Local History of Weiser

after which this part of town was simply known as the “Depot,” later as the “West End.” After the railroad excitement died down, Weiser underwent a sort of reaction, when “dull times” were constantly heard, consequently there is nothing of importance to record of that time.

We will pass along to 1889-90, the latter being the expiration of the five years since the prophetic dream. We will see how it was fulfilled by quoting a few locals from the fall of 1889 and spring of 1890: “Last Saturday was a busy day in town, notwithstanding the cry of hard times. Business is now better in Weiser than ever before. The spirit of progress has at last taken hold of our people, and we believe it will continue. As a witness of our assertion take a look at the new and proposed buildings that are being constructed in our midst. The new brick school house is nearing completion; the bell arrived and was put in its place in the tower Wednesday last.” “The Odd Fellows have completed their plans to put up a large brick temple, two stories high and 30×70 in dimensions.”

“A number of substantial dwellings are now being constructed. O.M. Harvey’s on Main street will be a credit to the town.”

“There is talk of building a fine brick court house.”

“F. Jenny and Estabrook have already turned out between four and five hundred thousand good brick, and the season is not nearly over.”

At this time the town really began to attract notice. From the banks of the Weiser River, out far south of the bridge, the business part spread out westward.

At a later date of 1890 we noted the following bold heading in the Leader:

“Hip, Hip; Hurrah!-A Spirit of Progress Has Struck Washington County. The Board of Commissioners Have Ordered the Construction of a $16,000.00 Court House,”

This court house, coming as it did in the early morn of the statehood of Idaho, was a very desirable acquisition, and received complimentary mention from over the state.

Weiser became an incorporated town in 1890. The first board of trade was duly organized at Townley & Walker’s hall, February 18, 1890. The board of directors elected were Benj. W, Watlington, David Gorrie, George M. Waterhouse, Frank Smith and Frank Harris.

Wm. P. Glenn guided the Leader through sunshine and shadow for over six years, then severed his connection with the paper in favor of Messrs. H.S. King, C.J. King, and Frank Harris.

The paper was then conducted under the name of the Weiser Leader Publishing Co. May 2, R.E. Lockwood took charge of the mechanical department of the Leader. This young man was spoken of by an Oregon paper as possessing great literary and poetical talent, which would certainly insure for him a “Signal” success.

In June of 1890, the flames flashes forth and laid Weiser low in ashes. Two whole blocks were destroyed, the loss being estimated at $100,000, with but light insurance. The fire originated from the falling of a lamp in the former Weiser City Hotel. For a few days after the fire everyone seemed paralyzed over their losses. The blackened masses were revolting to the senses. But they rallied their mental equilibrium, and places of business began to replace the old ones. We learn that the first house of Weiser was also destroyed by this eventful fire.

Up to the date of the fire might be termed as the first epoch of Weiser history. But for this fire the history certainly would have been very different. The building up of the West End is to be traced to this event. There were many substantial buildings and places of business, nearly centered, that the town might never have changed; at least would have been slow indeed in moving toward the depot. As it was, a number of good buildings were again rebuilt near the old site, and it was several years before some of them were removed to West Weiser. The Odd Fellows temple, and Weiser City Hotel were among those torn down and rebuilt; the latter by E.M. Barton. There was some dismay manifested when East Weiser awoke one morning to the knowledge that the post office had fled during the night to the new section.

We will but slightly lift the veil from the last epoch of Weiser’s history, covering over fourteen years since the fire.

During the summer of 1890 business began to flourish in West Weiser. Trains coming and going, carpenters and brick masons plying their trades, teams moving with their loads of building material; all forming a picture of business activity. Messers. McGregor and Coakley were putting up the Vendome Hotel; Waterhouse and Jenney had a new building ready for a drug store; J.W. Ayers and A.J. Hopkins were putting up substantial buildings: Jones and Watling were each putting up fine stores; the Idaho Commercial company had completed their new store; the new bank building was in running order; the Weiser Mill company were at work erecting the steam grist mill; J. W. Ayers had his brick office completed; B. W. Watlington had plans for a fine dwelling. There were many smaller improvements that we need not mention.

A new Episcopal church was also among the contemplated improvements.

The Leader then stated that “a few more weeks and the ‘old depot sage brush flat will assume metropolitan airs and appearances that will literally astonish the natives and new-comers.”

The Episcopal church was built in 1892. It was the first church in West Weiser and the second one in town.

The Congregational church was founded in 1893. The next year the Weiser Academy was opened up in this building. The Catholic church was constructed in 1899.

The Christian and M. E. churches will date from 1903.

We shall now leave many important facts in the history of Weiser to brought forth in the thoughts of her people. Those of a mechanical turn will note the ringing anvils and whistling engines.

The aesthetic may find food on which to feast their taste for the beautiful.

The practical will mention the method under which Weiser is being improved.

Those who have educational interest at heart, will speak of our city of schools.

The religious may count the spirals pointing heavenward.

All will surely unite in saying “Truly the desert has been made to blossom the rose.”

THE END