Welcome to Malad
Published by The Idaho Enterprise
The little valley where Idaho begins
Just north of the Utah border, the Malad Valley was an easy choice for settlement by the pioneers who were instructed to head north in the second half of the nineteenth century. The area had caught the interest of Brigham Young when he passed through in 1855, and he decided to send groups into the valley with the intention of establishing an LDS community. The groups were largely composed of Welsh members of the faith, and the area’s history and culture are still redolent with the spirit
of the old country. In fact, in addition to the many recreation possibilities, the Malad Valley is home to one of the largest Welsh heritage festivals in the country, held every June.
Malad is the seat of Oneida County, and its largest city, and it makes a good starting point for any adventure that visitors might want to take--from the Snake River Canyon to the west, Bear Lake to the east, national parks to the north, and many scenic trips in between.
With all the best elements of small
town charm, Malad also contains the conveniences needed to outfit expeditions to surrounding areas. Hotel Malad, Sunrise Summit Resort RV Park, and a number of Airbnb’s offer accommodations for overnight stays. Ward’s Ace and Hess Lumber have outdoor and camping supplies for those looking to head out into the wild. A range of restaurants and food trucks offer food for those who return hungry.
Learn more about those resources, as well as the Welsh Festival inside!
Malad City is home of the Welsh Festival!
For more information see pages 2 - 3 and 27 - 30.
CROESO!
Welcome to the 19th annual Malad Valley Welsh Festival! Everyone is invited to enjoy the Welsh and pioneer traditions featured at the Festival. Come and learn about the history of Malad Valley!
The 19th annual Malad Valley Welsh Festival will be held June 27-29, 2025, and will include something for everyone, whether or not you have lived in Malad all of your life or just moved here or just passing through, whether or not you have Welsh blood, and whether or not you know anything about Wales.
History of Welsh Festival
If you had been living in Malad Valley in the late 1800s, you would be well acquainted with Malad’s version of the Welsh eisteddfod. Held in Wales since the 1100s, the eisteddfod is the most prestigious poetry and choral competition in the world. Welsh pioneers brought those traditions with them when they settled in Malad Valley in the 1860s. In the 1880s, Malad Valley began hosting its own eisteddfod – one year in Malad and the next in St. John or Samaria –and the tradition continued until World War I. Participants, spectators, and judges came from as far away as Salt Lake City to be part of the Malad Valley eisteddfod.
The Malad Valley Welsh Festival was
first held in 2005 when local residents realized that the traditions and culture of their ancestors were being lost. However, the heritage of the Welsh and all other pioneers is featured during the Festival.
Bard of the Welsh Festival
This year’s Festival will be presided over by Candice Lemmon, the “2024 Bard of the Malad Valley Welsh Festival.” Candice, who is from Bountiful, Utah, will preside over the Festival from the decorative Bard’s Chair after being led into the Festival during the opening ceremony by the Knight of the Welsh Festival.
The Bard’s Circle is comprised of all past Bards, who will read or recite poems about “Castles,” the theme of this year’s Poetry Competitions. Next year’s Bard will be chaired at the Finale of the Festival on Saturday afternoon.
Poetry competitions for youth began weeks before the Festival with judges reading over 300 poems before determining the youth semi-finalists, who are invited to read their poems at the Festival and vie for cash prizes and the first place crowns in each grade category.
Adult poets will be competing for cash prizes and the opportunity to be the “2025 Bard of the Welsh Festival” or to receive the “Patsy Price Scott Poetry Prize.” The carved
“Bard’s Chair” resides in the Oneida Pioneer Museum throughout the year, and plaques engraved with the names of winning Bards, Patsy Price Scott Poetry Prize winners, and the Festival Fiction winners hang on the wall in Malad City Hall.
Music
A festival is not Welsh without music, and the Malad Valley Welsh Festival features several musical events. Celtic musicians, including the “Idaho Rovers” and other regional groups, will perform on the outdoor amphitheater on both days of the Festival. The Haywire Ranch String Band will bring western pioneer music to the Festival.
The Friday evening program will open with the Malad Valley Men’s Welsh Chorus welcoming everyone with the traditional Welsh song “We’ll Keep a Welcome in the Valley” (with words altered to fit Malad Valley). “Reflections,” a women’s chorus from the Bear River Valley area and “Rune Stone” of Idaho Falls will also perform at this concert.
Twenty talented young musicians will perform vocal, piano and instrumental numbers at the youth concert on Friday. Adult pianists will perform at the piano ensemble concert on Saturday, concluding with Mack Wilberg’s rousing 2-piano, 8-hand arrangement of “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Youth art will be on display throughout the Festival in the church building next to Malad City Park. Youth artists submitted their Welsh-themed works of art before school was out; the art was judged by local professional artists.
Events on Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28 – Malad City Park and Church Next to the Park:
• Opening ceremony with 2024 Bard being led to the Bard’s Chair by the Knight of the Festival, welcome from the Malad Men’s Welsh Chorus, and video introduction to Welsh Castles, the theme of this year’s Festival.
• Presentation by Lucie Thomas Washburn on “Welsh Castles,” including the Ring of Iron.
• Presentation by Ron Dennis, internationally recognized expert on the emigration of the Welsh to the American West, who will speak on Dan Jones, an influential missionary who brought hundreds of converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to America.
• A “Walk Through Wales” to remind those who have visited Wales of the historic sites, especially castles, and beautiful sights of the country and to make those who have yet to visit Wales yearn to make
the trip
• Displays of family history trees and census information of early pioneer families that settled Malad Valley
• All-day performances by Celtic musicians on the amphitheater
• Displays of winning youth works of art at the Church
• Welsh language classes
• Quilt show and bake sale at the Co-op Building, sponsored by the Oneida Quilters
• Guided wagon tours of historic routes in downtown Malad.
• Activities in Samaria (6 miles southwest of Malad), including self-guided tours of historic sites and pioneer-era cabins in Malad Valley Heritage Square and displays about the Welsh emigration.
• New displays at the Oneida Pioneer Museum
• Tours of historic 140-year-old Presbyterian Church
• Huge book sale at the Oneida County Library, sponsored by the Friends of the Library
• LOTS of food and craft booths, including the Taste of Wales booth (sponsored by
the Malad High School FCCLA students), and the Welsh Country Store
Events only on Friday, June 27
• LOTS of activities for kids with face painting, castle and dragon coloring, and Welsh games, sponsored by the Malad After-School Program
• Youth poetry reading and competitions with winners in each age category being crowned
• Youth concert, featuring pianists, vocalists, and instrumentalists
• Evening concert, featuring choral groups
Events only on Saturday, June 28
• Dragon Half and Quarter Marathon, sponsored by the MHS Cross Country Team
• Heritage games played by Welsh pioneer children as they left Wales and journeyed across the Plains to Malad Valley, sponsored by the Malad Middle School MathCounts Team
• Piano ensemble concert
• Adult poetry reading, poems by the Bard’s Circle, announcement of fiction winner, presentation of poetry prizes, including “Chairing of the 2025 Bard” at this Finale
OLD
Event on Sunday, June 29, at 2nd Ward Church (next to Malad City Park)
• Presentation by Dr. Gordon Simpson: “Growing up in Malad in the 1940s and 1950s”
• Presentation by Larry Thomas: “Old-Time Businesses in Malad”
• Gymanfa Ganu (sing-along)
• Music numbers by Emily Ammott of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
The Malad Valley Welsh Festival will have something for everyone, whether or not you have Welsh heritage! Admission is free although some activities may have a small charge. The Welsh Festival cannot be called an eisteddfod (very few druids reside in Oneida County), but it is an opportunity to celebrate Malad Valley’s pioneer heritage.
The Festival is partially funded by the Bistline Family Foundation, Malad Valley Welsh Society, Hess Pumice Products, Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital, and other local businesses, families, and individuals.
The schedule of events is printed in this paper and on the website: www.welshfestival.com.
EPHRAIM
Old Ephraim was a giant grizzly bear that terrorized sheep ranchers in Logan Canyon from the 1910s to 1923 when Frank Clark of Cherry Creek, south of Malad, finally killed him. Frank herded sheep in Logan Canyon and killed 43 bears during his 34-years as a sheepherder. Old Ephraim became Frank Clark’s sworn enemy as the bear became bolder as the years went by, removing traps without setting them off and killing more sheep nearly every night. Throughout the years, only one man had ever seen Old Ephraim, but a deformed claw on one leg left an imprint that identified the bear as he roamed through the canyon.
On an August day in 1923, Frank Clark set yet another trap in Old Ephraim’s wallow, a swampy place in a creek to where the bear would return after a night of killing sheep. As usual, the bear removed the trap and set it on the bank of the wallow, but this time Old Eph had set off the trap even though it had not caught him. This close call must have made the bear suspicious, though, because he dug a new pool below the other, creating a new wallow.
Frank was determined to catch this bear and set a huge trap in the new wallow. He attached the 23-pound trap to a 14-foot log chain connected to a log that was a foot in diameter and nine feet long. He then stirred up the mud over the trap and brushed away his tracks with some willows, making the wallow look undisturbed.
On August 21, 1923, Frank sat up late, watching the stars and listening as his sheep settled down for the night. In the middle of the night, Frank was awakened by a roar and screams near his camp. Old Ephraim had carelessly triggered the trap, and its steel jaws had snapped shut on the bear’s right front leg. He started to run but was stopped by the chain fastened to the trap and log. He tried to gnaw through the chain as he dragged the log down the hollow. Old Eph finally broke the ring that connected the chain to the log and then, badly bleeding from his mouth, started toward Frank Clark’s camp. He roared with pain as he smashed through trees and brush.
Frank Clark listened to the roaring until it seemed to calm down a little. Then he got up, put on his shoes, grabbed his rifle, and in his long underwear went up the trail about 300-400 yards. Then the roaring started again, and Clark realized that the bear
had been caught in the trap but was now between him and his camp. Frank was more scared than he had ever been in his life.
