA, where he was killed in an acciclent taughtschoolthere until retiring aboutfive yearsago. Shehas kept in touchwith Richfield fiiends and classmates undhastraveledsinceretirement.Florence,daughterDonnaandThelmaHellwegewent to Scotlandto visit their mother's home country in recent years. Margaret, alsob. Mar.28,in 1929,mcl. Albert'sbrother,Bill Sipe. They spentmuch of their marriedlife in Weiser. Five children were born to them. Bill had a severestaphinfectionten years ago, which invadedhis heart. He d. Sept. 6, lgg4, in Seattle,fotlowing a 7 ll2 hour heart valve surgery. The families had many reunionsin Weiser, usually coincidingwith the Old Time Fiddlers'Concertsof nationalfame. Bob and Sharon(Norby) Speedyare tiving in Mt. Vernon, WA. TheY have four children. Bob was a Major in the Air Force, and they lived in TX and in Germany. During the Vietnam conflict he flew refueling planes in the Pacif-ic area and also planesto take injured men to hospitals. Alice Speedywill be rememberedas the blond, blue-eyed,dimpled youngest Speedygirl! She wrote as follows: I remember well the great times and the rough times in good old Richfield. I was with the first class to graduatefrom the new high school. Wonderful memories of 4-H activities and the county fairs. Our girls' basketballteam won the championshipin my senior year, 1952153.I Left: B o b S p e e d y1 9 5 6 ; r i g h t :B o b w i t h g r a n d s o n1 9 7 8 . remember the bad winter of l95ll52
tr
ffi
busandit tippedover whenRalphVaughnwasdriving arounda to usethe horse-drawn whenit wasnecessary really think I'm ancient) corner. (My grandchildren
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I (Alice Hartley) left Richfield to go to nursing school in Nampa, transferred to Ogden, UT, where I graduatedwith my RN 1956, md. Verle L. Hartley in'56, had four children--twoboys, two girls--and am now ietired from nursing, being a loving Mom and Grandmom. We live in Roy, UT and have 11 grandchildren, including twin boys. In July we went by the old farm in Richfield where everything is dead and depressingbut the house still stands. I understandthe owners gave up the water rights. (Sources: Florence Sipe, etc.) '20's, possibly father and sons. SPELLMAN Apparently severalSpellmanfamilies lived here in the 1910's and Mr. and Mrs. James Spellmancamefrom OK to maketheir home here in Nov. 1911. JamesSpellman,Civil War veteran, received notice his pensionhad been increased,thanksto Sen. Borah's efforts. (RR July l9l2). Zach Spellmanwho moved to Richfield later was listed in the 1920 census.N. D. Spellman had a dairy on the Lane ranch. An Elden Spellmanattendedschool here in 1923 also Nelson Spellman, who was nine years old at that time, and Elmer, 12. In a letter to George Schwanerfrom Enid, OK, Mr. Spellman said he had just celebratedhis 88th birthday in April 1930. SPURCK Leslie Spurck [sometimesspelledSpurk] returnedfrom about eight months service in France (WW (SJ D. His wife Opal has been employedat the Shoshonepostoffice. They will live on a ranch at Richfield. Mar. 7. 1919) Leslie and Walter Spurck,sonsof Mrs. Wyant, lived 4 mi. N of town. Walter, his wife, Marie and son Junior, live about l14 mi. E of the 4 mi. corner(houseno longerthere); Leslie and Opal lived about l12 mi. E where Furtadoslive now. Junior Spurckattendedschoolin Richfield. Leslieand Opal had no children. Opal's sister Mae Pope of Boise stayedwith them while Mae attendedHS here for a while. Mae becameMrs. Mont Johnsonand was a Richfield residentfor the remainderof her life. A brother, QuentenPope later stayedwith the Spurcks to attend RHS. Opal's niece Kitty Ryan of Boise spent part of her summer vacationswith them, riding horsebackfrequentlywith Elsie Crane. She is now Mrs. M. W. Beliveouof Boise, Melba Sanderssaid. Leslie Spurck and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Wyant, Mrs. Harriet Good and son Max visited at Hailey on Sat. (RICHFIELD Rustlings, SJ Sep. 24, 1920) [Mrs. Good, a daughterof Mrs. Bert Wyant, later becameMrs" HasselBlankenshipof Haileyl Mr. and Mrs. TannerRyanfrom the Cottonwoodsare visiting Mrs. Ryan'ssister, Mrs. Leslie Spurck. (SJJan. 28, l92l) Mrs. Wyant and Walter Spurckeachreceiveda shipmentof baby turks, 1,000 and 700 respectively. (SJ Apr. 4, 1931,ACB) STARK The Stark family movedto a farm abclut4 mi. NW of Richfreldabout 1916when Flossiewas in the sixth grade. Namesof other childrengleanedfrom schoolrecordswere Earl, Sylvia, Gladys and Hazel, who was listed with Arlie Chatfield and Ruth Lemmon in school about 1924. There was another brother also. We came from Goodland, Kansas,where my father worked on the railroad, but becauseof an accidentin which he lost an eye, had his hand mashedand a broken ankle, he decidedfarming was much better. My brother moved the furniture and the family cow on an immigrant car, the rest of the family came by passengertrain. We first bought a very poor forty acres, sold it and bought eighty acres, then we homesteaded320 acresand raised cattle and horses. We had many little colts to break. We all had our own horse, and we tried to teach it all the tricks we could. We went to schoolby bus, pulled by a team of horses. The seatswere constructed along the outer edgesof the bus, so that we faced each other down the bus. I remember one time we were drifts that you went up slowly and then down in a hurry. travelingalongover what we called"kiss-me-quicks", We all fell forward, the tongueof the bus cameloose and we had a runaway. At times the roads were so badly drifted and crusted that the bus driver and older boys would get out and break trails fbr the horseswhen they beganto give out. The home we had in Richfield was much different from the one in KS. At first we had a little fbur-room shack, so poorly built you could seethe starsoverhead,and wind whistled through the cracks. On the 80 acre farm the house had three bedrooms,but no conveniences.There was no market and we had very little money, but we raised all the food we needed. We went into the sheepbusinessbut lost a lot of sheepby bloat. We were glad to sell them for what little we did make on them. We youngstersenjoyed the Basqueherders a great deal. Had a wonderful time when we were living there--iceskating,horsebackriding and all kinds of pets. We enjoyed hunting arrow heads. In the eveningswe would help with the chores, milking and feeding the sheep. I always hatedto wash dishesand do to this day. We had to keepthe reservoiron the stove filled to heat water. We got water from a cistern with a bucket on a rope. We burned sagebrushand coal and always banked our fires so the fire would last overnight. We had a Round Oak heatingstoveand the cookstove. We ironed with a flatiron and washedon the washboard.
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I graduatedin a classof nine from high school. We had a good high school. I went to summer school at Albion and startedteachingthat fall--1924. My first teachingjob was in Burmah, a little settlementthat was just a post office, a little store and a schoolhouse. I was janitor and troubleshooteras well as teacher. We had a pump outsideand brought our water into the room in a bucket. We had a dipper in the bucket and everyoneused the dipper. Burning sagebrushwe brought any number of ticks into the schoolhouse. Youngsterswould pick them off and drop them in the stove. The horseswere tied to a hitching rack for the day. Pack rats and mice made it difficult to keep supplieswithout having them ruined or carried away. I taught there one year before going to a school near Melba. Teacherswere paid from $35 to $90 a month, usually around $75. I never taught for lessthan $90 per month. Following are some provisions that were in the averagecontractof that day: Not to get married or keep companywith men. To be home between8 pm and 6 am unlessshe is attendinga school function. Not to loiter in an ice cream parlor or leave town withoutthe permissionof the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Not to smoke cigarettes,drink beer, etc., nor ride in a carriageor automobilewith any man except her brothers or father. Not to dress in bright colors or wear dressesmore than two inches above the ankle. To wear at least two petticoats. Not to dye her hair, use face powder, mascaraor paint the lips. To sweepthe classroomfloor, carry out ashes,and clean the blackboardsat leasttwice daily. To scrub the floor once a week with hot water and soap. To smrt the fire at7 a.m., so it will be warm at 8 a.m. when the children arrive. fHazel Stark Sims is the only living member of the family; 3 children.l (Source:FlossieStark, b. 1905, from an Oral History interview with Lucille Colson, Nampa, ID Oral Hist. Ctr, Boise. Our thanksto AnnabelleErwin, who called to tell us about it. Flossie and Dorothy Clayton were roommatesat Albion.) '20's, and located 4 mi. STEVENS Albert (Bert) returned to Richfield from Shoshone,probably in the later N l/2 E on the S side of the road. There were six boys in the family of Cecile and Bert Stevens,all of whom but Wesley, the youngest,grew up in Richfield. His mother died and an aunt and uncle caredfor him. Bert md. Mabelle Kincaid Mar. I l, 1926, and they had a son Johnny. Lewis Albert, b. Apr. 10, 1916,md Hazel Carter:I was md. 42 yearsto Lewis Stevensand we have three children, David, Gary and Lee Ann. I loved teachingand taughtfor 35 years, retiring in 1984. Lewis became '82, very ill in Jan. and it was found he had a brain tumor. He had monthsof treatmentbut d. Aug. 15, 1983. I cherishthe time we had together. I belongto the Catholic Church and enjoy reading, baking, bike riding and my grandkids. (A note from Irene Ebert statedthat Hazel had seenthe unveiling of the Statue of Liberty in NYC). (Source: 1987 ReunionLetter by Hazel) George Marvin, b. Nov. 3, 1917,attendedin the sameclassas his brother,Lewis. A pleasant,well-liked youngman, his deathfrom a relapseafterpneumoniawas a shockto his friendsand loved ones. He d. Dec. 28, 1937 at Richfield at 20 years of age and was buried there. LCJ Dec. 6, 1935, statedthat George Stevens, 18 year old son of Albert Stevens,was chief cook at his home Thanksgivingday. He servedan excellentfive o'clock dinner for his father and brother, Mrs. Kincaid, Mrs. Umburn and Mrs. Amy Roseberry. Lloyd James,b. Sep.9, 1919,sawservicein WW II as Chief Signalmanon a heavycruiser. He md. Leona Mulford June 10, 1946in Seattle.At the reunionof the classes of 1934-1938in about 1987,he gavehis business "Jim card: StevensSTEVENS REALTY...Sacramento, CA". Lloyd wrote: I havebeenmd. 39 yearsto Leona '69 Mulford. We have three children: Jamesgraduated from US Naval Academy, Commander USN; Barry W. Chief Petty Officer USN and Tami Barrett. I'm a Real Estate Broker in CA and was FAA Air Trafic Control and Chief QuartermasterUSN; former memberof the SacramentoChamber of Commerce. I enlisted '37 in the USN Mar and was at Pearl Harbor Dec. 7 , 1941; up the New Guinea Coast with MacArthur to the Philippinesin'43144; in Okinawa when the war ended;in Korea '51152,retired from the USN Oct. 31,'59. '69. Receivedmy CA Real EstateBrokerslicenseSep. [1987 Reunionletter] (as Cecil July 5, 1921, Richfield his older brothers),also saw service as Aviation b. at were Jasper Electrician'sMate 1/c. He md. GraceEllen Hansonin Sept. 1943;d. Nov. 30, 1991. Rex Mace b. Nov. 4, 1923, in Shoshone,enteredthe Navy from HS in Richfield. A "Tribune Special" gave the following accountof his brief Navy careerFeb. 1, 1946: S2/c Rex Stevens,missing in action since May, 1943, is now declareddead, his father, Albert Stevens,was notified in a Navy Departmentcommunicationthis week. Mr. Stevensfirst received word that his son was missing in Aug. 1943. He took boot training at the Farraguttraining station and two months later was assignedto the submarineRunner, which was enroute back to Pearl Harbor by way of Midway when last heard of. WesleyPerry b. Nov. 5, 1924,in Shoshone,lived in CO and was md. to Alice Mae Crowther on Apr. 1, 1945at Sanford, CO.
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John David, b. Jan. 14, 1929,in Richfield, md. Zelda Rowe, b. Apr. 2, 1930. Albert Stevensb. to Walter and Eliza LouiseJonesat Bluff, UT, Jan 15, 1886, was md. June 18, 1915to CecilePerry Lewis, b July 28, 1884. He d. Feb. 27,1983 at nearly99. He loved to danceand could be seen in his later yearsdancingwith a group of Seniorsfrom Twin Falls, who camealmost every year to the Shoshone Fiddlers' Jamboree. Mabelle,b. Aug. 4, 1886,d. Jan. 2, 1946.(Source:Datesfrom Lloyd Stevens,ACB, John Lemmon) STEVENS Walter Stevenswas born in Holden,UT July 2,1882. His parents,Walter StevensSr. and Marietta Mace, were early-day pioneersin UT. He grew up in Bluff City, among the Indians when the town was an infant, moving on to Blanding when that town cameinto being. He servedas a missionary for the LDS Church in KS and MO. While there he correspondedwith Grace Crowther who lived in Sanford, CO where his sister, Lettie, lived. Following his missionhe visitedGracein CO and they were md. Oct. 18, 1909 in Manti, UT. Grace'sparents,JamesFranklin and Mary OlsenCrowther, movedto Provo aboutthe time Grace and Walter settledin Blanding where Walter had a start in the cattle business. He was an accomplishedcowboy and had a good start, but Grace did not like the area. The Indiansmadeher nervousand afraid, so Walter sold out and they moved to Provo where he went into the coal businesswith his father-in-law. After a couple of years they sold the businessand Grace and Walter went to Bingham, UT where Walter worked in the copper mines. In 1913they bought a farm in Marley, a community4 mi. W of Richfield, and the stock and horsesthat were on the ranch. They went back to Provo, engageda railroad car and shippedtheir furniture and one cow to Richfield with Walter going alongto carefor the cow. Graceand young son, Frank, cameon the passenger train. When they arrived in Richfield, they were met by PeteJohnsonwho took them back to Marley to their new home. They had bought the ranch from PeteJohnsonwho had built the houseand clearedsome of the land from sagebrush. He missedUT and wantedto go back. Marley had beensettledby the Johnsonfamily. The old man built his homeon the river and Louis, his son, built his home a mi N. There was a well dug and water piped to all of the housesalong the Marley Lane occupiedby sonsof the old man. Marley was a thriving community. Pete'sbrother, Niels, had a store and postofficeat his home which servedthe needsof all the peoplein the area. Marley SchoolDistrict No. 7 served as the fbcal centerof the community. Here they held churchas well as schooland socialgatherings. Marley Branchof the CareyWard of the LDS Churchwas organizedin 1911with PeteJohnson,presiding elder. After Petemovedawayhis brother,Oscar,was installedas BranchPresident.Oscarsold out and in l9l6 Walter was put in as Branch Presidentand serveduntil the Branch moved to Richfreld in 1920 where he was installedas SundaySchoolSuperintendent. Also in Marley there was a railroadsiding with a box car for a depot and a big scaleto weigh grain as it was loaded onto railcars for shipping and to weigh coal when it was ordered for the farmers' winter supply of fuel. After a fire destroyedthe store andpost office, Niels Johnsonsold his farm to Dave and Charley Graves. This put an end to that sectionof the little community. It was then that the RFD was extendedto Marley, so it posed no hardship on the people except they had to go to Richfield tbr all their other needs. The school '40's with Richfield. So little when it was consolidated continuedwith all eightgradesin one room until the early if remembers there was such a place. it is now anyone Richfield Marley until doubtful swallowed by little grubbing more sagebrushin order to plant more to improvetheir ranch,first by Walter and Graceproceeded crops. Grace'sbrother, Lewis and his wife Winnie Crowther,boughtan improvedranch NW of Richt'ield,so they had family. Walter's brother, Albert and new bride Cecile, cameand they fr,rrmeda partnership. It was then they built a cementdam at the NW corner of their property to better dispensewater to all tields and a big earthendam to channelall the water in one direction of the large couleewhich ran through the ranch. Then they built a bridge with concreteabutmentshigh enoughto withstandfloods. There were times when it looked as if it would be swept away, but it is still standingand being usedto this day 90 some years later. There was a little cowbarn on the place and Walter built a barn for horsesand shed for pigs, calves, sheep '20's Albert decidedto and chickensand year by year the ranch took shapeand becameproductive. In the mid Richfield where years in North then moved back and settled locate in North Shoshone. He farmed there a few life. he farmed until he retired, sold out and went to Twin Falls to live out the rest of his Grace wantedto go into the chickenbusinessso Lewis Crowther and Walter built her a good chicken coop. It was a lath and plastertwo-room chickenhouse,better than many families were living in at that time. Grace did well with her chickenoperationand took on raisingturkeysas well. In early Nov. the turkeys to be sold were put in a pen, caught and butchered,then dry picked and cooled as fast as possiblewithout refiigeration.
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Theseturkeys were for the Thanksgivingmarket, with the sameprocessrepeatedfor the Christmasmarket. This was a job for everyone, even the children, as sometimesthere were a lot of pin feathersto pull by hand. Everything was going well for the Stevensfamily. They had a family of sevenchildren, three boys and four '20's they began to have some dry girls, Frank, Lucile, Ruth, Dave, Fay, Helen and Grant. Then in the mid yearswith not enoughwater to raise a full crop of wheat and hay. Grace suffered a massiveheart attack from which she never fully recovered. She died Dec. 30, 1930,in the midst of the Great Depression. It left Walter in debt and he lost the Pete Johnsonranch but kept the smaller farm. This farm had a two-room house on it. Walter again beganto build up anotherfarm a cow barn first as he always milked about a dozen cows, a placefor horsesand corrals, etc. He md. Ruth Supan,but it didn't work out and he was back on his farm. Things were beginningto look up againwhen he was kicked by a horsewhile plowing, breakinghis leg. He developedpneumoniaand nearly died while in the hospital. At home Fay and Grant helped him and he recovered. But his leg gave him trouble for many years. Thanksgivingday of 1940 Walter md. Cora Sweat, a widow with sevenchildren, most of whom were married. Cora had a small farm closer to Richfield and Walter moved in with her, since she had three children still in school. He built a cow barn and movedhis cows to her placeand farmed both places. '40's and no longer had a horse on his farm. Also he had a Walter converted to a tractor in the early milking. Then Walter built an additionto his houseand he and Cora moved back to machine milking to do the Marley. Cora then sold her farm and bought one of the barrackhousesfrom the Hunt Japaneseprisoner of war complex. Walter beganto build that shackinto a comfortablelittle home for the two of them right in the heart of Richfield. He sold his farm to Grant and he and Cora moved into their new home where both families celebratedhis 80th birthday. In 1965 both families celebratedWalter and Cora's 25th wedding anniversaryalong with their friends. Again they all gatheredfbr Walter's l00th birthdayJuly 2, 1982. He passedaway Thanksgivingday 1983 on his and Cora's 43th weddinganniversary.Cora followedhim in Juneof 1984,age92. They lived a good lif'e and made it pleasantfor anyonewho visited them and they had a lot of visitors. And now in 1993 after the severedrought of the past sevenyears Grant lost the Marley farm and there is no one living there who has ties to the early days. I took my horseand went back last spring to ride and look at the placeswhere I usedto ride and play. Thingsdon't look the sameand yet the ground is still therejust as it usedto be. The houseI grew up in had burned yearsbefore, but the cellarsand water tank that my father built are still there. The peoplelet me look throughthe old Lou Johnsonhome where I had spentso much time. It has been remodeledto some extent, a modern kitchen, otherwiseabout the same. The most change seemedtcr be the trees---somany gone, somedeador dying, someprunedback and so many weeds" Walter Stevens,Jr. b. July 2, 1882at Holden, UT, md. Mary GraceCrowtherOct. 13, 1909at Manti, UT. Gracewas b. May 22, 1886 at Fountain Green, UT. Walter Frank b. Mar. 31, l9l1 at Provo, md. Fern Lee June30,193'1. He taughtshopand Ag at Prosser, WA; farmed at Othello. He d. July 1986. Mary Lucile b. Jan. 18, 1914at Marley; md. HarveyBentonBickettOct. I , 1933at Marley. Lucile, who loved horsesfrom the time she was little, competedin Riding Club jamborees,jumping, showedhuntersand jumpers in horse shows for 23 years until she retired at 65. She still rides. Traveling becameher first interest the last l5 yearsor more; has taken many trips in Americaand has beenaroundthe world three times. Lucile was Grand Marshal of the Gooding County Fair and Rodeoparadein 1990. She retired from the show ring in 1976with some 134 trophies,574 ribbonsand numerousnewspaperarticles. Sheand her horseSnooperheaped recognitionon Gooding. She enjoystrail rides,her latestbeinga ride throughthe beautitulterrain of Australia. (TimesNews, Aug. 1990) Ruth b. June9, 1916,at Provo, md. GarthBrush May 31, 1933at Elko; md. LesterStubbsDec. 10, 1950 at Gooding; md Perry CottinghamFeb. 4, 1968 at Filer. Perry and Ruth live in Burley. David Clair b. Nov. 16, 1917,at Marley, md. Wilma Lucille HennisJune 20, 1941at Salt Lake. Dave graduatedfromUoflasanelectricalengineer;workedforlPonSaltRiverProject,Phoenix. Retiredandliving in Bremerton,WA. Fayb. Jan. 10, 1920,atMarley; md. RoyRaymondBlakeslee Nov. 16, 1940. They leftRichfieldin'41, farmed in the Filer area. Roy d. 1962. Fay md. Leon Wright Aug. 27, 1964 at Filer. They went on many tours. Leon d. Nov. 1985. Fay has 4 children,2 stepchildren. Helen b. Feb. 22, 1924, at Shoshone. After the deathof her mother, she was raised by an uncle and aunt, Arthur and Ethel Crowther of Salt Lake City. Shemd. RusselMcKay Pugmire Oct. 4, 1943in Salt Lake. They lived in San Franciscoand retired in Calistoga,CA.
