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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
Haunted Buildings in Boise
Question: Are there any haunted buildings in Boise? Answer: 1| The Idanha Building on 10th and Main has the most tales to tell. Experiences from horrid smells, to blood on the walls, to being pulled out of bed, watched at … Continue reading
Boise’s Anniversary
Question: When is Boise’s anniversary date? Answer: In May 1833, Captain Benjamin Bonneville’s expedition through the present-day city of Boise left a permanent mark on the city’s history. Legend states the Frenchmen that accompanied Bonneville famously proclaimed, “Les bois, les bois–voyes … Continue reading
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