Common history is the approach to the discipline of history that places an importance on the lives of common people, rather than focusing on kings, generals, and those you are more likely to read about in history books. I believe that this approach is very important, and that it gives us a greater insight into humanity than solely focusing on “historical figures.” Those familiar with the history of the Sawtooths are likely familiar with this, and the inherent difficulties in studying those of which little has been recorded. A lot of good work has been done combing through Sawtooth history, piecing together more cohesive collections and narratives about the region and those who inhabit it. However, a book is only as good as its sources; so it’s worth asking: what are local historians working with in terms of primary sources? Source aggregation becomes a finely honed skill, especially when working with more obscure topics and individuals, so I can only discuss what I have personally used, and what I have seen used by other historians in the area.
Photo Credit: “Free stacks paper files image” is marked with CC0 1.0.
The first would be the personal interview. Oftentimes, lived experiences are told orally to historians, or better yet, are experiences the historians themselves have lived. Such is the case of Mountainous Events by David Kimpton, whose experiences as a Forest Service Ranger allowed him to publish his own book with himself as the major source. Other times you will see people with lives and stories spanning back to times we would consider historically different than our own. The Stanley Museum has a collection of interviews with people who have lived long and full lives, recounting their earliest memories of a time much different than our own. Vivid slices of life are given through their testimonies and home videos in a very quaint and personal look into Sawtooth history.
Another source that I have worked with personally is tombstones. Findagrave.com has proven itself to be a valuable and wide reaching resource for the lives of people who have otherwise not been written about. Further sourcing was found in physically going to cemeteries to gather information. I drove to the Bonanza cemetery, looking for inspiration for stories pertinent to my evening program on the topic of mysteries and murders, and I found great success. There among the forgotten wooden tombstones was a giant marble freemasons grave, which allowed me to write a chunk of my evening program on the subject.
Headstone of John H Lee, Bonanza Cemetery, Idaho. Photo Credit: SIHA Staff
Another valuable source is newspapers. Contemporary accounts of the local area at a specific time can give us just about as clear a look into their lives as possible. Luckily, the Library of Congress has a very comprehensive archive of local newspapers dating all the way back to 1756. Yesterday’s journalism becomes today’s history. Digitizing this archive has been incredibly helpful, as they are accessible anywhere, easily searchable with years, locations, and key words, and don’t deteriorate nor take up space like physical newspaper archives do.
I personally have learned about Lizzie King and the Sheepeater campaign through local newspapers. I highly recommend the archive if you have any interest in historical newspapers. Through these sources and many other more obscure means, we start to paint a picture of our collective story. It may be surprising what turns out to be most valuable in your research. It makes me stop and consider what I do that will leave the longest lasting and most complete image of my life and times.
Isaac Falen is a 2025 historic specialist with SIHA. He is attending the University of Idaho and hopes to work in maritime archaeology after completing his degree.