He took his 25-35 caliber carbine with seven steel ball cartridges and walked up the trail. He could hear the bear rattle the trap’s chain and bellow on a night Frank described as “darker than hell and plenty cold.” When daylight finally arrived, Frank tracked Old Eph and fired one shot at his shoulder. Standing 9 feet 11 inches, Ephraim raised up on his hind legs with the 23-pound bear trap and the14-foot log chain wound around his right front leg. In Frank’s words – “He turned around and I saw the most magnificent sight that any man could ever see. I was paralyzed with fear and couldn’t raise my gun and he was coming – still on his hind legs – holding that cussed trap above his head.” Frank let the bear get within ten feet of him before he shot again – five times. Bleeding badly, Old Ephraim kept coming, still on his hind legs and waving the trap above his head.
As Frank backed away, he caught his heel and fell flat on his back. He scrambled to his feet as quickly as he could and started down the trail with the bear close behind. Just then he heard his dog Jennie barking. As Old Ephraim turned to hit the dog, Frank stepped as close as he dared and fired the remaining shot into the back of the bear’s head, with a prayer that it would
finish him. It did. The 1000-pound bear fell forward, rolled a little, and hit the ground only a short distance from Frank. “I think I felt sorry I had to do it,” said Frank afterward. He decided he would never kill another bear, and he never did.
Frank Clark went to another sheep camp and told Joe Brown about killing Old Ephraim. They rode back to the bear’s body, removed the trap, and skinned the bear, leaving the head on the body. The hide was almost an inch thick. Later Frank gave the claws away as souvenirs. Clark and Brown covered the body with brush and set fire to it. Frank burned the body for three days and then buried what was left of it in a shallow grave.
Dr. George R. Hill was a Scoutmaster of Troop #5 of Logan and reported the killing of Old Ephraim to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. The officials at the Smithsonian doubted that the bear was a grizzly, claiming that there had not been grizzly bears in the area for 70 years. They offered $25 for its head if it proved to be a grizzly. Dr. Hill and his Scout Troop hiked up to the spot Frank Clark had marked on a map, and the boys found the gravesite. They soon found the body and removed the head that was in good condition with very little signs of burning. In spite of the horrific odor, the boys persevered and put the head, which was large enough fill a bushel basket, into a box. Dr. Hill sent it to the Smithsonian and received the promised $25, which was used by the Scouts.
A rock monument designates Old Ephraim’s grave up a right fork of Logan Canyon to Cowley Canyon to Herd Hollow. Old Ephraim’s skull was housed at the Smithsonian until 1978 when it was sent back to Utah to be displayed at the USU Library. For years, Frank Clark told the story of Old Ephraim to Scout troops around campfires at night, leading to a lot of sleepless nights for the boys. He is buried in the Malad City Cemetery Frank Clark’s cabin in Cherry Creek was donated recently to the Malad Valley Heritage Square in Samaria where it will be restored by Luke Waldron. Luke plans to display the story of Old Ephraim in the cabin as well as pictures of grizzly bears, a bear trap, and other memorabilia to remind people of the Old Ephraim legend.
Some information taken from “The Story of Old Ephraim” by Newell J. Crookston of Logan, Utah (1959).
The Knight of the Welsh Festival escorts the 2023 Bard, Blaine Scott, to the podium to be officially seated.
A short trip to Samaria, Idaho will certainly be worth your time
By Luke Waldron
Remove yourself from your daily rush and take a stroll back in time. Samaria, about nine miles southwest of Malad, was once the largest town in the Malad Valley. Settled in 1868 by Welsh immigrants, the town did well until the railroad was routed through Malad. After that, the primary businesses developed around the railroad terminal, and Samaria remained a farming community.
If you are looking for something to do for a few hours, the Samaria driving tour may be just the thing for you. A number of historic buildings are in the area, and the district is on the National Register of Historic Places. A fun way to learn much about the early history is to pick up your copy of the Samaria Early History Driving Tour booklet from local businesses Malad Valley Heritage Square or the Blue Goose. This 58-page booklet is full of historic photographs and pioneer stories.
A must visit is the historic “Blue Goose” country store. This building has been part of the community’s history for many years, opening its doors for business around 1900 as a furniture store. It was later purchased and became the community’s Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor and later a pool hall for many years. In 1998 the building was relocated to the Samaria Centennial Park
and is now operated as a country store ran by community volunteers. A variety of items are for sale, including candy, pop, souvenirs, novelty items, sweatshirts and T-shirts, hats, aprons, cookbooks, and community history books.
We welcome you to come and enjoy the Samaria Centennial Park, beautifully kept by the Samaria Recreation District. The Samaria Centennial Park is a perfect location for your next family outing with a nice pavilion, playground, ample of room for camping and RV trailers. Join the family fun at the annual Samaria Days celebration the third weekend of July each year. Group reservations for family reunions or other events can be made by calling The Blue Goose during regular business hours at 208-766-5381.
A new and unique venue for families and individuals is the Malad Valley Heritage Square. The Malad Valley Heritage Square was dedicated on May 11, 2018 by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Square was created to honor, perpetuate, and preserve the legacy of the Welsh Pioneer Heritage of the Malad Valley. Features of the Heritage Square include three Welsh pioneer cabins; the Thomas John Davis, Samuel Deer Davis, and the John Jones Williams.
Ethan Rawlins Prosecuting Attorney
The Thomas John Davis cabin, birthplace of Olive Davis Osmond, mother of the famous Osmond singers and entertainers, was dedicated in May 2010 by seven of Olive’s son’s, Virl, Tom, Merrill, Jay, Alan, Donny and Jimmy. Olive was born May 4, 1925, in the small cabin and grew up in Samaria. The cabin has become a museum to honor Olive Davis Osmond and the Davis family. The Samuel Deer Davis cabin is currently being restored with an original wood slat roof and being chinked with a mixture of clay and straw. S.D. Davis became a prominent community member but is most notably known for his test oath case, which went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The John Jones Williams cabin, one of the first five homes built in the Malad Valley in 1864, is the oldest standing structure in the valley. Your Heritage Square visit also includes The Welsh Experience Exhibit and the Welsh Children’s Farm where kids can enjoy many adorable Welsh animals including sheep, ponies, chickens, and ducks. A great place for a family outing! The Malad Valley Heritage Square is open Memorial Day through Labor Day for self-guided tours. For guided tours and special events contact samariacommunity@gmail.com or call 208-380-3522.
The Samaria Cemetery abounds with
stories. One of the most bizarre being that of “Uncle Ben” and his buried leg. Before Ben Waldron became a merchant, he was doing some farming. In the fall of 1878 when Ben was 24 years of age he was harvesting with a horse-powered thresher. Somehow his leg got caught up in one of the rods in the machinery and was severely injured. Ben was rushed to the hospital where he begged the doctor for several days to save his leg. However, the leg could not be saved. Ben having quite a sense of humor asked that the leg be buried, which was done. Ben complained of intense pain for weeks following the amputation. He asked if his leg was buried crooked. Those who helped bury it including Ben’s brother, Levi, said yes. Ben insisted that his leg be dug up and straightened. Levi did as his brother asked. After the leg was straightened out, Ben’s pain went away and he never complained about having the pain again. The burial plot in the Samaria Cemetery is marked with its own gravestone on the east side of the cemetery inscribed “B.W. October 30, 1878”. Just look for the stone with the leg on it. Ben died many years later in 1914 and his body is buried on the west end of the cemetery.
One thing is for sure, a trip to Samaria will not disappoint! We look forward to seeing you there!
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The Local Folks’ Favorite Place To Dine!
DOWNTOWN MALAD
65 North Main • Malad • 766-4327
Exit 13 To Center of Town
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Fantastic Burgers & Sandwiches, alad Bar, & the Best Chicken Fried Steaks Anywhere! ~ Dining For The Entire Family ~
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Fri. & Sat.: 11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
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MALAD VALLEY WELSH FESTIVAL SUNDAY FIRESIDE
June 29, 2025 at 5:00 in 2nd Ward Chapel
“Growing Up in Malad in the 1940s and 50s” By Dr. Gordon Simpon and “Old Time Malad Businesses” by Larry Thomas Refreshments will be served.
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Voted Idaho’s Best Library
Oneida County Library
31 North 100 West, Malad, 208-766-2229
Monday: 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Preschool Story Hour
Every Tuesday @ 11:30 – 12:30
SUMMER READING
June 3 through July 8
Every Tuesday @ 12:30 p.m. in the park E-book and E-audio now available
First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church began in 1877 when the people invited the pastor of the Corinne Presbyterian Church to hold Sunday School services here. The church was formally organized in 1884 when the current church building, the oldest existing church building in Malad, was completed. In 1878 the original Presbyterian Mission School was started; it was the only school in Malad until the first public school opened in 1908. The mission school ended at that time.
The historic church bell was built in Troy, New York, shipped to Malad, and installed in 1884. It may be the oldest bell in Idaho. This bell tolled for over a century including warning of the devastating 1908 flood, on V-E day, and again on V-J day. The sole function of the bell today is to call worshippers to church.
Worship services are still held in the historic building located on 7 South Main Street (next to the courthouse on the hill behind Allen Drug) in Malad on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information, please contact Toni Werk at 702-525-2845.
St. Paul’s Catholic Mission Church
The St. Paul’s Catholic Mission Church, part of The Good Shepherd Catholic Commu-
Churches of Oneida County
nity based in Soda Springs, Idaho, conducts Catholic Mass every Saturday in Malad at 3:00 p.m. at the church located at 233 Samaria Lane. For more information, please contact Art Martinez at 208-417-9586. All are welcome.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
In April 1865 – just a year after Malad
the Malad Valley Welsh Festival
to learn how to speak the Welsh language! 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on the main floor of the 2nd Ward Church Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28
Valley started to be settled – the first Malad Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized with Daniel Daniels as presiding elder. The first meetinghouse was the Church of the Seven Spires, which was built in 1867 and demolished in the 1920s. The Malad Ward was formed in 1877.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has three buildings in Malad City: the Stake Building located at 1250 N. 1100 W. (on way to St. John), the 2nd Ward Building
located at 20 S. 100 W. (next to the Malad City Park), and the old Stake Building at 400 N. 200 W. (across from the Malad Elementary School). Three wards meet in each of the buildings at the following times: Sacrament Meeting at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.; Primary and Sunday School/Priesthood and Relief Society at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. The Holbrook Ward meets in its building in Holbrook with Sacrament Meeting at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday School/Priesthood/Relief Society and/or Primary following.
