Accidental Discharges

Last week a hunter shot himself in the groin when he accidentally touched off a round from his unholstered pistol while preparing to enter Henry’s Lake Station. He was helicoptered to the hospital and fortunately survived his injury. 

Regardless of how familiar one is with firearms, accidental discharges seem to occur too frequently while handling guns. This recent incident reminded me of several incidents that occurred while I was serving as a police officer for the City of Pocatello. A fellow patrolman had parked his patrol car in the foothills above the city and was practicing his quick draw when he touched off a round. He killed his fender.

An officer was involved in a vehicle pursuit. The suspect stopped at the top of Benton Street Overpass. The officer exited the patrol car, drew his pistol and ordered the suspect out of his vehicle. After a few tense moments, the suspect sped away from the officer. The officer jumped into his cruiser, gun in hand and put the car in gear. Unfortunately, the officer had cocked his pistol during the traffic stop. As he pulled down on the gear shift he also pull down on his trigger, blowing out his windshield.

Another officer was in his apartment cleaning his service revolver while watching Starsky and Hutch. He got so wrapped in in the plot that he felt the need to assist the detectives in subduing the suspect by dry-firing at the TV. Unfortunately he had loaded his pistol! His wife’s mood that night was a little tense, even after he offered the explanation as to why he had blown out their television.

Finally, the current Police Chief of Pocatello was participating in a swat exercise and entering a building when the officer behind him accidentally torched off a round and shot the eventual chief in the butt.

My point is just that no matter how proficient you may be with a gun, bad things can happen in a moment of inattention. Be careful while handling or storing firearms. The stories that have been recounted are humorous but there are many more that end tragically. Be safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Bishop Mountain Fire Lookout Tower

The Island Park Caldera contains wonderful historic sites. Last week Sheri and I had the opportunity to accompany Liz Davy of the Forest Service to the Bishop Mountain fire lookout tower complex. As we drove up the mountain, Liz explained that the 72 foot tall steel watchtower with accompanying log cabin and garage was constructed between 1936 and 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Its view of the entire caldera gave Forest Service employees an excellent vantage point to detect fires but with the advent of new technology, fire spotters became unnecessary. The complex is listed on the National Historic Registry and continues to be maintained by the Forest Service.

Sheri and I had visited the site several times before but never had access to the buildings. Arriving at our destination, Liz unlocked the cabin and we walked into a single room cabin containing two sets of bunk beds, a cook stove and a small table. It was like stepping into a time capsule as the sparse interior appeared unchanged for almost 80 years. It is in good repair and can be rented from the Forest Service for $30.00 per night. There is no water on site and the restroom facility is of the outhouse variety.

The obvious crown jewel of the site is the tower. A small windowed room sits atop a geometric silver girder base. Flights of stairs zig-zag within the structure to the top of the tower however the base is fenced off and access is not allowed. Despite my impassioned pleas, Liz would not let me climb the tower. Sheri was relieved at her refusal.

Bishop Mountain is worth a visit. The views from the site are remarkable. Bishop Mountain is accessed by turning west on North Antelope Flat Road (South of Harriman), driving 17.5 miles  and turning right on Bishop Mountain Road (FS 120). Five and a half miles later, you arrive at the end of the road and the tower. Take an afternoon and visit this lesser known gem of the caldera.

The Loss of Vance Derricott

Vance Derricott left his beloved Island Park for the last time when he died of natural causes last week. He was a colorful resident of the caldera. He was active in the community, served as a volunteer fireman and he learned how to provide for his family in the boom/bust business cycles of Yellowstone Country.  

Vance and his wife, Marie Derricott purchased Island Park Builders Supply in 1972 from Mel and Ethel Harris. The following year they packed up the store; logs, stock and barrels and moved it from North Big Springs Loop to its present location on South Big Springs Loop. They sold IPBS to their son-in law and daughter, Glade and Aleana Gunnell in 2004.

