On April 29 and 30, Jerry Myers, a consulting architect with Myers Anderson Architects of Pocatello, and Katherine Wonson, a consultant for the Idaho Heritage Trust, visited Oneida County to survey some historic buildings and provide advice on preserving these buildings.  The technical assistance visit was funded by a grant from the Idaho Heritage Trust.

Myers and Wonson first met with Luke Waldron, a member of the Idaho Heritage Trust Board of Directors, and Jean Thomas, Chair of the Museum Board, at the Oneida Pioneer Museum Luke led the consultants up to the roof to determine the condition of the parapets, flashing, and roof (and nesting places for dozens of pigeons). After touring the basement, the group walked around the building, noting the poor condition of the foundation, paint flaking off the brick, and water damage on the north walls from sprinklers.

The group then went to the former Cherry Creek church building, now privately owned, where part of the outside stone wall of the original part of the church has fallen down. The next day, Katherine met with Toni Werk at the Malad Presbyterian Church and toured the outside and inside of that 140-year-old building to determine its condition and priorities for preservation.

Myers and Wonson will prepare a report describing the problems they observed and recommendations for preserving these buildings. Then grants for repair and preservation work will be easier to get because they will be based on professional advice. 

Founded in 1990, the Idaho Heritage Trust “serves all Idahoans by preserving our cultural legacy.” Funded by a $.50 per license plate royalty, the Idaho Heritage Trust receives none of its funding from the federal government. According to its website, “The Idaho Heritage Trust preserves Idaho’s rich cultural history by providing grants and technical assistance to preservationists in every nook and cranny of the Gem State.  Our grassroots efforts on behalf of all Idahoans honor the legacy of our ancestors, enrich our present, and ensure our collective heritage will be enjoyed for generations to come.” 

Grants from the Idaho Heritage Trust have been awarded to the Oneida Pioneer Museum in the past to hire experts to preserve the extensive collection of pioneer-era crayon portraits and the vintage clothing collection.  The Malad Co-op also received a grant from the Idaho Heritage Trust to repair the foundation.