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William Grant b. Aug. 26,1.925,at Marley, md. Marjorie Faye Hubsmith July 20, 1947at Gooding. They had two sons and two daughters. The sons, Donald and Bill died and are buried in Richfield. Their daughters are Carleneand Della. Grant is a farmer and truck driver and he md. Joan Shirley Pounder Jonesand they live in Richfield. (Source:Lucile StevensBickett, Fay StevensBlakesleeWright) STIRTON George and Isabel (Heller) Stirton camehere from Hansen in 1948. George had been working in an elevatorand left becausehe was allergicto grain dust. Children were Carol Robinson,Conrad Morley, Dwain Stirton and Margaret Ann Swenson. Georgefirst worked for Theo Ollieu, then for the canal company. They '55 '56 he becameforeman or lived in the Charles McKay house,then the Naylor place near Eunice Powell. In of the bull gang on the canal companymaintenance.Isabel'ssisterGrace and Marty Whitesell cameto Richfield '59. later. GeorgeD. b 1899,d Oct. 12, 1957. Isabelworked for Bud Swan. She md Lyle Northrup in about She ran a cafe in the Bill Flavel building. They later moved to Mountain Home, where Isabel still lives. Lyle is deceased.Carol is the wife of Carl Robinson. Dwain startedworking for the canal companysummerswhile he was still in HS. He and Maxine Brown were md. in 1962. They have two boys. Dani went to CSi and has worked for the TF Truck and Equipment Co. ever since. Chad, living in Spokane,hastwo childrenand works for a seedcompanythat blendsgrassseeds for salelocally and for shipping. Maxinehasworkedpart time for 18 yearsfor the ShoshoneSaleYards. Dwain enjoys hunting and fishing, and they enjoy family campingoutings. Margaret Ann and Mel Swensonbought Country Corner Market, a conveniencestore in Mountain Home and live near her mother. They havetwo sons,Steveand Tim. (Source: Maxine and Dwain Stirton) STREITZ Charlts U. Streitz,Richfieldbanker,age63, died at his home; burial in Om:rha,NE. He was b. Mar. 6, 1883,at Millard, NE and graduatedfrom the Univ. of NE in 1908. Befbrecoming to Richfteldin 1939 he was associatedin the lumber businessin Omahaand lowa. He cameto ldaho to serve as cashierof the First StateBank. He was a memberof the EasternStar, Blue Lodge, Elks Lodge; servedon the Richfield village board; memberof the board of directorsof the RichfieldMutual telephonesystem. Survivors includehis wife, Effie, four brothersand two sisters.They built their home at320 E KootenaiAve. (Source:LCJ July 5, 1946) STRIEGEL Bdward and Franceswith their two children, Donna and William (Bill) came to Richfield in Apr. of 1951 and moved into the apartmenton the secondfloor of the Richfield Bank building. Part of the apartment was the office and switchboardof the Richfield TelephoneCo., purchasedfiom Fred Boshearand his wif'e. In 1953 we moved from the apartmentto a housewe purchasedat the north end of Main St., althoughwe still maintainedthe telephoneswitchboardroom and the bedroom next to the switchboard for the use of the operatoron duty during the night. Our daughter,Donna, startedher schoolingat Richfield in the third gradeand graduated from RHS. She earned her athletic letters in basketball" Donna secured her Masters Degree at Pocatelloand has spenther life as a PhysicalEducationteacherand nclwteachesat the Gooding schoolsystem. Donna and her husband,Lewis Pence,are the parentsof threegirls. He works in Soil Conservation. Bill startedfirst grade in Richt'ield,graduatingfrom RHS with both football and basketballletters. Donna and Bill both graduatedfrom the U of I. Bill receivedhis commissionas SecondLieutenantin the Air Forceon graduationfrom college. He is now retiredas a Lt. Colonelbut still flies for Alaska Airlines. His home is in Gig Harbor, WA; they haveone son, William Hunter,Jr. Our seconddaughter,Elizabeth Ann, was b. Oct. 15, 1956, and is a Richfield native. Ann startedher schoolingin Grand View then went to Jr. High and Borah High Schoolin Boiseand graduatedfrom BSU. Ann Feltonhasbeenhome-teaching threeof their four children. Ann and the family live in Cascade. Ed is a member of the Richfield Masonic Lodge and he and Francesare both members of the Richtreld Chapterof EasternStar. In Richfield Franceswas active in church and SundaySchool in the Methodist Church, served as presidentof the PTA. She is currently Worthy Matron of the OES in Richfield. When they lived in Boise she attendedBSU and worked as an LPN at St. Luke's hospital for 12 or 13 years. Francesand Ed traveled throughoutthe US for ten years after retiring, before buying a home in Gooding. They also own a lot in an RV park in Yuma, AZ,wherc they keeptheirtrailerparked and travel back and forth in the car. Edward was b. Aug. 13, l9l4 at KansasCity, MO to Albert L. and Ethel Marie JohnsonStriegel;md. FrancesH. b. July 31, 1922at Mayfield, KY. They were md. May 3, l94l at Union City, TN. Their children: D o n n a , b . A u g 2 3 , 1 9 4 2 a t J o l i e tI ,L , m d . L e w i s P e n c e J u n e 2, 11 9 6 4 a t G r a n d V i e w ,I D ; W i l l i a m ( B i l l ) H . b. Apr. 30, 1944at Ottawa,IL, md. PamalaAug. 1989at SantaBarbara,CA; ElizabethAnn b. Oct. 15, 1956 at Richfield, md. Anthony FeltonSep. 1983at Boise,ID. (Source:Ed & FrancesStriegel)
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STRUNK Severalmembersof the Strunk family camehere in the early days, including Noah, John, Cr<lckett, Roy, Sheraton and Charity, who md. Kelly from Gooding and lived in the Magic Dam area. William, a halfbrother, was here as early as 1902. In the early days this family had a ranch up on Little Wood River, somewherenear Preacher'sBridge. SJ Dec. 20, l9O7 Mr. Wm. Strunk is havinghis housefinishedon the insidethis week. SJ Oct. 23, 1908Wm. Strunk is "soonto build a livery barn of stoneon ReservoirAve." RR Apr. 22, lg}g H. Strunk, brother to Wm, the pioneerof Richfield, is a new arrival from Prior, MO. Will Strunk, who came to this country in 1902 and settledon a claim severalmiles N of where Richfield now is and afterwardsbuilt the first house in town, last week startedto the Reservein the Fish Creek country with 4,300 head of sheep. He has about 60 head of fine cattle, about $5,000 worth of horsesand considerable real estate,and is now swinging $60,000worth of propertyof which he has madethe larger part in the last seven years. (RR June 24, 1909) Richfield was first called Alberta, namedfor little Alberta Strunk, the first baby to be born here, daughter of Will and Grace. Alberta was eight yearsold and in the third grade in 1912 (SchoolAttendanceRegister). Due to the seriousaftliction of little Miss Alberta Strunk, she went with her mother to SouthernCA last fall. An operation was necessaryon her ankle for necrosisof the bone, and a two inch section was removed. (Necrosisis the death and decayof tissuein a part of the body, as a bone or organ, causedby loss of blood supply, burning and other severe injuries.) It is feared that a further operation will be necessaryon the hip, beforeshecan be entirelycured.(RR Feb. 6, 1913)W. M. Strunkleft Sundayfbr L. A. to join his family where their daughter,Alberta, is to have anothermore seriousoperationfor the sameaffliction. (RR Feb. 13, 1913) W. M. Strunk, who is now living at Gooding,plansto move to Boisesoon to have medicaltreatmentfor their little girl. In spite of the best medicaltreatment,doctorswere unableto savethe life of Alberta Strunk. She died and was buried in the Richfield Cemeterynear where NathanielShockleywas later buried. (RR Sept. 13, l9l3) William and Gracehave a son and grandsonin Phoenix.SheridanStrunk who has been living here for a short time in the old Blake housestartedthis week for Gooding.(RR Sept. 25,1913). '09 were Noah W., Rena, Roy and Membersof the Strunk family listed as buyersof land from 1908to Denley.Listed on the 1910Richfield Census:Strunk, William 39 years md 14 yearsb MO; Grace 30 yrs. h. MO; She is listed as having had 6 children,3 living: Claude,son, age 12 years,b MO; a daughter,age 9 yrs, b MO; a daughter,age 7 ys, b ID. 1920 RichfieldCensus:Strunk, Roy 32 yrs b MO; Effie2T yrs b MO; Tip 9 yrs b MO; Elmer 8 yrs b MO. Roy and Effie later divorced, had a ranch near the county line" Tip Strunk graduatedRHS. He worked ftrr Mr. Speedy,went to L.A. and then Shoshone.His wife, the former AgnesAlexander,taughtschoolin Richfield. on his violin at manygatheringsand playedwith Tip had a hardwarestoreand shopin Shoshone.He entertained the Old Time Fiddlers. He d. severalyears ago. Agnes spenther last years in the ConvalescentHome in Shoshone.(Source: Stan Strunk and news items.) STUBBS Edgar Thomas came to Richfield around 1935. ln 1937 he brought his new wife Anna Marie Gosvenorout from MO. They lived in a one-roomcabinon the C. F. Chatfieldfarm, where Ed worked as a farm hand. After a couple of years they moved to a two-room bunk houseon the Charlie Paulsonfarm where Ed worked as a farm hand again. In 1940their first child was born, Larry Edgar arrived in this same bunk house. ln1944 their secondchild, Carol Ann was alsobornthere. In 1947their third child arrived, but Sandra Lea was born in the Goodinghospital. Ed's family soon fbllowed him out here fiom MO, Walter and Nora Stubbs,his parents;Cleadys,Lester, Lyle, his brothers;and one sister,Opal. After Carol Ann was born, Ed boughthis own f'arm, the old Tapper place. Ed and Marie and their children lived here until 1951when they sold the family farm and moved to town. They purchasedthe Bullock home from Andrew Paulson. Ed ran the SinclairServiceStation,which still stands on the E end of Richfield. After a few years he went into the trucking business.He passedaway in Mar. 6, 1975. Marie passedaway in 1989. Larry md. Carol Askew from Jerome. They had two children, Cory who md Michelle (they now have tw<-r children)and Melissa. They live in CA. Carol md. Robert Bottoms. They had one daughter,Michele. They live in ldaho Falls. Sandra Lea md. Boyd King. They have three children and four grandchildren. Stacy b. in 1963md. ShenaLee from Carey, They had two boys, Tyrel and Kyle. Stacystill lives in the Stubbs' family home in Richfield. He is heavy equipmentoperatorfor Tri-States Excavation, Commander of Lincoln Co. Searchand Rescue;V. Pres.of RichfieldQuick ResponseUnit and a ReserveDeputy Sheriff.
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Lori Ann b. in 1966md Mike Piper; they havetwo children, Max and Lea. They live in Richfield and run the Piper family store. SpenceTyler b. in 1970just moved back to Richfield. (Source: SandraStubbsKing) STUBBS Lester b. Jan. 27, 1916in Norwood, MO, his wife, Ruby Coffman Stubbs,b. Oct. 6, 1917, and two children, LaVeta, b.Aug. 31, 1934,andPaul, b. Aug. 14, 1936,-- both born in Mountain Grove, MO, came to Richfield Dec. 26,1937 with Leonard and Chloe Horton in a truck with a pitched roof. Lumber was on the floor of the truck bed, a tiny pot-belly stove in front with beds for the women and children. The men rode in the cab. We stayedin motels at night, arriving in Richfield at Mother and Dad's (Argus Coffmans) I mi W. Snow camedown and Daddy put sleighrunnerson the flat bed. Lester becamevery ill aboutJan. 21, 1938, and Dr. Barrett sent him to the Goodinghospital. Our local cop, Bill Carter, took him. We met him by sled at the highway. Lester had surgery for ruptured appendix. Virgil Coftman found a place fbr me with a friend near the railroad and I walked to the hospitalevery day through knee deep snow. When able Lester worked at my cousinBeulahand ClaudeNielsen'sdairy in Shoshone" I helped in the kitchen. We moved to a housenearbybecauseLaVeta would go too close to the river. We were two kids with two babies and were really learning. Lester worked at Martins at lambing time. By spring he had been hired by Charlie Housejust N of Richfield. He taughtLesterto irrigateand furnishedus a 9xl2ice housewith one window and one door, which was warm on cold nights. I bought a coal stove and other furniture. My cupboard was boardsfor a table top and shelvesover it with curtains. I usedWhite King soap in cold water fbr laundry in summernot to have to heatour house. Lester'sbrclther,Ed and Marie were also in Richfteld. At dinneron Nov. 6. 1938,at Marie and Ed Stubbs,I realizedit was time to call Dr. Howard, and we had our little James Ronald by eight p.m. The men moved a little trailer nearthe ice house,which was still there in 1993. Lester worked next fbr Uncle ShermanCoffman at the 4 mi. corner. I learnedto sew, taking denim from old overalls or jeans and was the batteryradio. Electricity came while we lived making boys shirts fiom shirttails. Our entertainment was usedfor diapers. Lester had a hernia surgery. a washboard washed every day; there. A separatorhad to be Myrtle cooked and I helpedCleadysuntil he laughedwhen Cleadysand Myrtle Stubbsand two babiescame. I got kicked by a heifer. LaVeta startedto school. We moved to a houseby the city well house. I got a nice gas washer,paying five dollars a month. I learned to make flour starch and iron and bought a fridge. We moved to the Ben Coflman place. Besides farming, Lester got a school bus route and I was substitutedriver. I was too short to bridle horsesso it was a real struggle. Not one man driver offered me a hand. I never once complainedto them. Paul startedschool;we movedto the McMahon placedown the 2 mi. section. Had a good herd of milk cows, a good team, old Brownie for the childrento ride and a pony named Betty, bought tbr $15. What a runner! She never lost a race when Paul rode her at the countyfair. A tair board membertold me Betty couldn't run in racesanymore,becauseshe was too good. Ronniestartedschool. Dr. Cromwell deliveredanotherbaby for us at mother'splaceon Apr ll, 1943,namedLloyd Faye for my two oldestbrothers. One eveningPaul slid off Brownie and landedon an arm. At the Goodinghospitalit was fbund he had thrown his elbow out of place. Lesterhad inflammatoryrheumatism,very painful. His dad saw to the milking and feeding, while Lester was in the Gooding hospital. He had infection from imbeddedteeth, our first experiencewith penicillin. During WW II, Lester'sbrother,Lyle, was killed on the Islandof Luzon after being there a short time. I learned to be a 4-H leader and joined the Chat and Sew Club. I helped at a shower fbr Margaret Armstrong and entertainedat a baby shower for Alice Behr. I was given a shower at a fiiend's house. Our little boys learned to work at an early age. Ronnie helped with the animals and Paul was put on a mower to mow hay that was taller than the horses. He and I took turns driving the hay stacker when needed. LaVeta baby-satLloyd Faye. We boughta small ranch NE of Richfield. We did someremodeling,painted,new kitchen cupboardsand a bathroom, got more furniture and a new cookingrange. We hookedup a power pump in the basementand into the kitchen and bathroom. Our drinking water camefrom city well water. We built f-encesaround our yard so we could plant a garden. We had a small buildingfor baby chicks. Soon a nice barn was built. Lloyd Faye ran a rusty pitchfork tine through a skinned leg, which meant a fast trip to the Dr. and to Wendell hospital for a few days. One evening Lester and I had guestsat supper. Our boys were playing cowboys and Indians when Lloyd Faye fell over the porch banisteron the sharp end of a splintery stick used for a gun and ran it into his neck
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
through a vein. Blood was everywhere. I carried him out to the car with my thumb stuck into that hole. With Lesterdriving, Gene and Meta Cox jumped in and went with us to the Dr. LaVeta called aheadto Melvin Pope to be ready to give us gas and called Dr. Neher. Melvin was standingby the gas pump. Dr. Neher examined him and said, "Son, your mother hasjust savedyour life." He put on a fly bandageand sent us to the Wendell hospital. The nursesaidthe same. "Wheredid you learnto do that?"sheasked. I hadn't learned,only instinct, I guess. I had been makinggrapejuice that day but it wasn't grapejuice splatteredon my clothes. At 76 I still can rememberhim coming to the screendoor, eyesbig, tearspouring and hearinghim say, "Mama," with every heart beat the blood pumping out. One morning our Ronnie went to get Betty, and when he tried to halter her, she grabbedhis chest, biting clear through his clothes. What an awful bruise. Problemscameup...we divorced....I ended up in Pocatello,md Wm. Edward Shillito (18981979), employed by the railroad. LaVeta came and attendedPocatelloHigh. A happy surpriseto the family was our baby Michael, b. Jan. 16, 1953,then MichelleLynette,b. Aug. 1954. We found a nice church and the babies were baptized there. We moved to Glenns Ferry and both childrengraduatedthere. Mike joined the Navy, md, threechildren. Michellemd, movedto Boise, adopteda girl. LaVeta md. Bob Jones; 3 sons, Mark, Kelly, Scott; live in MO. Paul md. Janet, 3 children;2nd wife, Kathy Lee who has a girl, live in Pocatello;Ronnie d. Apr. 1983, a son, Craig, in Jerome. Lloyd Faye is md lives in Kuna. R o n n i e L, e s t e r ,P a u l ,L a V e t aS t u b b s .F r o n t :L l o y d . I alwaysliked Richfreld. A specialmemory was a visit from Audrev Monroe. who told me I had beenher dearestmemory. (Source:Ruby CoffmanStubbsShillito) LesterStubbsmarriedRuth Brushin 1950. Ruth: In 1949my son, Otis Brush, and I lived in a small trailer housebehindmy sister,Lucile and her husband,Harvey Bickett'shome in Goodingwhile I was working at the T" B. Hospital. Riding Club, and using Harvey's I had joined the Gooding-Shoshone American Saddler horse, was an active member. We did squaredancingwith our horsesin the local celebrations.Otis worked for his Uncle Harvey. We went to the Grangedanceswhere I met LesterStubbsof Richfield, who brought Zella and Pacey to play for a dance in Jan. 1950. We started dating that summerand had much in common including both of us recoveringfrom divorces. Les lived on the old Shelleyfarm, I mi N and 314mi E of Richfield. He had four children: LaVeta, 15, Paul, 13, Ronnie l l and Lloyd, 7. I was very impressedwith how hard they worked. Les's sister,Opal, movedto ID from MO to helpout. Shemet Bill Kohler from Bellevueand they were md in May 1950. LaVetamd in June. Les hired Laura Wilmoth to keep house. When Les proposed I had to make a very hard decision, Richfield was home to me and I had many friends there. I told Les I did not want to marry outsidemy churchagain. He said if I marriedhim, he would takehis boys and go to church every Sunday. I felt I was neededand said "yes." We were marriedDec. 10, 1950. It madea nice Christmasfor all of us" I kept my job and drove back and forth until April when farming got underway. Otis lent me his 1936Ford, with gas $.19 a gallon it paid off. Otis lived with us the summer of 1951and worked on the highway. After graduationin 1952he worked for Ed Stubbs. He and JoyceSueTate were md" R u t h & L e s t e rS t u b b s 19 5 0 the following Dec. 27, 1952. He was drafted into the Army in 1954. After
Bootcamp,Joycejoinedhim in Ft. Lewis,WA. KarenRuthwasbornthereSept.30, 1954.He wastransferred TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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to Hawaii and was dischargedin 1956. They returnedto Richfield and he continuedto work for Ed. Their son Gary Stevenwas b Apr.26, 1957. Later they movedto Pocatello. I sold my trailer housefor $1,500. We bought a second-handFord tractor and paid the water for the year. Les's five years with the FHA were up; he had to re-finance. I knew Oakley Barnard through the riding club. With his recommendationthe FHA financedus for anotherfive years. Les had lost half a dozenof his best milk cows, when a straw shed caved in and smotheredthem one winter. We were all in church every Sunday. The boys soon wanted to join so they could participate. They and their Dad madesecretplansto be baptizedandthen invited me to attendin 1952. Two years later we were sealed as a family, includingmy son, Garth, who d. in 1947,in the IdahoFalls LDS Temple. Les and I eachdrove a schoolbus and Les was Deputy Village Marshal, until our dairy herd increased. We got a pickup so we could haul our own milk. The boys delivered on their way to school and brought the cans home. Les was a strict disciplinarianbut also a very kind, loving and generousfather. Thesewere happy years-someof the best of my life. The threeboys deservemuch credit for making our farming venture a success.The boys were in athletics;we seldommisseda ball gamein town or out. They were very good riders and won many raceson "Old BettyJ' Les was ScoutMaster;his boys were activein Scouting. We made many trips to scout camps. Lloyd attendedNational Scout Jamboreeat Valley Forge. They climbed to the top of the Statueof Liberty, visited Coney Island,touredNew York City and visitedWashington,D. C. Med Flavel and MardenneNield put on original plays in competitionwith the other wards. We took our MIA dancegroup to Salt Lake City to participatein the dancefestivals. The boys loved to dance. Our big family outing eachyear was to take Old Betty and campout in the south hills where we hunteddeer. We usually filled our permits exceptfor the one who did the chores. Beef had to be sold to make payments. We had lamb, weanerpigs, chickens,turkeys,geeseand pheasants.With a large gardenwe ate very well. My gooseberrypies were in demand;and I madejelly and home-madeice cream. Les's parents,Walter and Nora Stubbs,movedfrom MO to Jeromein 1953. After Grandmad.in 1955 Grandpalived with us until he md again. Throughthe yearsour homewas the settingtirr threemarriages--Otis's, Paul's and Grandpa's. We participated in the "InternationalFarm Youth Exchange Programl' In 1955 we sponsoredDavidas Bobadefrom India. In 1956we had SerajulIslam fiom Pakistan. We kept in touch fbr many years. Les's healthbeganto deteriorate. In the fall of 1957he took radiationtreatmentsin San Franciscofbr cancer in his left hip bone. In 1959he had to havehis hip and leg removed. Ronnie quit his job at the creameryto work full time on the farm. LaVeta, Bob and family camehome fiequentlyfiom MO. Grandpaand Frances Stubbshelpedconsiderablykeepinghousefor the boys while we were at hospitals. After a lengthyrecoveryLes was ableto help with the farming on crutches,driving tractor and helpingthe boys whereverhe could. We had somevery rough times. The LDS churchhelpedus stack our hay, Otis and Paul came as often as they could. Our dreamsof drilling a well on the f'arm were realizedin 1960, as Les watched and hossedfrom his bed. This madepossiblethe luxury of a new washerand dryer, installedon the porch we had built in fcrr laundry. Les passedaway Dec. 26, 1961. Ronnieand GladysElaine McCowan were md Jan.20, 1962" Ronnie stayedwith me until April. Lloyd was with the fbrestservice. After Ronnieleft I was alone. My elderly father and GrandpaStubbshelpedall they could. I realizedit was time to sell out, which I did by June 1962" I moved to Twin Falls and enteredNursingSchool. I worked at the Twin Falls hospitalsevenyearsuntil I met and md Perry Cottingham,a mechanicfrom Burley. I gainedtwo more step-children,a daughterMarylee, 21, and a son, James,9 years. I was a step-motheragain with seven children in all. I worked at Cassia Memorial Hospitalfor thirteenand a half years. Both Perry and I retired in 1981. We have taken many nice trips and tours includingHawaii, the Orient, Israel, Alaska and the Caribbean. We stay closer to home now, camping, fishing and enjoying our families. (Source: Ruth StevensBrush StubbsCottingham) 3 9e 6 . S U P A N T h o m a s A n t h o n y S u p a n , o u r f a t h e r , w a s b . i n E u r o p e M a r . T , 1 8 9 6 , c o m i n g t o t h e U S i n 1H md. Ruth GenevaPiper, b. May 18, 1896,on May 18, 1914in IL. After the births of Jame,sThomas Feb. 13, they movedto Brigham City, UT. During a seriesof 1915, and Vincent Peter, b. Dec. 31, 1916(deceased), movesMary Katherine, b. June 12,1918, andHelen Dorothy b. Jan. 23,1920 were born in Victor, ID; Edna Romana b. Nov. ll,1921, in Fort Hall, ID and Thomas Anthony b. Jan. 24, 1925,in Lima, MT. When Dad and Mother moved from Lima to Tremonton, UT, Jim, Vince and I were sent to IL to stay with Dad's parents; Helen and Mona went to stay with Grandma Piper in Richfield and Tom went with the folks--people in
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Tremontonwere beginning to wonder if kids were ever going to stop coming when the family grew fiom one boy on to three boys and three girls. Dad died of pneumoniain Dec. 1932, and in 1933, Mother moved to Richfield and openeda small general store. Jim, who had graduatedfrom Bear River HS, worked in the store and during my sophomoreyear, I also worked part time until I married. We had moved into an apartmentabove the store; Mother kept the store open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mother survivedwhen many were going out of business.I rememberone salesmansaying "How do you manage, I went bankrupt'J Mother replied "I had to survive'i Mother and we kids spent many vacations in Richfield before Dad died; Grandma Piper was such a wonderful person who didn't laugh at our being naive about life on the farm: WE got milk out of a bottle, Grandmagot hers out of a cow--we were very young! I had startedhigh school at Bear River HS with a freshmanclassof over 400 studentsand graduatedRHS with a classof 14. I always felt very privileged to have attendedlarge and small schools--Igained so much fiom both! We had exceptionalteachersin Richfield: GeraldineBaker,Englishand Drama; Mr. Harlan (who rang the bell until I was in study hall) taughtGeometry; Mr. Terry, Biology and CommercialLaw; and of course, Edwin Fryer who taughtCommercialArithmetic,typing, servedas Principaland Coach. A MemorableTime of My Life! Jim md Ione Conger of Tremonton;they had two children,one boy and one girl: he later md and had anotherboy and girl. I md. A. JosephBrennanand we had two girls and two boys--onegirl and one boy are deceased.Kathryn md. Greg Barkdull, lives near AmericanFalls and they have threegirls. Thomas md. June Schloss,is a Commanderin the Navy so movesa lot (is now scheduledfor London, England),they have a boy and a girl. Helen md. Gale A. Connerand had threechildren,Ruth, Patriciaand Gale: Ruth, md. in CA had threechildrenand is now living in MountainHome: Patriciahad two childrenand is living in FL. Helen, Gale and Gale, Jr. are deceased.Mona is md to Hugh Renfro and they live in AZ, they have two boys--Hugh,Jr. works in Saudi,Arabia, and Scott in Nicaragua. Mona also worked in the store. Jim is deceased. Mother eventuallymovedto Pocatelloand lived in her mobilehome at our placethe last 17 yearsuntil her death. She was quite a lady! (Source: Mary KatherineSupanBrennan) SWAINSTON ko Swainstonpurchaseda farm on the Richfield tract in 1940. It was located4 mi. N and l14 of many farms in this area and this was how Leo got mi. W of town. The FederalLand Bank had possession his farm. He gave $4,700. for 80 acresof land with 80 sharesof water. The family, father, Leo; mother, Audra; sons:Nyle, Keith, Ross, Norman and Darrell; daughters:Darleineand Nancy moved to Richfield tiom Jeromein March of 1940. The road into town from Shoshoneat that time camepast the Elevator,then turned into Main Street at the old PetersonMarket. There were no surfacedroads and the main street was deep with mud in which the truck hauling some of the householdgoods got stuck. The family moved most of their possessions on hayrackspulled by teamsof horses. The farm had fairly good soil but lots of quackgrassand CanadianThistle. Leo tried to raisebeansbut the frost got them so he raisedhay and grain to feed his dairy and somepigs. For some yearsthe farm work was done with good horses. In 1964Leo and Audra sold the farm to Cotton Riley and bought a home on the SE corner of I st Streetand Latah Ave. This couple were farmers at heart so even in town they raised a large garden and many lovely flowers. They were especiallyproud of the beautiful rosesthat bloomed in their yard. Leo and his son Rosswere fishing buddiesand spentmany happy hours togetherwetting their lines in Wood River after Ross had finished his work as constableof Richfield Village. The Swainstonswere a hard-working couple even into their old age. They were generouswith their time andtheir commodities. Audra was an excellentcook and an artisanwith knitting, crochetand embroidery needles or a tatting shuttle. Many children were recipientsof mittensshehad knit and most of the newly married couples in town receivedlovely pillow casesthat were productsof her talent. Leo was always ready to help neighbors with repairs and carried produce from their gardento many of the widows. After Leo's deathin May 1983, Audra continuedto live in their homeuntil Sep. 1985when she moved tcr Ogden, UT to live with her daughter, Darleine. She would stay two or three months in Ogden and then she would come back to Richfield and stay with her children, Norman and ClaudetteSwainstonfor a f'ew weeks. This routine continueduntil her death in Feb. 1987. Leo and Audra were life-long membersof the LDS Church. They had servedin many Primary, SundaySchool,Relief Societyand Priesthoodcallingsthrough their lives. All of the childrenmd spousesthat lived in RichfieldexceptNorman,Darrell and Nancy. Leo, Audra, Keith and his wife, Billie PounderSwainstonand Rossare bur,in the RichfieldCemetery.