When I first met Vance three and a half years ago, he was already tethered to this portable oxygen bottle. Our first conversation was interesting. It began with introductions. Mine was brief. Sheri and I had just moved up from Pocatello and were leasing a cabin at Mack’s Inn. His had a little more meat on its bones. He made it clear that he was Island Park born and bred. He recounted several of his business accomplishments and those of his family, in whom he expressed great pride. Expressing my admiration at the life he had built for himself and his progeny in the mountain country, he nodded in appreciation of the acknowledgment and the subject never came up again.

Vance was like one of the volcanic boulders that decorate the caldera. Time does not smooth out all of a monolith’s rough edges and yet it is located in an environment in which it fits.  The last time I spoke to Vance was at the American Legion ceremony at the Island Park Cemetery last Memorial Day. He and Marie were clad in matching American Flag Shirts.

I’ll miss seeing Vance at the Post Office, the bank or just giving him an acknowledgement wave as he drove by. Condolences go out to Marie and all of Vance’s family. Sheri and I are truly sorry for your loss.

Island Park’s Rich History Revealed

Last Weekend the Friends of the Island Park Library hosted a discussion of early memories of Island Park at the EMS Building. The caldera has such a rich history. The gathering began with Nancy Stratford relating how her father-in-law Ray (Sr.) obtained the family cabin. In 1931, lumbermen who logged railroad ties exchanged their two room cabin on the Buffalo River for a $175 debt incurred at the Stratford second-hand store located in Pocatello. The cabin lot was Forest Service property however. In the 1970’s, the Stratfords gained title to their lot as part of a land swap between Montana Power and the Forest Service for the Mesa Falls land and building.

Marty Terrell explained that before there was a Mack’s Inn, a speakeasy named the Snake River Club was located on the site near the river in the 1920's. The prohibition-era drinking establishment included an active still in its basement. She related how her grandfather would drive her family to Island Park in the 1930's to watch the bears feed at the dump. On one visit her mother’s sister and two-year-old child came along on one of the dump visits. As the family watched the bears as they fed and played along the trash pit, the two year old was heard saying “Nice doggie”. To everyone’s horror, the passenger window had been left open. A curious black bear had inserted his head into the vehicle and the child was petting her new friend. That car window was rolled up at a speed that would astonish the owner of any current electric window.

Marty and her husband purchased a 1940’s era vacant service station; they converted the building into a convenience store and named it the Stage Stop. Rather than remove the two hoists from the service bays, they built the floor over them and they remain there to this day.

So many other interesting stories were related during the hour and a half meeting. The Friends of the Library intend to host a similar discussion next year. It would be well worth your time to attend.

50th Anniversary of the Great Mack’s Inn Power Failure

I was helping Richard Bishop, a life-long Island Park resident install some pine railings when he asked if I had heard about the July 4^th that the lights went out in Mack’s Inn. Richard was 13 years old and spent the summer with his good friend, Ralph Foyrer. Ralph and his older brother Arvet stayed with their parents in the family cabin on Cabin Lane at Mack’s Inn. Short on playmates, Arvet tagged along with his younger brother and Richard.

Underneath the Foyrer cabin was a large crawl space that could be accessed from a 4 foot tall exterior door. Arvet claimed the space as his workshop. One early summer day, Richard and Ralph became annoyed with Arvet’s constant company. They questioned why he was not spending more time in his “workshop”. Arvet responded that the area was haunted! Giving the situation some careful consideration, Richard produced a handful of screw-in glass fuses. These little gems were the answer to all of the ghostly problems.  He instructed Arvet to throw one of the fuses at the ghost and it would vanish from the crawl space for the entire day. Arvet joyfully accepted the fuses and left to confront his tormentors. Throughout the month of June the boys did not see much of Arvet, who was busy in his workshop.

As July 4^th approached, cabins throughout Mack’s Inn were being opened for visitors. Richard and Ralph heard tale of a widespread loss of power throughout the area. Fearing the worst, they rushed to Arvet’s unoccupied “workshop”. Crawling into the back recess of dirt crawl space, they found hundreds of fuses! Richard said that they glistened in the beam of his flashlight like mounds of pirate treasure. Fearing that they would be blamed for the outage due of the advice they had given Arvet, Richard and Ralph gathered up several shopping bags of fuses from beneath the cabin. In their best stealth mode, they worked their way throughout the area and replaced the fuses undetected.

