A Moscow Treasure: The Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre

The Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre

By: EmilieRae Smith

Photo courtesy of Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre website.

 The Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre (KPAC) in downtown Moscow is home to both live theater, foreign films and Oscar winning movies. We are lucky to have such a theater that offers diverse entertainment experiences. Not only are films and theater a form of entertainment, but it also opens the door to different cultures and ideas.

In 1908, the Crystal Theater Opera House could be found in the spot where today's Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre now stands. The Opera House operated until Milburn Kenworthy purchased it in 1926 and opened the first public theater in Moscow on January 4^th. The original brick structure from 1908 was expanded to enlarge the stage area. The theater housed vaudeville performances, silent films and eventually talking films in 1929.

Milburn Kenworthy and his family spent their whole lives in the entertainment business. They took silent films to a whole new level in the '20s with live animals walking in the aisles and burning incense to intensify moods.[1] Kenworthy later built the NuArt Theater down the street from the Kenworthy in 1930.

For many years, the Kenworthy was Moscow's premier movie theater. In the 1970s, however, the theater was converted into a cafe and eventually an apartment.[2]

It wasn't until the late 1980s when the building was turned back into a theater. Today the KPAC is a non-profit organization that is deeply involved in the Moscow community. People can rent out the space for performances, to show films or even to get married.

In the past, departments of the university have hosted movie nights and festivals, such as the French film festival and the Chinese movie night. The Kenworthy always has a film or play worth seeing.

When I first moved to Moscow, the Kenworthy was (and still is) my favorite place to go for good entertainment. The Kenworthy is a place that maintains its historic feel but offers contemporary and educational entertainment. The Kenworthy Theater website lists upcoming events and showings they have. If you're ever looking for something to do in the evenings, I recommend checking out the showings at the Kenworthy, and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Photo from LCHS archives.

If you'd like to see original pictures of the Kenworthy in its early years, visit the Latah County historical society and ask to see their photo archives of the Kenworthy. 

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[1]    Legendary Locals of Moscow. Latah County Historical Society.

[2]              Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre.

                Www.kenworthy.org

Latah County's Genealogy

Latah County's Genealogy

By: EmilieRae Smith

Latah County's history is rich with interesting and diverse families. In Latah County, we are lucky enough to have many extensive accounts related to the experiences of the people who shaped this reason. Not only does our historical society have many small collections related to family genealogies, but website's like “Genealogy Trails” offer birth, death, marriage and biography records of locals extending back to the founding of Latah County's towns.[1] People from the community are able to upload their own records to help expand the information available. The University of Idaho also has collections with extensive material for genealogists.  

Browsing the Latah County Historical Society's genealogy collections, you can learn a lot about some of the first settlers and long lasting contributions they had on the county.

I researched two different accounts, John and Meta Meyer and the Fredman/Hast family. John Meyer's parents, Claus and Katherine, came to the United States from Meyenburg, Germany in 1882. His parents then started a family and settled in Utah. John and Meta were enamored with Idaho's rich farmlands, which were similar to the German lowlands they grew up on. The school system that had been established and the metropolis that was Moscow also convinced them that this was the right place to call home. The Meyer's settled in the Genesee valley and established deep roots in the county. This account of the Meyer's was submitted by their granddaughter, Evelyn in 1989.[2] Eveleyn lives on Bainbridge Island in Washington but grew up hearing the pioneering stories of her grandparents.

John and Meta Meyer. Picture from the Latah County Historical Society. Pictures: Meyer.JC.02 and Meyer.Me.01. 

The Fredman/Hast family put down roots in Troy. They came to Idaho after emigrating from Alvsborg Lan, Sweden in the 1880s. The documents on the Fredman/Hast family available at the historical society show the emigration records upon entering the United States. Like most records, it accounts for all family members, their date of birth, marital status and occupations. This account has no added personal histories, just the facts. With these types of records, you don't get the insight that is offered through oral histories, like the Meyer's, but they still offer the exact information to trace a familial lineage back to its place of origin.[3]

Feldman/Hast family. Picture from Latah County Historical Society. Picture: SC-GENEALOGIES 

These two examples show the different kind of genealogical information available at the historical society. The information on the Meyers is a genealogical history told through a series of oral histories passed down through the generations. In the case of the Fredman/Hast family, it is a genealogical history told through formal immigration records. Both offer vast information on the story of a family's experiences.

