LibraryAware May/June 2023

What's New in Local and Idaho History

@Twin Falls Public Library

May/June 2023

Your personal records could have historical value

for our community...

If you're cleaning out your closets and have more stuff than you want to hang on to, you might consider donating some of your local-interest photos, documents, and other items to the Library's Idaho Room Collection. Your items could help to expand our knowledge of life in Twin Falls and the Magic Valley, especially if they are related to civic, business, religious, political, and social activities.

Here's an idea of items you might have boxed away that have historical value:

Reminiscences or diaries Scrapbooks/photo albums

Professional papers, legal documents Speeches/lectures

Articles/essays Organization minutes/reports

Brochures and fliers Awards/certificates

Photographs of local places, events Films/videos/audio tapes

Questions about the process?

Contact Jennifer Hills at jhills@twinfallspubliclibrary.org.

Upcoming Events

Check out one of these local history programs:

Homes of Twin Falls History Walk

Fri, June 16 • 10:30 AM

Join us for a leisurely walk around some

of the beautiful residential streets of downtown Twin Falls. Librarian and Historian Jennifer Hills will point out

some key structures and share stories and trivia. The walk takes about 90 minutes. Wear sunscreen and sturdy shoes!

Live History Day at the Idaho Farm and Ranch Museum

Sat, June 17

Presented by the Jerome County Historical Society, this annual event features displays, demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and more with a focus on our local heritage. Call 208-324-5641 for hours and more information.

Mysteries of the City Park Cannons

In 1916, an article in the Twin Falls News mentioned that the foundations were being installed for the display in City Park of two war cannons. The reasons behind the display were not mentioned - perhaps they were thought of as an interesting feature that might highlight an aspect of history. Surely, some of the children who played in the Park thought they were a great addition (some of you may remember a tank in Harmon Park in later years.)

The cannons (one seen at bottom right of the photo) remained in the Park until 1942, when the war effort came to collect scrap metal during World War II. The City Council voted to exchange the cannon for future replacements from the current war, though none eventually made it back to Twin Falls. Another mystery...

It was a mostly "peaceful" existence for those cannon for almost 30 years - except for an incident in 1937. The Idaho Evening Times reported in November that one of the cannons had gone missing. A widespread search had taken place, but the 300 pound cannon had basically vanished into thin air.

On January 6, 1938, the paper was finally able to say that the mystery had been partially solved. A couple of local boys had discovered the cannon in Rock Creek Canyon, near the bridge on Shoshone, obscured by branches and stones. How it got there, why, and by whom is still a mystery - especially as it took five men to get it out!

New Books on Idaho Topics

The Last Honest Man: the CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, and the Kennedys - and One Senator's Fight to Save Democracy
by James Risen

As witnesses were mysteriously murdered and the FBI, NSA, CIA and even the IRS were on the warpath in 1975, an Idaho senator named Frank Church stood almost alone in the face of extraordinary abuses of power.

Camping Idaho: A Comprehensive Guide to the State's Best Campgrounds
by Randy Stapilus

This comprehensive guidebook gives detailed descriptions of more than 300 public campgrounds throughout Idaho's widely varied scenery. Managed by national, state, city, and county parks; the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Idaho Power Company, they're in remote wilderness areas and near cities, in deserts and on mountaintops, along roaring streams and by popular fishing and boating lakes.

Love in the Library
by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

This elegant picture book sheds light on a dark chapter of American history after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Tama works in a library at the Minidoka Japanese Internment Center and befriends a man who also seeks solace in pages bursting with color and light.

Photo Finish

Examining one of several information pamphlets available to tourists at the tourist information booth on the south side of Perrine Memorial Bridge are, from left to right, Ray Rostron, secretary and manager of the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Harold Griff and Mrs. Bill Morrison, members of the Twin Falls Jay-C-Ettes; June 1965.

Photographer: O. A. "Gus" Kelker

Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? Let us Know!