The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-04-03
Geneva Gentle-Mrs. Max Smith.
Silent Sensible-Mrs. Eva B.
Smith.
Prof. Makeoyer-Bert Ryan.
Snake River Valley 40 Years Ago.

Snake River Valley 40 Years Ago.
The following paper by Hon.
Thomas C. Galloway of Weiser, was
! read before the Columbian club, on
Idaho Day"
When we compare the present ap-
| pearances of Snake river valley with
what it was forty-fve years ago, the
name, Dim Trail would properly
represent the conditions then prevail
ing.
1.-THE first to come to Idaho were
the trappers and miners, not home
builders. The arid plains, rock can
yons, 'alkali valleys and repulsive
sage brush presented anything but an
inviting prospect to those who had
left the golden prairies and shaded
meadows of the east or Asequestered
valleys of the west. Few even
thought of making home where all
was desolation. The demand for sup
plies in the mines induced few to
locate along the water courses, where
the alluvial bottoms would produce
hay and garden truck. 1t was soon
demonstrated that Idaho was an ideal
stock country, which induced stock
men to come from Oregon and Cali
fornia Very few yentured to bring
their families.
''The wonderful transformation
soon to be wrought by irrigation was
not considered in the plans of any.
This lack of knowledge, which
retarded progress for years, was very
unfortunate for Idaho. Had the mil
lions of dollars taken from the mines
been invested in building homes and
irrigating canals, Idaho today would
rank among the wealthiest states in
the union. Many of the avenues of
prosperity even now defined by dim
trail would be great thoroughfares
The first settlers of Washington
county were typical of those of other
localities, the great majority being
unmarried Cabins constructed of
logs covered with earth, without
floors and with windows and doors
made of flour sacks, were the first
dwellings and school houses. Cook
ing was done before open fires in
mud-thatched chimneys; the light
was furnished by tallow dips or can
dies. Supplies were purchased at
Columbia river points or at Boise and
were transported overland by pack
trains or in wagons. The only mar
kets for farm products were the
mines. A barrel of sugar, keg of
syrup, spool of thread, paper of
needles and plug of tobacco were
frequently divided among the resi-
dents of neighborhood There was
woe and many 'cuss' words when the
supply of tobacco was exhausted. The
young came into the world and the
sick were cured without the aid of a
physician. The necessity of self-re-
lance made all more careful, intel
ligent and useful. In the absence of
doctors sickness was prevented rath-
er than cured; in the absence of law
yers and courts the olive branch was
/ a more favorable weapon than the
two-edged sword of litigation; in the
absence of churches, the principles
of honesty, virtue and justice were
taught without the assistance of the
expounders of legends and mysteries;
in the absence of well organized
schools every home was a school
house and every parent teacher.
"'Books were found in running
! brooks
Sermons in stones
"'Good in everything
"Unbounded hospitality was the
leading characteristic of the pioneers.
Every stranger found a ready chair.
The pioneers were benevolent and
generous. The misfortune of one
was the misfortune of ALL
Cup to the year 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 woh have since
arrived. When history of Idaho is
written, its pages will be emblazon-
ed with deeds of heroism, self-sacri-
flee and patriotism. There will be
published review of events showing
a steady march upward and onward
1t will be shown that along the Dim
! Trail the engines puff and move.
Home building and agricultural pur-
suits have supplanted the nomadic
life of bygone years. The change
is most wonderful and for the bet
ter. AS the sphere of human activity
is extended, effort Should secure
greater and nobler aspirations be in
| spired.
GAS one who helped to mark the
: Dim Trail one who has only pleas
ant memories of the past l humbly
submit to the inevitable and join in
the refrain - Onward, Onward,
Ever