Victory Baptist Church
Victory Baptist Church, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, started in a local resident’s home in 1992. The location of the worship service moved three times until 2010 when the congregation finally got its own church building located at 448 S. Main Street.
Pastor Jack Harwell and the congregation invite all to join with them for their Sunday morning Bible study held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Sunday worship service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Sunday evening Bible study from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Wednesday night prayer meeting from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Pastor Harwell at 208-766-4286.
The historic 2nd ward tabernacle is the location of many of the festival events
Oneida County towns and settlements
When Malad became the county seat in 1866, business picked up. With stage lines and freighters on their way north to Montana gold mines, and new families moving in every year, Malad became a boomtown. In 1864, the Ben Holliday Stage Line went through Malad, headed northwest over Bannock Mountain to Ross Fork. In 1865, the route was changed to run north to the Portneuf Road and on to Ross Fork. Malad pioneers built homes along both routes. Main Street running north and Bannock Street running northwest still mark the old freight and stage routes. The city center is at the fork of these two routes.
MALAD CITY
This town, settled by Mormons in 1864, received its name from the nearby Malad River. The stream was known among the early fur traders and trappers as “Sickly Waters”, “Sick River”, or “Malad.” There are several versions of just how this came about.
Trappers became violently ill from eating the beaver caught in this stream. It was thought this was caused because the beaver had been on a diet of wild parsnip, common to the area, which did not harm the beaver but was very harmful to those who partook of the flesh of the beaver. Some reports are, the sickness was caused by drinking the waters of the stream near the salty mineral springs between Malad City and the present Utah state line. At any rate, the name stuck. Another river in Idaho, near Bliss, also bears the name of Malad.
In the summer of 1843 John C. Fremont’s party of 39 men passed the spot where Malad City now stands and found a small encampment of Indians who were not very well fed. Fremont commented on the disappearance of the herds of buffalo caused by the trappers and buffalo hunters who had been so active in these valleys since the establishment of Fort Hall in 1834. When Fremont attempted to buy food from the Indians here, they opened their blankets, showing their starved bodies.
WOODRUFF
This Mormon community, on the southern end of the Malad Valley, was called Muddy Creek, after the creek by the same name that went through it, by its first residents. The name came from the heavy spring runoffs that caused the water in the creek to be dirty. In 1891 it was renamed Woodruff, for Wilford Woodruff, one time president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.
CHERRY CREEK
At one time the Cherry Creek LDS Ward consisted of four villages, namely, Two-Mile Creek, Willow Springs, Cherry Creek and Henderson Creek. Each village grew up around a spring that flowed from
the mountains to the east. No one knows for sure how Cherry Creek got its name, but it is assumed it came from the choke cherry trees that are abundant in the area. Cherry Creek as a settlement dates back to 1865.
HENDERSON CREEK
In the spring of 1869, when David Jones went to Malad Valley, there were two houses on Muddy Creek and five on Henderson Creek. Henderson Creek was named after a man by that name. Henderson was not a permanent settler, but came up to Malad Valley to raise grain. The first permanent settlers were two men, named respectively Powell and Murdock. The small farming area between Woodruff and Cherry Creek took on the name of the creek that ran through it.
ST. JOHN
This farming community is located northwest of Malad City. Tradition has it that LDS Apostle Lorenzo Snow had traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1875 to dedicate a cemetery here. As he was preparing to give the prayer, he asked what name had been chosen. No one knew, but someone suggested Saint John. Everyone agreed, so the name was adopted for the cemetery, the community and the LDS Ward.
DANIELS
Located about twenty miles northwest of Malad City, Daniels is in farming country originally known as the “head of the Malad”.
PLEASANTVIEW
Nestled at the foot of the mountains on the west side of the Malad Valley, it is said this rural Mormon settlement was named for its location, which commands a fair view of Malad Valley. As the story goes, a Sunday School was being organized on August 31, 1890. At this meeting, the name of the Sunday School and the community was suggested by Sarah Jones, wife of Lewis D. Jones, the first Sunday School Superintendent. She is said to have gone out on the porch of the home they were meeting in and looked over the valley and exclaimed, “Oh what a pleasant view!” Everyone agreed and it has been known by that name ever since.
GWENFORD
John Jones, who settled here in 1890, applied for and was granted a post office in 1896, which he named for his daughter Gwen. This early settlement was located between Pleasant view and Samaria.
SAMARIA
A Mormon settlement of 1868, located in the southwest corner of the Malad Valley, this community was once bigger than Malad. Early records indicate that the Bible inspired its name -- that it was named after the famed Good Samaritan because of the love and charity exhibited by its early pioneer settlers. The year that Samaria got its name
Elder Lorenzo Snow, then of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, made a trip to the little community to form a Ward, give advice on community and family living, and to form a town site. He instructed Elder Price, one of the settlement’s founders, to make square blocks with wide streets following the pattern set by Brigham Young in Salt Lake City. To beautify the valley he gave each family some seeds that he had brought from Italy to be planted on the west side of each field. The seeds were Lombardy poplar and were supposed to help protect the crops from the hot, scorching sun and wind, and also reach up high enough to receive moisture from the air for the fields.
HOLBROOK
This rural farming community, in the western end of Oneida County, took its name from its post office and a church leader. Tradition has it that the post office, established here in 1902, was called Holbrook, for Heber A. Holbrook, the local Mormon bishop. The settlement of Holbrook dates back to the year 1878, when a Mr. Joyce arrived here and built a rock house in which to shelter and protect his family from the wild animals and Indians.
STONE
Renelle Skidmore from Stone indicates that her father told her that Stone was named after a Mr. Stone who had some connection with the Postal Service. He was in Stone sometime after 1880 and before 1900. On the 1880 census it is called Carlew, Oneida, Idaho. It was probably supposed to Curlew rather than Carlew. The Curlew Valley consists of Snowville, Stone and Holbrook. Snowville was called Curlew, Box Elder, Utah. To further corroborate this story, she relates that in approximately 1998 she met a man by the name of Ron Stone who lives in Eagle, Idaho. He told her that Stone was named after his grandfather or great-grandfather who came to Stone to set up the Post Office and to be the postmaster.
BLACK PINE
Lies in Black Pine Valley along Interstate 84. It’s not clear whether the town or the valley first bore the name, which refers to the stands of Black Pine (Pinus Jeffreyi) in the vicinity.
DAIRY CREEK
Lies north of Daniels, and was homesteaded in the 1870s. It is still farmland and picturesque area.
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Enjoy Malad parks and the Legrande Aqua Plunge
For the enjoyment of Oneida County residents and visitors to Malad, two parks are available for picnics, playing ball and walking. All parks are equipped with restrooms, picnic tables and water. The swimming pool has a small adjacent park convenient for small parties.
CITY PARK
The Malad City Park, 41 South 100 West, is located adjacent to the Oneida County Free Library. A children’s playground is included in the park with a variety of children’s outdoor toys and a large sandlot. As of 2024, a large pickleball complex was opened on the west side of the park.
For parties and picnics, a large pavilion with many tables is available. A smaller pavilion has been added in the Greenbelt.
The park has three ball fields, including a small one near the children’s playground for the enjoyment of visitors and residents who reserve the park and pavilion, unless Little League games are being played.
A splash pad was constructed in 2021 and is now available to the public. It will be located on the northwest side of the main pavilion. The splash pad is at the northwest side of the complex, and is open during daytime hours.
New cornhole boards have been con-
structed just south of the new pavilion in the area of the small walking path. Ping pong tables are also available in this area. To obtain paddles and balls, contact the Malad City office at 208-766-4010. Along this same area is an outdoor basketball court, and a new pickleball court opened in 2023! The fitness area will be open to all residents, but is being built mainly for senior members of the community.
A walking path adjoins the park where people can walk, rollerblade, or ride bicycles. Walking dogs on a leash is requiredplease clean up after your pets!
Electricity is available at the pavilions.
Those who reserve the Malad City Park are encouraged to inquire at the Malad City office if any ball games are scheduled for the day they want the park. Reservations can be made for this park with the Malad City Office, 208-766-4010.
Malad Pioneer Park is located on 500 North and 300 West. Softball fields are located adjacent to the park at Harding Field. Electricity is available. Reservations can be made with Oneida County School District office at 208-766-4701.
LEGRANDE AQUA PLUNGE
LeGrande Aqua Plunge, a storefront swimming pool, is located at 77 Main Street.
It is open for the summer for lap swimming, water aerobics, swimming lessons and open swimming. The pool normally the first week-
end after high school graduation and closes the weekend before school starts in August.
The newest addition to the park, pickleball courts, opened summer of 2023.
Malad’s historic LaGrande Aqua Plunge
Malad is the site of the longest running Little League tournament in the state.
Lesser Known Malad History
Some interesting and amusing items were found in the 1938 edition of The Idaho Enterprise regarding Oneida County and Malad City.
• Oneida County is 26th in area among Idaho’s 44 counties.
• Teachers’ salaries in Oneida County in 1887 were very meager. Among the lowest was one teacher who received $60 cash and board for six months. Another received $50 cash and board for nine months.
• Following is the exact wording of a resolution passed by the Board of County Commissioners in 1866: “Whereas there has as yet been no desks furnished for the District Clerk, County Clerk, Sheriff or Treasurer; and whereas the desk provided for the county auditor is sufficiently large to accommodate each of the above named officers, it is therefore ordered that each of the above named officers be allowed equal use of said desk in the Auditor’s office for depositing their books and papers until such time as suitable desks are furnished.”
• When Oneida County consisted of most of southeastern Idaho, court terms at Malad were lengthy; and the only occupation of some citizens was “sitting on the jury”.
• The Idaho Enterprise published at Malad and established in 1879 is one of the oldest weekly papers in Idaho. The paper was started at Oxford by J.A. Straight and was moved to Malad in 1882.
• Malad’s early history was somewhat turbulent. There were many stage robberies, a few murders and one lynching.
