Located in southeast Idaho, along the banks of the Portneuf River, Pocatello has a rich and colorful history. Early pioneers, gold miners, trappers and settlers came through the Portneuf Gap and into early Pocatello. Stage lines and the railroad came later and Pocatello grew to be a key area in trade and transportation. Though the earliest of shacks, homes, shops and buildings are long gone, many beautiful brick and stone edifices still stand. This site will bridge the past with the present with a collection of old photographs along with current photos showing how many buildings and parts of the city have changed ... yet ... some have changed little. We hope you enjoy your visit here ... and watch as the site grows.
We are pleased to announce that work has commenced on a historic look at the Chief Theatre. The folks working on this project are asking for information, stories, and photographs. Would you be willing to be interviewed? Do you have an interesting Chief Theatre Story? For more information, click the link above.
Andros Building (Oasis)
The Andros Building is one of many historic buildings still standing in downtown Pocatello. We will be featuring this building, along with several others, on this site.
Pocatello High School facade.
While visiting downtown Pocatello, have you ever really noticed the historic buildings? Have you looked up and seen the amazing architecture and the skilled work of the brick masons who constructed these edifices? If not, we encourage you to do so. If you don't live near Pocatello, then enjoy the photos we share here.
The historic Chief Theatre
This photo (by Dawn Holladay), taken in September of 1976, shows the grand Chief Theatre. "The Shootist," starring John Wayne and Lauren Bacall, was playing. Though the theatre no longer stands, the marvelous sign was repaired, refurbished and erected at the site where the theatre once stood. The sign once again lights up the area on North Main Street. A project is currently underway with the purpose of highlighting the history of the Chief Theatre. Please visit their site on Facebook at this link: https://www.facebook.com/ChiefTheatreProject
What we're doing ... and how you can help ...
We are currently in the process of photographing the wonderful old buildings in Pocatello. We are also doing research, speaking with shop and building owners and documenting the stories and memories being shared by current and past Pocatello residents.
Part of this process includes gathering, obtaining, borrowing and purchasing old photographs of Pocatello and the surrounding area. We are also searching for any written documentation pertaining to Pocatello's history and it's old buildings, parks and other sites. This documentation includes old books, letters, diaries, postcards, newspaper and magazine articles and memorabilia. We will then scan and/or photograph these items for use on this site.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to those who have temporarily entrusted their precious and valued heirlooms to us for this process. We greatly appreciate the information, stories, photographs and memories being shared by our friends, neighbors and residents ... past and present.
We have barely scratched the surface when it comes to the gathering of information and photographs. If you have anything you think might be beneficial ... stories, memories, old photographs, postcards or other items mentioned above ... we would be honored and appreciative for the opportunity to record, photograph and scan them ... and add them to and/or feature them on this site.
We will happily give you credit for your contributions unless, of course, you desire to remain anonymous.