The Latah County historical society has multiple archives showcasing the different types of genealogical history of local families. For budding historians or fellow history lovers, genealogy is an important factor of cultural history. By looking at genealogy, we can understand where certain traditions may arise from, what businesses are established, etc. All different areas of history are effected with familial lineages and studying genealogy gives us further insight into cultural and societal histories.

If you are interested in Latah County's genealogical history, visit the Latah County Historical Society, ask to see the Genealogy archives and enjoy delving into the past of local community members.

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[1]    Genealogy Trails: Finding Ancestors. Sandra Davis.

      Www.genealogytrails.com.

[2]    Latah County Historical Society, Archives: SC-Genealogies File 1 to File 12. 

[3]    Latah County Historical Society, Archives: SC-Genealogies File 1 to File 12. 

W.G. Emery’s, “A History of Moscow, Idaho”

By EmilieRae Smith

In 1871, Asbury Lieuallen started a homestead a few miles outside of what is now downtown Moscow. Lieuallen was one of the first settlers in the community, but many more soon followed. By 1872, a postal carrier added Moscow to his route between Lewiston and points north. Lieuallen was encouraged by his neighbors to establish the first convenience store, which opened in 1875 on Main Street and Moscow was officially “on the road to prosperity.”

Moscow's Fifth Street in 1888. Picture courtesy of University of Idaho Library

Moscow continued to grow, opening more businesses and a schoolhouse. The construction of the University of Idaho began shortly after the opening of the schoolhouse. In 1892, the university opened its doors to its forty students and one professor. Four years later, four graduating students walked across a small stage and received their diplomas.

In 1896, W.G. Emery stood on the front steps of the Administration building and looked east over the growing town of Moscow. He noted “its substantial business bricks and neat brown and white cottages and elegant residences thickly clustered along the western slope of a low, rolling hill.”

Emery chronicled the town’s beginnings in his 27 page manuscript, “A History of Moscow, Idaho: With Sketches of Some of its Prominent Citizens, Firms and Corporations” in 1897. He noted the town’s first settlers, like Lieuallen, the first businesses and schools. His manuscript was originally published by the Moscow Mirror Newspaper.

Original Administration Building at University of Idaho, later destroyed by fire, picture taken in 1891.  Photo courtesy of University of Idaho Library

In addition to writing this manuscript, he also established a photography studio in Moscow and Pullman.

W.G. Emery was inspired, both literately and photographically, by Moscow’s aesthetic beauty, which is still apparent today. It’s the kind of beauty that has inspired artists and scholars for generations. Moscow is now home to three art galleries that the whole community gets involved in. The Prichard Art Gallery holds openings for new shows and the whole community is invited to come and enjoy. All the galleries in Moscow display and sell art from local artists.  Moscow truly is the “Heart of the Arts," a tradition that W.G. Emery perpetuated through his book and photographs.

If you’d like to know more about W.G. Emery or look at an original copy of his manuscript, please visit Latah County Historical Society and ask to see Small Collections EME-1.  

Celebrating Women's History in Latah County

Celebrating Women's History in Latah County

By: EmilieRae Smith

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”
-Diane Mariechild

This March, we celebrate Women's History Month, and here in Latah County we owe thanks to many women who have helped create, nurture and transform our community. Throughout history, women have gone unnoticed, unappreciated and forgotten because of written history accounts. But in reality, we would not have societies without the work of women.

In August of 1895, the Ladies' Historical Club of Moscow was founded. The club was started by thirty women with the motto, “progression brings happiness.”[1] These women worked tirelessly with the Moscow community to preserve and curate its history, and in doing so, they have created their own history.

Also active during this time was the General Federation of Women's Club. The General Federation of Women's Club (GFWC) was started throughout America in the early 1890's during the Progressive Movement.

In 1894, The Pleiades Club, composed of seven women and named after the astrological constellation, was considered “one of the first federated clubs in the state”[2] and the oldest women's club in the entire state of Idaho.[3] The Pleiades Club was, and still is, active in the Moscow community. The interests of this particular club are literary, social and scholarly. In 1901, the Pleiades helped bring Moscow our first library and had it up and running in five years by their diligent fundraising.[4] A member of this club also founded the Moscow Historical Society, which would eventually become the Latah County Historical Society that we know and love.

 

 Even after women gained suffrage in 1920, some women saw voting as an arbitrary act for themselves. The GFWC of Moscow, however, decided to encourage women to have their voices heard in the government. In 1933, President of the club, Mrs. Grace Morrison Poole addressed these women by saying, “Women in a changing world has got to take an interest in politics otherwise democracy is a failure.”[5] She went on to say women need to take a stand in their local governments in order to implement real change.

