MADISON
COUNTY
1913 ■ 1990
lURTHOUSE RESTORATION COMMITTEE
DATE DUE
OCT
'>»■
MR
2
-oef
j-^-^W-
mjm
— — __
Demc
DAVID O. MCKAY LIBRARY
3 1404 00709 9903
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface *
Acknowledgement "*
Chapter Page
1. Centennial Events, Idaho, Madison County,
Rexburg, Rexburg City Hall, and Sugar City 01
2. Teton Flood, Madison Library District,
Tabernacle, Post Office, Schools,
Religious Communities 10
3. Clubs, Parks, Radio Stations, Airport,
Transportation, Newspapers, Hospitals 1^
4. County, City, and State Officials 37
5. Early Homes and Businesses 42
6. Agriculture, Potato Industry ^
7. Food and Family Life, Social History
of Sugar City • 53
8. Century Farm List » ^
9. Maps ^1
10. Illustrations ^
f<:
\i-
t;^
^; 3 '■«<■>:
t • ( I.
.>I^
r.
PREFACE
The idea of compiling and printing the centennial yearbook of Madison County was
conceived as a fund raising project and as a tribute to the people of the county. It was
decided to highlight people and events in the first one hundred years of the current Madison
County area. The funds from the sale of the book will be used in the restoration of the
Madison County Courthouse.
Construction on the courthouse was started in July of 1919. C. A. Sundberg was the
architect and Charles Zollinger was the contractor. The courthouse was a beautiful building.
No expense was spared in the decoration and furnishings. It was completed to the point
that the county offices and records were moved into it by mid-December, 1920. In was not
completely finished until 1922.
The restoration of the courthouse would rescue one of the states distinguished buildings
from further deterioration and misuse. It represents a period in our state's history when
there was a tremendous amount of optimism and growth. It is one of the outstanding county
courthouses in the state. So many of our buildings constructed in a bygone era have been
destroyed and are gone forever. We would like to prevent this from happening to the
courthouse.
This will be a lasting contribution to the Centennial of Idaho Statehood. It will be a
tribute to the great men and women who struggled to provide opportunities for our
generation and others that will follow. We hope it will stimulate pride in our people for the
excellent quality of life which exists in Madison County and be a permanent reminder to
those of the second hundred years, to cultivate the standard of living which we now enjoy.
We would hke to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following members
of the Madison County Courthouse Restoration Committee for their dedication to this
project:
Madison County Courthouse Restoration Committee:
County Commissioners:
Doyle W. Walker
Bruce B. Webster
Moses Dell Barney
Reed B. Sommer
General Chairman: Mary Lee Wolf
Committee:
Keith L. Bentzen, PA
Collared, Beyeler & Bentzen-Consulting Architect
Kent Jolley, Fundraising Chairman
P'4
Committee Cont.
Randall D. Sutton, Fundraising Chairman
Dick Davis, Construction Consultant
James Long, Landscaping Consultant
Alyn Andrus, Idaho State Centennial Representative
Louis Clements, Madison County Centennial Rep
Don Rydalch, Fundraising
Richard F. Smith, Fundraising
Lee Boyle, Fundraising
Garth Flamm, Fundraising
John C. Porter, Fundraising
Richard Bird, Design Consultant
T. L. Mcrae, Design Consultant
Bernice Ricks, Centennial Yearbook
Norman Ricks, Centennial Yearbook
Brent Kinghom, Ricks College Community Affairs
Judge Harold Forbush, Historical Consultant
Brent Bell, Window Replacement Consultant
n
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
Brigham Young University-Idaho
http://www.archive.org/details/madisoncounty19100wolf
Madison County Courthouse Restoration
The idea to restore the courthouse evolved rather informally in a discussion one day.
The more we talked about it the more enthusiastic everyone became. It was chosen as our
Idaho Centennial Project because of its historical significance to the county and the state
and timely need of repairs to the building. The building is one of the few historically
sigoificant stnictures in Madison County. It is listed on the National Register of Historical
Buildings. Studies have shown it is structurally sound and will continue to meet the
functional needs of the county government way into the next century.
A space utilization study was conducted by Keith L. Bentzen of the Architectural and
Engineering firm, Collard, Beyeler and Bentzen of Idaho Falls. His opinion was that the
building would meet the county needs now and in the future. He describes the courthouse
as a "fine historical building" and suggests adjusting the work areas and reclaiming potential
office space which is currently used as storage. This building will require higher
maintenance and operation costs than a new one but, a new building alternative seems
impractical with estimated construction replacement costs of 1.5 million dollars.
During the first year of our project we "tested the water" by questioning different
groups in the county about their support with both time and money. We felt a great deal
of enthusiasm from young and old, clubs, private individuals, families, etc. This is a project
that we, as citizens of Madison County, can all relate to. The courthouse belongs to each
of us. We all have our own personal memories of the part the building has played in our
lives. This project combined the efforts of all of the people of Madison County in a variety
of activities to achieve a common goal. The money spent to restore the courthouse to its
original beauty has certainly had a lasting benefit and permanent value to the county and
the state. We would not only like the building to look nice, we would like people to feel
they are in a special place when they come here. We would hope they would feel respectful
and proud of their heritage. The courthouse restoration and maintenance is an ongoing
project that will transcend our lifetime and be carried on by our children's children.
The emphasis for the courthouse restoration project has been on the exterior of the
building. The exterior is highly visible. We felt, if our efforts were successful, public
support would be generated for further work on the interior. Funds were raised so the work
could progress in a timely manner once we began.
In the fall of 1990, Zundel Tree Service removed four large spruce trees from the front
entryway of the building. Immediately following this, county work crews washed the building
with high pressure hoses. We had been in contact with Lloyd Sorenson, a restoration expert
from Sandy, Utah. He and his crew used a variety of chemicals to remove paint from the
brick and clean it. Loose paint and grime were also cleaned from the masonry and terra
cotta. This thorough cleaning brought out the beauty of the brick as it originally appeared.
Work stopped for the winter while we made plans for the following year. In the spring
• • ff
ui
•J Sidbi:'
-av--^v^^
■S^
, • r; .-. ,
'-J- ■'? .■;<-?■
.^'.j- >
-f -'["i "'■:«>.
■10^"
jjil^K)"?" .5^'vy ; '; '"'J ':A:
-~ ■■'<•.■ ,Ti>-i."-jr.
•if;
~''>)>,5}-!
Vi:^;:-v;
of 1991 Bowen Masonry repointed the brick at the top of the building. This was an
extensive job as some of the brick had fallen off the chimney and were ready to fall off the
walls. Lloyd Sorenson returned to stain the brick that couldn't be restored by cleaning.
Dean Wilson Plastering and Drywall repaired the concrete cap at the top of the building
and patched the foundation to prepare it for painting. The type and color of paint was
chosen very carefully. We needed a tough coating that would wear well as well as look nice.
A color sample was painted on one of the pillars as a final check before the application.
Chappie Painting and Decorating worked with us to achieve a soft, monochromatic
appearance reminiscent of the original building.
Saurey Construction poured the footings and replaced the abutments on the sides of the
steps. They were built with a cap on top like the originals. After the concrete work was
finished Bowen Masonry cleaned and repointed the granite steps in front of the building.
These steps had replaced the original ones at the time of the Teton Dam Flood. They are
a different style than the originals but. the granite is very durable and expensive. We
tried to achieve a pleasing proportion to the entryway by adding footings to the sides. We
ordered decorative period style lights to replace the original ones that many of us remember
on either side of the steps. These were installed in February, 1992. Leishman Electric was
the contractor.
The landscaping contract was awarded to Jerry Merrill of Merrill Quality Landscapes.
He suggested plantings that would provide seasonal color and be in scale to the building
when they reached maturity. The work included laying pavers by the steps and concrete
edging around the beds. This was completed the summer of 1992.
At this time the work in progress includes: replacing the outer windows, covering the
sills and restoring the large leaded glass window at the front of the bmlding.
Mary Lee Wolf
IV
■o a-'
*j
it lA
MADISON COUNTY CENTENNIAL EVENTS
There are many events being sponsored around the Idaho Centennial theme. The
following activities are the major events that happened or are happening in Madison County
during the 1990, one hundred year, celebration of the founding of the State of Idaho.
We have concentrated on "lasting legacy" events. These are events that will last far
beyond the Centennial year. These projects are: Restore the Tabernacle Organ, Restore the
Rexburg Carousel, and Restore the Madison County Courthouse.
Other events include the Rexburg Post Office Stamp Cancellation, historical programs,
Centennial Ball, Centennial Whoopee Days, Centennial Lion's Club Breakfast, and the Idaho
IntJ'mational Centennial Folk Dance Festival.
Idaho's birthday will be well celebrated in Madison County for many years to come.
Louis J. Clements
Madison County Centennial Committee Chairman
•iri!M[%
.;>>avo-:- '■;:? en-iii'- ■ n^v
■i^d^mi:.
•1>.:37S
^ei
■y\
'3i^" ,1-
IDAHO
Idaho has a tremendous and diverse history. The very size and shape of the state would
suggest a variety of histories in each area and would convey a more complete story than a
general history would. However, this history is a preface to the more complete history and
yearbook of Madison County and will, therefore, be general and brief.
Idaho has had its share of Indian stories, mountain man adventures, lawmen and outlaw
clashes, and pioneer building. From Lewis and Clark exploring in 1804-1806, to the first
American Fur Post west of the Rocky Mountains at Fort Henry in 1810, to missionaries in the
eariy 1830's, to the fur trapper rendezvous in Teton Valley in 1832, to the downfall of the fur
business, to the first permanent settlers in Idaho in Franklin in 1860, to the discovery of gold in
1861 in Northern Idaho, to the Nez Perce War with Chief Joseph in 1877, to the general
settlement. We have had it all.
There were three main reasons people came to Idaho after the fur trapping and exploring
era. They were mining, religion, and farming. The miners came in 1861 beginning in Northern
Idaho and also settling Western Idaho. The Mormons came from Utah to Eastern Idaho in the
1880's in large numbers. The southern part of the state was settled in the eariy part of the 1900's
when the Carey Act opened large areas of desert land for farming and supplied water for
irrigation.
Idaho has a fascinating history. Many books have been written on the var)'ing aspects
of the state. The reader is encouraged to search out the areas of interest to become more
knowledgeable about our great State in its Centennial Year.
Louis Clements
2
■,K..
■■«'i£j<?-
i,^-lr- -i-
' • » \i 'VJ
ft i-
•■;t/T-
-ii.ri
i-'^'y
iQ:::--^^
rv-
■r^:i> 2
r. , • >- . ^ .
''.v /.." r^'i!" ■,' ^i
'*t{;t;f *'i1.'" ic
-^3#r^-/,;.j/>:^
MADISON COUNTY
At the time Rexburg became a community, Madison County was a part of Oneida County
which had been organized January 22, 1864, with Soda Springs as the county seat. Later the
county seat was moved to Malad City. County business was conducted there until Bingham
County was created on January 13, 1885, with Blackfoot as the county seat. The Rexburg area
remained in Bingham County until March 4, 1893, when Fremont County was created. This new
county embraced the territory which would subsequently be divided to form the additional
counties of Clark, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton.
Madison County was created by an Enabling Act of the Idaho Legislature on February
18, 1913. It was the thirty-third county of the state. At the time of creation, its eastern
boundary extended to the Wyoming line and included Teton Valley. The leading legislators
agreed that the territory would be separated to organize Teton County in the next legislature.
This was done in 1915, resulting in the present boundaries of Madison County.
Though the legislature had passed the law providing for the creation of Madison County
and the governor had signed the bill, the people needed to approve. Accordingly, an election was
scheduled for November 7, 1913, to give the voters a chance of approving or rejecting what had
been done. All of the voters of the then existing Fremont County were eligible to vote. The
final vote was 1760 votes in favor of creating the county and 793 against. In Rexburg, 912 votes
were cast and only seven voters disapproved of the creation of the county.
On November 8, the day after the election, the governor had proclaimed the creation of
Madison County. A big celebration was held in Rexburg. A program was held in the tabernacle
and over five thousand people attended. A big barbecue was served and two steers, six pigs, six
lambs, and two thousand loaves of bread were prepared for the activities.
Governor Haines appointed the first officials of Madison County on November 14 as
follows: John Taylor of Sunnydell, J. K. Orme of Sugar City, and R. G. Meikle of Clawson,
County Commissioners; John Hegsted as auditor and recorder; Conrad Walz as assessor; Harr>'
Randall as treasurer; Oliver C. Dalby as county attorney; I. N. Corey as sheriff; L. T. Perry as
county school superintendent; and Ed W. Stacy as coroner. These officials entered in upon the
performance of their duties on January 5, 1914.
One of the first needs that faced the new county was to provide housing for the officials.
Facilities were leased in the old Webster-Winter building on East Main (upstairs above the
present day businesses of Bowen Music and the Subway.) A portion of the premises had been
previously occupied by the Commercial Club. The old dance hall in the building was made into
a court room and public and private offices were provided for all of the officers. A jail was built
at the rear of the building with four cells.
By December, 1920, the attractive and well-built courthouse seen today on the comer of
East Main and Second East in Rexburg was finished. Charles J. Zollinger was awarded the
contract for this structure which cost approximately one hundred twenty thousand dollars.
The average elevation in the county is about five thousand feet. The county experiences
cold winters with heavy snow. The summers are warm with cool nights and the fall season is
an especially pleasant time. In 1920 the population of the county was 9,167 which was increased
to only 9,186 twenty years later. In 1959 the number of families was 2,030 with a median
annual income of five thousand, four hundred and seventy dollars. In 1960 there were 9,417
people in the county. The 1970 census showed 13,452 residents in the county and in 1980 the
census showed the population to be 18,667 in Madison County.
Louis Clements
r
'■•■--< >\
-^roUsiiJj
■:>-;■."
i'A ■ .'»•'« -y./
n ^TA:
■:''j> •'
^•.£v.!^
H'-
■■xu
■•:'":-:r>-:nri---;
,i.r-s<
imy
;:',-,> >"
REXBURG
Rexburg observed her Centennial celebration in 1983, one hundred years after the original
townsite had been surveyed by Andrew S. Anderson. This was seven years before Idaho was
granted statehood. Rexburg was established by Mormon pioneers coming here from the Cache
Valley area. Thomas E. Ricks was sent to colonize the new country by William B. Preston, his
LDS Stake President. Details regarding the history of the Rexburg and Upper Valley settlement
can be found in a number of history books. It is not the purpose of this report to get into
detailed settlement history but instead to highlight the events that have made Rexburg the
community it is today. The Rexburg community owes much to the spirit of cooperation that was
evident when the first pioneers reached the valley. They banded together to build homes,
business buildings, schools, churches, and irrigation systems. This cooperative spirit of
successful Mormon colonial policy has continued throughout Rexburg's history and is still evident
today.
Rexburg was organized as a city on April 7, 1903. Henry J. Flamm was named the first
mayor. He was succeeded two years later by John L. Jacobs. The new city administrations had
the usual problems, streets needed to be built and maintained and law and order was a problem
on Saturday nights when folks from the surrounding areas came to town and visited the three or
four saloons. Also, stray animals roaming the town damaging gardens was a problem. The city
fathers managed these problems rather well and they also planned for the future — in 1906 a
proposal was put before the people to have the city install a centralized water system. This plan
met with approval and that same year a bond to fund the water system was approved by the
voters. Work was soon started to serve nine city blocks but before it was completed another ten
blocks were added which would serve all the settled areas of the city.
Rexburg has always been a progressive community. The first post office was established
in 1894. Thomas E. Bassett was the postmaster. A sawmill was started in 1883 by William F.
Rigby. The first bank was opened in 1901, by Ross J. Comstock and was called the First
National Bank. Rexburg's J. C. Penney Store was opened in 1910 and it was the seventh store
opened by Mr. Penney.
Concrete sidewalks were first installed in 1913. The first paved streets were installed in
1917 to 1919. The sewer system was installed in 1919. This progressive spirit has continued
throughout the century. Today Rexburg has a population of 12,500 and is the tenth largest city
in Idaho. The city has 50 miles of water mains. The sewer system totals over 35 miles and
ser\'es all areas of the city. The city has three reservoirs with a storage capacity of 3.25 million
gallons of pure water pumped from underground. The pumps have the capacity to pump 7.5
million gallons daily. The waste water treatment plant can treat 5.5 million gallons of waste
water per day. The city has forty miles of paved streets.
Rexburg has 60 acres of developed parks providing a variety of recreational opportunities
with picnic areas, baseball and Softball fields, soccer fields, football fields and tennis courts. The
city also operates a heated swimming pool and water slide. The park system features a large
Oirousel which has been designated as the Idaho Centennial Carousel.
Two golf courses are operated by the city. The Municipal has nine holes and the Teton
Lakes Course has 18 holes. A new park to be in operation this summer will feature walking and
Ci^r:^^
■.■■jI.<C:
jogging paths, a natural fishing lake and picnic areas in natural settings.
Agriculture is the economic base of the community with grains, potatoes, and livestock.
Industry connected with agriculture is also important to Rexburg. There is a large Basic
American Foods potato processing plant in the county along with a number of fresh pack
operations. Louisiana-Pacific operates a sawmill in Rexburg using the Douglas Fir timber stands
in the Targhee National Forest to provide dimension lumber products.
Rexburg was the first headquarters for Diet Center, an international health and weight
control franchise business. A mail order printing firm, Artco, is located in Rexburg and
employees over 500 people.
Unique to Rexburg is Ricks College. This two year college has an enrollment of 7500
and is the largest two year privately owned college in the United States. It is owned and
operated by the LDS Church. Its large campus features modem and well equipped teaching
facilities including a large agricultural experiment farm.
The city government of Rexburg is made up of a mayor and six councilmen. Through
the years each administration has been progressive and active in improving the business and
social life of the community. With the dedication of a new City Hall in 1985 the following code
was adopted which has been followed since the city was founded. It follows:
As an administration we strive for the following goals:
1. To provide a city administration that serves all the people's wishes and reflects credit
to the community.
2. We will strive to promote public relations between the city government and the
business people, civic groups, and individual citizens with full cooperation between these groups
with elected officials and city employees.
3. Provide a press relations program that keeps the public informed of city problems,
projects and policies. This will enable citizens to provide informed advice to their city officials.
4. Relations with adjoining cities and all other governmental agencies should be good.
Cooperation is needed for maximum advantage and harmony to effect savings and planned
progress.
