Meridian History

Wooden Pipes: Meridian's Early Water Highways!

Imagine water flowing through your house, not through metal pipes, but wooden ones! That's how it worked in Meridian back in the early 1900s. These clever Stave pipes, made of lightweight wooden planks, were effective. The key? When water filled the pipes, the wood would swell slightly, tightening the steel wire binding and creating a natural seal. Redwood, a rot-resistant choice, thrived as long as it stayed wet and underground. Though modern materials have taken over, these wooden wonders were a testament to early engineering!

Image: Historic artifact: original 4” redwood waterline section dated to 1911 found in downtown Meridian.

We've added two more downtown Meridian guided historic walking tours!

Learn more about Meridian History -- Meet us at the front steps of Meridian City Hall on Saturday mornings July 20 and August 17 at 10:00 for a one-hour tour led by one of our volunteer Historic Preservation Commission members.

Bring your walking shoes and prepare for the weather. The tour is free, no registration necessary!

Thanks to everyone that came out to our guided walking tour last month for National Preservation Month!

If you missed the guided walking tour, you can always take a self-guided walking tour of Meridian either by picking up a booklet at the kiosk in front of Meridian City Hall, or by downloading our FREE virtual walking app. To download the app, go to your Android or iPhone 's app store, search for "Meridian Historic Walking Tour" and download it on your cell phone.

Learn more about Meridian History -- Meet us at the front steps of Meridian City Hall tomorrow morning (Saturday, May 18) at either 10:00 or 12:00 for a Guided Historic Walking Tour

Bring your walking shoes and prepare for the weather. The tour is free, no registration necessary!

Pine Street School -- This restored one-room schoolhouse in downtown Meridian will be open for general visitors from 10:00-2:00PM this Saturday, May 18, 2024! The schoolhouse will also be included as one of the stops on our Historic Preservation Commission's walking tours, which begin at 10:00 and 12:00 on the front steps of Meridian City Hall.

The building houses artifacts, photos, and many stories for guests to enjoy while they journey back in time. Stop in and envision what it might have been like to go to school in the past.

Can you name this building?

-It is located on Carlton Ave.
-It is an important building in the history of Meridian and featured on our walking tour.
-It was built in 1912 for $32,000, and from 1912-1913, it was the first building west of Denver to have poured cement to the level of the first floor.

Take a picture of yourself in front of this building and post it in the comments for the chance to win a challenge coin!

Thank you to everyone that responded to take a guess at the out of focus historic building photo last week! The featured building was the Bank of Meridian building.

Built in 1908 this is an excellent example of a classic Tourtellotte and Hummel façade building. Merged with the Meridian Exchange Bank in 1912, the building was used to house the Meridian Post Office. In 1938 Elite Cleaners was housed in the building until a silk screen business purchased the property. Today, it has been restored to it's original look, and houses The Vault Cigar Lounge.

More fun photos to come!

Meridian’s rich history is told through its historic buildings and architecture. On Saturday morning, May 18, we will have two guided walking tours starting at 10:00 and noon. Please join us at Meridian City Hall's front steps during the Main Street Market and take a stroll through nearby downtown neighborhoods on a guided walking tour led by our volunteer Historic Preservation Commissioners to discover Meridian downtown's architecture and history. Bring your walking shoes and prepare for the weather. The tour is free, no registration necessary.

Can you name this building?

-It is located on Idaho Ave.
-It is an important building in the history of Meridian and featured on our walking tour.
-It has undergone a few changes over time in this city.
-It has received two awards for preservation.

Take a picture of yourself in front of its front door and post it in the comments for the chance to win a challenge coin!

May is Preservation Month, and the Historic Preservation Commission would like to challenge you to take our self-guided Historic Walking Tour and earn a challenge coin! To join the challenge, go to your Android or iPhone's app store, search for our "Meridian Historic Walking Tour" download it (free), and then complete the tour.

To receive your challenge coin, email [email protected] and we will reward you with a challenge coin!

We are grateful that Meridian City Council and others are seriously considering the future of this historic dual silo structure. Thanks to the Idaho Statesman for covering the City Council meeting.

Developer seeks to remove an emblem of Meridian’s farm heritage. What just happened

Thanks for covering the Meridian Speedway on Idaho Matters Boise State Public Radio!

