Projects in Progress...

Purchase of the Gilmore Mercantile

Gilmore Mercantile and US Post Office, Gilmore, Idaho.

With the help of the Idaho Heritage Trust, the Lemhi County Historic Preservation Committee, and private donors, the Lemhi County Historical Society and Museum purchased the Gilmore Mercantile and the storage building behind it. The Museum’s goal is to stabilize and restore the Mercantile and, in the process, encourage the appreciation and preservation of local historical sites. The Idaho Heritage Trust has just awarded another grant (2008) to aid in the stabilization process. If you, too, would like to assist us with this worthwhile effort, you may send donations directly to the Lemhi County Historical Society or use Pay Pal specifying “the Gilmore Project.” Any donation you make is tax deductible. In the fall of 2007, Harold Canada donated his portion of the Gilmore Cemetery to the Museum. We would like to build a protective fence around the parameter. If you would like to contribute labor or materials for this project, please contact us!

Acquisition of the Salmon Grange

Salmon Grange Building, located behind the Lemhi County Museum.

Bart and Patricia Templeman made it possible for the Lemhi County Historical Society and Museum to acquire the Salmon Grange building. Once the office of a local newspaper, The Herald, the building has been used by the Grange and as a soup kitchen. In 2007 the Idaho State Grange Association decided to disband inactive granges. Rather than selling the Salmon Grange to a private individual or company, the state Grange officials, in keeping with the organization’s purpose, offered the building to the Lemhi County Historical Society so it could remain in community service. The Templemans made the acquisition possible. With a portion of their generous donation in memory of Patricia’s parents, Fred and Thelma Ramey, the Board of Directors purchased the Grange on behalf of the Society.

Both Idaho Power and the Salmon Rotary Club contributed to the preservation of the building, putting in new windows, doors, and replacing the roof. Long-range plans include a new ceiling and a new paint job. Once renovations are completed, the Salmon Grange Museum in memory of Fred and Thelma Ramey will be used for special exhibits. Contributions for this project (labor, materials, monetary donations) can be made by contacting the Museum directly or by making a donation through Pay Pal. All donations are tax deductible.