5. City governments should follow a planned program that recognizes the limits of
practical planning and zoning, yet which aims at balancing the city's needs with its land use.
6. As a city administration we are ever aware that we are responsible for the well being
of all the people who live in Rexburg, operate businesses, and above all, raise families.
One other unique claim to fame for Rexburg is the fact that it is a "dry" city. It is the
only city in Idaho with a population over 5,000 where liquor by the drink is prohibited. This
makes us different. We are not prudes and we are tolerant of others, but we do take pride in
being "Idaho's Dry City."
Rexburg looks forward to the next 100 years.
Mayor John C. Porter
U-C ,:.:s.
.;v<..>c; (.'
•,»i.4.v -:■
REXBURGS MAYORS
Henry Flamm 1893
Nathan Ricks 1895
G. W. Woodvine 1896
Jacob Brenner 1898
John L. Jacobs 1899
G. W. Woodvine 1900
A. C. Hess 1901
W. N. Stephens 1902
Jacob Henry Flamm 1903
Eli McEntire 1904
John L. Jacobs 1905
Hyrum Dewsnup 1906
James W. Webster 1907
Thomas E. Ricks 1909
Robert G. Archibald 1911
Nathan Ricks 1913
Fred S. Parkinson 1915
Nathan Ricks 1917
John L. Bailiff, Jr. 1919
R. G. Archibald 1921
Lorenzo Y. Rigby 1923
Peter Mickelsen 1927
Arthur Porter, Jr. 1929
Harlo B= Rigby 1935
David W. Stowell 1937
Joseph DeMott 1943
Joseph M. Parkinson 1949
Wayne M. Smart 1951
J. Fred Smith 1953
A. E. Archibald 1958
Gilbert Larsen 1959
Alois H. Brock 1966
Henry Shirley 1970
John C. Porter 1974
Nile Boyle 1990
CLERKS
A. L. Blackburn 1893
A. M. Carbine
A. M. Carter 1901
George Emery 1904
A. L. Blackburn 1905
W. E. Gee 1909
J. C Anderson 1911
Albert Heath 1917
Ray Gamer 1919
George Liljenquist 1921
James Blake 1927
Tom Richmond 1933
Edna S. Dietrich 1935
Edna P. Hegsted 1937
Gilbert McKinley 1946
Loretta M. Rigby 1948
Albert Smith 1965
Beulah Johnson 1967
Afton Anderson 1973
Rose Bagley 1978
•^:
if.
-•r
REXBURG CITY HALL
The village of Rexburg was incorporated by the County Commissioners of Fremont
County on July 11, 1893. The following were appointed as the first Board of Trustees: Henry
Flamm, Chairman; T. J. Winter, Orson Wallman, Nathan Ricks, and James M. Cook. In 1903
the village status was changed to a city with Henry Flamm elected Mayor.
May 20, 1908, a committee was appointed to seek better quarters for the City Hall. They
leased rooms under the First National Bank for two years. Early in 1909 a contract was awarded
to build a new City Hall on North Center Street across from the new tithing office.
The city canal was surveyed on March 15, 1883. By 1907 the City had established the
first municipal water system with a well located at Second East and First South, A second well
was put into operation in 1950 and in 1960 a third municipal well was drilled on the hill near
the reservoir. By 1913 the City had ten miles of paved sidewalks which connected the main
business houses and the residential areas. The Rexburg sewer system was laid in 1919.
When the Post Office moved from the Grover Hemming building the City Hall moved
to that location. After an explosion from a gas leak the City was forced to move to the Art
Porter building. In February 1985 a new building was constructed on the old site where the
present City Hall is now located.
The first Fire Department was housed in a lean-to on William Bell's Blacksmith Shop
property. When the City Hall moved into the Hemming Building the old City Hall was
remodeled and made to house the fire station.
Morgan Gamer
.?y-"ii>
7J, *l.rj .'^-^ .1 t-«
^ 3.i
^ X-vj^;
SUGAR CITY
Sugar City was not settled in the typical way most other communities were in the area.
Sugar City came into being because of an organized plan of the Idaho Sugar Company. The area
that was to become the city had been homesteaded by Willard Ricks and C. B. Valentine. Most
of the business in the area was conducted in Salem or Rexburg.
In 1903 a group of businessmen in Salt Lake City, Utah, organized the Sugar City
Townsite Company and purchased a plot of three hundred and twenty acres of land directly
adjacent to that purchased by the Sugar Company. They then donated the land to the public for
its use as a town. The plat for the Sugar City townsite was recorded on December 5, 1903.
The sugar factory was completed and ready to receive beets in the fall of 1904. While
the factory expanded with buildings the town was laid into block and lots.
The LDS Church reported, "By the close of 1904, there were thirty-five houses, two
stores, a hotel, an opera house, and several rooming houses; also, two lumber yards, a meat
market, and a nine thousand dollar schoolhouse."
Mark Austin supervised the planting of more than five thousand trees in the town during
the first four years. A ten acre circular park was laid out for sports and other forms of
gatherings.
Tlie Townsite Company built the first structure to be used as a public building in the
center of the town. This building was called the Havemeyer Building and also the Opera House.
It was a two story edifice with a department store and drug store facing the south and the
telephone exchange and post office facing the east. The upper floor was occupied by an opera
house, dance hall combination. The first and only newspaper, the Sugar City Times, was also
in this building.
The first store built was the Sugar City Cash Store in 1904. Violet M. Wallis was
appointed postmaster on June 6, 1904, to become the first officially appointed postmaster in
Sugar City, Idaho. The Fremont County Bank began in 1904 with a capital of ten thousand
dollars. Shortly after the Sugar City Furniture Company was organized and commenced doing
business in 1905.
The town was incorporated as the Village of Sugar City on January 8, 1906. By then
there was a magnificent school building built at a cost of ten thousand dollars and a beautiful
stone meeting house and chapel at a cost of nine thousand dollars.
The Sugar LDS Ward began in 1904. It was divided in 1935 to two wards which were
reunited in 1945. In 1968 the ward was again divided.
The Sugar Factory closed down in 1942 due to the decrease in beet acreage. Many of
the buildings were torn down. In 1943 the old hotels which had been built by the company were
used as a German Prisoner of War Camp. The camps closed in 1946.
Of recent years, the erection of new public buildings and establishment of other city
improvements, have demonstrated anew the deep and genuine civic pride which have
characterized Sugar City during its history. City status was achieved in 1967.
Louis Clements
8
,^, ,-,:
.»;•»;;? fJrTf^ i '.'
a:;b-
SUGAR CITY'S CHAIRMEN-MAYORS
Thomas Austin
1906
John Wilding
1952
Alfred Ricks
1907
Emery Thomas
1955
J. W. Phillips
1919
LaMar Banus
1961
Alfred Ricks, Sr.
1924
Glenn W. Dalling
1968
J. M. Smith
1927
Lawrence Grover
1972
Charles 0. Hamilton
1929
Lyle Moon
1976
Leffel A. Bean
1931
Rondo Barrus
1988
J. Kenneth Thatcher
1947
CLERKS
J. T. Worlton
1906
Henry Eddington
1922
Fred J. Heath
1909
Rondo Banus
1951
J. W. Stoker
1919
Margarita Ball
1988
Conrad Sorenscn
1920
POSTMASTERS
Violet M. Wallis
1904
Christian Schwendiman
1922
Mons H. Anderson
1905
Ezekiel Holman
1934
Lavina A. Williams
1905
Lloyd Luke
1955
D. Rolla Harris
1917
Charlene McLain
1985
Mr
•."••v--yr •. t-r .
■ ^ ■>■■■..• ■'■.: 4
i-f i
.win=--
■r.^
OO;
^^i .^
• .■- -.7 r
TETON FLOOD
The most physical devastation to visit Madison County in its short history was the
collapse of the Teton Dam and the ensuing flood.
There had been interest in using the Teton River Canyon for a power source and water
storage beginning in 1904. Several sites were checked out but by 1962 the main emphasis was
on the present location. Actual work began in 1972 with a 1976 finish date anticipated.
The reservoir began to fill in the fall of 1975. The earth-filled dam was 1,690 feet thick
and 305 feet high. At the top, it was 35 feet wide and 3,050 feet long. The reservoir was 17
miles long and was almost completely full in June.
On June 5, 1976, a leak was observed at 7:45 a.m. coming from the right abutment near
the bottom of the dam. By 11:57 a.m. the dam was breached and the full force of the 80 billion
gallons of water was unleashed upon the valley below.
The official cause of the dam failure was the leakage of water through the canyon walls
back into the interior of the dam causing erosion of dam material. This weakened the interior
of the dam and allowed the pressure of the water in the reservoir to erode the dam further. When
the dam was breached the reservoir water washed out the northern part of the dam clear to the
bottom of the dam.
Approximately 300 square miles of the valley was inundated. The waters flooded 80
miles until it was contained by the American Falls Reservoir. There were eleven lives lost
attributed to the flood. Major damage occurred in the towns of Sugar City, Rexburg, and
Roberts. Between 16,000 and 20,000 head of livestock were lost. Thirty-two miles of railroad
were damaged. Three thousand acres of farm land were destroyed completely. Property damage
was estimated to run to nearly four hundred million dollars.
Louis Clements
10
:^Ko un
-I .-!;
:3b t?>i!
y:>:^:.y.
* C ■■ -(' t \ -rt.
MADISON UBRARY DISTRICT HISTORY
On September 22, 1920, a group of civic minded citizens met to discuss the establishment
of a public library. John L. Bailiff, Mayor of Rexburg, was present and presided over thrs
meeting. ^ original committee was made up of Mrs. S. H. Abbott, Mrs. L. F. Rich, Mrs. C.
W Poole, Mrs. C. A. Walfrom, and Mrs. Parley Nelson.
m County Commissioners gave the use of two com^ecting rooms in the Courthouse to
be used for the library, Tl,e Commercial Club donated tables and chairs and the City Counc.l
voted to donate $25.00 a month to be used for the Librarians salary. Schools conducted a book
drive under the direction of Mrs. J. S. Webster. Books were inspected and catalogued. Mrs.
Parley Nelson was appointed librarian. On December 28, 1921, with 500 books on its shelves,
the library was opened to the public.
With a growing number of books and growing use of the library, it was obvious a
separate building was needed. The City of Rexburg donated a lot next to City Hall on North
Center and on March 28, 1960, ground was broken for the new building. Ms building was
dedicated February 22, 1961. ,
June 5 1976, this building was destroyed by the collapse of the Teton Dam. FoUowmg
.he flood , library service was set up in the Ricks College Ubrary. In September, the library was
moved to a remodeled room in the City Hall building.
•n,e new and present library on the comer of 73 North Center was dedicated on July 27,
1978. Since the construction of this building circulation has greatly increased as well as services.
Morgan Gamer
11
:>0
ORIGINAL REXBURG TABERNACLE
The idea for a tabernacle was presented to the Fremont Stake Presidency by a group of
distinguished citizens in April, 1910. The proposal was presented at the Stake Priesthood
Meeting, Saturday, April 9th and approved. There was a difference of opinion as to where it
should be constructed but the present location was $4,000.00 less than a Main Street location so
it was accepted.
Contractors were requested to bid and when the bids were opened May 26th, F. L.
McGrew of St. Anthony was the low bidder at $19,808.00. He was awarded the contract and
began construction May 27, 1910. The contract called for construction to be of native stone.
The building was to be completed by October 15, 1911. The funds for the building were
provided by local donations. It provided a large meeting place for church, civic, educational, and
community meetings. The basement was often used as a dance hall and/or banquet hall.
The Teton Dam Flood ended the Tabernacle's use by the L.D.S. Church which sold the
building to the City of Rexburg for $50,000. Again local donations plus a government grant
provided funds to renovate and restore the building. Today it houses the Upper Snake River
Valley Historical Society Museum in the basement and serves for community functions. In the
renovation process the city was able to have the building listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Norman E. Ricks
12
^■^;:.>
REXBURG POST OFFICE
On April 1 1884, a Post Office was established in Rexburg. Thomas E. Bassett was the
Postmaster. Prior' to this time the mail had been delivered to Egin and anyone passing there
brought mail to friends in Rexburg. The new Post Office received mail directly from the tram
at Market Lake and it was delivered by a pony express system from there.
December 31, 1885, James H. Murphy was appointed Postmaster. November 9, 1886
Walter Paul was appointed Postmaster. November 14, 1887, Mary M. Dye was appomted
Postmistress and held this position for approximately five years. The Post Office was located
in her home. , _ ^, . c^ ♦
In 1916 the Post Office was located next to Wrights Meat Market on East Mam Street.
It was later moved to the comer of College and Carlson Avenue in the South East comer ground
level of the Idamont Hotel Building. It then moved into the Grover Hemmmg buildmg on North
Center Street present location of City Hall and then moved into the Dave Withers building on
the comer of First North and 2nd East. From there it moved into the building they now occupy
at 140 South Center in June, 1976.
Morgan Gamer
REXBURG' S POSTMASTERS
Thomas E. Bassett
James H. Murphy
Walter Paul
Mary Dye
Thomas E. Bassett
Daniel Hopkins
Dora Clegg
Lorenzo Y. Rigby
Samuel P. Oldham
George A. Hoopes
Willis J. Lyman
Ephraim Willmore
Paiiette W. Peterson
Lorin Widdison
Bill Scoutcn
23 Jan 1884 Post Office was in his home.
31 Jan 1885 Post Office was in his home.
09 Nov 1887 Post Office was in his home.
14 Nov 1887 Post Office with the school house,
Mary lived in part of the school house.
22 Apr 1893 Post Office was in his home.
26 Apr 1897 Post Office established on Main Street,
where Valley Bank is now.
11 Mar 1901 Same building.
27 Jan 1914 Post Office moved to Idamont Hotel building
comer of College and Carlson Avenues
30 Jan 1923 Same building,
acting 24 Apr 1935, assumed charge 04 May 1935
Same building,
assumed charge 05 Aug 1949, confirmed 21 Dec 1950
Post Office moved to North Center Street,
assumed charge 31 Dec 1962
Same building,
acting 19 Jul 1963, confirmed 20 Dec 1963
Same building,
assumed charge 27 Jan 1967, confirmed 08 May 1967
Post Office moved in 1975 to Second F>ast while the
present post office was being constructed. The post
office was moving in June 1976 when the Teton Dam
broke.
07 Jan 1984 140 South Center.
13
•3
■\^':^y
MADISON COUNTTY SCHOOLS
The intense bitterness that had developed between the Mormons and Anti-Mormons in
Idaho in the 1880's caused the Saints to be unwilling to send their children to "gentile schools."
As early as 1884, the L.D.S. people organized a private school in Rexburg where their children
could be taught by their own people. Non-LDS, who did not want their children to attend these
schools, had to send or take their children to one of the surrounding communities.
RICKS COLLEGE
On June 8, 1888, Wilford Woodruff, the Chairman of the Church Board of Education of
the L.D.S. Church, recommended to the President of the Bannock Stake in Rexburg that a local
Board of Education be formed for the establishment of a local Academy. Jacob Spori was the
first principal of the school which opened in the First Ward Church Building on November 12,
1888. It was called the Bannock Stake Academy.
The Stake changed its name in 1898 to Fremont. The school's name was changed at the
same time. Thomas E. Ricks passed away in 1901 and it was suggested by the First Presidency
of the Church that the school be named after him. It was named Ricks Academy on March 5,
1902.
The rock building (Spori) was completed in 1903 allowing the school to move from rooms
in the community to the one central location. In 1915 college courses were added to the
curriculum making Ricks Academy the first junior college in the Intermountain Region.
Another name change came in 1918 when the school was known as the Ricks Normal
School. The new gym building to the west of the existing rock building was dedicated on
November 22, 1919.
The Depression hit the Rexburg area hard. Financial woes caused the Church to abandon
monetary support of Ricks in 1930 and brought an offer to give the school to the State of Idaho.
This problem caused much concern to the community during the 1930's. The offer was fmally
withdrawn.
The future of the school was in considerable turmoil as it became a four year college m
1948 and then went back to a two year school in 1954. In 1956 the Kirkham Auditorium was
finished and put to use.
In 1958 came the announcement that Ricks College would move to Idaho Falls. Not smce
the offer to give the school to the State of Idaho had such a notice brought such an emotional
response from the community. Utters and delegations were exchanged between the Upper
Valley and the headquarters of the Church. Finally came the announcement in 1961 of a buildmg
program to commence at the college property in Rexburg. This ended the attempts to move the
school. . , . , u -jcnn
Expansion continued periodically until the present campus was achieved with about 75UU
students enrolled in 1990.
14
i^r^h
MADISON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Prior to the creation of Madison County in 1913, the schools were administered by
Fremont County authorities. All of the small rural schools of this vast area of Eastern Idaho had
an educational curricula which extended from first to eighth grades.
Unlike most other school districts in Idaho, the Rexburg Class A Independent District No.
1 (Madison County #321) did not have a graduating class of seniors until the spring of 1930.
They did have a two year high school program beginning in 1923. The large number of Mormon
families in the community took advantage of the Ricks Academy for their high school years.
Students finishing the eighth grade prior to 1923 went directly to the Ricks Academy. After
1923 they moved to the Academy after their tenth year.
The phasing out of the juniors and seniors from the college began in 1927. This was the
first year the school had football and the basketball team took the state championship being led
by Conley Watts.
The 1947 legislature of Idaho enacted laws to implement a state -wide program for the
reorganization of the schools of the state. At this time there were four Independent districts in
the county with three high schools and fourteen large and small common school districts. Two
Class A School Districts were proposed for the county rather than a single county unit. This
opinion was based on the conviction that a large majority of the people in the Sugar City area
were for two independent districts. This plan was submitted to the state and they approved the
creation of the two districts.
The first business for the new District 321 was to build a new high school in Rexburg.
They tried unsuccessfully during the early 1950's to pass a bond for the new building. It finally
passed in October of 1953. The high school was dedicated in 1955 and consisted of fourteen
classrooms, a library, a gym, and administrative offices.
In 1960 additional classrooms were added linking the gym building with the classroom
section providing badly needed classroom space and office facilities. In 1963 the Industrial Arts
wing was added to provide badly needed classroom area.
An attempt was made in 1966 to consolidate the Madison County and the Sugar City
Districts into one unit. The proposal was presented to the voters in each of the school districts
and at the polls. The Sugar City voters soundly rejected the proposition.
