~
Hi-Liting Glenns Ferry ~
Glenns Ferry is truly a unique place, besides
the step back into what feels like the old West with the architecture left from
a time long ago, it’s one of the friendliest most welcoming places still
around. Located halfway between Boise and Twin Falls just off I-84 you should
stop into this little gem and experience some of the unique shops and places to
visit, promising of a time well spent. There you can find the Three Island
State Park which is one of the most serene and well-maintained parks in the
state. The Oregon Trail History and Education Center is a special treat located
inside the state park which both commemorate the history there. Construction of
The Oregon Trail History & Education Center was completed in 2000. Both
park and center have a gorgeous view of the Snake River which is also good for
fishing. Also in town, a great old theatre, registered on the national historic
register, hosts weekend melodramas and dinner barbecues all summer long. So if
you are lucky enough to be in town to catch a show it will be an experience to
remember. For kids there is an immaculate community swimming pool, which is
located in the local city park. Also a very nice boat dock area invites
fishermen, water-skiers, and jet skies to take advantage of the cool water in
the summer heat. And, if you are so inclined, an interesting old museum is
situated in the middle of town and provides interesting historical facts
concerning the area.
Surrounding area provide snow skiing, hiking, camping, water-skiing,
fishing, hunting, white water rafting, natural hot water spring resorts, cave
exploration, off road dirt biking opportunities - even star gazing.
Besides
being a quaint town on the river, Glenns Ferry is loaded with history. Three
islands in the middle of the river just southwest of town (by Three Island
State Park) provided stepping stone advantage for Native Americans and early
Oregon Trail pioneers to cross the river to the other side. This was
undoubtedly the most notorious and dangerous river crossing on the Oregon
Trail.
We should
mention some of our festivities. Elmore County Fair is held in Glenns Ferry
every summer, and it is a good one! The fairgrounds are beautiful and well
kept. A great carnival with plenty of fun rides and games accompanies the fair.
Rodeos add to the festivities, as do many other community organizations.
Glenns
Ferry has an awesome hometown July 4th celebration complete with a parade, city
park festivities with booths, kid games, and three-on-three basketball
tournaments, (pool is open and boat docks are buzzing with activity)!
Independence Day traditionally ends with compliments of the local fire
department’s fireworks display!!
Thanksgiving weekend will find citizens lighting the town Christmas
tree. Gathering at the Chamber of Commerce building, all listen to the Community
Christmas Choir, followed by a nativity, ending with hot chocolate and cookies.
Oh, and don’t be surprised if Santa should come by on a stagecoach! You could
possibly hitch a ride!
Old High School
Building
New K-12
Glenns Ferry School District is a small, rural school
district consisting of approximately 500 students PreK-12 and approximately
sixty-two certified and classified instructional staff members. The District is
comprised of Glenns Ferry High School (grades 9-12), Glenns Ferry Middle School
(grades 6-8), and Glenns Ferry Elementary School (grades PreK-5). All three
schools are housed in a single facility complex with three wings dedicated to
the individual schools. 100% of the Glenns Ferry teachers are considered highly
qualified according the Federal “No Child Left Behind” Act. All teachers are
fully certified by the State Department of Education for the subjects they
teach.
Old jail north of city Sheriff’s sub-station
Law Enforcement is provided by the Elmore
County Sheriff’s Office and has a sub-station located in Glenns Ferry.
Glenns
Ferry Public Library - Dale Smith & Junior Larson setting up at new
location.
Glenns Ferry Public Library - serves an area of
approximately 1,600 residents and has a collection of 10,000 books and
periodicals; in addition, there are 100 CDs, records, cassettes and other audio
materials. There are internet terminals available for use by the general
public.
The
original library was established in with City Hall which was located in the old
Koffee Kup building on
Commercial Avenue. (Now houses Penner & Fink
Insurance and Rural Telephone).
The
Library and City Hall was relocated to East 2nd Avenue into the old Grace
Church Parish House/Grand Lodge A.F. and A.M. building.
The
Library now occupies the site where the railroad medical clinic was once
located. Lily Hampton, librarian, has an excellent display and arrangement of
historical pictures and items of the Glenns Ferry area.
Three Island Senior Center, located at 492 East
Cleveland, is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to
Gorby Opera House, the Historic Opera Theatre,
was built in 1914, originally for Vaudeville Stage Acts, and served the
community of Glenns Ferry for many years. Fireman’s dances, railroad events,
and bazaars all took place in the building. Because a mortuary was next door,
the main hall was used for funerals. In later years, silent movies with organ
and piano accompaniment were popular. Through the effort of community
volunteers the Historic Opera Theatre reopened its doors June 4, 1944, for live
stage productions. Many community and cultural events have taken place. The
reopening of the Historic Opera Theatre has brought back feelings of
opportunity, unity, community, and plain good ol’
fashioned fun to Glenns Ferry and surrounding areas. Showings are Friday and
Saturday nights, and residents are encouraged to participate. The theatre is
one of Glenns Ferry’s summer highlights.
Three Island Crossing State Park - Modern travelers will
find a stay at this park much more hospitable than did the pioneers. Located
just off Interstate 84 at the Glenns Ferry exit, the park offers a full-service
campground, cabins, picnic areas, historical interpretive programs and a
fascinating admission-free interpretive center. You can take the self-guided tour, see the replica wagons and the Snake River where
emigrants made their historic crossings. There is an Oregon Trail History &
Education Center located at the park.
Glenns Ferry Municipal Airport serves Glenns Ferry and
Elmore County and is owned by the city of Glenns Ferry. The airport is in the
county, but lies adjacent to the city boundaries. The paved runway extends for
3050 feet and is 60 feet wide with medium intensity landing lights. The
facility is at an elevation of 2,536 feet.
