National Register of Historic Places listings in Bear Lake County, Idaho facts for kids
Welcome to Bear Lake County, Idaho! This area is full of amazing places that are super important to history. These special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a national hall of fame for buildings, sites, and objects that tell us about America's past. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical or architectural value and is protected.
In Bear Lake County, there are over 90 different buildings and areas that have earned a spot on this important list. These places help us understand what life was like long ago and how our communities grew. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites!
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Historic Buildings in Paris, Idaho
Many of Bear Lake County's historic places are found in the town of Paris. This charming town has many buildings that show off different styles of architecture and tell stories of early settlers.
Important Public Buildings
Paris is home to some key public buildings that served the community for many years.
- Bear Lake County Courthouse: This impressive building at 7 E. Center Street was listed in 1977. It's where important county decisions have been made for a long time.
- Bear Lake Stake Tabernacle: Located at 109 S. Main Street, this beautiful church building was added to the Register in 1972. It's a very well-known landmark in Paris.
- LDS Seminary: Found near the Tabernacle Block, this building was used for religious education. It was listed in 1982.
- LDS Stake Office Building: At 62 S. Main Street, this building, now the Paris City Hall, was also listed in 1982. It played a big role in the local community.
- Old LDS Tithing/Paris Post Building: This building at 58 S. Main Street was once a tithing office (where people donated goods to the church) and later a post office. It was listed in 1982.
- Paris Public School: Located at Main and 1st North Streets, this school building was added to the Register in 1982. Imagine all the students who learned here over the years!
Homes and Businesses in Paris
Many historic homes and businesses in Paris are also on the National Register, showing us how people lived and worked.
- Ezra Allred Bungalow: This home at 95 W. Center Street was listed in 1982. Bungalows were a popular style of house in the early 1900s.
- Ezra Allred Cottage: Another Allred family home, this cottage at 159 N. Main Street was also listed in 1982.
- Dr. George Ashley House: The home of Dr. George Ashley at 40 W. 2nd North was listed in 1982. Doctors' homes were often important community hubs.
- George Ashley Sr. House: Another Ashley family home on W. 2nd North, listed in 1982.
- Sam Athay House: This house at 20 W. 2nd North was listed in 1982.
- Bear Lake Market: At 5 N. Main Street, this market building was listed in 1982. It was likely a busy spot for groceries and supplies.
- Browning Block: Located at Main and Center Streets, this building was listed in 1982. It was probably a block of shops or offices.
- Hotel Paris: Found at 7 S. Main Street, this historic hotel was listed in 1982. Hotels were vital for travelers and visitors.
- Morris Low Bungalow: This bungalow at 48 W. Center Street was listed in 1982.
- Pendrey Drug Store Building: At Main and Center Streets, this drug store was listed in 1982. It would have been a place for medicines and other goods.
- Earl Shepherd Bungalow: This home at 104 W. Center Street was listed in 1982.
- J. R. Shepherd House: Another Shepherd family home at 58 W. Center Street, listed in 1982.
- Wives of Charles C. Rich Historic District: This district on S. 1st West was listed in 1982. It includes homes related to Charles C. Rich, an important early leader in the area.
Barns and Outbuildings
Many historic farms and their barns are also recognized, showing the agricultural history of the region.
- Beck Barns and Automobile Storage: Located on Center Street, these buildings were listed in 1982. They show the shift from horse-drawn to automobile transportation.
- Bishop West Barn: This barn on W. 2nd South was listed in 1982.
- Hoffman Barn: Found on N. 2nd East, this barn was listed in 1982.
- Amos Hulme Barn: This barn on N. 1st East was listed in 1982.
- Joseph C. Rich Barn: Located on W. 2nd South, this barn was listed in 1982.
Historic Places in Other Towns
Bear Lake County has historic sites beyond Paris too!
Montpelier, Idaho
The town of Montpelier also has important listings.
- John A. Bagley House: This house at 155 N. 5th Street was listed in 1978.
- Montpelier Historic District: This larger area around Washington Avenue and 6th Street was listed in 1978. Historic districts include many buildings that together tell a story about a community's past.
- Montpelier Odd Fellows Hall: At 843 Washington Street, this hall was listed in 1978. The Odd Fellows were a fraternal organization, and their halls were often important social centers.
Georgetown, Idaho
- Georgetown Relief Society Hall: This hall at 161 W. 3rd Street in Georgetown was listed in 1998. The Relief Society is a women's organization, and their halls were used for community activities and support.
St. Charles, Idaho
- Wilhelmina Nelson House and Cabins: Located on U.S. Route 89 in St. Charles, these buildings were listed in 1976.
Dingle, Idaho
- William and Nora Ream House: This house on Dingle Road in Dingle was listed in 1991.
Fish Haven, Idaho
- Anna Nielsen Scofield House: At 2788 U.S. Route 89 in Fish Haven, this house was listed in 1999.