Nez Perce County Historical Museum With funding assistance from the Governor's Lewis and Clark Trail Committee, the Society has updated exhibits throughout the museum, presenting the chronological highlights of Nez Perce County history. Experience many of the region's amazing stories of adventure, friendship and battle, courage and innovation, culture, hardship and the pioneering spirit at the Nez Perce County Historical Museum.
Now available: A media center/gift shop where visitors may comfortably view historic videos, browse historic books and Society publications and purchase gift items is available. Hands-on activities for our young and young-at-heart guests are placed throughout the museum. Come solve a mystery. Topical Displays Felix Warren  Felix Warren was a man larger than life. He spent his early childhood in Missouri, moving west with this family at age 13. He became skilled at handling horses and mules while working with his father's wagon train of 136 wagons headed for Walla Walla, in Washington Territory. An expert at driving a team of horses by age 23, he started his own stagecoach line between Almota and Colfax, later adding routes to include Spokane, Lewiston and other area towns. His services included the delivery of U.S. mail and occasionally an order of groceries. He eventually owned 11 stagecoaches and 200 horses. Horses were stationed at a series of relay stops along the way to replace tired teams. 
Speeding up the U.S. Mail When a fledgling airmail service was started in 1926 between Spokane and Pasco, Washington, 73 year old Felix Warren came out of retirment and recreated his stagecoah run over that same route. The five day trip was met with rain, snow and mock robberies along the way. Massive crowds greeted Warren at each town along the route. Warren died at age 85 and is buried at Normal Hill Cemetery. 
Steamboat Lewiston The 165-foot long, 513 ton Lewiston was built in 1894 to transport 2,000 to 3,000 wheat sacks from Snake River boat landings to the railroad at Riparia and make spring runs to the Lapwai Agency. May 8, 1896 the Lewiston continued up the Clearwater River 67 miles to Kamiah, the only riverboat to do so, and only once. On a hot July day of 1922, while docked at the Lewiston boat landing with the boilers empty and furnaces out, the Lewiston and Spokane inexplicably burned to the water line. It was replaced the following year with another, very different Lewiston that continued to serve the valley until 1939. The boat model was made by Bill Kleinert. Chief Joseph: 
This triptych depicts Chief Joseph as a proud leader of the Wallowa band of Nez Perce, a Chief fatigued from the long retreat over the mountains and then as a man who has endured much. Artist Dan Piel's original 4-1/2' x 6' portraits are currently on display at the museum. Souvenir cards are available. (photo reproduction: Engstrom's by Mike Ridinger)
Home Again: The bear grass hat, Leecquow (or Leetsscow), shown here, was worn by Washoe when as a child she went with her parents to see Lewis and Clark on their return journey through the valley. The hat is one of many artifacts from the Floyd Stranahan collection. This traditional style hat was worn by Nez Perce women who were honored as food gatherers. The Leecquow spent three years of travel throughout the United States with the Missouri Historical Society's National Land Bicentennial Exhibition.
Fun & Games:  In 1891, Ed Arant bought this bicycle for $100.00, a huge sum at that time. He operated a bicycle repair and rental shop, renting bicycles for $.25 per hour. His interest created enthusiasm for the sport and several bicycle clubs were formed. In 1896 Arant earned a record in Ripley's Believe It or Not when he rode his Victor bicycle with wooden handle-bars from Lewiston to Spokane. The trip back to Lewiston, a distance of 101 miles, took 10 hours. Loan from LCSC Talkington Collection.
World War II Home Front: During World War II many people left the valley to work in shipyards and aircraft factories. Those left behind rallied to buy war bonds that helped to build ships and planes, one being a B-17 bomber named "Spirit of Nez Perce County." Bill Kleinert volunteered 80 hours of his time to build a model of that bomber.
Women Through the Years    Women of yesteryear lived in a world different than todays' with much of the work done by hand with wash boards and tubs, wood stoves and carpet beaters. The fashions from everyday dress to specialty clothing like this bathing suit were also very different.  Centennial Dress This lavender calico dress was made by Kathryne Canter Halverson and worn by her during the May 1961 Lewiston Centennial Celebration. The dress is a contemporary version of a turn of the century style. Admission: Non-members, Adults, $2.00; Ages 7-17, $1.00; Ages 6 & under, free. Need directions or hours? Click here... |