Chamber of Commerce &
Area Businesses
Glenns Ferry Chamber of Commerce supports the community
monetarily and through manpower. A great example is their generous donation to
the downtown revitalization effort.
Glenns
Ferry Chamber actively supports all new businesses. The Chamber, as well as the
city government, understands that the more Glenns Ferry has to offer, the less
people have to travel outside the area. With the high cost of fuel today, it is
especially important to have the necessary products and services close by to
meet the community’s needs.
World
Wide Equine, Inc. - Manufacturer of over 300 high quality horse dentistry instruments, is a family owned business located in Glenns
Ferry, Idaho. World Wide Equine moved to Glenns Ferry from Nebraska in 1995.
Glenns Ferry was chosen because of the friendly community and wonderful outdoor
lifestyle. We have spent the last 3 years remodeling the building that was
formerly known as Shrum Motor Company and now proudly
call 91 W 1st Avenue our new home. We would love for anyone interested to come
by and browse through our small ‘museum’ of antique horse dental instruments
and wagons. We are dedicated to the advancement of general knowledge,
maintenance and care of horses’ teeth through education, improved instruments,
related products and customer service.
Three Island Quilts - Located at 94 N
Commercial St in downtown Glenns Ferry, Idaho. We are a full service quilt
shop, carrying quality quilt fabric and products. We have everything you need
to create your own handmade quilt. We have plenty of books and patterns to
inspire you. We also offer long arm quilting services at affordable prices. Be
sure to get your quilt tops in soon, before the Christmas rush. Call us at
208-366-3031 for pricing. Be sure to visit our website and online store at
www.threeislandquilts.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter while you’re
there!
JW Electronics - Since it’s inception in
2005, JW Electronics has become a well-known supplier of high quality printed
circuit board, electro-mechanical and cable assemblies. JW Electronics is a
government classified Small Women Owned Business Enterprise and is certified to
or conforms to several military specifications. It is our electronic design and
manufacturing experience as well as our ability to deliver, which has given us
a solid foundation to build upon.
JW
Electronics management and technical team have a combined 126 years of
experience in our industry. Julie Winter founded JW Electronics when the
Heath’s retired and closed Heath Electronics. Craig Ogden in Purchasing &
Design, Rosanne Gertsch in Quality Control, Sandy
Stump in Project Management and Amy Taylor in Manufacturing comprise our
Technical team. We started with a philosophy of excellence using a theory of
total quality management and always strive to meet or exceed the expectations
of our customers.
JW
Electronics is proud to be located in Glenns Ferry, Idaho.
Glenns Ferry Tire, Bob & Derik
Janousek/Owners - Located at 249 W 1st Ave. in Glenns
Ferry, phone 208-366-2689, Glenns Ferry Tire is well known throughout the area
as being one tire store where quality is just as important as price. Your
dealer for famous name brand tires, this community leader features tires for
virtually every car and truck on the road, and their huge inventory allows you
to “re-tire” immediately! Of course, mounting, balancing, studding and other
services are offered by this outstanding establishment.
In
addition to tires, they specialize in brakes, A/C service and general repairs.
They also have a full line of U-Haul trucks and trailers for rent. They are an
ASE Certified Air Conditioning Service. They also have Coast to Coast car
ports, all erected.
Stop in
today and see just what kind of quality your hard earned dollar will buy at
Glenns Ferry Tire.
Pioneer Auto - Located in Glenns Ferry, Idaho off of 1st,
right across from the Sinclair Corner Market. Owners, Eric and Martina Hoyd, started Pioneer Auto in November of ‘08’ and have
been growing steadily, specializing in vehicles $3,000 or less. In-house financing available with proof of residency in Elmore
County and proof of employment. No pressure sales, I am definitely not a
car salesman, I’m just a guy that has cars for sale.
One man operation, I buy, clean, service and sell all my vehicles. Support your
small business; come by anytime Monday through Saturday 10-6. We live on our
lot so later appointments are easy, just call and let me know. Pioneer Auto 590-1602.
Glenns Ferry Pizza and Deli - Larry Fisher opened this
great little restaurant in July of 2006 and has been doing a booming business
since. Besides the great menu items of lunch specials, deli sandwiches, pizza,
and other items, a grill was added to serve up the best burgers around! The
burgers are made from 1/2 lb. of Angus chuck and served with homemade baked
beans, potato salad or a bag of chips. You have your choice of a Deluxe
cheeseburger, Fair burger, Mushroom burger with sauteed
mushrooms and Swiss, Teriyaki burger (grilled pineapple, cheddar, teriyaki
sauce, lettuce & tomato), Brunch burger with grilled ham, fried egg and
American cheese, and the Wagon Wheel with bacon and BBQ sauce.
The
Glenns Ferry Pizza and Deli also serves the best Rueben on the West Coast and a
wonderful Patty Melt Brisket (sauteed onions and
House Sauce).
Stop by
and as you enjoy your meal, you can see a bit of Glenns Ferry history as you
glance around at the many framed historic photos on the wall. You can also
purchase a jar of “Fisher’s Gourmet Glaze Dipping Sauce”.
Glenns Ferry Pizza and Deli is located at 217
E 1st Avenue in Glenns Ferry, phone 366-2279.
Excellent Food!!
Southside Market - (established in 1930) - The personal touch is
just about gone from stores of all kinds these days. One store in Glenns Ferry
hasn’t forgotten what personal service and friendly smiles are all about,
though, and we’re talking about Southside Market.
Located
at 183 S. Commercial St., phone 208-366-7481, this “neighborhood grocer” has
been helping local people with their food needs for many years, and they’ve
built a business based on personalized service and quality.
On their
shelves you’ll find all of your favorite brands of canned goods, dry goods,
bakery products and such. Their dairy case features fresh milk, eggs, butter,
and other items your family needs for good health. The meat department at
Southside Market is regarded as one of the very finest in town and once you try
their tender cuts of beef, port, and chicken...you’ll see why!
