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The Pocatello Library Board of Trustees, circa 1955, in the anteroom to the "Junior Room" in the Pocatello Public Library. From left to right, Art Scott, Margaret Reilly, O'ertel Hoit, Lucille Uhland, Blaine Gasser and Roy Miller. The photo is courtesy of Blaine Gasser. 
The old Bonneville Public School on Clark Street in Pocatello, exactly where the post office is currently located; the demolition was completed in 1964. Pictured are Rick Cuoio and his sister Christy. Photos from the Fred Cuoio collection. 
William Henry Jackson (1843-1943) was an early photographer of the American West, as well as an accomplished artist. He traveled the Oregon-California Trail in 1866 and 1867, and later in life painted a series of watercolors based on his experiences.
This photo depicts one of his watercolors of Fort Hall, painted in 1837. 
The Bannock County Historical Museum is having a program on the Portneuf Aquifer on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at the museum.
The meeting is free, as is admission to the museum at that time. The speaker will be Archie Sheppart, who works for the Pocatello Water Department. He will cover such topics as Pocatello's water history, our sources of water, water purification, water preservation and conservation, as all these areas are of importance to our current and future water supply. 
By Sam Wyrouck It was the year 1944 that ten men trained together as a crew on the famous Flying Fortress and on their completion were given a new B-17 four engined bomber to fly to England in order to take part in reducing Hitler’s industry to rubble. After arriving in England, crew No. 5383 was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group. It took us very little time to realize how combat naive and dumb we were. We were billeted with veterans of many combat missions. After all that stateside training we then learned how to really take on enemy fighters, how to really stay alive at 30,000 feet altitude, how to really find the home base after a mission even at night and how to fly a really tight defensive formation. We received training on how to avoid capture if shot down and arrived on the ground safely in Germany or occupied countries. Each flyer had two pairs of G.I. shoes. One pair we kept polished and the other we scuffed up and muddied up because if walking around Germany,...
On May 22, 1886, a tremendous wind storm swept over Eagle Rock, blowing and wrecking havoc on the railroad's roundhouse. The decision was made not to rebuild the railroad's roundhouse in Eagle Rock. It was rebuilt 50 miles south in the town of Pocatello. This photo is of the Pocatello roundhouse during its heyday. Pocatello's growth soon skyrocketed from just the few buildings that were here before the railroad made the decision to move its roundhouse and repair shop to the city. In 1887, Eagle Rock's population dropped from 2,000 to 400.
A roundhouse is a building used by railroad for servicing locomotives. Roundhouses are large, circular or semicircular structures that were traditionally located surrounding or adjacent to turntables. The defining feature of the traditional roundhouse was the turntable, which facilitates access when the building is used for repair facilities or for storage of steam locomotives.
Early steam locomotives normally traveled forward only. Although reverse capabilities...
Editor's Note: The following recollections of the Auditorium Theater were written by Robert E. Watson and first printed in the Idaho State Journal on April 29, 1951. The Auditorium was built by a company organized by Col. G.A. Hannaford and opened in January 1901. Over the years it was owned and operated by a number of people including Frank M. Watson, owner of the Hub Store and father of Robert E. Watson. "Bob" Watson was an usher at the Auditorium from 1907 to 1908. He later took over his father's men's clothing store and died in Pocatello in 1964. This article was edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. In the early days of Pocatello it wasn't practical for all devotees of the theater to journey to New York City to view the latest theatrical productions, so arrangements were made to bring the finest shows to Pocatello. Rail connections between Salt Lake City and Butte and the east...
Dr. Minnie Howard, M.D., was always the authority on the Oregon Trail and Fort Hall. She signed my ‘‘official Fort Hall Centennial book’’ in 1934. As I recall, Dr. Howard lived on South Garfield in Pocatello, next to the public library. Her articles in the book were illustrated by Bethel M. Farley and were most helpful in helping a young man appreciate the amazing history of the trail and the pioneers who settled Idaho and the Northwest. I am also indebted to my Pocatello High School history teacher Himena Hoffman (signature HH) who reminded me that there was more to the newspaper than comics and sports. The Oregon Trail monument on the high school grounds also aroused my curiosity. After all, these events occurred just a short time prior to my high school days, since Pocatello was still a young city developed by the Oregon Short Line of the Union Pacific. Dr. Howard reminded us that Mount Kinport was the highest point on the mountains that surrounded Pocatello....