• In the Oneida County courthouse were argued the early irrigation suits, which have become precedents for Idaho’s irrigation decisions. Senator Borah was among many prominent Idaho lawyers who appeared in suits here in the early days.
• The first non-indigenous child born in the Malad Valley was Emmeline Eliza Waldron, daughter of Benjamin and Emmeline Waldron, born October 9, 1856 at what was then known as Oregon Springs (Old Fort). David R. Thomas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Thomas was born on September 30, 1864, the first non-indigenous child born in what are now the city limits of Malad. The first non-indigenous girl born in the section that is now Malad City was Laura McAllister, daughter of James and Elizabeth McAllister who was born on September 6, 1865.
• The last division of Oneida County was in 1913 when Franklin and Oneida counties were created.
• In 1866, the county seat of Oneida County was brought to Malad City from Soda Springs.
The Oneida County Fair Board Invites You To Enjoy These Events In 2025
• Rodeo Queen Contest June 20, 21
• Pari-mutuel horse races July 26, 27 August 2, 3, 9, and 10
• Oneida County Fair August 11-16 Judging and Entries, Open Class, Vendors, Kids’ Activities Daily, and Rodeos
• Horse Pulls and Small Fireworks Show August 11
• Team Roping, Hypnotist August 12
• Team Branding, Barnyard Party, Live Band, Rough Stock August 13
• Oneida Classic Rodeo August 14, 15
• 21 and older
• Smoke Free Vapor Free
• Lottery
• Come in and try our fun menu
• Beer and Wine from Idaho Wineries
~ Separate Side Entrance to Lounge ~ Call for “to go” orders: 208-541-5518
Open Daily 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Oneida Cowboy Class Rodeo and Scales & Tails August 15
• Oneida County Family Fun Rodeo August 16
For more information contact Diane Skidmore at 208-766-4116 ext 114, or any board member: Chairman Ken Moss Jr., Vice chair John Hardy, Todd Thomas, Lacey Clark, Eric Eliason, Shanae Blaisdell, Hugo Ramos
Pictured (L to R): Dave Andersen (Napa Larsen, Tayber Wiles, Bill Harrison (General Potter, Frank Naylor, Brayten Moon, Chris
Pict
Left to Right: Nathan Jorgensen, Barbie Day, Lorie Carriera, Bill Harrison, Piper Wilde, Chris Carey, Tayber Wilde, Cree Sweeten, Frankie Naylor, Tim Goodwin, R.D. Larsen
Not Pictured: Brayten Moon, Trevor Thomas, Ashley Colgrove
Senior Life
Malad City and Oneida County have a thriving and active core of older adults, as well as srvices to accommodate that population. The recent construction of large pickelball facility at the west end of Malad’s City Park has resulted in one of the area’s best and biggest active recreation options for older adults in the region. Beyond the eight, fully lit courts, Malad is a city with AARP approval for its layout and support services.
Cowboy Poetry
In March, the Iron Door Playhouse hosts the Cowboy Poetry and Western Music event, sponsored by the Cowboy Poets of Idaho and International Western Music Association. The two day event brings in cowboy poets and musicians and storytellers from around the region to entertain audiences with the traditional arts of the western lifestyle. Event details can be found by calling the Iron Door Playhouse at 1-208-766-4705.
Malad Car Show
For the last 34 years, the first week in June has been the traditional weekend for the Malad Car Show. The show, which
Events in Malad
awards prizes in a number of categories covering the range of decades and vehicle types, draws in participants and visitors from all around the west, and even farther flung places. One of the awards given out is for “Longest Drive,” and is sometimes awarded to an attendee from many states away. From restored classics dating back to the 20s to “Modern Marvels,” anyone with a love for the world of cars, motorcycles, campers, and trucks will find something amazing. Street vendor trucks are on hand, and the event is located on Main street, near the Pizza Stop and Malad Drive-In, and the American Legion building for a cold drink.
Extension Office
With the construction of the Event Center, the University of Idaho Agricultural Extension Office and 4-H program have a more permanent home. This has allowed for ongoing classes and events for the community, but also events that are open to the public. Throughout the year, the Extension Office hosts events such agricultural education classes, Ag Expos, and kid-focused fun like the “Bugstravaganza.” The office can be contacted at 1-208-766-2243 for information about events.
Fourth of July Festivities
One of the biggest holidays of the year in Oneida County is Independence Day, which is celebrated with 2 days of events, including a children’s parade and street dance on the 3rd, and a full range of events on the 4th itself, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show. The City Park is generally filled with throughout the day, following the annual Search and Rescue Breakfast and DYW sponsored fun run at daybreak, and the large parade in the early afternoon. During the middle of the day, the Iron Door Playhouse hosts an old-fashioned melodra-
ma indoors and out of the sun. A variety of vendors, musical acts, kids games and races, a water balloon fight, the annual Old West “shootout,” and the always popular Malad’s Got Talent Contest are recurring highlights. As of last year, axe throwing, kickball and softball tournaments, and a homerun derby were added to the mix. The specific schedule of events can be found on the city’s website or inside the June editions of the Enterprise.
Horseracing at the Fairgrounds
Another longstanding tradition are the pari-mutuel races held at the Fairgrounds. This year’s races will be held on July 27 and include the popular Indian Relay Races. Food vendors are on hand for the event, and a beer booth is run by the American Legion. For some fun betting action, or just to enjoy the thrill of the race, the day is always a good time.
Oneida County Fair
The Oneida County Fair is a chance for everyone from kids to seniors to show off their skills. The Open Class contests include quilting, knitting, crocheting, canning, baking, painting, woodwork, photography, and other arts and crafts. Livestock judging and demonstration events fill the week, with everything from the marquee beef, pig, sheep, and goat judging to poultry judging, dog handling, 4-H demonstrations, and a range of horse events inside the arena.
In addition, the fair promises games and activities for kids throughout the week, a night of Motocross, team roping and branding, a musical performance or two, and additional attractions such as the Scales
and Tails reptile show. Food vendors, special events, Lazer Tag and bounce houses are also on-hand.
For more information on the Fair schedule, you can call 1-208-766-4706. The Fair is scheduled for Aug 11-16.
Rodeos
Rodeos are a big part of the local scene, with The Oneida Cowboy Classic and Family Fun taking place during the Fair (August 11-16), and the Stone/Curlew Rodeo (July 22 and 23) highlighting the year. From highly skilled professionals to the Family Fun Rodeo, anyone with a love for the sport should put it on their calendar. Information can be found by calling 1-208-766-4706.
Christmas Light Parade and Lightshow
In late December, the annual Christmas Light parade adds a festive glow to downtown as local floats drive a circuit around the downtown area, after which a winter fireworks show and bonfire warm everyone back up at the firestation. New to last year, an LED light display set to Christmas music also brings a modern twist to the old tree lighting tradition. The show runs during the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Live Nativity
The Interfaith Council puts on a Live Nativity program several times during December. The event features a reading of the story of the nativity, enacted with the help of local youths in the roles of Mary, Joseph, the wisemen, and the shepherds. A choir of “angels” accompany the program as the story progresses. Animals from local ranches are used to add a realistic backdrop to the outdoor stage. The Interfaith Council, a non-profit which seeks to unify the community through faith, hosts other events throughout the year, including lunches and musical performances. Information about events can be found on the “Oneida County Interfaith Council” Facebook page.
is a fundraiser for the local PTO, but it also brings in visitors from around the region.
Oneida County Library
In 2021, the Oneida County Library was named “Library of the Year” for its contributions to the community. Over the course of the year, the Library offers a variety of programs for both kids and adults. Adult education classes on various topics such as “zeroscaping,” personal history
early settlement, and features a number of restored cabins that are among the oldest in the state. In addition to the historical architecture, the facility also includes an active farm, playground, stage, and space to accommodate hundreds. The spring festival celebrates the new spring animals, allowing kids to interact with them while learning about farm life. The fall festival celebrates the harvest, and includes interactive demonstrations of wool carding and spinning, metalwork, apple juicing, and much more.
Samaria also participates in the Fourth of July and Welsh Festival events.
Veterans Memorial
One of the outstanding features of Main street is the Oneida County Veterans Memorial. Just down the block from the historic American Legion building, the Memorial contains the names of all the servicemembers from Oneida County who have served in the armed forces branches from as far back as records could be located up to present. The moving memorial is a somber and impressive testament to the
Welcome To Oneida County
Oneida County Roads & Recreation
The earliest records of the ONEIDA PIONEER MUSEUM date back to 1935 when Miss Hattie Morgan collected her own mementos and, with the help of the Native Daughters of the Idaho Pioneers, put together a collection of artifacts and antiques and displayed them in an old cabin on her property. It was known as the “Relic Room.” When the cabin was torn down, the relics were stored in basements and sheds. In 1964, as part of the centennial celebration of Malad City, the Museum came back to life. Spearheaded by Mrs. Annella Jones Price and the NDIP, the Museum grew in scope and variety and in the ensuing years was housed in several different places.
At last, in 1992, the Museum found a home in the R.B. Davis building in downtown Malad City. Built in 1914 as a drug store, the R.B. Davis building had a 13room boarding house on the top floor, a variety and drug store on the main floor, and a barbershop in the basement. The original pressed tin ceiling and safe are still featured in the Museum. Over the years, the building has housed a Sears Catalog Outlet, a State Liquor Store, a dentist office, and an ice cream parlor. In 2013 the R.B. Davis family deeded the building to the Oneida County Relic Preservation and Historical Society. The Museum now has a
Oneida Pioneer Museum
permanent home.
The Museum has “the best collection of pioneer-era crayon portraits in the State,” according to a member of the Idaho Heritage Trust. Preservation of portraits is an ongoing project.
Three years ago, the Museum’s large collection of clothing and quilts was eval-
Have Fun While Visiting Oneida County!
uated, repaired, and preserved. Storage rooms on the top floor now house much of the collection, making it easier to switch out the displays.
One of the Museum’s accomplishments is the identification of 20 historic sites in downtown Malad. Historic markers have been placed at most of the sites, and a
self-guiding tour map of the sites is available at the Museum. The Historic Marker Committee has already identified 25 additional sites to be researched and marked.