Several years and children later, Richard related this story to his family. They listened with skepticism and accused him of spinning a yarn. One afternoon seven years ago, Richard’s son Lowell was called on to replace the bathroom floor in the Foyrer Cabin that had since changed hands. As he excavated the soil in the crawl space under the bathroom, he uncovered a pile of rusty screw-in fuses. He immediately realized that an apology was due his dad.

Growing up in Island Park was simple but never dull. Thank you, Richard for sharing your stories with me. It was my privilege to listen to them.

Yellowstone Country Safety * An Accident at Henry's Lake *

An Accident at Henry’s Lake

On Wednesday, Randy Palmer was working on a small log cabin being built by the Dye family on the site of the old Sunset Bar, Northeast of Henry’s Lake.

Randy was spraying a lacquer finish on the interior logs when the fumes were ignited and Randy was caught in an exploding inferno. At that moment an owner of the property arrived and pulled Randy from the building. The Island Park Fire Department and EMS were quickly on the scene. While Mr. Palmer was being stabilized, the fire department limited the structural damage to the single cabin. Air Idaho transported Randy to Pocatello where he was transferred to a fixed-winged aircraft for the remainder of the journey to the Salt Lake Burn Center. Randy is currently being treated for 3^rd degree burns on over eighty percent of his body.

Randy works with his brothers Ron and David for the family-owned Upper Valley Painting. His wife Lindsay is dividing her time between caring for their six children and watching over the man she loves while he fights to return to his family. Being self-employed, the Palmer’s income has been abruptly interrupted. Donations can be made to the “Randy Palmer Donation Account” at any Bank of Idaho. One can also donate on the net at www.youcaring.com to account 338994 or under the name of Randy Palmer. Your prayers are also appreciated.

2/18/2015 Cover photo for the Island Park Journal

Abandoned outbuilding north of Henry's Lake taken 2-14-2015.

The History of Island Park Continues …

A few weeks ago I acquired a copy of The Island Park Story; Idaho’s Gateway to Yellowstone by Dean Green and James L. Allison. I was intrigued by the existence of a prequel to History of Island Park by Dean H. Green. It was obvious during my initial examination that the 1990 book currently being sold was a polished version of its 1974 predecessor.

While interviewing Spike Fransen for last week’s article, I inquired about the two versions. He said that James Allison connected with Dean Green at North Fremont High in Ashton, where Dean taught and was the yearbook advisor. James revealed his effort to publish a history of Island Park and Dean offered to help. Mr. Green suggested that the Josten’s Yearbook Company would be a great company to print the book. He also offered the use of his students to layout the book. This collaborative effort is evident by the hand-drawn cover attributed to “Cory Ingram, Art student at North Fremont”.

In 1990, Dean Green published his solo edition. He copyrighted the entire text including all entries written by James Allison. The perceived betrayal reportedly resulted in a physical confrontation between the two authors.

Authors write within a perspective of what they know. It was pointed out to me that the stories of several important residents were not included in the current volume. In the “About the Author” section of Mr. Green’s book (page 224), he states that “The author recognizes the incompleteness and discrepancies, but feels that all history will correct itself with time …”

I would like to offer this column to those who would like to add their families’ histories or stories to the record of Island Park. Please feel free to contact me by mail, email or phone and share your stories. I’ll do my best to add your history to the record. 

The Topless Olds

As my friend Maurice was taking me to a whitetail hunting spot, we passed the topless body of a 1927 Oldsmobile sitting like a lawn ornament in front of a cabin. He informed me that the vehicle had belonged to his cousin Spike Fransen and it was he who removed the top with an ax.

I had to hear more about the car. I called Spike. He graciously met with me at his home in Last Chance. Spike and his family moved to Island Park in the summer of 1945. His father was a logger, supplying timbers to the railroad from the Moose Creek area. Initially they lived in Army-surplus wall tents until they were able to build cabins.

A close friend’s family migrated to the area from Virginia in a 1927 Oldsmobile. In April of 1952, the family returned to Virginia and gave the vehicle to Spike. Spike was excited with his new acquisition, but it was a hard top and he wanted a convertible. True to his heritage as a logger’s son, he took his double-bladed ax and chopped the top off the car. Now it was a convertible!