Hanson’s Cafe & Motel and B&R Bar (formerly known as Carrie’s
Cafe’ and Motel) - If you’re a traveler on I-84 and like quaint and
friendly folks, stop in at Hanson’s Cafe & Motel and B&R Bar, located
at 103 E 1st Ave in Glenns Ferry, phone 208-366-9983.
Consisting of accommodations to please every guest, this newly remodeled
motel and cafe has HBO, cable, AC, affordable weekly and monthly rates. The
nightly rate is $40.00, plus $5.00 for each additional guest.
For home
cooking and down to earth management regardless of your length of stay, you’ll
enjoy the dinners, and welcome from the folks at Hanson’s Cafe & Motel. You
can also enjoy cocktails, and pool at B&R Bar, just a few feet away.
The
consistent compliment is: Great Room!, Great Price!, Great
Town! The owners, Ron and Bobbie Crone, find it a pleasure to serve and welcome
new customers as well as old friends!
Campell Tractor - Located at 233 N.
Bannock St. in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, phone 366-2626, is a John Deer AG &
C&CE dealership providing a full Sales Department, Service Department and
Parts Department. They carry Treager Pellet Grills
and a good inventory of Pellets, Spices & Sauces. You will also see they
have a nice selection of toys and clothing. The Glenns Ferry store has been in business
since 1990 and has served the area with great ethics and integrity. Whether
you’re looking for equipment, parts, or service, Campbell Tractor Co. will
assist you in your needs. They have four other locations in Nampa, Fruitland,
Homedale and their newest location in Wendell.
Heart of Idaho Gourmet
Foods, Fudge Factory and Gifts - Located at 160 South Commercial Street in Glenns
Ferry, Idaho. Becky Critchlow started Heart of Idaho
Gourmet foods in Meridian in 1995. After learning the Huckleberry end of the
business in northern Idaho, Beckie and her family
moved to Glenns Ferry and opened a full production line of fresh Gourmet Foods,
Tasty Chocolates, Souvenirs, and several other gift lines.
Along
with the sweet side of the Heart of Idaho, they also have a variety of BBQ
sauces, (my favorite is the Huckleberry BBQ sauce!), dried Idaho potato soup
packages, potato toppers, potato bread, muffin mixes, and now BBQ Rib Dinners
which includes your choice of side and baby loaf of homemade bread, don’t
forget the Huckleberry Ice Cream!!
Beckie, husband Eric, daughter Jenn,
and son-in-law Matt welcome you to stop in and experience what they have to
offer. Their daily dessert specials and to go menu are guaranteed to have your
mouth watering. The welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home, their
smiles and outgoing personalities lighten your day, I
guarantee it! You can also visit their web site at www.heartofidaho.com.
Pioneer Federal Credit Union - is known for its
commitment to the deep-rooted credit union philosophy of “People Helping
People.” Our commitment to improving the quality of life for our members and
the people in our community is a tradition that dates back to the 1950’s.
We provide
innovative, substantive, and low cost financial solutions, delivering honest
financial rewards for our members through a comprehensive line of products and
services to compliment any lifestyle and budget. We do this by simply offering
low fees and great rates when you borrow and/or save.
Pioneer
Federal Credit Union is a growing family. Currently people who live or work in
the following counties are eligible for membership: Ada, Canyon, Elmore, Camas,
Blaine, Gooding, Jerome or Twin Falls, including Mountain Home Air Force Base.
Employees of all retail, wholesale, manufacturing, cooperatives, industrial and
distribution establishments located in the following Idaho Counties: Adams,
Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington. In addition, all members of your immediate
family are eligible to join.
The
Glenns Ferry Office is located at 70 S. Commercial Street, Phone: (208)
366-2462, Fax: (208) 366-2921, Hours Mon-Thurs 10:00-4:00, Fri 10:00-5:00.
Rural Telephone Company - Glenns Ferry, Idaho is
home to Rural Telephone Company. This small town on the banks of the Snake
River is also an historic landmark on the Oregon Trail. It was at Glenns Ferry
that the pioneers decided to either cross the river into Oregon,
or head west to California.
The pioneer spirit that embodied the hardy breed of people that
settled the West, lives on today in the men and women of Rural Telephone
Company.
Rural
telephone serves remote areas of Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. The territory
includes some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the entire United
States. However, beneath its beauty is a rugged and often dangerous land of
treacherous mountains, deep canyons, sun-scorched deserts and seemingly
impenetrable forests. Winter snow drifts, spring mud slides and summer lightning
strikes add to the challenge of providing telephone service to thousands of
square miles of wilderness. For more than 2,300 subscribers, Rural Telephone
Company is their primary link to the outside world.
With a
subscriber density of less than one per mile, Company technicians will often
travel overnight to reach subscribers as close as 60 miles or as far as 600
miles from Glenns Ferry.
The
Company grew slowly as Mr. James Martell brought telephone service to
previously un-served areas. In 1985, Boise River and Praire,
Idaho as well as Jarbidge and Red Rock, Nevada were
added to the service territory.
Cable
routes, often inaccessible to even four wheel drive vehicles, were walked by
foot. Today, snowmobiles are often used to reach subscribers and helicopter
rentals are not uncommon.
In 1988,
the North Fork and Tuscarora, Nevada exchanges were
acquired. These systems were known as “shared/sometimes” systems - shared with
coyotes needing a teething ring and cattle needing a scratching post. Sometimes
they even worked, but not with any degree of reliability. The
area including two of the largest ranches in the United States, and several
large gold mining operations.
Tipanuk and Atlanta, Idaho also came on board in 1988. Tipanuk is located between Mountain Home and Boise covering
139 square miles, but its twenty inhabitants needed a link with the outside
world. So did the thirty residents of Atlanta, a 252 square mile area served by
only two roads. One road is closed in the winter, and the other is “open if”
the snow isn’t too deep.
