 |
|||
|
|
The
McConnell Mansion Museum Moving to Moscow in 1878, McConnell's mercantile business prospered so much so that he acquired the title, "Merchant Prince of Idaho." After the house which we now call the McConnell Mansion was completed in 1886, McConnell's wife and four children joined him in Moscow that Christmas Eve. Although McConnell became the state's leading Republican, serving as state senator and governor, and despite securing the University of Idaho for Moscow, he fell into obscurity after losing his money in the Depression of 1893.
The two-story house is a blend of Victorian Gothic, Queen Anne, and Eastlake styles. The rooms on the first floor have been restored to historic periods reflecting the house's history, from turn-of-the-century parlors to the 1930s kitchen. Young visitors and their parents can enjoy a treasure hunt through the rooms or try out the hands-on artifacts. A friendly volunteer will give you a tour of the rooms and information about the house, Moscow, and Latah County. The Mansion is also a good place to find information about nearby places of interest, events, and services.
Also upstairs are two other exhibit areas which offer well-researched and interpreted perspectives on people, places, and events of Latah County. Parking,
accessibility, and a garden Hours
Of course, we are happy to arrange other hours for visitors and tours. Please call us at 208-882-1004 or e-mail us at lchsoffice@moscow.com to make an appointment. Our offices are just across the street at 327 East Second Street. Check the map in case you are not sure where we are.
Buffalo Coat. Based on the history of early Moscow, it weaves together themes of ambition and love through the lives of three town doctors. First published in 1944. $19.85 Strangers in the Forest. Set in the white pine forest of northern Idaho, this novel tells of the real conflict between timber homesteaders and the newly created Forest Service. First published in 1959. $18.85 Snow in the River. This semi-autobiographic novel tells of the fortunes of four Scottish brothers, the ill-fated second marriage of Mrs. Brink's mother, and her own coming of age. Originally published in 1964. $18.85 A Chain of Hands. A moving reminiscence of the people, places, and events that shaped the author's life and writings. Illustrated. $16.75 Four Girls on a Homestead. A lively reminiscence of a summer Carol Brink and three friends spent on her aunt's homestead in the white pine country of northern Idaho. With photographs and drawings by the author. 1977. $5.00 And no collection of works by Mrs. Brink would be complete without the children's classic Caddie Woodlawn.
These are just
some of the titles we carry in the Museum Store. We'll be glad to send
you a complete catalog and order form. Contact us by mail at 327 East
2nd Street, Moscow, ID 83843, or by e-mail at
lchsoffice@latah.id.us. |
||
 |
|||
William
J. McConnell came to Moscow from Yamhill, Oregon, in 1878 at the age
of 40 after a career of gold mining in the Boise Basin. Known there
as Poker Bill, McConnell sold produce to the miners from his truck farm
and led a band of vigilantes to capture horse rustlers. Later careers
included ranching, teaching, and serving in the Oregon Legislature.
Although
McConnell's wife Louisa filed a homestead claim on the Mansion property,
the family lost their home in 1898. In 1901, the Adair family, Dr. William,
wife Losina, and their five children, purchased the house. After the
children left the home, Dr. and Mrs. Adair rented out rooms in their
home. One of the renters was Dr. Frederick Church who taught medieval
history at the University of Idaho. After a short ownership by the Thomas
Jackson family, Dr. Church purchased the house in 1941. A bachelor,
Dr. Church continued renting rooms to University faculty and graduate
students and used the house as a meeting place for University groups.
Upon his death in 1966, the house was bequeathed to Latah County as
a museum and meeting place.
The second floor contains the restored master bedroom. The carved mahogany bedroom furniture was used by a pioneer family. Two other rooms are used for exhibits of local people and events, including hands-on activities for children.
White Pine Route is a comprehensive history of the Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway. Written by railroad historian Thomas E. Burg, White Pine Route contains over 400 photographs, maps, and other exhibits. Available at the special discount price of $40.00.
Grubstaking
the Palouse: Gold Mining in the Hoodoo Mountains 1860-1950. The
story of prospectors, adventurers, and entrepreneurs and the effect they had on
the economic development of the Palouse region. $15.75
Company
Town: Potlatch, Idaho and the Potlatch Lumber Company. A popular
and well-researched award-winning history of the town owned, operated, and
controlled by a company that built what was once the largest steam-powered
lumber mill in the world. $16.25
Images
of America: Moscow
Images of America: Latah County is Julie's interpretation of Latah County history through the presentation of nearly
200 historic photographs, nearly all from our photographic archives. The book is organized around the County's major towns:
Bovill and Deary, Genesee, Juliaetta and Kendrick, Moscow, Potlatch, and Troy; there is also a chapter devoted to the University
of Idaho. $19.99
Moscow: Living and Learning on the Palouse is the first comprehensive history of Moscow. Local historian Julie R.
Monroe has collected vivid historic images and produced a lively narrative, offering readers an entertaining volume that
commemorates the vigor and determination of Moscow and its citizens from its earliest days to the present. $24.99
No Ordinary Lives: One Man's Surprising Journey into the Heart of America by Latah County resident and longtime Lewiston Morning Tribune reporter David Johnson is a moving memoir about the lessons he has learned about the treasures and extraordinary courage at the core of everyday life. Available at the special discount price of $15.00.
Works
by Moscow author Carol Ryrie Brink.