As a result of the vote, the Madison School District took the initiative and purchased a
thirty acre tract of ground adjacent to the northeast city limits of Rexburg. The voters of the
district approved the issuance of bonds for the major portion of the cost of constructing a new
high school in the spring of 1972. It was completed in the fall of 1973.
Since this time there have been many remodeling projects in the district. Several of the
elementary buildings have been added to. The roof of the Hibbard Elementary collapsed because
of heavy snow and had to be replaced. The latest addition was to the high school. A new gym
and several classrooms were added and put in use at the beginning of the 1989 school year.
The ninth grade began school as a part of the high school in the fall of 1989. The
addition of more classrooms to the high school began in the spring of 1990.
15
SUGAR-SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT
The first students in the Sugar City and Salem area went to Salem to school as early as
August, 1890. The Park School was erected in 1904 at a cost of $10,000.00. It was so named
because of its location in the large park in Sugar City. It housed the first high school in the
county. Enrollment was so high that by 1906 some classes had to be moved to a room in the
bank building.
There were schools in Moody in August, 1900, and at Edmunds in Februar>', 1986. In
1908 a large rock building was built west of the railroad tracks. By 1914 it had reached the
requirements of the State of Idaho to become a standard high school. The name given to this
school was "Sugar-Salcm High School." It was this same year in which the first class graduated
having completed a full four year curriculum.
In 1916 the high school was moved to the upper floor of the Townsite Building.
Eventually the high school occupied the whole building. During the years, improvements were
made. A gymnasium was added.
In 1939 an auditorium was bought for the high school for one dollar. It was the old bank
building.
In 1953 the Rock Elementary building burned down. The building was only partially
covered by insurance but the community rose to the occasion to provide more classrooms.
In 1966 a very modem elementary school building was built in the eastern part of the
town. This building was destroyed in the Teton Flood in 1976. In its place was built the
Thomas D. Kershaw Intermediate School dedicated in 1980.
Added to the high school complex in 1967 were the bus shop and an industrial art
building.
Tremendous growth in the population of the schools in the 1980's created the need for
more buildings. A new high school was dedicated on July 14, 1989 in the southeast comer of
the town.
Louis Clements
16
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
L.D.S. (Momion) Church
The Bannock Ward was created on December 18, 1882, as a part of the Cache Valley
Stake. Thomas Edwin Ricks was chosen bishop. This was the largest ward in the whole Church
at that time. The boundaries of the ward extended north, east, and west of the mouth of the
Portneuf Canyon.
The ward status was changed to a stake on Februar)' 4, 1884. Bannock Stake was created
then with Bishop Ricks named as the Stake President. On April 27, 1884 the Rexburg First
Ward was the first to be organized in the new stake. The following communities existed at that
time and were made wards within the new stake: Lewisville, Menan, Lyman, Teton, Wilford,
lona, Parker, and Salem.
The Bannock Stake continued to grow and expand during the next decade so that by 1890
there were twelve more wards and three thousand, eight hundred and sixty-one people in this
stake of Zion. A division of the stake took place during the conference on June 9, 1895. The
territory south and west of the forks of the Snake River was organized into the Bingham Stake
leaving the northern part as Bannock Stake.
The Bannock name was changed to Fremont Stake on August 6, 1898. The newly created
stake south in Gentile Valley was to get the name of Bannock. The name Fremont came from
the early explorer. The continued growth of the Church population in the Fremont Stake
(Rexburg) resulted in further divisions with the Teton Stake being created on September 2, 1901
and the Yellowstone Stake on January 10, 1909.
A proposal to construct a tabernacle in Rexburg was made on April 7, 1910. The building
was to be sixty by one hundred and twenty feet and would cost twenty-five thousand dollars.
It was dedicated on January 7, 1912.
Although the headquarters of the stake had always been in Rexburg, the name of the stake
continued to be Fremont. This caused some confusion as the Fremont Stake was located in
Madison County and not in Fremont County. To solve this problem the name was changed to
the Rexburg Stake on June 23, 1935.
Ten years later, on October 28, 1945, owing to an increased stake population, it was
divided into the Rexburg and North Rexburg Stakes. Further divisions have created the Rexburg
East Stake on June 1, 1975, the Sugar City Stake on May 4, 1980, and the Rexburg Center Stake
on October 24, 1982.
The above five stakes are the home to thirty-four wards of approximately four hundred
persons each. There are also four stakes and thirty-three wards to serve the students of Ricks
College.
St. Patrick's Cathohc Church
The St. Patrick's Catholic Church is loaited at 38 South Third West in Rexburg. In
August, 1901, Samuel Ricks gave a portion of his property at the above address to the church
and shortly after a building was erected. In 1967-08 the former church was torn down and
immediately replaced with a new and attractive edifice located in the same place, llie church
provides adequate facilities for the Catholic membership in the valley.
17
Jehovah's Witnesses
The Rexburg Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses was organized in the middle 1940's,
when members from the counties of Teton, Fremont, and Madison commenced to meet at
Rexburg. The site for a regular meetinghouse was acquired and a one room log structure was
erected in 1954 on South Fifth West in Rexburg. Since then a modern building has been built
in St. Anthony to serve the needs of the valley members.
Rexburg Community Presbyterian Church
The members of the Rexburg Community Presbyterian Church meet in a historical brick
building located on College Avenue and First South. Reverend James C. Carver was appointed
by Kendall Presbytery in November, 1910, to serve the area. There were enough community
members in Thornton by 1917 that they decided to build a building there to hold Sunday School.
The Thornton church building was used on May 25, 1919, when the Thornton Congregation met
for organizing. On August 12, 1962, the two groups merged into the Rexburg Church. At
present there is a move to have this building listed on the National Register for Historical Sites.
Grace Baptist Church
The Baptist Congregation started meeting in Rexburg in 1976. The first Pastor was Jerry
James, Richard Hartman is the present Pastor and their services are held at 262 North Second
West in Rexburg.
Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church has been meeting for several years in the Catholic Church located
at 38 South Third West in Rexburg. Reverend Ken Schaver of Ashton is in charge.
Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church
The Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church was started on the North Highway near Sugar City
in 1987 by Reverend Randy Everett.
Louis Clements
18
CLUBS
Rexburg Lion's Club
Fifty years ago the Rexburg Lion's Club was chartered. The date was June 20, 1940.
Charter members were: Floyd L. Adams, Walker W. Admire, John M. Anderson, James D.
Barrett, Eldred L. Braithwaite, Howard M. CuUimore, Louis J. Woolsworth, Coleman B. Ensign,
C. S. Green, Ross Harris, Burt O. Howard, Dan B. Hoopes, Joseph H. Horkley, Robert M. Kerr,
Jr., Howard L. Levine, J. Harold Matson, Arthur M. Morris, T. Ray Payne, Ralph Peterson, Dr.
Blair C. Rich, O. V. Robinson, Henry M. Shirley, John J. Skelton, William Burton Smead,
Roland G. Weiser, and Irving A. Woodmansee.
This club has been a force in the development of many major community projects. Some
of those which they initiated are fund raising for the Madison Memorial Hospital, the Rexburg
Golf Course, the Rexburg Swimming Pool, shelters at the city parks and repairs and
improvements to the rodeo grounds. They have raised countless amounts of money through their
annual Lion's Club breakfast, Lion's golf tournament, and the various food booths at fairs and
rodeos. They donate all money received to numerous community projects. Local projects of the
Rexburg Lion's Club include: sight and hearing screening for school children; assist in or
purchase of eye glasses and hearing aids for local residents; receive and donate eye tissue for
cornea transplants and provide programs to schools such as "skills for adolescence" and
"Patriotism."
Records indicate the following men have served as President: Burton Smead, Blair Rich,
Coleman Ensign, Ferrel Nelson, Robert Archer, T. Raymond Payne, Roland Weiser, Edward L.
Powell, Lavar Peterson, Rolland Lovgren, L. Eugene Peterson, Jesse Welker, Merrill Skinner, R.
W. Punington, Volney Oldham, Joseph Horkley, Carl Smith, Roy Summers, Charles Beesley,
Reed Bell, Bill Weber, John Hasley, Glen Wood, Clinton Hoopes, Frank Webster, Dave Hall,
Rex Ard, John H. Smith, Earl Hoopes, Jim Woods, Garr Gibson, A. Lyle Smith, Darrell Bell, Jim
Howe, Verl Wilding, Robert Carlson, Don Ard, Ralph Huskinson, Tom Crosson, Dell Reed
Carlson, Thomas Ricks, Bryce Bell, Garth Flamm, Steve Nelson, Bill Murry, Robert Carlson,
Thomas Ricks, Paul H. Drake.
Five past presidents of the Rexburg Lion's Club have served as District Governors to
Lion's International. They are: Roland G. Weiser, R. W. Purrington, Carl Smith, Rex Ard and
Robert Carlson.
There is a saying in Rexburg "if you want to raise money for a project, give it to the
Rexburg Lion's Club."
Rotary Club
The Rexburg Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International. Rotary International was
organized in Chicago in 1905 by Attorney Paul Harris with the lofty aim of bettering the world
through weekly community meetings and discussions.
Interest in forming a Rotary Club in Rexburg began in March of 1920 when Frank Turner
and E. L. Walker were in Idaho Falls on business and unexpectedly met their mutual friend, M.
B. Yeaman. Yeaman informed them that he was on his way to Boise to attend the Rotary
Conference of District 20. He suggested that a club be organized in Rexburg and said that the
matter could be presented to the Boise conference if they thought it was a good idea. Turner and
19
■}i ■.::
■jH^
">■ • 111 i
■:ujix
:ii.>li{>H :H. li.
■ to
•v.: ;,,,;?
■'-^' ^iii bn,: .^r-^
■;.-. rTO."". ../', '^' «5',
-;-ii.
,>■».
■M..^ ^ .'un «
'"■n-:
•Offr
^yiJ}
Walker were sure Rexburg wanted a club.
Returning home they contacted Ross J. Comstock and the three of them set about to
recruit a representative group of Rexburg businessmen for membership in a Rotary Club.
Comstock called Joe T. Young at the Boise conference and informed him of what was being
done and Young, Yeaman, and Joseph Cardon then presented the application for a charter to the
District conference. The application was accepted and the charter was granted.
The Rexburg businessmen who had expressed interest met and it was agreed that from
them there be chosen 25 who would be charter members. This was done by picking the 25 who
had been in business longest in Rexburg. The rest of the men were placed on a waiting list and
were brought into the club, three each week, after the formal presentation of the charter. The
group selected Ross J. Comstock as the club president and he held several meetings during the
summer to discuss fundamental principles of Rotary in order for everyone to have an
understanding of what Rotary was and what it stood for.
The first regular meeting of the club was held on September 29, 1920, in the W.O.W.
Hall. At this meeting the Rotary Clubs of Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Idaho Falls were present.
The charter presentation was made by Joe T. Young, a former Rexburg man, who was the
District Governor of Rotary at that time. Thus the Rexburg Rotary became Club #749 of Rotary
International and the first ser\ice club to be organized in Rexburg.
Over the years the Rotary Club has supported many good causes in the community.
Annually they sponsor students to attend Boys and Girls State in Boise. They have donated
money to health drives, restorations, community pride projects, the publication of the "History
of Rexburg," as well as many other worthwhile projects.
One of their most notable accomplishments was the purchase of the property for Beaver
Dick Park and its original development in partnership with the Madison County Sportsmen
Organization. They also have added to the Rexburg City Parks with the building of a picnic
shelter on the North side of Porter Park in 1973; the building of the Rotary Kiddie Park in Smith
Park in 1983; and the construction of the Rotary Gazebo, also in Smith Park in 1987.
Rotary is a service organization whose reason for being is to provide substantive service
in our communities and around the worid. The club motto is "Service Above Self." Current
membership in the Rexburg club is 55.
Charter members were: W. Lloyd Adams, attorney; John X. Anderson, grain elevators;
Roscoe L. Bigler, druggist; Alfred E. Carlson, plumber; Ross J. Comstock, banker; Ralph J.
Comstock; Haz C. Duffin, wagon & machinery; Henry J. Flamm, merchant & legislator; William
E. Gee, banker; Victor W. Grace, garage; C. Arthur Harris, farm equipment; Ed J. Jacobs,
contractor; Chris Jensen, general merchant 6i legislator; George R. Larson, music; Samuel P.
Oldham, postmaster; Charles W. Poole, attorney; Hyrum E. Poole, oil business; Steve J. Skelton,
meat market; Richard H. Smith, farmer, legislator; Clint Sundberg, architect; Abe M. Thorp,
merchant; Ernest Thorton, car business; Esmond L. Walker, real estate; Joseph Walker, M.D.;
James R. Young.
Rexburg Soroptomist Clii!)
The Rexburg Soroptomist Club was chartered on May 27. 1957. under the sponsorship
of the Idaho Falls Soroptomist Club, with 19 charter members. Annette Porter was the first
president. Club presidents through the years have included 10 charter members.*
20
57-58 Annette Porter * 73-74 Donna Ellis
58-59 Viola Dick * 74-75 Marilyn Sommer
59-60 Yordis Wilding * 75-76 Darlecn HoUist
60-61 Vera Larsen * 76-77 Betty Rowan
61-62 Alice Tout 77-78 lola Jcppescn
62-63 Ruth Henderson * 78-80 Marilyn Sommer
63-64 Helen Bauer * 80-81 Ethel Mae Reese
64-65 Edith Thompson Peterson * 81-82 Judy Davis
65-66 Mildred Thompson * 82-83 Rose Bagley
66-67 Maxine Prestwich 83-84 Colleen Roundv
67-68 May Davenport 84-85 Marilyn Fife
68-69 Yordis Wilding * 85-86 Mary Lee Hill
69-70 Darlene Blackburn 86-87 Elizabeth Bossard
70-71 Carma Bird 87-88 Bettyann Ostertag
71-72 Cara Newman 88-89 Judy Eckman
72-73 Myrle Engberson 89-90 Joyce McBride
90-91 Patti Thibault
Meetings were held in the basement of the "Rainbow Sport Shop" on Carlson Avenue.
De Wayne and Yordis Wilding owned the building and the shop. In the Fall of 1968 the meetings
were changed to the Idamont Hotel. Meetings were also held at Stockman's Cafe, Walker's, Me
'N Stans and the Raintree. In the fall and spring following the flood of 1976, we held meetings
in Mary Smith's office, brown bagging for lunch.
While meeting in the Rainbow Sport Shop basement, the luncheons were prepared by the
members. The meals cost $1.25 and these funds were put into the general fund to be used on
service projects. The club purchased a piano, dishes, and silverware which were used for the
meetings. The club has been meeting in a variety of places including Golden Corral, Frontier
Pies, Me 'N Stans and the County Library.
Service projects have been many, all of which include time, energy, and money given to
the handicapped, the needy, the youth, and senior citizens. The first major project was a TV for
Madison County Hospital. Other donations to the hospital included Christmas tree, Hoyer patient
lift, refurnishing of foyer, $1000 for heart equipment, $500 for snack bar, and $200 to State
Hospital in Blackfoot.
Through the years Rcxburg Soroptomist Club has contributed to: Boise Childrens Home,
Satellite Development Center, Opportunity and Retarded Schools, Madison Junior Miss Contest,
Rexburg Senior Citizens, Ricks College Scholarship, Ricks College Student Loans, "Make it with
Wool" Contest, Municipal Swimming Pool, Parties at Nursing Home. County and City sponsored
Health Programs, Madison County Public Nurse Scholarship, BYU-Ricks Education Week,
Madison High School signs and stage lights, Soroptomist Road Insignias in the city, record
albums to schools. Crosswalk signs, Goodfcllow Project, Handicap Ramps, Safehousc for
Battered Women and Children, Nampa School for Retarded, Public Library. Johnstown fltK^d
victims, Musical Heritage Fund, The needy, Rapcline. Girls State. Fair Board. Merry-go-round,
Beaver Dick Park. Jaycees. Rcxburg Chamber of Conmicrcc. "I'outh Traniing Center, and
Centennial Carousel.
21
Community projects to which we've donated include City-County Library, Bleachers at
Madison County Fairgrounds, Little League Baseball, Jr. League Bowling, Girls State delegates.
Teen Town, Deaf Blind School at Gooding. We have helped as a club in community projects
such as immunization clinics, annual community Bar-B-Que, Harvest celebrations, Red Cross
blood drive, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, CARE, Industrial Training
School, and the Stella Bell School for the Handicapped in Rexburg.
Each fall, about Christmas time, is the club's yearly efforts to administer, donate and
receive donations for the Goodfellow Fund. The food, toys, and gifts donated or purchased with
collected fimds are distributed to needy families in the county.
From the first major project to the present, the club's activities and donations to the
communit) projects have earned for them the reputation as an outstanding and effective service
club.
Each year a scholarship is given to an outstanding young man or women called the Youth
Citizenship Award. Another scholarship is given to a woman who is seeking to further her
education '::alled the Training-Re-Training Award. This award is given to older women who are
going back to school and usually have a family to support.
The Ways and Means projects have been numerous with the rummage sale being the best
money maker. A spring luncheon each year, fashion show, bridal shows, concessions at fairs,
chili cook-off, craft bazaar as well as other small projects have helped to generate funds. A
major project is the highly successful Christmas Home Show.
The Rexburg Soroptomist Club hosted the State meetings in 1964 and 1982.
MadisoD Lions
Madison Lions was chartered in August of 1983 by the Rexburg Lions Club and was
originally planned to be Lions Monarch Club for those past Lions (and other members of the
community) who are over the age of 60. While getting the members for the club it was learned
that there were other people that would like to join. The charter idea was changed to have a
morning club because it was a much more convenient time for members to get together.
Presidents over the years include: J. D. Hancock, 1983-84; Ron E. Moss, 1984-85; Jim
Sessions, 1985-86; Dave Pincock, 1986-87; Michael Rowberry, 1987-88; George Quarez, 1988-
89; Richard Bird, 1989-90; F. Martell Grover, 1990-91.
Projects that we have been involved in encompass Diabetic Screening, Miss Upper Valley
Pageant, Picnic in Park, Fair Booth, Easter Hunt, Patriotic Essay Contest, Premier Movie Show,
Building Stage at Tabernacle, Rexburg's 1990 Service Club of the year, and we also assisted with
The Whoopee Days Parade, Red Cross Blood drawing, Goodfellows, Sight & Hearing Screening,
and Radio Service for the Blind.
