We've been adding more Bisbee photos to our Digital Collection, so check it out if you haven't in a while. The whole collection is growing, and unlike personal photos, we have to ensure that we keep up with the metadata so it's easier for our community to find just what they're looking for. The easy part is adding the photo - the hard part is adding all the info for the photo.
In case you're curious, here's the process we go through when adding a photo. Hopefully, we already have most of the basic info, such as a description and photographer (luckily, Bisbee often included a date and place on some of his photos). But, when we come across a photo that doesn't have that info, we have to do some digging. Once we're satisfied, we can add what we've found to a spreadsheet that includes other data we want to keep track of: subject, original format, ownership, relation to any other photos, and clarifying notes or documentation.
Once we've completed the spreadsheet for the current batch we're working on, we can upload everything, match data fields, and make it public. As you can imagine, the whole process can take some time, but once it's done, searching for an image, or a bunch of images, is much easier. Now, if only we could do that with the hundreds of pics we have on our phones!
{The photo above (#1564) is of the final phase of construction of the new Twin Falls High School in 1913. It was taken by Clarence E. Bisbee.}
Get out of the heat and enjoy some natural history! Exhibits include information on the Material Culture of Buffalo Nation and Native American Fishing in Idaho.
Get to know your neighbors better with the new display History of the Magic Valley in Pictures. The exhibit runs through Aug 16.
STORY
In 1936, the Idaho Power Company held an Open House at their Twin Falls power plant site for what they were calling the "House of Today." Forget about what is promised for tomorrow, they seemed to be saying, new technologies can give you your dream house right now.
The house, built in a modern art deco style, included such conveniences as an attached garage, a dishwasher, linoleum, and air conditioning, all supplied by progressive businesses in Twin. The House was opened as a showcase in April of 1936, and members of the public were invited to take a look - and, of course, see how they could incorporate some of these new ideas in their own homes.
After the initial exhibit was over, Idaho Power used the house as a residence for their plant superintendent. Over the years the house has been modified, and only remnants remain of the original. There are plans to rebuild several of the employee houses on their properties, so this one may not be around for much longer.
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{The article with picture is from the Twin Falls Daily News, 26 April 1936.
The photo is #1520 and was taken by Clarence E. Bisbee.}
Chronicles the murders of four innocent college students attending the University of Idaho in 2022 and looks at the investigation into the crime. After more than 300 interviews, James Patterson and prize-winning journalist Vicky Ward finally have some answers. A look at Moscow, Idaho, what the local police and FBI did right and wrong, the four heartbroken families, and the backstory for the accused.
A graphic novel depicting three Japanese American individuals with different beliefs and backgrounds who decided to resist imprisonment by the United States government during World War II in different ways. These three stories show the devastating effects of the imprisonment, but also how widespread and varied the resistance was.
The Jerome County Centennial
by Linda Helms
A look at the history of Jerome County - the 43rd county in the 43rd state - through photographs and stories.
Photo Finish
Flying Model Airplanes at Harmon Park, circa 1950s. (#G20, Album Studio)