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Leo, b. Dec. 29, 1894, at Whitney, ID to Albert George and Elizabeth Ann Swainston, md Audra MendenhallWilkinsonb. Aug. 9,1899, at Franklin,ID to JohnandRhodaKeziahMendenhallWilkinson. Their children: Leo Nyle, b. Dec. 8, 1920,at Franklin, md PatriciaVirginia PounderJune 14, 1945, at Elko, NV. They live in Richfield. Keith Wilkinson b. July 27, 1922,at Franklin, md Billie Maxine PounderMay 17, 1947, at Elko. Billie d. and Keith md CaroldeanMaxine Moore Swainstonin Twin Falls. Keith d. Jan. 12, 1993. Albert Ross b. Nov. 18, 1924,in Franklin, md Ruth Ellen Sweat Apr.29,1943, at Gooding. He d. June26, 1980 at Jerome.Norman Jay b. Nov. 24, 1926,in Franklin; mdZella LaVon Jolley Oct.22, 1951, in Burley; shed. and he md. Wanda ClaudetteNash May 19, 1972,in Hailey. Darleine b. Nov. 3, 1932, in Jerome;md. Delores"J" Martin Oct.25, 1952,in Richfield.Darrell Deanb. May 12, 1935,in Jerome;md. Mary Ann Jones May 12, 1956, in Reno. Nancy Lou b. Oct. 16, 1938,at Jerome;md. Donald Wayne PermannJuly 8, 1967, at Richfield. (Source:DarleineSwainstonMartin) SWAINSTON Nyle and Pat Swainstonlived at the Leo Swainstonfarm briefly before moving to town where Nyle worked on the railroad. They movedto Jerome,then back to farm the Pounderplace 6 mi. N | 112E of Richfield. They also bought a farm from Ed Stubbs,located I ll2 mi. W of the 6 mi. corner. Fifteen yearsago they retired and moved to the former Ellis Newby housein town. Children: Michael, b. 1948; md LuAnn Brown; childrenBrandonand Lacey. Terry, b. 1949;md Lorraine Wolverton; children Shawn and Brandy. Kelly, b. 1953; md 1) Debbie,2) Mary; div. Kimberly, adopted1970; in graduateschool at ISU and teaching in PocatelloHS; BA in Englishand in Spanish.(Source:Nyle and Pat Swainston) SWAINSTON Ross In the springof 1940a new boy moved into Richfield and startedschool. It was during their freshman year that Ruth E. Sweatmet A. Ross Swainstonat school and then at church functions. Within a few months they were seentogetherquite frequently. It wasn't long until they were considereda two-some. Most dateswere double datesas very few young peoplehad their own cars. Rosshad to competewith two other brothersfor dad's car. Keith usuallywas the chauffeurand he would bring Rossto pick up Ruth fbr their dates. In early high schoolyearsRuth remembersonly two boys that had their own cars. They were Carl Paulsonand Vic Cenarrusa. Early in the spring of 1943 Ruth and Ross were married. Ross had a job with Loyd Lee for that first summer. In the fall they boughta trailer houseand movedto town. In Nov. the trailer was not warm enough and they moved to an apartmentabovethe bank. There were three apartmentsand the telephoneoffice located abovethe bank. They lived therefor abouta year. While living theretheir first son was born, RossWyn. Later that year there was a fire in the end apartmentthat did quite a bit of damageto the top floor of the building. The apartmentswere uninhabitableafter that time. Rossworked for the Big Wood CanalCo. for a few years. He sortedpotatoesduring the winter. Gary was in 1945 at Hailey. In the springof 1946Rossand Ruth decidedto buy somelots and build their flrst home. b. It was located on the corner of Third Streetand Elmore Ave. Ross spentmany yearsdriving milk truck for Ward's Cheeseand also fbr the JeromeCo-Op Creamery. Their only daughter,RhondaKae, was b. in 1954. In 1963Rossleasedthe Chevron Stationin Richfreld. He o p e r a t e d i t u n t i1l 9 7 3 . H e w a n t e d t o w o r k o u t s i d e s o h e w e n t t o w o r k f o r t h e C i t y oRf i c h f i e l d .H e w o r k e d f b r the city until he becameill with terminalcancer. He died in June 1980. Ruth is still living in the little house at the corner of Third and Elmore. Ruth and Rosswere life-long membersof the LDS Church. They were sealedin the temple at Idaho Falls June 5, 1965. They had three children: Ross Wyn b. Jan. 7, 1944, md. Nancy Estock. Gary b. July 8, 1945,md. Phyllis Marie Morgan (div) and md Carol Lee Osmundsen.Rhonda Kae b. June 2, 1954, md. Donny Basil Setser. (Source: Ruth SweatSwainston) SWAN William (Bud) E. Swan was born in 1911. Leavinghis hometownof White River, SD, Bud and a friend jumped a freight train and headedW to Idaho, landing in the Treasure Valley area. In the 1950's Bud moved to the Richfield area, where he purchasedthe PheasantClub and Motel. During the summer months you would often find jackpot rodeosgoing on behind the PheasantClub. Bud raised three daughters, Billie, Dede and Ardis. Bud lost Ardis to cancer and in her memory he has set up a fund to go to the all-aroundcowgirl in District 5 after his passing. Ardis was a mother to fbur children and was the first Richfield Outlaw Days Queen. After selling the PheasantClub, Bud purchasedthe NebraskaClub in Shoshone,later selling it and retiring his ranch E of town. Bud has always beenmore than willing to help any youth who might need help in rode<r to or 4-H. (Source:RodeoFlver)
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Alan and C. H. Bruckner built and operatedthe PheasantCafe, Club and Motel in 1948-1949. They sold it to Mr. Bud Swan. (Source: Mrs. Frank (Lila) Bruckner, Jerome)
ffi
SWATMAN Elmer and Lorene Swatmanmoved to Richfield from Boise in 1932, having just purchased the BarnesDrug Store from Mrs. Ava Barnes. Their Richfield Pharmacy becamea thriving businesseven though there was no residentdoctor. Lorene recalls "The Way We Were" in "Our town" when they first came:We moved the drug store from besidethe bank into the Hill Richfield Recorderbuilding acrossfrom the CommunityHall. Frank Popeslived S of us in a house back of his garage facing Main Street, where the city office is now. The post office was just S of the bank. Down the street was Tom Byrne's Store. (Boy, did we enjoy the deliciousmeat we got from him.) A pool hall was near Lemmon's Hardware with the lumber yard across the street S of LemS w a t m a n s ,2 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r yo f R i c h ife l d P h a r m a c y ,1 9 5 2 . mon's. McMahon's Store was across from the lumber yard; I don't rememberit being open until one day Garlocks moved in there. Artie Peterson'sGrocery was on the corner where the then-main road turned N up Main Street. I rememberpeople getting stuck in the deep ruts at that corner so much. Mack Howard's were the first depot agentsI remember,and Cap Homer had the Alberta Hotel on the main road. They were nice to Elmer and me. Elmer stayedthere when he first went up to buy the store and they invited us several Sundays fbr dinner. That was where we first met Red (Albert)Duplisea,who had a blacksmithshopdown hy the railroad tracks closeto the elevator,which was run by BishopManwill. A big hitching rack was out in the vacantlot betweenthe post office and Byrne's Store. I rememberwatchingfblks drive up there with sledsand wagonswith watertanksand taking groceriesand mail out to their wagons! I couldseeit all from the huge windows upstairs and down in our building. On the occasionof the Twentieth Anniversary in 1952the Swatmansplaceda letter of thanks to customers and friends in the LCJ that read, in part: On Jan. 16, 1932, we openedthe Richt'ieldPharmacywith a pledge to the people in Richfield that they would have a good drug store. Times were hard and we traded merchandise for meat, chickensand vegetablesthe first few years. Through the yearsthe faithfulnessof our farmer and town customershasbeenour aid in building a businessin which we takegreatpride. We havehad good supportfrom in othertowns. We give you a heartfeltthanks our fellow pharmacists the family doctorsof the residents...and is serviceto f'ellowman, which is one fbr your help in building a businessin Richfieldwhosefirst consideration of Jesus'teachings. Sincerely, Elmer and LoreneSwatman. The GrosseDrug Store in Shoshoneplacedan ad congratulating them and the peopleof Richfreldfbr their supportof the Richfield Pharmacy,expressingtheir pride in their professionalachievementsand best wishes fbr continuedsuccess.W. E. Grossecollecteddetailsof their Richfieldwork and sentit to the NationalAssociation of Retail DruggistsJournalof Chicagowhereitwas publishedin April. An articlealso appearedin ldaho State Pharmaceutical Associationmagazinewith their pictureand headlines,THEY HAVE HIT IT RICH IN IDAHO The SwatmansHave Accumulateda Gold Mine of Friendship. Portionsfrom both publicationstbllow: This is not a story of how a pharmacistand his wife "hit it rich" but ratherhow a young man and his wife found successwith hard long hours of work, influence with sincerity of purpose, integrity and abounding community interest, and happinessbecausethey loved pharmacy,people and each other. It is doubted that a happiercouplecould be found. They like peopleand beinggood neighbors. Here is the "boy meetsgirl" story of Elmer and Lorene. Elmer accepteda positionwith the Ballou-Latimerin Boise. A pretty damselwas in charge of the cosmetics department. In a short time Elmer took an unusual interest in lipsticks and perfumes...and beforehe realizedit he was headover heelsin love with LoreneMoss. She was the girl for him! . eliketothinkthatitisthistype S h e h a d " e v e r y t h i n g lT h e y w e r e m d . A p r . 2 5 , l 9 3 l , a b o u t t w o y e a r s l a t e r W of peoplewith faith in human decency,principlesof freedom, who are willing to work like beaversto createthe opportunitythey seek, that makes America tick. (J. J. Lynch, executivesec. of ID StatePharm. Assoc.) Elmer was mayor of Richfield, Commanderof the AmericanLegion, and was active in the Masonic Lodge, Lions, servedon the ration board and others. In additionto working in the store and caring for their apartment
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Lorene was active in the Woman's Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Campfire leader from 1932 to 1936, Chairman of the March of Dimes and the Red Cross for two years each and she headedbond drives. She was an active memberof the MethodistChurch, servingas SundaySchoolteacher,Epworth League leaderand as Jr. Sunday School superintendentfor six or sevenyears, also in WSCS. She is an ardent fisherman. She has an interestinghobby of collecting unusualsalt and peppershakers,of which she had more than 800 pairs in 1954. An earlierLCJ clippingtells more aboutthis hobby: "When I remarkedto my motherthat I'd like to collect salt and peppershakers,she gave me a set to start my collection--theone I had given to a grandmotherfor Easter when I was three years old. A wood totem pole sent from Anchorageby a young army man is my set from farthest north, a brightly painted adobeset from Mexico is from the farthest south." An article in 1944 in the TimesNews showedher by her glasscabinetof 315 sets. A set recently sent by Sgt. Warren Smith, bombardier with the Air Force, was madeby him from 20mm shell casingsfrom a crashedSpitfire English plane, when he was at a rest camp in Tunisia. "lprize them more becausehe grew up here and rememberedme when away over there," she said. Somesetswere of polishedelk horn from WY, ID sagebrush,CA redwood, OR myrtlewood, oak, maple; in many shapes--IDspuds,animals,fruit, flowers, tepees,coveredwagons, figurines of famous people,Lincoln, etc. A salt and peppershakershowerby mail was given them on their l lth anniversarywith numeroussetsarriving that day from family and friends. Another prized gift was rose glassindividual salt dishes to her by Mrs. AugustaJohnson. Lloyd Stevens,a young over 100yearsold from Blackpool,England,presented Naval Officer brought her a polishedpair from Pearl Harbor. First Lt. RaymondMoss, brotherof Mrs. Elmer Swatman,was killed in action Feb. 16, 1945, at Manila. Lorene was named "Woman of the Day" on stationKLIX of Twin Falls in 1954, honoredfbr her many community activities and her thoughtfulnesstoward others. Elmer Lee Swatman,56, Richfield druggist for 22 years, died of a heart attack Aug. I , 1954, at the home of his mother-in-law,Mrs. Ethel Moss, in Boise. He had arrivedfor a visit the eveningbefbre. He was born Swatman. His fatheropenecl EasterSunday,Mar. 27, 1898,at Tabor, IA, to Benjaminand JesseWeatherhead He later the Collegeof ldaho, enlisted ID Elmer was six. attended the first drugstorein New Plymouth, when pharmacist \n 1922, then worked at Ashton, Blackfoot in the army and spenttwo years in France. He becamea and Ogden. His wife and two sisters,CharlotteSwatmanand Lillian Swatman,of Emmett, survived him. Funeralserviceswere held at the ThompsonFuneralHome, Gooding,with Rev. Bert Powell giving the obituary and sermon. He was buried in the CloverdaleCemeteryat Boise. The Richfield Pharmacywas purchasedby Ralph Smith in Sept. 1955. Mrs. Swatmanwas honoredat a farewell party given by the community at the Methodist recreation rooms. Leonard Rogers was master of ceremonies.Prayerswere offeredby Rev. Powell and F. L. Manwill. Musical numberswere sung by school studentsand a duet by Mr. Manwill and daughter,Mrs. GraysonGurr. Mrs. C. M. Pridmoreread lettersfrom a gift from the community. Lorenehassincelived at Atlasta friendsunableto attend,and Myrtle Riley presented Ballou-Latimer again,and althoughretired still helps with inventory Trailer Park in Boise. She worked at the of cards at her home. Hazel Lorene is the daughterof Harry Jamesand Ethel Margaret Beckman Moss, b Oct. 19,1907, in Boise. Mrs. Moss d.severalyearsago. (Source: Lorene Swatman,LCJ, obituary, ACB) SWEAT Joshua Josiahand Ellen Broadhead,b. Sep. 24, 1872, at Heber City, UT and d. May 18, 1934, at Richfield, werethe parentsof Joshua,David, Mary [md. Joe Giles], Robert, Ethel ICaf1al]and Archie Sweat. After Joshua'sdeath,Ellen md BrighamHansen. Brig and Ellen movedto Richfield about 1927 trom Perrine, ID. After Ellen's death,Brig md. Mrs. McFarlandand they lived behindthe Byrne's store until his death. Archie Sweat,b. July 10, 1898,at HeberCity, UT, md. ElsieHymasin 1918. Elsiewas b. Sept.27,1899, Paris, ID; d. Jan.24, 1947, and her funeral was held in Heber City. Archie d. Sept. 23, 1980. Their at children: Eugene b. Mar. 29, 1920, at Jerome.Dean b. May 27,1924, at Salt Lake City, d Oct.23, 1933. Hyrum Vern b. Apr. 12, 1928, at Salt Lake City. The family moved to Richfield in 1927. Ellen and Brigham Hansen,Archie and Elsie Sweat and son, Eugene,lived on a ranch 4 mi. N and ll4 mi. E until Albert Stevenspurchasedit. Ellen and Brigham Hansen lived on a ranch I ll2 mi E of town. He worked on the new road to Carey. Archie, Elsie, Eugene,Dean and Vern movedto Salt Lake in the spring of 1929. They returnedto Richfield in 1939 and Archie worked for Big Wood CanalCo and was care taker of Magic Richfield Diversion during summers. Elsie passedaway at OgdenJan.24, 1947. Archiemd IsabelleLewis and they lived thereuntil about
t952. I spent summersin Richfield with grandparentsuntil 1932 and finished my last two years of school there. Vern went to college at Moscow and rode ditch for Big Wood Canal after finishing high school.
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Eugenemd. BerniceF. McGlochlin, b. May 30, 1918atTikura, ID; June 4, 1939. Her parents,Foster, Aug. 7, l89l at Ridgeway, MO. d. May 20, 1963; mother, Hazel, b. July 20, 1893 at Ridgeway, d. Mar. b. '20's. We lived N of Richfield,only farmed a little while, then 3, 1938. They movedto Richfield in the early movedback to Tikura. They have two children:WayneD" b. Aug. 22, 1947and he lives in Carey; Diana, b. June4, 1949, md. Leroy Lee and they live in Richfield. and one great grandchild. We have been married 55 We have five grandchildren,two step-grandchildren yearsJune 4, 1994. (Source: Eugeneand Bernice Sweat) SWEAT Leslie Sweat,b. July 26,1913, md Elma DeedsDec. 11,1939. He was the son of JoshuaSweatand brother of Erma Flavel. Les suffered from arthritis; d. Oct. 22, 1958. (Cem. Bk) Mrs. Elma Irene Sweatd. Thursdayin Hailey. Shewas b. at Kimberly Apr. 7, 1917. Moved to Richfield from Jerome in 1932, graduatedRHS and had taught Home Economicsfor three years. For the past five years she assistedin the school lunch room. She was a memberof the Methodist Church and a popular community singer. She is survivedby her husband,Leslie, daughter,Cheryl, parents,Mr. and Mrs. John L Deeds,five sistersand two brothers. (LCJ Oct. 20, 1950) SWBAT In the fall of 1928, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Sweatand family of eight children chuggedinto Richfield in a Model-T Ford. They came to Richfield from Fort Shaw, MT where they had farmed the past two years. After they arrived they bought a farm I l12 mi. W of town alongLittle Wood River. The housewas a two-story with nine rooms, just right for a large family. There was no electricity in rural Richfield at that time--no indoor plumbing,telephonesor pavedroads. In the early yearsof Richfield hay and grain were the major crops. Farming was done with horse-drawn equipment. Sheep,hogs, cattle and dairy farming were the main sourcesof income. The milk was separated and sentby rail to Nelson-Ricksfor processing.Someturkeyswere raisedand slaughteredfor market. The mail was brought daily on the railroad. They had a one-carunit called the "Galloping Goose" that brought the mail and fieight items. It went on to Ketchumfor delivery there. As a youngstergrowing up in Richfieldwe alwayshad somethingto do. We had a movie theatercalledthe Rex Theater, so if we were lucky we got to attenda movie quite often, many times walking the I l12 miles to and from the movie. During the summermonthswe had the most popularswimming hole in the river on the E end of our farm. Everyonecameto the "SweatDam" to swim. Lots of bonfiresand fun times were had there. There were ball gamesto attend,houseparties,sleighrides, classplays and dances. It was a specialtreat to hurry and get our work done so we could listen to Ma Perkinsor Stella Dallas on our battery-operatedradio. During the early summermonthswe could buy ice at the Pridmoreice housefor Mom to make ice cream. We kept our butter, cream and other perishables cool in our root cellar. With no refiigerationwe ate lots of pork meats raised canned or cured and our own chickensand turkeys. In about 1938, Mr. and Mrs. Sweatwere divorced. Mr. Sweatmovedto UT, Mrs. Sweatstayedon to run the farm with the help of her sons. In Nov. 1940Mrs. Sweatmd Walter Stevensof Richfield. He movedto her farm where they lived fbr two years. Then they movedto his Marley ranchwherethey lived until he retiredat age75. They then built a home in Richfieldon E Lincoln Ave wherethey lived until their deaths. Walter d. in 1983and Cora followed in 1984. It was the 3rd marriage for both of them and they took many trips togetherafter their retirement. Cora'sfirst marriagewas to David Sweatand they had sevenchildren. David died of heartdiseasein 1925. Cora then md Robert Sweat,a brotherof David. Childrenof David and Cora Sweatare: Clarence Rollo, b. Sept.20, 1912, md Edna Johnson,d. 1978.Ella b. Jan. 18, 1914,md 1) Fred W. Powell, 2) Harper Buel, d. 1981.David Elden b. Nov. 17,1916, md l) BerthaM. Wilson,2) EileneSchneider Stephens. Robert Ray b. Sept.15, 1918,md Melba Clark, d. 1993.Milton b. Nov. 28, 1921,md RosieMay Jensen.Milfbrd b. Nov" 28,192I, md CatherineL. Edwards.Ruth Ellen b. Sep. 19, 1925,md Albert RossSwainston.Robertand Cora had one daughter,Fern b. July 9, 1928,md NelsonJ. Coates. (Source: Ruth SweatSwainston) S W E A T R o l l o I n 1 9 2 9 , 1 ,E d n a J o h n s o n , w a s a f i e s h m a n i n h i g h s c h oW o le. l i v e d 5 m i l e s f i o m s c h o o l , b u t it was in anotherdistrict. No transportationwas furnished,so I lived the winter months with my married sister, who was on a bus route. My brother-in-lawhad the horse-drawnbus route. When he was busy I drove the bus and took care of the horsesbefore school. The next three years,there were two of us girls to go to high school, so we drove a Model-T Ford in the spring and fall and a sleigh(covered)in the winter. We still had to take care of the horses. There is nothing but pleasantmemoriesof thoseyears.
