The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1915-02-26
Beauty ySpotslnBlackfoot
BY Byrd Trego
Did We Fitch 1t?

encourage investigations We do object the ALL
but by what accident incident msnomer named for
TRIBE of 0Frst Americans" who claimed section
field of operation either times of peace quite my
Iery
"The Hand Book of American Indians, part issued by
1.-The Smithsonian Institution saws Skska (Bacfeet) from Six
sinam black the of okah foot The origin of the
lis disputed but commonly believed have reference the
dscooring of their by the ashes of the prairie fire.
possibly have reference black painted such
were by the Pawnee Shasapa, and other tribes An
Agonquan confederacy of the northern plains consisting
o three subbes the Skska proper Backfeet the Kana
Bood and the Pega the whole body being properly known
las Bakfee In close alliance with these the Ana and the
|Sarsi"
Within the recent historic period until gather upon
TONS the Blafeet held of the immense territory stretching
almost from north Saskatchewan river Canada the southern
head of the Missouri Montana and from about ong
ude o5 degrees the base of the Rocky mountains century
earlier about 1900 they found Mckenzie occupying
upper and middle south Saskatchewan with the Ana the
lower of the stream both tribes being apparently slow
migration towards the northwest his would make them the
guards of the Agonquan from the Red river country
With the exception of temporary occupancy by invading Cree
this extreme northern region has always within the historic period
been held by Athascan tribes The tribe settled three
reservations in Alberta Canada and northwest Montana
about half each side of the international boundary The
tive goes considerable length but there nothing indicate
that of the tribe lived travelled the region of Black
foot the Baoot river The therefore, have been
adopted without, reference TO local tribes.
H T. French his history of Idaho, says The Origin of
Blacfoo dates back $780, During the years Immediately pre-
ceedg that one the Utah Northern Railroad had been built
from Salt Lake Montana The site of Blackfoo the
railway point the mining districts of Custer county, which
then entering upon period of production this
fact that called Blackfoo existence From immense guam
titles of freight handled into the INTERIOR and became the
supply point for large territory.
"Ihe city derived its from tribe of Indians For
many years has been referred throughout the the
"Grove City, because of its beautiful and old shade In
1886 the first planted the upper Snake river valley
around the Backoot house by Alfred Moye
during the succeeding years excursions Bakfoot organized
that the people the nearby regions might have chance
feast their eyes this vendure which undoubtedly marked
and pleasing with the unbroken expenses of native
brush"
Haleys history of Idaho does mention Blackfoo historic
ally We have copy of McConnelr history
not informed to what he says of it.
improvements in Blackfoot
The improvements have recently made in
with few exceptions those that have through heavy
taxation energetic efforts put forth by The Village Improve
society sacrifice of personal interest," often home Duties
and sometimes health The last two years annual cleanup
days have manifested somewhat better community spirit there
less resentment shown for the spring house cleaning than
formerly Still there greater desire in the minds of number
of people spend that day off picnic than with efforts for
We have not forgotten the fact that
when the school board decided close the school cleanup
day. the youngsters who live lasting benefits derived from
such Efforts planned off in the country instead of doing
wholesome duty arising from pride their municipal surround
ng That indeed heavy blow to the hopes entertained
the boys and girls who will fall line for public enterprise
After cleanup day to consider obligations
cleanliness almost entirely end until the pro-
claims another cleanup day year hence As consequence
look pretty through the months when the green put
ting FORTH the weeds tender and attractive with their
early dress of color but when June what sight town
looks through the vision of spectators with well ordered lives?
| II Strangers Impression
Did any of those who read this make their entrance into
Bacfoo for the first time with the expectation of spending their
entire life during the dry weedy months of summer, and if So
how did you feel about R Perhaps with the writer you had
vague positive idea that irrigation bitches real things for
the purpose of distributing the thirsty SOIL You had no
dre crse unkndy but why all these weeds high your
head covered with dust that almost hid the colorng apd all
drying up except Immediately to the water ne The bitches
really quite attractive little lines of water threading through
the town. especially if you had from rainfall state where
/ Continued page four