The Museum’s extensive collection of books, journals, histories, photographs, and other documents has been organized by topic, and indexing will begin soon.
The Museum accepts donations to its collection as long as the donated item has provenance in Oneida County and is at least 50 years old. Preference is given to items from the pioneer era.
The Museum is governed by a 13-member Board. All Board members serve on committees that oversee preservation projects, maintenance and remodeling of the building, window displays, historic markers, social media and publicity, and the electronic catalog. Each Board member volunteers at least one day as a host or hostess during the summer.
The “Friends of the Museum” solicits funds for the Museum through its annual campaign. Levels of membership are the following:
Up to $25 – Annual
$26-$50 – Handcart
$51-$100 – Covered Wagon
$101-$200 – Stagecoach
$201-$500+ – Steam Engine
Oneida County Event Center
Oneida County boasts a modern meeting and event facility, located at 459 S Main Street next to the Fairgrounds in Malad.
The Event Center features a Wi-Fi enabled conference room with telecommunications capability, large HDMI enabled monitors, and other accommodations.
The Center also features a full service kitchens for food preparation and storage.
The Center requires a $250 deposit. The conference room as well as the full facility and kitchen can be rented by the day.
Those interesting in renting the facility can contact Shelby Blackner at 1-435-994-6228.
The indoor arena can be utilized for a range of activities, from catered banquets, to dances and concerts, expositions, athletic events, and others. Since it opened, the arena has been used for award ceremonies, 4-H and FFA projects, the Oneida County Fair, Exit 13 Antique shows, Red Cross blood drives, private weddings and parties, the annual Firemans Ball, the Evening of the Arts fundraiser, the PTO Halloween Carnival, the annual Enterprise Christmas party, and many other large and small scale events.
Pioneer Museum director, Jean Thomas, with 2024 Welsh Festival Bard, Candice Lemmon.
Admission to the Museum is free although donations are welcome. The Museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays. Arrangements for tours at other times can be made by calling the Museum at 208-766-9247 during its regular hours.
MUSEUM BOARD MEMBERS
Gloria Jean Thomas, Chair
Bill Lewis, Vice-Chair
Nicole Smith, Secretary
Julie Willie, Treasurer
Janice Vaughan, Historian
Lorna Brignone
Dotty Evanson
David Gilgen
Sharon Harris
Joan Hawkins
Marvin Hess
Sarah Robbins
Hailey Sweeten
HISTORIC MARKER TRAIL
1) American Legion Memorial Building
78 North Main Street N 42o 11.230’ W 112o 14.701’
2) Dives Furniture Store - now unnamed 17 Bannock Street N 42o 11.169’ W 112o 14.744’
3) Dude Ranch Café
65 North Main Street N 42o11.215’ W 112o 14.720’
11) Lubin’s Confectionery now Critter’s Lounge 72 Bannock Street N 42o11.223’ W 112o 14.843’
12) Malad City Pharmacy now unnamed 44 North Main N 42o 11.191’ W 112o 14.706’
13) Malad Stake Office Building now Iron Door Smokehouse Catering 93 Bannock Street N 42o 11.224’ W 112o 14.870’
16) Presbyterian Church and School now Malad First Presbyterian Church 5 South Main Street N 42o 11.168’ W
17) R.B. Davis Drugstore now Oneida Pioneer
18) R.T. Owens Building now Thomas Electric and Furniture 45 North Main
Historic Walking Tour of Malad Buildings
HISTORIC MARKER TRAIL
4) Evans Co-op Building now Malad Co-op Building
25 North Main Street N 42o 11.161’ W 112o 14.748’
1) American Legion Memorial Building 78 North Main Street N 42o 11.230’ W 112o 14.701’
5) Great Northern Hotel now Hotel Malad 23 Bannock Street N 42o 11.164’ W 112o 14.757’
2) Dives Furniture Store now unnamed 17 Bannock Street N 42o 11.169’ W 112o 14.744’
6) J.C. Penney Store now Iron Door Playhouse
3) Dude Ranch Café 65 North Main Street N 42o11.215’ W 112o 14.720’
59 North Main Street N 42o 11.212’ W 112o 14.724’
4) Evans Co-op Building now Malad Co-op Building 25 North Main Street N 42o 11.161’ W 112o 14.748’
7) J.N. Ireland Bank now Malad Co-op Building flat iron section on Bannock Street N 42o 11.162’ W 112o 14.729’
5) Great Northern Hotel now Hotel Malad 23 Bannock Street N 42o 11.164’ W 112o 14.757’
The Museum’s recent installation of historic markers provide a sense of what the town was like in the past, and how it has changed over time. While few of the buildings on the list are still serving their original purpose, the buildings themselves convey a strong sense of their past. Each of the plaques provides a sense of the building’s original purpose and history over time. Given the relatively small size of Malad’s downtown, a stroll from plaque to plaque shouldn’t be overly taxing on one’s time or stamina. The museum plans to expand the number of sites which are labelled in the future.
14) Oneida County Courthouse 10 Court Street N 42o 11.188’ W 112o 14.641’
9) Jones and Toponce Hardware Store now unnamed 15 Bannock Street N 42o 11.163’ W 112o 14.741’
15) Presbyterian Church Bell 5 South Main Street N 42o 11.173’ W112o 14.618’
10) LaGrande Dance Hall now LeGrande Aqua Plunge 77 North Main Street N 42o 11.237 W 112o 14.720’
8) J.N. Ireland Family Outhouse in parking area by Malad Co-op Building on Bannock Street
6) J.C. Penney Store now Iron Door Playhouse 59 North Main Street N 42o 11.212’ W 112o 14.724’
9) Jones and Toponce Hardware Store now unnamed 15 Bannock Street N 42o 11.163’ W 112o 14.741’
7) J.N. Ireland Bank now Malad Co-op Building flat iron section on Bannock Street N 42o 11.162’ W 112o 14.729’
10) LaGrande Dance Hall now LeGrande Aqua Plunge 77 North Main Street N 42o 11.237 W 112o 14.720’
8) J.N. Ireland Family Outhouse in parking area by Malad Co-op Building on Bannock Street
Under the direction of the Malad City Council, Mayor Joan Hawkins, the Malad City Crew, and members of the Oneida Pioneer Museum Board, the J.N. Ireland family outhouse was installed next to the Malad Co-op on Thursday, June 13, in what will become a park and parking lot in downtown Malad. Facing Bannock Street, the outhouse is across from the Oneida Pioneer Museum and the Ireland Bank.
Joseph Nathaniel Ireland, one of the founders of J.N. Ireland Bank (now Ireland Bank) built one of the largest homes in Malad in the 1890s. The mansion was on Depot Road and was a landmark in that area of town.
Prior to indoor plumbing, outhouses were behind every home. Most outhouses were built with rustic wood covering only the outside walls. This deluxe “two-seater” featured pine tongue-andgroove planks inside and out. After the Irelands
19)
11) Lubin’s Confectionery now Critter’s Lounge 72 Bannock Street N 42o11.223’ W 112o 14.843’
20) Tithing Granary now
12) Malad City Pharmacy now unnamed 44
left Malad, wood from their home was used for other structures.
The Moss family preserved the remnants of the outhouse until they donated it to the Museum for restoration and relocation. The outhouse was restored by Bill Lewis with assistance from Luke Waldron. The Ireland family brand can be seen on the outhouse.
The outhouse is preserved as a landmark and is not usable, of course. The building is staked down to the ground, and the seats cannot be raised. A plaque prepared by the Historical Marker Committee of the Oneida Pioneer Museum has been attached to the outhouse, telling of its historical significance. City officials and the Museum Board recognize the importance of the outhouse as a symbol of pioneer life in Malad Valley and hope that people will treat this unusal building as an historic site.
As the 13th largest state in the U.S., Idaho produces 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones. Some of these stones can be found nowhere else in the world, which is why our great state is known as The Gem State.
Population: 2,001,619
Land Area: 83,557 square miles
Capital City: Boise
Highest Elevation: 12,662 feet, Mt. Borah
Lowest Elevation: 738 feet, Lewiston, Idaho
Water Area: 823 square miles
River Miles: 3,100 miles, more than any other state
Facts about Idaho
State Flag and Seal: A silk flag, with a blue field, 5 feet 6 inches high, 4 feet 4 inches on pike is bordered by gilt fringe 2 1/2 inches wide, with the State Seal of Idaho in the center. The words "State of Idaho" are embroidered in gold block letters two inches high on a red band below the Great Seal. It was adopted by the 1907 legislature. The state seal was designed by Emma Edwards Green.
State Flower: The Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii)
The syringa was designated the state flower of Idaho by the legislature in 1931. It is a branching shrub up to 12 feet tall with clusters of white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The blossoms are similar to the mock orange, have four petals, and the flowers grow at the ends of short, leafy branches.
State Bird: The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia arctcia)
The mountain bluebird was adopted as the state bird for Idaho by the state legislature in 1931. The Bluebird is about seven inches long, has an azure blue coat, and a blue vest with white under-feathers. The mother bird wears a quiet blue-gray dress and usually lays six or seven blue-white eggs. The Bluebird’s nest is usually built in a hollow tree or in a crevice. The Bluebird is very neat about its home and carries all refuse some distance from the nest.
State Tree: The Western White Pine (Pinus Monticola pinaceae)
Our state tree is probably most notable since the largest remaining stand of this timber in the United States grows in the northern part of Idaho. Tall and slender, the Western White Pine is native to forests of the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia to Montana and as far south as central California. It has blue-green needles, slender cones and can grow to 100 ft. It has many other fine qualities such as straight grain and soft, even texture. The Western White Pine was named Idaho’s state tree in 1935.
State Horse: Appaloosa
The Appaloosa was the first horse breed to be acquired by the Nez Perce tribe around the 1700’s leading to the tribe developing into excellent horsemen and breeders. Settlers began to refer to their horses as “a Palouse horse” in reference to the Palouse River in north Central Idaho. The term evolved from that to “Palousey”, “Appalousey” and finally “Appaloosa”. An Appaloosa Horse Club was chartered in 1938 and has become one of the leading equine breed registries in the world. The Appaloosa was named Idaho’s state horse in 1975 because of its importance to Idaho history.
