Silver City, Idaho

A view of the Old Church at Silver City from afar
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie

One of the first buildings that caught my eye as we entered the old mining town of Silver City, Idaho was this absolutely gorgeous church that sits majestically on the hill above the city, as if it is a guardian angel protecting the people of this small Idaho town.


Even the walk to church was quite steep for the townspeople of Silver City
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie

I would love to come back to Silver City and spend more time exploring during their open house. Hoping this church will be open during that time to go into. Just look at those beautiful stain glass windows, what they must look like from inside looking out the sunshine lighting their beauty for the parish to see.

Old Vintage Wood cook stove Silver City, Idaho


Old Vintage Pickup at Silver City, Idaho


Old Vintage Cook stove in Silver City, Idaho


Old antique wash boards in Silver City, Idaho


Old Vintage Car in Silver City, Idaho

The Idaho Hotel in Silver City, Idaho
(Photo © by Linda Hoxie)

This Idaho Hotel actually used to be in Ruby City, which was the Owyhee County seat at that time. When Silver City became the "New County seat" in 1864, a large three story wing that had just been added to the Hotel in Ruby City, was taken down and moved by sled and skids, that were pulled by oxen in the middle of wiinter to rebuild into the Idaho hotel that now resides in Silver City. They did this because there were dozens of mining camps springing up there. It was put together just in time for their Christmas Ball that year. Other homes and buildings were popping up all over as this mining community began to thrive.

Silver City Citizens Masons I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Idaho
"I will accompense the woes of earth
to think that we'll dwell with him in heaven"
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie



Old Rod Iron fences adorn the graves in a protective embrace
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie

As you enter the town of Silver City you will see the Silver City Cemetery off to the right across the creek. It sits up a rocky hill and is a nice little walk from where you park in town. If you choose to visit Silver City, the cemetery is a something you should not miss visiting. You can feel the honor and love that the families that buried their loved ones on this rocky hillside must have felt for their dearly departed ones. What a beautiful memorial each headstone is to that honored person that rests below it.

Below lets honor those that lived so long ago with some photos of their headstones.


Alfred Hicks
Born June 29, 1853
Died
August 29, 1896
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie


Jacob Deary
Born October 1, 1946
Died
February 27, 1899
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie


James Lyman
Born December 3, 1820
Died
January 20 1893
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie


Wm J. Blake
Born
October 31, 1831
Died
July 31 1875
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie


Last Resting Place of
Helene Emilia & Albert John
Beloved Children of
Fred & Wilhelmina Grete Sr.
(Helene)
Died October 6th 1871 age 4 years
(Albert)
Died April 22 1871 age 16 months
God in his wisdom called ye home
In your pure, sweet innocence
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie


"Here lies an Honest Man"
Oliver Hazard Purdy
Born
Barre Orleans Co
New York
Sept. 12, 1824
Killed Bannock Indian War
June 8, 1878
His Motto
"Forewarned, Forearmed"
His Creed
"He was always ready for battle when the bugle sounded.
He never flinched from duty."
(the initials F.L.T. in the three chain links)
Erected by the Historical Society 1961
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie


Thomas Jefferson
Son of
Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Hadley
July 4, 1886
Aug 29, 1903
(Note: not positive I have the year right, it could by 1963)

© By Photographer Linda Hoxie

The rest of the photos of the headstones can be viewed on the slide show above.

Front view of The Masonic Hall in Silver City
(Photo © by Linda Hoxie)

The Drug Store at Silver City, Idaho
(Photo © by Linda Hoxie)

The old Silver City Schoolhouse, side view
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie

At first glance you see what looks like a pretty new school house built in colonial style. The ornate details around the date at the top and the columns along the windows are just beautiful. As you get closer you see that it is currently being restored. The age of the building is apparently in the condition of the gorgeous wood, aged to perfection as wood does. It shows the passage of time. I love to think about what it must have been like to go to this old schoolhouse, probably brand new at that time, huge for its time. Sharing one room with all ages of children. Learning the basics; reading, writing and arithmetic.

Lessons were learned in and out of school. During the colonial times the lessons were hard work is something to be proud of. Honor thy name because it is the only thing no one can take away from you. You and you alone are responsible to protect it's credibility. A handshake was a binding contract. Know and help your neighbors as they will know and help you too. Families stuck together, and worked hard just to survive back then. A simple time it was, but also with harsh realities.


Front view of The old Silver City Schoolhouse
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie

The sign in front of the schoolhouse reads as follows:

"Silver City School Restoration

The Historic Silver City School Foundation

Major support from
Senator Larry Craig
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Thomas May in memory of Eric May
The Idaho Heritage Trust

General Contractor: Brice Construction
Historical Architect: Frederick L. Walters
Consulting Engineer: Keith W. Jones PE/SE"

The sign on the top right reads: Idaho Standard School


Another view of the front of the Silver City Schoolhouse
© By Photographer Linda Hoxie

© By Photographer Linda Hoxie
This Silver City Fire and Rescue Truck sits ready and willing to go on the top of the hill in Silver City, Idaho

When we visited Silver City we were so surprised how pristine and well preserved to the era of a mining towns glory days. The residents of Silver City seem to take great pride in preserving their heritage, and we are so thankful that they have decided to do this. Like their forefathers before them they must struggle at times to live in such a remote area. Far away from modern conveniences like electricity. You see some solar panels on the top of some of the buildings, might hear a generator running or see a four wheeler drive by that gives you a hint that we are indeed in modern time.

Each porch has antiques displayed that coincide with the time that this little mining town was booming.

I found the town to have much character and pride. The following pictures speak for themselves as you glimpse a few more views of Silver City: