Boise Basin
(Part 5) Sliding Clubs
Boise County, Idaho
Boise National Forest – Boise Basin (after 1917)
courtesy Justin Smith, Boise National Forest
— — — — — — — — — —
Sliding Clubs – Boise Basin
“The sport which offered the most novel attractions, while morally unobjectionable also, was that furnished by the “sliding” clubs, of which there were several in the different towns. The stakes for a grand race, according to the rules of the clubs, should not be less than one hundred dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars, for which they ran their cutters down certain hills covered with snow and made smooth for the purpose. Some of the larger occasions were accompanied by unusual festivities. One sled was so large as to carry twenty persons, and the position of the pilot was a peculiarly responsible one, and many were in fact injured in this exciting and dangerous sport.”
excerpted from: The Growth Of Quartz Mining Discoveries Illustrated History of the State of Idaho – Access Genealogy
[Note: $100 in 1864 is worth $1,997.12 today.]
— — — — — — — — — —
Could this be similar to the “machines” they used?
from Getty Images
— — — — — — — — — —
Early Idaho City
Main & Comm.
source: Idaho State Historical Society. Courtesy South Fork Companion
— — — — — — — — — —
Historic Placerville
source: Idaho State Historical Society. Courtesy South Fork Companion
— — — — — — — — — —
1864
Boise News., January 09, 1864, Page 3
The Champion Sliding Club of the Basin
Organized January 6th, 1864, At Placerville
Officers:
President – Captain Bledsoe; Vice President – James Shrievely; Secretary – J. M. Murphy; Treasurer – James Hart; Pilots – Matt. Graham and Mr. French; Custodian – J. Wyatt. Committee on Finance – Messrs. Atlee, Graham and French.
Cutter’s name – Flying Cloud.
Members:
E. D. Holbrook, W. A. Atlee, Mr. Fletcher, Tub. Ayres, Mr. Massey, J. Wyatt, I. L. Tiner, Jerry Douglas, Andy Cremor, James Shrievely, Capt. Bledsoe, James Murphy, Jack Daniels, L. Dean, Matt. Graham, J. Hall, Mr. French, James Hart, W. Hice, Harry Bigsbee, John McIntyre, Louis Burthey, Mr. Jakey, J. M. Murphy and A. Fyatt.
Proceedings of the first meeting of said Club – the President in the chair and all the Members present:
On motion, That the Club remove all obstructions on the street, and that the work be performed immediately.
On motion, That any member of the Club absenting himself during said time of work be fined fifty cents.
On motion, That Andy Fyatt be elected overseer of said work.
On motion, That no person be authorized to run the Cutter excepting one of the Pilots be in attendance.
On motion, That Pilots may in their discretion appoint assistant Pilots, but none others shall be permitted to run the Cutter.
On motion, That no member of this Club be permitted to dispose of or give away his interest without the consent of the Club.
On motion, That any person making application for membership after this date, must pay an initiation fee of ten dollars, and be balloted for by the Club; and before he can become a member thereof, he must obtain a two-thirds vote of the Club.
On motion, That Friday evenings be the time of regular meetings, and any member absent at a regular meeting be fined fifty cts.
On motion, That the proceedings of the meeting be published in the Boise News.
On motion, That a challenge accompany said publication.
R. Bledsoe, President
J. M. Murphy, Sec’y.
Challenge
To any Sliding Club, Cutter, Sleigh or other running-machine, in Boise Basin:
The Champion Club of Placerville, hereby challenge any of the above-mentioned Clubs or Machines, That they will run their far-famed cutter – “Flying Cloud” – carrying four persons, from the top of Granite street to Wolf creek, or any distance not less than a quarter of a mile, for any stake not less than one hundred dollars not more than twenty-five hundred dollars.
This challenge to remain open for a period of thirty days from date.
Any reply to be made to the Secretary of the Club at Placerville, or through the columns of the Boise News.
J. M. Murphy, Sec’y C. C. B. B.
Placerville Jan 7th, 1864
source: Boise News. (Bannock City, I.T. [Idaho City, Idaho]), 09 Jan. 1864.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— —
Coasting
Some of the merchants and other business men of the city, forgetting for the time being the counting-room and the cares of trade, procured hand-sleds a day or two ago and were to be seen sliding down Wall street, from the top of East hill, with all the ecstasy and glee of boys of twelve.
It is refreshing occasionally to see the grave man of business transform himself into the youth and in all the hilarity of young existence, coasting down hill on a hand-sled as if there were no such sordid trash in the world as dollars and cents and all things made to be enjoyed.