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Living on a farm--we always had plenty to eat. Money for clothes was hard to come by. We had two dressesfor school. I had two sistersolder than I in college. We all wore the same size clothes, so we would trade. This gave us all six outfits to wear. I was on the basketballteam and was also a cheerleader. My coat was so shabbythat when we went to out-of-town games, my sister was kind enough to trade coats with me. Three of my male cousinslived most of the depressionyearswith us. Their parentslived in Provo and were so poor they couldn't supportthem. So they hoppeda freight train like a hobo would, came to ID to my fblks, and worked for their room and board. Dad also had to buy clothesfor them. We did not resentit, as we were raised to believe in sharing. I graduated\n 1932and had plannedon going to college. There was no money. My sister was to finish that year, so she could teach. I endedup getting married to Rollo Sweat. Our first winter, Rollo worked for one dollar a day. We got by OK but if we wantedto go to a danceor a movie, we ate beansfor two or threedaysso we would havethe dollar fbr a ticket. We were glad to do this, as we both loved to dance. My folks gave us a sackof potatoesfor our Christmaspresentthat year. It was one of the nicestpresentswe ever received. I gave Rollo a billfold and he gave me a hand mirror. His folks gave us handkerchiefs,that was it. We were living as good as any one else and better than some. Economicsweren't taught in thosedays. All we realizedwas that we could only get 10 cents a dozen for our eggs and the eggsand creamwere what bought the groceriesand clothes. The stock market was blamed fcrr it all, but we really did not understandhow it worked. Then the banks tailed. As far as my family was concernedthat was the worst, becauseDad couldn'tborrow moneyto buy seedfor his crops. At this time we felt that President Roosevelt saved the country. Government insurance of the banks gave the people the confidencethey neededto keeptrying. The C.C.C. campsand also the W.P.A. helpedthe poor in the cities. fbr what we had. We learnedto manage I believeit was good for our generation.We learnedappreciation our money wisely. Some peoplein the cities,that had it the worst, were hurt becausewhen they made good moneyduring WW II, they tried to buy their childrenall the thingsthey had missedduring the depression.This is not good. Yes, anotherdepressionis possible. They teachand print more abouteconomics,so more people are aware of the relationof goods,services,imports,exportsand what makesthe world go around. (Source: dau. of Naida Sweatfbr a collegepaper) Edna SweatCravensof McGrath, AK as told to Kris B. Christensen, SWTNNBY Henry A. and FrankieF. and threechildren,Francis A. (Jack),Donald H. and Margaret drove into Richfield in late April or early May in 1928,alter two weekson the road from Bernie, Missouri. The two '28 and older boys, RobertH. and MarcusM. were working in Michiganand camewest later. Harold camein stayedfor about two years to earn money to go on through collegeand then to Medical School. Mark catne in t h e l a t e ' 4 0 ' s a n d i n t o t h e ' 5 0 ' sH.e m o v e d b a c k t o C A w h e r e h e l i v e d t h e r e s t o f h i s l iDf eu.e t o o u r l a t e s p r i n g arrival, it was tclolate to f'arm,so Dad worked as a hired hand, as did I at nine yearsdriving a stackerteam. We had lived in Oklahoma(my brothersand I were born there)and in MO for 2 l12 years. Dad was very dissatisfiedthere; our farm was completelyflooded7 times in 6 monthswhen the MississippiRiver was on a rampagein 1927. Dad decidedto go to Richfield after talking to Oscar Helderman. Dutch McFarland was one of our neighborsin MO and was also one of the threefamiliesto move to Richfield. We first lived in a linle houseon the E side of Main Street. The Heldermansand Tom Byrneslived just S of us, the Pipersto the N, the Reynoldsand McMahonsone block E. Mrs. McMahonwas later my teacher,and it was she who turnedmy attitudetowards school completelyaround--fbrthe better, of course. In the fall, Dad rentedthe 80 acre farm 1 1/2 miles W of town beyond the Arrnstrong place. (When I was back there last year, the farm was desertedand the only building standingwas the house, which looked pretty sad.) In 1938, the year I went to the U of I, Dad boughtthe Bonnerplace--2mi N and | 314 mi. W of town. The Christmasof 1938was the last time the whole family was together. Harold (by then a Dr.) and his wit'e cameenroutefrom New York to his new locationin Portland;Mark tiom CA; Jack was living NW of town; and Margaret and I were still at home. ln 19421went into the Army. Margaret md and moved to Twin Falls in the '40's. early Jack, b. in 1904,d. in the springof 1942. Jack'swife Edna later md. again. Dad bought the house in town, just down the road from where Cliff Conner and Melvin Pope live. I got out of the Army in Sept. 1945, and returnedto Richfield to remodelthe housefor them before going back to the university in 1946. After leaving Richfield, I went to Indiana for a year, then to Denver for a year--teachingat the U of Denver, then Maine and back to Indiana, my wife's home state. M y b r o t h e r , H a r o l d , b . i n l 9 0 5 , d . i n l 9 5 l , a s a r e s u l t o f a b o a t i n g a c c i d e n t , a n d D a1d8, 8 b2 . ,d.thesame year. Mother, b. 1887, lived until 1963,Jack, Harold, Mother and Dad are all bur in the Richfield Cemetery. Mark and Margaret both died the same year, about five years ago, Mark in CA and Margaret in WA, near Spokane,where she had lived for a few years.
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I haveoften been askedhow a farm boy from the West becameso interestedin theatre. I believe my interest '20's or was kindled initially by the traveling Stock Companies,severalof which played in Richfield in the late early 30's. While in high school, I took part in the school plays and was very interested. When I went to the U, I just gravitatedto the study of drama and theatre. While in the Army, I actually planned to start a stock companywhen discharged. In fact, I had designedan expandingstagebuilt from an aircraft highway transport t r u c k , b u t , m o t i o n p i c t u r e s k i l l e d t h e r o a d s h o w s , o f t h e t y p e t h a t p l a y e d t h e h i n t e rI lnatnhdes' 7. 0 ' s a n d ' 8 0 ' s , one companyactuallybuilt Showmobilesof the type I envisioned,usedby municipalitiesand parks as stages,not for traveling shows. I have lived in NY tbr 43 yearshaving come here first to teachat Hofstra Univ., from which I retired twcr yearsago. My field is theatre (ScenicDesign, TechnicalDirection and Management). I also taught at the U of D e n v e r a n d a s a g u e s t p r o f . a t t h e U o f H a w a i Ii h . aveworkedoutsideofHofstraasconsultant,inscenicdesign, and production. I was general Production Manager fbr the Caramoor Summer Music Festival in Westchester County, NY for 34 seasons.I am still a theaterplanningconsultantwith the firm JeanRosenthaland Associates. My own family consistsof my wife Mary and threechildren. David is a seniorProf. of Psychologyat the U of C at San Diego; BarbaraLasherhas a family, but works as a SpecialEducationteacherand supervisorin the public schoolsof JohnsonCounty, IN; SuzannahPerosi,also has a family, is a food servicemanagerat a seniors'home on Long Island, NY and livesjust a mile from our home. Our lives in Richfieldwere simpleand filled with hard work. We alwayshad enoughfood and clothingbut certainlyfew of the creaturecomforts we havetoday. We enjoyedfamily life and createdour own pleasuressuch as hunting, fishing and camping. My father was a relatively successfulperson and I think enjoyed a good reputationin the community. My family were not strongly civic minded, belongingto nothing except the MethodistChurch and taking part in someof the activitiesof that group. I belongedto the Boy Scouts,and fbr a short while after gettingout of service,to the AmericanLegion. I could have farmed and worked with Dad, but I had other interestswhich were not to be fulfilled in Richfield. I look hack fondly, and have few, if any regrets. I am certainmy early yearstaught me valuable and individualityas well as moral character.Richfieldwas a communityof good, lessonsof self-determination hard-workinghonest people, and I have fond recollectionsof my youth there; the joys, the freedom, the independence.My fathergave me responsibilitywhich, I think was a greatgift which hashelpedme in my own later life. (Source: Donald Swinney,obituaries) Marcusand LouiseSwinneyand sonswere well known residentstbr someyears. Louisetaughta children's SundaySchoolClassincludingDeannaBehr. HelenPelleyrecallsthat Mrs. FrankieSwinneymadea quilt using men's neckties. She was a Burmah Club Member. When Donald and Mary visited in Aug. 1989 a no-host Gardensin Twin Falls, attendedby 28 former schooltiiends. dinnerwas arrangedin their honor at the Japanese Margaretusedto ride a black horseto churchfaithfully and tied him at the hitching rack out fiont. She had a pinto pony fbr her childrenwhen living in Twin Falls that she askedus to keep. They didn't want to sell him, and got him once or twice for a few months. We enjoyedPaintfbr yearsuntil his death. (Source: ACB) TALLEY Civil War Veteranand one of our oldestpioneers,H.A. Talley, passedaway at the age of 82 l12 yearsat the homeof his daughterMrs. Lloyd Lane Saturday.[Hiram b. Aug. 10, 1848,d. Aug. I, 1930.]Mr" Talley and wife cameto Richfield 20 yearsago, where they settledon a f'arm north of town, erectinga fine home andtakingthe placeof active,progressivecitizensandmakingmanyfriends.Mrs. Talley passedaway eightyears ago. A son John Talley lives on the home place. Mrs. Biggs, a daughter,was at the funeral, fiom Oregon. Intermentat local cemeterywith full military honors. (LCJ Aug. 8, 1930) TANNER C.H. and Mazie Tannermovedto Richfield in 1934clr'35. They knew Mr. and Mrs. R.O. Bell, who were from Missouri also. Dad heard about farming in Idaho and the Richfield tract. The irrigation and farms were prosperous. Dad worked for severalpeoplethere. We lived in eight different homes in Richfield, all over the tract - two north of town, four west, and two in town. Mom and Dad enjoyedtheir years of living in Richfield. They rememberedmany wonderful and caring people. All of us kids rememberriding on horsedrawn schoolbuses;haulingwater from a well in the centerof town; no electricity in our home north of Richfield. All of us attendedNorth End School. Our teacherswere Hazel Carter and Irene Coffman. We remembermany school friends and happy times at Richfield and the old gym down town, where the community gatheredfor everything. Mom, who will soonbe 88, lives in Twin Falls. Our parentschoseto be buried at Richfield,the one place they called home, as it holds many memoriesof a loving and caring community.
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I (Opal) have 4 childrenand 8 grandchildren.Two of my childrenlive in Twin, one in Boise, and one in Kimberly. They all graduatedfrom Twin Falls High School. Now I have grandchildren in high school and colleges. Times goes by fast. I had to haveopenheartsurgeryabout3 l12 yearsago,4 by-passes.But I'm doing well now. My husband retired after 28 years with the State of Idaho Law Enforcement. We spend most of our time with is grandchildren,footballgames,schoolfunctions,andband,concert,choir, etc. We have5 that are musical. My oldest grandsonis an artist and is now writing a book. I enjoy eachof them as they are so dift'erentin their likes and dislikes.We live closeto the Magic Valley Mall. Our homewas the first one built on Bowlin. I havebeen away from Richfield 44 years. (Source:Opal Tanner McGlochlin) ClarenceHickman Tanner b. Sept. 20, 1903, Casa,AR, d. Feb. 17, 1989; son of George Harvey and JosephineCaroline Henry Tanner. Clarencemd Mazie Lillian Wallace Sept. 15, 1924, Benton, MO. Mazie, b. Aug. 31, 1906,Van Duser, MO; dau. of JamesSamueland Nona Eliza Boyett Wallace. Children: Harold Clinton b. Oct. 16, 1925,Van Duser, MO; md Meta JeanMason Jan.2l,1946, Essex,MO; has 5 childrenof his own, also raised3 adopted;lives in Westfield,FL. JamesHarvey b. Oct. 26, 1927,Paul, ID; md Betty L. Crocker Dec. 21, 1968, Anchorage,AK; has 5 children,lives in Yuma, AZ. Charles Hickman b. May 15, 1930,Van Duser,MO, d. Dec.27,1967, WichitaFalls,TX; md CharleneNoe Sept.30, 1951,Henrietta,TX; has 3 children who live in Texas"Opal Carolyn b. Oct. 18, 1932,Van Duser; md Frank McGlochlin Jr. Jan. 21,1949, Boise. William Thomas b. Mar. 23, 1936,Richfield;md SharonJones;works in ldaho Falls; has 3 children. George Samuel b. Mar. 23, 1936,Richfreld,d. March 24, 1936. (Source:Family Bible) TAPPER W. J. and Zelma Tapper and three sonscamein 1909to live on a ranch 7 mi. N of Richfield befbre water was turned into the canals. They retired from the ranch in about 1946 and moved to San Diego. Mrs. Tapper told their story for the Journal. LCJ Feb. 17, 1938 The one thing that Mrs. Tapper was NOT going to do when she was a girl - was marry a farmer. She'd lived all her life on a f'arm and knew how hard they had to work. So she married an lowa pharmacist,who wastedvery little time becomingan ldaho farmer! SenatorTapper was lured farther west by the openingof the tract where they madetheir home. kindly senator'swif'esaid. That first winter the trail "And believeme, we really pioneered,"the sweet-faced we literally broke was so bad and the snow so deepthat we didn't seeanyonefor months. Mrs. Tapper is glad now that she has spentthe past 30 yearson a ranch. She's found it inspiringto seea barren, desert land turned green and fertile, and besidestheir three sons learned how to be good horsemen, cattlemenand irrigators. One son Lyle, lived in Malad and Robertbecamea chiropodistin Boston. Both were graduatesof the U of I, where Thomasis enrolledin the schoolof mines. [Tommy Tapper used to ride to the North End Schoolon his pinto pony in the 1920's.l The Tappershave always interestedthemselvesin civic and school work. They like trips into the Sawtooth mountainsand enjoy ranchlife generally,althoughshesaysshe's "scaredto deathof horses." They reaclavidly many magazines.Mrs. Tapperlovesto sew, and makesquilts, does needlepointand crochets. She is musical and sings as well as plays the piano. She has been interestedin metaphysicsfor the past l0 years. She was sup't. of the North End SundaySchoolfor awhile and also taughtmusic. RR l9l5 W.J. Tapperwill be the first farmer of Richfreldtract to install a milking machine. RR June 1930 Robert Glen Tapper receivedhis BA sheepskinwith more than 300 others at the 35th of the U of I. RR Juty 1930RobertTapperwas home fbr the week-endtiom his positionwith commencement WholesaleGrocery Co. in Twin Falls. LCJ Sept. 1934 RobertTapper left fbr Boston where he will study as chiropodist.LCJ July 3, 1936 RobertTappergraduatedfiom the Schoolof Podiatryin Boston,and has located in a suburbof Boston,WellesleyHills. LCJ Apr. 28, 1939Mr. and Mrs. Tapperhavethe thrill of electricityin their home for the first time. Zelma Tapper died at her home in San Diego at the age of 75 on May 15, 1956. She was a native of Quasqueton,IA, born Dec. 3, 1880. IA, sonof JamesErwinand Mary Massey rancher,b. Nov.5, 1873inFarmersburg, WilliamJamesTapper, Tapper. He died July 1962 at Dover, MS at 89. He was educatedat IA StateUniv, receiving a degreein pharmacyin 1896. He married 1) Carrie Gilbert 1898 at Monona, IA (d. 1898), son Lyle G.; md 2) Zelma IA Sept. 12, 1906;childrenRobertG. and ThomasM. RobertaHopkins at Independence, He starteda drug businessin 1897in Rowley, IA. Locatedin Richfield in 1909; owned a720 acreranch. Tapper was presidentof the AmericanReservoirDistrict No. 2 in 1930;vice presidentof the First StateBank
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1935-1940. 1925-1930: StateSenator LincolnCo.;StateRepresentative inRichfield;CountyCommissionerof (Source:TheldahoDigestand BlueBook, Caxton;1935) THOMAS Jim andLindaThomascameto Richfieldin 1968. Theymetat theU of I andweremarriedin 1964. Jim hasbeena historyteacherherefor 26 yearsandhasdonesomecoaching.Lindahasworkedfor Dr. Davis, b. Feb.1968;md.JohnWebster;3 boys. Bothgraduated in thelabfor five years.Children:Pegeen, Shoshone, from the U of I and now live in Montana.Jimmy, b. Oct. 1970;md. Chris 1993;both attendingU of I. (Source:Jim andLinda Thomas) THOMAS John S. Thomas living up Little Wood near Pagari,madefinal proof on his homesteadWednesday.
RR Nov. 4, l9l2) He acquired landin Section33 in 1908.(Source: Vern and Genevieve (Jennie) Rowe Thomas fiom a THOMAS history written by Vern Thomas before his deathin 1960at Richfield. He died enroute to Shoshoneto consult Dr. Neher after he had sufferedan apparentheart attack at his home in Richfield. "l cameto Idaho in 1908 and stayedfrom Octoberto December. I rememberarriving back in SpanishFork, Utah (my home) on Christmasnight. I was not married then - not until 1912. ln the fall and winter of 1908, I cameto Richfieldby train, havingworked the summerin Idaho Falls. During that winter, I worked on the Magic Dam aboveRichfield and also helped constructingcanals,with teams and scrapershauling rock and dirt. The pay was $2.25 per day plus 75 cents a day for board. We boarded in camps which were tents. There was no depot in town. There were a couple of stores.The Ketchumrailroad line built in 1880 came through here. My sister Mae ThomasFlavel and her husbandElias and family camefrom Utah in the springof 1909. The constructioncampwas 1 mi. W and3 ll2 mi. N of the town. "l returnedto Utarhand in 1915brought my family to Carey. We shippedour cattle and householdgoodsby "immigrationcar" on the railroadwith five cows and three horsesin one end, and the household items,farm machinery,and myself in the other end. Thesecarswere given specialratesfor peoplesettlingin Idaho. I cameon to Picabo whereour belongingswere unloadedand then driven to Carey. This was in Septemberof 1915. Jennieand our two youngdaughtersMae J e n n i e& V e r nT h o m a s1 9 5 5 . and Rowene,arrived later by train. Two sons were born at Carey, Vern R. and Glen. "Frequentvisits were madeto Richfieldto visit the Mae and Elias Flavel family. My brotherJohn had at one time stayedwith the Flavels in Richfield, but later moved to Carey. My brother Grant als<llived in Carey [and later movedto Richfield].The visitsto Richfieldwere madeby teamand wagonor by sleigh. We kept our feet warm with heatedlava rocks wrapped in blanketsor walking behind the sleigh. "ln 1925, we moved to Paul where my family was raisedand I continuedto farm and raise livestock. Jennie taught school, being one of the few married women who were allowed to teach in that county. After living in Paul fbr 18 years,we sold our farm and housein town and movedto Richfieldwith our son Glen in 1943. "My brotherJohnThomashad worked in Richfieldfor QuetJohnson,the fatherof Mark and Dick Johnson, who had come from Utah and were farming 3 mi. N and 314 mi. W of Richfield on the farm later owned and operatedby CharlesMaestas. This building had a large, lava-rockhome, modernized,and with many large barns and outbuildings." Vern Rowe Thomas - A note aboutthe family's move away fiom Carey: in 1925, the market for sugar beet seed,which was a principal crop in the Carey area, failed becausethe demandfor beet sugar diminished after World War I. This situation caused several farmers to lose their ranches and Vern was one of these. Consequently, the family moved to Paul, whereother family memberswere living. Shortly after arriving in Richfield in 1943, the family purchaseda ranch 3 mi. N and 2 mi. W of town, known then as the Keogh ranch. The purchaseincludeda large band of sheep. A short time later, they sold this
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ranch and purchasedthe Fulbright place, located 5 mi. N and 3/4 mi. E of town. Glen purchasedthe Martindale ranch located 4 mi. N and 1 ll2 mi. E of town. ln 1946, Vern and Jennie purchased the Hendersonranch,from Bert Jensen,1 mi. W and ll2 mi. N of town. This ranch was farmedjointly by Vern and his son Vern R. who came to Richfield in 1947 with his wife and family. This ranch was later purchasedby Glen Thomas upon his return from his church missionto Hawaii. Since Jennieenjoyed a long career of school teaching in Spanish Fork, UT; Carey; and Paul, she resumedteachingthe first grade in the Richfield schoolsand retired in 1952. She taught her son Vern R. and Murray Rawsonin the samefirst grade in Carey, and later, taughttheir sonsJimmy and Stevenin the same class in Richfield. She enjoyed teachingmore than life on a ranch,so the couple moved a ranchhome into town, locatingon the secondblock north of the water tower on the west side of the street.After Jenniedied in 1969, the home was sold L o i s a n d V e r n T h o m a s ,1 9 9 3 . to Ralph Riley, Jr. and his wife, Venna. Vern was activein the RichfieldLions Club and contributedto the building of the new LDS churchin Richfield. He was one of the first stockholdersof the ShoshoneLivestock Auction and was an activebuyer and sellerof livestockat this auctionas well as the livestockauctioncentersin Jeromeand Gooding. Glen later sold his ranch to the Bowers family and moved to Salt Lake City where he taught school and married a fellow teacher,JackieGatenby,of SpanishFork, UT. They now residein St. George, UT and are ownersand operatorsof the TravelodgeEastMotel. They havethreegrown children;Glen Lee, Mary Anne, and Jenny. Both Glen Lee and Mary Anne haveservedmissionsin Japan, and all live in Provo, UT. Vern's brother, Grant, also lived at Richtreldin the 1950's,havingpurchaseda ranch near the butte, 6 mi. N and 2 mi. W of town. His secondwife, Vera, died at the Jeromehospitaland Grant dieclwhile on a vacatittn in Utah in the late 1960's. His children,Wayne,Harold, and Elna were grown when he movedto Richfieldand lived elsewhere.Harold later movedto Richfieldwith his British wif'eMonica and family in the 1950'sand lived at The Forks north of town while working fur the Big Wood CanalCompany. He later moved to Arizona and died there in 1990. Vern also owned a ranch4 mi. N and | 314mi. E of town which was later sold to his son, Vern R. After this sale, Vern purchaseda ranch(Riverwood)6 mi. N and | 314mi. W of town near the ranchesknown as the occurred.Vern and his neighbor,Mr. McGaughey,had Tapperranches.On this ranch,an interestinghappening a quarrelover an irrigationditch which they shared,which was finally settledin court in Vern's favor and then, just one rod fiom they had additionaltroubleover a fenceline. As a result,Mr. McGaugheybuilt his own f-ence the original one. So, for ll4 mi., at right anglesto the 6 mi. N road, a douhlef.encestoodfbr many years.After Vern died in 1960.this ranch was sold to Bud Swan. Both Vern and Jennieare buried in the Richfieldcemetery.Their childrenare scattered:RoweneBasinger in Redding,CA, Mae Hanks in Burley, Vern R. and Glen in St. George,UT. The yearsthey lived in Richfield and fiiendships. were happy and productiveones,f'ull of accomplishments THOMAS Vern R. After completingthree yearsin the Air Force as a B-17 bomber pilot, and finishing his bachelor'sdegreeat BYU, Vern R. andhis wife, Lois DoranThomas,formerly of Berkeley,CA, movedto Richfleld with their two sons Steven (3) and Keith (1) in 1947. Vern began teaching businesssubjectsat the high school and farming with his father Vern. Water for the cattle and the householdwas piped from a large cistern 40 feet squareand I I feet deep.Drinking water was hauledfrom town in ten-gallonmilk canswhich had spigots attached.The family installedplumbingin the home and alsohelpedto bring the telephoneline in. Lois was activein the PTA, and was activein musicin the communityand LDS Church, includingdirecting the Choralaires,the LDS ward choir, and the BlaineStakeproductionof "PromisedValley." She servedas a teacherand as ward Primary President,YWMIA Presidentin both the ward and stake, and on the stake Relief SocietyBoard. Being a city girl, sherememberswell havingto help with a diffrcult delivery of a calf as well as other farm tasks such as butchering,raising chickens,and canningfruits and vegetables. Two more children, Barbaraand Paul, were born during the heavy winter snowsof 1948-9and 1949-50. Travel in those winters was by horse and sleigh, and temperatureswere as low as 40 degreesbelow zero. High
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
amountsof snowkept the roads windsand unprecedented filled. Vern resortedto riding to schoolon horsebackon for dayswhile Schoolwasoftendismissed manyoccasions. horse-drawn For time, a a was being cleared. snow the Too bad that snowmobiles bus. sleighwasusedas a school hadnot yet beeninvented! A news item of interestappearedin the Twin Falls Injured newspaper on 1949with the headline"Boy Rescues " The article stated, "a four-year-oldboy Grandfather. steereda truck for more than ten miles so his injured grandfather couldreceivemedicaltreatment.VernThomas, 60, of Richfield, was admittedto the GoodingHospital Thursday.He said he was injuredlast Sundayat his farm westof Richfield.Struckby a fallingbarrelof whey,[which hewasdumpinginto thehogtrough,causinghim to fall into when hogs the penl, Thomaswas only semi-conscious StevenThomascameto the startedto root at him. Grandson
V e r n T h o m a sF a m i l y .
rescue,beatingthe hogs away with a stick. Then he helpedhis grandfatherinto a truck. While the elderly man worked the gas pedal, brake and gears,Stevensteeredthe truck to Shoshonemore than ten miles away"" and a teacherin the church In additionto teachinghigh schooland ranching,Vern servedas scoutmaster auxiliaries,as well as First Counselorto BishopMurray Rawson.Vern was Bishopof the Richfield LDS ward from 1955to 1960,during which time a new buildingwas erectedthat servedalsoas a stakecenterfor the Blaine Stake.When the Thomasfamily was complete,there were four boys and four girls, six born in Richfield. In 1952, they purchaseda farm from Vern's father, 4 mi. N and | 314 miles E of town. They remodeled and modernizeda large frame home on the ranch and Vern taughtat the RHS. They moved to Shoshoneto teachand soldthis ranchto Clifford Dayley. ln 1964,they movedto Utah. After receivingMasters'degrees,Vern and Lois beganteachingat Dixie Collegein St. Georgein 1965. After retiring in 1986,they spentone and one-halfyears on a churchmissionto Madrid, Spain. Vern R. and Lois still residein St. George.Their childrennow havefamiliesof their own and residein Utah and Nevada.Stevenowns and operatesthe RodewayInn and SugarLoaf Restaurantin CedarCity; Keith is Vice Presidentof AmericanFederalSavingsBank in Las Vegas;Barbaraworks part-timefclr American Expressand is involvedin northernUtah politics,presentlyservinga fbur-yearterm as a city councilrnanin West Valley City, Utah'ssecondlargestcity; Paul is the principaland a teacherin the LDS seminaryin Beaver,Utah; Beverly lives in Ephraimand is a Probationand ParoleAgent at the stateprisonin Gunnison;Maurinelives in St. Georgeand is an assistant claimsagentfor StateFarm insurance;Mark works in the constructionbusinessin St. George;and Emily is the News Director for Channel8, KLAS-TV in Las Vegas.Vern R. and Lois have 28 grandchildren in 1993. and one great-grandchild The Idaho yearswere busy and responsibleonesand contactsare still maintainedwith many of the fiiends who were met while the familv lived in Richfield.(Source:Vern R. & Lois Thomas) THOMAS Mr. anclMrs. W.S. Thomasof Mt. pt.orun,. Iowa. visitedhis two sisterswho liveclin Twin Falls during the summerof 1917. They enjoyedthe invigoratingclimateof the high altitudeand decidedthat Idaho would be a good placeto live. After spendingsometime with real estatedealers,checkingwater rights and soil conditionsthey purchasedthe C.P. Johnsonranchon the Little Wood River in the Marley district. In the spring of 1918 Mr. and Mrs. Thomasacquireda railroademigrantcar and shippedtheir household goodsand machineryin it. Sincethere was no livestocktney cameout on a passengertrain and bought a Studebaker car from the Hansen gaftge in Shoshone.Their sonsRusselland John stayedin Mt. Pleasantuntil Russell graduatedfrom high school and they then drove the family car to Idaho. They took a tent and other campinggear and stayedat night in free public campgroundswhich they fbund in nearly all towns. In those days there were no gravel or pavedroads exceptin towns and cities. The one exceptionwas 8 or 9 miles of cementroad west of Omaha,Nebraska. Most roadswere graded and quite passable exceptin rainy weather. They were three days crossingIowa in rain and mud. With car breakdownsand flat tires they were two weeks making the trip to ldaho. During the first two years at Richfield irrigation water was plentiful and crops were good. Then 1920 was a short water year. Farmers continuedto be faced with water shortagesover the years.