The
Company also assumed responsibility for the Shoup,
Idaho area when the Idaho Public Utilities Commission turned to the Company to
restore the existing, but rapidly deteriorating service; which featured magneto
phones and aerial cable strung “on poles or whatever else was handy”. This
pristine country extends some 60 miles along the River of No Return. The
availability of dependable phone service has made the area a major draw for
fishing and rafting enthusiasts. A new digital system was installed in October
1990, an occasion that attracted Rural Electrification Administration (REA)
dignitaries and national media attention.
It is the
everyday business of living in remote areas that make the telephone so
valuable. Support of the Universal Service Fund (USF) has made it possible for
the Company to provide service to un-served areas and upgrade service for
existing subscribers.
USF
support and the extraordinary people of Rural Telephone Company are bringing
modern telecommunications and an enriched quality of life to often isolated and
overlooked areas.
On
February 28, 1997, Pend Oreille Telephone Company in Washington, became the wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company. Pend Oreille Telephone Company has
approximately 2,150 subscribers.
Most
recent acquisition was January 1, 2003 of Nehalem Telecommunications Inc. in
Nehalem, Oregon. This brought an additional 3500 customers.
Carmela RV Park - Located at 1294 West
Madison Ave, Glenns Ferry, Idaho just north of Carmela Winery, along the #4 Fairway of the Golf Course.
The RV Park has 15 sites. All sites are pull-throughs
with trees, grass and full hook-ups. Any size of RV can be accommodated. The
view of the golf course and mountains to the north, the vineyards, winery and
the high desert to the south are beautiful and relaxing.
The
winery, restaurant, lounge, golf course, pro shop, driving range, horseshoe
pit, and fishing pond are all within walking distance.
Carmela RV Park offers courtesy bikes to tour Glenns Ferry
or for a country road outing. We want to thank all who share this special
place.
The 2009
RV Park rates are $22.00 per night. Reservations are not required, but we
recommend that you take advantage of the No Fee Reservation policy. For
availability and reservations, call Stan Branch, 208-366-2773 or the Winery,
208-366-2313.
Enjoy!!!
Carmela Winery, Restaurant, Golf
Course, and Lounge - owned and operated by Roger Jones, is one of Idaho’s most
complete wineries. Varieties of wine made include Chardonnay, Semillon,
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet
Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir. Thirty acres of
vineyards surround the winery on a slope overlooking the Snake River. Carmela has a 60,000 gallon capacity in its growing wine
cellar, and is complete with lab and bottling room, gift shop, restaurant, and
a 9 hole 34 par golf course that winds through the
vineyards.
Visit our
beautiful winery and spend some quality time tasting our award winning wines.
Take a tour of our wine cellar. Stay in our cozy cabin, relax with a round of
golf, have a refreshing drink in our lounge before enjoying a wonderful meal in
our dining room.
Banquet
facilities are available for weddings, family and class reunions, conferences and
other special events.
Winery is
open from 8:00 a.m. till bar closes.
Carmela Vineyards is located at
1289 West Madison, Glenns Ferry
Phone: 208-366-2313 * Fax: 208-366-2458 * Web:
http://www.carmelavineyards.com
Penner & Fink Insurance is a locally owned and
operated insurance agency established in 1995. Dustin and Jonelle
purchased the agency from K Clark who started the business in 1969. They
specialize in personal service and help local families and business owners with
their insurance needs. As an independent agency they are able to offer all
types of insurance thru multiple line companies. Lillian Stump and Patty Villavencencio complete their exceptional staff. Patty is
available to offer insurance assistance to their Spanish speaking clients.
Located in downtown Glenns Ferry they service all of Elmore County and beyond.
Please stop by for a visit or give them a call for a free quote.
Derail/Oregon Trail Cafe & Bar - located at 37 E Idaho
Street, is family owned and operated. Established in 1887 as the Derail Bar and
a favorite place for Rail Roaders to relax and enjoy
a cold one. The old mirrored, marble back counter from the old pharmacy in town
is still part of the decor. It has been updated to a cabin decor with a counter
that was made from a pine log out of the Rocky Bar area.
We are
famously known for our large half pound variety of burgers. We also serve
Buffalo Burgers home-raised out of King Hill on Summer Creek Ranches.
There is
a full menu including breakfast, lunch and dinner, with everything from ham
& eggs to T-bone steaks, and all the trimmings. A full bar with friendly
bartenders is also there to greet you.
So for a
Sunday drive, dinner out, or a Saturday night fun time, come visit the
Derail/Oregon Trail Cafe & Bar and say hello to everyone. Here - you are
treated like one of the regulars. There’s no stranger at the Derail!!
Three Island Real Estate - Located at 22 E. 1st
Avenue, Glenns Ferry, Idaho. Welcome to Glenns Ferry! Let us introduce ourselves, we are Dennis and Jill Laib.
Dennis is the broker of Three Island Real Estate; and I am his wife and agent,
Jill. I am a life long resident of Glenns Ferry; and Dennis spent years as a
child in King Hill. His family moved to another state, but Dennis returned to
Glenns Ferry in 1975.
Dennis
has been a journeyman electrician for years and knows this area very well. We
also own and operate Three Island Storage and have rental properties. We have
farmed since 1978 and have seen the farming industry first hand. Dennis’
background in the electrical business, farming and property management gives
added experience and knowledge to better serve you in this area of Idaho. We
are very passionate about the rich history we have here and have enjoyed
working with many others in helping to see the Oregon Trail History and
Education Center built at Three Island State Park; as well as a revitalization
project to beautify our town and accentuate its heritage. Glenns Ferry has many
great amenities as well. For a small community, there is much here!