Meetings are presently being held at Heritage Manor Lounge at 7:00 a.m. on the first and
second Wednesday of each month with board meetings on the last Wednesday.
Rexburg Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club of Rexburg, Idaho was chartered in November of 1958 with Richard
L. Davis as its first president. Club presidents in the order that they served are as follows:
22
:)£'
y^ir; ^ii^v rvj. ^
' .^?- "• ■■•frb
if,.
!'■;;;■
• i;:^
■ ri'rr
^ror
^••'.'X>
-'-«• .•••.
V9r
<iH
1959 - Richard Davis 1967
1960 - Harold Hill 1968
1961 - Gordon Thatcher 1969
1962 - Weston Lawrence 1970
1963 - Warren Porter 1971
1964 - Tommy Miyasaki 1972
1965 - Terrell Arnold 1973
1966 - Blaine H. Passey 1974
1983 - M. Rex Bennion 1986
1984 - H. Brent Hill 1987
1985 - D. Joshua Holt 1988
Ross N. Reese 1975
Barton Jensen 1976
Kay W. Beck 1977
Nile L. Boyle 1978
Joe Sellers 1979
Keith Larsen 1980
Charles Grant 1981
Ronald Fife 1982
Dean Dalling 1989
Randall D. Sutton 1990
Jerry Merrill 1991
Bill Jones, Alan Clark
Alan Clark
G. Farrell Young
Gary Archibald
David L. Crowder
David Adams
Kent Archibald
Jeff Walters
Ed Hill
Brian Korth, David Taylor
Jim Sipp
In the tradition of service clubs, the Rexburg Kiwanis Club has been a great asset and
contributor to the area with community projects and financial assistance to many projects over
the years, including the following: Helping create the sportsman park West of Rexburg, Erecting
basketball standards at both city parks. Horseshoe pits at Porter Park, Helped construct the new
library before the flood, Painted and helped maintain the picnic area at Smith Park, Sent students
to boys and girls state from both Sugar-Salem and Madison School Districts on an annual basis,
and Sponsored Circle K and Key Clubs at Ricks College and Madison High School.
Our current membership is 48 members. An interesting highlight during Richard Davis'
administration (1959) is the fact that they were meeting at the old Idamonl Hotel dining room
at the same time Eleanor Roosevelt was registered there for a speaking engagement and she very
graciously came and spoke to the club.
The Rexburg Jaycees
Tlie Rexburg Jaycees was chartered on the 30th of August, 1948 as membership charter
#2467. Jaycees was the shortened name of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce for
young men between the ages of 21 to 36. In the seventies the age was changed from 21 to 18
through 36. Along with the equal rights movement at this same time, women were admitted to
the Jaycees. Jaycees helped to teach its members leadership skills through community action
projects. As you can see from the list of past presidents they are the leaders of today.
The following were
presidents:
The following were projects
John A. Atkinson
1948-49
Scoreboard at Porter Park
Howard Fritzpatrick
1949-50
Handicap Olympics
Sterling Rich
1950-51
Merry-Go-Round
Jim Hadlock
1951
Jr. League Baseball
Ben Shirley
1952
Jr. League Golf
Jerald HoUey
1952-53
Jr. Miss Pageant
Vein Liljcnquist
1953-54
Goodfellows
Me/lin Liljenquist
1954-55
Radio Days
Ted E. Ellis
1955-56
Back Stops at High School
Robert Webster
1955-56
Fix up baseball dug outs
23
,x.i'.T ■
■■■■\0i
>.'\ : f. :
/U
nii no ^-^ ■
•O"
.-."■r C
';3ri;:
'rif'
? i i-;^
.Oi'^i^'^^JC^if:!' .;-^
'K -rr'
Terrell L. Arnold
1956-57
Farmer of the Year
Ted Walters
1957-58
Educator of the Year
Charles Zollinger
1958-59
Christmas Lighting Contest
Keith Larsen
1959-60
Businessman of the Year
Leon Scarle
1960-61
Bag of Oranges Sales
Wallace Bell
1961-62
Drug Abuse Program
Harry M. Brunson
1962-63
Bicycle Safety Program
LeRoy Zollinger
1963-64
Built South Shelter at Porter Park
Terry M. Brunson
1964-65
Roofing Library Building
Frank Bell
1965-66
Miss Rexburg Pageant
Stephen A. Smith
1966-67
4th of July Food Booth
Ted J. Mortensen
1967-68
Back Stops at Parks
Ron E. Moss
1968-69
Patriotic Program
Ron Gibb
1969-70
1976 State's Best Club
John H. Magleby
1970-71
Two Henry Giessenbier Memorial Awards
Boyd H. Webster
1971-72
Haunted House
F. Martell Grover
1972-73
Funds for NRA Rifle Range
Larry Boehner
1973
Shopping Spree
Ron Gibb
1973-74
One National Young Fainier Winner
Albert Knutson
1974-75
Two State Young Farmer Winners
J. D. Hancock
1975-76
Wendel Lewis
1976-77
Stephen R. Bryant
1977-78
Alan Gallup
1978-79
Craig Byington
1979-80
The charter was dropped in the summer of 1980 after 32 years of service to the Rexburg
Community. Many great projects have been done by the Jaycecs through the years. Some of
these are still here today.
The Rexburg Civic Improvement Club
The Rexburg Improvement League, now known as the Rexburg Civic Improvement Club,
was organized on September 22, 1920. On that date Mrs. S. H. Abbott and Mrs. Sarah Ahlstrom
Nelson, recognizing the great need for a public library in Rexburg, recruited a number of
interested women to attend a meeting at Mrs. Abbott's home. The club was organized with the
express purpose of working for "a library and other civic improvements."
Mrs. S. H. Abbott, who became the first president of the club, had been a teacher before
her marriage. She and her husband moved to Rexburg from Iowa and she soon became part of
the community, working in the Presbyterian church as well as participating in civic affairs.
Mrs. Sarah Ahlstrom Nelson had moved to Rexburg with her husband, a mcdiail doctor,
from Manti, Utah, in 1918. She was a published poet and the recipient of several literary awards
durinii her lifetime. With the establishment of the librarv the foUowinii vcar. Mrs. Nelson
became the first librarian.
24
Other charter members of the club were Mrs. C. W. Poole, Mrs. T. P. George, Mrs. C.
A. Walfrom, Mrs. John Hunt, Mrs. John X. Anderson, Mrs. W. W. Barker, Mrs. J. W. Butte,
Mary M. Corey, Mrs. Frand Davidson, Mrs. W. H. Faucette, Mrs. Bliss Gee, Margaret George,
Mrs. George R. Larsen, Mrs. Nathan Levine, Mrs. John F. McMahon, Mrs. L. W. Nims, Mrs.
Charles Proctor, Mrs. Homer Reed, Mrs. L. F. Rich, Mrs. H. A. Roemish, Mrs. Ray Tompkins,
Mrs. P. 0. Thompson, and Mrs. Roy Yearsley. Joining within the year were Mrs. J. S. Webster,
Mrs. E. O. Fitton, Mrs. O. M. Engdahl, Mrs. George W. Worthen, Mrs. W. H. Walker, and Mrs.
Ed Ricks.
The first library in Rexburg was formally opened on December 28, 1921. This was the
begiiming of the work of the Civic Club. To add books to the library, each year they held
cooked food sales, card parties, and in 1927 they started what became an annual rummage sale.
This sale which lasted for a whole week became well known and was looked forward to by
people in the community. It raised an annual income for the club of about $350 - pretty good
for those days - and this money went to support the library.
In 1928, the group voted to join the General Federation of Women's Clubs. This was a
logical union as the General Federation has been responsible for the establishment of 75% of the
public libraries in the United States. Having them as a parent organization helped the Rexburg
club which continued for the next thirty years as the chief source of revenue and management
for the Rexburg public library.
In 1955, when it became possible to receive matching federal funds to build library
buildings, the Rexburg Civic Club, under the chairmanship of Mr. K. S. (Lx)la) Webster,
determined to raise the money to do this. For their efforts in this project, the club received
national r(iCOgnition from the Federation.
In fulfilling its two-fold purpose, the Rexburg Civic Improvement Cub has been involved
in a great many projects for civic improvement, most notably the beautification of downtown
Rexburg with planting of trees and flower beds. In 1978 they sponsored Mrs. LaMar (Ruth)
Barrus as Idaho Mother of the Year, a contest which she won and in which she competed
nationally. They initiated the writing of "History of Rexburg" by Dr. David Crowder in 1983
and did much of the collecting of historical material that went into that book. They sponsor an
annual Aj.1 and Poetry Contest in the local schools, giving many school children the opportunity
to compete in a statewide contest. They have been active in services to the senior citizens as
well as to the young people of the area and were co-sponsors and contributors to the shelter for
battered women when it opened in Rexburg.
In 1989-90, as a Centennial project honoring both the Idaho Centennial and the
Centennial of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, the Rexburg Civic Club has restored
the vandalized pipe organ in the Rexburg Tabernacle Building at a cost of over $25,000.00.
After being in storage since 1978, this fine instrument is once again in use in the beautiful and
historic building.
The Rexburg Civic Improvement Club is open to all women in the area. At present they
have a membership of over 100 women.
Terrell and Margaret Arnold
25
■ -f f.
"/i^.'
irrf:
"••:*"*"
' ' '^ '>, .
- !
•-■=< ■, r<:, •'■
■' iO'^-??
^?> i'r-\.\P.
Past Presidents Include:
Mrs. S. H. Abbott
Sarah Nelson
Floetta Webster
Mary Corey
Mabel Warner
Lola Webster
Elizabeth Poole
Ann Graham
Margaret Davis
Mrs. C. L. Hi 11 man
Adeline Levine
Meriam Rigby
Ivy Hoopes
Margaret Payne
Amy Hogge
Mary Doherty
Angie Lyman
Annie Kerr
Chloe Nelson
Teddie Lou Wood
Luceba Petersen
Marguerite Hasley
Mabel Jensen
Thelma Potter
Mae Huskinson
Viola Porter
Faye Clarke
Karma Hoopes
Geraldine Jacobs
Ema Sellers
Dawn Weick
Lois Covington
Sue Huskinson
Sharon Hinckley
Marilyn Hansen
Oriole Beesley
Elizabeth Lewis
Norma Gam
Belle Webster
Raya Lewis
Geraldine Jacobs
Denice Rammell
Ann P. Zollinger
Lola Petersen
26
MADISON COUNTY'S PARKS
Porter Park
At a meeting of the Rexburg L.D.S. Stake Conference, Arthur Porter, Jr., Mayor of
Rexburg from 1926 to 1932, heard the Relief Society president speak about the "disgusting
condition" of the City Park. This park which covered Block 46 of the original townsite had been
planted with poplars which were cotton bearing. Irrigation for the park was unsatisfactory which
resulted in dust and cotton blowing about to the extent that the place was filthy to walk in and
impossible to use for any other park activities.
As a boy, Mayor Porter had worked in a nursery in Logan and he had a very great love
for trees as well as a good idea of what would grow well in Rexburg. In his autobiography, he
writes: "I visited parks in Salt Lake City and elsewhere and devised a plan for a new design and
planting. . . . The council decided to adopt the plan. We decided to root up the trees (poplars)
and plow up and re-level the east half to begin. Kenneth Webster agreed to remove the trees
for $250.00 which we paid out of city funds. Most of the leveling was paid out of relief funds
to men for whom we had to find work."
"I wrote the state nursery and got plenty of shade trees of a better quality. These were
free. They had maple, ash, locusts, some birches, Russian olives and pea trees available in ten
or twelve sizes. The state was very cooperative and at the time had a pretty good selection
suitable for public parks. We got plenty of evergreens of some varieties, but they were small.
I wrote to several nurseries and offered to sell them advertising space in the Rexburg Journal in
exchange for nursery stock. I obtained different varieties in this way and donated them to the
park."
"We bought lawn seed and planted lawns. The planting was done by relief labor. I got
Alf Carlson to put in the sprinkling system. He donated much of the material also. He later
contributed material and built some swings. He was very cooperative."
"We built tennis courts, wading pool, and rest rooms mostly with relief labor. We had
to buy some cement out of city funds, also some pipe. Some funds for material were contributed
by service clubs, etc. The Utah Power and Light Company contributed the services of their
surveyor to locate points or boundary lines. I spent much time at the park, super\ising all
planting." In his statement on the condition of the City in 1930, Porter was very proud of the
work that had been done in the park describing it as "a beauty spot that attracted the attention
of everyone passing along the highway."
In 1952 the carousel was added to the southwest corner and later the municipal swimming
pool was put there also. Picnic shelters have been erected at both the south and the northeast
corners. Bleachers and night lighting of the ball diamonds have added to the popularity of the
park. TTie original design of the walks and plantings have remained as they were first drawn by
Porter.
In May, 1952. at the request of the Rexburg Civic Club, the Rexburg Lions Club and the
Rexburg Planning Board, the city council passed an ordinance which designated this city park
as the "Arthur Porter. Jr. Park."
Smith Park
Between Third and I'ourih East, just north of Main Street is beautiful Smitii Park. This
block was originally owned b\ the L.D.S. Church and had been culti\ate(.i and fanned lor many
27
years by rhe Rexburg First Ward or by people to whom they had rented it. In 1954 the Rexburg
Plarming and Zoning Commission recommended that it be cx)nverted to a city park.
With the cooperation of Bishop Russell Flamm and North Rexburg Stake President O. P.
Mortenson, the offices of the L.D.S. Church in Salt Lake City were contacted. They approved
the idea and made a gift of the entire block to the City of Rexburg. The Presiding Bishop's
Office handled the transaction and a Quitclaim Deed was provided with the reservation that the
property should be used solely as a park and that no organized games should be permitted on
Sundays.
Mayor J. Fred Smith actively pushed the creation of the park, using city employees for
much of the labor. A sprinkling system was put in and before the year was over grass had been
planted and many trees purchased and donated by individuals. With combined efforts of
employees and volunteer groups, lighted ball diamonds were developed on the north side of the
park, plaj'ground equipment was installed and picnic shelters with fire pits were added.
In 1962 an antique steam engine was placed in the park adjacent to Main Street. This
engine was donated through the Rexburg Lions Club by Tom, Frank and Bill Webster. It had
been owned by their grandfather, James W. Webster and was used on the Webster- Woodmansee
fann in the early days of dry farming on the Rexburg Bench.
Lighted tennis courts and basketball courts have been added to the park and in 1983 the
popular Rotary Kiddie Park was built in the playground area. In 1987 the Rexburg Rotarians
built a beautiful gazebo near the hill on the south side of the park.
Because of the generosity of the L.D.S. Church in gifting the property, and through the
activities of many individuals, groups, and service organizations, this park has become a valuable
asset to the city. Its use continues to increase each year.
Beaver Dick Park
In the spring of 1960 the Madison County Fish and Game Association became very
interested in establishing a park on the North Fork of the Snake River. The "Sportsmen," as the
Association was popularly called, arranged to buy about 13 acres on the west side of the bridge
on highway #33 from Alex Neiwirth and they needed help with the funding. The Rexburg
Rotary Club was approached and agreed to join in the project. Legal work was done, and the
park, to be known as the "Rotary-Sportsmen Park," became a reality. During the development
of the park, the name was changed to "Beaver Dick Park" in honor of Richard Leigh, early fur-
trapper of the region who had buried his entire family near the park in 1876 when they died from
smallpox.
A cement boat dock was constructed, a well drilled, boat docks put in, and public rest
rooms. Fireplaces were built from native stone salvaged from the Rexburg Third Ward and
Lyman Ward church houses when these buildings were being demolished. Most of the labor was
donated by service clubs and by the Sportsmen who held regular work nights every Wednesday
evening. D. D. Wilding, who was president of the Sportsmen as well as a member of Rotary,
supervised the project while his wife Yordis cooked meals for the workers. Some money from
the improvements came from the Idaho Department of Parks as well as from private donations.
In June of 1976 the Teton Dam flood completely inundated Beaver Dick Park destroying
virtually all of the improvements. Kent Marlor of the County Civil Defense Committee was
appointed by the commissioners to re-build the park. Working with the Comprehensive
Employment Training people new boating facilities were built with restitution funds from the
28
0 - '■
• ,^aOi- -i/ y /
.-4 ■^, ■
' ■:
/(I -y^
. ■ . ^ .
;•■ ,r;-n(:'
^-
'*»... .*-■
■^v^ ?■
>> i£^:^ ■
i ,nvr
;!'> : .'-V;
*i »*■■'..
^filq
"' '■-.-^•r-
■i-r-iiM vr.
linr"^
.,- frrn. •'
B.O.R. and Waterways grant which was obtained. New grass was planted, picnic tables replaced,
and fireplaces restored. In addition, the C.E.T.A. workers hauled in timber and built sturdy
playground equipment, making the park more beautiful and useful than it had been before the
flood. .
As a result of having to restore this park at the same time as they were refurbishmg
Quayle Lake Park and creating Twin Bridges Park, the county officers became aware of the
importance of having a Parks Department. An ordinance was passed which created one.
Quayle Lake Park
Quayle Lake Park is situated on the northwest boundary of Madison County and contains
a boat dock, rest rooms, and a pump house which operates a good sprinklmg system for watering
the lawns. It was originally owned and operated on a limited scale by Fremont County. In 1977
Madison County Commissioners under the direction of Chairman Keith Walker approached the
Fremont County Commissioners with a proposition to join forces and upgrade the facilities,
making it a first class park for the two counties. The suggestion was taken under advisement and
Fremont Commission Chairman, James Siddoway, notified Mr. Walker that their decision was
to offer the park to Madison County for the consideration of $1 and let them be solely
responsible for it.
Following transfer of the deed for the ground, Kent Marlor of the county civil defense
office, coordinator for obtaining federal grants following the Teton Dam Flood, took charge of
the renovation and upgrading of this park. Existing rest rooms were dynamited by county
workers. New ones were built along with a pump house to take water from the lake and water
lawns which were planted. A picnic shelter and boat dock were also built. Utah Power and
Liglit assisted with bringing power to the park. All construction and landscaping labor was
financed by the Comprehensive Employment Training Act of the federal government. A
Waterways Grant provided funding. This made it possible to employ people who were unable
to fmd work in Madison County as a result of the Teton Dam Flood Disaster.
This park is a popular spot for summer recreation enthusiasts, particularly boaters and
water skiers.