(ibid. page 2)
— — — — — — — — — —
Boise News., January 16, 1864, Page 2
More About Sliding
Wall Street, from Main to the top of East hill, is devoted almost entirely to sliding, sledding, coasting, running on snow shoes, tumbling heels over head in the snow, &c. If limbs or necks are not broken before the Winter is over, it will be a wonder. A few days practice will, we think, enable some of the fleet coasters of Bannock to accept the challenge of the far-famed Flying Cloud of Placerville. In fact, the mania for sliding – which first broke out in that city – seems to be contagious, and is beginning to rage with equal fury here.
source: Boise News. (Bannock City, I.T. [Idaho City, Idaho]), 16 Jan. 1864.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —
Boise News., January 23, 1864, Page 2
Bannock City Sliding Club
At a meeting of the above named Club, at the Magnalia Saloon, on the 21st day of Jan. 1864, the following officers were elected:
Frank Connelly, President;
Wm. Wilson, Secretary;
Boston, Treasurer
Engineers: Jack Flie, Jno Cody, Fred Frederland
Pilots: R. Darling; H. H. Hill; L. Clarisey; Billy Walch
As we go to press this morning the sled “Slim Jim” ran into Rosenbaum’s wood-pile, corner Wall and Main streets, breaking the right leg of Henry Phillips and badly injuring the head of Jack Hall, alias “Oyster Jack.” Soon after G. Gans, coming down on the “Flying Squall,” struck Jack Flie – Chief Engineer of the track – throwing him to the ground and breaking his collar bone; and in the mean time a sled had run against D. Helm, alias “Old Tex,” who was badly hurt in the head.
source: Boise News. (Bannock City, I.T. [Idaho City, Idaho]), 23 Jan. 1864.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —
Boise News., January 30, 1864, Page 2
Go Slow
The Sliding Coast on Commercial street, by St. Joseph’s Church is regarded by the prudent as much safer than that down Wall. We noticed a gentle looking craft gliding down past the church, bearing the cautious inscription – “Go Slow.” We should prefer a trip down Commercial, even at the risk of losing a few seconds in time, notwithstanding a clerical friend is said to have been rolled in the snow, by overloading the craft on which he was attempting to make a voyage.
Wrecks and Casualties on the Wall Street Coast
In addition to the list of injuries sustained by the crew and passengers of the “Slim Jim from the Hook,” as published last week, we now mention the case of Dick Darling the Pilot who at the time of the calamity was not aware that he was hurt, but who some time afterwards ascertained that one leg and one wrist were pretty badly strained, so as to oblige him ever since to use a cane in walking. Miriam Bobinson, on Thursday morning ran an outside sled against the end of a pile of lumber near the Idaho Stable, between Montgomery and State Streets, dislocating his shoulder, injuring his hip and badly wrenching his back. These we believe are the only serious mishaps that have occurred among the sliders during the week.
Many bunged eyes, smashed noses and bruised heads, shins and shoulders might be mentioned; but anything short of dislocation under the rules of the Club does not entitle the recipient to any sympathy from either members or spectators, so we pass them by unnoticed.
(Continued next week.)
source: Boise News. (Bannock City, I.T. [Idaho City, Idaho]), 30 Jan. 1864.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —
Boise News., February 06, 1864, Page 3
Visit of the Sliding Club of Bannock to Centerville and Placerville
We have been furnished notes of the late visit of the Sliding Club boys of this city to our neighboring towns, and regret a want of space to do justice to the subject. In the first place, we are requested to extend thanks to the respective Clubs at Centerville and Placer, for their kind reception and friendly greeting – and to the citizens of those places generally for their boundless hospitality.
The Club left Bannock on Tuesday morning in one large sleigh, having in tow a whole fleet of smaller craft, elegantly painted with the name of each plainly registered on its side – the whole cavalcade being led by Mr. Wallace in a small cutter drawn by his two large New-Foundland dogs. About 11 o’clock the procession entered Centerville in triumphal style, and on invitation of Mr. Johnson, – President of the Centerville Club, – dined at the Orleans Restaurant. After an hour or two spent on the Centerville Coast in trials of speed, &c., the two Clubs joined and proceeded to Placerville, preceded by the dogs; and their number now being increased, their entrance into Placerville was even more imposing that that into the former city. Here they were met and kindly welcomed by Capt. Bledsoe – Pres’t. of the C. C. B. B. – and invited to die at the International Hotel the following day.
