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“Aunt” Viney Moulton; “Erect, full of life and vitality”
Q: Do we know of any former slaves that fled the south and ended up in Boise? A: In 1867 Elvina Moulton, a former slave freed during the Civil War, arrived in Boise after traveling across the Oregon Trail with … Continue reading
Lovers Lane: Looking for a fairy-tale ending
Q: There are rumors and myths of a red light district that Boise pioneers called lovers lane, what’s the story? A: Lovers Lane is recognized by name on all of Boise’s maps, beginning shortly after the city’s conception, from 1864 … Continue reading
John West, “Mr. Fifteenth Ammendment”
Q: Boise was founded in 1863 at the outbreak of the Civil War, what was life in Boise like for blacks moving to Idaho at that time? A: When the City of Boise was founded in 1863 there were only … Continue reading
Posted in Historic Q&A, History
Tagged black history boise, blacks in Idaho, fifteenth ammendment
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How did Bogus Basin get its Bogus name?
Question: How did Bogus Basin get its Bogus name? Answer: For those interested in the history of the Bogus Basin ski resort, I recommend you look at Eve Chandler’s book, Building Bogus Basin. Interviews from local skiers and hundreds of … Continue reading
The History of the Children’s Home
Question: What is the history of the Children’s Home on Warm Springs Avenue? Answer: The Children’s Home on Warm Springs Avenue began as an orphanage. The property on which the home was built was donated by Cynthia Mann, a teacher, … Continue reading
Who is Willie the Snake Boy?
Question: Who was the person known as Willie the Snake Boy? What was he known for, and how did he get that nickname? Answer: The Boise News in Idaho City reported as early as 1863 that John Kelly and his … Continue reading
Who was Bonnie McCarroll and what is her connection to Rodeo in Boise?
Question: Who was Bonnie McCarroll and what is her connection to Rodeo in Boise? Answer: Cowgirls were the first professional female athletes. In the United States, more than 450 women between 1890 and 1943 participated in professional rodeo events. Boise … Continue reading
What is the connection between Mayor John Lemp and local brewing?
Question: What is the connection between Mayor John Lemp and local brewing? Answer: John Lemp, nick-named by his biographer “The Beer Baron of Boise,” had a large impact on the early development of Boise. He was involved in mining, banking, … Continue reading
What is the History of the Dona Larsen Park Site?
Question: What is the history of the site of the new Dona Larsen Park sports complex? Answer: In 1911 building contractor John Cody established a baseball league to whet the sporting appetite of Boiseans. Cody Park, nestled on Warm Springs … Continue reading
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