The Swinging Bridge in Grand Valley

 We all know the stories of Dora Daniels beloved Swinging Bridge in Irwin, but did you know there was another swinging bridge that helped the families that farmed on the southeast side of the river near Bear Creek.  The Fidelity School (also called Whiskey Run was on the other side of the river from the homesteads so a bridge was built so they could attend school.  The road was also on that side of the river, so the bridge made life in Bear Creek easier.  Families could attend church on Sundays or get out for supplies in the winter. There were dances at the school on weekends and they could attend after the bridge was built, creating more opportunities for the Bear Creek families and staving off the loneliness of rural life. (Photos from 'The Dam Kids' scrapbook, Larry Fleming)

Afton Bitton wins Teacher of the Year

 

Trillis Fleming talks about teacher Ted Baker at the 2022 OTR

Ted Baker

Below is a link to the Swan Valley Old Timers You Tube page, where you can find recordings of our guest speakers, dating back to 2018.  This year, Trillis Fleming gave a presentation about her uncle and schoolteacher, Mr. Ted Baker.

https://youtu.be/zfQxr15Vm50

Lower Pine Creek School built in 1916 first school teacher was Jennie Fleming. 

Lower picture Gary & Lynn Wiese.

Pictures and Copy Courtesy of Larry Fleming;  

Pictures are from Lynn Wiese's book.

1st Grade 1974

With Jennifer Weeks Watson, Kathryn Newman,Leslie Weeks Rathe, Shela Sermon, Tyla Traughber,Willa K. Traughber, Steven Hasselstrom, Becky Weeks, Kerri Huyck, Jon Weeks, Jack Walker, Walt Ashment, Paula Ploc-her Smith and Rex Jessen.

Photo and Caption Courtesy of Alisa Jacobson

Old rock school house Irwin, Idaho 1937

Old rock school house Irwin, Idaho 1937 . Thanks Yvonne Weeks Miller , & Melvin Weeks for their help in naming the kids .

This roster of students from the Irwin School goes back over 100 years.
Courtesy of Larry Fleming. Thank Larry!