Twin Bridges Park
Twin Bridges Park is nestled on a 31 acre plot situated on the South Fork of the Snake
River just west of Ririe Highway at the southern edge of Madison County. This pristine land
is rich with wild life including ruff grouse, moose, deer, and elk. It is often used by scouts and
by school units for the study of plant life native to this area.
About five acres of the park have been developed with a well, camp sites, rest rooms, a
covered picnic shelter, and a boat dock. A gateway with rock pilasters frames this section.
This park came into existence following the Teton Dam Flood when the County
Commissioners, under the direction of Chairman Keith Walker, authorized Kent Marior to seek
federal funds for this purpose. The work was accomplished under his direction and with the use
of workers paid from the Comprehensive Employment Training Act. These workers were mostly
young people unemployed because of economic conditions brought on by the flood. The Bureau
of l^nd Management gave the land to the county for the purpose of creating a park.
Ann and Keith Zollinger
29
•{ > .:.
r,....j..
^ &;
HISTORY OF BROADCAST RADIO IN MADISON COUNTY
In 1950 a group of local men formed a corporation called Upper Snake River Valley
Radio and Television Company, Inc., with the intended purpose of building a radio station in
Rexburg. They were Seth Wood, Dr. M. F. Rigby, Russell Flamm, Edward Flamm, Dr. E. L.
Soule, Tom Webster, and Howard Chapman. That these men were looking to the future is
evident in their corporate name since there was no television in Eastern Idaho or, for that matter,
in the entire state. A large building was erected on South Second East, high on the hill which
was at the time a very remote site without a paved road. The building is now a student housing
unit called The Chaparral.
A 400 foot tower was built ... at least 200 feet more than necessar>'. The intent was to
build both an AM and FM station. Thus the extra tall tower. They called it KRXK since they
felt the "RX" sounded like "Rexburg." KRXK went on the air in Januar>' of 1951 with both AM
and FM transmitters. At that time the only radio stations in Eastern Idaho were: KSEI and
KWIK, both AM stations and both in Pocatello, and KID AM in Idaho Falls. KBLI AM in
Blackfoot also went on the air in 1951 but it was later in the year.
KRXK FM was not successful at that time primarily because it was too new an idea and
there weren't more than a half dozen FM receivers in all of Eastern Idaho. When KRXK was
sold to Alfred Eugene (Gene) Shumate in October of 1956 he immediately dismantled the FM
equipment. In June, 1968, Shumate sold KRXK to an employee, Don Ellis. He sold the land
and building separately so Ellis moved the station studios and office to a location on College
Avenue.
By this time radio and television stations were abundant. KIGO AM had been added in
St. Anthony, KZBQ AM in Pocatello, KIFI AM, KTEE AM and KUPI AM, all in Idaho Falls,
and KBLI in Blackfoot. An interesting shuffling of stations in Idaho Falls occurred in 1965.
Owners of KIFI AM built KIFI TV in 1961 and in 1965 they relinquished their radio frequency
to KTEE AM who wanted to change their spot on the radio dial. They moved to the dial
location formerly occupied by KIFI and KIFI ceased being a radio station.
Following close behind the AM stations FM stations began to jump up like springtime
flowers . . . most under the same ownership as the AM stations.
KID TV was the first television station in Eastern Idaho followed by KIFI TV and KPVI
TV. In Madison County an FM station, KADQ, owned by Ted Austin Sr., was built in 1975 and
KRXK added its FM in 1986. In addition Ricks College installed its own FM Station, KRIQ
which is a non-commercial station licensed by the FCC as a part of public broadcasting and, as
such, is not allowed to sell advertising.
The Teton Dam Flood wiped out KRXK. The station was rebuilt and back on the air in
five days at its present location North of Rexburg on the Cemetery Road. KADO. which was
in a second story location at the time survived. KADO FM is now at 90 South 1(H) West.
currently under the ownership of Ted Austin, Jr.
KIGO AM in St. Anthony is now off the air, probably never to return. Station KTEE AM
in Idaho Falls also has recently gone "silent." Both KIGO and KITE were victims of the
growing popularity of FM broadcast and the over saturation of broadaist stations in the valley.
In October, 1981, KRXK owner Don Ellis sold the property to a Montana corporation
called Tri County Radio, Inc. Tri County Radio operated the station until mid 1989 when Ellis
again took over ownership. One of the first things Ellis did was request a call letter change for
the FM, which was called KKOr FM. Flic I'CC appro\cd the request and now it is KRXK AM
and KRXK FM.
Don liiis
30
REXBURG AIRPORT HISTORY
The first airport was located on what is now Ricks College property. This was a 160 acre
farm on the west side of Second East directly west of the current Rcxburg City Reservoir
beginning at approximately Sixth South. This airport was established as near as we can
determine in the early 1940's. There is still on this property a cinder block building which was
the original hangar and the only one on the field. The runway began about 100 feet south of this
cinder block building and ran to the southwest along the hill for about 1800 feet. Most of the
time there was only about 1300 to 1500 feet useable, because of the weeds and rocks on the end.
This was strictly a dirt strip with no gravel base, so it was used after it had dried out in the
spring or in the winter for airplanes equipped with skis.
Ricks College started using this field for training with two Ercoupe airplanes in the spring
and summer of 1946.
Most of the labor in keeping up the airport was done by volunteers. Airplanes began
increasing in horsepower and number of seats so it was felt there was not enough room to expand
at the present location. In 1948 a 40 acre farm on 7th West and Main became available so it was
decided to move the airport to its present location on the west side of town, provided funds could
be made available. The Rexburg Mayor asked Eldon Hart if he would approach the President
of Ricks College, John L. Clarke, to find out if they would buy the old airport near the college
at the price of $5,500.00. John L. Clarke agreed and the purchase was completed.
The new airport was started by volunteers. The main grading was done by Lowell
Barrick who owned Lobnitz Construction Company and was in the land leveling business. The
first building on the new airport was built by Samuel Hollist of Teton, who was killed about one
year later in an airplane accident in Montana. This is the present building being used by Merrill
Christensen doing business as Rexburg Airservice. The next building, which at first was only
two strong walls, was built by Eldon Hart furnishing all the materials and his masonry students
doing some of the labor in 1948.
In 1973 the airport received funds from the Federal Aviation Administration to improve
the runway and put in lighting. Private individuals in the mean time had built their own hangars
on the field. In October 1972 Ricks College decided they were going out of the aviation business
at the close of school in 1973. Therefore, at the request of Henry Eyring, the president of Ricks
College, Eldon & Julina Hart formed a non-profit corporation. Aero Technicians. Inc., to carry
on the Ricks College Aviation Department. This required the construction of the present facility.
Construction began in October 1972 and was used by Ricks College Januar>' 1st until May 15,
1973.
The airport is currently operated by an airport board consisting of two members appointed
by the county and two members appointed by the city and one member jointly appointed.
Eldon Charles Hart
31
TRANSPORTATION
In the nineteen twenties you walked to school. In the nineteen thirties you walked or rode
a farm bus. Very few of these operated. One such bus was Walter Muir's bus. Taking his
children to school he picked up everyone along the way. It was a made over sheep camp, having
a stove for heat in the front and a bench on each side for students to sit. If you got on last you
stood in the middle and in winter it seemed a long way from any heat. This bus was horse
drawn with wheels in fall and spring and sleigh runners in winter. Several other farmers around
the area would put a shell or canvas on their trucks and transport their children and neighbors
to school.
Wells Grover purchased his first school bus (Studebaker) in 1938. He continued
purchasing buses until he owned all of the school buses for the Madison School District. He
operated these buses for the school under contract until his terminal illness in 1974.
By September 1947 Wells had bought his fifth bus. Students were brought to Rexburg
from Archer, the dry farms, Sugar Cemetery section, Thornton, Burton and north of Rexburg.
The total number of miles traveled each day by the buses was 314 and over 250 students enjoyed
this service.
Wells remembered the winter of 1949. That was the time he brought a bus load of
Burton kids into a basketball game at Rexburg. The evening started out uneventful enough but
during the progress of the game a wind came up and closed every foot of road between Rexburg
and Burton. The youngsters were marooned in town for several days. Some of them didn't get
home for five days. Four of them slept those nights on the floor of a bowling alley.
By 1951 Wells had increased his bus fleet to sixteen buses. Fourteen were on regular
school routes and two were reserved for charter service. The charter trips were contracted by
Rexburg, Sugar Salem, St. Anthony, and Idaho Falls Schools. The school buses traveled over
140,000 miles each year.
In 1953 he purchased Teton Stage Lines. This would give him the permit he needed to
take trips he wanted. He could travel in four states; Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. In
the early 1960's he was able to purchase the Bear Lake Stage Lines. The Bear Lake Stages gave
Wells the right to originate charters in any city served by that line. With the two permits. Wells
was able to originate charters within a 50 mile radius to anywhere in the United States.
Wells loved to travel and these charter trips became a major part of his bus business. He
had this business until nine months before his death in 1974. At that time it was sold to Lvnn
Williams. While Lynn Williams had the business, Madison School District had a special election
and decided to acquire their own buses and to no longer let out contracts.
Tlic bus business Wells had built up during thirty five years of operation is now non-
existent.
Dean Grover
32
RAILROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Before Rexburg was planned, a Narrow Gauge Railroad had been constructed from Utah
to Eagle Rock (Idaho Falls) and north to Montana. Rexburg was settled in 1883 by a group of
Lattcr-Day-Saints from the Logan, Utah, area. Six years later a group of local citizens
organized a Railroad Company, purchased a right-of-way, and constructed a Branch Line from
Idaho Falls to Rexburg then on to St. Anthony and finally to Yellowstone Park.
This Branch Line aided farmers by providing transportation to markets which before
required a tedious trip west across the Snake River to Market Lake (now Roberts). By 1915
Branch Lines were built across the valley on the east and west.
Another transportation milestone was reached in 1913 when a group of citizens organized
and prevailed upon the state authorities to extend a highway from Pocatello to Yellowstone Park.
By 1930 this highway was oiled as far north as Sugar City. Today it has been improved to a
freeway north from Idaho Falls through Rexburg and St. Anthony.
Highway 33 connects Rexburg with the Atomic Energy Facilities (INEL) and is part of
a system of State Higliways to recreational areas such as Sun Valley and Craters of the Moon.
This is also a short cut to Boise. Extending east from Sugar City this highway forms the
boundary between Madison and Fremont Counties for many miles. It also gives excellent access
to Teton Valley, Green Canyon, Grand Targhee, and Jackson Hole.
Within the county we have an extensive system of oiled farm to market roads serving
every community in the county. This system serves the school bus system as well as commuters
and farmers.
Norman E. Ricks
33
-^%^^. *ii* j-fa'
NEWSPAPERS
Rexburg was fortunate to have a newspaper as early as 1887 when Phineas Tempest and
Judge John Donaldson opened the Rexburg Press. After problems developed the Rexburg Press
ceased and was followed by the Kaintuck Bugle published by Charles E. Amey. This paper
lasted briefly and was followed by the Silver Hammer, published by Ben E. Rich.
Another paper, Fremont County Journal, was begun in 1898 under editor Thomas E.
Bassett. ITiis paper lasted until May 30, 1900. A short time later the Snake River Current, a
Democratic paper was started. This paper soon joined with the defunct Fremont County Journal
to become the Current Journal. In 1906 Arthur Porter, Jr. gained control of the Current Journal
and in 1917 renamed it the Rexburg Journal. This Democratic paper was followed in 1907 by
a Republican paper, the Rexburg Standard, published by the Adams family of Ogden, Utah.
In 1905 Lloyd Adams started the Sugar City Times. In 1909 Lloyd Adams purchased the
Rexburg Standard and consolidated the two papers. He built a modem plant where the Standard
Journal is presently located.
In 1942 John C. Porter purchased the Rexburg Standard and Arthur C. Porter purchased
the Rexburg Journal. In 1953 John C. Porter purchased the Journal and since that time the two
papers have been published in the Standard plant as a bi-weekly each Tuesday and Thursday.
Rexburg is fortunate to have this excellent paper which carries county, regional, state and some
national news. Roger Porter, son of John C. Porter, is the current Editor.
Norman E. Ricks
34
ii iiij
■ .^\ -n
: ;/•'
REXBURG, IDAHO HOSPITALS 1900 TO 1990
A dear friend of Dr. Parley Nelson, Dr. Joseph Walker, wrote to Lloyd Adams, a lawyer
in Rexburg, extolling what the doctors of Rexburg did for the people in the community and the
outlying areas. He wrote this: "I want to mention the names of some unknown men who, for
thirty years, have always been with you in the Upper Snake River Valley. They were there when
trouble came. These men never promised you anything, except that if you were sick, weary,
broken and with a heavy burden, they would be with you . . . they were the good doctors. They
came even though dark the night and stormy; and they came also when the warmth and gladness
of Spring beckoned them to more pleasant places." They are the men whom Robert Louis
Stevenson spoke when he said; "When the final curtain drops on civilization and a wiser and
juster one, looking over the rubble, chooses from it something worth remembering and
cherishing, it will be the doctor." Dr. Walker was in medical school with Dr. Nelson.
Dr. Lorin Rich came to Rexburg directly from medical school in 1902. Dr. Rich attended
medical school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He sought further education at the Jefferson Medical
College.
Dr. Joseph Walker practiced in Rexburg and had a small hospital. He had purchased and
converted the Sharp Residence on South Center into a hospital. Dr. Parley Nelson had been
practicing with Dr. Walker who took over the hospital. Dr. Rich rented two rooms in the
Graham Boyle building on East Main Street on the second floor. At that time, there were eight
families living in small apartments on the second floor. Gradually, as the tenants moved. Dr.
Rich would rent their space until he finally had the 19 rooms from which he made a small
hospital.
The country doctor had to be innovative, resourceful, and entrepreneurial in order to
handle situations by themselves. They found a way to handle serious patients in a controlled
situation. Thus, the small hospitals they devised served a purpose. Most babies at that time were
delivered at home. Gradually, the need for more support of babies and mothers brought about
the establishment of maternity homes. Again, suitable houses were purchased and the rooms
made suitable for birthing care. These homes were generally run by a practical nurse. One of
the early hospitals in Rexburg was called the Middlcton Nursing Home.
Dr. William Sutherland came to Idaho in 1922. Two rooms above the Graham Boyle
building on East Main Street were his first office. He and Dr. Rich worked well together sharing
the work load and taking turns going on the emergency calls far out in the country. Just getting
to patients became a challenge. Mrs. Sutherland had been taught how to administer ether by her
husband and monitored the sterilization of equipment when in unusual places. The early
physicians and their wives were masters of improvisation. When something needed to be done,
they'd figure out a solution with whatever supplies were available. Dr. Sutherland rented some
space above what is now Inkleys on Main Street and decided to make the whole upper area into
a hospital, with a small surgery and an X-ray room.
Dr. Harlo B. Rigby and his registered nurse, wife. Elsie, opened a six-bed hospital
upstairs in the Porter Building on College Avenue in September, 1922. Six months later they
opened a fine hospital at 118 College Avenue. This medical center pro\ided, after building
expansion, a fourteen bed capacity, medical and surgical facilities, delivery room, and a small
nursery. Dr. and Mrs. Kigby provided such service for nearly thirty years, until the county
hospital opened. Dr. Kigby stated in 19-49 "We have been glad to do our part but the time has
come when both Mrs. Rigby and myself feel that the responsibility of mnning the hospital is too
much for us. We will be glad when the county hospital is built so that we wiU be relieved of
our task. We hope that the hospital can be built in the not too distant future. The people need
it." May 3, 1949, the Rigby hospital was 26 years old. There were appro.ximately 3500 babies
bom at the hospital. The hospital averaged 425 patients per year for treatment. About half were
surgical cases and the other half were medical or obstetrics.
Dr. M. F. Rigby opened a maternity hospital at 156 East 2nd South in the early 1940's.
Margaret Baker was the nurse that lived in the home and helped deliver the babies. The home
was already at this location and is still at the same location. It is now used for college housing.
The 32 bed Madison County Hospital located on East Main opened for service in
December, 1951. The structure and furnishings were financed by taxation and donations at a cost
of three hundred forty thousand dollars. The hospital was a county hospital governed by a board
and an administrator.
A new Madison County Hospital was built in 1978. This hospital has 54 beds and also
serves the surrounding rural communities of Ashton and St. Anthony in Southeast Idaho. The
growth of Madison Memorial Hospital has directly been due to the doctors who staff it. The
interest they have shown in residing in Rexburg and in setting up their practices in Rexburg has
spurred an increase in important health care facilities for the Madison County area. Previously,
Rexburg or Madison County residents had to travel 30 miles or more to receive the proper
specialized health care they needed.
Specialized clinics such as orthopedics, podiatry, urology, dentistry, ophthalmology, ear-
nose-throat, speech and hearing, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics,
pathologist and radiologist, as well as the general practitioners are now available in Rexburg.
Bettv S. Johnson - Lola and Lester J. Petersen
Following are the names of doctors who were practicing at the hospital in 1979:
Steven L. Fielding
OBG
Lester J. Petersen
GP
Mark 0. Gehmlich
GP
LaVar M. Withers
GP
Daniel A. Johnson
Pediatrics
Murland F. Rigby
GP
Orson H. Mabey Jr.
GP
Clifford B. Rigby
GP
Rex G. Mabey
GP
Aldon Tall
GP
Alden M. Packer
GP
Asael Tall
GP
Blaine H. Passey
GP
Doctors practicing
in Rexburg in 1990:
Hyrum Blackburn
Family
Michael J. Larson
Orthopedic
Stephen Cheyne
Family
Robert C. Lofgran
Pediatrics
Dave C. Crandali
Eye
Gary L. LovcU
Obstetrics
Max J. Crouch
Obstetrics
Jud E. Miller
Family
Marc Engl is
Ear, No.sc, Throat
Lester J. Petersen
Family
Robert D. Gerrie
Surgeon
Ann Reynolds
Internal
Milton Goldman
Urology
Newel K. Richardson
Radiology
Craig D. Heincr
Internal
Bradley B. Spaulding
Family
Mahlon Hicstand
Family
LiiVar M. Withers
Family
C. Jcffcrv Zi^llinuer
Family
36
COUNTY, CITY & STATE OFFICIALS
The lists of elected and appointed county and city officials were copied from Louis J.
Clements and Harold S. Forbush's book, Pioneering the Snake River Fork Country. The recent
names of officials since publication of the book were supplied by Marie Hoopes and others in
the Madison County Courthouse.