We really
enjoy spending time with our family of 4 children, two daughters-in-law, a
son-in-law and two darling granddaughters!
We love
this area of Idaho, and the town we live in. We are not only anxious to share
with you our properties for sale; but are always excited to see great people
move into our area and enjoy what we enjoy. Come visit us and see for
yourselves! Phone 366-2253, Cell 599-0703, Website www.glennsferryre.com.
Dennis
and Jill would like to extend a sincere “Happy 100th Birthday, Glenns Ferry.”
A Wee Croft Kitchen - My husband, (sous chef & technical manager) and I started in 1998 at
the Mountain Home Farmers’ Market, with sheep pelts, fiber, soap, eggs,
sausages, and a hibachi. We were sheep producers and hand spinners of wool
trying to make it all pay.
The
hibachi was for the purpose of offering tastes of our lamb polish sausages to
the public. Well, we sold out of sausages the first day! The next market we got
requests for sandwiches. So we went back to the Health department to find out
what was required. Meeting requirements and license in hand we offered both
breakfast and lunch. Then we were
approached to cater and do concessions at locals sporting events. To better
prepare myself for the future, I completed a Culinary Arts Associates of
Applied Science degree with honors at the College of Southern Idaho. Formal
training plus nine years experience in the food service industry makes for a
good foundation to build a business.
From our humble hibachi beginnings we now have three units to work from
depending on the event/menu, a 4’x7’ trailer with grill, burners, steam table
and sinks, a 6’x10’ grill and smoker; and a 8’by 24’ enclosed trailer that
contains a complete commercial kitchen.
We
particularly love events that celebrate the togetherness of the family. To date
we have done open houses, class reunions, birthday parties, family reunions,
sporting events, organizational events, and fundraisers. We can comfortably
handle up to 250 people.
I have also
hired out to assist young mothers and recovering surgery patients put away some
replacement meals.
The
bottom line is I found something that makes my heart sing!
A Wee Croft Kitchen has formed a subdivision - Gramma Gianelli’s
Pantry! We bake three days a week and have returned to the Mountain Home Farmers’Market (where we began in 2000) on Saturdays. We
usually have two to four types of bread in full and half loaves, lemon poppy
seed and orange cranberry bread in several sizes, cherry & apple turnovers,
and now dog biscuits! There’s usually a surprise or two in addition. Just call
or email by Wednesdays and deliveries will be made at the market on Saturdays
until the end of the market (October 31st). The good news is that we’ll be
baking through the winter months too, and especially for the holidays.
Deliveries in Mountain Home and Glenns Ferry will be available. Loof for our new
flyers and the website soon for more details.
chefdarlene@aweecroftkitchen.com or aweecroftkitchen@mindspring.com or at 366-2413
or 599-0223
Main Street Garage - owned by Jimi Orr, moved to Glenns Ferry from Connecticut. Jimi enjoys the great outdoors and the friendly community
that Glenns Ferry has to offer. He is ASE Certified and prides himself in being
a man of integrity and getting a job done right. So if you locked your keys in
your car, your car is making strange noises or simply stops running, Main
Street Garage can come to your rescue. And if you can’t locate Jimi you may be able to find him out on the golf course!
Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 8am to 6pm, located at 102 East
First Avenue in Glenns Ferry.
The photo above right was taken in 1952
when it was the Kaiser - Frazer Gas Station. The girls riding in the boat were
(l-r) Elaine Carnahan Pachnar, Cherrie Wood, Mary
Anne Barnes/Colson, Shirley Allred Lyle, Fern Schwager, and the small child is Anita Barnes Lowen (Mary Anne’s sister.
Diamond Laundry, Inc. - Clarence ‘Clix’ King and McSherry purchased
the old ’Ferry Steam Laundry’ in a bankruptcy in 1948. They changed the name to
‘Diamond Laundry’.
In 1957 Richard ’Dick’ King, son of Clix,
purchased Diamond Laundry to keep it as the family business. In 1977 a
complete remodel of the building took place that took about a year.
Dick sold
Diamond Laundry in 1993 to Kevin King, Doug King and Pam Darrington.
Trail Break RV Park was established around
1949. At that time it was named the Trails West Trailer Court and Campground.
The trailers were small and carried names like Fireball, Shasta, Aristocrat, Airstream and Scotty. Two of these trailers could be parked
on a space that now accommodates only one large motorcoach.
Times have changed and so have the owners. It has changed hands numerous times
over the years. In the early 1950’s part of the park was acquired by the state
for the construction of a bypass road. Today we refer to this road as “Old
Highway 30” or Frontage Road. The park acquired what was left of 4th Avenue
from Elmore Street to Bannock Street.
Trails West became the Trail Break RV Park about ten years ago. It
is now operated as an RV Park and Campground. New owners acquired the park in
October, 2005. Since then extensive renovation of the main building has taken
place. A western style facade was added and old west memorabilia can be found
adorning the building’s walls. In addition many old dead trees have been
removed and new trees, shrubs and a waterfall have been added. Tent spaces were
created in the east ‘meadow’ with small fire pits, grills and picnic tables.
Many of the mature trees are still providing shade and respite from the hot
summer sun to RVer’s and tent campers. There are now
28 full hookup sites and 8 tent sites. Restrooms with showers and a laundry
room beckon to tired travelers or weekend guests. Cable TV, Wi-Fi,
and a small play area for children are also available.
The Trail
Break RV Park is located within the city limits of Glenns Ferry at 432 N
Bannock Street. It is open all year. If you are coming to visit our town, stop
and say hello.
N. Kurtze and B. DeWilde, Owners
208-366-7745
Hometown Hardware is owned by Larry and
Cheryl Rose. Remember when you could go to the hardware store and find anything
you needed? Well... you still can at Hometown Hardware & Gifts, located at
90 E Idaho Street in Glenns Ferry, Idaho.
Hometown
Hardware & Gifts is one of the largest stores in Glenns Ferry and the
business is operated to accommodate the citizens and visitors in the area.