Women in Latah County have been advocating for women's rights as well as preserving the region's history for generations, and continue to do so today.

If you want to know more about these clubs and the women in them, please visit Latah County Historical Society and ask to see PAM 2006-04.01

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[1]    Cunningham Croly, Jane. The History of the Women's Club Movement in America.

[2]    Nielsen, Judith. The Pleiades Club Records, 1892-2011/12.

[3]    Frye, Heather.  More Than a Century Later, the Women of Moscow's Pleiades Club Still Sparkle. June 1999.

[4]    Frye, Heather.

[5]    Spokesman Review. September 1933.

Lionel Hampton, His Legacy and the UI Jazz Festival

Lionel Hampton, His Legacy and the UI Jazz Festival

By: EmilieRae Smith

Every February, Moscow holds one of the oldest and largest jazz festivals in the world.[1] The tradition started in 1967 as a one day event and has grown to the four day experience we now know. The festival brings together students from elementary, junior high, high school and college with workshops, clinics, special exhibits and concerts. In 1981, the festival reached national status when Ella Fitzgerald performed. It was in 1984, however, that the festival really came into its own.

It was in 1984 that Lionel Hampton first performed in Moscow. He saw the enthusiasm the students had and pledged to support the festival.[2] In 1985, the University of Idaho renamed the jazz festival in his honor.

LCHS Photo Collection: Hampton.L.01

The "Jazz in the School" program began in 1995, which takes the visiting artists to elementary schools across northern Idaho and eastern Washington to introduce and teach students about jazz music.[3] Hampton continued to help out and show his support throughout the years. He attended sporting events and came to several more jazz festivals.

In earlier years, Lionel Hampton played in the racially integrated Benny Goodman Quartet throughout the 1930s. After that, he started the Lionel Hampton Orchestra in 1940.[4] From there he toured the world with his music and as a Goodwill ambassador. Him and his wife, Gladys, founded record labels, a music publishing business “and a company that built low-income housing in inner-cities.”[5] He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1997 by President Clinton and appointed to the Board of the Kennedy Center in 1992 by President George H. W. Bush.[6] Hampton continued playing music until he passed away in 2002.

Hampton was not only an outstanding jazz musician who revolutionized the sound with the vibraphone, but he was also someone who cared deeply about humanity and education. In honor of Black History Month and the Jazz Festival being this past week, we celebrate all that Lionel Hampton has accomplished throughout his life and in Moscow. If you missed the chance to attend the festival this year, be sure to mark your calenders for next February.

LCHS Photo Collection: Hampton.L.02

If you'd like to see more pictures of Lionel Hampton at jazz festivals from previous years, please visit Latah County Historical Society and ask to see their collection in their photo archives.

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[1]    “About Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival” University of Idaho website.

[2]    “About Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival” University of Idaho website.

[3]    “About Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival” University of Idaho website.

[4]    Lionel Hampton Bio

      www.biography.com

[5]    Lionel Hampton Bio

      www.biography.com

[6]    Lionel Hampton Bio

      www.biography.com

The Showman of Moscow

Williamson's

By: EmilieRae Smith

Moscow was a growing and bustling town in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There were multiple businesses arising in downtown during the first decade of the twentieth century. These buildings, modeled after Roman architecture[1], are now part of Moscow's historic district. Commercial businesses started popping up as early as 1881. Businesses really took off, however, after brick became more accessible.

Williamson's Store - LCHS Photo Collection 

One of these prominent businesses on Main Street was Williamson's. Nathaniel Williamson was an Irish immigrant who originally set up shop on the 400 block of South Main in 1904. He called his store The Greater Boston. His store featured flashy signage and advertisements from the Great Boston Horse Show and Great Fall Fairs,[2] which was uncommon during this time to have advertisements from events happening in the Eastern United States. In 1913, he leased the McConnell-McGuire building, which he turned into a department store selling furniture and clothes for men, women and children. It was stocked with imported European fabrics and was said to be the best merchandise in the new western states by the Williamson's advertisements.

From LCHS archival collection

Nathaniel Williamson held contests during Christmas and had annual fairs for advertisement. The annual White Fair was advertised as “the most powerful, most meritorious of any similar occurrence in the inland empire.”[3] These White Fairs featured sales for his store and prizes to be won. The fairs drew in people from all over the Palouse and ran consecutively for fifteen years, proving to be a success every time. The other tradition Williamson started was during Christmas time. Every year, he'd put up a giant Christmas tree in the McConnell-McGuire building and hold a contest for people to guess how tall the tree was. There were prizes as well as big community gatherings.