On Wednesday morning an outsider made a race on the far-famed Flying-Cloud of Placerville, against the Wide-West of Bannock, for a wager of $50, to run 3 in 5. By some misunderstanding, one of the Judges left his post – the West declared winner by the remaining Judge. Three more heats were run – the West winning two and the Cloud one; the Bannock Club claimed the race and money, but it was denied on account of the absence of the Judge, and the stakes were drawn.
At one o’clock they all dined together in pursuance of the invitation of the Placerville Club, at the International. After dinner, having during the day indulged in sliding to their hearts’ content, they separated – the Bannocks having decided to accept an invitation from the citizens of Centerville, to remain one night in their city, slide on their coast, and attend a ball in the evening. Soon after their arrival in Centerville, a delegation from Placerville made their appearance with the Flying-Cloud, and offered to run her against the Wide-West on the Centerville Coast – one sled against the other. The track was illuminated along its entire length all night, and men were employed to smooth and sweep it so as to keep it in the very best of order. Coasting was kept up until 8 o’clock, Eli Bostick in the mean-time being thrown from a sled and badly hurt about the head and face. A committee from the Centerville Quadrille Club announced that the time had arrived for the dancing to begin, and all hands adjourned to the ball where, it is needless to say, everybody enjoyed themselves.
On Tuesday morning the race was made – the Coast being fairly lined with sleds of all descriptions. One called the French Frigate being particularly worthy of notice, as the fasted in the Basin, and capable of carrying 20 persons. About eight o’clock the Wide-West an Flying-Cloud came out to run 2 in 3, sled against sled. The Cloud was piloted by H. Bixby of Placerville, and the West by Wm. Mullaly of Bannock. The West got 20 feet the start, and was beaten 5 feet; bets freely offered two to one on the Cloud, with but few takers. Second heat, Cloud got 20 feet the start, the West closing on her slowly until half way down the track, when she shot by like an arrow, and won the heat by 55 ft. – no more two to one betters. The Third heat was won by the West by several feet, and the race decided in her favor.
After the punishment of the usual amount of tanglefoot, necessary and incident to such excitements, the Placervillians and Bannocks – considered the worst tribes in the mountains – took leave of their Centerville friends and dispersed, after listening to a few appropriate remarks by the Presidents of the Bannock and Centerville Clubs, and “the celebrated world-renowned great North-American Pie-Biting” tragedian, on behalf of the C. C. B. B.
About 4 o’clock in the afternoon they entered this city, singing “Lo, the Conquering Hero Comes,” – Mr. Mullaly sitting upon the W. West and bearing a broom, which, we are informed, signifies that she sweeps the Cost, and having in tow the veritable Flying-Cloud about which we have heard and read so much, brought off as a trophy.
source: Boise News. (Bannock City, I.T. [Idaho City, Idaho]), 06 Feb. 1864.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —
Boise News., February 13, 1864, Page 2
City Items
The ladies intend giving a leap-year ball on Monday evening, and we understand, have engaged all the sleighs in town to bring their partners.
The Sliding Club has removed to a new track across Moore’s creek.
source: Boise News. (Bannock City, I.T. [Idaho City, Idaho]), 13 Feb. 1864.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —
The Idaho World. December 10, 1864, Page 3
The Idaho Sliding Club
This famous Club having immortalized itself last winter, is preparing to perpetuate its immortality by carrying on another winter campaign against any all all other rivals. We observe a pile of lumber already on the ground to be used in repairing and bridging some holes on the Wall street hill. Mr. Cody contributed $25 for the necessary repairs, and other parties have paid up liberally, and they intend soon to be in readiness to extend a challenge to Centerville, Placerville, “or any other man,” to meet them upon the slippery grade, and compete for the mastery of the world. The Placerville Club, we understand, has already prepared an immense sleigh, with which they expect to run, won everything on the track. The race last winter between these two Clubs, at Centerville was a very exciting episode in the snowy era of that year, and unquestionably the combatants will have an opportunity to fight their battles over gain during this season. Meanwhile we shall lay back in our chair, and melt our frozen ink, to be in readiness to make a record of as many broken heads, legs and arms as possible.
