2021-01-28 Historic Preservation Commission HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 4:30 PM
All materials presented at public meetings become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation for
disabilities should contact the City Clerk's Office at 208-888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
Agenda
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ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
____ Blaine Johnston, President ____ Josh Evarts, Vice President
____ Jacy Nary ____ Destinie Hart
____ Donna Lusignan ____ Jody Ault
____ Brian Fitzgerald ____ Jessica Perreault, City Council Ex-Officio
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. Minutes from December 2, 2020 Special Meeting
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEMS]
2. Approve Monthly Financial Statement
3. President and Vice President Elections for 2021
4. Review and Approve Meridian Speedway Final Intensive Survey Report Submitted
by TAG Historical Research
5. Preservation Month Planning for May 2021
6. Next Steps for the 2021 Student Initiative
REPORTS
7. Update: Social Media Subcommittee
1
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS / DISCUSSION
NEXT MEETING: February 25, 2021
ADJOURNMENT
2
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Wednesday, December 02, 2020 at 4:30 PM
MINUTES
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall. Consider joining the meeting virtually:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82996279341
Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID: 829 9627 9341
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_x___ Blaine Johnston, President _x___ Josh Evarts, Vice President
_x___ Jacy Nary arrived at 5:00pm __x__ Destinie Hart
_x___ Donna Lusignan ____ Jody Ault
_x___ Brian Fitzgerald ____ Jessica Perreault, City Council Ex-Officio
Farewell to Dawn Cronk and Introduce New Commissioner, Destinie Hart
B. Johnston welcomed Destinie Hart to the Commission
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
B. Johnston proposed that an introduction for Destinie Hart be added to the agenda as the
first item under new business.
J. Evarts made motion to adopt the agenda as amended, seconded by D. Lusignan
All ayes
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEMS]
1. Introduce Destinie Hart
D. Hart introduced herself briefly and was welcomed onto the Commission.
2. Approve Minutes from October 2020 Regular Meeting
J. Evarts made motion to approve minutes, seconded by D. Lusignan
All ayes
3
Item 1.
3. Approval of Monthly Financial Statement
J. Evarts made motion to approve the financial statement, seconded by D. Lusignan
All ayes
4. Presentation of Research by Barbara Perry Bauer, TAG Historical Research, and
Approval of Payment for Intensive Level Survey
B. Perry Bauer presented her research to the Commission, via attached
PowerPoint. She taught the Commission the history of the Dairy Grounds and the
Meridian Speedway, including its unique characteristic as being the location for
both dairy stock shows and a raceway. In the end, B. Perry Bauer concluded that
the Meridian Speedway is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and recommended moving forward with this process.
The Commission expressed appreciation for all of B. Perry Bauer’s time and efforts.
J. Evarts made motion to approve preliminary report and the expense of the
invoice, seconded by J. Nary
All ayes
5. Determine Next Steps for Listing the Meridian Speedway on the National Register
of Historic Places
The Commission agreed to move forward with this project and A. Belnap will apply
for a new grant from SHPO by the end of the year.
B. Nary recommended making a presentation to update City Council on the
Commissions efforts. The Commission agreed and would prefer this presentation to
be separate from the annual report.
A. Belnap will arrange a time to meet with City Council.
REPORTS
6. Update: Future Partnership with History of Meridian Idaho Facebook Group from
the Social Media Subcommittee
A. Belnap reported that the admin rights for the new Facebook Group will be
reserved for the Social Media Subcommittee and that commissioners will be able
to create new Facebook profiles for their interactions within the groups. The Social
Media Subcommittee will continue meeting to create a transition strategy for the
group and report back to the Commission with instructions for the new Facebook
profiles.
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS / DISCUSSION
B. Fitzgerald reported that he has been thinking of ideas for the Student Initiative and will
be ready to discuss at next meeting.
B. Johnston requested that D. Hart provide input for writing the new grant to SHPO, given
her experience as a grants manager.
NEXT MEETING: January 28, 2021
ADJOURNMENT
4
Item 1.
J. Evarts made motion to adjourn, seconded by D. Lusignan
All ayes
5
Item 1.
MERIDIAN SPEEDWAY
Research Update
6
Item 1.
SITE SURVEY
Photos for intensive level form taken
October 23, 2020 7
Item 1.
Circle marks location of Speedway
September 1951 8
Item 1.
Preliminary Research
Sources
Hans Bruijn –Meridian Dairy & Stock Shows, Inc.
Adam Nelson -Meridian Speedway
Lila Hill
Stan Fuller –Idaho Racing Museum
Idaho Daily Statesman
Meridian Times
9
Item 1.
