Wildfire Claims Historic School

Tue., Sept. 19, 2000

One of more than a dozen southeastern Idaho wildfires sparked by lightning strikes during the weekend claimed a piece of the region’s history.

The 120-year-old Chesterfield school burned on Sunday before Soda Springs firefighters could reach the old Mormon town site.

But some nearby residents salvaged hundreds of historic books and ledgers stored in the building, as well as foundation files, museum pieces and even old pelts and traps used by early settlers.

The school closed in 1941, but the building remained in use as a heritage center. Resident Jeanine Nelson said more than 7,000 people from 42 states and nine foreign counties visited the old school during the past summer alone.

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Wildfire Claims Historic School

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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