Spike said that there was no shortage of girls wanting to ride around in his customized Olds. After high school, he left Island Park to pursue work, education and marriage. The car remained behind and was given to a neighbor. Despite the best of intentions the new owner did not get the Oldsmobile running but left it in his yard, where it still sits today.

Spike wrapped up the story by imparting a bit of mountain wisdom. Chopping through a vehicle’s top can really damage a good ax. His advice was news to me!

Businesses in Island Park

Individuals and groups have shown a willingness to establish businesses in Island Park. Many hoped that a successful business would allow them to spend more time in the Island Park area. The early settlers of the area had some of the most interesting unsuccessful businesses.

In 1872, Dick Rock began capturing wildlife calves and selling them to zoos and private collectors. He also kept a buffalo, a moose and several elk as pets and tourist attractions. He was gored by the buffalo in 1902. His death marked the end of the business.

In 1895, George Rea built a fish hatchery in Shotgun Valley. The hatchery successfully produced trout but disagreements with the State of Idaho and shipping complications burdened the fledgling company. George’s death in 1902 ended his operation as well.

Some New York land developers purchased property in Shotgun Valley (now partially under the Island Park Reservoir) in 1889. The area reminded them of the Swiss Alpine and they concluded that a dairy/cheese operation would make sense. The endeavor lasted two years before it became apparent that it was impossible to operate in 8 to 12 feet of winter snow.

Island Park’s rugged isolation and severe weather creates a challenge for those that choose to live here year round. Residents of Island Park are constantly seeking ways to improve services for visitors and create income for their families.  

The Drakes and Robin’s Roost

You can usually find the gregarious Doug Drake at Robin’s Roost chatting with a customer. Doug and Carol enjoy sharing their love for the area with residents and visitors alike.  Their journey to the Robin’s Roost was an unlikely one.

They were both Utah residents when they married in 1966. Doug pursued a career as a jockey and competed in the Northwest horse racing circuit. Beginning in 1968, the couple and their children vacationed on a family property in Shotgun.  After seventeen years of tracks and stables, he took a job as a car inspector for the Union Pacific Railroad. After almost two decades with the railroad, he suffered a job-ending injury.  He sought a job opportunity in the area he had grown to love.

With his skeptical wife by his side, he purchased Robin’s Roost in April of 1987. The original store was a 20 X 40 foot log building built in 1938 and located where the gas pumps are now. Within two years, they had added 10 feet onto the building and had begun selling gas to snowmobilers from two above ground tanks.

As their business grew, they constructed the current building and added the gas pumps the following year. The original building was bulldozed into a pile near the highway and made a memorable early winter bonfire.

Doug’s enthusiasm combined with Carol’s patience has made them a hardworking, successful team. Last summer the Drakes improved the store’s efficiency by adding a computer inventory/cash register system along with new checkout lanes.

They are surprised by how many customers recognize them when they travel out of state. As they describe the impromptu reunions, it’s obvious that they treasure these relationships.

It takes people with a special gift to work in a resort community. Doug and Carl Drake are two more reasons why Island Park is a great place.

GRIZZLY ATTACKS

The early explorers of the Rocky Mountains were familiar with grizzly bear attacks. Some famous mountain men of the early 1800’s were mauled by grizzlies. In 1822, Hugh Glass, Jedediah Smith and Jim Bridger were among a group of trappers traveling to the Yellowstone when Glass surprised a mother grizzly and her cubs. The sow set upon Glass before he could get off a shot. Hugh found himself in the grip of the bear. Drawing his knife, he repeatedly stabbed the animal as it continually raked him with her claws. He managed to kill the bear with the help of other trappers but the injuries to him were severe. He was left for dead by Jim Bridger and John Fitzgerald after Indians arrived at the scene. Glass set his own leg, bandaged himself as best he could and crawled and walked 200 miles to Fort Kiowa. The incident was the inspiration for the 1971 movie “Man in the Wilderness”.

