Tractors

Initially the Baptist denomination shared the building with the Methodists. Later they erected this building on the corner of 4th and Nebraska. The group disbanded and the structure was abandoned for many years before it was torn down.

Buckingham (where Henggeler Packing is located) was the location the railroad planners had selected for a townsite. But just a couple miles away, the Zellars, A.B. Moss, and the Brainard Brothers were busy laying out a townsite of their own called Zellar’s Crossing. The town had access to irrigation,and the railroad. Lots were donated to the Brethren and Methodists, perhaps to lure residents to locate there.

When the area transitioned from livestock to orchards, a family was able to make a living with less acreage. This brought neighbors closer together and created more of a sense of community. Early pioneers included Joseph Carnefix, Charles Henggeler (whose home is pictured) I.V. Limbaugh, F.H. Hogue, and B.F. Tussing.

The  Fruitland State Bank was in business from 1909-1923 and featured a public water pump as well as a trough for  watering horses. The bank closed prior to the Great Depressionand the building

housed Leonard’s Grocery & Apothecary Shop for many years. Today it is home to  many antique train sets in Doug’s Play Room.

In 1928 the high school was built to meet the demands of the growing community. A 1939 addition included a new gymnasium and classroom. It later became the middle school. Don & Konnie Baines (along with 6 other board  members) were instrumental in keeping the historic building from being demolished and in maintaining it for several years. TVCA purchased and renovated the building in 2018.

The Fruitland Methodists held a dedication for their new building on June 27, 1909. An invitation was extended to  all the denominations in the area with a special rail car running from Payette to Fruitland. A round-trip ticket  was 25 cents. The first bell  placed in the steeple had previously been the bell used at Pleasant Valley School.

The Elementary School operated from 1909-until the early 60’s and was located at the city park location until it was torn down. In 1999 the City of Fruitland erected the gazebo in the city park, which is a replica of  the school’s bell tower.

After the loss of his first wife and infant child, M.B. Sherman remarried and realized his dream of building a castle, which overlooked the Snake River at NW 1st Street and Vista Ave. The Sherman  family dwelt there for almost 40 years. The castle was abandoned in 1940 due to Mr. Sherman’s declining health. In 1949 the new owners razed the building.

In the late 1930’s a piece of orchard property owned by Peterson Orchards was to sold to Warren Dorothy. He and his wife developed this corner property into a thriving business knows as Gayway Dance Hall. Country- Western bands played at this popular night spot until the late 40’s. Professional wrestling took over the building until it was purchased in 1953 by George Vaughn. Gayway Bowl opened Christmas day of that year and automatic pinsetters were added in 1956.  

Stegner Grain, along with several other proprietors, built stores on Pennsylvania Avenue starting in 1906. The town began to grow, and by 1909 the center of commerce had shifted  to 3rd Street and Iowa  Ave.

Stegner Grain, along with several other proprietors, built stores on Pennsylvania Avenue starting in 1906. The town began to grow, and by 1909 the center of commerce had shifted to 3rd Street and Iowa  Ave.

The store provided groceries, hardware and feed, with Eugene “Gene” Stegner becoming the first Postmaster in 1910. The post office boxes were located in the  rear of the store