Wind Storms Expose Hidden Chapter Of Idaho Falls History

High winds across eastern Idaho a couple weeks ago left a lasting impression on one Idaho Falls building. Some extensive damage to the eastern wall of the Great Harvest Bread Company downtown exposed a chapter of city history, frozen in time.

“It really is like a hidden treasure,” said Great Harvest owner John Van Orman.

When pieces of stucco wall started to fall off Van Orman’s building in Idaho Falls, he knew something special was happening. Behind the outer layer, several words from obviously very old signage became visible.

“When the original piece fell off and we could see a little bit of writing, your natural instinct is just to keep pulling it back and finding out more,” he said.

As crews drilled and chipped away at the wall, piece by piece of the outer shell fell away, revealing a more than 100 year old sign. In big, almost-perfectly preserved letters, the giant painted sign advertises the Idaho Falls Development Company. It dates back to about 1907.

“A lot of signs downtown have been worn away by weather, and not preserved like this,” said Van Orman.

It’s a whole chapter of Idaho Falls past hidden for years, and now ready again for all to read.

Van Orman is paying to have the sign fully restored. Just chipping away at the old covering is running several thousands of dollars.

Bob Everhart of Downtown Development said he’s thrilled to see something so historic lighting up the downtown landscape.