Two years later, Jedediah Smith was leading a trapping party to the Yellowstone valley when he was surprised and attacked by a large grizzly bear along the Cheyenne River (eastern Wyoming).  He suffered broken ribs and his side was torn open. The bear took Smith’s head in its mouth and his scalp (including one ear) was nearly torn from his skull before the grizzly retreated. His companions cleaned and stitched up his ear, scalp and side. He recovered from his injuries but grew his hair long to cover the large scar and deformed ear.

Last week, Brett Panting was conducting a survey on grizzly habitat when he surprised a bear in the Davis Lake area near Big Bend Ridge. Brett was unable to deploy his bear spray before being attacked. The bear ran off after biting him. He was treated at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for puncture wounds and lacerations. He is reported to be home and doing well.

Attacks by startled grizzlies are meant to show domination over their environment.  Due to the increasing number of grizzlies in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, the danger of a bear attack is as great as it was during the time of Glass and Smith.

Berry picking and bow hunting seasons entice us deeper into the grizzly’s realm, increasing the odds of an encounter. Here are a few of my rules for operating in grizzly country:

1.   Avoid thick vegetation, especially willows.

2.   If not scouting or hunting, take a dog with you. They make great bear alarms.

3.   Carry bear spray and replace it every two years to ensure its potency.

4.   When walking through the woods, move slowly; look (for fresh scat, tracks and the bear itself), listen (for movement) and smell for bears (they stink).

5.   If you come upon a bear, do not turn and run. They will chase you. Freeze and assess the situation. Do not give away your position with any sudden movements. Back away very slowly and look for a tree you can climb (grizzlies don’t climb) if the bear advances on you.

6.   If the bear charges, act BIG! Take a step forward, raise your hand high above you head and yell. It may stop the charge while he reconsiders his response. It may buy you the time to get out your spray and/or weapon or he may wander off.

7.   In the event of a surprise attack, you may have to become submissive. Drop to the ground, curl into a ball and cover your neck. Going toe-to-toe with a Grizzly will not end well!

Even with the best outdoor skills, grizzly attacks are inevitable when sharing the forest with the top of nature’s food chain. Be cautious and stay safe.

Little Big Hardware Store

Every base camp needs supply sources. Island Park Building Supply is a great source for lumber and hardware specific to one’s needs in Yellowstone country. 

My first IPBS hardware lesson was an introduction to the torque-head screw. I had a supply of Phillips head grabber screws but between mud, snow and ice, I was stripping out the + slot. The torque head screw has a star-shaped impression it its head and are much less prone to strip out. I replaced my screw inventory.

Vance and Marie Derricott purchased IPBS in 1972 from Mel and Ethel Harris. The following year they packed up the store, building and contents, and moved it from North Big Springs Loop to its present location on South Big Springs Loop. Glade Gunnell began working for Vance before the move. In 1978 he became family when he married the boss’s daughter, Aleana.  Glade and Aleana purchased IPBS in 2004.

With so many years of experience providing for the needs of Island Park residents under their collective belts, Glade and his family have a wealth of knowledge of what is needed in the mountain environment. Their advice is freely given, the inventory is of good quality and their prices are fair.

When I was a flatlander, I was accustomed to shopping at Lowe’s or Home Depot. IPBS could fit their entire store into the garden section of the big box retailers but the amount of inventory that they have stocked in such a small area is amazing. They know the location of every nut, bolt and clasp. They are anxious to order anything that they do not stock; with a turnaround time of only a couple of days.

Family members Nathan and Jancey are now involved in the business. When I dropped in recently, the grandkids were busy passing out free ice cream bars to customers. 

This little big hardware store is a family effort that succeeds in meeting the needs of residents and visitors to Island Park.

The Visitors are Arriving!

Island Park acquired its name during the stage coach days of the 1800’s. Stages passed through the area and stopped or parked at a series of clearings to allow the travelers and horses to rest. Each “park” had a name. The clearing near the current Boy Scout Camp was known as the Island Park because it was surrounded by water in the form of five rivers or creeks (Buffalo River, Split Creek, Little Warm River, Tom Creek and Chick Creek). 

Later, the Island Park area was used to load railroad ties and cattle onto railroad cars.  The US Post Office used that business location as the designated post office for the area. When the business closed, the Island Park Post Office was moved to Pond’s Lodge but the name was retained. Eventually, Island Park became the accepted name for the entire area, encompassing all the settlements from Last Chance to Henry’s Lake. 