This piece was originally published in the Union Pacific Bulletin new letter in July 1946. Rampton Barlow, Pocatello music instructor, who organized the union Pacific R.R. chorus here in 1940, is preparing his men for a number of Southeast Idaho appearances. The group has become increasingly popular in the Pocatello area since it went in1941 to the National Federation of Music of Music Club's convention at Los Angeles, Cal. Since then the chorus has sung "several hundred times for public gatherings, I don't know how many," Mr. Barlow said. He added little solo music is sung in the chorus' appearance, but several first-rate soloists have developed among the men. Information and photo courtesy Fred Evans. 
By Paul Massier for Idaho State Journal "Barnstorming" was a term used by pilots of airplanes when they put on shows of exciting and dangerous acrobatic stunts in rural areas during the 1920s. Some of the stunts even consisted of such daring maneuvers as one of the pilots walking from wing tip to wing tip while the other one was flying the plane a few hundred feet in the air, and then leaping from the wing of one flying plane to the wing of another plane. Acrobatics consisted of horizontal rotations and vertical downward wobbly rotations. Included also, were 10 and 20 minute rides given to passengers (for a price) in their two-seated propellor-driven airplanes.
After World War 1 the government offered thousands of surplus planes for sale at bargain prices. Former military pilots bought many of these and decided to put on such daring shows. These planes were made mostly of wood and cloth and did not have satisfactory navigation equipment. Also, they were not...
By Bill Ryan One of the joys of my tenure at news director for KSEI was getting to know and work with the members of the Pocatello police force. The figure of 80 sworn officers sticks in my mind, but now I think that number is high. The cramped station was located at Second and Lewis. John Perkins was chief, and Pete Rountree was captain. The detectives I knew were Glen Hadley, Al Kuta and Bob Fackrel, and one of the most unforgettable and likeable men I’ve ever met was identification officer Y.D. (Yancey) Black. A veteran officer who’d really been around and knew the ropes was Sgt. Harry Carahoff, the desk sergeant I remember most. Jack Bates was another sergeant who had come up through the ranks. The patrol shifts were 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3 to 11 p.m. and 11 to 7. Just like on “Hill Street Blues,” there was always a roll call and muster as each shift started. I felt privileged to be allowed to join the 20 or so men to hear about the latest crimes, most of them petty, against persons, domestic disturbances or burglaries....
Editor's note: This article is about the beginnings of Pocatello General Hospital. This hospital was torn down in 1957 after the present hospital on Memorial Drive had been built. This story first appeared in the Pocatello Tribune on May 11, 1923. It has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman.
The first hospital in Pocatello was the Japanese hospital on the west side, used exclusively for the care of Japanese laborers on the Oregon Short Line Railroad. Most operations were performed in homes. The early-day doctors also relied on Mrs. Burbank's and Mrs. McMillan's rooming houses for surgeries and convalescent care.
Nannie Maines, a trained nurse, came from Iowa to Pocatello in 1905. Mrs. Maines saw the urgent need for a hospital in a town of near 5,000 souls and spent her spare time in talking hospital. Mrs. Maines worked steadily and faithfully and finally with the aid of Mrs. George Derr, Mrs. A.L. Cook and the Methodist and...
Editor's note: The following article is the Pocatello Tribune's account of the Fourth of July celebration in 1905. It was printed on July 5 of that year. The story has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. The Fourth of July celebration in Pocatello yesterday was one of the most successful from every point of view ever given in the city. The only disagreeable thing to mar the pleasure of the occasion was persistence of the energetic zephyrs in wafting over the city from early morn till late at night. The program was most complete from the salute in the morning until the fireworks at night, and much credit is due the executive committee for the success of every detail of the celebration. The Indians took a very prominent part in the parade and the celebration yesterday. They presented a magnificent appearance in the parade and their sun dance on the...
