Stricker Home, 1999

Herman & Lucy Stricker "built an oasis in a sagebrush desert."

The Stricker Store and Homesite, also known as Rock Creek Store and Stage Station, consists of an 1865 log store and an early 20th century two-story frame house. A small cemetery is located just west of the store. The area was a popular campground for emigrants, and in 1865 the military maintained a temporary camp nearby.

Both the Rock Creek Store and the Stricker Home are undergoing preservation work. The site is currently owned and managed by the Idaho State Historical Society with assistance from the Friends of Stricker, Inc.

James Ray, August 15, 1847

"August 15, 1847, Sabbeth. Two of our oxen were missing, which caused myself and N. Comer a long hunt. We however found them and returned. Camped on good creek where we found good camping. August 16. Travelled about 10 miles.

"Camped on Snake River and used sage for firewood, which has been our principal fule for the last month or two. August 17. Drove 7 miles over a nearly level plain. Camped on dry creek. Drove our cattle 2 miles for grass, where we found it abundant. August 18. Remained in camp in consequence of the sickness of MR. Nathan Hacket. August 19. Ten miles brought us to Rock Creek.

James Ray, cont.

"In the night we were gathered around a death-bed in the wilderness. August 20. Today we buried Mr. Hacket. Oh what a scene are poor mortals called to witness in the vale of grief. August 21. Left the camp of death and sorrow at night. Camped on the same creek. August 22...encamped in Snake River Bluff...A few days before we arrived here, a man named Eobertson had been drowned while trying to swim the river for the purpose of visiting a spring on the other side..."

Rock Creek Station as it undergoes restoration, 1999

Directions: South of Hwy 30 below Kimberly and Hansen; look for 3200 North.

Must See: Site is open daily for self-guided tours. Between April 1 and October 31, the house is open Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact the Friends of Stricker, Inc. at 208-423-4000.

Current Observations/Journal Entry:

"Great horned owls and red tailed hawks are nesting in the surrounding woodlands. The Trail crossed Rock Creek west of Twin Falls, then headed northwest toward the Snake River.

"This day Historical Society staff are working to restore and stabilize one of the buildings; careful attention is given to recreating woodwork and structural elements."