(Source: Meridian Historical Society)
Meridian dairy center of the
state.
Consolidated Creamery built
1897
1929 Dairy Days established
as showcase for livestock and
dairy products when
creamery built.
Ada County Dairymen’s cooperative creamery began operation in
1929.10
Item 1.
Idaho Secretary of State
Meridian Dairy & Stock Shows, Inc.
Incorporated April 12, 1948
11
Item 1.
1949 aerial view of Dairy show grounds. Note the canvas-covered livestock sheds on the right. The
grounds were dedicated May 27, 1949 following Dairy Day parade.
Photo: IDS May 28, 1949.
“The association and these grounds
are entitled to the support of all you
farmers and Meridian townspeople.
This is the first tree to be planted
and it is a symbol of what we can
build for the future and the boys
and girls of Boise Valley and
America.”
W.L. Hendrix president of Idaho
State Dairymen’s association and
secretary of the American Dairy
Association. May 27, 1949
12
Item 1.
BUILDINGS
Cattle Exhibit Building Cattle Exhibit Building 2020
Workman rebuilt a portion of cattle exhibit building
when it was destroyed by fire in May 1958.13
Item 1.
Planning for Dairy Days 1958Pancake breakfast 1956
14
Item 1.
.
1950 –Meridian Athletic Association
organized Dec. 13, 1950
1951 –dirt track built at dairy show grounds
1951 –Lights from old Boise Junior College
(BSU) purchased to light track for races and
softball and baseball games.
1953 –Meridian Racing Association
organized as an affiliate of the MAA
Midgets at Meridian Speedway circa 1955. Courtesy Idaho Racing Historical Society
15
Item 1.
Advertisement for Midget Auto Race June 15, 1951 IDS Advertisement October 21, 1951 IDS
16
Item 1.
Meridian Raceway July 1959 -Courtesy Idaho Historical Racing Society
17
Item 1.
Receipts from the Speedway were divided between the MAA and
racing association. The MAA used it’s share for the upkeep of the site
and to support local youth activities for the entire community.
Examples
Little Leaguers only paid for their mouthpieces, uniforms were
furnished as well as transportation to weekly games held in Boise.
Local tennis players went to national championship meets at no
personal expense
Summer recreation programs provided to local youth
18
Item 1.
THE CENTER OF COMMUNITY SINCE 1949
Meridian Dairy Days Photo)Meridian Speedway photo
19
Item 1.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Meridian Speedway is significant at the local level under Criterion A,
Agriculture for its association with the agricultural history of Meridian and
Ada County. A creamery was built in Meridian in 1897 , and other dairy-
related businesses followed, establishing Meridian as a dairy center for the
state. In 1929 Dairy Days was established as a showcase for livestock and
dairy products. In 1948 the Meridian Dairy & Stock Shows was incorporated
to support the annual event. In 1949 the corporation procured land for the
permanent site of the event. Dairy Days is held annually for two days in June.
20
Item 1.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Meridian Speedway is also significant at the local level under
Criterion A, Entertainment and Recreation, for its association with stock
car racing. The Speedway is one of four paved quarter-mile tracks in
Idaho. For 70 years the Meridian Speedway has attracted racers and fans
from all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada. The activities at the
speedway have supported local businesses, attracting large crowds of
fans to events throughout the racing season, as well as bringing nationally
sanctioned racing events to southwestern Idaho.
21
Item 1.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is the ability of a property to convey its significance.
To be designated historic, a property must not only be shown to
be significant under established criteria, but it also must have
integrity. The evaluation of integrity is sometimes a subjective
judgment, but it must always be grounded in an understanding of
a property's physical features and how they relate to its
significance. Historic properties either retain integrity (this is,
convey their significance) or they do not.
22
Item 1.
SEVEN ASPECTS OF INTEGRITY
•Location –place where historic property was constructed or where historic event occurred
•Setting –the physical environment of a historic property
•Design –the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of
a property
•Materials –the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period
of time and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property
•Workmanship –the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during sany
given period in history or prehistory
•Feeling –the property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of
time
•Association –the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic
property
To be eligible to the National Register of Historic Places a historic property must retain integrity of some but
not all.
23
Item 1.
The Meridian Speed way retains integrity of location,
feeling, and association, and as such retains sufficient
overall integrity to convey its significance under Criterion A
and is recommended eligible to the National Register of
Historic Places.
24
Item 1.
Next Steps
Finalize intensive survey form.
Submit to HPC for SHPO review.
If SHPO concurs with NRHP
determination and propery owners
agree move to drafting nomination.