Evenings that we did not fly, often times we Ariel gunners would gather around the lone radio in the barracks and listen to the American Forces Network or to the German Radio Berlin and listen to Lord Haw Haw and other personalities give out the latest news. Oh, I mean propaganda. After the news, we then enjoyed listening to the best popular music of Glen Miller, the Andrew Sisters, Frank Sinatra and others. When we were a brand new crew and had not yet flown our first bombing mission, the German announcer said, “We extend a welcome to Robert Parmell’s crew, we anxiously awaiting your first encounter with the Yellow Nosed Squadron of the Luftwaffe and the tens of thousands ground funs of 88 mm and larger. I’m glad I’m not in your shoes.” Well, something to think about. After the talk, we then enjoyed the good music. Some time later I was told that a German announcer said, “The American bombers have tried many times but have failed to demolish the world famous and huge Cologne...
Editor’s note: The following is an article on some Pocatello businesses in the 1890s and early 1900s, as written by George N. Ifft for his newspaper, the Pocatello Tribune, on Oct. 22, 1934. It has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman.
When we first knew Pocatello, Front Street, now First Avenue, constituted practically the entire business section. The First National Bank was located there in a small wooden building. The Phoenix Block was built at the corner of East Center and Front Street, and was occupied by the Blyth and Fargo company store, then a general merchandising establishment selling groceries as well as dry goods.
On the other corner was John Ostoich’s Opera House Restaurant, a high-class establishment for those days. Ostoich was a Dalmatian and accumulated shekels enough to return to his native land and lead a life of leisure. We often wonder whether if he is still part of the life of his native village in that...
Originally published in the Idaho State Journal on March 21, 1993 following the fire at the Chief Theater in Pocatello.
By Rick Davis There was more than wood, mortar and steel that went up in smoke on Saturday (March 20, 1993). Part of Pocatello's identity charred in the fire that claimed the Chief Theater. Looking at the stunned people, young and old, as they passed by the still-burning ruin Saturday morning, it was easy to tell this disaster cut across generations and social strata. The grief felt by members of the Chief Foundation, who spent countless hours restoring the classic western movie house, was shared by people who haven't seen the inside of the building in decades. The Chief was as treaured a building when it was in constructed in 1938 as it is today. The $250,000 theater of a half million bricks and 75 tons of structural steel was hailed as an architectural and aesthetic wonder of southeastern Idaho on opening day. It operated as a commercial theater until 1982. It hurts. Part of our lives...
Editor's note: This is the conclusion of the Pocatello Tribune's series on businesses established in Pocatello between 1892 and 1910, and still surviving in 1930. The story was printed in the Tribune in June 1930. The article has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. A great deal of the work of the Chaffee Bottling Works was done by hand in 1905, when they began fixing up cold drinks for the citizens of Pocatello. But times have changed in this business as in all others. Nowadays automatic machinery takes care of the mixing, bottling and capping of the bottles as well as the pre-washing, in which the bottles are taken through various strong solutions in a thermos boiler. This results in absolutely sanitary drinks, as they are not touched by hands until the bottles are ready for the market. The old method of bottling included a weak washing solution....
Editor's note: This article is part two in the Pocatello Tribune's three-part series about some of Pocatello's longest surviving businesses, as of 1930. It was printed in the Tribune in June of 1930. This article has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. Part I in the series ran July 14 and Part III will appear as the next Yesteryear post. The T.B. Smith Co. is the third oldest concern in town. T.B. Smith took it over in 1894, when he sold insurance, coal and abstracts. The first telephone in town was in their office, and people used to drive for miles each night to hear people talking over the new "contraption." For a number of years the long-distance office was located there, and Sam Smith was the first messenger boy. Those were the days when coal was sold for $5.20, and all deliveries were made with a horse and wagon. Sometimes it was hard to supply the town and...
* Get a story about Lyman Fargo's home today, with photos too, at http://athome.idahostatejournal.com/?page_id=403
Editor's note: This is the first part of the Pocatello Tribune's three-part series about nine businesses established in Pocatello between 1892 and 1910, that managed to survive until 1930, the only ones to do so. This article was first printed in the Tribune on June 29, 1930. It has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. Part II of the series will run in the next few days. It is a real honor for a business house to have stayed through the vicissitudes of fortune and change in a town's growth and the natural business difficulties of "getting established." Of all the firms who have gone into business in Pocatello in the last 20 years, only a few have this honor. Those were the days! When Mother loaded you down with all...