From LCHS archival collection

Williamson's was in business during the years leading up to World War I and the very beginning of it. In its catalogs, there was wartime propaganda for why the United States was going to join the war against Germany. At the beginning of Williamson's catalogs, political poems were printed about the strong and valiant United States and their efforts to take down the German enemy.

As Williamson's prepared to close his business, he advertised grand sales to liquidate his inventory.  In one of their final catalogs, Williamson's listed all they did to help the Moscow community. For example during the first fifteen years of their business, they paid $769,800 in taxes, rent, salaries, insurance and donations to Moscow.[4]

The Williamson building is now part of Moscow's historic district. These buildings hold stories within their walls of a new town that was just starting to gain their sense of community. They had traditions, such as the White Fair, the annual Christmas tree contest and the Williamson Fall Fair. The Fall Fair was made into the County Fair in September we all know and love. Williamson's brought in people from across the Palouse and Latah County, making Moscow a central business location. Although, Williamson's is no longer a store, its values of helping and bringing the community together still live on.

Interior view of Williamson's store - LCHS Photo Collection

LCHS Photo Collection

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[1]    National Register of Historic Places Registration Form.

      history.idaho.gov

[2]    National Register of Historic Places Registration Form.

      history.idaho.gov

[3]    1910 White Fair Poster

[4]    Williamson Catalog 1918

The Booming West

The Booming West

By: EmilieRae Smith

At the turn of the twentieth century, the towns west of the Rocky Mountains were economically booming. After Lewis and Clark explored the Pacific Northwest, people began settling in the Idaho Territory. The territory brought many famers and miners to northern Idaho. Moscow, originally named Paradise Valley,  was one of the first towns founded in the area in 1871 and grew to be the largest city in Latah County. Shortly after, towns throughout Latah County came into existence.

In 1905, the western American ideals of many of Latah County's residents were challenged by a proposal to found a company town north of Moscow where all of the community's property would be owned by a single business, the Potlatch Coporation. The company is based out of Spokane, Washington and bought the land in Idaho as a sawmill site. At this time, Potlatch had one of the largest sawmills in the United States. Potlatch Corp. ran the city similarly to how Pullman, WA was run. Pullman got it's name after George Pullman and his company town in Illinois. His company town was very effective and Potlatch adopted many of it's tactics, for example;  only married couples who worked within the company were allowed to rent houses and live there. They created a school, church and general store.

Despite the economic success of Potlatch, locals from neighboring cities like Troy and Moscow had their reservations. In 1905, a newspaper from Moscow was printed about the growing concerns. The mayor of Moscow, W. M. Morgan, even called Potlatch an “un-American” town. The newspaper quoted him saying, “it denied the rights of people to own property -- and follow lines of enterprise of their own choosing, characteristic of the boom-towns of the West.” To him, it was the opposite of Latah County's ideals.  There had been rumors of wood working mills, planting mills and connecting railroads in Moscow and Troy before the announcement of Potlatch. The citizens saw their towns being by-passed in much needed developments.

The employees of the company saw this as an opportunity for a better life. They were looking forward to living in low rental houses that were equipped with electricity, water and sewers, along with a good school and church for their families. They saw Potlatch as a new way of community living, one where you worked alongside your neighbors while maintaining strong family values.

Photos courtesy of University of Idaho Library, Special Collection

A year after Potlatch came into being, the mayor of Moscow visited the town. The Moscow Evening Journal printed an article on March 19, 1906 explaining what the mayor said about the new addition into Latah County. After his visit, mayor Morgan was inclined to take his previous reservations and insults back. He said, “In common with a great many citizens in this community, I have been prone to criticize as un-American the plan of the Potlatch company to refuse to sell a town lot, or to allow anyone to become a property holder in Potlatch. This is a mistake. The three or four hundred men who are working in this town are well fed, well housed, well paid and contented.” After praising the conditions of Potlatch he ended by saying, “by the enterprise of this company the population and taxable property of Latah County will be doubled within the next very few months.”

The sawmill in Potlatch was shut down in 1981. The town was then sold to its residents and in 1986 the commercial district was listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Potlatch remains to be a historical town in Latah County and still holds the same values of a close knit community that it did when it was first founded.

If you'd like to read more from these articles, please visit the Latah County Historical Society and ask to see PAM 78-3.