From housewares & hardware to plumbing & electrical, you
can find just about anything you ever need, for whatever project you are
working on. They have one of the largest selections of screws, nuts, and bolts.
There is paint and paint supplies, and lawn and garden supplies as well.
The outdoorsman
can find fishing, hunting and camping supplies. Gardeners can find a wide
variety of garden tools as well as lawn accessories, fertilizer, potting mix
and plant food. (by the way, the plants aren’t for
sale).
The houseware section has cleaning and kitchen supplies along
with cookware and bakeware. There is even a Rug
Doctor for rent.
You will
find numerous gifts in the gift section for just about anyone. Soy candles from
Bean Pod, lotions from Camille Beckman, Willow Tree decorative ornaments,
Cherished Teddies, just to name a few. There are gift cards and gift wrapping
supplies as well.
Stop in
and visit Hometown Hardware & Gifts, you will truly find just about
anything you need.
Larry and
Cheryl would like to congratulate Glenns Ferry on 100 years!
Martin House and Martin’s Jewelry Store - The house (pictured above right)
belonged to D.W. and Myrtle Martin. The Martin’s cleared 18 acres of land along
the Snake River and ferried all the sandstone blocks across the river to build
the house. Mayor JoAnne Coon-Lanham and her brother
Jack Coon were born in this house. The property belongs to Gib
and Melanie Brown.
The Martin’s
also owned the Martin’s Jewelry Store. Mr. Martin was the official watch
repairman for the U.P. Railroad. It was a familiar sight to see U.P.
conductors, brakemen and various other U. P. employees stop by the store and
check the time on their pocket watches with the big old grandfather clock that
stood in the front of the store.
The store was in
business for over 40 years, but was destroyed by fire in 1965. The store
building was rebuilt and was used for various businesses over the years. It is
now the Quilt Shop owned by Bill & Sue Hopper.
Pictured above left is a recent photo of where Martin’s
Jewelry Store was located before a fire destroyed it. Above right is a photo of
the old Martin House. As you can see by the photo, the house was well
constructed and the photo directly below is what the house looks like today,
which is currently owned by Gib and Melanie Brown.
Revitalization Project
Glenns Ferry
Revitalization Committee was formed October 2006 and has made great strides.
The Committee is very interested in preserving the diverse history of the area.
By showcasing the history and combining it with the preservation of many older
structures, the town is artfully being given a much needed face-lift.
Many of the
older buildings have been in use since they were built,
some are restored and other torn down. The Gorby
Opera House, Shrum Motor Company Building,
and the Commercial Hotel are just a few that have been renovated.
The Committee
has been rejuvenating the Old Livery Barn on 1st Street. It received its first
coat of paint in 2007 and the second coat in 2008. Also a local artist was
commissioned to paint a horse drawn buggy on the barn identifying it as “Bostic’s Livery Barn”. The artist also painted a mural on
the old Simplot Tank. The history of Glenns Ferry is
depicted in panoramic view. A mural on the side of a historical building
downtown depicts the pioneers crossing the Snake River.
The Chamber of
Commerce has enhanced the parking lot with an old wagon filled with a variety
of flowers and lights. A four sided Town Square Clock is being installed on the
corner of 1st Avenue and Commercial Avenue.
Sidewalks have
been torn out and replaced, with added brick pavers and three curb cuts.
The Committee
is placing dark green, old-fashioned, decorative and functional street lamps
throughout the downtown. The lamps will be offered for sale and the purchaser
has the option of having their family or business name on the brick-red banner
that hangs from the lamp. The center will have the choice of five icons with
the establishment date of 1909: wagon, wheel, steam engine, dream catcher, or
water wheel.
Teak wagon
wheel benches have been strategically placed around town. The purchaser will
have an identifying plaque attached.
The
revitalization of Glenns Ferry would be just a vision of the Committee, but
with grants, the cooperation of the City, property owners and a lot of
volunteer help, it is a vision that has become a reality.
Source:
Vicki Smith, Glenns Ferry Community Profile
Glenns Ferry History
Back when
the mighty Snake River was wild and untamed, it was very dangerous to cross.
The water was deep, fast, and extremely cold. However, crossing the river saved
many miles of travel to Fort Boise. Wagon trains made the crossing near present
day Glenns Ferry, Idaho where three small islands were situated like stepping
stones across the river. These three islands split the current into channels
and made crossing easier. Where the channel was most narrow between the bank
and the first island, they pushed in their cattle and wagons, crossing island
by island, family by family. They crossed knowing that one simple mistake could
mean disaster for their family by the swift under-current that had taken many
lives before.
The
pioneers knew this crossing well. It was one of the most famous river crossings
on the Oregon Trail.
The
Oregon Trail played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of the
Pacific Northwest. The original course of the Oregon Trail was from
Independence, Missouri to Oregon City in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Most
Pioneers traveled the trail from 1841 through 1848. Native Americans had been
using the known trails and passages for thousands of years and introduced these
routes to trappers and explorers who used the travel corridor as early as 1811.
By the mid 1860’s, the trail was used little as an emigration route.
Five
hundred “Oregon Trail miles” passed through South Idaho. Back in those days the
pioneer emigrants entered the southeast corner of the state near Soda Springs.
At Fort Hall, the trail followed the south bank of the Snake River to a
suitable crossing called Three Island Crossing.
Pioneers
had a difficult decision to make before continuing westward...risk the
dangerous crossing of the Snake, or endure the longer dry and rocky route along
the south bank river. The rewards of a successful crossing were a shorter
route, more portable water, and better feed for their stock.
