Boise, ID

I have always wanted to visit the Idaho Military History Museum in Boise, but just never seemed to have the time. Since I had a few days off and my youngest son’s 28th birthday was around the corner, I killed two birds with one stone and invited him along for a half days adventure back in history. (Museum Entrance, Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

To get to the Museum, we took I-84 East and used the Orchard Exit. From there, we turned right onto South Orchard which turned into Gowen Road. There are brown signs which will guide you, but go slow, as the turn-off comes quickly. Just before you enter the large bend in the road and head East again, you want to turn left onto Harvard Street. Follow the road East to a large chain link fence and enter through it. The museum and parking lot, will then be located to your North.

If you get lost, or just want to confirm that they are open, you may call the Museum at (208) 272-4841. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Other times or special appointments can be arranged, for large groups, such as school children. They have a wheelchair available if so needed.

We arrived at 2:00PM. The parking lot was all but empty expect for a few vehicles scattered here and there. My son and I decided to pass up the static military displays outside and go inside first. (Tank Image, Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

Passing a small American flag flying from left of the doorway, we entered the spacious and well lit interior. As we made our way inside we immediately came upon the small gift shop to our left. We looked about, but there didn’t seem to be anyone to greet us. (Museum Image, Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

The Museum operates on the generous donations of visitors. I spotted a clear plastic box full of cash, and deposited our contribution. I believe the suggested donation was a buck for kids and two bucks for adults. (Pretty good deal nowadays)! As we made our way forward, an elderly gentlemen came out of a back room and greeted us. I hope I got his name right, Don Leech(?)

As my son left to view the displays, I conversed with Don and found out he was a WWII veteran. I quickly learned that he had been with the 164th FA Battalion-Field Artillery unit in Burma.

I informed Don that an RAF buddy of mine, had fought in the British Army during the Burma Campaign. His immediate response was that he hated working with the British as all they did was stop to drink tea! In my day, they did the same thing!! It may be a slight exaggeration, but those Brits do love their tea time!!

Don excused himself and disappeared into a back office. While he was gone, I caught up with my boy and we took note of a side room, which displayed the history of Gowen Field. I had always thought of the airfield as having only fighters, and was amazed to learn that they also trained bomber crews in B-24’s and B-17’s. A fascinating fact was that Jimmy Stewart,the famous actor, had trained at Gowen!

A special treat was a glass case, which contained various tools of the trade for WWII Navigator’s. It was especially poignant for my son, who knew little of his granddad Jack’s military history. It was the first time he learned that his grandpa had taught Navigation in such aircraft as B-24’s, B-17’s, B-29’s and CAT’s-Catalina Flying Boats! (JackV Image, Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)