Meridian Speedway recognized for historical significance For 75 years the Meridian Speedway has served as one of the most popular recreational sites in the Treasure Valley. Now, its importance is being acknowledged as it's added the National Register of Historic Places.

https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/community/west-ada/article286747760.html?deviceId=049AB867-B1C3-446A-9BB6-58E77D555412&tempKey=value

This Boise-area landmark makes the National Register of Historic Places. What that means “There are four or five generations of racers that race here at the Meridian Speedway,” said Adam Nelson, general manager of the Speedway.

https://boisedev.com/news/2024/03/14/meridian-speedway/?utm_source=BoiseDev-IdahoFirst&utm_campaign=9323e470a4-%2A%7CRSSITEM%3ATITLE%7C%2A&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a8fdfe4da5-9323e470a4-563992960

'Impacted the city in a positive way': Meridian Speedway named to historic register A Meridan racetrack is now an official part of history. The Meridian Speedway landed on the National Register of Historic Places. A news release says the speedway was selected for its local agriculture connections and recreational history in the city and county. “Meridian Speedway has been an inte...

Thanks Idaho News 6 for highlighting our historic listing on the National Register!

Meridian Speedway listed in the National Register of Historic Places The Meridian Speedway is a grassroots community landmark that has served for nearly 75 years as an important recreational facility.

Meridian Speedway, historic Idaho landmark, joins the National Register The Meridiaon

NEWS RELEASE: Meridian Speedway Listed in the National Register of Historic Places - https://mailchi.mp/meridiancity/hpcmeridianspeedway

Posted • Do you have old family photos that you want to preserve for future generations? Wednesday, Feb. 14, is Digital Drop-in at the Meridian History Center. Schedule an appointment between 1-4 p.m., bring 10-15 photos to digitize, and receive a complimentary USB to store them.

Want your Meridian-based family photos archived in our history center? We can keep a digital copy of your items for the collection. Utilizing this service is not necessary to participate in Digital Drop-In.

To schedule your appointment, or for more details, visit our website: https://www.mld.org/event/digital-drop-meridian-history-center-21291

The Anderson House was built in 1905 for the daughter of J.M. Anderson. Mr. Anderson was a former mayor of Meridian. This property features a partially lava rock lined basement. He built the house for his daughter who married a man by the last name of Palmer. Mr. Palmer was also known at Peg Leg. He was the Constable. Children were known to cause trouble in one part of town knowing that Mr. Palmer would be unable to reach them quickly. They would move on and cause mischief in other areas.

Chester Eggers Sr., opened a dairy farm and prune growing business in 1921 on Franklin Road in west Meridian — it was called Black Cat Farm.

Mr. Eggers had a big sign with a black cat made and put it on the corner of Franklin and Black Cat roads. At the time, Black Cat Road was known as Post Road, but years later Ada County renamed the road. Drew Eggers’ mint fields are just south of the sign. His family doesn’t own the ranch anymore, but he used the black cat logo on all of his farm machinery.

Join us!

NEWS RELEASE: Meridian Seeks Applicants for Historic Preservation Commission

A Glimpse into the Past: Family Vacations 100 Years Ago in an “Auto-House”

Today's recreational vehicles have come a long way, but they still can't compare to this one. Take a journey back in time to see what a family vacation was like a century ago. The Willett family, pictured here in 1921, set off from Massachusetts to visit their daughter, Miss Hazel C. Willett, a teacher in Meridian, Idaho. They traveled across the country, stopping at Niagra Falls and Yellowstone in this cozy “auto-house” complete with cot beds, a folding tent, electric lights, a two-burner oil stove for cooking, and even closets.

Source: Meridian Library History Center, Willett Album https://historycenter.mld.org/willett_album/

Happy Thanksgiving from the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission!

This commission works to preserve the character and fabric of historically significant areas and structures within the City of Meridian to honor and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. For more information about Meridian history visit: https://meridiancity.org/history

Do you have a historic home that you want to preserve? Here's some helpful tips on how to find the right contractors and architects for your renovation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation:

How to Find Contractors and Architects for Your Historic Home Renovation | National Trust for Historic Preservation Thinking about hiring a professional for your historic home renovation? Learn how to pick the proper architects and contractors.

It’s harvest time! Celebrate Meridian's rich agricultural heritage this autumn. From raising cattle for beef or milk for butter, to growing alfalfa, corn, and even mint, our city’s history is richly tied to agriculture. 🌽🐄🍂 🚜🌾

Meridian’s rich history is told through its historic buildings and architecture. On Saturday morning, September 16 at 10AM, take a stroll through nearby downtown neighborhoods on a 60-minute guided walking tour with historian Barbara Perry Bauer to discover their architecture and history. Bring your walking shoes and prepare for the weather. Find registration instructions for this activity and more Meridian Art Week classes at: meridiancity.org/activityguide

Meridian’s rich history is told through its historic buildings and architecture. On Saturday morning, September 16 at 10AM, take a stroll through nearby downtown neighborhoods on a 60-minute guided walking tour with historian Barbara Perry Bauer to discover their architecture and history. Bring your walking shoes and prepare for the weather. Find registration instructions for this activity and more Art Week classes here: meridiancity.org/activityguide