Twin Falls Public Library: New in Local History: March/April 2025

What's New in Local and Idaho History

@Twin Falls Public Library

March/April 2025

"Building" A Collection

Some of the most recognizable elements of our shared historical heritage are the architectural structures that we inherit. Whether it's a school, a barn, a business, or even a band shell, tracking changes over time can give us a fascinating glimpse into the past - how our fellow ancestors thought about themselves through their buildings, what and how they chose to build, and how the structures have been modified to fit into the present and future.

This is the basis of one of the projects we are continually working on - tracing the evolution of local buildings. Any time we run across a new photo, a newspaper ad, or even a mention of a structure in an interview, we're adding that to our collection so we can share that information with our community. If you've ever been curious about one of these structures, stop in and see what we've compiled. It just might give you a different perspective!

{And, see a story on 132 Main Ave S below!}

Local History Events

A Historical and Contemporary Musical Travelogue of the People, Places and Stories of Idaho

Tue, April 8 • 7:30 PM

The "Idaho Originals" unique musical presentation features duo Crazy Love performing eight original songs about Idaho along with the stories of how each song came about.

The Brilliance of the American Revolution: Constitutional Origins and Judicial Independence

with Dr. David Adler

Thu, April 24 • 6:30 PM

Join us in the TFPL Program Room for a talk about how the American Revolution also brought about a constitutional revolution that reveals the creativity and can-do spirit that have been hallmarks of the American character ever since.

132 Main Ave S

As we compile information about buildings for the Idaho Room, sometimes their histories aren't quite as straightforward as we think (or hope!). For example, a delve into the history of the building that stands at 132 Main Ave S today - which was the King's building for many years and is now Main Street Plaza - we found that it actually started life as three separate buildings.

The picture above shows those three structures around 1906. The building on the very left is the Liberal Cigar Store. In time, it became the Twin Falls Cafe and was run by Tom Koto before he moved down the street (and then eventually built the Koto bulding in 1920). A fire gutted it in 1915, and it was inhabited by a hardware store, a clothing store, and a couple of variety stores until it was annexed by the other two buildings in 1940.

The middle building was once the Dime Theatre. In 1913, the frame building was removed, long with the one on the right, and a new building, called the Central Building was constructed on those two lots. It also housed various businesses - hardware, clothing - until Woolworth's moved in in 1930. They then bought the rest of the Central Building and expanded their business.

The building on the right housed a barber shop, Walter Priebe's first jewelry store before he moved into the Bank & Trust building around 1911, and several drug stores. In 1936, Woolworth's remodeled the entire Central building and then combined all three buildings in 1940 (below). King's moved in in 1969.

Though the "Central Building" sign has been covered, you may still be able to see signs of the older buildings if you look close enough!

New Books on Idaho Topics

Celebrating Palouse Country: A History of the Landscape in Text and Images
by Richard D. Scheuerman

Travel through time among the Palouse Country's beauty and expanse, starting with its First Peoples. This 30th anniversary edition of an exceptional author and photographer collaboration presents an updated Palouse history enriched with spectacular new images.

Craters of the Moon National Monument
by Ted E. Stout

In the 1920s, Robert Limbert explored the area and shared his adventures with a wider audience through his photography and writing. In 1924, Pres. Calvin Coolidge established Craters of the Moon National Monument, ushering in a new era of National Park Service management. Three other presidents expanded the boundary, leading to a much larger monument and preserve. More than 100 years of Craters of the Moon's history are celebrated in this pictorial guide.

Managed Extinction: The Decline and Loss of Wild Salmon and Steelhead in the Pacific Northwest

by Rick Williams and Jim Lichatowich

Book Author

Describes the decline of wild salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest over the last 150 years, discussing extinction, habitat alteration, dams, hatchery production, and conservation measures. Also speaks to restoration of imperiled upper basin salmon and steelhead populations, the potential removal of the four Lower Snake River dams, restoration of riverine ecological processes, and development of a new salmon management paradigm that focuses on ecological resilience and stewardship.

Photo Finish

Some flowers to encourage Spring!

{#471; Clarence E. Bisbee}

Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? Let us Know!