New book on Weippe history out this spring
By Mike Green
Weippe – A new book championing the history of the Weippe area and written and
illustrated by three local residents is on the front burner for production this
spring.
Yet to be titled, the book is targeted as an educational tool for use in the third and fourth grades at Timberline Elementary School as a supplement to their regular Idaho history curriculum. Its main purpose is to instill pride for students of their local history, said Carolyn Lage (pictured), book coordinator, and a Friend of the Heritage Museum at Weippe.
“We teach Idaho history, but we don’t teach our local story,” she said. “Our home town was a vital component of our nation’s history and our regional economy.”
This book is homegrown and will be in the form of an activity booklet with text written by Lage and original line prints drawn by Leo Binder of Pierce. The prints are suitable for coloring or cutting out.
Each page reflects topics germane to history of the Weippe area. The obvious scenes spotlight the Nez Perce Tribe, Lewis and Clark, the camas flower and the timber industry. The Weippe Rodeo, nearly a 50-year tradition, earns recognition, as does the mystery of why a gorilla was chosen as the Weippe school mascot in the late 20’s and adorns the water tower in Weippe yet today.
Lage, who taught at Timberline High School for 25 years before retiring, said many locals are unaware the original Weippe Township was bequeathed in 1892 by the original homesteader, a man named Wellington Landon and nicknamed The Duke. Landon was operating a store and tavern at what would become Weippe during the U.S.–Nez Perce War of 1877, and he survived an attack by Nez Perce warriors by hiding in pig mire during a raid on his joint. His survival would spawn Weippe 15 years later.
This story is recalled in the book along with an artist conception drawing
showing The Duke hiding among his pigs behind a woodpile while warriors torch
his place.
The notebook-sized booklet also will feature word search games. Lage said the
book is designed for student interaction.
The cover art will be a replica of a painting of the Weippe Community Center by professional artist Dianne Gerot of Pierce. This original framed artwork can be viewed at the Heritage Museum in Weippe.
The local history book was funded by a $2,500 grant from the Kathryn Albertson Foundation. The grant covers printing and artist costs. Lage is donating her part.
“I wanted to instill pride in our local community,” she said.
Lage also has published newsletters for the Heritage Museum in Weippe, which is supported by donations. It is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and by special appointment.
Pictured left: Leo Binder provided original line prints for the new book on Weippe History. This picture depicts Wellington Landon, aka The Duke, hiding with his pigs while Nezperce warriors torch his property. Fifteen years later the site would become Weippe.
Pictured right: Explorers Lewis and Clark are depicted in this drawing by Weippe artist Leo Binder.