From the Archives - July 18, 2024

"Commonly known as 'Mem Gym', the Memorial Gymnasium was built in 1929 as a memorial to all Idahoans who lost their lives in World War 1.  

The building was designed by University of Idaho faculty members and features many architectural quirks such as the leatherhead-footballer gargoyles that decorate its walls and windows. It has served as a sports area and physical education venue seating 2,500 as well as for university commencements and events. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt gave a lecture in the main gymnasium in 1938, which is one of many reasons that the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places at the relatively young age of 49 years in 1977." (University website) 

In this week's newspaper: This Week in History ~ 100 Years Ago 

"Names of the six Boundary County soldiers and sailors who lost their lives in the world war are to be cast in bronze as part of a permanent record to be preserved in the war memorial armory and gymnasium to be erected on The University of Idaho campus. The names are: William K. Atkins, Bertie Atkins, Henry J. Nelson, Paul Fred Peter, Louis F. Stone, Charles L. Zimmerman." 

A staff member at the university was kind enough to take these photographs of the building and the bronze plaque on the wall. What an amazing way to commemorate some of Boundary County's fallen heroes. 

Reminder: Come to the museum tomorrow (Friday), July 19, and listen to Gary Eller's Song Program at 4:30 p.m. 

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main St., Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column.  

Visit the museum, Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., or visit the website at boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached via email at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or by phone at 208-267-7720.