Boise, ID

Driving a charter bus of elementary school children, I visited the Historic Bown House, located in southwest Boise. The building is one of the oldest sandstone structures in Idaho-built in 1879, by Joseph and Temperance Bown.
In those days the house sat by itself, located between the Oregon Trail and the Boise River. Today, it is located in front of Riverside Elementary School-just off E. Park Center Blvd., and surrounded by houses.

Our host took us around to the rear of house, where the students were divided into groups. Being the driver I was immediately volunteered to be a chaperon! We walked under an ornate white porch and through a small wooden door. As we entered the house, we were met by a rather steep but ornate staircase that led to the second floor.

Today the Bown House is used as a living museum. Rooms are divided into special learning centers, to give children and adults alike the feel of living in the late 1800’s.

My group was led upstairs where we started in the History Newsroom. The students read wall displays that told of important breakthrough’s of the 1800’s. They then became reporters of the times, with each group writing about an event such as the Gold Rush, communications by telegraph and other things.

The kids and I noisily made our way downstairs, when I was suddenly put upon by a Pioneer Schoolmarm. “Hush & keep your children silent!” She admonished me. “School is in session.” We all fell silent as we waited our turn.

Our group was led into an an 1800’s schoolroom, complete with wooden chairs and desks, where the students were told to stand by and keep silent. I was informed that I should stand next to a small wooden bench in a corner-my home while class was in session.

We recited the pledge of allegiance to small American flag then sat down for class. We read a McGuffey Reader-a book from that era, then wrote a poem to our slate boards with chalk. She checked behind our ears and looked over our hands to make sure we washed properly and admonished a few that stated they had forgotten to do their chores before coming to school.

The looks on the kids faces was precious. Their eyes were big as saucers when they got reprimanded for some slight infraction or had to do a chore for the teacher. It was a great experience for young and old alike. A student was selected to ring the old hand bell and the teacher escorted us out with a: “And don’t forget your homework, children!”

After dismissal from class we entered the kitchen where Grandma Bown was busily preparing biscuits on her wood fired oven. She showed us how to stoke it, use the draft, get water hand pump, make butter in a churn and use a old washboard and wringing machine to clean our clothes.

She ended the session by giving us samples of her cooking apples which she peeled with a hand-crank apple peeler.

Other rooms had activities as well. In the Parlor room we tried on period clothing, learned how to quilt and sew and played with a stereoscope and hand made toys.

It was in the Farm Room that we decided on what crops to plant and how the weather and market conditions decided on whether we made any money for the farm. We ended our tour in the Geography Room. The the kids and I read pioneer diaries, and traced our route along the Oregon Trail.

All in all it was a terrific experience for both the adults and the kids. My favorite though- the Pioneer Schoolroom. You just have to try it!!

Map & General Information
Bown House Introduction
The Bown House
Who to contact: Juno Van Ocker - 336-2233
Janet Orndorff - 343-0507
338-5363 (Direct line, messages NOT checked)