The humble origin of the name does not diminish the grandeur of the area. It is an aspen and pine oasis, a park or rest, surrounded by a world in constant turmoil and strife. Island Park graciously shares its timeless serenity with all those who choose to linger. For those who live here year round, summer is a time to share what they hold precious.  

For those who are arriving for a summer visit, enjoy an evening walk along the Coffee Pot Trail to the rapids or the serenity of Big Springs and the Johnny Sack cabin.  Try your hand at fly-fishing in the world class waters of the Henry’s Fork or just enjoy the sight of those who do it well. Float the Henry’s Fork from Big Springs to Mack’s Inn or rent a 4 wheeler and explore the myriad of trails available. Enjoy the hospitality of the various eateries or grab some fixins and have a picnic in the shade of the pines.

However you spend your time in Island Park, you can make memories that will last the rest of your life.

Hungry Bear Market Fire Aftermath

I passed the burned-out shell of the Hungry Bear Market as I was    driving through the flat. I wondered if it would be razed or rebuilt. It is a scar on a beautiful section of Island Park and a hazard to the curious visitors who may want to explore the wreckage.

Being the inquisitive type, I spoke with Blake Bowman of the Fremont County Planning and Building Dept. He advised me that the owner, Paul Woodie had expressed his intention to rebuild the market.  Blake had expected to be provided with the insurance company’s engineering assessment of the building and an architectural plan to repair or rebuild by now. He has received neither yet.  Mr. Bowman agreed that the building currently posed an attractive nuisance and would have to be demolished by the county if the owner failed to address the problem. When pressed for a timeline, he stated that it would be premature to commit to one until he had more information but that Fremont County was taking the situation very seriously.

I spoke with Marjean Eastman, who sold the business to Mr. Woodie and retains an interest in the property. She advised that both she and Paul received insurance payments for the damaged building a few weeks ago. She was in the dark regarding the future plans for the property and expressed the same concerns for the existing hazards as the county.

I phoned Paul Woodie to find out what he intended to do with the Hungry Bear site and was advised that while currently unavailable, he would return my call. I had not heard from him by the time of the writing of this article but look forward to hearing his plans for the market site.

Island Park is a Spiritual Experience

Island Park is a Spiritual Experience

In 1941, “Doc” Mac donated the land and initial log structure known as the “Little Church in the Pines”. It was originally an inter-denominational building where LDS, Catholics and various Protestant groups co-existed until 1961 when the LDS Church built the A-frame.

Sheri and I have experienced LDS and Christian communities socially segregated from one another. I am LDS and she is Baptist. We have learned to co-exist by focusing on what we have in common instead of our differences.

Our experience in Island Park has been refreshing. Sheri has been attending the Little Church in the Pines while I attend the LDS services (though not as often as I should). Both congregations have been very welcoming to our family.

We attended last year’s Christmas party in the LDS A-Frame. Sheri was pleasantly surprised that her congregation was also invited to participate. Having everyone in the same room to celebrate Christ’s birth must have put a smile on “Doc” Mack’s face.

Easter Sunday was Sheri’s birthday. As a gift to her, I attended the Easter service at the “Pines”. The program was uplifting and the members were gracious and welcoming. I appreciated an offer to sing with their choir but my singing would prematurely empty their building.

Regardless of religious choice, Island Park residents display a mutual respect and a willingness to work together. I am sure that the harsh conditions and the small population have contributed to this attitude. I think that the mountains have attracted a special breed that exhibits these wonderful traits.

A Bonding Experience

A Bonding Experience

Two years ago I became a licensed bondsman but left the business behind when I moved Island Park. I do occasional bounty hunting for my old employer when someone doesn't show up for court and can’t be found. I received a job this week and it reminded me of an earlier recovery that I did last November.

