The Idaho scimitar. [volume] (Boise, Idaho) 1907-1908, 1908-04-18
Historical Notes
The Days of Old.

pare the present appearance of the Snake river val
ley with what it forty-fve years ago, the name
"Dim Trail" would probably represent the condi-
lions then prevailing.
The first to to Idaho the trappers and
miners The arid plains, rock canyons, alkali val
leys and repusive sage brush presented anything
but an inviting prospect to those who had left the
golden and shaded meadows sequesered valleys
of the west Few even thought of making a home
where all deso1ation. The demand for supplies
induced few to locate along water courses, where
the alluvial bottoms would produce hay and gar
den truck. 1t was soon demonstrated that Idaho
was an ideal stock country which induced stock
men to come from Oregon and California. Very
few ventured to bring their families.
The wonderful transformation to be wrought by
irrigation was not considered in the plans of any,
The lack of knowledge which retarded progress
for years. was very unfortunate for Idaho Had
the millions of dollars taken from the mines been in
vested in building homes and irrigation canals, Idaho
today would rank among the wealthiest of states III
the union. Many of the avenues of prosperity even
now defined by the dim trail wouldbe great thorough
fares The first settlers of Washington county we're
typical of those of other localities the great major
ity being unmarried. Cabins constructed of logs
covered with earth without floors and with windows
and doors made of -four sacks the first dwell
ings and school houses. Cooking done before
open fires in mud matched chimneys; the light was
furnished by ta1low dips or candles. Supplies
purchased at Columbia river points at Boise and
packed over land by pack trains or in wagons. The
only markets for farm products the mines, A
barrel of sugar, key of syrup, spool of thread,
paper of needles and plug of tobacco were fire.
quently divided among the residents of nelghbor-
hood. There any many 'cuss words when
the supply of tobacco exhausted. The young came
into the world and the sick were cured without the
aid of a physician. The necessity for self-reliance
made all more careful, intelligent and useful In
the absence of doctors sickness prevented rather
than cured; in the absence of lawyers and the courts
the olive branch was the more favorable weapon
than the the two-edged sword of litigation; in the
absence of churches the principles of honesty and
virtue were taught without the assistance of the ex
Founders of legends and mysteries in the abb
sence of we'll organized schools every home was
school house and every parent a teacher.
"Books were found in running brooks.
Sermons in stones
Good in Everything.
Unbounded hospitality was the leading character
istic of the pioneers Every stranger found ready
chair The pioneers were generous The mlsfor-
tune of one was the misfortune of all
Up to the year of 1870 a recount of the individuals
who were the most prominent in affairs or detail
of special events would have but little significance
to those who have since arrived. When a history
of Idaho is written its pages will be emblazoned
with deeds of heroism self-sacrihce and patriotism
There will be published review of events showing
a steady march onward and upward. 1t will be
shown that along the dim Trail" the engine pufts
and moves.
Home building and agricultural pursuits have sup
planted the nomadic life of bygone years. The