State Senators
State Representatives
Nathan Ricks
1914
William Taylor
1914
John E. Pincock
1916
R. S. Hunt
1916
W. Lloyd Adams
1918
Royal Gam
1922
R. S. Hunt
1920
Jacob Magleby
1924
R. G. Archibald
1922
Frank D. Turner
1928
I. N. Corey
1924
Lorenzo Jensen
1932
L. Y. Rigby
1926
Arnold Williams
1936
James W. Webster
1928
Arthur Porter
1942
George A. Hoopes
1930
Sterling Magleby
1946
L. Y. Rigby
1934
Ernest Blaser
1948
James E. Graham
1940
Peter J. Ricks
1950
J. Kenneth Thatcher
1950
Claude J. Burtenshaw
1952
Claude Burtenshaw
1958
Steve Meikle. Sr.
1954
Dick Smith
1960
Karl C. Klinglcr
1958
Ray W. Rigby
1964
Melvin Hammond
1968
Linden B. Bateman
1976,
Dist. 31
Legislative District No. 28
John D. Sessions
1976,
Pos. B
Doyle C. Miner
1976.
Pos. B
Ray W. Rigby
1966
Richard Stallings
1978, Pos. A, 31
Dick Smith
1974
Rich E. Orme
1980,
Pos. B
Mark G. Ricks
1978
Linden Bateman
1980. Pos. A 31
R.L. (Dick) Davis
19^. Pos. X 31
Legislative District No. 31
Cyril O. Burt
1984. ]
^os. B, 31
Stan Hawkins
1984, Pos. A, 33
Richard E. Egbert
1974
Golden C. Linford
19iU, I
^os. B, 33
William L. Floyd
1982
Kent Remington
1986, Pos. A, 33
Legislative District No. 33
Dane Walkins
Ann Rydalch
19S4
1986
37
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
First District
Nahum Curtis
1914
Harry V. Graham
1946
James W. Webster
1916
Dick Smith
1958
Royal Gam
1918
Roy J. Summers
1960
Homer Reed
1920
Ray L. Pocock
1964
John Taylor
1922
Morgan K. Gamer
1970
Arnold Williams
1932
Keith Walker
1972
0. R. Anderson
1936
J.H. (Snuffy) Smith
1978
Vernon Mortensen
1942
Doyle Walker
1982
Lee L. White
1944
Deli Bamey
1988
Second District
John K, Orme
1914
Lee L. White
1942
Alfred Ricks
1916
Emil Nef
1948
John E. Pincock
1918
Robert H. Frew
1950
Hiram Dille
1920
Farrell Rock
1954
Eph Peterson
1922
Grant M. Bowen
1966
John W. Hamilton
1924
Dean Ricks
1968
Martin L. Nave
1926
Mark E. Peterson
1972
John W. Hamilton
1928
Dell Klingler
1978
Ernest Blaser
1930
Bruce Webster
1986
Reed Sommer
1990
Tliird District
John Taylor
1914
George Briggs, Jr.
1938
David Spaulding
1918
William I. Holley
1944
S. W. Hall
1922
Angus Peterson
1950
C. R. H;msen
1926
Lalovi Rigby
1958
Frank Spaulding
1928
John D. Parkinson
1964
Andrew A. Nelson
1932
Leo M. Smith
1970
James E. Graham
1934
Wayne Beck
1980
Tlieodoie Simmons
1936
Doyle Walker
1986
38
I'UV?
A
lit.
COUNTY CLERKS
John Hegsted
1914
F. L. Davis
1942
Samuel P. Oldham
1918
Gilbert T. McKinlay
1950
John Hegsted
1922
Maxine Nave
1962
P. C. Winter
1930
Aurora Bumiell
1966
Jol-m T. Elliott
1934
NcUis Gamer
1969
Leland E. Raybould
1942
Marie Hoopes
1986
Beth Reese
1991
COUNTY SHERIFFS
I. N. Corey
1914
E. A. Hansen
1948
Harry A. Munns
1918
Ford Smith
1958
Ursel H. Bigler
1933
Lionel Koon
1980
J. Harold Matson
1940
COUNTY TREASURERS
Harry Randall
1914
Don R. Grover
1948
E. W. Johnson
1920
Agnes Bird
1950
Eniogene Manwaring
1924
Joy Meng
1954
Jessie W. Smith
1938
Agnes Bird
1958
Edith Saurey Hoskins
1940
Jayne Green
1974
PROBATE JUDGES
James A Berry
1914
A. J. Hansen
1922
Frank L. Davis
1932
Daniel Ricks
1944
Vernon C. Mortensen
1946
C. Marion Hacking 1962
1971 changed to Magistrate Judge
C. Marion Hacking 1973
Harold S. Forbush
Brent J. Moss 1985
COUNTY ASSESSORS
Conrad Walz
1914
M. G. Koon
1938
Jolm Blackburn
1918
Ephraim Willmorc
1940
Joim W. Clements
1924
Ben E. Summers
1962
Fred M. Fisher
1928
R. E. Hall
1978
L Y. Rigby
1930
Lyle Saurey
1982
Carl J. Johnson
1936
39
rf-;.
'^ '■
■■'f^::^
SUPERINTENDENTS OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
A. F. Rasmussen
William B. Oldham
Lottie Woithen
Ametto Goodliffe
D. W. Nelson
Neil A. Anderson
Clinton Sundberg
N. A. Anderson
Raymond Anderson
D. R. Larson
N. A. Anderson
Neil Anderson
Alvin E. Harris
1914
Willis G. Nelson
1942
1918
C. Drew Cooper
1944
1922
Willis J. Lyman
1946
1924
Arthur Porter, Jr.
1947
1928
(Office Discontinued)
SURVEYORS
1914
Dan Whittimore
1942
1918
Marion Hacking
1946
1928
Boyd Beckett
1948
1932
A. E. Hams
1952
1934
C. A. Powell
1956
1936
Clayter Forsgren
1958
1938
Richard L. Davis
1960
1940
(Office Discontinued)
MADISON COUNTY PHYSICIANS
0. C. Onrisby
1914
H. B. Rigby
1933
Joseph Walker
1917
W. L. Sutherland
1937
J. R. Supe
1918
0. D. Hoffman
1947
G. T. Parkinson
1919
Albert C. Truxall
1952
Parley Nelson
1929
Lester J. Petersen
(Office Discontinued)
CORONERS
1969
James R. Young
1914
Russell Flamm
1942
John Phillips
1916
Victor S. Chandler
1944
James R. Young
1920
Kenneth Flamm
1952
John Phillips
1922
Victor S. Chandler
1954
W. L. Young
1924
Russell Flamm
1958
H. J. Flamm
1926
Edward Richardson
1960
F. Schwendiman
1928
Gray I. Clawson
1970
Vern Keller
1930
Rick Davis
1980
Jean A. Keller
1938
40
'iOA'^3ri>rr8;
'tia;*5U"'' '"■■'8"^
^;a"-'' ' ■,. ujjt,.
OiJ ■■i:-
■.•^f-^i
1 • -,• w ;
1 *■ XT
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS
T. W. Smith
1914
Ray W. Rigby
1950
C. W. Poole
1916
J. Kent Jolley
1964
C. J. Taylor
1920
J. D. Hancock
1972
C. L. Hillman
1924
M. B. Kennedy
1974
C. W. Poole
1930
Brent J. Moss
1980
Leonard Kingsford
1949
Dale Thomson
1986
COUNTY NURSES
Sybil Smith
Leone Weiand
Goldwyn Wimmer
Margaret Barnes
Bemice Shirley
Margaret Fillmore
Esther Choules
Carma Bird
Jackie Cushman
COUNTY AGENTS
David P. Murray
1923
Harold Ball
1942
Delbert T. Bolingbroke
1926
Nile Taylor
1948
George Cleveland
1939
Frank Jacobs
1953
Gale Harding
1981
COUNTY ROAD OVERSEERS
Roman Siepert
William Ricks
Alfred Bergcr
Vernon Powell
David Hunter
Ray Kcle
David Hunter
Horton Row
Vern Davidson
1965
1 aVar Pfost
1971
Roy Collier
Dustin Cureton
1987
MADISON HOME ECONOMISTS
Cara Newman
1954
Edith Sue Wcighall
1971
R. Joyce Carnahan
1957
Kathryn Scott
1974
Phoebe Williams
1959
Cara Z. Newman
1976
Marlene Stegclmeicr
1967
Mary Ixc Wolf
1984
Cara Z. Newman
1%7
41
EARLY HOMES
Typical of the early homes in this area was the first log home of Neil Henry Anderson
and his wife Emma Smith. They arrived in the Spring of 1885 and settled just west and south
of Thornton. They had stopped near what is now Blackfoot for a few months and lived in a
covered wagon.
The logs were usually put up in one day with the help of family and friends. A mixture
of clay, hay or grass and water was used to fill the cracks between the logs. The floors were
hard packed dirt. Glass was scarce so there were few windows. The roof was also of logs or
boards with dirt put on top.
As the family increased and goods were more available; families added onto the first
home or built a larger and better home.
Henry J. Flamm
The Henry J. Flamm home is located on First West in Rexburg. It was built before 1915
and was one of the finest in the city when built. It is still in excellent condition. It and several
homes built from the same local rock survived the flood in good condition.
Mr. Flamm came with his father, Jacob Henry Flamm to Rexburg when 12 years of age.
He has the distinction of being the first boy on the townsite in 1883. He was bom in Logan,
Utah, July 14, 1870 and died in Rexburg in 1935.
Conrad Walz
The farm home of Conrad Walz was built in the country at Burton, west of Rexburg
before 1915. This area was the center of one of the richest agriculture regions in the west. Mr.
Walz was assessor of Madison County and Bishop of Burton Ward. His house was damaged in
the Teton Dam Flood and now has siding over the brick. Rex and Dora Lcc Walz now reside
in the home built by Rex's ancestor.
John L. Jacob
Another beautiful, early home is the one built by John L. Jacobs. He was the son-in-law
of Jacob Henry Flamm. The house is on Main Street near the Flamm home. It is a beautiful,
well kept home and l^uilt of local stone.
Diet Center now owns the home and uses it for offices.
42
Mark Austin
The Mark Austin home is located on the comer of Main Street and First West. The
Austin, Jacob and Flamm homes were all built before 1915 near each other. The same local or
native stone was used in the construction. Mr. Austin was bom near London, England, in 1864.
He was one of the people responsible for getting the sugar industry established in this area. His
home is now used for Ricks College student housing.
John Smellie
John Smellie bought ZVi acres of land on the comer of 1st East and 1st North the day
after he arrived in Rexburg in 1885. He grubbed the sagebrush and prepared it for cultivation.
He planted potatoes. His first home was of logs with an earth roof but with boards under the
earth. In 1886 he dug a well 33 feet deep and curbed it with red pine. There was only 3 or 4
others in town at this time. John made some adobe bricks to build a better home but decided
to wait until he could afford better. The summer of 1891 he began to gather rocks and lumber
and built a 40 by 20 foot house. Tliey used the log cabin for a stable. He first worked in a log
cabin store for Thomas E. Ricks, the ZCMI. He went into the sheep business, managed flour
mills several times during his life, and also farmed.
He sold his new home to A. S. Famsworth, a sheepman. He moved to Raymond, Alberta,
Canada, in 1904 with his family. He was a son-in-law of Thomas E. and Tamar Ricks. This
home is now owned by Pam and Stephen Blackburn.
James W. Webster
James W. Webster was bom in Franklin. Idaho on November 29, 1862. He moved to the
Rexburg area in 1895. He and his wife. Mary, first lived in a log cabin in Piano. They later
owned two lovely stone houses in Rexburg. The first was built in 1901 and was torn down and
the second built on the same location in 1930 on the corner of 1st Nonh and 1st East.
Dovle and Lola Walker now own and li\c in this home.
Berniccc W. Ricks
43
BUSINESSES ESTABLISHED IN MADISON COUNTY PRIOR TO 1920
Wc are featuring some of the businesses that were established prior to 1920 that are still
in the original family, on the original location, or have the original name. The first store in
Rexburg was opened in 1883 by Thomas E. Ricks and William F. Rigby on the south side of
Main Street facing where the courthouse now stands. This business ceased a few years later and
was torn down.
In the 1990 phone book there are over 400 Madison County businesses listed.
Thompson Plumbing and Heating
Thompson Plumbing and Heating was established in Madison County in 1901. The
owners and partners in this business since being established are: P. O. Thompson I, 1901-28;
P. O. Thompson II, 1928-58; Pump Thompson, 1928-56; Ralph Thompson, 1930-71; R. Larry
Thompson, 1971-present. The goods and/or services offered include plumbing, pumps, sheet
metal, heating, and air conditioning.
As one of the oldest businesses in Madison County, the third generation owners are doing
work for 5th generation customers. Early wells were hand dug and open not like the newer
pumping wells of today. The first furnaces were one central vent type with no blower as
compared to high tech gas heating and electrical air conditioning systems of today. Plumbing
has advanced from outside privies to convenient fixtures inside the home today.
J. C. Penney Co.
J. C. Penney Co. was established in Madison County in 1910. The managers and partners
in this business since being established are: Howard Gentles, Walt Ririe to 1963, Russ Latimer
1963-68, Paul Carver 1968-89, and Ray Barber 1989-present. The goods and/or services
offered include clothing, shoes, accessories, appliances, etc., and also catalog sales.
The J. C. Penney that started in 1910 in Madison County was store #7 when it first
opened. That store was destroyed by the Teton Dam Flood in 1976. Tne store then relocated
to where the Roller Skating Rink is now. The store at the location they now are in, was built
in 1978.
Flamm Funeral Home
Flamm Funeral Home was established in Madison County in 1888. The owners and
partners in this business since being established arc as follows: Founded by Jacob Henry Flamm
then operated by Henry's sons Henry J. and J. Daniel, in 1936 it was operated by Daniel's sons
Russel and Edwin Flamm along with their brother Kenneth and in 1976 to present it is operated
by Garth and Bert Flamm (Ed's sons). The goods and/or services offered include funeral
services, monuments and markers and funeral pre-planning.
Flamm Funeral Home began as a department of the H. Flamm and Company, a mercantile
store, that was established in Rexburg in 1886. It was said in those early years that. "Tlamm's
sold everything from a needle to a threshing machine and they could serve you from the cradle
44
to the grave." The funeral home has been at several locations in Rexburg and the current Flamm
Funeral Home building was built in 1967. Flamm Funeral Home is the oldest family operated
funeral firm in the state of Idaho.
Bell's Blacksmith and Ornamental Ironworks
Bell's Blacksmith and Ornamental Ironworks was established in Madison County in 1888.
The owners and partners in this business since being established are: William Alfred Bell, 1888-
1934; William Vernon Bell, 1934-1963; and Robert Newby Bell, 1963 - present. The goods
and/or services offered include horseshoeing, building of wagons, repairing of all kinds of farm
equipment, and sharpening plow shares. W. V.'s long suit was forge work. Robert N. introduced
ornamental ironworking as part of the business in 1951, making stairways, railings, spiral
stairways, ornamental posts, etc.
William Alfred was among the first pioneers to enter the Snake River Valley. He
homesteaded 40 acres of land that included the present site of the fair grounds and land east and
south of there. Bell's Blacksmith has moved four times in its history. Three shops were located
on the north side of Main Street. One faced down College Avenue. W. V. built the shop that
was located across from Rexburg Food Center in 1934. Robert Newby built the new shop that
is located on Highway 191 South in 1971. Two shops were located in the area where the parking
lot for Rexburg Food Center is located now.
Anderson Photo Company
Anderson Photo Company was established in Madison County in 1900. The owners and
partners in this business since being established are: Stanley Anderson, Ralph and Elaine
Anderson, Ralph and Joyce McBridc, and Jeff and Rosemary Smith. The goods and/or ser\'ices
offered include portraits and all kinds of photography (weddings, commercial, etc.), camera photo
supplies, accessory sales, camera repair, photographic copying and restoration, and film
processing.
Anderson's began purely as a portraiture but later developed into a number of branches
of photography with the development of technology in the field into all kinds of sale and
services. Now it is basically a studio and camera store. Three generations of Andersons owned
the business until the McBrides and Smiths purchased the business in 1983 - expanding the
business into a new building and additional photographic services.
Herdti Electric Company
Herdti Electric Company was established in Madison County in 1918. The owners and
partners in this business since being established are: R. G. Herdti, Steve Herdti. and Darnell
Weekes. The goods and/or services offered include electrical contracting and related business.
R. G. Herdti wired many of the houses and buildings in the area and was active in the
promotion of Rexburg.
45
Zollinger Construction Company
Zollinger Construction Company was established in Madison County in 1914. The
owners and partners in this business since being established are: Charles J. Zollinger, Charles
W. Zollinger, and Jack T. Zollinger.
Zollinger Construction Company was founded by Charles J. Zollinger in the early days
of Rexburg. Its office has been located at North Center Street throughout its history. The
Zollinger family was involved in building construction from the time they came to Rexburg in
1883. Charles J. Zollinger studied carpentry at Ricks Academy and began contracting on his own
in about 1914. His autobiography records that he hired carpenters to work for him that year and
contracted to build a log bam on the Wilding Farm near the Sugar City Cemeter}'. That bam
stood as a landmark until it was torn down after the Teton Dam Flood.
In 1919 he was given the contract to build the Madison County Courthouse. This
building was completed in 1922 at a cost of $150,000. It remains one of the finest buildings in
the area. He also built the Farmer's Implement Building on East Main Street and in 1924 he
built the Teton County Courthouse.
The first bridge across Canyon Creek was built by the company in 1929. The road and
grading was done by hand with scrapers and teams of horses. They contracted to build head
walls and bridges on the road from Green Timber to Cave Falls in 1932, the first major
improvements of this road.
Over the years, Zollinger Constmction has built many homes, commercial buildings,
schoolhouses, churches, and bridges, not only in Rexburg and Madison County, but also in many
parts of the state. Charles W. Zollinger took over active management of the company with the
building of the Rexburg Army Reserve Building in 1956. Charles J. Zollinger continued to work
after his partial retirement, overseeing the remodeling of the Rexburg Tabernacle Building in
1957. This was gratifying work to him as he had worked on the original building in 1911, had
contracted to finish the basement in 1916, and had added the balcony in 1927. This building is
now on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Zollinger Construction Company now includes the next generation of the family with Jack
T. Zollinger as president and Thomas A. Zollinger in management. Charles VV. Zollinger remains
active as secretary of the corporation.