Winter In Idaho
Winter announces its arrival among us with the merry ringing of sleigh bells, and the happy shouts of schoolboys reveling in the snow drifts. The country now appears decidedly wintry, but notwithstanding the snowy accumulations, thousand of earnest faces are turned hopefully toward the wide-spreading clouds, blessing these frozen children of the skies, and praying for the coming of more. These snow banks are laying up a stock upon which thousands of hardy miners will make liberal draughts in the warm days of Spring. The want of them one year ago detained hundreds here who otherwise long ago would have made wives and children in sunny lands happy with their coming. Should these snows continue to accumulate, they will make lively times in the Boise Basin in the Spring.
source: The Idaho World. (Idaho City, Idaho Territory), 10 Dec. 1864.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —
The Idaho World. December 24, 1864, Page 2
Challenge!
The “Idaho Sliding Club” hereby extend a challenge to any club in this county, to run for from $10 to $1,000, on our Wall-street track. Money always ready, on a communication with the Secretary.
John Cody, President
Wm. Wilson, Secretary.
source: The Idaho World. (Idaho City, Idaho Territory), 24 Dec. 1864.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— —
City News
Ice for the next season will be abundant if this cold weather continues. Messrs. Cunningham & Roberts are availing themselves of the opportunity by filling up their ice-house with the gelid cream which will replenish many a cobbler next Summer with refreshing chill.
A General Invitation
is extended to all members of Sliding Clubs in this county to come here and try and speed of our sleds on our Wall street track. Should there be any doubt as to the safety of said track, we will furnish a pilot and take the responsibility. But the Idaho Club will, in no case, be responsible should any member of any other Club break his or her neck while attempting to pilot on our coast.
John City, President
Wm. Wilson Secretary.
Officer of the Sliding Club
At a meeting of the Idaho Sliding Club, held at White’s Exhange, on Tuesday evening, Dec 20th, 1864, the following gentlemen were elected as officers: – President, John Cody; Treasurer, Billy Walch; Secretary, Wm. Wilson; Pilots – Wm. Mullaly, Fred Vetterlin, Wm. Walch, Phil Walch, Dick Darling, Wm. Wallace; Road Agents – Judge Scaniker, Sank Owens, John Keenan, Charles D. Vajen; Chief Surgeon, Dr. J. A. Raymond.
(ibid. page 3)
— — — — — — — — — —
Boise Basin Mines
Productive Area of Boise Basin Idaho, Some Principal Properties
courtesy Idaho Experience, h/t AHGP
—————
Further Reading Offsite
Link to “Gold Camps & Silver Cities” by Merle W. Wells, 1983 (free e-Book 112 megs)
Link to Boise County
Link to Idaho State Historical Society Reference Series Mining in Idaho Number 9 1985
Link to “History of the Boise National Forest 1905-1976” By Elizabeth M. Smith
Link to “Idaho: six months in the new gold diggings: the emigrant’s guide overland : itinerary of the routes, features of the country, journal of residence etc., etc. New discoveries and developments of the country in 1864” – Library of Congress (download as PDF file)
Link to “A general directory and business guide of the principal towns east of the Cascade Mountains, for the year 1865, including valuable historical and statistical information, together with a map of Boise Basin, embracing a portion of Ada, Owyhee and Alturas counties” by Owens, George (85 megs)
Link to “The Growth Of Quartz Mining Discoveries Illustrated History of the State of Idaho” – Access Genealogy
Link to Boise County, Idaho Genealogy and History
Link to “Illustrated History of the State of Idaho: Containing a History of the State of Idaho From the Earliest Period of Its Discovery to the Present Time, Together With Glimpses of Its Auspicious Future; Illustrations, Including Full-page Portraits of Some of Its Eminent Men, and Biographical Mention of Many Pioneers and Prominent Citizens of To-day”, Lewis Publishing Company, 1899 (Free e-Book – 58 meg)
Link to “The mining districts of the Idaho basin and the Boise ridge, Idaho” by Waldemar Lindgren 1898 (free d-Book 10 megs)
Link to “Idaho World: A pioneer chronicle of the territory 1863-1918”, 1982, by Ronnie R. Hayes, The University of Montana
—————
Further Reading
Boise County History Posts
Link to Boise Basin (Part 1) Discovery
Link to Boise Basin (Part 2) Mining
Link to Boise Basin (Part 3) Roads
Link to Boise Basin (part 4) Places and Post Offices
Link to Idaho City (part 1)
Link to Idaho City (part 2)
Link to Placerville (part 1) History
Link to Placerville (Part 2) Residents
Link to Placerville Part 3 – Newspaper Clippings 1863-1864
Link to Quartzburg
Link to Centerville
Link to Banner
Link to Pioneerville
Link to Garden Valley
Link to Idaho History Index Page (table of contents)
——————
The Yellow Pine Times 