State Fruit: Wild Huckleberry
State Fish: Cutthroat Trout
State Gem: Star Garnet
State Dance: Square Dance
State Motto: “Esto Perpetua” meaning “It is perpetual.”
Unlike many states that became overcrowded megalopolises, in the 120 years since Idaho became a state, it has largely remained clean, un-crowded and unspoiled. Although the state is more than a century old, many people are unaware of several interesting bits of facts concerning this state.
• Gold occurs in some form in nearly all the counties of Idaho.
• Between 1863, when Abraham Lincoln signed the bill making Idaho a territory, and statehood in 1890, the territory had 16 governors, four of whom never set foot in Idaho.
• Idaho is larger in size than the states of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New Hampshire - all combined.
• One of the largest diamonds ever found in the United States, weighing nearly 20 carats, was discovered in Idaho near McCall.
• Idaho is located exactly half-way between the Equator and the North Pole.
• If the state of Idaho were flattened out, it would be larger than the state of Texas.
• The Salmon River in Idaho is the longest river in the United States that is located entirely within the borders of one state.
• Idaho is the only state in the nation bounded by six states and a foreign country - Montana and Wyoming on the east, Utah and Nevada on the south, Oregon and Washington on the west, and Canada on the north.
• The world’s first nuclear power plant is located at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory near Arco.
Western White Pine
Mountain Bluebird
Fishing spots located throughout Oneida County
Oneida County waterways are known to be among the best in Idaho and are open all year-round.
Idaho's Free Fishing Day is an annual event held the second Saturday every June. For 2023, the free fishing day will be Saturday, June 10. All anglers, residents and nonresidents, can celebrate the day by fishing Idaho's waters without a license. If you've never been fishing, Free Fishing Day is also a great day to learn. Fish and Game personnel and volunteers set up several free events at local fishing waters throughout the state to help first-timers discover the joys of fishing.
Unless otherwise specified below, at all fishing spots in Oneida County, trout limit is six, all species combined, including brown trout, lake trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and trout hybrids.
All seven Oneida County reservoirs were planted in 2023 and some have already been planted for 2024 and are reflected in this article.
Please check with the Idaho Fish and Game website for special rules in 2024 for further details.
Daniels Reservoir
Daniels Reservoir is designated as ‘trophy trout waters’ yielding good trophy-size fish. Daniels has one of the most dependable water supplies in the county. It is stocked by IDFG with catchable-size kamloops rainbows. Special fishing restrictions apply at this reservoir. Fishing with bait is not allowed. Artificial flies and lures, and barbless hooks can be used. Only one line is allowed when ice fishing. Trout limit is two and none under 20 inches in size can be taken.
In June, 2025, Daniels was stocked with around 8,000 Rainbow trout (less than 6 inches).
Besides fishing, Daniels offers a quiet, out-of-the-way place to camp. There is a boat ramp and dock and toilets are available.
Deep Creek Reservoir
Deep Creek Reservoir currently only allows bank fishing.
No boats or watercraft of any kind are allowed on the reservoir because of the invasive mussel threat.
Of all the reservoirs in the county, Deep Creek is the most subject to drought because it is almost totally reliant on spring runoff to fill. However, even in drought years when water levels are down, fishing is generally good. As a result of heavy spring precipitation, the levels are high this year.
Deep Creek has been planted with rainbow trout to go along with the native cutthroat that are already there. The bag limit is six trout total, and only two can be cutthroat and there are no bait restrictions.
Open year around, there is a fishing restriction between May 1 and June 14, as it is closed from the mouth of First Creek for a radius of 50 yards into the reservoir to protect the native cutthroats preparing for their spawning runs.
Deep Creek was last stocked in April of 2025, with 1,000 Rainbow trout (6+ inches).
Devil Creek Reservoir
(Family Fishing Waters)
Located north of Malad City, Devil Creek is considered family fishing waters.
Well-developed camping facilities are provided along the western shores of the reservoir and it is equipped with boat docks, ramp, toilets and is ADA accessible. Devil Creek is also open to water skiing.
Devil Creek provides some of the best trout fishing in this region. This typical southeast Idaho reservoir is stocked heavily with catchable-size rainbow trout. Most anglers fish from boats or on the bank around the dam.
Devil Creek is planted with two species of rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Largemouth bass are also present, and if you are lucky, you may catch a native cutthroat trout. In 2025, the reservoir was stocked in May with 7,038 kokanee late spawners. In June of last year, the reservoir was stocked with 2,178 Rainbow trout (6+ inches); 7,000 Kokanee (less than 6 inches); in September with 7,629 Rainbow
trout (6+ inches); 5,150 Rainbow trout (6+ inches) and in November with 309 Rainbow trout (6+ inches).
Fishermen may use Devil Creek Reservoir year round, but should be aware of the fishing restriction from the mouth of Devil Creek for a radius of 50 yards into the reservoir between May 1 and June 14. This restriction is there to protect the native cutthroat that are staging for their spawning runs. Bag limit is six trout and only two can be cutthroat.
Crowther’s Reservoir
(Family Fishing Waters)
Just a small family fishery on the northern outskirts of Malad City, Crowther’s Reservoir is stocked by IDFG annually with catchable size rainbow trout. Largemouth bass and bluegill are also present. General fishing seasons, dates, possession limits and rules apply to its waters. Six trout and six bass are allowed with no special rules. There is no limit on other species, and year round fishing is available.
Crowthers was last stocked on May 4, 2025, with 3,400 Rainbow trout (6+ inches).
There is no boat dock or ramp at Crowther’s Reservoir.
Toilets are available.
Pleasantview Reservoir
Pleasantview is actually two bodies of water, but the majority of fishing is done on the upper body. Because it is the most shallow, local fishermen say this reservoir is better if fished early, as the water will warm up when the summer grows hot, then the fish seem to soften. IDFG plants the waters with rainbow trout every year. Records indicate that Upper Pleasantview was last stocked in May, 2025 with 1,500 Rainbow trout (6+ inches). Lower Pleasantview has not been stocked since 2015. There are no special restrictions. A boat ramp is available but no other facilities.
Weston Reservoir
Located in eastern Oneida County, Weston Reservoir is a favorite fishing spot for locals as well as for out-of-state fishermen. With year round fishing regulations, there are usually fishermen on its shores winter and summer. No fishing is allowed from boats or rafts; however float tubes are allowed. Among the locals, the joke is: “If all else fails, the perch
are probably biting at Weston.” Usually, all it takes is a can of worms and a little time to be successful here.
Though known for yellow perch, there are also rainbow trout, largemouth bass and bluegill in its waters. Stocked annually by IDFG, fishing at Weston is a pleasant experience. Perch and bass reproduce on their own. From April to May of 2025, Weston was stocked with a total of 3,000 Rainbow trout (6+ inches).
Fishing for bass is catchand-release only from January 1 to June 30. There is a restriction on bass between July 1 to December 31, with a bass limit of 2 and none between 12 and 16 inches.
Little Malad River
For those interested in catfishing, the Little Malad River was stocked on July 24, 2019 with 1,980 Channel Catfish (6+inches).
INFORMATION - For further information regarding fishing rules and regulations, please contact Idaho Fish and Game at 208232-4703, or obtain information at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.
Oneida County has several reservoirs stocked with Rainbow trout on a yearly basis.
Great recreation trails in Oneida County
The beautiful Malad Valley is nestled in the northern end of the Great Basin and the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Here, the leisure-seeking family finds wide-open spaces, interesting canyons, bubbling springs, limitless hiking, sightseeing and camping opportunities, including many water sports for outdoor enthusiasts. Sportsmen discover excellent fishing in the streams and seven man-made reservoirs throughout Malad Valley. In the fall, hunters stalk upland game birds, waterfowl, and big game animals. Winter finds the valley covered with snow that sends the snowmobilers off across wide open spaces while, Nordic skiers enjoy cross country trails along Malad Valley’s high canyons.
Oneida County has a variety of recreation trails, some of which can be used year round. Most of the recreation trails originate from the four campgrounds located in the County.
Administered by the U.S. Forest Service, Malad Summit Campground (Powerhouse) is open May through October and is located on the top of the Malad Summit. From I-15, exit off-ramp #22 at Devil Creek Reservoir. Follow Old Highway 191 to the top of the Malad Summit and turn right, drive across the bridge over the interstate and follow the road main road to the Summit Campground. It offers 9 single units, 2 double units with 1 group site. Water and restrooms are available. In this area you will find, besides a short scenic drive, trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATVs. This is also a good area for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Third Creek has a group area administered by the Forest Service, which is open May through October. You can reach Third Creek by taking the second Malad exit, #17, to the Deep Creek road (Weston) where you turn
right off the exit. Follow the Deep Creek Road (Highway 36) to Third Creek. Turn off onto the Third Creek Road and follow the road, basically to the end. An area is available for camping, and from this area, there are many trails available for horseback riding, hiking, ATV’s and winter sports.
Another campground in Oneida County administered by the Forest Service and open May through September, is the Curlew Campground by the Stone Reservoir where there is tent and trailer camping with picnic tables, toilets and drinking water available. The area can be reached in two ways: (1) Take the Snowville, Utah, exit off I-84, northwest of Tremonton, Utah. Go north on paved highway approximately 6.5 miles. Turn left (north) at the Curlew Campground sign and go another .5 mile to the campground. (2) Take exit 13 (Malad City) from I-15. Follow the street off
the exit to the stop sign. Turn left and take the next right. Follow this road (Highway 38) to Holbrook, Idaho, which is 24 miles west of Malad City. Turn south and drive 7.5 miles on paved highway, turn right (west) following the same highway and go 1.7 miles to the Curlew Campground turnoff. Motor homes can make it easily. Besides camping, the area is open to ATVs, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and fishing. This area is located in a portion of the Curlew National Grassland, where watching the sage grouse is very popular during March, April and May, with the peak season being the middle of April.
