Did you know....
By Cindy ManningThe area of Valleyford just off the Palouse Highway was once a busting little destination. With a mix of rolling fields of farmland crops, colorful orchards and pine trees, many city folk would pack a picnic basket for a country outing and visit Valleyford.
Not only did Valleyford have plenty of produce to offer in their two general stores, by 1906 the community was equipped to meet the needs of their ever growing population.
Did you know that among the basic necessities such as church, school, hospital, fire hall, blacksmith, lumber yard, meat market, bank, hotel and a community center, there was also a cigar factory? Remnants of these old buildings still stand today. In addition there was a very busy real-estate office, as many immigrants from the East Coast were looking for new land to settle down on and farm.
Did you know before that time some of the very first settlers to arrive in the Valleyford area were loggers? Many of those seeking new land arrived by train. Did you know that in 1906 an ELECTRIC rail was laid, with power stations strategically placed. The foundation still remains where the old rail station once stood.
Did you know that there is a small group of interested persons who have worked diligently to gather historical artifacts including photos, maps, and personal memories from long time residents and decedents? Their official title is the Valleyford Historical Society, yet they call themselves the History Seekers.
Currently the group has made available all this information to the public. Located in a small room at ‘ On Sacred Grounds’ coffee shop, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford, Wash., you are free to browse for hours the interesting articles on the history of the area and see the artifacts. In addition there is a pamphlet and CD walking - driving tour of the locations of the afore mentioned landmarks. If you didn't know these things, its exciting that we have a chance to cause reflections on the past.
Yet what you wouldn’t know is what is forth coming in the future. The History Seekers have outgrown their little room and are excited to announce that they will be moving just down the road. Following cleanup and some restoration preparations, you will have the opportunity to step into an old building, which in the early 1900s housed a general store and postal office which is to become the new home of the newly organized Valleyford Museum. Many thanks for the opportunity and space which has been graciously provided by the owner; John Roman.
What you need to know are some of the future goals and needs of Valleyford History Seekers Club. At present we are a very small self supporting group through donations as well as annual dues of $15/person or $25/immediate family. Our primary goal is to increase membership with people who are interested in contributing small amounts of time to attend our monthly meetings and assist in furthering the establishment of the communities History Museum.
Furthermore we respect many people have the interest, yet are unable to commit to the full time membership. If this is true for you, we would like to invite you to become one of our “support seekers”.
To be a part of our Support Seekers group, drop by anytime at Sacred Grounds Coffee shop and make a donation at our support level of $50 or more, or mail it to: Valleyford Historical Club c/o ‘On Sacred Grounds - P.O. Box 921 Valleyford, WA 99036. We will add your name to our roster enabling you to receive updates on future events, including our Grand Opening of the ever growing museum. [Meetings are: 2pm - the last Wednesday of each month, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford, Wash.]
You should also know that this small group of people would appreciate any and all help you may be willing to provide as they begin the process of preparing the new facility. Are you a handy person who can climb a ladder, hold a paint brush, push a broom? Any amount of time you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Did I mention that currently it is a small group? Yes, and that is why we are reaching out to you.
Along with these priority goals, we are looking for any information, family stories, artifacts, and photos that could be donated or scanned. If you would be willing to lend or donate to your museum please contact us valleyfordhistoricalclub@gmail.com
or stop in and visit us at ‘On Sacred Grounds’ Coffee shop. You may want to consider attending one of our monthly meetings held at 2pm - the last Wednesday of each month - at our favorite coffee shop ...
You now know there is a rolling wave of activity that is beginning to redeem an interest in the past, with hopes of retaining that glimmer of activity for the sake of history for future generations. We may never have a cigar factory, lumber mill or a blacksmith again, but remembering how the community had its humble beginnings in the late 1890’s is worth a country outing and a walk down memory lane in Valleyford.
