News Story - Idaho State Journal

Big Hill Comes Alive At the Oregon Trail Center

The National Oregon/California Trail Center will unveil their newest interpretative display July 26 at 4:00 p.m. Funding for the Big Hill interpretative display was provided by the M. J. Murdock Foundation. It will be located on the Southwest side of the building. The display will portray a pioneer family, their wagon, oxen and outrider descending the Big Hill. Big Hill played an important part in the pioneers trek west. Many pioneers choose to go over Big Hill because the only other route was a toll road which crossed the Bear River seven times. The pioneers were not prepared for how steep the hill actually was. One diary entry stated that it was ''as steep as the slope of a calf's face''.

The Trail Center will be working with Lynn Leisure of Leisure and Associates to create the display. Sculptor Peter Thomas of St. George Utah has been working all winter to complete the figures that will grace the display. The figures start out as rebar forms and are over laid with special cement that is weather proof. Even the wagon canvas will be cement. The display will be lighted and can be viewed at night. A walking path will wind its way around the display for viewing up close.

In connection with the dedication of the Big Hill interpretative display the Oregon/California Trail Center will be hosting Gary and Bev Stone in the Allinger Community Theatre. The Stones will be doing a ''Quick Draw''. When asked what at ''Quick Draw'' was Gary stated, ''As Bev reads a diary entry, on black paper with white chalk, I sketch what she is reading. It only lasts about a minute and a half so you have to be watching carefully.'' ''It will be good to have Gary and Bev Stone home again.'' stated Becky Smith, director of the center. ''Gary is one of the major artists in our facility. His paintings of the Oregon Trail across the state of Idaho are a major draw for the people who visit us each year.'' Gary Stone was commissioned by J.R. Simplot to paint the Oregon Trail in Idaho for the 1990 Idaho Centennial. Mr. Simplot then generously loaned them to the Oregon Trail Center for viewing.

The ''Quick Draw'' will start at 7:00 pm Thursday July 24. Tickets can be purchased at Peg Leg's Trading Post, in the Oregon/California Trail Center. For more information contact Becky Smith at (208) 847-3800.

This document was originally published online on Monday, June 23, 2008

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