Long
before there was anyone at a place called Glenns Ferry there were Native
Americans using what was to become the Oregon Trail. The trail of Chief Buffalo
Horn, the Shoshone Indians, the Bannocks and other Native American tribes was
the link between the Indian cultures of the Plains and the Midwest who hunted
buffalo, and the ways of the Northwest tribes whose dietary staple was salmon
and other fish. At the Three Islands, these cultures met.
The three
island crossing of the Snake River by pioneers was more than just a test of
will, stamina, and brute strength. The crossing was a transformation from one
culture to another, from one country to another. The crossing was the place
where you either committed to the new West or you went back. Those who crossed
had clearly committed to their right of Manifest Destiny.
In the
spring of 1883, the locality was invaded by a force of tracklayers. It was at
this time, when the construction crews laid the tracks of the Oregon Short Line
Railroad, that the actual town of Glenns Ferry came into existence. The
establishment of a post office, and O.S. Glenn having been appointed
postmaster, the site required a formal name. And what more
suitable a name than “Glenns Ferry” in recognition of the contributions made by
the Glenn family. The railroad led to the eventual discontinuances of
the ferry boat service around 1889.
In 1886,
W.M. Stockton platted the land that Glenns Ferry stands on. He owned the town
site for several years and watched Glenns Ferry grow into a thriving and
prosperous town.
But the
town was not without setbacks. Fire hit the town not only in 1893, but in 1897
and 1906.
The
devastating fire in 1893 destroyed the business portion of the town. The
destruction included a drug store, post office, store and warehouse, saloon,
meeting hall, lodging house, meat market and barber shop. Several residences
were destroyed. But the buildings were soon replaced and Glenns Ferry continued
to survive.
But four
years later (1987), another fire destroyed more businesses. Included
in that fire was a hotel, restaurant, saloon, shoe shop and another restaurant
that was vacant.
By the
time Glenns Ferry was incorporated in 1909, the latest fire had destroyed more
buildings. But each time rebuilding was done. A year before it was
incorporated, the town had the following businesses: a large general
Merchandise store, Mercantile Co. that supplied staple goods to sheep camps
every week, a bank, meat market, lumber company and hardware store, an economy
store, drug store, two-chair barber shop, livery stable, lodging house, and a
tailor shop. There was also a cigar store and a saloon.
The
proprietors of these businesses were the Commercial Club. They were responsible
for many good things done in and for the community until the incorporation of
Glenns Ferry in 1909.
Glenns Ferry
Idaho Street 1906 Idaho
Street 1952
The Oregon Short Line
Roundhouse was built in 1886. Shops were moved in from Idaho Falls, and a
depot, coal platform, ice house, pump house, store, and office building were
built making Glenns Ferry an important division point for the railroad in 1887.
~ GLENNS FERRY ~
GUS GLENN AND HIS FERRY
BOAT
Gus Glenn
started west in the early 1860s. By 1863 he had acquired a freight wagon and ox
team and was hauling freight on the Oregon Trail. That trail was the main route
across the Snake Country as Southern Idaho was then called. It was a long,
dusty and dry trip from Fort Hall to the Snake River Crossing. .
For
almost twenty-five years, since the opening of the trail, the Three Island
Crossing at Glenns Ferry had been one of the few ways across the Snake River.
This treacherous crossing had claimed many lives and wagons in those years and
with the increased freight-wagon traffic on the trail it was a huge bottleneck
to the movement of supplies and freight through the country. The Idaho City and
South Boise gold fields were ripe markets for all kinds of merchandise to be
sold and most of it was being brought in from the Columbia River to Walla Walla and then overland to the gold camps.
Glenn and
his big freight wagon pulled by a twenty-ox team began to haul from the Union
Pacific railhead as it crossed the Continent. He came from a prominent family
and had come out west to find his fortune. He immediately saw the opportunity
at the Three Island Crossing and began to take advantage of it. With the
railroad coming and the gold being discovered in the mountains he knew it
wouldn’t be long until the trail was a major freight route. Along with the
ferry he founded a town and helped build a large stone house that still stands
after more than 140 years.
Gus Glenn
found that the Three Island Crossing was a dangerous and tricky business to get
the big wagons and their heavy loads across the powerful river. Chains and
ropes and swimming the oxen across and then the long pull from the other bank
made it a life-threatening job to get the merchandise over. Gus knew that there
was no money to be made by goods that went to the bottom of the river. Costs were
high enough let alone paying for merchandise that wasn’t delivered. Uncle Ezra
Meeker had ferried folks across the river a few years earlier but he didn’t
establish a permanent business.
Just
upstream from the Three Island Crossing was a flat piece of water. Gus took a
look at it, rode his horse out into the river and took some depth readings.
Yes, it was deep enough for a ferryboat to have draft enough to haul the heavy
loaded freight wagons across. There were high banks on either side, just right for
cutting down into a driveway for loading a ferry. The cable would be high enough, dead-manned
into the banks that it wouldn’t interfere with the operation; an ideal
situation for an up and coming fellow that was interested in making some money.
Glenn
went back to Fort Hall and telegraphed his family to send cable, pulleys and
barrels of tar by the Union Pacific. In the meantime he contracted for lumber
to be sawed for the boat. There wasn’t
any timber except cottonwood along the banks of the Snake River and he needed
good planking to build the boat and its strong deck. The hull had to be
waterproof and not get waterlogged. The tar would do the trick for that.
Gus’s
father, Harvey, knew that his son was no fool and was on to a moneymaking
proposition out there in the Snake Country wilderness of Idaho Territory. He
got the cable, pulleys and tar, along with nails, bolts and hinges that he
thought his son would need and shipped it all off to Gustavus
P. Glenn, c/o Union Pacific freight depot, ‘end of track’.
By the
time the equipment from his dad arrived Gus had the lumber ready and loading
the cable on the top of the planks he geed and hawed
the oxen out onto the Oregon Trail headed for the Three Island Crossing. He
wanted to get the boat built and the ferry running while the
water was low in the late fall. Then he would be set for the spring rush
of traffic.