25
Item 1.
CITY of MERIDIANFY2021 (10/1/2020 thru 9/30/2021)Budget for Historic Preservation & Historical SocietyAs of: 12/31/2020Acct# AGENCY / VENDOREffective DateDESCRIPTIONFY2021 BUDGETFY2021 REVENUESFY2021 EXPENDITURESAvailable Budget01-1840-53801-11160 Budget 10/1/2020 Budget for miscHistorical Society budget for misc expenses-$ -$ -$ -$ Acct# AGENCY / VENDOREffective DateDESCRIPTIONFY2021 BUDGETFY2021 REVENUESFY2021 EXPENDITURESAvailable Budget01-1840-53801-11152 Budget 10/1/2020Budget for Training1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 01-1840-53801-11153 Budget 10/1/2020Budget for Supplies200.00$ 200.00$ 01-1840-53801-11154 Budget 10/1/2020Budget for Memberships420.00$ 420.00$ 01-1840-53801-11155 Budget 10/1/2020Budget for Printing/Promotional1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 01-1840-53801-11156 Budget 10/1/2020Budget for Continuing Education Program700.00$ 700.00$ 01-1840-53801-11158 Budget 10/1/2020Budget for Student Initiative150.00$ 150.00$ 01-1840-53801-11159 Budget 10/1/2020Budget for Consulting/Photography Services10,050.00$ 4,028.52$ 6,021.48$ 01-1840-53801-11157 Budget 10/1/2020Budget for Historic Walking Tour App Maintenance1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ Historic Preservation14,520.00$ -$ 4,028.52$ 10,491.48$ TOTALS14,520.00$ -$ 4,028.52$ 10,491.48$ GL balance 12/31/20for expenses check MIP/Reports/PostedTransactions/Historical Detail account #01-1840-53801 - populate Fyxx Expense tabfor revenue check MIP/Reports/PostedTransactions/Historical Detail account #01-1840-34881 (shared acct with MAC) - populate Fyxx Rev tabRefresh Pivot table; verify accurately reflected in FY2021 tabAfter review of accurate reporting; email copy of file to Arts Culture Specialist: Audrey Belknap & Rachel MyersCity budget for both Society & Preservation in #53801Expenses to be approved by Arts Culture Specialist/ Bill Nary26Item 2.
Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka
Dairy Show Park Arena
December 2020
Barbara Perry Bauer, M.A.
TAG Historical Research & Consulting — P.O. Box 7333, Boise, Idaho 83707
27
Item 4.
Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
N/A Page | i
Abstract
This survey was conducted to document the Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show Park Arena and to
determine its eligibilty to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) for the Meridian Historic
Preservation Commission.
CERTIFICATION OF RESULTS
I certify that this investigation was conducted and documented according to Secretary of Interior's
Standards and guidelines and that the report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Signature of Principal Investigator Date
12/15/2020
28
Item 4.
Key Information
PROJECT NAME
Intensive level survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show Park Arena
PROJECT NUMBER(S)
N/A
LOCATION
Ada
USGS QUADS
Meridian 7.5’ USGS
LEGAL LOCATION OF SURVEY
Section 18, Township 3 North, Range 1 East
PROJECT AREA
10 Acres
AREA SURVEYED
10 Acres Intensive Survey
0 Acres Reconnaissance Survey
PROJECT DATA
N/A Previously recorded cultural resources
35 New cultural resources located and/or recorded
AUTHORS
Barbara Perry Bauer
FEDERAL AGENCY
N/A
REPORT PREPARED FOR
Meridian Historic Preservation Commission
REPOSITORY
401 W. Idaho, Boise, Idaho 83702
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Barbara Perry Bauer M.A.
DATE
12/15/2020
29
Item 4.
CONTENTS
Abstract i
CERTIFICATION OF RESULTS i
Key Information
Project Description
Field Methodology
Results
Management Recommendations
1
1
7
Determination of Effects 7
Avoidance, Minimization, or Mitigation Options 7
Conclusions
References
9
30
Item 4.
Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
N/A Page | 1
Project Description
This intensive survey was conducted to document the Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show Park Arena
(Speedway) for the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission.
Envionmental Setting
The Speedway is located in the City of Meridian, Idaho at an elevation of 2,600 ASL. The tempertature in
this area averages between 90 degrees Farenheit during the summer months to 20 degrees Farhenheit in
the winter. The average annual precipitation is twelve inches, with snowfall typically between the months
of November and February. The immediate setting is a commercial area where the site is bordered by a
city park to the north; Main Street, a major transportation route, on the west; and the Meridian water
tower, a city landmark, to the south.