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Due to lack of water and low prices for farm productsfollowing the severeeconomic depressionafter World War I, the Thomaseswere unable to make their annualpaymentson the farm and turned it back to Mr. Johnsonwho then leasedthe ranch to Mr. Thomas for five years. At the end of that period Johnson's son wanted to take over the ranch so Mr. Thomas rented the Bob Brown ranch which was about 2 mi. S of Marley on the Little Wood River. After two years he purchaseda small acreagejust south of the Brown place and lived there until they moved into Shoshone. Despite their financial difficulties the Thomasesnever regrettedcoming to Idaho. W . S . T h o m a s ,J o h n , B i l la n d R u s s e l l .S u m m e ro f 1 9 4 1 a t R i v e rR a n c h They made many friends and enjoyed the S W o f M a r l e v . hunting, fishing and recreationaladvantages that are so abundanthere. William SandfordThomasb. July l, 1869at Carthage,IL; son of Silas Sandfbrdand HenriettaJ. Groom Thomas. He marriedIda IsabelleMcGregor,b. Dec. 10, 1874in HancockCounty, IL; dau. of John and Mary Black McGregor, d. Jan. 12, 1953in Shoshone.W.S. Thomasdied in ShoshoneMay 4, 1961. Children, all born in HancockCo, IL: Iowa. They had two childrenJune Tamar b. Dec. 19, 1895,mdJamesMillerJune6, 1916,Mt. Pleasant, VerPloeghof Corrales,NM and Joy Heller of Stillwater,OK. Tamar lived on a farm in Iowa. Alter the death of her husband,she movedto Stillwater,OK, whereshe still lives in her own home near Joy. Irma b. Jan.21, 1898,d. Jan. 20, 1985,Boise;md. William H. Long 1918 Mt. Pleasant,Iowa. One daughter,CatherineLong Egelstonof Boise. Irma and Bill Long movedto GlennsFerry in 1920. After they divorcedin 1923,Irma attendedschoolat Albion Normal and taughtat Marley for a year in the one room school which was locatedaboutan eighthof a mile north of the Thomas' house. She next taught first and secondgrades in Shoshonefor two yearsand then movedto Boisewhere shetaughtfirst gradeuntil she retired. She married John Cummansin Boise in Feb. 1943. Russell Sandford b. Aug. 24, 1899;md Mary LouiseMcCarthy March 5, 1927Jerome. Three children: Helen Marshall of Twin Falls; John M. of Allyn, WA and Jim of GlennsFerry. Russelland Mary movedto Dietrich in 1928and farmedthereuntil 1955,then movedto Twin Falls where they still reside. Mary taughtin RHS one year. She servedas clerk of the Dietrichschoolboard fbr one year and Russellwas a memberof the sameboard for eight years. He also servedas Lincoln CountyCommissionerfbr eight yearsfrom 1945-1953. md. Joy Noble Oct.27,1923 Boise. Four John William b. Jan. 15, 1902,d. July 18, 1977,Shoshone; children: Phyllis Beitia of Shoshone;Bill of Anacortes,WA; Dick of Boise; David of Brighton, CO. John and Joy moved to Kansasand farmed there fcrrthree years. They then returnedto Dietrich and managedthe Borden hardwarestore and lumber yard. John was electedsheriff of Lincoln County and took offlce in 1940. During his secondterm he resignedto work for Gooding SeedCompanyin Shoshonewhich was a bean and grain warehouse. He becamemanagerand Gooding Seedlater changedto Beakon Bean Company. '94 and is a WW I veteran This accountwas written by RussellS. Thomas. He was 95 yearsof age in July and memberof the RichfieldAmericanLegionPost#1. He alsobelongsto the MasonicLodge #70 in Richfteld. He readsand watchesTV, especiallysports,and still repairsand refinishesfurniture in his basement. TONGISH Andrew Tongishwas listed as having land in Section28 in 1910. The Jan. 13, 1914, RR stated that Andy Tongish went to Shoshoneearly that week to make final proof on his hornestead. A son also came with him, and a Mrs. Tongish was mentionedin one paper. They lived just west of the Fulbrightsin a dark yellow house,the color of the railroadhouses. Therewas a big pond betweenthe homes. They olten spokeof Andy Tongish. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fulbrightreceivednewsof the deathof A.G. Tongish atage 85 at a Denverhome fbr the aged. Many Richfield peoplewill rememberhim as one of the pioneersof this tract. He and his son Andy owned town and farm property. They sold outin l9l8 and returnedto CO. (Source:LCJ May 27,1932; ACB)
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TRBE We @elbert and Betty) left family and friends in Coalville, Utah and moved to Richfield in October of 1971. Richfieldwas beengood to us. Delbertand sons,Charlesand Lynn, cameup here as we were trying to buy the old Johnsonplace. Jerry Robbinshad it at the time with Ernie Reynoldsrunning it. When Deb went up to the post office one day, a man who lived here for a long time said, "What are you going to do with that big red barn? We usedto squaredancethere." So the barn was made a historical site some time back. No one will ever tear it down. We have tried to fix it up over the years. Delbert has been able tcr work on the Soil Conversationboard and helped get DHI testing startedhere. We have had five children graduatefrom high school here. Betty feels that one of the big blessingsthat cameinto our life was to be able to help with two of the Outlaw Day productions. Not only of knowing lots of people, but oh, how interestingto find out about how Richfield came about. The one in 1983 was a masterpiece of work. Many, many people contributedto it. It was wonderfulto see the building overflowing. Mac Crowther put in endlesshours. The one in 1990, Idztho's aten yearperiod. Weeven had ahornemade1893Benz car Centennial,was onethateachorganizationcovered that ran on the gym floor, thanksto Eunice and her brothers. But with working with people, making new fiiends was specialfor Deb and me. Zella Kennison was so kind to offer specialdressesfor everyoneto wear. We so missedher when she passedaway at this time. Shewas a speciallady. Our childrenhave all marriedsincecominghere:Edward md. DeneseNeil from Portage,UT. He met her at Utah State in Logan. Deborah md. Robert Ruflin from Woodscross,UT. Lynn md. Norma Ralls, a hometowngirl. Charles md. Allison Archer of Yerington,NV. Letty md. Bill Claytonfiom SLC, UT. Anita md. Jed Adamsonfrom Carey. Delbert Allen md. KatiePetersonfrom Lehi, UT. He met her at Ricks College. A very sad period in our life was losing Edward with leukemiain 1981, leavinghis wif-eand 5 children. The Lord's blessingshave helped. We, with many friends from here and Utah, tried hard but after much suffering,he died in the City of Hope in Duarte,CA. Deb enjoyedbeing a bishophere in Richfield. He alsowas involvedwith the Scouts. Deb and I are getting older now, and we can't close without adding what a joy it was in 1992 t<-:go on an LDS mission to the Tocloban,PhilippinesMission. What beautifulpeople. We now live up town by Lynn and Norma in the old Pridmorehousewhere we are very happy. (Source:Delbert& Betty Tree) VADEN Hayes and LydiaVaden movedto Richfieldfiom Picaboin Apr. 1941, with their children, Bob 10, Boots6, Joe5 and Deanna4. They movedto the old Kilpatrickranch6 mi N 2 W, known as the Metcalf ranch. We had no electricity,well or indoor plumbing. We lived there20 years,built onto the houseand modernized it, dug a well, boughtmore land, milked cows and raisedpigs and sheep. We worked hard, mademany fiiends; joined the AmericanLegion and Grange. '41 The fall of Boots and Bob went to the North End School two miles from our home. These were depressionyears but we were able to get a horse for them to ride. Joe and Deannawent there later. When Deannawas a third grader,schoolswere combinedand they went to Richfieldon the schoolbus, 20 rnilesin the morningand 8 at night. The childrenmet manynew fiiends and participatedin schoolactivities;basketballwas their favorite. The year Deannawas a seniorthey won the tournament--very thrilling. The family all had choresto do, Boots learnedto cook, and Bob helpedmilk and f-eed,irrigate and harvest. Lydia helpedHayes with everything. Winter time was difficult, feedingcows, pigs and chickens. We f'edthe pheasants every morning; we countedas many as 75. We fed many sagehenswhich cleared8 acresof white dutch clover one summer,so we felt like we shouldbe able to eat some. We were snowedin fbr rnanydays-' winterof 4l-' 42,' 48-'49 and' 5l: 52. We had sheepand raisedbum lambs. The kids joined the 4-H club, Lydia was a leader;kids fiom town cameonce a week for meetings. They took cooking, canning,sewing, lambs, chickensand tractor maintenance. Deannawon top prize the first year on her sewing and lamb-quite a thrill for a ten year old. Bob met his wife, Velma in collegeat Albion. After they were marriedthey lived near Gooding, and now live in Mackay and own the lumber yard. They have eightgrown children. Bob is Bishop of the LDS ward. High schooldays were fun for Joe, Bootsand Deanna. Clint Bugg was superintendent.They have since chosentheir own destiny. Boots md Gary Hubsmith, is a sixth grade teacherin Heyburn, lives in Burley where Gary is a retired banker. They have some cattle. Boots has two children, David in Yuma, and Debbie, a 1982 Miss Arizona and lives in Columbus,MO. Joe spent 22 yearc in the Navy Air Force, a helicopterpilot, retiring as a commander; has a degree in counselingand is employedin Crystal River HS. He and his wife, Sylvia have two children. Eric who is
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working on his doctorate;Kantia,a collegegraduate,is md. to a baseballpitcherwith the HoustonAstros. Sylvia works for FL power and light. Deanna (Mrs. Dean Wilson) lives in Mountain Home. They own LaMode Cleaners and their youngest daughterCrystal works there also. Deannaenjoysgardening. Dean is an avid fisherman. Their older daughter Marla works in a bank in Seattle. In Richfield we enjoyeddancing,Legion dinners,card playingand picnickingwith neighbors. We finally sold the ranchto Jerry and JoyceJohnston.Hayesand Lydia movedto MountainHome where Lydia went back to schooland taughtfor eight years. Hayespassedaway Aug. 9, 1976. Lydia lives in an apartmentand enjoys activitiesat the SeniorCenter. (Source: Lydia Vaden) VANSANT Richard and EstherVangordenVansantwere marriedFeb. 18, 1928, in Missouri. One daughter, Carley (Baird) of Carey was born to them. They and his twin brother, Reginaldand family moved to ID to farm. Richard came to Richfield in 1944. Another brother, Leon and family, rented the Flavel farm 4 mi N. Their daughterMary Ann md ReeseBates. They farmed the Bert Stevensplace and had two daughtersbefbre moving to Rupert, where Mary Ann becamea nurse. She helpedthe Rex Flavel before the death of Shirley's father, Clark Hand. The Vansantswere active in Grange. Richardwas sup't. of the MethodistSundaySchooland sang in the choir; Estherwas pianist. Richarddied in Mar. 1950when his team of horsesran away as he was openinga gate. Esthermd ClarenceBluemerand movedto Midvaleand laterto the Weiserarea. They were divorcedafter 25 years. She movedto Ontario,OR, md Art Berrethfor a shorttime. Carley's family moved her to Careyto be nearthem for her remainingthreeyearsafterfailing health. Esther(1910-1993)was buried in Richfieldnear Richard (1905-1950). Six grandsonsalso survivedher. (Source:Obits, Rex and Shirley Flavel) VAUGHN Louis R. and May HolmesVaughnwere marriedFeb. 17, 1915,in Buhl. Our mother'stwo sisters and their families and our father'ssisterand her family had all movedto Buhl tiom the samearea in KS about 1913. Mother cameto visit her sistersand found work. Our fathercameto visit his sister,seethe new country and continuehis courtship. They farmednear Deep Creek whereDoris was born Jan. 3, 1917" In l9l8 we moved to Richfieldto an insideforty, Louis was born there Nov. 15, 1918. ln 1920Dad sold farm the to the LaBrun brothersand we movedto WilliamsValley, WA wherethe other childrenexceptMaurice wereborn. Thomasb. June19,1920;Loretab. Sept.27,l92l; Mauriceb. Dec. 10, 1923at Parrna,[D, while we were visiting our grandmother;Ralph b. Nov. 13, 1926 and Eldon Oct. 14, 1928. In Sep. 1929 we carne back to ID to the tarm 2 mi N 4 W and 3/4 N. Doris Louise md Alex SchiedMay 28, 1938. We raisedtwo sons, Alex L. and Larry. Alex worked fbr the UPRR for 26 yearsas sectionforeman, generalfbreman in chargeof the detectorcar and as generalfbreman in chargeof 200 men, extragangswere mostly NavajoIndians. He d May 1964. I returnedto Richfield in the fall of 1979when I retired from the postalservice. I havesevengrandchildrenand fbur great-grandchildren. Louis F. was draftedinto the Army Dec. 1941;he was at PaineField, WA and Camp Barkley, TX. Early in 1943he sailedfrom New York on the QueenElizabethfbr Swindon,Eng. where he was during the blitz. He was a Tec-Sergeant on detachedservicein chargeof a utility shop which poured cement,put in electricityand plumbingand unloadedships. During D-Day he was sentto France. At the end of the war he was in Heidelberg supervising1500POW's anddisplacedpersons,who werebeingusedto restoretelephoneand electricalserviccs. HegothometoRichfieldjustasthebandstartedplayingfbrtheNewYear'sDanceDec.3l,1945. Louis and PriscillaKimball were md June3, 1954,in Elko. They havethree sons; Kim, Craig and Clint, andthey havethreegrandsons.Louis servedon the RichfieldHighway Board,helpedto get the Legion Hall built and Outlaw days started. They have lived at Richfieldand Carey. They still own the home place where more acreshavebeenadded. He worked 12 yearsfor the BlaineCountyHighway District. He is now retirecland they live in Carey. Pat is working as a Teacher'sAide. Her mother,Mary Kimball lives near them. Thomas M., born at Deer Park, WA, cameto Richfield in 1929. He graduatedfiom RHS and received BS a degreefrom ISU. ln 1942he was draftedinto the army. He was selectedand qualifiedfor a small, elite outfit of Canadianand Americantroopsfor highly specialized training. It was calledthe First SpecialService Force later known as the GreenBerets. He servedin the Pacific and Europeantheaters,was awardedthe Silver Star, BronzeStar, Purple Heart and other medals. In July 1943they were sent to CasaBlanca,Morocco, then crossedAfrica by train and went by ship to Naples. They were in the battle tbr Mt. Dadifensa,then while there he saw the tank Clifford Conner was in when he was woundedand captured. In Mar. '44 Tom saw action at Anzio, he and a buddy crawledinto no-man'sland underfire to rescuea woundedcomrade. Later he received
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TheHistory oJ'Richfield,Idaho
a bad concussion,which causedloss of hearing,and also receivedseveralsmall shrapnelwounds. Alter his hospital stay he was reclassifiedas non-combatant,was reassignedto Sicily. He drove for the Commander, ColonelPalmer until the end of the war. He was re-calledfor the KoreanWar. He didn't get to seehis son Tommy until he was nine months old. On Aug. 7,1949, he md Lois Nesbitat the RichfieldMethodistChurch.Lois was born at Richfield and went to school there. During high school she worked as an usher at Brush Theater, bookkeeperat the elevator and telephoneoperator. After high school she was a telephoneoperator in Boise, worked at Universal Foods, was teacher'saideand ElementaryLibrarian at Wendell. Lois and Tom now live in Jerome. They celebratedtheir 45th weddinganniversaryAug. 1994attheir home. Their children: ThomasMack b Dec.25,1950 at Richfield and went through the 5th grade there. He finished school at Wendell. He graduatedfrom ISU with a BS in Architectureand his MS from Vancouver,B.C. He worked for the canal company,City of Pocatello,JUB Engineersat Sun Valley and at Salt Lake City. He is currently in San Diego. He has receivedmany awards for communityservicein UT and CA, was Advisor to Youth SharedMinistriesand helpedbring Youth fbr Christ to UT. He was BaptistChurch Youth Minister at SLC and OceanBeach,CA; Lois Joleneb. Jan. 9, 1953 in Richfield and graduatedWHS. She joined the US Air Force and spenta tour of duty overseasduring the Vietnamconflict. She died July 16, 1989at Divide, CO as a resultof an accident;Joni Daniele born Oct. l, 1968,graduatedWHS and from ISU with a BA and an MS in PhysicalTherapy. Befbregraduatingshe worked at Green Acres, Hill Crest and B.A.R.C. She md Glen Powell Nov. 9, 1993 at Wendell and is working in Pocatello. l,oreta May has lived mostly in Boise. Sheworkedfor BoiseCascade,the ForestService,Albertsonsand a s a t e a c h e r ' s a i d eS. h e m d J a y e n J a m e s M c C a r t y S e1p4., 1 9 4 6 a t R i c h f i e l d a n d m d G e o r g e M a r v i n H i m e s J u l y 10, 1955 in Winnemucca,NV and he died June ll,1994. She has three daughters,sevengranclchildrenand threegreat-grandchildren.She now lives in Nampa. Maurice R. servedthree and a half years in the Navy. He enlistedafter finishing RHS and served on the Pennsylvaniaand was transferredshortly befure the ship was damagedbefore the end of the war. Maurice md Luenna Mae Flavel May 9, 1948, in Richfield, had two children: Vicki Rae and Neil Scott. He worked in Shoshoneas a barber. went to businessschoolin Boiseand becameclerk for the UPRR in Pocatello. On Oct. 2 3 , 1 9 6 5 , h e a n d h i s d a u g h t e r V i c k i w e r e k i l l e d i n a c a r w r eLcuke. n n a M a e d i e d J u n e 3 l09,7 0 , a n da l l t h r e e are buriedhere. Scott lives in Pocatelloand works fbr the UPRR. Ralph W. was drafted into the Army Feb. 1945and servedin the Philippines. He was dischargedDec. 1946. He has worked as truck driver, for a telephoneco., for a rural electrificationcontractor,tirr local farmers and as river water master. He has alwaysconsideredRichfieldhome. He is semi-retiredsincehe usuallyworks in the summer. Sept.4,1953. He servedalmostfive years Eldon D. enlistedin the Navy Aug. 3, 1948and was discharged in Diego, Aviation Metalsmith School in larger rowboat. He was San than a and was never on anything He was in Sweden,Spainand Belgium. After Memphis,TN, went to London and Port Lyautey,North Africa. 27 monthsoverseashe was transferredto Lake Hurst, NJ. He md Marie Waelhof Stith July 21,1956 in Soda Springs. Marie had three childrenby a previousmarriageand they have three: Dean, Ronda and Ronald and he Uy. l i v e e i g h t g r a n d c h i l d r eF n r. o m l 9 5 T u n t i l h e r e t i r e d , h e w a s s u p e r v i s o r o f t h e h e a t i n g d e p a r t m e n t a tTl S in Chubbuck.(Source:Doris Vaughn Schied) VERTREES J. E. was a real estateagent in the early days and he ran the motion picture in the old town hall fbr a while. Vern Downs, Erwin's son-in-lawoperatedthe machinefor him. A pictureshow was shown every Sat. night; the whole family was admittedfor $1. One Halloweensomeboys played a prank on him; they put an outhousein the intersectionnear the bank with a sign: J.E. Vertrees,Real Estate,on it. He sold a 40 acre tract to Mr. Vaughn of Buhl. He was still here in 1920. He ownedthe ranch Reedersrecentlysold. (Source: Joy Erwin Riedeman,RR Nov. 29, 1916and Censusrecords) WADE Raymond O. Wade, 86 died Feb. 15, 1977, at SedroWoolley, WA. He was a fbrmer residentof Richfield1928to 1934. During theseyearshe was a partnerof Frank Popein the People'sMotor Servicewhere the City Hall and Highway District aretoday. His wife, Hesta,who precededhim in death,was a sisterto Marie Pope. The Popesand Wades also worked at Boeing Aircraft in Bremerton,WA during WW II. He is survived by a son, Lester Wade, Clear Lake, WA, a daughter,Margaret Sheeley,Berthead,CO and five grandchildren. (Source:Newspaperobituary)
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WALKER Amos K. andBarbaraE. Walkercamefrom Missourito Ashton,thento Twin Fallsin 1917. They lived west of Richfieldfrom 1925to 1956. He farmedand ran a threshingmachinefor a time. Children: Evelyn, md. JoeJohnson;Don md. Mary Shonk;Helenmd. Carl Ball; Carol md. Hugh Hedges. Whenhis parentsretiredandmovedto Twin Falls,DonaldandMary boughtthe ranch. The A.K. Walker's50thwedding in Nov. 1960.BarbaraE.,b. at Sewell,IA Oct.31, 1891,md. AmosWalkerNov. wascelebrated anniversary Richfieldschools.Ernest IA. Shed. Nov. 1962.Don andMary'schildrenalsoattended 24,1,910, at Corydon, Twin Falls wheresheis a teacher's live in Eddie Elorietta, md. md. NancyBrown, live nearKimberly;Marilyn Ada Marie Pope) (Source: TN, Obituary aid; Dawn md. Tom Race,becamea nurse,Spokane. WARD Clifford (CW) and Olive Almedia Ward had beenworking for Nelson-RicksCreamery Co. for severalyears. "In Aug. 1946, Mr. Manwaring, manager for Nelson-Ricks, called me (Clifford) into his office and askedif we would be interestedin moving to Richfield, ID and be the managerdown there. We looked it up on the map and it seemed that it would be on the other side of the world to us. We drove to Richfield one day to seethe country and plant. We decidedto make the move." The Wards continued working in the cheesebusinessuntil retirement. (SeeWard's Cheeseunder Businesses) The Wards with children Sharon, Jay, Dallas and Lowell, moved from Rexburg to Richfield during the fall of 1946. They purchaseda small home from Grant Flavel's sister, Clara Lathrop, next to Grandma Bell's. The family became involved in both community and church activities. Clifford was the first Mayor of Richfield. Joyce was born in 1953. Early life was centeredaroundthe creamery. Insteadof milking cows, CW's children worked in the creamerybefore and after school. Olive & Clifford Ward, 50th Wedding ln 1962, the Wards purchasedthe W. S. Kohl place and moved there. A n n i v . .1 9 8 5 . The Wards were workers in the Idaho Falls Temple, and were called on a mission that was interruptedwhen Clifford suffereda heart attack. They spent severalwinters living in Mesa, AZ. Clifford was known fbr his sharp senseof hum<lrand love firr the grandchildren. He enjoyedhis horsesand collectingold buggiesalter retirement. Cliffbrd Wilmer Ward, b. June 19, 1914,Felt, ID, d. Mar. 14, 1989; son of Norman Ward and Luella Green. Olive AlmecliaCampbell,b. Aug. l, l917, Tetonia,ID; daughterof BryantCampbelland Anna Almedia Fullmer. They md. Sept. 19, 1935,at Salt Lake City, UT. Their children: in 1958in Richtreld. Shegraduatedfrom RHS in 1954,continuing Sharon Luella md. RichardChristensen graduating Dick in nursing. and Sharon reside in Provo, UT near their four children and BYU on at grandchildren. Clifford "Jay" md. Karon Whitby in 1962,IdahoFalls. He graduatedfrom RHS in 1956, servedin the Army and servedan LDS Mission in England. Sincetheir marriageJay and Karon have lived and raised their sevenchildren in Richfield. They are Berkley (md. ShaunaCordon in 1986, have 2 children), Garr, Monica, Barry, Malinda, Jasonand Ginger. Dallas md. Margaret Pyrah in 1967, Idaho Falls. Dallas graduatedRHS in 1958, attendedRicks and graduatedfrom BYU. He servedan LDS Mission to the East Central States. Dallas taught school in Jeromeand Twin Falls beforereturningto live with his family in Richfield. Their childrenare: Chad (md. Lori Wright in 1993),Craig (md. TeresaPorter in 1991,I boy, I girl), Jody, Raylene,Sid and Molly. Lowell md. Maureen Hancockin 1970, Salt Lake City. Lowell graduatedRHS in 1964, attendedRicks and BYU. He servedan LDS Mission in the West SpanishAmerican Mission and later enteredthe Air Force, returning to Richfield in 1972. Their children are lared (1972-1977),Deanna, Becky, Emily, Debra, Paul and Steven. Joyce graduated from RHS in 1971. Joyce moved to UT where she graduated from beauty school. Currently she residesin Orem, UT. (Source: Olive Ward) WARD Lester Ward was born and raised in Fairbury, Nebraska. His parentsdied when he was young, and he was raisedby auntsand uncles. He md. Dorothy ModeenMar. 9, 1922,in Helvey, NE. Donald and Everett were born there. They movedto Pingree,ID in 1926thento Twin Falls. Their daughterMona was born there. Les farmed and was in sanitationmaintenance.