Editor's note: This is the story of the lost vein at the Fort Hall Mine, written by Idaho State Journal reporter Jerry Grotta. It was first printed in the Journal on Aug. 18, 1963. The article has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. A copper mine with a lost rich vein is located just 8 miles from downtown Pocatello. Henry Palmer, who came to Pocatello from Illinois in the 1880s, discovered the vein in 1902. Palmer operated one of the first lumber mills in this area, while also prospecting for minerals. After Palmer located the copper vein, many Pocatello residents invested in the Fort Hall Mining and Milling Co., which sold 226,000 shares of stock of $1 par value. Palmer was general manager of the company and work continued for about a decade. A road was...
Editor's note: This is the conclusion of a brief history of the Arbon family and Arbon Valley by Fern Hartvigsen. The story was first printed in the Idaho State Journal on Sept. 19, 1965. It has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. For Part I of this series, see the previous post. Arbon continued growing and the first sawmill was operated by the White brothers in Bull Canyon. Prior to that time all building was from logs cut in the canyon. Many dates were of real consequence to Arbon Vally residents, and notable among them was Oct. 7, 1898, when the first mail was sent out of the valley. It consisted of three letters. On Aug. 18, 1900, the first church organization was completed with David J. Bowen as the first presiding elder....
Editor's note: The following is part one of a history of the Arbon family and Arbon Valley, settled in 1896. The story was written by Fern Hartvigsen and first appeared in the Idaho State Journal on Sept. 19, 1965. It has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. Read tomorrow's post for Part II of this series. When Joe Arbon at age 20 plowed the first furrow in Arbon Valley, he was conducting a ground-breaking for the formation of a prosperous community. The Arbons were the first family to spend a winter in the valley, then known as Bannock, but later renamed in honor of the first settlers. They laid the foundation for the first irrigation in the area and were first to introduce summer fallowing as a program to “rest” portions of the lands in alternating years. ...
“Hail to the Chief” This timeline of the existance of the Chief Theater in Old Town Pocatello was originally published in the Idaho State Journal on March 21, 1993. Jan. 5, 1938 — A crowd of 2,496 moviegoers from across Southeast Idaho flock to the opening night of the Chief Theater to watch “Bad Men of Brimstone,” starring Wallace Berry and Virginia Bruce. 1945-1960 — The Chief is in its heyday as Southeast Idaho’s premier theater. Usherettes, clad in tight uniforms, escort patrons to thier seats aqs the Golden Age of Holywood shimmers to life on the big screen. Sept. 1982 — The Chief’s 44 years as a commercial movie house ends, but remains open under a unique private/public partnership involving the non-profit Chief Foundation and the City. Dec. 9, 1984 — Denver businessman Frank Ricketson donates the Chief to the city. A restoration project, which will eventually involve hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours of work begins. July 9, 1989 — A refurbished Chief Theater reopens with country singer Jerry...
Editor's note: The following article is the account of two murders that occurred at the time of the land rush of 1902. The murderer was never found. The article appeared in the Pocatello Tribune on June 26, 1902. It has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman.
It is a murder that has stained the opening pages of the record of the Fort Hall mining district — a crime so cruelly atrocious, so totally lacking in motive as to be almost appalling. Yesterday morning Sheriff Rice and Coroner Bean brought in the body of E.M. Fritz, an esteemed citizen of Pocatello, a bullet hole through his head and another through his body. Last evening they brought in the body of John S. Donaldson, an old gentleman who arrived in Pocatello only a few days ago from Wood River, Neb. He too had been shot to death with a rifle bullet which...
Editor's note: This article includes the reminiscences of mining promoter William Sharp about one of the last gold rushes. A number of Pocatellans tried their luck at Thunder Mountain but were defeated by the difficult terrain and terrible weather. This story first appeared in the Pocatello Tribune on March 25, 1928. It has been edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman. "Tell me something about Thunder Mountain." The Tribune reporter made the above request of William Sharp, formerly of Spencer, Idaho, who is presently engaged in the promotion of several mining properties in the Lemhi district. "It's been a long time since I was in the Thunder Mountain district," Sharp replied. "During the excitement in 1902, I led a pack string in there over what...
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