Cultural Setting
History of Meridian
Euroamerican settlers displaced Native Americans in the region beginning in the 1860s. The discovery of
gold in 1862 in the Boise Basin, northeast of the Boise Valley, brought an influx of prospective miners.
Farming settlements quickly appeared on the river bottoms where abundant water was easily
accessible from the Boise River. Farmers grew crops of all types-- vegetables, grains and fruits--to supply
to the miners. At first settlers who farmed land adjacent to the river simply dug ditches from the river or
stream to lead water onto their lands. As additional farms were established, the ditches were enlarged
Figure 1. View looking north of Main Street and sidewalk west
side of Speedway/Arena.
31
Item 4.
Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
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to accommodate them. When the land closest to the river was taken up, settlers began to move to the
bench land above the river bed. In time larger ditches and canals were constructed through
community effort, private enterprise, and federal involvement opening up the bench lands to
agricultural development.1
Meridian’s history, like the history of many southwestern Idaho towns, is linked directly to irrigation and
the development of productive farm land from arid lands. The first settlement in the area was Five Mile
Creek, the closest source of water. A little later, setters were also locating along Ten Mile Creek. By 1895
there were enough people in the area to support a school. The Idaho Central Railway constructed a
line from Nampa to Bosie in1887. The following year, the U.S. Postal Service established a mail drop on
the railroad at a point mideway from Nampa to Boise. The drop was named “Hunter,” after John
Hunter, who was superintendent of the Idaho Central Railroad. A trading center began to develop at
the mail drop. In August of 1893 C.G. Zenger filed a plat for a new town, to be named “Meridian,” after
its location on the Boise Meridian. In April 1894, the name of the post office was changed to Meridian.2
As the community grew, so did efforts to bring water to the farms. The Settlers Ditch Company was
established October 30th, 1884. The original locators of the canal and water right were Christian R.
Purdum, Adolphus Purdum, and William H. Smith. They made their filing on October 17, 1884, claiming
water to irrigate land west of Boise City. It was not until 1886 that the ditch began to take shape. Initially
the ditch was constructed by the farmers in the western part of Ada County. Unfortunately the settlers
were unable to complete the work themselves. In 1885 they signed a contract with Alexander McGee
and James Stewart, organizers of the Phyllis Canal Company for the construction of the ditch. McGee
and Steward failed to complete the work and the farmers took the ditch back. They were able to
persuade a few local businessmen to purchase stock in the canal company. In 1887 John Lemp took
over direction of the Settlers Ditch which then became known as the Lemp Canal.3
Under Lemp’s ownership the main gate was completed in 1891 and a system of laterals was
constructed to furnish water to the farmers. By 1896 so many setters had taken up land under the Lemp
Canal that even when running to its full capacity, the canal was no longer able to meet the demand
for water. In 1901 Lemp sold the project to the newly organized Settlers Canal Company Ltd. who
continued its operation. The name of the main canal was changed back to Settlers Canal.
In 1899, the Idaho Legislature passed a law providing for the organization of irrigation districts to
manage water delivery systems. Under the law, each district was given the authority to construct,
purchase or otherwise obtain the necessary water rights, irrigation works, canals and ditches
including those built or in the process of construction by private owners and to provide land owners with
sufficient water for irrigation. This law led directly to the creation of the Nampa Meridian Irrigation District
(NMID) in 1904. NMID oversees water delivered by the Ridenbaugh Canal. The original townsite of
Meridian is served by the Hunter lateral which extends from the Ridenbaugh Canal northwest
through Meridian Cemetery and continues to the north where it meets the Settlers Canal.
As more sophisticated irrigation systems were developed, settlers from Missouri, Iowa, and other
midwestern farm states flocked to the open land around Meridian where they established new farms.4
Meridian and the Dairy Industry
Idaho’s dairy industry thrived during the late 19th century after Idaho became a state. The population
boomed, creating a large local market for dairy products.. Cooperative creameries, where dairy
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Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
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farmers delivered their fresh milk for processing, were developed throughout southwest Idaho. The dairy
business grew rapidly in the area surrounding Meridian, and in 1897 the Consolidated Creamery was
established. Irrigation allowed Ada County farmers to produce alfalfa, clover, and other feed crops
needed for milk cattle and the dairy industry thrived. By the1920s Meridian was the center of the dairy
industry in Ada County.
In late July 1927 the Ada County Dairymen’s Assocation incorporated. The association was a
reorganization of dairymen formerly associated with the Boise Valley Co-operative Creamery.
