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 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.

Help Preserve Your History.

INTERPRETIVE PANELS AT GILMORE
On August 2, 2008, six interpretive panels were installed near the Gilmore Mercantile: two panels tell the story of the mining in the Gilmore area, two panels tell the story of the community of Gilmore, and two panels explain the history of the Gilmore and Pittsburgh. Photos and history were provided by the Lemhi County Historical Society and Museum, along with local residents.

Project made possible through a Challenge Cost Share Grant to the Lemhi County Historical Society from the Bureau of Land Management: this cooperative project has been in place for three years and resulted in a traveling interpretive exhibit on Gilmore and the G & P; a permanent exhibit in the Lemhi County Museum; and the interpretive panels now at Gilmore. Interpretive panel design was provided by

Antonia Hedrick of the Bureau of Land Management.Program initiated through the assistance of Linda Clark, formerly with the Salmon Field Office, and Gloria Jakovac.

Once the office of a local newspaper, The Herald, this building has a long history of community use: it served as the Salmon Grange, a soup kitchen, a center for community programs, and is now part of the Lemhi County Historical Museum. In 2007, the Idaho State Grange Association disbanded 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. Bart and Patricia Templeman 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 “Fred and Thelma Ramey Salmon Grange Museum” will be used for special exhibits and for the expansion of the photo department. 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.

Help Preserve Your History.