The above three campgrounds are all administered by the U.S. Forest Service. Reservations for camping can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Dry Canyon Campground is a free camp-
The Curlew campground, located in the Curlew National Grassland is a popular spot for watching sage grouse in the spring
ground located in Oneida County along Skyline Road. It is open in the summer months from June through September and offers restrooms and water. The Two Mile Canyon and Skyline Road offer a scenic drive, with hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding and ATVs for recreational use and a great area for viewing wildlife and birds. From I-15 take exit 13 into Malad City. Drive from the exit west to the stop sign and turn left. Follow
South Main Street to where it becomes Old Highway 191. Follow Old Highway 191 to Two-Mile Canyon and turn left (east). Continue to follow this road. The road also can lead to Weston, Idaho, by turning left and going east. This road may not be suitable for car travel. Campgrounds are also available at Devil Creek Reservoir and small camping areas are available at Crowther’s Reservoir, Deep Creek Reservoir and Daniels Reservoir. These reser-
voir areas are also popular bird watching areas, especially Daniels Reservoir, where during migration you can look for high numbers of waterfowl (Mallard, American Wigeon, and Northern Shoveler) and waterbirds (American Coot, American White Pelican, and Wilson’s Phalarope). In spring, Sharp-tailed Grouse can be seen on leks nearby. Look for Osprey and Red-tailed Hawk (on power poles). A small Great Blue Heron colony in dead trees at the
northern end of the
The north end of the lake is the best
for birding.
Other popular areas in Oneida County for horseback riding and hiking are Gardner Canyon located in Southeast Oneida County, Dry Creek located off the Deep Creek Road, and trails leading to Oxford Peak, Elkhorn Peak and Kent’s Peak.
reservoir can be found.
place
Summit campground offers a number of camping units from May through October
The Oxford Peak in the Caribou National Park area offers a number of hiking trails
Oneida County Cemeteries
In a poem by Colen H. Sweeten, Jr. entitled “Malad”, he notes the following:
“Where the population stays the same
While the traffic comes and goes,
And the cemetery’s the only part of town
That ever really grows.”
That may be true. While it has grown a bit in the last few years, the population of Malad doesn’t grow a lot. Nevertheless, Malad City has purchased additional ground several times to allow for growth at the Malad City Cemetery.
The first city cemetery was started north of Malad City on a little bench near 100 West Street and between 5th and 6th North behind the homes located in that area. It has been stated in some articles that it was moved because it was polluting the water, but other Malad historians believe that the markers were wooden and they burned to the ground and the graves were moved to the new cemetery. However, several residents report that they cannot find those graves of their ancestors in the new cemetery.
Malad City Cemetery
A beautiful spot on the east foothills of Malad City, the cemetery is well cared for and depicts the honor that residents and former residents have for their deceased family and honored veterans. At one time, Memorial Day was one of the biggest holidays in Malad City and surrounding communities. The entire day was usually spent with family members, either at the cemetery or at someone’s home afterward for lunch and visiting. It was a huge reunion of current and former residents. As the adults would visit, the children would run around the cemetery, with one of the most important sites to visit, the L.L. Evans Memorial, which is a chair. We are sure L.L. Evans enjoyed these visits from the little children! In honor of Memorial Day each year, the American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post 65 plans a program complete with military detail. It is held in the center of the cemetery with a speaker and special musical numbers. Included in the ceremony are the presentation of the colors, a firing detail and the playing of “Taps”. This same ceremony is presented by the Malad American Legion at all of the local cemeteries in Oneida County, as well as the Portage, Utah Cemetery and the Plymouth, Utah Cemetery, to honor deceased veterans. Recently, a pavilion and Memorial Bell were added to commemorate veterans and Gold Star families.
The city has an appointed Cemetery Beautification Committee who, along with the city superintendent, continually make improvements to the cemetery. In May of 2011, volunteers working under the direction of the city made a new addition to the cemetery. In commemoration of children who have passed away, the Christmas Box Angel was erected overlooking the Malad Valley. In 2017 a sprinkling system was added.
A roster and map of those buried in the Malad City Cemetery is located at the shed on the north end of the cemetery, making it easy for visitors to find a gravesite.
St. John Cemetery
Located in the community of St. John, most of the early settlers of St. John were buried in the St. John Cemetery. It is not uncommon today for families that have family ties to the community have their loved ones buried in the St. John Cemetery. The cemetery is cared for by residents of the community and is a beautiful, peaceful spot.
Pleasantview Cemetery
The Pleasantview Cemetery is located behind the old LDS Church building in the community of Pleasantview. Again, it was the custom, and still is today, that longtime residents of the community are buried in the community cemetery.
Samaria Cemetery
Located west of the village of Samaria, the Samaria Cemetery is populated by those deceased residents of Samaria. The most famous story regarding the Samaria Cemetery is regarding the man with two headstones, Benjamin Waldron. At about twenty-five years of age, Waldron was hurt in a threshing accident that required the amputation of his leg. He requested that the leg be buried, which it was and a headstone erected showing a leg and the inscription “B.W. October 30, 1878.” However, for weeks afterwards, Waldron suffered with much pain, which he believed was caused by the leg being twisted in the grave. Upon his insistence, the leg was exhumed and sure enough, the leg was buried in a “twisted” manner. It was straightened and re-buried. Mr. Waldron reportedly was
Cherry Creek Cemetery
Built in a beautiful spot in the foothills of southern Oneida County, is the Cherry Creek Cemetery, a pioneer cemetery. People still request to be buried in the Cherry Creek Cemetery. There is no water available for upkeep of grass, but due to the past efforts of the late Cleland Jones and others who helped him, a fence was erected around the cemetery to protect the graves from being broken by grazing cattle.
Holbrook Cemetery
Another community cemetery for the residents of western Oneida County is the Holbrook cemetery, which is located in the western foothills of Oneida County, west of the village of Holbrook.
Stone cemeteries
then able to rest more peacefully and eventually adjusted to his impairment. When Benjamin Waldron died in April of 1914, his body was laid to rest at the west end of the Samaria Cemetery, far from his buried leg.
Three old graveyards are located in Stone, Idaho. Local resident, Aaron Hill, arranged to have the cemeteries fenced with pole fences to protect the graves. One cemetery has no grave markers and the graves cannot be seen. The other two cemeteries have markers. One holds the remains of “Baby Boy Smith”, the son of Jay and Susan Smith and a grave for the “Goss children”, children of Tom and Edith Goss. A separate cemetery holds the remains of the Baggit family.
Malad City’s Cemetery recently dedicated a monument to victims of suicide and accidental death.
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Celebrating
19th ANNUAL MALAD VALLEY WELSH FESTIVAL MALAD CITY, IDAHO
Friday and Saturday, June 27 – 28, 2025
Sunday, June 29, 2025 (Sunday evening program only) www.welshfestival.com • 208-766-4160
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
9:15 a.m. (Church Chapel)
Opening Ceremony with Candace Lemmon, 2025 Welsh Festival Bard “Festival Theme: Castles of Wales”
Music by Malad Valley Men’s Welsh Chorus
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Church Cultural Hall)
Photo Displays - “A Walk through Wales”
Family History Displays/Information
Youth Art Exhibit (RS Room)
10:00 a.m.-Noon. (Church Chapel)
Presentations:
10:00 a.m. Dr. Ron Dennis: “Dan Jones, Missionary in Wales”
11:00 a.m. Lucie Thomas Washburn: “Welsh Castles”
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (City Park)
Kids’ Activities (sponsored by Malad After-School Program & MHS Sports Teams)
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Library)
Book Sale (sponsored by Friends of the Library)
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Co-op Downtown)
Quilt Show and Bake Sale (sponsored by Oneida Quilters)
110:00-6:00 p.m. (Amphitheater)
Welsh/Celtic Musical Entertainment
11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Museum)
Oneida Pioneer Museum open
11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Samaria)
Tours of Pioneer Cabins at Heritage Square, Blue Goose open
11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (City Park)
Welsh Festival Country Store, “Taste of Wales,” and Food and Home Craft Booths open (Booths may open earlier and stay open later.)
Noon – 4:00 p.m. (Cultural Hall)
Welsh Language Class with John Shaw
1:00-2:30 p.m. (Church Chapel)
Student Poetry Reading/Competition
Recognition of Youth Art Winners
1:00-4:00 p.m. (begin in City Park)
Wagon Tours of Historic Sites in Malad
1:00-4:00 p.m. (Presbyterian Church)
Tours of Historic Church; Refreshments
3:00-4:00 p.m. (Church Chapel)
Youth Music Concert
6:00-7:30 p.m. (Church Chapel)
Choral Music Concert
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
6:00 a.m. (Summit to Devil Creek Reservoir)
Dragon Half and Quarter Marathon (sponsored by MHS Cross Country Team)
9:15 a.m. (Church Chapel)
Opening Ceremony with Candace Lemmon, 2025 Welsh Festival Bard “Festival Theme: Castles of Wales” Music by Malad Valley Men’s Welsh Chorus
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Church Cultural Hall)
Displays same as on Friday
10:00 a.m.-Noon (Church Chapel)
Presentations:
Same as on Friday
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (City Park)
Heritage Games (sponsored by MMS MathCounts Team and MHS Sports Team)
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Library)
Book Sale (sponsored by Friends of the Library)
10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. (Presbyterian Church)
Tours of Historic Church; Refreshments
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (begin in City Park)
Wagon Tours of Historic Sites in Malad
10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Amphitheater)
Welsh/Celtic Musical Entertainment
10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. (Co-op Downtown)
Quilt Show and Bake Sale (sponsored by Oneida Quilters)
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (City Park)
Welsh Festival Country Store, “Taste of Wales,” Food and Home Craft Booths (Booths may open earlier and stay open later.)
