| History of Gillett |
| Brief History |
In October of 1998 Emory Ansorge presented to the Gillett Common Council a letter dated February 26, 1976. This letter to Mr Ansorge from Francis Bradbury, Formerly Francis Cook, Sister to Dr. I. L. Cook of Gillett. The letter requests from Mr Ansorge information about the Gillett Community from back in the 1920's and 1930's. Mr Ansorge responded to the letter on March 22, 1976.
Ellis, Idaho 83235
Dear Emory;
I've been a bit slow in getting this promised letter off to you, since I warned you I'd be writing right after Christmas. Some how I get so darned involved in so many projects that time and days slip away. I write a regular monthly feature story for a small northwest magazine and that keeps me on the go, plus some other writing I do.
I've gathered some material for the Gillett history, during my growing up years, that my children wanted., but there are lots of empty slots I'm fuzzy about, so this is where you Les and some of my old friends can help me. I'm not particularly interested in the developments that came about after the eighth grade, Gillett was becoming slightly progressive, as were all small towns of that era, but it's the homely things that were a part of Gillett which makes it unique.
You mentioned some of the town characters I had-forgotten about. These I'd like you to recall for me, as to type, mannerisms, jobs, if any and maybe some expressions they used.
No doubt there are many incidents, people and insights you have been exposed to that I missed. You surprised me when you said the town was divided between the church side and the saloon side, that there were seven saloons and seven churches. I can only recall the names of five each, fill me in.
Do you remember the town having a small red building in back of the jail, towards the railroad tracks that was used for a "pest house?" Was it really that or was it to lock up town drunks? In the three or four blocks of the main street of Gillett can you list the businesses and recall some of the interiors? What were the signs on the old curtain in the town hall ( later renamed the armory) I think your uncle had an ad on -that stao-e curtain as did Petersons and Kuhc-ls.
Can you recall the details of attending the movies? Izzy played her most wonderful piano music to accompany the moods of the scenes and of course the show couldn't begin without her, she was some times late and we kids used to have a rough house well organized before she got there.
I know there are just hundreds of incidents, places and people I should remember, but I need old friends to pull them out of the storage closets. I had wanted to have a long visit with Eva Shier last summer but she had guests and so it was postponed until too late. I really regretted that.
This has turned out to be quite a query letter, I didn't think it would be so long, but do what you can and if there are tender spots that need remembering I'd love hearing of them.
My very best to Honey ! I really wanted to see her last year, but maybe on this next trip we can get toqether.
Formerly Francis Cook
Sister of Dr. I. L-Cook.