Over two hundred years ago it was Lewis and Clark and Sacajawea, and a man named Colter scouting an unmapped route through the wilderness , what we now know as Highway 12. But this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday it was Ella, Doreen and me - although I’m no guide. That would be Ella. Traveling to the east and west, to places named Pataha, Pomeroy, Peola ; then to Juliaetta, Kendrick, Deary and Elk River. Highway 12 to Highway 3 to Highway 8 . Not far away places, but places that seem far away. Little burgs and old towns; vintage and quaint with colorful histories and beautiful landscapes.
Pataha, home to the once famous flour mill founded in 1878 , closed in 1943, now operates as a nonprofit. The current owners maintain a museum in the mill , showcasing artifacts from the area . They also offer lunch and homemade pies. No set price, only a contribution from patrons. Believing God will provide.
Peola is no longer a populated community, more a region with Historical sites, i.e. noting the Peola Sawmill built in 1878 , so important to the community at that time . I discovered Walter James Fitzgerald , S.J. was born in Peola in 1883, and would become President of Gonzaga (Yes!That Gonzaga of Sweet 16 fame) from 1921 to 1927. Most endearing to me was the Peola Cemetery where Ella’s parents are buried. It is a peaceful place with lovely views of the Palouse and Steptoe Butte. Some of the gravestone’s date back to the Civil War period. Ella and I walked around the grounds, taking time to read names on the headstones, and pay our respects.
Kendrick’s downtown district is on the National Historical Registry. According to the Narrative , it represents a cohesive sense of of place and reflects Kendrick’s turn-of-the century twentieth century establishment and half century of commercial and community development. Contributing buildings date from 1904 to 1960.
By the time we got to Deary, population 455 , the three of us were hungry, and stopped at The Pie Safe & Kitchen . It didn’t take much discernment on our part to realize this was a popular spot with the long lines to order food, many folks driving from Moscow, and Orofino to have lunch. The little library across the street grabbed my attention, unfortunately was closed so I couldn’t visit.
Then off to our final destination, Elk River. The drive all along has been two way roads and gravel roads, and a wall of evergreens. Reminiscent of Gary, our youngest son and me living in Boundary County. Such a sweet time. North /North Central Idaho such a fabulous place with it’s Robin egg blue skies, white fluffy clouds, jutted mountain peaks, rivers, lakes and creeks. The majestic trees , and open space. Ella and her family have had their cabin in Elk River for many, many years. Rustic and rural, Elk River is a place for hikers, hunters, 4 wheelers, fishermen/women, and in the winter, snow machines and snow shoes. It has a City Hall, library, an air strip for small planes to land and take off, Tom’s Tavern and The Log Inn; The Log Inn our last stop before heading home . With the very friendly, fun spirited Sarah making us feel so welcome, and serving us a draft beer.
Ella’s husband, Jim , like Gary passed away from Alzheimer’s, two years prior. While at 108 I pondered, and reflected on Jim, and how he must have loved this place. And my Gary , and how he would have enjoyed visiting. Wishing they were still here. I found myself hoping Gary and Jim might become friends in the Heavenly realm , smiling down at Ella and me as we grow in our friendship, trying our best to carry on the dance, and find our way through.
** patahaflourmills.com
**kendrick-juliaetta.com
**Log Inn Elk River Idaho is on Facebook