Sugar City Furniture and Hardware Company
Sugar City Furniture and Hardware Company was established in Madison County in 1920.
The owners and partners in this business since being established are: Lcffel A. Bean. Manager,
with partners Harold Bean and Cleo H. Browning. Present owners are Melvin J. and Winona H.
Bean and Dwayne Bean, partner. The goods and/or ser\-iccs offered include furniture, hardware,
appliances, floor coverings, lawn and garden equipment, and supplies. They also furnish some
building materials and paint related supplies.
Lx:ffcl A. Bean started the business m 1920 with prominent men as stockholders. The
business weathered slumps and depression and grew sometimes by sheer force of will and hard
work. Lcffel finally obtained complete ownership by buying up the stock of other stockholders
as they wished to sell and continued to manage and operate the business until 1958. At this time
Melvin and Winona Bean became managers and owners of the business with their son Dwayne
coming into the business as a partner in 1974.
46
Porter's Department Store
In 1916, as an adjunct to his publishing business, Arthur Porter bought Squires Bookstore
from his old friend from college, Conley Squires. Porter had not planned on ever being in the
retail business and probably would not have except for a rather unusual circumstance.
He had stopped by the business owned by his friend to sell him an ad for the Rexburg
Journal newspaper which he owned. One of Mr. Squires' creditors was in the store and was
threatening legal action against him because of an unpaid bill for Valentine Merchandise. Mr.
Porter remonstrated with the creditor to let the store have more time to settle the bill, but the
creditor stated that the only way he would do so would be for Porter to sign on a note with
Squires. Because of his long standing friendship with Mr. Squires, he did so.
A few months later Mr. Squires told him that he had decided to move back to Logan and
that he had not paid the note off that Porter had co-signed on. He further informed him that if
he would be responsible for settling the note and for another small consideration in cash that the
store would be his. Thus, Arthur Porter became a rather unwilling owner of a book store.
He re -named the store Porter's Book & Gift Store and demonstrated his faith and
optimism about the future of Rexburg by expanding his business into the retail selling of a
variety of merchandise. By 1920 Porter's Book Store was one of the largest outlets for L.D.S.
Church Books outside of Salt Lake City. When College Avenue was completed around 1918 the
store was moved to that location in a small comer of what is now the present store.
In 1947 Warren Porter purchased the store from his father and immediately began to
expand the business. From its small beginning it has grown to a department store type operation
and one of the largest stores of its kind in the area — encompassing most of College Avenue
from Main Street to Carlson Avenue with a large parking lot and entrance on 1st East Street.
Garth Flamm
47
•jYo'--;"
-J ciO (•
A HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE IN MADISON COUNTY
was Darf^Onen! r "','''^°" ^"""'y »'^"^d ^' '^e time Rexburg was settled. In 1883, the area
wa part of Oneida County, and later became Bingham County with Blackfoot as the county seat,
was the n^lT^ ' ~ ^l ^"'""^ """« '^' ^"""'^ '''' - ^'' -^^^ished from what
was the present day count.es of Teton, Madison, Jefferson, Fremont, and Clark. Madison County
as a separate entity, was first created in 1913 and included all of Teton County umil Teton
Coun y became a separate entity in 1915. It was at this time that the physical boundaries of
Madison County as we know them today were also established.
Not many people lived in the Madison County area before 1883. By this year manv
t^t'Z rT Z'^r- ''''''' "^^^ ^"^^*"S ''"^ '° "^^ -^"^"i'i^y °f '»d in tWs^ea a^d
Iha, tolls. ^^ ^'' '"'"'^ "'"""'"^ ^'"^^ '^^^'"'P''' "'^""8 '«s opportunity in
The geography of Madison County has three major divisions: (1) the flat furrow inieated
tad adjacent to the overs; (2) the mild rolling bench ground; and (3) the forests above theTench
ri,. ^--^".u ^V^"'' "^^^ *^ ^"^^ '° ^° '"'° agricultural production. Construction of the Rexburg
Qty ditch, the first irrigation canal, was started on March 15, 1883. Canal companies were soon
organized in every section of the valley between the forks of the Snake River By 1901 there
were a Wta of seven canals in old Fremont County which represented 975 miles of total length
Wi ard Ricks plowed the first ground in Rexburg on a tract lying just west of the Third
Ward meeting house^ ITie record in 1884 showed 1,582 acres planned TWo years later this
~Fork '"^ '° '''' '"''• ^' ''''• '-''' "'"P'^ ""^ "^'"S north of the Snake
area is l!!!!^^? f '"'' Tu"^^ '''' '' "*'^'' '^^'''"^ "^ ">= "Sion or nation in which that
area is located. In terms of background, the following dates are interesting to note:
^''^^1 " New York State's first railroad
^^^'^ ~ McCormick's reaper is invented
^'^^'* ~ Mechanical threshers were developed
^^^'s ~ Transcontinental railroad
mid 1800's - Portable steam engines and steam tractors being used
^-^1" Grain combines being used
1912 - 1925 - First all purpose tractors suitable for use.
„,,■ ^'"" K^^i" *''';.'"'' ""' ''• °"^ °f "'" mainstays of human nutrition, it was probably the
main crop m Madison County. Sometimes we think of the 1880's as old and very primitive but
there was probably no grain of any consequence that was cut by hand or threshed bv hand a^ the
mdus rial revolution that affected agriculture was very much on the move during this pe^cxi Ae
rtiga ed ground was usually plowed with one to three bottom plows pulled wifh hoRes and wa.
later harrowed to fonn the seed bed and then sowed either bv hand or with a drill Neighbors
were very good to share their machinery in (hose early days. i^cignoors
In (he fall the grain was cut with reapers and put into bundles. The bundles were pitched
m wagons and either stacked or taken to a mechanical thresher for threshing. TTieseThferers
48
were powered by horses, that is by horses walking in a circular motion transmitting the power
of that motion through a drive shaft to the threshers. Threshers were also powered by steam
power. In 1893, there were 27 threshing machines operating in Fremont County.
The initial source of fertilizer was cattle waste and legume rotations. Chemical fertilizers
were developed during the decade between 1930 and 1940 and their use became firmly
established during the 1950's. The main crops on the flat land were for flour production, hay and
pasture for livestock, and rotation for better grain crops. By 1902, sugar beets were planted and
the Sugar City sugar factory was built in 1904. With the production of the sugar beets, we see
the first fieldmen working in conjunction with the farmers to promote more successful beet crops.
These first fieldmen came from the sugar companies.
The flat land was developed for crops during the 1880's and 90's with the mild rolling
bench ground being used for pasture until the early 1890's, when it was broken out and put into
wheat and barley production. In 1905, James W. Webster and Charles H. Woodmansee began
operations on a big scale. They introduced modem machiner>' and scientific techniques, which
established dry farming upon a permanent basis. For the first few years of farming on the bench,
horses were the main source of power. However, steam engine tractors had their role from about
1920 and continued through that decade. In the 1920's, gasoline powered wheel tractors were
used on a limited scale on the bench but became established as the primary source of pulling
power on the flat land in the mid to late 1930's. During the 1930's, diesel "caterpillar" truck type
tractors became the popular tractor on the bench for the next 30 years or until about 1960.
Plows, disc plow, harrows, rod weeders, and drills were the main implements for tilling soil in
the dry land areas.
The practice of summer fallowing was followed from the early 1890's up through the
1970's and is still in use to a degree. The purpose of summer fallowing is to combine two years'
rainfall into the production of one year's grain crop. By deep tilling in the fall after harvesting
and tilling more shallowly in the following spring combined with two to three rod weeder
operations during the intervening summer, the soil should nave a nice mellow tilt and be ready
for seeding in the fall with sufficient moisture to germinate the seeds. Summer fallowing also
helps to replace nitrogen in the soil and to distribute the labor load throughout the season.
The grain combine was mostly used on the bench ground while the thresher was used on
the flat ground from the early 1900's. These early combines were either pulled by horses or
steam engines. The threshing mechanisms of the first combines were powered by pullies
connected with the traction wheels. Later on, gas engines were used to power the separator. All
the grain was put into burlap sacks at the thresher or combine and hauled to private bins and
public elevators. It was not until the late 1930's that grain began to be handled in bulk, that is,
stored in a bin on the combine until full and then augured onto a truck for transport to the
storage facility. By the late 1930's, many trucks had hydraulic hoists.
In 1938, the Massey self-propelled combine was developed and the pull type combine
machines were totally replaced by the late 1950's and early 1960's. The big combines used on
the bench were capable of harvesting 1500 bushels of grain per day. That production was not
surpassed until the late 1960's or early 1970's when the self propelled combines became larger
and more efficient. In the 1980's, due to improved threshing mechanisms, 4,000 bushels per day
could be harvested per day per machine.
In the late 1950's and early 1960's, irrigation wells were drilled which enable former
49
,'?'-?.'
dryland bench ground to become irrigated. Due to this development, old dryland yields of 30
to 40 bushels per acre were improved to 80 to 100 bushels per acre. These improved yields were
equal to the yield obtained on the flat ground. With the advent of irrigation on the bench ground,
malt barley and potato cultivation were introduced to these areas.
The Sugar Beet had a penod of glory in Madison County beginning in 1904 with the
completion of the Sugar Factory in a newly platted community which became Sugar City. It
ended shortly after 1942 when the factory was closed. For a few years longer beets were raised
and shipped to the Lincoln factory but that also ended.
The sugar beet was a cash crop for the farmer and a boon to the youth who earned money
thinning, hoeing, and topping the beets. The by-products of pulp and syrup made excellent cattle
feed and contributed much to the economy of the county. The operation of the factory was
employment for many workers during the processing season. By the time the sugar beet went
out the potato had filled its place.
For a number of years seed peas were raised in Madison County. Pea houses were almost
as plentiful as potato warehouses are today. The peas put nitrogen into the soil and fit into a
rotation with sugar beets or potatoes. For farmers beginning with little machinery, peas were a
crop that could be raised economically as a cash crop. As potatoes became more specialized peas
faded away much as the sugar beet and about the same time.
Presently corn fields are beginning to spring up around the county. It may be some time
before the verdict on this crop will be in. The climate isn't always cooperative for a maximum
yield but with study this may become a good feed crop partly replacing the by-products of beets
and peas.
The years during World War II saw many advances in technology and chemicals. Weed
control before World War II was strictly mechanical. In 1947, 2-4D was introduced as one of
the first herbicides used for control of broad leaf weeds in wheat. From that year until the
1980's, a myriad of other chemicals were introduced to control weeds in grain, potatoes, sugar
beets, peas, alfalfa, and to control wild oats in grain crops. During the 1940's and 1950's,
chemical fertilizers began to be used more with phosphate and nitrogen being the main chemicals
used.
Bob Parkinson
50
THE POTATO INDUSTRY IN MADISON COUr.TY
Potatoes have been an important part of the history of the Madison County area almost
from the beginning. In the earliest days, potatoes were grown from seed brought from Utah.
Everyone would save the peelings from their potatoes in the winter, and dr>' them in bags for
planting in gardens the next spring. Only small tracts, usually less than one acre, were grown
due to the intensive labor requirements. The first potatoes grown outside of individual garden
plots were planted by dropping seed pieces in the furrow behind a walking moldboard plow.
Hand weeding and irrigating during the growing season and then har\'esting by once again
plowing the row with a handplow and picking the tubers from the dirt were all done by hand.
The advent of the railroad opened the door for export of other high quality potatoes grown
in the Upper Snake River Valley to the markets of the eastern United States. Potato acreage
expanded rapidly as new equipment became available to make this expansion possible. The
Hoover one row horse drawn potato planter increased the ability of Madison County farmers to
do in a day what took several men a week to do. Also this same company manufactured the
Hoover one row horse drawn potato digger. This machine was ground powered and pulled by
four head of horses. It laid the potatoes on top of the ground where they could be hand picked
into sacks for transport to the storage cellars. This all took place in the 1920's and early 1930's.
Increased potato production brought a new industry to Madison County. The potato
"Packer & Shipper." Some of the first to handle and ship potatoes to the East from Madison
County were; H. W. Jacobsen at Rexburg, E. L. Peterson at Piano, and Harvey Schwendiman at
Newdale. In these early times, these men not only provided a market for potatoes, but also
provided community storage facilities where farmers could rent individual bins to store their crop
until they were ready for market.
All of the farming areas of Madison County were involved in potato production. Tlic
sandy soil and "sub" irrigation of the Piano area made it the foremost potato production area of
the county because of the case in which potatoes could be har\ested and the high quality of the
crop. The first "Sackcr Combines" were used in this area. The loam soils of the Archer, Moody,
and Newdale areas also produced high yields and high quality potatoes, but required surface
irrigation. The Oat coumry (Burton, Hibbard, Salem, Sugar City, and immediately around
Rexburg) made potato production more difficult due to the heavy and sometimes gravelly soil.
But in all of Madison County potatoes were grown very successfully and fit into the alfalfa,
grain, and sugar beet rotation.
During the years of the second World War. potatoes were \ cry important, and again new
51
and improved machinery allowed further expansion of potato acreage in Madison County. Potato
harvesters called "Bulkers" that dug the potatoes and loaded them directly onto moving trucks
were coming into use in the sandy and loam soil areas. However, harvesting by hand still
prevailed in the heavy soil areas.
At the end of the 1950's the potato industry took a dramatic turn in Madison County. The
first deep wells were drilled on the Rexburg Bench, east of Rexburg. This dry farm area had
been famous for it's high quality hard red winter wheat. Now irrigation made possible the
growing of potatoes in this rich loam soil. The first well was drilled by J. Fred Smith, the Mayor
of Rexburg, and his son John in 1958. In the next two years K. W. Huskinson & Sons, Summers
Brothers, Bowen & Thomason, and Ed Parkinson all drilled wells. This was the beginning of
the opening of thousands of acres on the Rexburg Bench from Newdale to Archer to potato
production. This area has become famous all across the United States for its high quality fresh
potatoes.
Modem sprinkler irrigation has taken the place of surface irrigation and in some instances
in replacing sub irrigation. This has made possible the increase of potato acreage in the heavier
soils and many of the farms that could not produce potatoes any more because of increased labor
costs are now coming back into potato production.
Increased acreage, not only in Madison County but in all of the neighboring areas, made
it possible for new shipping facilities and processing plants to come into the eastern part of
Idaho. In 1960, Rogers Brothers built a processing plant just north of Rexburg. This plant
produces dehydrated slices, dices, and granules. Sun-Glo of Idaho has a plant near Sugar City
that produces Frozen Baked Potatoes. This plant produces over 8 million pounds of frozen b:ikcd
potatoes per year. They are shipped to every state and throughout the Eastern Rim Countries of
the Orient. There are eight operating fresh packing plants in Madison County, shipping millions
of hundredweight of Idaho Potatoes throughout the United States.
In 1988 Madison County produced 9,583,000 hundredweight of Russett Burbank Potatoes.
This amounts to almost 60 million dollars of income to Madison County agriculture. Potatoes
have replaced livestock and grain as the most important crop in the county. In addition to the
high cash value of potatoes at the farm, the processing, fresh shipping, and supplying the needs
of the farm community has added greatly to the economy of the entire area. Madison County
has become the hub for potato marketing for several Eastern Idaho Counties, and the potato
industry is the chief source of income for many of the residents and businesses in the area.
Dell Rasbould
52
FOOD AND FAMILY LIFE
Food--the way it is purchased, the way it is prepared and the way it is consumed has
changed, as much as any other commodity in this past century. Before the time of "Fast
Foods" pre-packaged and frozen foods, meals, and all that we associate with "Family Dining"
was, indeed, one of the finer arts of the time. Pride was taken in the way food was prepared
and enjoyed and the time preparing it was of no essence. No long, white counters of pre-
packaged meat can even come close to the satisfaction of stepping into the "old-fashioned
butcher shop" with its aroma of smoked meats, the strings of fat wieners hanging from the
ceiling, sawdust on the floor and an honest to goodness "Butcher" asking you how thick you
would like your steak cut or your home-cured ham or bacon sliced, holding it up for your
approval then wrapping it in butcher paper and handing it to you, along with a wiener, or
a big fat dill pickle scooped out of his pickle barrel, to much on.
I also think back when I look in the cheese section of a supermarket, at all the neat
little square packages of cheese stacked according to type and weight and wrapped securely
in cellophane casements, of the way cheese was selected and purchased in the earlier part
of the century. A clerk would follow you to the cheese table where there would, generally
be three big round wheels of cheese, mild, medium, and nippy. He would take a knife and
slice off a sliver of each so you could decide which cheese you wanted, then he would cut
a good sized wedge, weigh it, wrap it in wax paper and put it in your brown paper bag.
Cheese was very inexpensive and people used a lot of it. A plate of sliced cheese
was, usually, on every table with every meal without any thought of cholesterol or its fat
content.
The same with butter, my mother churned twenty-five pounds of butter a week, which
we took to the local grocery store and traded for our weekly groceries. The butter, after
being churned was tightly pressed into a one-pound mold, then wrapped in a parchment
paper, called a butter wrapper. This had the woman's name printed on it. When you
handed the butter to the clerk, he stacked it on the shelf of an old ice refrigerator with the
woman's name facing the customer, so that you could choose the butter you preferred.
There wa quite a difference in each person's butter according to the amount of butter
coloring, salt added and the length of time the butter was churned.
There was no label as to its' cholesterol content and there was certainly a very high
fat content in each pound. It was not processed in any way for a long shelf life and had to
be used in a short period of time before it turned rancid. But no packaged butter,
margarine, or manufactured butter today, in their plastic tubs or cartons, can even come
close, in comparison to the taste of fresh churned, sweet cream butter.
Eggs, too, were taken to the store to exchange for groceries. Nearly every one had
a small flock of chickens. They usually had some Rhode Island Reds, which laid brown eggs
and were a better eating chicken, and white leg horns which were better layers of white
53
<:■..!'
^-if^mU
■ -;0
■<'i;U; •• .
;;.-'T ryr-il
■'•■.•J J.
>.J J., s.
.>.fc ;;,..;.■>.,
eggs. I remember, when I wanted a bag of candy, I would run to the "hen house" and grab
several eggs to take to the store to trade.
When I take my white eggs out of their styrofoam cartons today, I wish that I had a
choice of white or brown. Brown eggs were always thought to be nicer for baking because
the yolks were a deeper color.