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
In 1947Les purchasedthe Mel Huftington farm 3 ll4 mi N of Richfield. The family moved here in Dec. 1947 andbuilt a small housewith the help of PreacherDodd for Don's family. When Les retired he startedthe serviceof bringing melons, fruit and vegetablesfrom King Hill and HagermanValley to Richfield to be sold. Everyonelooked forward to the visit from "the Colonel", as he was fondly called. He always had treats for the children. Les passedaway in 1969. Dorothy lived in Richfield until she had to go to the Wood River Care Centerin Shoshone,passingaway in 1980. Don graduatedTFHS in 1942. He joined the Marine Corps and was woundedin the battle of Guadalcanal. He was returnedto Sun Valley, which was turned into a Naval hospital during the war, to recuperate. He md RoseDeKeyser, TF in 1947. They farmed and milked cows. They had three sons Mike, Patrick and Jefliey-two daughters,Cindy and Candy. They movedto Bagley,MN in 1974. Don passedaway June 5, 1990 and Rose returnedto Twin Falls. MichaelgraduatedRHS in 1965. He workedfor Ward's Cheese.He md BarbaraMoore TF. They moved to CA where Michael could receivetreatmentfor Hodgkins diseaseat StanfordMedical Center. They returned to TF in 1973 and he passedaway July 5, 1974. Patrick graduatedRHS in 1968 and he attendedCSI. He tarmed with his parentsmoving with them to MN where they farmed. Pat is a deputy sheriff in Bagley, MN and he is married. JeffgraduatedRHS in 1971. He attendedthe DenverTechnicalSchoolfor mechanics. He operatedthe TexacoStationin Richfield for a while beforejoining the army. He md Paula Silvey, Carey; later div; two childrenJenniferand Melissa. Melissad in 1994. Jeff marriedagain,lives in Catlettsburg,KY. Cindy also movedto MN and owns a cafe in ShevlinMN. Candymovedto Fresno,CA where she works fbr a Dr. She is md with two children. Mona Ward cameherewith her parents;md AntoneKodeshDec. 1949. They movedto Blackfbotand then to John Day, OR. Everett "Buck" Ward graduated TFHS 1944 thenjoined the Navy. In 1947 camehere with his parentsand farmed with his father and brother. In 1949 he md Mary Kodesh, Richtleld. They rented the Layne place from ReginaldVansantI mi N 3l4W of town 1957-1964 when they purchasedRex Flavel's farm 4 mi N of town where they still reside. They purchasedLester'sfarm. They have fbur sons: Tony, Everett, Jr, Brian and Scott, all raised in Richfield. Buck was elected a county commissioner in 1974; he held that position 18 yearsuntil Jan. 1993. Mary is a B a c kr o w : B r i a n ,S c o t t , E v e r e t t T , o n y ; F r o n tr o w B u c k & M a r y \ N a r d .1 9 7 4 . life-long residentof Richfield. Both are active in the community, still farm and enjoy six grandchildren.
andfor the BLM summers"He RHS in 1965. DuringHS he workedfor Ward'sCheese Tonygraduated attended CSI andU of I. He workedfor the BLM until he left for CA in 1969. He wentto Floridafbr twcr He spentfive yearsin Maui, HL management. MA wherehe wasin hotel-motel years,thento Provincetown, is large in herpetology which snakessuchasboasandalso He now residesin Sparks,NV. He hasa business smallanimals. RHS in 1968. In HS he workedfor his dadandPeteSchmidtin theTexacoStation. Everett,Jr. graduated Administration, thento BSU. ln l97l his Associate Arts degreein Business He wentto CSI wherehe received he workedfor the Big Wood CanalCo.; md PamelaPiperOct. 4, 1974. They havetwo sons: Treverand RHS in 1993;workedfor theRichfieldschoolduringHS andoneyearafter; attended Derek. Trevergraduated CSI completingtwo yearsin one year,graduatingin 1994with his Associateof Arts Degree. He works for AvonmoreWest. Derekis in the seventhgrade. RHSin 1968.He workedfor hisDadandthentheBLM, wentto CSIandISU. He worked Briangraduated underSy Balsonto fbr 11 years;wentto NY in 1980wherehe apprenticed for the BLM as a rangetechnician TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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becomea furniture maker. In 1982he md Mary Ann Mihalik, Murray Hill, NJ, a geologistfor the BLM. Mary Ann returned to Hailey in 1980 and was the Hailey City planner and Brian worked in a cabinet shop, going to work for UPS in 1984. They have two children, Ariana l0 and Brian Michael 5. Scott graduatedRHS ln 1972. During HS worked for his dad. He enjoyed sports and HS rodeo, riding bulls. He md Nina Hurst, daughterof Jim and Shirley Hurst, Bellevue Nov. 6, 1976. Scott farms with his father; they live 3 1/4 mi N. They have two children, Jerry a freshmanand Michelle, Tth grade. Two of their many memorabletimes in Richfield that Mary recallswere when a group of young folks in HS managedwith difficulty to put one of the horse-drawnbuseson top of the school houseon Halloween, and when she and Buck entertainedUS SenatorFrank Church and this wife Bethinefor dinner when he came to speakto the graduatingclassin 1978. "I've lived here all my life," says Mary, "and probably always will." (Source: Mary Kodesh Ward) WAYMENT Lula A Barton,b. Sep. 10, 1913,at Hill City, ID, md 1) J. Allison Gill b. Apr.22,1913 d. Jan. 22, 1946. They had three children: D. Alberta b. Feb. 13, 1934at Gooding,md JamesM. Brown, Jr. Jan. 6, l95l at Richfield, d. Sep. 30, l99l at Richfield;Kathryn E. b. Jan. 21, 1936 at Fairfield, md R. Wendell Johnson;Richard A. b. Jan. 3, 1944at Gooding,md (l) RobertaGilesNov. 7,1963 at Richfield, div.,md (2) Linda Culver, div., md (3) Patty HalbertDec. 24, 1984at Wells, NV. Lula md 2) StanleyS. Waymentb. June 17,l9l3 at Warren, UT Nov. 25, 1948 at Gooding. Stanleyd. Oct. 31, 1981. They havetwo children:Robert A. b. Mar. 11, 1950at Gooding. He md CatherineS. Mears Apr.22, 1972 at Latham, IL; Donald G., b. Sept. 7, 1952 at Gooding md Tammy JonesMar. 18, 197'l at Richfield, they divorced. Lula lives at the SawtoothApartments,Richfield. (Source: Group sheets) WHITESELL David and Daveda,the daughterof Merthan and Ruth Dille of Shoshone,first lived in a little old drafty house where Lowell Ward's house now is. They rented it for $10 a month from Ferrin Manwill. That winter (1963-64)was a bad one. David pickedup milk for Ward's Cheese. The snow was so deep N of town that he had to go through Shoshoneto the Burmah road by the Ice Caves to pick up the NE milk. Peoplehad to haul their cansby sled to pickup pointsbecausehe couldn'tget to most barns. The next winter the river had ice jams and was flooding. Richfield was isolatedbecauseof water over the roads. Daveda and Evelyn Wolverton were both expectingbabiessoon. They were packedpiggy-back style acrossthe flooding waters to stay in Shoshoneuntil the water went down. Neitherbaby camefor a while. Flint Earl was b. Jan. 19, 1965. David and Joe Parkerworked fbr the Big Wood Canal Co. They lived in numeroushouses,somewithout bathrooms. In the springof 1966they boughtthe lots next to Joe Seward's placefor the taxes. Lori Suzannewas b. Sep. 2, 1966. Severalyears later they bought an old house from Dutch Brauberger. '71 they sold their They moved it on their lots and remodeledit. Annie Marie was b. Aug.29,1970. In Sept. houseto Sid and Carolyn Edwards. They movedto CA where a job and housewere supposedto be waiting. It didn't pan out so after visiting family and friends in CA and NV returnedto ID. They moved into the Forks Diversionhouse10 mi. N of town and David was a ditch-riderfor the Big Wood CanalCo. He drove milk truck on week-endsand in winter. They raised calvesand farmed 80 acresthat Daveda's Uncle Ray Stangerbought from Dave Kennison. They bought somerange cows from Albert Pelley. Mark David was b. Mar. 15, 1974.TerexlaLynn was b. May 5, 1976. In 1977 they bought the M. B. Jonesplace 4 mi. N and Uncle Ray's 80 acres. They sold the rangecows and bought milk cows fiom Bruce Sorensenand Dub Capps. In 1978they built a new home next to the old one. ln 1979 Davedawent to work at the schoolas lunch supervisor. Sheheld this job for 9 l12 years. She broughtthe lunch program out of the red and starteda successfulbreakfastprogram for which she receivedstaterecognition. With the help of sup't. A. J. Jones, she also implementeda salad bar. They purchaseda new fieezer, convectionoven, grill, dishwasher,steamer,dishes,exhaustsystemand fire extinguishersystem, all financed from the lunch program. April Dawn b. May 5, 1981,and was a birthdaypresentfbr Teresa. In May 1981 they bought a herd of Jerseycows from Earl NelsonandhavemilkedJerseysever since. Two daysbeforeChristrnas1983,Lori went to town to be in DebbieBrauburger'swedding. The wind blew drifted snow so bad she couldn't make it home. David went to look for her in the tractor but had to comeback. He saw lights by Buck Ward's corner and fbund two cars stranded. In one were Laura Riley and sons, Gabe and Shawn. In the other were Kenny and Millie Sams and daughterTina, Crystal Lancasterand Kaysi and Rod Hubsmith. He couldn't pull them becausethe diesel fuel jelled up in the tractor. It was 20 below zero and the wind was blowing about 40 mph. They all headedtowards the housetrying to help eachother, but they got separated.Kenny and Millie endedup at Wards
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
andtherestat theWhitesells.Shawn'shandswerefrozenstiff andwhiteandfelt like ice. Davedaput his hands in tepidwaterandwrappedthem in a towel andelevatedthem. Everyonehadhot chocolateand coffeeto try to so they beddeddown on the floor andsleptall night. Davedacalledthe thawout. The girls were exhausted doctorsaidshehaddoneright but he neededto be in the hospital. hospitalto find out whatto do for Shawn--the They calledShawn'sDad, Pat, andhe andJimmyBrownbroughtout the patrolso they couldmakea path. It took themfour hoursto come4 milesbut driftedbehindthem. TheyhookedDavid'spickupto the patrol and tookRileysandHubsmithsbackin but the girls stayed.It took four hoursto get thereandsometime to get to the hospitalas the roadswere closed. ChristmasDay David rode the snowmobileto town and broughtLori home. Christmascamea day latethat yearandApril saidSantawasstuckin a snowdrift. In Feb. 1985theyspotteda bobcatin theyardsunninghimselflike he ownedtheplace. Theytook a picture andcalledDwain Stirtonbut the cat walkedaway. Throughthe yearsthe Whitesell'splacehasbeena refuge for quitea few peopledueto wrecks,weather,flat tiresandemptygastanks. TheWhitesellsarefarmingandmilkingcows. Davidworksfor theBig WoodCanalCo. andserveson the of the LincolnCo. housing.Flint is in the Air Forcein NM LincolnCo. housingboard. Davedais caretaker Ashley andAustin. Lori andsonDavidlive in Carey;sheworksfor his Nancy Harkins and children, with wife Bellevue; Annie lives in Boise with husband,Terry EdwardsanddaughterMichaela. She PowerEngineersin with his wife Lou Ann Erwin and sonsGarrettand worksfor Blue CrossInsurance.Mark lives in Shoshone Dalton. He worksfor SunValleyCo. andownsa duplex.Teresalivesin Richfieldwith her two sons,Joeand Haisen.April, a 7th graderstill livesat home. (Source:DavedaDille Whitesell) WHITESELL Martin and GraceWhiteselland their five children:Dale, Marty, Louie, David and Shirley, cameto Richfield in 1950. They first lived on the Furtado place. It was a bad winter and Martin walked 4 l12 mi. to town for groceries. They burned chairs for fuel and melted snow for water. Joe Piper flew his airplaneto make drops of medicineand supplies. The family walked 2 l12 mi. to the Ollieu placeto Georgeand Isabelle Stirton'sfor Christmasdinner. All the kids got measlesthat winter. They lived in many places where Martin farmed and hauled hay. All these moves were made with a tractor and a 4-wheeled trailer. Martin worked at Arco fcrr a short time at INEL puttingwindows in cementwalls. In Dec. 1956 Martin was appointedRichfield Town Marshal. He also had the responsibilitiesof dog-catcher, road and water maintenanceand snow removal. B a c k r o w : D a v i d ,S h i r l e y ,L o u i e ,D a l e .F r o n tr o w : M a r t y , M a r t i n , 'l Martin and his teen-ageboys did all the work by B i l l ,G r a c eW h i t e s e l l . 9 6 3 hand and with the occasionalhelp of their Ford tractorwith a snow plow on fiont. On Mar. 29, 1957,the kids all teen-agersnow, camehome from schoolto find their mother with her suitcasepacked. That night Bill was born. No one but Martin and Grace's mother knew she was expecting. The whole town was surprised. Shirley told her friends not to tell anyonebecauseshe thought it was supposedto be a secret. In July 1958 they purchaseda houseand 2 lots from Artie and Helen Petersonfor $3,000. ln 1962 Martin was appointeddeputy sheriff. He retired in Jan. 1971. He receiveda citation and placque from Gov. Cecil Andrus for outstandingservice in Idaho Law Enforcement. Martin passedaway at the Wood River Care Center July 17, 1971from a brain tumor. Gracehad kidney and heartproblemswhich resultedin many hospitalstays and dialysistreatments. She made many friendsat the hospital. When she passedaway on Sept. 9, 1988, the nursesat St. Benedict's Hospital planted a tree in Shirley's yard and decoratedit with yellow ribbons in her honor. Dale also had kidney problems and diabetes. A kidney transplantgave him a few more years, but it finally failedalso. He passedaway Oct. 2, 1990,at the ageof 51. His wife, Mary Janenow lives in Twin Falls. Their children are Tami and Nick.