11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Museum)
Oneida Pioneer Museum open 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Samaria)
Same as on Friday
Noon – 4:00 p.m. (Cultural Hall)
Welsh Language Class with John Shaw
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (Church Chapel)
Piano Ensemble Concert
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (Church Chapel)
Bards’ Circle/Adult Poetry Reading
Announcement of Fiction Winner
Presentation of Poetry Prizes
Chairing of 2025 Welsh Festival Bard
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
5:00 p.m. (2nd Ward Building)
Presentation by Dr. Gordon Simpson “Growing up in Malad in the 1940s and 1950s”
Presentation by Larry Thomas “Old-Time Businesses in Malad” Gymanfa Ganu (sing-along)
Refreshments by Malad Stake Relief Society
The Welsh Festival will conclude with a fireside covering the role of the bible in preserving the Welsh language.
Welsh Festival Sunday Fireside
Malad Valley Welsh Festival’s concluding event will be a Fireside on Sunday, June 29, at 5:00 at the 2nd Ward Church (next to Malad City Park).
Dr. Gordon Simpson of Blackfoot will speak about growing up in Malad in the 1940s and 1950s. His father was Charles Simpson, the Oneida School District Superintendent for many years, and his mother, Helen Simpson, was a popular 4th grade teacher in Malad Elementary School. The Simpson family lived in Malad while their family was growing up. Dr. Simpson graduated from Malad High
School in the Class of 1956.
Also speaking will be Larry Thomas, who has prepared an entertaining presentation about old-time businesses in Malad. Everyone will enjoy being reminded of what downtown Malad was like in days gone by.
Emily Ammott, a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, will provide musical numbers, and the audience will participate in a Gymanfa Ganu (sing-along). Refreshments will be served by the Malad Stake Relief Society.
Displays at the Welsh Festival
One of the highlights of the Malad Valley Welsh Festival is the display of family trees, census records, and other documents related to some of the earliest pioneer families in Malad Valley. The displays will be in the cultural hall of the 2nd Ward Church throughout the Festival on Friday and Saturday, June 27-28, 2025. Attendees often find new relatives through the displays.
Benjamin Nephi Adams
William Clark
Daniel Daniels
Thomas Daniels
Richard Jenkins Davis
Winnifred Lloyd Roberts Evans
Benjamin D. Evans
Edward Davis Evans
Edward Jones Evans
William Thomas Griffiths
Gomer Hughes (new)
David Jenkins (new)
James Evans Jones
Morgan T. Jones
Richard Thomas Jones
William Hughes Jones
Thomas Parry
Daniel Evans Price
John Price
John Evan Price
Thomas William Richards
Benjamin Thomas
Frederick William Thomas
William Howell Thomas
Daniel Tovey
John Jones Williams
William W. Williams
Families from early in Malad’s pioneer history will be featured in the festival’s historical displays.
VENDORS FOR MALAD VALLEY WELSH FESTIVAL
FOOD VENDORS
Bamma Wamma’s Pop & Swirl – soda pop, soft pretzels
Funtastic Lemonade and Italian Sodas – lemonades, Italian soda, popcorn
Glazed and Confused Mini Donuts – mini donuts with different toppings
Iron Door Smokehouse Grill – pulled pork nachos, pulled pork mac & cheese
Lolo’s Hotcakes – mini pancakes with different toppings and drizzles
Pita Works Grill – Greek gyros, fajitas, Philly cheese steak
R&R Refreshments – shaved ice, Fat Boy ice cream products
The Frozen Cow – ice cream, root beer floats, churros, ice cream sundaes with brownies, banana splits, tomato soup, grilled cheese with ham
The Hungry Heifer – burgers, fries, chicken tenders, hot dogs
The Corndog Company – corn dogs, fried cheese, fried desserts
CRAFT VENDORS
3D Materials – 3-D printed wall art, statues, dragons
Akashic Creations – Welsh dragon sun cathchers, seed bedding jewelry
Chain Reaction – gold and sterling chains
Creations by ME Stationery – stationery, keychains, bookmarks, notepads
Crochet Club -- kitchen accessories, pushies, clothing, bankets, toys, baby clothes
Denim and Felt – stuffed animals, home decor
EmberGlow Treasures – ceramic mugs, bowls, charms, dragons
Just Kiddin’ Around – laser jewelry, wind spinners, night lights
Magpie Peddler – upcycled dyed clothes
Maky Arts – dresses, blouses, pants, kid crafts, hoodies, hats
Volcano Girls Soap – soaps, scrubs, bath fizzies
NON PROFITS
Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital
Oneida County Crisis Center
2024 BARD OF THE MALAD VALLEY WELSH FESTIVAL
Some say dragons have ceased to soar, That they’re caged in the pages Of legends penned by men Long dead.
Beasts reduced to ghosts, Haunting the whispered tales told By the bedsides of the wide-eyed From father to son-Draig to dragon-Our warrior’s force, Friends not fiends, Flaming red, Swishing through the breeze Above the fields of sprawling green.
But when the battle ends, So, too, the whispers cease. Ferocious forms fade into the gloom;
STILL THEY FLY
by Candice Lemmon
Raging roars retreat to restless echoes; Wide eyes close
That’s when some suppose These mighty monsters leave the sky, Banished back through the cracks
The stories split in time.
That’s what some believe, But I say, Still they fly
When the light dies, They stalk the starry hunting grounds on high-Shimmering scales, Flashing fangs, Darting, dancing into dawn. It’s then their sharpened claws Slash back the blackened skies, Their fiery breath
Welsh Festival Bard
Beginning in 2017, the Malad Valley Welsh Festival honors the best poet in the Adult Poetry Competition by chairing the Festival Bard at the Finale program. The Bard will preside at the next year’s Festival and have the honor of sitting in the Malad Valley Bard’s Chair.
The tradition of chairing the bard began in the 1100s when groups of traveling bards (poets) would congregate in Wales to entertain each other with songs and poetry. In 1176 Lord Rhys invited poets and musicians from all over Wales to a grand gathering at his castle in Cardigan, where a chair at the Lord’s table was awarded to the best poet and musician, a tradition that continues today.
The modern eisteddfod (meaning “to sit together”) evolved from its ancient beginnings and has been held every year in Wales since the early 1800s except for 1914 and 1940 due to the World Wars. The Gorsedd of Bards was formed in 1819 as an association of poets, writers, musicians, and artists. Its members are known as druids, hearkening back to the pagan history of Wales when druids were the religious leaders of the country.
Every year at the Welsh eisteddfod, the winner for best long poem receives an ornately carved chair as the coveted first prize. All poems must be written in the difficult Welsh language and in the Welsh poetic form. Pageantry and tradition are part of the Chairing of the Bard with the Archdruid waving his 9-foot sword over the winning poet. The winner of the best poem in free meter receives a crown, and the winner of the prose
competition receives a medal.
The Malad Valley Welsh Festival is not an eisteddfod although music and poetry are major parts of the Festival. The Archdruid is replaced by a Knight of the Festival, who escorts the winning Bard to the stage. The beautifully carved chair was donated by Bob Crowther; Shawn and Roxanne Albretsen and Shannon Evanson carved dragons and created the other designs that make it unique. Unlike in Wales, the Bard’s Chair remains on display in the Oneida Pioneer Museum’s Welsh Corner after the Festival. The Bard receives a medal and presides at the next year’s Festival from the Bard’s Chair.
The Patsy Price Scott Poetry Prize is named for a poet who lived her entire life in Malad Valley and told stories about her early life through her poetry. Her family established the Prize after Patsy died a few years ago. The winner of the Prize receives a Welsh-themed decorative plate.
The Welsh Festival fiction award goes to the author of a Welsh- or Western pioneer-themed short story. The fiction winner receives a large Welsh flag.
Candace Lemmon, the 2024 Bard of the Festival, is from Bountiful, Utah. She will preside at this year’s Festival. The Bard’s Circle, a group to which all past Bards belong, will honor past Bards by having then recite original short poems based on this year’s theme of CASTLES. Past Bards are Jan Crowther Myers (2017), Dotty Evanson (2018), Cory Webster (2019-2021), Lamonte John (2022), and Blaine Scott (2024).
Igniting the horizon line, And in the day
These gentle giants guard our land.
Looming over lakes, Pressed into the earth by fearsome footfalls; Burly bodies border specked fields
Flecked with mounds of gold; Thorny wing tips forming jagged peaks; Flaring nostrils puffing clouds of smoke.
Some say dragons are smoke themselves-Distant wisps of times gone by, Lost to legend, Wing beats silenced. But I say, Still they fly!
The Bard Chair is the symbolic and honorary seat of the reigning Bard of the Festival. This year, Candice Lemmon will be handing over her title to the winner of the poetry contest.
MALAD VALLEY WELSH FESTIVAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS - 2025
General Festival Chair: Jean Thomas
General Festival Co-Chair: Dotty Evanson
Secretary/Treasurer: Roxanne Albretsen
Fund Raising/Grant Writing: Jean Thomas
Publicity: Brandon Hall, Jean Thomas
Culture Presentations: Lucie Washburn, Jean Thomas
Poetry Competitions: Annette Elcock, Tracy Ward, Brandon Hall
Fiction Competition: Lucie Washburn, Brandon Hall
Youth Art Competition: Joan Hawkins
Concerts: Helen Ward, Jean Thomas
Outdoor Music: Sheila Hadden
Wales Photo Display: Bob Crowther
Family History Displays: Sarah and Rex Robbins
Heritage Games: Kathy Atkinson (MMS MathCounts)
Kids’ Activities: Heidi Kimberling (OSD After-School Program)
Wagon Tours: Monte and Bonnie John, Mike Hess
Festival Photographer: Lloyd Bush, Brandon Hall
Hosts and Hostesses: Paula Hannah
Information Booth: Irene Alder (MHS Dragonettes)
Craft and Food Booths: Hailee Hanks, Kelley Neal, Roxanne Albretsen
Welsh Country Store: Alyce Lewis
Taste of Wales Booth: Shantel Tavoian (MHS FCCLA), Samaria Heritage Square
Technology: Shannon Davis
Facilities Set Up/Tear Down: Tony McClain, Bill Lewis (BSA Troop #1776)
Liaison with Museum: Jean Thomas
Liaison with Samaria: Luke Waldron
Liaison with Oneida Quilters: Sharon Harris
Liaison with LDS Church: Cory Daniels, Steve Daniels
Liaison with Presbyterian Church: Toni Werk
Webmaster: Sarah Sayler
Malad Drive In
