MOVING HISTORY FORWARD: Celebrating the Garden District
Mayor’s Home on the Move: Historic preservation is not a new concept in Coeur d’Alene. Back in 1964, the historic home of Coeur d’Alene’s first mayor, Dr. H.V. Scallon was moved to another location to make way for the construction of the new U.S. Post Office on the southwest corner of Seventh and Lakeside. The home is one whose history will be discussed on Saturday’s History Walk through the Garden District.
Coeur d'Alene Press Photo
The McFarland House: This circa 1910 photo shows one of the homes contributing to the National Registry. It was built by Robert and Lucy McFarland at 601 Foster Ave. in 1906. Mr. McFarland was one of Coeur d’Alene’s prominent lawyers in the early years.
Photo courtesy of MUSEUM OF NORTH IDAHO
This weekend, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s Historic Preservation Commission and the Museum of North Idaho are celebrating Historic Preservation Month with two special events that mark the recent placement of the city’s Historic Garden District on the National Register of Historic Places.
On Saturday, I will be leading the Museum of North Idaho’s first Garden District Walking Tour. We’ll stroll along the district’s tree-lined sidewalks and learn about some of the nearly 500 homes built there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We’ll also hear stories about the people who lived there and the area’s history.
On Sunday, the HPC will host a special celebration for the district’s residents and all who are interested in preserving the city’s history. It will be happening in G.O. Phippeny Park on Seventh Street from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be bottled water and light snacks, but please bring your folding chairs or blankets because seating is limited.
The Garden District is comprised of the 10 housing developments that were platted north of Sherman between 1886 and 1940. It includes the 132 acres that are bounded by Fourth and 11th streets and Lakeside and Montana avenues. It has not always been called the Garden District and, in fact, the resulting residential district within this imperfect rectangle of land has only recently been given that name.
It was formed by a group of residents, many of whom live on Garden Avenue, who were passionate about their historic homes and who decided to make the effort to get the district recognized on the Department of the Interior’s National Register. Since many of its founding members lived on Garden Avenue and enjoyed gardening, deciding to call it the “Garden” District seemed quite appropriate.
The more than 500 homes that contributed to the National Register designation are a showcase of 25 architectural styles that include numerous examples of Craftsman, Tudor Revival, Victorian, Prairie, Queen Anne and Art Deco homes.
I’m thrilled to have the chance to share what I’ve learned about the district with those joining the walk Saturday and to talk with those attending the celebration Sunday. The Garden District has produced some of the city’s most memorable mayors, colorful business owners and dynamic civic leaders. But I’ve also discovered that most of the homeowners who called the area home in the city’s early days also represented the hardworking, blue-collar kind — laborers, secretaries, waiters and waitresses and other essential workers who built and kept the city moving forward. As a result, there are plenty of fascinating stories to be told.
It is hoped that you can join us for the celebration of the city’s latest National Historic Register member and to honor the residents of the Garden District who have worked so hard to preserve our historic past for future generations to enjoy.
The McFarland House: This circa 1910 photo shows one of the homes contributing to the National Registry. It was built by Robert and Lucy McFarland at 601 Foster Ave. in 1906. Mr. McFarland was one of Coeur d’Alene’s prominent lawyers in the early years.