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Marty and his wife, Delores live in Richfield. Louie and his wife, Shirley live in Jerome. David and Daveda live N of Richfield. Shirley and her husband,Deloy Wickham also live here. Bill and Julie live in Bellevue,ID. Martin Whitesell, b. Nov. 16, 1909 at Haysprings, NE, md Grace Eloise Heller, b. May 26, l9l8 at Preston, NV Aug. 18, 1937 at Eureka, NV. Dale Bennett b. June 12, 1939 at Eureka, NV md Mary Jane CarpenterNov. 18, 196l at Shoshone.Martin Van b. Nov. 17, 1940 at Ely, NV md Delores Ann Chapman Aug. 4, 1963 at Shoshone.Louis Eugene b. Mar. 10, 1943 at Ely, md Shirley Ann JesserJune 20, 1964 at Shoshone.David Earl b. Feb.23, 1944at McGill, NV, md DavedaGail Dille Dec. 10, 1963at Twin Falls. Shirley LaVonne b. Feb. 26, 1945 at McGill, md Deloy Wickham May 20, 1965 at Twin Falls. William ke b. Mar. 29, 1957at Jerome,md Julie Ann JensenDec. 30, 1976at Boise. (Source:DavedaWhitesell) Deloy (Wick) and Shirley moved to Richfield in Sept. 1972 and purchasedthe Howard DeWitt WICKHAM house. In 1976we remodeledthe back porch to make a beautyshop. The Beauty Salon was openedfor business until Dec. 1993. Wehavethreechildren:Wade, b. Mar. 1966,Misti inJuly 1968and Marci Apr.1972. Wade is divorced and has a step-sonBrennen,6 and twin boys Brian and Randall 3. He is currently living in Wendell and working at Miller BrothersAuto Body. Misti is married to Mike Tate and they have 3 children: Jesse6, Tiffany 3 and Breanna5 months. They live in Twin Falls. Marci md Bobby Pawson; I child, Chelsi 2 months old and are living in Twin Falls. When we first moved to Richfield Wick worked in the old cheesefactory, and after a couple of years he startedto drive milk truck. He worked at the cheesefactory until Dec. 1986 when he got the job of Rural Mail Carrier at the post office and a position he still holds. Shirley has been working in Early Start Day Care Center in Hailey the last four years. She was working 3 days there and 3 days in the Beauty Salon and she shut the Salon down to 2 days a week. Becauseof health reasonsthe BeautySalonwas closedin Dec. 1993. (Source: Deloy Wickham) WILCOX Dewey E. Wilcox (1882-1966)was born in Michigan, moving to ID in the early 1900's. He homesteadedat Richfield in 1909 and worked for the railroad. He becamedepot agent in 1938, retiring in 1952 a home in Boise in 1932but continuedto work after more than 50 yearsserviceto the railroad. He established for the RR in Richfield. He md AgnesDew, IA, Feb. 5, 1925. Shewas Millard Pridmore'sfirst gradeteacher. In May 1962 his Jeep overturned near Marley bridge when the machinery trailer he was pulling started weaving. He was taken to Jerome where he received 17 stitchesto close cuts on his face and was treatedfor shock. He continuedto operatehis homesteadand other ranchesat Richfield until his death. He d. at 84 in 1966 Church,the RR Telegrapher'sUnion, Richfield Masonsand in Boise.He was a memberof the First Presbyterian Grange.He is survivedby his wife and daughter,Mrs. Tor (Elizabeth)Lyshaug,Portland.(Source:LCJ, Obit.) Harry Williams' family were early settlers(probably homesteaders)near Richfreld. After his WILLIAMS father passedaway, Harry and his mother continuedto live at the ranch until her death. Harry had an older sister and a youngerbrotherBill. Harry md HelenKingston,6th gradeteacherin Richfield. Sometime after her death he sold the ranch and movedto AZ. (Source: PaulineAllen Kerner) Mrs. Harry F. Williams, Lincoln countyresidentfor 29 years,passedaway in Oct. 1942, in Boise. Helen K i n g s t o n w a s b . i n l 3 9 l i n F i n d l e y , O H , d a u g h t e r o f R e v . a n d M r s . J . W . K i n g sSt ohne.a t t e n d e d s c h o o l t h e r e , preparingherselffor the teachingprofession.In 1913shecameto ID with her parentsto the Besslenareawhere they purchaseda farm. That winter she taughtin the Dietrich school,her father conductingthe first high school held there. She attendedU of I and taught in the Richfield school. In Mar. 1932 she md Harry Williams and residedon their ranch since. She was a sisterof Lucille Allen. Richfieldteacher. Funeral serviceswere held at the MethodistChurch in Richfield. Rev. J. H. Coultergavethe service. (Source:TN) WILLIAMS Mr. and Mrs. Karl Williams lived on the 6 mi. road N and W nearly to the Norman ranch. Their '31), Dorothy and Matt. Karl brought word children, who came to RHS, were Marguerite (with the Classof in to Richfield in March 1914 that the Burmah district schoolhousehad been burned; nothing could be saved. The building belongedto H.M. Coffman. Later they had the misfortune to lose all their belongings in a fire. In Dec. 1936 a benefit dancewas given fbr the Karl Williams family. The Catholic Ladies' league met at the home of Mrs. Eugene Byrne with a china shower for Mrs. Karl Williams, a member. She was especiallyfcrnd of her colleagues.(Sources:LCJ Dec. ll, of the set of dishes,portrayingthe friendlinessand thoughtfulness 1936, ACB) Dorothy and Matt now live in Weiser. [FlorenceSipe]
32'1
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
WILMOTH Dennie Wilmoth (1882-1943)was born in Arkansasmd Bertha(1891-1978),born in TX" Dennie and Bertha moved to Richfield in 1930 from Amarillo, TX and they had 5 children: Floyd b. Oct 26, 1926 or '27 at Amarillo,TX, md Laura King, d. Feb. 1956at Gooding. Alice I. b. Mar. 1929 at Amarillo. Boyd b. Apr. 2, 1930at Portalis,NM when the family was on a trip; md Elsie SewardSept. 1953at Richfield. Dell b' Mar. 1932at Richfield, md Clea Peck Mar. 1956at Hailey. Darrel b. Dec. 14, 1934at Richfield, md Mary Inez Warner Oct. 1954at Elko. Dennie had a heart attack and fell over on the cook stove and died in Dec. 1943. His brothers, Ambrose (1877-1972) andTroy (1884-1961)alsolived, died andareburiedin Richfield. (Source:Elsie and Boyd Wilmoth and Cem. Bk) WILSON James (Jim) and Lucy Wilson first cameto Richfield are from Almo in 1924. They had a daughter, Rose6 yearsold and a son Don I year old. I rememberMom telling of living in a sheepcamp and taking Rose on horsebackto the Burmah School. They moved back to the Rupert-Almo area, 1924-25, where Rose d. of complicationsof the flu which was raging at that time. A daughterFaye was b. in Rupert in 1927. ln 1929Jim and Lucy moved back to the Marley area to stay. Loiswas b. in 1931. They farmed in Marley until 1941whentheymovedinto Richfield. Jim had threechildren by a previousmarriageto MargaretMorse;James,Lloyd Morse and a daughter,Velda. Their mother d. when Velda was a baby, Jamesand Lloyd lived with Jim and Lucy. Velda neverlived here as she was raisedby her mother'sfamily. JamesSmith Wilson b. Aug. 17, l88l at Wanship,UT; md 1) MargaretMorse. They had 3 children: James b. Aug. 4, 1908, md Irene Early of Twin Falls, he d. and is buried in Ketchum. Lloyd Morse b. Feb. 21.1910. md EleanorConner. She wrote for the 1987reunionbook that she and Lloyd were md fbr 46 years. "We havefive children,Gary, Mike, Tim, Pat and Terry Lynn; havehelpedraisethreegrandchildren.We have back with lived in Sandpointsince1951and havebeenactivein PTA, Scouts,Church...Withtwo granddaughters me, I'm back in 4-H and sportsfbr them and still teachCatechism(I convertedto Catholic 1957). My child raising was a long affair as the oldest is 45 and the youngest27. It's lirn to have kids around. Many years before, I had my first bout with cancer, and the good Lord let me know to just take one day at a time. It has 'One day at a worked and He has never failed me and I am enjoyingevery day. So that is my philosophy, Brass Jerome. md Richarcl of 1912, 1986; Mar. 15, d. Richfield. Velda b. time'." Lloyd d. and is buried in JamesSmith md 2) Lucy Pearl Ericksonb May 2, 1897in Richmond,UT June 7, 1916 in the Salt Lake Temple after the death of Margaret. (He was also sealedto his first wife along with the three children.) James . e b . 2 4 , 1 9 8 0i n S h o s h o n eB. o t h a r e b u r .i n R i c h f i e l d .T h e i r c h i l d r e n d . A p r . 2 2 , 1 9 4 9i n G o o d i n g a n d L u c y d F are: RoseAnnie b. June2, 1918in Rupertand d. Apr.23, 1926,Don Smithb. July I , 1923at Almo, md Betty , I , M a y 1 6 , 1 9 5 1a t T u c s o n .T h e y h a v e 3c h i l d r e n :D e n n i sC l a y , R o b e r t i n e Y u n g bD. e c . 2 8 , 1 9 3 1 a t D e t r o i tM Don Leroy and RandyDean. Leah Faye b. Mar. ll,1927 Rupert,md JamesAlbert Crockettb. Feb. 75,1925, on Feb. 26, 1947at Elko. They have sevenchildren: Lonnie Dee, Guy Reece,Blayde Lynn, Mark Edward, Aleah Gaye, RobertaJoy and Kevin James.L<lis Adell b. Nov. 23, l93l at Richfield, rnd Charles Atlaintr Maestasb. Oct. 5, 1922 in Loma, CO May 1948 in Shoshone.They have five children: David Perry, Kent Charles,Kayla Diane (d. in an accidentwhen five yearsold), DouglasJoe and SusanArlene. (Source:Lois Wilson Maestasand Faye Wilson Crockett) WOLFINBARGER William and Daisy Wolfinbargermovedto Richfieldfiom Buhl in 1920. I (Wilma Opal) was born in l92l in a smallhouseabout9 mi. NW. Dad farmedand drove schoolbus in winter. The snow was so deephe just cut acrossthe fields. We had foot warmersand everyonewore Utah Woolen Mills underwear. Yes, they itched. We lived on severaldifferent places--Baker,Lemmon and Poteetand a house in town. I went to the first and secondgradesthere. We movedto Boisefor part of my third grade, then back to the Homestead wherewe attendedBurmah school. Our teacherwas Miss Bollar. Zetta Knight, Dorothy and Matt Williarns, Ednaand Harold Holmes, BlancheWolfinbargerand I were the studentsin 1930. My folks traded eggs for groceriesand sold cream. What a treat it was to go to town, which took all day. Once the front wheel came off the car and we turned over out in the sagebrush. Didn't spill a drop of cream but scaredmy sis and me. At Easter time the grocer gave us some candy Easter eggs. I askedfbr mine to be peeled(took years to live that down). NamesI rememberare Holmes, Shockley,Lemmon, Chatf-ields,Noyes, Kodesh, and the Feindle brothers. At one place our nearestneighbors,the Fields were a mile and a half away. We thought she made the best cookiesin the world. Mr. Poteetwas a candy-makerfiorn back east. He would come out once a year and make candy. All the families cameto the Homesteadto watch him pull tatfy, which
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
328
he would throw across the room and catch on hooks. One time he wrapped some around a lady's neck. Everyone had a good time and good food. If we kids got tired we'd go to sleepon quilts on the floor. In 1930 we moved to Jerome. In Mar. 1940 my husband,Lynn Bingham, got a job for a farmer and we moved to Richfield. After two weeks Tom Byrne came out and askedhim to work in the butcher shop. We pulled our little trailer to town and parked it just N of the Shockleyhome. When our daughter was born we moved to Johnson'scentercabin. Next move was to Mr. and Mrs. Hansen'shousebehind the now Piper's store. Lynn drove the first motor school bus and was janitor of the gym in the old hotel. Mr. Baldridge was superintendentof schools. We were the best of friends. The strawberry sodasmade at Swatman's Drug Store were the best ever. Progessivedinners were enjoyedfor lots of evenings,and hay rides were common. The Nelson-RicksCreameryburned the summerof 1944. The GeorgeEngberson'slived in the apartment above. The water pressurewas low but the milk trucks came in and the milk was used to put out the fire and everyonein town helped. In Dec. 1945Lynn left for Fort Sill, OK and I movedback to Jerome. Our children are: Wilma LaRae, b. in 1940 and Robert Lynn b. in 1942. (Source: Opal Wolfinbarger Bingham) WOLVERTON Duaine Dee When Evelyn was b. Jan. 20, 1935,at Gooding the roads were closedfrom snow, so the car had to be pulled with a team of horses in order to get to the hospital. In 1940 I moved with my family, at the age of four to the EugeneAlexanderplace in Marley. At the age of five, I attendedthe 1st grade at Marley. The following year Marley school consolidatedwith Richfield. My secondyear we rode to school in horse-drawncoveredwagonswith warmth providedfrom heatedrocks. I participatedin school sportsand took classesin office managementunder Sup't. Clint Bugg. To get to our gym located in the Grange Hall N of the bank we would run from school, have classand run back to school. We had to hurry not to be late for our next class. I graduatedRHS in 1952as salutatorian.In Sept. 1952with the help of EugeneAlexander, I startedwork at the ASCS office in Shoshoneas office clerk, JamesPateand myself ran the office. We both were commuting from Richfield as I lived with my parents. Nov. 5, 1953, I md. DuaineDee Wolvertonat Shoshone.Witnesseswere our parents,William Hopkins and Edith Elma OsterhoutWolverton and Francis Chriss and Emma Minda Mason Farnworth. Oct. 19, 1954 our daughter,LorraineJoy, was b. in Jerome. At this time we were living on the old Glen Caldwell placewith no modernfacilities--likerunningwater and indoorplumbing. It is now PeteAppell's place. In early 1955five couplesmet at Carl Piper'shomebackof Piper'sStoreto starta riding club with one day in June for rodeo and arena events. We did not realize how big an event this would be. The day ended a completesuccesswith a large sum of money we donatedto the city to build a swimming pool at the park. The excavationwas started,but regulationsstoppedit's construction. It was later filled in and the tennis courts were built on the site. With such successand complimentsfrom local residents,the group decidedto have one each year thereafterto be known as Outlaw Day. In July 1956 we moved to Hawthorne,NV and were employedat the Naval Ammunition Depot. Due to reduction in force in 1957, we were laid off and returnedto Jerome, where I startedwork at the ASC office in Jerome. On Mar. 2, 1965, we receiveda phone call that the Richfield Grade School building was burning. There were no injuriesbut it burnedcompletely.On Mar. 19, 1965,our daughterConnieRae was b. at Jerome. I started work in 1963 at Ward's Cheeseas the bookkeeperwhen it was a small company with the office acrossthe street from the creamery. Worked and grew with the companyfor over 17 years, becamesecretary first to C. W. Ward, founder of the companyand later to C. Jay Ward. We had our ups and downs like everyone,but have enjoyed living in this community. Lorraine attendedschoolat Richfield, participatedin 4-H, JamboreeClub, Rodeo Club, Drill Team, Track, Basketball, Volleyball and Pep Club. After graduatingRHS in 1973 she moved to Jerome and worked at Tupperware. She md Terry Ray SwainstonSep. 28, 1973, at Richfield. They continuedto work at Tupperware until returning to Richfield to farm. They purchasedthe Morris Swainstonplace near town where they still reside. Along with raising her family, milking cows and other farm chores,she worked at the Wood River Vet. Clinic in Bellevue. Their childrenare: ShawnRay, attendedschoolat Richfield, graduatingRHS in 1993; is attendingCSI at Twin Falls and is working at Suttonand Sons,Hailey for his Auto MechanicsTraining. Brandy Lynn, currently a sophomoreat RHS. Our secondchild Connie attendedRichfield schools,participatedin the sameactivities as Lorraine and also statsfor boys' football and basketball. After graduatingRHS in 1983 as valedictorian, she enrolled at Treasure Valley College. She was also on the collegebasketballteam for two years. After two years she transferredto Utah StateUniversity. After four yearsthere she graduatedwith a BS degree. She worked at Hyclone as a lab
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TheHisrory of Richfield,Idaho
technician. On Mar. 19, 1988she md ThomasE. Buck from Hyrum, UT at Richfield. In 1990they moved tct Richfield and purchasedthe LeeRoy Parker home. (Source: Evelyn Farnworth Wolverton) WOOD lrvin H. and Inez Ruth Wood moved with their family of two children, Hazel and Betty to Richfield Jan. 10, 1945. Atthattime six sonswere servinginWW II. Mrs. Wood d. that Sep.22, 1945. OnOct.22 the family homeburnedto the ground. I. H. movedto Twin Falls in 1951wherehe lived until his deathin 1970. Irvin Harold b. Jan. 5, 1893in Redfield,KS, and Inez Ruth Quick, b Sep. ll,1892 in BourbonCo. KS md May 4, l9l3 at Redfield,KS Their children, all born in BourbonCo, KS: James Edward b. Nov. 27, 1914, md Hazel Lucille PersingerOct. 11,1945 at CanonCity, CO. He d. Aug. 4, 1993at Canon City. Irvin Harold, 1 ,9 3 2 a t B o u r b o n J r . b . J u l y 8 ,1 9 1 6 , d . N o v .I l , l g 2 l a t B o u r b o n C o . M a r i b e l l e b . D e c . 2 3 , l 9 l 7 , d . J u l y l S Co. John Alvin b. Jan. 3, 1920,joined the cavalry at Fort Worth TX in 1940and the sameyear was transferred to the Philippinesin the heavy coast artillery. In May, 1942 his parentsat Richfreld learnedhe had been woundedin the battle at Corregidor and was imprisonedat Camp#4 at Manilla. There he d. Mar. 3, 1945 from acuteenteritis. LCJ of Jan. 21,1949 reportsPvt. JohnA. Wood was broughthome fbr reburial. He was b. in KS and movedto Canon City, CO with his parentsin 1937. Morris Dewey b. Oct. 18, 1921, md Martha Bertha Meiklejohn Dec.22, 1947 at Reno, d. June 4, 1982 at Denver, CO. Joe Lee b. Oct. 17, 1923, md Vivian KincadeJuly 19, 1947at Yakima WA, div. later md Lucille. William Robert b. Feb. 18, 1927, md Shirley GatesMar. 24, 1950at Denver. (div.) Thomas C. b. June30, 1928,md GenevaMiller lan.24, 1950 at Twin Falls. Richard b. and d. Sep. 2,1930.Hazel Ruth b. Jan. 30, 1932,md JosephBoyd JohnsonFeb. 6, 1949at Richfield. They live in Sacramento.Betty June b. June 18, 1933,md Lyle RichardPiperJune 2,1954 at Twin Falls. Betty graduatedRHS in 1951. (Source: Betty Wood Piper) WOODS Franklin Lee Burton and Ida May OldhamWoods cameto Rock Creek, ID, closeto Twin Falls in 1915and worked for a Dr. Albee and wif'e. ln l9l7 they loadedtheir belongingsand two small sons Francis and Kennethin a wagon, pulled by a teamof horsesand settledon the E side of the farming community knows as Richfield. They clearedthe land (sagebrushand rocks)andfarmeduntil 1932. They left for Brooks,Alberta, Canada,againvirgin land and built a homeand farmed. Leavingtherein 1936they movedto Elmira, ID where they operateda Shell Servicestationand a small storewith five log cabinsthat were rentedby the night. In 1945, they left that home and movedto Provo, UT and madetheir home close to their son, Kenneth. Mr. Woodspassedaway in 1952 andMrs. Woods remainedwith Kennethand Orettauntil 1962when she went to Spokane,WA to live with her other son Francis. Kennethand family movedto GardenGruve, CA, and then to Las Vegasin 1963. Mrs. Woods passedaway in 1968. They are both bur in Orem, UT. LCJ Nov. 21,1952 reportsFrank Woods, former Richtreldfarmer, d. in Provo, UT, Nov. 7. The Woods family movedto Richfieldin 1915andfarmedhereon the land now ownedby Louie Nesbituntil 1932when they movedto Canadaand later to N ID. For the past5 yearsmadetheir home with son, Kenneth. After our marriagein 1932,we, Kennethand Oretta (Martindale) Woods (seeMartindale)and his parentslived in Canadauntil 1936, and came back to the states,settlingin Elmira, ID. In 1938,we and our two childrencame to UT and Kennethstartedworking in construction. ln 1943 we bought our home in Provo, and Kenneth started his own constructionco. ln 1962 we sold our home and company and moved to GardenGrove, CA. We were not happy with CA lif'e, so we came to Las Vegasin 1963. He was employedas a constructioninspectorfbr the City of O r e t t aM . a n d K e n n e t hW o o d s Las Vegasuntil his deathin 1969. I was employedby Searstbr 18 years. I
NV. My daughterand retiredin 1981andstill live in Las Vegas,closeto my sonandhis wife in Henderson, grandchildren great-grandchildren. Marsh, live in Lake my Phyllis and Lynn Salt as do and son-in-law, FranklinLee BurtonWoods,b. Apr. 24, 1878at Bergholz,OH, andIda May Oldhamb. Oct. 22, 1876in Co., OH md Apr. 13, 1903at Linton,IN. He d. Nov. 7,1952,shed. Feb.4, 1968. Childrenare: Guernsey ID. He d. Francis8., b.Feb. 12, l9l2at Dugger,IN, md FernAnn ArmstrongApr.23, 1932,at Richf-ield, WA. KennethFrederickb. June28, l9l4 at Dugger,IN, md OrettaMartindale June May28, 1988,at Spokane, Woods) 10, 1932,at Provo. He d. Aug. 3, 1969,at Las Vegas.(Source:OrettaMartindale WOODS Lon WoodsandLauraTolmanSluderweremd in MoutainGrove,MO. Lon wasb. in Norwood, MO in 1896" Laurab. in 1892in Indiana.Lon cameto ID to find work anddecidedto bringhis familyto ID to live. Lauraandher threesmallsons,Charles"Chuck",EugeneandHoward(Pete)Sludercamein 1920to TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
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join Lon. They lived in Jeromebefore coming to Richfield in 1922. Lon worked for Mr. Tapper on the ranch for a year. The children went to the North End school. Lots of fun there for them. Chuck, 9, and his friend Keith Hand 8 herded cows for some of the farmers. They would gather the cows up in the morning and take them out on the Butte, stay all day and bring them back at milking time. This was great fun for two small boysthey could ride their horsesall day and go swimming when they were close to water. Lon rentedthe Byrnes Brothersfarm at the Cottonwoods. The old rock housestill stands. (Jim Castleslive there now). Laura raisedturkeys to sell-had to watch closeto keep the coyotesaway. The boys went to school at the Cottonwoods. Priscilla Buel was the teacher. The Merl and Lee Sorensenchildren and the Coleman children all went too. From the Byrne place the family moved to a farm N of the Bob Speedyfarm. A son, Lonnie Lee was b. in 1929. Lon drove the schoolbus to the Richfield school which the boys attended. In 1931, Laura and boys lived at the old McWillis farm. From there they moved to the Dave Field placeLon raised sugar beets,hay and grain. Beetswere a popular crop at this time. In 1939 the family moved to the LeBrun farm about a mile N of the Marley barn. Lon startedworking for the Big Wood Canal Co. along with his farming. Eugenepassedaway in 1940 atthe Hailey hospitaland is buried in the Shoshonecemetery. In 1941 Lon, Laura and Lee moved into town. They bought the houseacrossthe street fiom the Pete Cenarrusahome. Lon continued to work for the Canal Co. Laura worked at Piper's store. ln 1947 she went to work at the Richfield Post Office as clerk. On Oct. ll , 1953, Lon was working the draglinecleaningand repairing the canal bank N of Richtield. He climbed down into the canalto inspectthe job when the bank gave way and coveredhim with heavy dirt, killing him instantly. Howard "Pete" was with him at the time and wasn't injured. Lon was bur. in the Shoshone Cemetery. Laura continuedto work at the post office until 1969. She passedaway at the Jerome hospital in 1978 and was laid to rest in the ShoshoneCemeterybesideLon. (Source: GondaRiley Sluder Hand) WOODS Lonnie Lee b. Feb. 19, 1929,to Laura L. SluderWoods and Lon Woods. He attendedschoolsin Richfield. He was active in sports,letteringin 5, schooldramaand also worked with his Dad on the Wood River Canals. He graduatedU of I with a Masters in June 1954 and enteredthe Air Fclrce as a 2nd Lt. during the Korean conflict. He servedmostly at Ellsworth AFB, SD, as a supply officer. He held a BS in accounting managementand education, a mastersin businesseducationand had nearly completed his doctoral work in managementand public relationsat the U of Wisconsin. He md. his high schoolsweetheart,JeanFrahm, June 24, 1951, in Gooding. He and his wit-emovedto Boise where he was Director for ContinuingEducationand then worked for the State. They were blessedwith three sons: Jeffrey Lee, NicholausLon and Karl Eugene(wins). At the time of his death, May 7 , 1977, he was Chief of the ID Bureau of Management Analysis and Information Systemsfor the State. He was a proceduresspecialisttbr the Air Force. He was auditor fbr the U of I 1958-1960and Richfield High Principalfrom 1956-58. He was a memberof the American Associationof University Professors(teachingat BSC- accounting),Financial ManagementAssociation. He was presidentof the Owyhee PTA, a free-lancewriter and photographerand publishedin severalnational magazines. He was in Who's Who in the West and Dictionary of InternationalBiography. After Lee's death,Jeandid telephonework to stay at home with the children. As they enteredschool, she went back to teachingand continuesto teachat Lake Hazel Middle School. Jefliey is an accountantfbr KPMB PeatMarwick in Dallas. Nick is in pre-medat AlbertsonCollegeof ID and Karl in architectureat the U of I. Home Economicsteacherat RHS. ACBI (Source:JeanWoods-Boise) [Jeanwill be rememberedas an outstanding WORKMAN John and Delia Workman and children, Susan,Harry and Donald, cameto Richfield in late 1926 where John was managerof the Gem StateLumber Co., later Tri-State, locatedS of Lemmon Hardware. They lived in the home later occupiedby Gladys and Glen Jensen. Mr. Workman was active in all community and civic affairs--chairmanof the schoolboard, memberof the city council and chairmanof the board. The Richfreld CemeteryAss'n was established.Mrs. Workman enjoyedbeing a housewifeand mother to their three children. She was active in the Catholic Church and a memberof the Woman's Club. Susie graduatedRHS in 1931, md Leon Moreland in 1939 who worked for Gem State Lumber Co. They moved to Jerome and he was managerof Volco Builder's Supply. Susied. in 1982 and Leon suffered a stroke in 1983and died Dec.25, 1994. Harry graduatedRHS in 1934. He attendedtradeschoolat ISU. Upon graduation 1937he settledin Rupert where he startedhis own businessin 1939 in a body repair shop. In 1941 he took on the Pontiac sales-he worked there until his retirementin 1983. He md Ruby Gabardi in 1938. They have four children, 11
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grandchildrenand 8 great-grandchildren.Son, John and son-in-lawDoug Andersonmanagethe businesswhere they still sell Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac and GMC. Donald (Pink) graduatedRHS in 1936. He went into partnershipwith Harry. He md Wilma Johnson in 1942. He spentseveralyears in the Army as a Staff Sergeantin Hawaii. Upon his return they settledin Rupert. They have three children, Joanne,Robert and Ronnie and three grandchildren. Pink d. in his private airplane in a crash in 1976. John Workman passedaway June 14, 1947,in Rupert. He was b. Feb. 6, 1880 in Preston,MN and was mdin l9l2 to Delia Linstroth. He left Richfieldin June 1946to make his home in Rupert near his sons. (LCJ Obit.) Mrs. Workman d. Dec. 31, 1969, at the age of 89. (Source:Harry and Ruby Workman) WYANT BertandLilyDaleWyantlived4l14mi. Nof Richfield.Theyareonthe1920 census.Theirhouse still stands,vacant with the roof falling in. They farmed and raised turkeys in the 1930's sometimesseveral thousanda year. Mrs. Wyant was the mother of Harriet Good Blankenshipof Hailey and the Spurck boys, Leslie and Walter, who lived nearby, by a previousmarriage. She was activein the North End Club and was a talented pianist. (Source: ACB) YOUNG Roy O. and Anna Elizabeth Blanksmalived on what many people knew as the Pete Johnsonplace. Then Ed Pearsonowned it. He sold it to us so we were the first of the 3 owners that I have any information about. We owned it for 32 years. We saw severalbad winters there, but somenice ones, and only 2 years that we were short of water. Roy b. Oct. 4, 1912 at Filer and Anna ElizabethBlanksmab. Aug. 3, 1915 at Chouteau,MT md July 3, 1949 at South Side BoulevardChurch in Nampa. (Source: Anna Young) YOUNGKIN John A. Youngkin, a native of TN, was reared and educatedin IA. He moved to Craig, NE wherehe enteredthe livery and hotel business.In 1889he disposedof his interestsand cameoverland by wagon to Boise, where he becamea contractorand built someof the largeststructuresof that city. He also engagedin the timber businessand placemining on Moore'sCreek. In 1908he movedto Richfieldand openeda blacksmith shop and farm implement store. He soon discontinuedthe former and added wagons and buggies to his a branchstorein l91l at CamasPrairie implementstockand a wholesalehay and grain business.He established with his son Walter as manager. Mr. Youngkin's successin Richfield is due to the fact that he possessedthe courageof his convictionsand graspedopportunitieswhen they came, and to his abilities and personalintegrity. Mr. Youngkin md SusieWarrick of PA and they have two sons,Walter A. b Nov. 14, 1882 [Blair, NE] and with his father in businessalso and Owen b. July 15, 1884. Both were educatedin Boise. Owen is associated has acquiredvaluablelandsadjacenttoRichfield. (Hktory of ldaho, Vol. III, 1,91abyHiram. T. French) Walter cameto Richfield in 1911. He went into businesswith his brother, Owen in the J. A. Youngkin lmplementCo. They soon had offices in Hailey and Fairfielddealingin hay and grain. During WWI, Walter joined the armed forces. This causedthe companyto closeits Fairfield office. After the war, Walter came back and took his place in the business. In June ll, 1920, he md Myrtle Green Cross. They had a daughter,Alta Susanb. Oct. 1922, md Don '30's. Larsen in 1944 and moved to CA. He was twice electedStateRepresentativein the Walter came with his parentsto Boise in 1891. He cameto Richfield severalyears after the town was startedand was engagedfor many years in the implementbusinesswith his father and brother, Owen Youngkin. He servedon the village board for a long period, was a memberof the schoolboard, servedduring WW I and was a memberof the American Legion. He was activein many communityand political aftairs. He d. July, 1937in the Hailey hospitalfrom cancer. He was survivedby wife, daughterAlta Susan,a stepson,Claire Cross, father, J. A. Youngkin and brother, Owen. (LCJ July 30, 1937) Myrtle moved to CA \n 1941. Owen cameto ID with his family. He md Cora in 1919, and went into businesswith his father and Walter. The businesswas locatedin the presentCarl Paulsonbuilding. The Youngkinssold their businessin 1939. Owenthen worked for the highway departmentin Lewiston and the statetax office in Boise. After Owen's death in Dec. 1959, Cora learned to drive a car and often drove to Richfield, bringing Lilian Crane with her. Cora passedaway in 1972 in Boise" L C J A p r . 2 7 , ' 3 4 5 0 y e a r - A n n i v . o f J o u r n aJl :. A . Y o u n g k i n c a m e t o R c h i n S e p 1 . 9 0 8 .H e f r e i g h t e d t h a t fall and in the winter openedthe first blacksmithshop S of the Gem StateLumber Co. (presentConvenience Store) Two years later his son Owen cameto assisthim and his son Walter the next year. They soon went into the implementbusiness. They sold the first threshingmachineon the tract to H M Coffman in 1910. In 1918 they bought lots and a small building from Mr. Poteetand built their presentbuilding, now Paulsons.
