History
of Elk River
In 1897 Willard Trumbell homesteaded the present day site of Elk
River. His homestead was purchased by the Potlatch Lumber Company in 1909.
The first ALL Electric Sawmill in the country was started
here in 1910.
The Milwaukee and Puget Sound Railroad extended it's line from Bovill to Elk
River at this time. The name of the fast growing town was
then changed from Trumbell to Elk River. The population in 1911 numbered 1,300
people. Between 1911 and 1930 about 40 businesses were operating in
town, representing about every kind of business. By 1912 Elk River had a
new school, a waterworks system, graded streets, electricity, board sidewalks
and
a hospital. Some mining in the surrounding area also took place at
this time. Elk River's future began to decline in 1927, when a newer and
bigger saw mill was built at Lewiston, Idaho. Then in 1929, blister rust
attacked the white pine trees and the great depression hit the area in
1930. This along with other problems affecting the lumber industry, caused
the closure of the sawmill in April of 1931. The following year, 1932, the
planer mill was shut down. By 1933, most of the employment opportunities
were eliminated; the bank closed and houses were moved out of town, many of them
selling for as little as fifteen dollars. The population declined to
around 400. Today people still come and go and the population has fallen
to under 200
people.
The present day Elk River Lodge and General Store opened in 1915 as Jockheck's Meat Market. The market provided fresh meat to the local logging camps and the thousands of residents of Elk River during the boom years when Potlatch Sawmill provided employment for most of the town's residents. The Great Depression and the close of the Sawmill in the early 1930's saw the towns population dwindle, but Carl Jockheck stayed with the meat market and added a grocery line.
In 1952, Carmen and Leona Eck purchased the market and renamed
it Eck's Market. Carmen increased the grocery line and added dry goods and
a saw shop. He owned and operated the business for 18 years until May 1,
1970, When he sold it to Everett and Ethel Lovell.
Everett Lovell ran the business now called Lovell's Market until
his death in 1981. Everett's wife Ethel continued to run the business
until June 1, 1983, at which time she sold half of the business to Andre and
Nadine Moslee. They started remodeling with plans to create Huckleberry
Heaven.
In July of 2003, Huckleberry Heaven was purchased by Hud and Connie McCartney and the name was changed to Elk River Lodge and General Store. Today the store has been stocked with a complete line of groceries and supplies for all your needs. A very unique gift shop has been added and extensive remodeling of the lodge above make Elk River so special that people want to come back time and time again. For many vacationers, tour groups and hunters, Elk River Lodge and General Store is the place to meet , stay and become part of the friendly family.
Stop in and see exhibits of early logging, school & community at the Elk River Historical Museum or call 208-826-3390 for more information. The Museum is open for summer hours on Saturdays 10:00 am - Noon or will open on request by calling the number above or 208- 826-3294.
The Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii) is found along Idaho streams and mountains to around 7000 ft. The flowering season is the latter part of May through July.
State Bird: Mountain Bluebird
State Horse: Appaloosa
State Insect: Monarch Butterfly
State Gem: Star Garnet
State Tree: Western White Pine
State Fruit: Huckleberry
State Fish: Cutthroat Trout
Webmaster:
208.826.3299