Even to this day, one of the things I dislike most about packaged foods are the
cookies. I miss the cookie containers with glass lids set on wire racks. There were,
generally, about twelve of them, each filled with delicious cookies. You could look through
the lids at the coconut bars, the big round raisin ones, the chocolate covered marshmallow,
the pink and white coconut. Fig Newton's and the new varieties that kept appearing, then
make your selection. You could choose one of these, two of those, and soon you had a
wonderful assortment in your brown paper bag. The clerk would carefully put them in so
that there was no way you could sample one before you paid for them. Now you pick out
one package, all of the same kind, sometimes they are fresh, sometimes not. But, always
a poor substitute for the wonderful variety we knew, so long ago.
Women, during the early part of this century, would never have thought of making
a cake, pie, or biscuits from a package mix. That would have been a disgrace they could
never have lived down. They took a lot of pride in their own recipes and when they finally
achieved the perfect product through trial and error, that recipe was filed away in their
memory or handwritten in a notebook and put in a secret place. They guarded their own
creations jealously and enjoyed the prestige of hearing complimentary remarks about how
good Mary's rolls were, or Eva's lemon meringue pie or Jane's watermelon pickles.
Women were not the only ones who enjoyed the recognition of a fine meal. Men,
also shared in this. It was indeed a status symbol to be able to set a fine table. I heard my
father remark, once, about a certain man, "That he had never obtained much of a fortune
but was known, throughout the valley, as setting as fine a table as you ever sat down to."
Time meant little in food growth and preparation. Nothing was rushed, nothing was
pushed along faster than nature could prepare it. Chickens, today are force fed to mature
them and get them on the market in a hurry. Not so, during the earher part of the century,
they were grain fed and each had its' own growth potential. Fryers were killed early, while
they were young and
tender. Stewing hens were fattened naturally, so that when you boiled them the broth was
rich and yellow and the gravy made from it, into which home-made noodles or dumplings
were dropped, was rich with flavor.
Some of the chickens were raised for roasting hens and there was nothing better than
one of these large chickens stuffed with home-made dressing (not the prepared package
stuffing) but real sage dressing made with home-made bread crumbs. It was usually, about
an hour from the time the chickens head was chopped off, the feathers scalded and plucked,
54
■ 1rrrt>- ■
and completely cleaned until it was boiling in the pot, frying in the skillet or roasting in the
oven.
Wlien I was growing up the term "fast foods" would have meant how quickly we could
prepare a meal or put a sandwich together. Today it means how fast we can purchase it,
put it on the table and eat it. It is a fast and busy world with very little time for the
pleasure of food preparation and the leisure of eating it. In busy households, today, i is
quite rare for a family to sit down together and enjoy their meal. Each member, generally
eats at their own convenience and at various places. They grab a TV dmner, a frozen mea
pie or a previously prepared plate and heat it in the microwave. Then eat alone in ^ont
of the television, at a kitchen bar or on the way to a ball game. Occasionally, a family does
sit down to the table together, but it is more like a marathon race with each one
concentrating on finishing their own plate so they can get to a certam event at a certam
time.
They say this is the age of finger food, and silverware and china will soon be
obsolete. The dinner generation is being replaced by the fast food and snacking generation.
How different from the way each family dined in the early part of the century, when they
aU assembled around the dining room table. It became a place of active conversations,
where the events of each day were discussed by all present. It was a combmation of group
therapy, a confessional booth, a history class, a critics forum, a travel agency and the
supreme court. It is an accepted fact that the main reason for family problems and
misunderstandings is because we no longer communicate with each other. Most family
members have their own separate rooms, separate television, separate phones and separate
cars It seems we all live in one house, but separately, and are only drawn together by the
accident of birth. It all goes to show you how far we have pulled away from the big dimng
room table where communication with each other was as natural as eating the good old
fashioned meat, potatoes and gravy.
Dawna R. Derr
55
:^xift;;.^
■^-*i -. y .- _ ,v . -* iji-^*--.
A SOCIAL HISTORY OF SUGAR CITY
The development of Sugar City was started in 1903 by the Sugar City Townsite
Company of Salt Lake City, Utah. Nearly a whole section of land was purchased. The
south half was to be used as a town site and on the north half a sugar factory was to be
built. The land was purchased from the following people: Willard Ricks, Christian Johnson,
Amos C. Jacobs, Conrad Miller, C.B. Valentine, Hyrum Bell and John Dalling. The laying
of the cornerstone of the factory took place on December 8, 1903. It was laid by Joseph F.
Smith, the company director. Idaho's Governor Morrison spoke at the ceremony. Once the
factory was completed, the L.D.S. Church brought three men from Germany to teach the
company workers how to make sugar. Mark Austin, considered the founder of Sugar City,
was named assistant general manager of the sugar company. An interesting feature of the
company charter is Article Twelve which states:
"No intoxicated liquors shall ever be sold or otherwise disposed of, nor shall gambling
or prostitution be permitted... "
In April 1904, the Sugar City streets were graded and board sidewalks were built
throughout the town. Buildings had to be at least 30 feet from the sidewalk line. When
property was acquired there was a clause in the deed stating that "within so many days after
the purchase and the completion of the house, a white fence had to be erected and ditches
placed in front of the house." The only sugar factory house still standing today is the
residence of Dewey Fumess located on North Fremont.
Sugar City had some advantages when it started out. It was centrally located in the
richest part of Fremont County; it was laid out beautifully; it was on the line of the Oregon
Short Line; and, it was within a reasonable distance from many beautiful attractions. Yes,
the sugar factory brought money into the city. Many sheep men came because of the open
range and the beet industry made an animal feed called pulp, which was good for the sheep.
Every year the sugar company would have a large number of cattle shipped in because the
pulp also provided a good feed for them.
The village board had its first meeting January 9, 1906. The first ordinances adopted
outlawed disturbing the peace, which carried a $30 fine or a 50 day jail sentence; and,
drunkenness, which was punishable by a $25 fine or 30 days in jail. Young men were
required to spend two days a month working on city streets (one day with a team and horse)
between April 1 and October 1 or they had to pay a delinquenc)' tax. Another ordinance
prohibited "bikes, trikes or other equipment on the sidewalks." A 9:00 p.m. curfew was set
for children under 14 years of age and a bell rang each evening at curfew time. Immoral
dancing was also prohibited. Among the outlawed dances were: ragging, turkey trot, bunny
hop, grizzly bear and the three-step. Violators faced a fine not less than $10 and not more
than $60 or one day in jail for each $2 of fine. The first marshal of Sugar City was David
Sanders. The jail house was located where the city pump house is today.
56
Other community services included Dr. Shoup's eiglit-room hospital on Teton
Avenue. In 1912 he had the first car in Sugar City. Anna Harris was the town nurse. A
picture of a funeral in 1919 shows one white horse and one black horse pulling the funeral
coach. This meant the deceased was not rich. Two white horses denoted wealth. In the
early days of Sugar City much of the entertainment was provided at the Opera House. One
of the groups that came to entertain was the E. Forest Taylor Company. Theatricals were
also provided by the Community Drama Society. There were home parties, candy pulls,
dances and hay rides. One lady recalled a Fourth of July celebration when her mother won
the plump ladies' race and a dollar prize. Dancing was one of the main activities. Many
were held at the Fremanida Dance Hall. In 1905 the Commercial Club was organized. In
1906 the ball park was moved to the block directly adjacent to the northeast part of the city
park.
In 1908 the school had outgrown the building which was erected in 1904. It became
necessary to build a much larger rock building west of the railroad tracks. The large rock
building had two floors, large class rooms, an office and a central heating system. When this
building was finished and ready for use a big celebration was had by all. It was in this
building the school hot lunch program was started. Our P.T.A. president, Lottie Ricks
Smith, would make hot soup and put it in a milk can. Then they would put it on a small
wagon, or in the winter on a sleigh, and deliver it to the school. Each child had their owti
soup bowl. Students liked to go to Harrison's Meat Market to buy big dill pickles for two
cents, large chocolate bars for two cents or chunks of bologna for five cents. Some of our
first teachers were Mrs. Luella McQuiston Garner, who taught for 43 years and who "wasn't
scared of anybody or anything;" Henry Eddington, a one-armed teacher "who didn't have a
handicap at all;" Jennie Waldram, a teacher and seamstress; and Agnes West was our music
teacher. All of these teachers went the extra mile to help students.
Sunrise stocking dances were held at the high school. Students wore mismatched
socks to dance from sunrise unto school started. On January 22, 1921 a group of young
Sugar-Salem High School students formed the Ladies Glee Club. Lorin Ricks, a student,
played for them. They paid five cents monthly dues. This club continued singing for 26
years. After their high school years were over they would meet at the home of Winiefred
Ricks each Thursday at 5 p.m.
The girls would met for just one hour and practice different songs. They put on
concerts and took the money from the sale of tickets to buy instruments for the men in the
service. At the time the Idaho Fails Temple was being built they put on musicals and used
the money to buy furnishings such as: curtains, covers, etc., for the temple.
Our first school paper was called "Commencement." It was dedicated to John K.
Orme to show our love for him for the devotion he had for the students. He was also
president of the Sugar-Salem School Board. The author of the following poem was Christi
Schwinderman. He was a noted artist and writer. He came to Sugar City with his mother
and brv)lhers from Switzerland in the early 1900's. The poem was written on the stair wall
57
of our high school. It was destroyed along with the building at the time of the Teton Flood,
but it will always live on in the memories of many of us who walked the halls of Sugar-
Salem High School.
School Creed: When A Man Is Really Educated
He will know that success or failure in life is caused more by mental capacities.
He will cultivate his manners as well as his brains.
He will not think his diploma is his passport to success.
He will appreciate the higher, finer things.
He will not be a snob; he will be kind to a considerate of others, rich and poor.
He will know the value of spare time for self improvements.
He will be willing to take advice of the more experienced.
He will control himself under provocation
He will not always think of himself.
He will know that it is more important to make a life than it is to make a living.
The late Thomas C. Neibaur, a Sugar City resident, was the first Idahoan to be
presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. The award is the nation's highest
military honor. He was cited for bravery in the Battle of Argonne in World War I on
October 18, 1918. General John J. Pershing, supreme general of U.S. forces in World War
I, presented the medal to Neibaur and invited the young private to dinner. When he
returned to Idaho, Neibaur received a hero's welcome. The state declared May 17, 1919,
Neibaur Day. Neibaur died in a veteran's hospital in 1942.
The Sugar Ward was created as a division of the Salem Ward on July 24, 19Q4.
Victor Hegsted, the bishop of the Salem Ward, conducted the meeting. The Stake
President, Thomas E. Bassett, and his counselor, James W. Webster, were present. The new
bishop sustained that day was Mark Austin. J. B. Caddie and Alfred Ricks Sr. were
sustained as his counselors with Hans M. Hansen as clerk. The membership of the ward
was about five hundred at that time. For a short time the meetings were held in the Park
School Building. A building project was started for a new meeting house. No financial
assessments were made for the building fund. Each contributor was his own judge of what
and how much to give. In eight months time the meeting house was completed and
dedicated. The architect that drew up the plans for this fine building was Franz Salzner.
He also built the Idaho Falls Temple. A pump organ was installed in the new church and
a young priesthood boy was appointed to work the pump. Alfred Ricks Sr. succeeded Mark
Austin as bishop. He served for 23 years.
In 1979 a Maverick Gas Station opened for business in Sugar City. The business
district consists of a grocery store, a post office, a hardware store, a real estate office, two
gas stations and a number of potato based industries. A new park was built on the
southwest of town, just west of the railroad tracks. It was completed in 1981. It has a
double tennis court, two large lights for the baseball fields and a hill for the children to play
58
on. The other city park is more for family picnicking and community parties. The
population of Sugar City has increased with many lots for sale to be used for new homes.
We have five new school buildings but still the schools say they are in need of more class
rooms. On October 12, 1980, four new wards were organized in Sugar City making a total
of nine wards in the Sugar City Stake. Sugar City looks forward to growth and prosperity
in the future.
Marjorie Ricks Romrell
Excerpts from news article: "Residents Recall History Of 'Sweetest City, '" Laurie Luke and
Faye Petersen
59
'^^fij vBe 2.1-
'a A
:■■:■'. T3-..'
IDAHO CENTURY FARM PROGRAM
The following list was compiled from applications sent to
Farms in Madison County. There may be others that did not apply
but they are unknown to the Committee.
Boise to qualify as Century
which would also be eligible ■
Last Name/Business
First/Spouse
Address 1/Address 2
County/City
Year
Acres
Archibald
Rco S.
1421 North 1000 West
MADISON
Rcxburg, ID
1886
138
Brown's Land & Cattle Co.,
Inc.
Randolph
Randolph/MildredW. Theron
6028 West 4000 North
MADISON
Re.xburg, ID
1889
260
Byrne
James Ross
Joyce
8747 South 1600 F;ist
MADISON
Rexburg, ID
1890
425
Dalling
Lyle
1316 East 3500 North
MADISON
Sugar City, ID
1884
50
Fisher
Robert Blair
Todd Blair
P.O. Bo.x 264
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
1885
160
Hemsley, Jr.
Mrs. Edward
4042 West 6000 North
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
1883
62
Mortensen
Maud M.
James G.
4795 North Salem Road
MADISON
Rexburg. ID
1862
80
Peterson
George P.
Faye Johnson
4613 North 3000 East
MADISON
Sugar City, ID
1887
160
Pond
Ixiis L.
Gaylcn S.
3546 West 6800 South
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
1889
83
Rigby
Alice
Alden
3156 West 3000 North
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
1889
70
Rigby
Harold L.
Vaudvs J.
2234 West 2000 North
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
188S
118
Saurey
LeFoy
3276 West 4000 North
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
1883
160
Scjuircs
Sarah Eli/ahclh
961 Fast 7800Souih
MADISON
Rcxburg, ID
1885
60
Slccl
Paul C.
Shirley M.
4425 North 5631 West
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
1883
80
1 Sutton
Stanley
Pauline
578 East 7000 South
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
1S89
230
'Hiomson
Lindd M.
Jay R
49S() Biltcrbru.sh
MADISON
Boise. ID
1883
>:
CJI.uly.s
G.W. Ul.uicharJlnisl
Wcstovcr/Ncvsni.in H.ilhau.i\
489 West 1500 North
MADISON
Rcxburg. ID
ISvSS
4s
Wilding
Millon S.
Moii.t I'incock
2<J36 Ea.si Highway 33
MADISON
Siig.u Cit). ID
1SS^>
80
CO
'^tmnma
-J l.':L__^l-, I - V
n
CI
ii/^ i'"l
Klaho Map
62
*K
I I
VK»
r
.♦
-C* ..TV
•i- « r ' V
IttDlS
'I
'NTY COURTHOUSE
•
f ,
'
V
*
1"
■ <
■
1
1
i J
■«■.>
p
Uii< Ti
03
-'J2SM
00
CO
•-ll
I
(D
(T;
O
u
o
o
3
o
c
64
J
•Mi-t fi
Early Main Street looking West
Looking South on M.iin Street 1930
Oi
kmn
jtj.i
Volunteer Fire Dcpartnieni I93() - Picture
taken in fioni of the Stake OlTice Ihiikling
that was next to the lahernaele
60
^''''^'^'''•'''■'?'''*''"S!"'SH!»
Rcxburg Chamber of Commerce 1950
County Officers being swoin in
n.
07
t
I ^dV'U
t . # ^
\
Building the Tabernacle
A
Tabernacle 1991
r
OS
n
*^^. '
LSJ
Main Street looking West 1991
RcxburgCity Hall 1991
69
«
V
^1
'«•"
Post Office Clerk Joe Barber Post Office Clerk Jesse Stephensen
Postmaster Parlcttc Petersen third from rielil
70
r
J
Madison County Library 1991
-#i
Rcxbiirg Post Office
r
71
K/PjaiiLI.Wbii^'l
Madison Memorial Hospital 1951 under
coaslruction
Mailisoii Memorial Hospilal
BBBI
72
!* ^i^l
WMBflW ^^^ HIV 9HB ^^^1 JIBBIHb WHiH<
H
Fire Department Building
M.iJison High Scliool
'.». « t- "v 1
7=
mmmmmatmiBrmmam
Sugar City Furniture and Hardware 1991
Sugar City Municipal Buikimg
76
I r
■» •
t '
MM
Sugar City Post Office
Sugar City High ScHdoI
77
r -
jf"'^
■f
-S*'^*rs^
91 ^
- tlfJ
•'^•npr-s^^f
1
^/
AiKkisoii I amilv IIvmiks mikc iS.S.^.
78
m
J
The home built by Henry J. Flanun before
1915
1 he Rex and Dora Lee Walz home west ot
Kexbiirg. It was built by Coiirail Walz about
1915.
'-L^.^^
70
».«l— 1.1
The home built for the John L. Jacobs family.
:%
i
The home built by Mark Austin It is acn)ss
the stieel from the Jacdbs home
SO
The John Smcllic home built about 1891. The
remodeled home below.
K
61
IH— II— 'imi !■■
The John Smellie home 1991
The Uoyle and Lola Walker home built by the
lames Webster family.
as
82
f
^. ""^
-%- 1.*'.*. -^1
■f
*^»V1.
Flood Damage to Homes 1976
> 4
S3
ON
C/5
o
o
CQ
o
E
s
ya<t^
s..;^^
S4
rvMMrfwawa
J
tmmmmmm
"L
^^- ~* ',- "Z^
s
r
temnmtm
»«■■
^""^^j^
Mary Ann Felt and Josiah Hendricks, picture
taken 1906 on Main Street where the
Courthouse now stands
f*'
'f-"
I L'ym.,
m-
Jim Wchslcr ami Will Walker
I H
I
SO
'T^'
C/5
c
•a
f3
O
GO
E
■A
o
>>.
Til
re
,1-hh'r ' ^vr •■ *
C3
to
C
"a
I
87
h-r
>•.
« ^
*• .1
I
*4
PI 111 — IIIH>
f^
Th* binder, with it§ <low rerl and canvis convfyor, wn dg^lgntd (oTundle grain gently to avoid thirshinn pmnahirrlY
89
J
f rt
C/5
C/5
c:.
CO
CJ
(/)
"n3
cr
CTv
CO
OO
, ]
O^
^■^
QJ
^^
CO
00
-«.4.^vAir4lJii«4h
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11