I was asked to pick up a 33 year old man who failed to appear in court. I did some checking with informants in Pocatello and located him in a second floor apartment of a complex near Pocatello High. It was a late evening when the manager gave me access to the apartment and I found my target hiding in a back bedroom. When he initially saw me, he charged but he suddenly wheeled around and ran back into the bedroom. He threw a shoulder into a blind-covered window with a crash! I grabbed his ankle as he went through the blind and out the broken window.  The next thing I knew, I was dangling a fugitive 20 feet above the ground. As I tried to pull him back into the room, he kicked at me repeatedly with his free foot. A tug of war ensued through the ragged glass shards of the window remnants. After several minutes of fighting, the suspect kicked loose and fell, head first to the ground. Getting up slowly and dazed, he hobbled off into the night. I notified the Pocatello Police that the suspect had fled. Neither the swarming patrol officers nor Sheri and I (she had been waiting in the truck) found him. We drove home disappointed and empty handed.

Two days later, I received a call from an informant and was advised that my fugitive was hiding in his mother’s house in American Falls. The plan was to have the Power County Sheriff take custody once the suspect was apprehended so I invited Sheri, Heather, Luke and Aspen (our dog) to ride along. Why waste a trip to the flat when you can get some shopping done!

Checking in at the Sheriff’s office, I recruited a few deputies and headed over to the mother’s house. She let me in and I found her son hiding under a bed. He was in no condition to run. He had lacerations and embedded glass in his leg. One arm was bandaged and thought broken. He was in misery and very compliant. The deputies transported him to their jail but jailers would not accept him because of his injuries. Bannock County Jail declined him until I had a hospital release.  

I cuffed and loaded him up into the Suburban with the wife, daughter, grandson and dog and transported him to the Pocatello hospital. We had a pleasant visit along the way. Luke innocently quizzed him, wanting to know why he was hurt and in handcuffs. He was apologetic for resisting me during our previous encounter. He had realized that the pain from the injuries wasn't worth the two extra days of freedom. I stayed with the suspect while he was being treated at the hospital and while the family took the occasion to get some shopping done.

Two hours later, my new companion was released and the women picked us up. We drove him to the Bannock County Jail and after one last cigarette; our fugitive was turned over to the jailers.

While Sheri has helped on several arrests, this was Heather’s second and Luke’s first!  I guess you take family bonding experiences where you can find them.

The History of Island Park

Enjoying the History of Island Park

Last week I stopped by one of the local stores and purchased a copy of “History of Island Park by Dean H. Green”. Having seen the book displayed in several stores, I was intrigued.

Island Park is a window to various times in the earth’s history. Hiking amidst the obsidian boulders of Fish Creek, one can imagine the time before man arrived. Hunting for elk and dodging grizzlies in the forest is reminiscent of the mountain man era and visiting the old log cabins still in use reminds us of those who first developed the area.  Listening to locals tell stories about Doc Mack, the deep snow years and the various landmarks lost to fires over the years, one observes the reverence that many have for this area.

There are stories in my family about a connection to Island Park and Pond’s Lodge.  I wanted to explore them as well so I made my purchase and began reading.  The author opens with the area’s volcanic activity and documents early Indian activity, mountain men and the US Calvary during the Nez Perce War. I enjoyed reading about the first white settlers in the area, Gilman Sawtell, Dick Rock (who was killed by his pet buffalo) and George Rea.

My impatience got the better of me and I jumped forward to the chapter on Pond’s Lodge. I had met my great uncle and aunt in Idaho Falls when I was in grade school but didn't remember much. I called my mother in Arizona and she reminded me that their names were Gus and Rella Pond.

Charles Pond and his wife, Mina moved here to work for the Targhee Tie Company in 1924 (near the Scout Camp) and in 1925 purchased the lease and buildings which they renamed Pond’s Lodge. One of his children was Angus (Gus) Pond, my great uncle. And there on page 157 was a photo of great Uncle Gus and Aunt Rella.  I felt a sense of pride but also of missed opportunity. When I was young, I had no information about their history. I wish they had shared with me stories of the early days of Island Park.

In my heart, I feel that I owe it to them to learn as much about the area as I can and pass that information down to my children and grandchildren. I also was forced to consider that I have failed to disclose many of my life experiences. I am determined to rectify that omission.

For those of you who haven’t picked up a copy of Mr. Green’s book, I would recommend it. It is well worth the money and the time to read.