Historical Society shares a piece of Idaho history with lawmakers…

As is its custom, the state Historical Society brought a historical treasure to the Capitol today when it came before JFAC for its annual budget hearing. It’s what Rep. Linden Bateman, R-Idaho Falls, called, “A photo album of the most important camping trip in the history of the state of Idaho.” The 1928 photos in the album show a trip into the Middle Fork of the Salmon River that included then-Idaho Gov. Clarence Baldridge, timber official Harry Shellworth, and Kellogg mining executive Stanley  Easton, which Shellworth organized in an early effort to win preservation for the spectacular natural area. The album was displayed today at the close of the budget hearing, and also in both the House and Senate chambers.

Idaho’s first game preserve was later established in the area. Then, “In 1930, Gov. Baldridge petitioned the Forest Service to create a 1.5 million acre primitive area in the central area of Idaho,” Bateman told the House. “It’s important to note the state took the initiative, it wasn’t the federal government. The state took the initiative.” He added, “We love the wide open spaces of Idaho. … We’re so blessed to live in this state.”

Gov. Butch Otter’s budget recommendation for the Historical Society for next year shows an unusual percentage increase – a 153 percent increase in state funding. But that’s almost entirely because it includes $4 million for the next construction phase of the state Historical Museum, which is being renovated and expanded; private gifts will be raised to match that amount.

Bateman told the House, “They’re engaged in some fantastic projects right now. … They’re renovating and expanding the museum.” When the project’s done, he said, “Twice as many artifacts can be put on display. We gain from the greatness of the past courage and confidence for the future.”