Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1915-02-26


loving cowboys trial at Malad in the
early '80's and the cause which led
up to it, are told in the following
entertaining story written by Ed
Helfrich of Mountain Home, at the
request of the editor of the pioneer
department Of the Boise Statesman:
1t was late in the summer of
1888 when the Oregon Short Line
railroad reached the towns Of Noun
tain Home, Caldwell and Weiser, at
that time Nalnpa and Parma were
not in existence, and to reach Boise
it was necessary to take the stage
from Kuna, a ride of 16 miles.
The railroad had been built into
Shoshone early in the spring of the
same year, and the branch line to
Haley, a few months later and in
order to get the several towns named,
started, some of the officials of the
Union Pacific railroad interested
themselves in the townsites with ex-
Senator Caldwell of Kansas and Rob-
ert E. Strahorn as the general man
ager, they commenced by having the
resources of this new territory well
advertised through the states tribu-
tary to the Missouri river, and soon
there was noticed the healthy growth
of all the towns, and the settling of
the choicer farm lands.
Mr.. Strahorn was quite enthusi-
astic over the future prospects Of the
town Of Caldwell. He made this place
his home, and gave all his energy to-
wards the pushing of all the towns
forward as fast as the resources trib-
utary would respond to invite new
settlers to make this Snake and Boise
river country their future homes.
1t wrs arranged by the Oregon
Short Line to have an excursion from
Salt Lake and Ogden when the rails
reached Caldwell, and with Mr.. Stra-
horn in charge of all the details nee.
essary for it, the day arrived, leaving
Salt Lake in the morning with trair
well equipped in those days for it
guests, some rs persons abroad. Al
Ogden the towns best brass band wa!
engaged to accompany the train OF
the trip and enliven the many town
which were passed in Utah and Idaho
At each station the band would ge
on the platform at the depot and ren
der several selections. Much prais
was given by the people who chance,
to be present to those in charge an
judging from the crowds in ever
town it was certain that the new
was sent by wire ahead of the train
arrival.
We arrived in Pocatello one hou
behind in the schedule fixed but tn
days doings kept the passengers a,
tive, and much interested, and ever
one ready for good dinner at tt
eating station, as the dining car ha
not been heard of in the west
those davs.
Starting from Pocatello we adde
several to the number, among the
was Robert Blickensderfer, superi
tendent of the Idaho division, v
made a good run to American Fa
arriving at 7:30 p. m. There a lari
crowd had assembled to give WELDON
to the train, particularly the ban
for hardly had the train stopp
when the call for music was hear
Mr.. Blickens6erfer said no stop
any time could be given and the ba
hesitated to get off the cars; he ga
a orders to start but the engineer {
clined to go as the red light lante
was placed ON him for orders.
soon became known that the cro7
there were cowboys and their wiv
and sweethearts, and had come
long distance to hear the band pli
They took the telegraph opera
from his chair and made him pl
oner for the time, consequently
remained and the band got off
cars, and music was given the croV
After two or three pieces the c.
boys would shoot the corks out
the beer bottles and give full
to each member playing with a
ley of shots from their pistols /;
salute in return for the music !
dered.
Our superintendent was much