He set up
camp on the south side of the river and began to build the boat. He needed help
and hired a couple of men who were looking for a few dollars to tide them over
until they could get to the great new gold find at Rocky Bar. The three of them
began working to build the boat. Gus having never built a boat before but being
uncommonly perceptive in seeing how things worked just by looking at them and
having seen several ferry boats in rivers at home, had no trouble in designing
it in his head and since he had his own freight wagon right there he knew how
long and wide it had to be. The main concern was for it to bear up the weight
of a loaded wagon without sinking.
They
built the boat, caulked and tarred it and put on the deck. It looked good and
it floated; that too was a good sign. They put in the dead-man and connected
the cable to it with the clamps that Gus’s dad had thought to send. Then Gus
swam his horse across the river pulling along the rope that would be used to
pull over the cable. Bringing the men over in a little bullboat they dug the
hole for the dead-man on the north side and got everything ready. Now the trick
was to get the cable across. The rope was too long for heavy pulling but if
they tied the cable to some cottonwood logs and brought it across that way it
just might work. Gus swam two yoke of oxen across to the north side and left
the men on the south to feed out the cable and attach it to the cottonwood
logs.
Glenn had
the oxen in the water as deep as they would stand while he swam around and
hooked the rope to the doubletree. The shorter the pull the
better. The men on the other side gave him the signal and he geed and hawed the big animals slowly up the bank, watching the cable
come off the other side and the cottonwood logs begin to float. The current
began to take it down stream and he knew that he wouldn’t get it across if it
got away. The team pulled the rope tighter
and it was wet and stretched. Then, it came taught as the stretch went out of
it and the logs with the cable pulled on across as the men pulled it out on the
far bank. The log came out on the north shore and he stopped the oxen and
backed them up and hooked a chain to the cable and to the doubletree. Now he
had the cable across.
The men
came across and they had a little celebration for getting the cable over
without any mishap. But the next day was hard work connecting the cable to the
dead-man and pulling it tight and up above the water. That took two days of
hard work. Finally it was in place and they went back to the south side to
attach the ferry to the cable. That was no easy job. It was big and awkward and
heavy but finally after a great deal of work using the ox teams to get it in
place, it was on the cable and floating.
They
pulled the boat across and then back. It worked fine. But the big test was how
would it work with a load? They built
the ramp to the boat and loaded on four oxen. They went across fine. Loaded two more for a total of six, over and back without a hitch.
Next came the big freight wagon. They backed it on
empty, no sense in tempting the water gods of the Snake River too much at one
time. It went across fine even with a wind blowing down the river. The boat
came taught against the cable and held fine even with the current and the wind
putting a heavy downstream stress on the cable.
The big
test was to load the wagon with rocks and put it on the boat and take it
across, how much load did they want to try? Gus said, “load ‘er up,
let’s see what she can haul. If it breaks we have to fix it or it’s no good for
the work it has to do. Load ‘er up.” They hitched up
the oxen and went up hill and loaded on a big load of lava, more than the load
any wagon would ever haul on the Trail. But he wanted to make sure his ferry
was good and right and probably most of all would make money.
They
backed the loaded wagon on to the ferryboat. It went down until it had only
about 5 inches of freeboard. They poled it away from the bank and as the
current caught the boat the cable tightened against the weight of the loaded
wagon. The cable stretched and the pulleys creaked as the ferry crossed the
river. But it held and on the return trip Gus offered the two men jobs as
freighters on his wagon while he stayed and ran the ferry.
Gus Glenn
built a little dugout on the north side of the river and began to run the ferry
charging $5.00 for each wagon he took across the Snake. Soon, the transcontinental
railroad was completed and Glenns Ferry was a stopping place on the Kelton Road and folks began to settle there. But that’s
another story.
Glen Brothers at Branding Time.
Horace is on the white horse and Charlie is on the darker.
Roy Glen and Sam Blackwell on the ground
Copyright
2001, John Hiler
All
rights reserved
Sources,
Stein
– Hiler Family
Charlie
& Roy Glenn, recollections
Glenn
Family – Jenny Glenn archives
Groefsema, Elmore
Ransel & Durand, Crossroads
Glenns Ferry Historic Museum
Glenns Ferry Historic Museum
- located in the old schoolhouse, was built of native stone in 1909. Since
1986, five rooms and a large entrance hall have been restored and have many
interesting artifacts pertaining to the area. One room contains the history of
Glenns Ferry, King Hill and Hammett schools. Another room contains interesting
railroad memorabilia and many military articles and souvenirs. Across the hall
is a room filled with nostalgia of the past including kitchen area, clothing,
toys, tools, etc.
Stockton Home Burns Down
William and Nancy Stockton gave the railroad a
strip of their preempted land and located Glenns Ferry at its present site just
north and west of the original settlement in 1883. Their farmhouse is now owned
by Dick and Ann Harder on the corner of Commercial and Garfield Streets. The Harder’s bought the house in 1967. They lived in the house
for 42 years. Many changes were made during that time. Then on
Water System
Before 1915 the little pioneer town of
The preferred supply was from the railroad
engine tanks from the west containing more choice water. When they would roll
into town, the residents would bring water buckets for a supply.
The next water ‘delivery’ was hauling
barrels from the river. Later on it was brought by the railroad. Albert Stein
had a well drilled in 1898 that was run by a windmill and a large tank was
installed. It was considered much improved over barrel hauling. It was used
until the new water system was built.
The village council had begun considering a
municipal water system in the early part of 1914. In June of the next year
actual work started. A site for the well, after several test wells were dug,
was at the end of
The well would be 13 feet wide and deep
enough to supply sufficient water. The steel tank was placed at the end of
