Feature Story: Unveiling the Layers of American History
The White Springs Ranch Museum and Library Archive in rural Idaho tells the stories of the Lorang’s Family chronicles.
Nestled in the heart of rural northern Idaho, the White Springs Ranch Museum and Library Archive holds untold stories from early settlers during the mid 19th century to the late 20th century captured through collections of old letters, photographs and other documentations.
The National Historic site and century farmhouse features the Lorang family, who collected artifacts and journaled their life in the Palouse for over 140 years. Personal stories during historical events like World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, Space Race, Civil Rights, and the Cold War are brought to life through this family’s documentation.
John and Mary Lorang migrated West from Wisconsin until they purchased land in Idaho where John built the farmhouse. What started as writing love letters as teenagers, the Lorangs quickly became serious historians by keeping everything of daily life from magazines, postcards, receipts, books and newspapers. This tradition of preservation continued in the family for the next 100 years.
Over an estimated nine thousand letters were found onsite when Latah County originally purchased the farmhouse in 2004 to be listed on the National Historical Registry. Each letter can range from five to twelve pages. Four hundred books have also been found since then with additional documentation.
“We find something new everyday,” said Diane Conroy, a curator at the White Springs Ranch.
The museum is now working to transcribe all the documentation online to be a first-hand resource of historical events. Since 2004, local college students from University of Idaho, Washington State University, and Lewis and Clark College have volunteered at the library archive weekly to digitize the documents.
According to the White Springs Ranch official website, the museum is primarily supported by grants and donations by students and faculty from the nearby universities and colleges. The Idaho Heritage Trust and other grants provide yearly assistance with preservation, restoration and events.
One of the museum’s largest events is the annual “Little House on the Prairie Day.” Stories at the cabin are brought to life by reenactors for visitors to engage with as they tour the facilities and learn about the Palouse pioneers. A new upcoming event in collaboration with Washington State University’s Center of Civic Engagement (CCE) invites WSU students to demonstrate 19th century children’s toys to local children. This event will be at White Springs Ranch located at 1004 Lorang Rd, Genesee, Idaho on Apr. 27th with more details on their website.
The White Springs Ranch is open to visitors from 1:00 p.m. to sunset on Sundays and Tuesday by appointment. Learn how to support or volunteer White Springs Ranch on their website.
“It’s truly incredible,” said Conroy. “It puts you immediately in the emotional headspace of that time.”
Nature of Assignment
Write a feature story about the White Springs Ranch in Genese, Idaho. All information must be gathered during interview with Diane Conroy and online research. Use quotations, tell a story and have a call to action.