Page:Women of the West.djvu/141

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Women of The West
Idaho

combining the most practical methods with the most progressive ideas and the loftiest ideals, that the office seems now to be considered a feminine prerogative. One of these brilliant women, after a successful term of office, was appointed State Commissioner of Education, a position which demands both integrity and wisdom in the highest degree.

The University Extension also offers opportunity to women to carry inspiration and comfort to the busy people who are building the state, for Idaho, although it has a wealth of other resources, is preeminently an agricultural state. These teachers and demonstrators are the most modern instructors we can boast, and it is quite fitting that this little divertissement should end with a tribute to their skill and enthusiasm.


Idaho Is Interested in a Fort Hall Monument and the Oregon Trail
By Dr. Minnie F. Howard[1]
(Director for Idaho of Oregon Trail Memorial Ass'n)

In Idaho, the Daughters of the American Revolution, under the leadership of the writer, organized the "Fort Hall Monument Association," the object of which was to erect a monument on the site of the historic old 1834 Wyeth Fort Hall. This Idaho movement was developed by Ezra Meeker and others, into the Oregon Trail Memorial Association for which the Congress of the United States has authorized an issue of six million Memorial Coins. The plan asking Congress for this memorial coinage, originated with the Idaho Unit of this Association.

Proceeds from the sale of this Oregon Trail Memorial Coin will be used to erect monuments and memorials to the Oregon Trail. This coin is said by art critics, to be the most beautiful in United States coinage and a model for the future, being historic in design, instead of classic. It is the work of James Earl Fraser and his wife, Laura Gardin Fraser, being the first time in history that a man and his wife have jointly designed a government coin. It is interesting to note that both Fraser and Mrs. Fraser are western born.


  1. (Dr. Minnie Frances Howard, who is the Idaho director of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association, was complimented by the gift of the second Oregon Trail Memorial Coin to be sent out from the office of the Association, the first one having been presented to Ezra Meeker, the president. Mrs. Howard accepted the coin in behalf of her state and deposited it in the state museum at Boise.)

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