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Chapter 10 Conclusion We hope this book will not only be a history of Richfield but a book of precious memories for you. We appreciatethe spirit of mutual helpfulnessthat has always characterizedour people from then to now--sharing work, lending machinery, neighborhoodthreshings,and helping in sicknessand death. "No man is an island." The spirit of independencewas shown in building schools,churches,homes,telephonelines, even to the present Senior Building, not asking for governmenthelp. They worked hard but enjoyed life, being renewed and refreshedby their times of homemadefun, entertainmentand fellowship. Many early residentswere peopleof learning, culture and, most of all, character. They valued education,not only to enhanceearning power but for a richer, fuller life. Building churchesand schoolswas a priority. Unlike Shoshone,a railroad town, Richfield is a microcosmof the founding of many small towns in the early 20th century, when new tracts were openedfor irrigation. The work ethic was strong, and they delightedto see the region go from sagebrushto city, from desertto productiveland through their efforts and nature's abundance. They were survivors of many seasonsof drought anddepression,evento the presentday. Characterand integrity were given high priority: a handshakeoften took the place of a signedagreementor note. Those "Dear hearts and gentle people, who lived and loved in our home town" will long be remembered. We are living in a very interestingage; somehavegone from horse and buggy days to spacetravel in their lif-etimes.Yes, "the greengrove is gone from the hill, Maggie," and old landmarkshave vanished"sinceyou and I were young"--the one-of-a-kindold rock school and the Southernmansion-typehotel that travelers drove out of their way to see. It is hard to realizethat, "Where we walk to school each day, Indian children used to play." Now, we are the caretakers,the tenantsfor a short time. The fruit of the lives of the peopleof the past is our heritageto passon to succeedinggenerationswho will carry on life in OURTOWN USA. The journey continues.We hope you have enjoyedthis jaunt throughthe past. We would wish for the children of the future the stability, family values, and the good times we were privileged to know and enjoy. We enjoyedthe many fine visits, telephonecalls and letters. (The telephoneand postal servicesshouldhave and support; fbr sharing your lives and profited!) We thank you for your outpouringof interest,encouragement memorieswith us. It is our hopethat this volumewill be of lastingvalue to you and yours"
Alice andMaureen
JJJ
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Filler! (News clippings not used in the book)
Ad in RR 1909--J. A. Youngkin - Good Tools - You can't afford to buy any but the very best farm tools. Bain, Cooper and Weber Wagons, John Deere Plows, Buggiesof the Best Make. RR July 8, 1909 It is told of a rancherwho lives a few miles from Richfield that a few days ago a fine hog weighing about 400 pounds broke out of the pen in which he was confined and beganrooting up potatoes,when the rancherput him back in the pen and went back to the house,but in a few minutes the hog was again in the potatoesand the rancherbecomingangry drove the hog once more to the pen and told him if he got into the potato patch again he would shoot him. The hog was a very intelligentlooking animal but either could not understand what he said or thought he was joking and proceededto break out and go for that potato patch again when the rancherproceededto pick up a Winchesterand shoot, and on going out to the barn in a short time the rancher found a four hundred pound hog worth 8 centsa pound lying under the barn dead, with a bullet hole through his body that you could have thrown a hat through. RR Oct. 20, l9l0 John Lemmon of T.F. visited his brothers. He has decidedto make his home in Richfield - leasedthe Faganplacefor ayear. RR Sept. 7, Lgll Two Irishmen died. One went to heavenand the other went to the other place. Mike calleddown from heavenand askedPat how he was getting along. I'm shovelingcoal," said Pat. "Do you have to work very hard?" "No," he said; "we have shifts. I work only aboutthreehours a day." Pat then inquired of Mike how he was making it. "I'm sweepingdown the goldenstairs." "Do you have to work very hard?" " Y e s , "s a i d M i k e . " I h a v e t o w o r k e i g h t e e n h o u r s a d a y .W e ' r e s h o r t o fm e n u p h e r e . " RR Apr. 25, 1912 The most appalling marine disasterof modern times... occurred off the coast of Newfoundland,when the steamerTitanic of the White Star line, collided with an icebergand sank within 4 hours, with most of her passengers,and crew. RR May 16, l9l2 All conditionsfavorableto the creationof the beachspot - Irrigation Co reserveda strip of land about 200 feet along the couleejust eastof town. RR June 1913 The Burmah church will be dedicatedSundayafternoon. Rev. H. W. Parker, district ME sup't., will be present. The peopleof the communityhave worked hard to build their church. The prospectivereduction in the price of autosand the gradually improving roads promise to put the horse off the highways and make gas wagonsthe exclusivemethodof travel. RR Apr 23, l9l4 Some one with maliciousintentor througha spirit of wantonness,broke the large plate glasson the door of the Commercial Club, Monday afternoon. The damagewas done either by 22 caliber rifle, or a pebbleimpelledby a high-poweredbeanshooter. Boys, however,will be boys here as elsewhere,in this age as it has been so in all the yearsthat have passedon down the dim vista of the dim-be-durn, but that fact does not exoneratethe bat-headwho broke the glass in the door of the CommercialClub room Monday. RR June 1915 Short and Snappy We sometimesenvy the conductor,who can tell everyonewhere to get off. Don't worry over the little things, unlessyou happento be a kindergartenteacher. One way to avoid insomnia is to cultivatea consciencethat will mind its own business. Somegrow old gracefully, while others try to dance the Caricoa. A New Yorker was found living in a sewer. Probably a playwright searchingfcrr atmosphere. RR Oct. l, 1915 Winnersin the betterbaby contestare Edna E. Johnsonthe girl baby and Merle Campbell the boy baby. Edna E. Johnsonis the daughterof Mr. and Mrs. Niels Johnsonof Marley and Merle Campbell is the son of Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Campbellof Richfield. RR Aug. 24, 1916 The School Board met at the Idaho Irrigation Companybuilding. Among coursesto be offeredwere Latin I, CaesarI; Ag, Woodwork or DomesticScience;Economics,Psychology;Physics. SJ Mar, 7 l9l9 PEOPLE WILL TALK If you love a man, he isn't worth it. If you don't love him, you're " foolish. If you lead him on, you're a flirt. If you ignore him, you're heartless. If he has money, you're mercenary.If he hasn't any money, you're crazy. If he's old, you're robbingthe grave. If he's young, you're robbingthe cradle. If you stay home you are an old maid. If you don't you're a rounder. For the love of Mike, what's a poor girl to do????? SJ July 30, 1920 Lincoln Co farmers have beenhaving rabbit drives as thousandsof rabbits roll in from the desertlooking for food. SJ Nov. 5, 1920Headlinesreportedthe electionwith the headlines"Good By, Mule with Your Old Hee-haw" At the electionTuesdaythe democratdonkey was retired from public service. Harding was electedby the largest vote ever receivedby a presidentialcandidate(Calvin Coolidge,V. Pres.) Mr" Cox (F.D. RooseveltVP) was buried under an avalancheof votes.
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SJ Feb. 27, L922 A most unfortunate,although,not very seriousaccidentoccurred at the L H. Lane place Thursday morning due to the 36 degreesbelow zero weatherthe water coils in the range were frozen and while Emily Streitz was preparing breakfast,they thawed and busted,blowing hot coals, soot and loose piecesof the range all over the kitctren. Hot mush and water was thrown over Miss Streitz, buring her face and hands quite badly. If it had not been for the timely aid of men on the farm, this accidentmight have been more disastrous. SJ Mar. 1,6, 1923 A tragedywas narrowly avertedat the Giles home Saturdayafternoonwhen the 2 year old baby girl, Claire [Clara], fell into a newly completedcisternfilled with 9 feet of water. Mrs. Giles rushedto the aid of the little one, catchingher as she cameto the surface. The child was exhausted,but after careful care and restoratives,seemsto be no worse for her unfortunateaccident. SJ Mar. 15, 1929 Henry Fulbright had the misfortuneto lose severalhorsesby poisoning. A gate had been left open and the horsesentereda stack yard where poison had been planted for rabbits. RR Jan. 31, 1930 JOKES: New SongHits-Sausagesong; "I never saw such eyes..." Baloneysong: "I'll 'be lOnely'whenyou'regone."ThebutcherSong;"'Put'cha'headon my shoulder." RR June 1930 Making patchwork quilts was a widely known art in Egypt as far back as 900 B.C. RR Aug. 1, 1930Bus driversfor the six schoolrouteswill receive$12.00 per mile per month, one way. RR Apr. 3, 1931 The Mountain Bluebird--madethe statebird by Idaho by a vote of the school children. LCJ Jan. 22, 1932 Somevaluablework in the preservationof pheasantsis being carried on by the Richfield Rod and Gun Club. During the past month they fed 2034 lbs. of wheat at four points on the tract. L C J M a y 1 3 , 1 9 3 2 E x c e r p t s f r o m I L I K E T H E D E P R E S S I O N , a u t h o r u n k n o w n I. l.i.k e t h e d e p r e s s i o n . No more prosperity for me. I have more fun now than I ever had in my life; I had forgotten how to live, what it meantto have real friends, what it was like to eat commoneverydayfood. Fact is I was getting a little high hat. I have time to visit my friends, to make new ones. I am getting acquaintedwith folks who have been living next door for three years... Three years ago I was so busy, my wife was so busy that we didn't see much of each other. We got stuck up and high falutin'. We like the depression.We have comedown off our high pedestaland are really living at my housenow. My wife has droppedall the clubs. I believewe are falling in love all over again... I am feeling better sincethe depression. I get more exercise,my digestionis better. I am getting real honestto-good-food. We can't afford to have the kind of food that has killed more men than the World War. Three years ago I never had time to got to church. I played golf all day Sun. Now I am going to church regularly,never miss a Sunday.I like the depression. LCJ May 25, 1934 Headlines:Viewing Ice Caves Made Easy For All Volunteer Work Army Lays Plank Walks and Bridge Entire Length of Cavern (approximately340 feet to the ice wall at the end of the chamber.) hasbeengoing on in Richfield. Theo Ollieu has plantedabout landscaping LCJ May l, 1936 Considerable 100 shadetress adjacentto his new home and severalhundredshrub trees for a windbreak, and has seededa new lawn. Mack Howard is spendingtime on his lots S of the depot, planting berry bushes,trees, lawn and general beautifying. Mrs. Lilian Cranehasnew berry bushes,rosebushes,lawn... Leslie Bushbyshave a new back lawn. LCJ Dec. 20, L936 Interest in the newly openedwinter resort at Sun Valley is growing. Two new buses, specialtrains and distinguishedvisitors are seen. LCJ July 9, 1937 Electricalstorm. Andrew Paulsonhousenear Richfield was struck by lightning a hole being burned in the roof near the south side of the building. LCJ Dec. 9, 1938 RichfieldHigh SchoolCarnivalmadeprofit of $35. Bowling alley, beautyparlor; fish pond; dart booth; advertising;show; generalbooth. LCJ Dec. 19,1947 Ice skatingrink in centerof Richfield. LCJ Oct. 22, 1948 Trial of a new piece of machineryin harvestingpotatoesis reported. The two row machinedigs the spuds,sifts out the dirt and elevatesthe potatoesup into a truck. Made at Paul, ID by the Paul Equipment Co. Reportedly does the work easily and more economicallythat picking up the tubers by hand. Machine drawn by a large tractor, requiring 9 men for operation;one driver of tractor; 4 on digger; 2 on trucks; 2 more neededin the cellar. Cost - spudsare depositedin the cellar at a cost of about 5 cents per bag which includes labor, gas, oil and repair but not capital investment. By hand costs up as high as 35 cents per bag. Machine is digging about 2,000 sacksa day on heavy ground. LCJ Oct. 6, 1950 One of the Simplot spud cellarsat Richfield was completelydestroyedby fire. The fire was fought by volunteers,called at2 p.m. by Village Marshal Russell Rogers and the cellar caved in about 4 p.m. Cellar measured75 X 300 feet, valuedabout$10,000. It was empty. Charles Curalt: You know you're in a small town when you dial the wrong number and end up talking 20 minutes anyway.
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ADDRESSESOF CONTRIBUIORS : Adkins, Howard E. Akins, Mary Shockley Alexander, John Alexander, Judy A. Allen, Randall Andrews, Jessie Ewing Babinqton, Ada Capps Badger, Gladys Jensen Baird, Annie Shelley Bancroft, Ruby Ritter Barnes, I{arold Bartlome, Lorin J. Bean, Ann Mason Beitia, Dorottry Reynolds Behmerwohld, Sherryl Beliveau, Kitty Ryan 8e11, Betty Crist Betteridge, Shirley Simpson Lucile Stevens Bickett, Bingham, Lynn and Opal Bluemer, Warren Boger, Wilma Mclntosh Bolton, Arthur Bolton, William Bradshaw, Enrna Bradshaw, Reuben and Mary Brennan, Mary Supan Briggs, Delta Broun, Blaine and Janet Brown, Janie Kodesh Brown, Fay (Lee) Brown, Kenneth and fvena Brown, Ross E. Bue1, Kenneth C. Byrne, Jim Capps, Earl and Flon Chatfield, Fay and Ruth Chatfield, Odell and Faye Clark, Leonette Giles Clayton, Dorothy Piper Coffman, Max Cope, Patricia Jotrnson Cottingham' Ruth Stevens Cravens Edna Johnson Crockett, Faye Wilson Cruser, LaRae Rogers Dixon, Ken and Dixie Draper' Albert Erwin, Annabelle Schroeder Faddis, Audrey Flavel, William and Mary Green, Iois Mclntosh Hand, Keith and Gonda Hartleyr Alice Speedy
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
1B2B Bridgeview Blvd. T\riin Fa11s, fD 83301 8101 Moon Valley Road Eagle, ID 83616 Box 182 Silver Springs, NV 89429 P.O. Box 961 Nampa, ID 83652 Box 532 Albion, ID 83311 322 Buckingham Drive Twin Fal-ls, TD 83301 913 Burley Avenue Buhl, ID 83316 142 E 500 S #19 St. Georgâ&#x201A;Ź, U 84770 Star Route Box 16 Melba, ID 83641 Box 875 Shoshone, TD 83352 3618 SE Van Water St Portland, OR 95722-9557 289 Pierce Street T\uin Falls, ID 83301 1001 N Clay Frankfort, fndiana 46047 Box 555 Shoshone, TD 83352 160J Hwy 200 Noxon, I{I 59853 I444O Broken Horn Road Boise, ID 83703-9622 108 NE Carriage Place Myrtle Creek, OR 97457 1590 Sugar Pine Rd Meadow Vista, CA 95722-9557 321 Bth Avenue West Goodingr TD 83330 111 W Avenue C Jerome, ID 83338 Rt. 1 Box 1055 Mountain Home, ID 83647 919 Utah Street Gooding, ID 83330 2765 JuIie Lane Yuma, AZ 85365 163 Jefferson Street T\,,rin Fal1s, ID 83301 609 W Avenue G Jerome, ID 83338 1873 S 2000 East Gooding, ID 83330 1052 W Quinn Road Pocatello, ID 83202 602 E Railroad Avenue, Burley, ID 83318 5239 Rd 13 SW Royal City, WA 99357 17224 29th Avenue SW Seattle, WA 98146 q50 Poleline Road Sp 129 Twin Fa11s, ID 83301 2116 Longmont Boise, ID 83706 10325 Jones Road Bellevue, IvIf 49O2I RR2 Box 23368 Heyburn, ID 83336 8370 Winchester Drive Boise, ID 83704 1081 North Izrnott Coquil1e, OR 97423 I25I5 Brenda Drive Yuma, A7, 85367 915 4th Avenue Drj-ve Jerome, ID 83338 585 East 1100 North Pleasant Grove, ln 84062 343 Blue Lakes Blvd N Apt.3 T\rrin Falls, fD 83301 Box 92 Shoshone, ID 83352 3B0B St. Andrews Boise, ID 83705 1812 W 16th Street Burley, ID 83318-2120 P.O. Box 71 McGrath, AK 99627 150 W 7500 S +31 Midvale, W 84047 5215 Tinker Street Boise, ID 83709-5839 415 E Avenue f Jerome, ]D 83338 8646 Sideview Drive Pico Rivera, CA 90660 HC 85 Box 178 Bruneau, ID 83604-9706 I44I W 4Lh Kuna, ID 83634 702 I^I 7Lh Shoshone, ID 83352 655 Cotterell Drive Boise, ID 83709 635 N Absoroka Powell, W 82435 3844 S 2000 W Royr LJ'I 84067
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Hoodenpyle, Bob and Lorena Howell, Nancy Ke11y Huffington, Rex Huntington, Josephine Ebert Hymes, Frances Mathews fvie, Gilbert C. Jester, Ted and Leona Johnson, Ed. and Rosselle Jones, A. Jay and Betty Jones, Janice Haines Kerner, Paulina Allen Kwrz, Ethel M. Larsen, Lois Manwill Leonard, Mary Tda Lemmon Lockeyr Fred Maestas, Charles and Lois Magoffin, Clarence Maier, Laurie Martin, Darleine Swainston Mathews, Roy F. Mcâ&#x201A;Źlochlin, Opal Tanner McRill, Martha Garlock Merckling, Margie Williams Monroe, Dale and Virginia Nielsen, June Newby Orchard, Mrs. Merle Pate, Jim and Kathy Peak, Marion Conner (Buef) Peterson, Don Peterson, S.C and Carol Pridmore, Millard Pridmore, Richard and Lois Proctor, McKinley and Beth Raab, Jean Crist Richardson, fola Riedeman (wi1liams), Joy n. ) Reynolds, Audrey Simpson Rose, Marina Roseberry, Bud and Veta Ross, Robert and Mary Ross, Stan and Ruth Rumpel, Albert Sims, Hazel Stark Sharp, Jeanette DeGlee Shillito, Ruby (Stubbs) Sipe, Florence Richardson Skinner, fhelma Peterson Smith, Gladys Knodel Smith' Ralph and Betty Sowersby, Louis Ervin Stevens, HazeL Carter Stevens, Lloyd J. Ed and Frances Striegel, Strunk, Stan Swatman, T,orene
217 Thunderbird Page, AZ 96040 2380 NW 2nd Avenue Fruitland, ID 83619 1216 Shoal Drive San Mateo, CA 94404 73776 Sun Valley Dr Twenty-Nine Palnns CA 92277 P.O. Box 1996 Fernleyr NV 89408 P. O. Box B1B Shoshone, ID 83352 3832 Greenbriar Drive Boise, ID 83705 HC 87 Box 576 Mountain Home, ID 83647 274 N 300 W Malad, ID 83253 1440 ITLh Street Bremerton, I{A 98310 Rt. 3 Box 2BB Weiser, ID 83672 902 5th Street A Hampton, Illinois 61256 2OO4 Terra Linda Drive Salt Lake City, In 84124 5025 Russell Drive Paradise, CA 95969 1007 9th Ave. South Nampa, ID 83651 Box 315 Bel1evue, ID 83313 P.O. Box 731 Shoshone, ID 83352 930 Bonnie Brae Wa11a Wal1a, WA 99362 BB1 E 1100 N Ogden, In 84404 6235 S Ramierz Cyn Road Malibur CA 90265 2298 Bowlin Lane T\,rin Fa1ls, ID 83301-8101 2068 Sherry Lane T\,vin Fa11s, fD 83301 1460 D Street Springfield, OR 97477 Box 341 Shoshone, ID 83352 Box 15 Shoshone, ID 83352 501 Vichy Hills Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 Box 356 Shoshone, TD 83352 32O 3rd Avenue East Jerome, ID 83338 7957 So. Crit,ter Lane Safford, AZ 85546 10304 Highway 75 Haileyr ID 83333 100 N Pennsylvania Av Fruitland, ID 83619 592 N Weaver Avenue Boise, ID 83704 P.O. Box 1367 Lo1o, MT 59847 7323 29Lh Avenue SW Seat.tle, WA 98126 2455 NE 121st Portland, OR 97220 3400 N 3046 E Twin Falls, ID 83301 Box 2134 Kodiak, AK 99615 37L7 W Clement Boise, ID 83704 520 Bth Avenue West Jerome, ID 83338 82 Carter Drive Perris, CA 92570 756 Church Street Riviera, AZ 86442 575 Rumpel Lane Meridian, lD 83642 716 Murphy Way Sultan, WA 98294-9787 Route 1 Filer, ID 83328 P.O. Box 53 Glenns Ferry, TD 83623 500 East Galloway Weiser, ID 83672 Box 235 Star, Idaho 83669 HC 84 Box 16 Quinn, SD 57775-9406 126 North l2th Buhl, ID 83316 83 Plymouth St Box IOf Camp Meeker, CA g54lg 315 1st Avenue N Hailey, ID 83333 672I Barkley Way Sacramento, CA 95828-3205 1274 California cooding, ID 83330 716 W 5th Shoshone, ID 83352 3527 Federal Way #51 Boise, ID 83705
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TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Sr,reat, Eugene and Bernice Swinney, Mrs. Donald (l,Iary) Taylorr Cleora Lalme Thomas' Russell S. Thomas, Vern R. and Lois Toner, Lola Conner Vaden, Lydia Vance, Geraldine Baker Vaughn, Tom and Lois Voelker, Mary Pate Ward, Glenn and Bernice Wilmoth, Boyd and Elsie Woods, I'Irs. Lonnie (Jean) Woods, Oretta Martindale Woolleyr Beverly Robinson Worlcnan, Harry Young, Anna
SECONDEDITION Additions METCALF: Levi
and Corrections:
(i-ee) Gregory fITr
and Lucy were the parents Grant,
Careyr ID 83320 322 l\ Main Extension 341 Lennox Avenue Uniondal-e, NY 11553 219 I\TFillmore Jerome, ID 83338 I34I l1th Avenue East T\,sin Falls, fD 83301 682 E 100 South St. George, UI 84770 Jerome, ID 83338 1103 N Fillmore 360 Hamilton CT Mountain Home, ID 83647-2008 rdaho 83367 Box 82 Silverton, 324 sLtl Avenue East Jerome, TD 83338 2BB5 Bridgewater Dr.Salt Lake City, W 84727 459 HiEhway 74 Twin Fal1s, ID 83301 1601 2nd Avenue E T\uin Falls, ID 83301 3518 Catalina Boise, ID 83705 2038 Palm #9 Las Vegas, NV 89104 3 N 200 E Jerome, ID 83338 Box 493 Rupert, ID 83350 100 North Fillmore #15 Jerome, ID 83338
Burt
and Earl Metcalf, ',,.rerebrothers.
of I\rarrenl Max, Utahna, Blaine,
Gregr Helen, Monte and Maxine.
Jane, Claris,
Lee worked on the Dam, then they
farmed from 1912 Lo 7920 and were on the A11en ranch from 1928 to 1934. Bernice was Earl's
wife.
(Source:
PROCTOR: Mack and Beth now liv.e
Blaine Metcalf)
in l,o1.o, Montana.
DEATTIS: Vera Pridmore, Richcreek
June 12, 1995; Glade Swainston,
June 28, 1995; Mark
(nephew of Lhe Hardy Thompsons)' June 30, 7995; Bill
July 3, 1995; Arnold Conner, July
10, 1995; Eugene Coffman, JuIy 20, 1995;
Mrs. Eldon Srreat, July 24, 1995.
TheHistory of Richfield,Idaho
Anderson,
338