Establishedi n 1913, the Co-operative Creamery ceased operations in 1924. The new association
adopted the slogan “Start Little and Grow Big,” intending to attract all dairymen in Ada County to the
benefits of cooperation. Each member assigned a certain number of cows from his herd to the
organization and subscribed $10 in capital stock for each cow. A goal of the organization was to build
a state-of-the-art creamery and powdered milk plant in Meridian. When the nearly-completed plant
was destroyed by a fire in January 1929, the group persevered, and rebuilt quickly. The plant was in
operation by the following June. The first Dairy Days, now an annual event, was held in 1929 to
celebrate the completion of the creamery. Dairy Days showcases local livestock and dairy products.5
At the end of the plant’s first year in operation sales from the creamery totaled more than $152,000 in
four months. and over the next four decades sales reached in excess of $7 million annually. For over
four decades milk haulers travelled Ada County collecting the milk in cans from dairy farmers. The milk
was delivered to the creamer where the butterfat was seperated from the milk, churned into butter,
and sold under the name Challenge Butter. The milk was processed into powdered milk. In the 1940s the
Ada County Dairmen’s Co-operative creamery was processing more milk than any other creamery in
North America.6
Figure 2. Ada County Dairymen’s Co-operative Creamery ( Meridian Historical Society)
Over time, as the nature of farming changed to favor large-scale production, fewer small-scale farmers
sold milk to the creamery. The creamery operations were moved to Caldwell in 1970. The Meridian
creamery was shuttered and the building torn down in 2005. However, the importance of the dairy
industry to the area remains the focus of the annual Dairy Days celebration, which has been held every
year since 1929, with the exception of 2020 when the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus
pandemic.
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Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
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Meridian Dairy & Stock Shows, Inc.
In 1948 Meridian Dairy & Stock Shows was incorporated as a non-profit organization to promote the
dairy industry. The group acquired 15 acres of land at the south end of Meridian in 1949 for use as a
showgrounds. The grounds were dedicated in May 1949 and for the first time Dairy Days was held at the
venue, attracting over 5,000 people to the event. That year, canvas-covered tents sheltered the
livestock. In December 1949 fundraising efforts by the local 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA)
raised over $400 from sales of meat from hogs donated by the Meridian Feed and Fuel company. The
money was raised to support construction of a permanent exhibition building.7
Figure 3. 1949 aerial view of Dairy show grounds. Idaho Daily Statesman May 27, 1949.
Two buildings were constructed by the Dairy & Stock Shows board, including a cattle exhibit building
which was built in 1953. The rectangular wood frame building was built with a central alley and space
for cattle on both sides. A second wood-frame building was constructed by volunteers from the local
granges as a food booth.
Figure 4. Workman rebuilt a portion of the cattle exhibit Figure 5. View of cattle exhibit barn 2020.
building when it was destroyed by fire in 1958.
34
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Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
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The Dairy & Stock Shows organization was not only committed to promoting the dairy industry. Another
objective, outlined in the Articles of Incorporation, was “To cultivate cooperative effort, and to
inclucate the principles of community spirit, friendliness, and goodwill”. To that end the group worked
with other non-profit groups in the community to provide recreation opportunities for the children in
Meridian and the surrounding area. The group donated five acres of land to the city in 1951 for a city
park, now the site of Storey Park. Dairy & Stock Shows also cooperated with a new organization formed
in 1950. In December of that year, The Meridian Athletic Assocation (MAA) was incorporated to
promote a coordinated athletic and recreational program for Meridian. Working with the Dairy Show
Board, the MAA planned to develop the dairy show grounds for year-round use as a recreation and
sports center. The MAA negotiated a ten-year lease on the show grounds with the exception of two
days each year that were reserved for the annual dairy show.8 To finance these activities, a dirt track
was built at the dairy arena for midget cars, a popular form of auto racing. Midget cars are high-
powered small race cars that are driven on quarter-or-half-mile dirt or asphalt racetracks. Grandstands,
lights, and other features were added to the facility to support racing activities. Ticket sales to the
midget car races were used to fund more improvements at the Speedway.9
The MAA operated the track from 1951 to 1981 and revenue from the track supported youth sports and
helped fund Storey Park and the community pool. The MAA’s fundraising efforts also supported the
purchase of uniforms and equipment, as well as transportation costs, for the Meridian Little League
Baseball teams. The preogram also covered expenses to send local tennis players to national
championships, and summer recreation programs for local youth. The MAA set up a trust fund for
profits from the Speedway, which funds between $20,000 to $40,000 a year into youth sports.10
Roots of Midge Car Racing
As soon as there were automobiles, racing them became a nationawide pasttime. Midget car racing
began in the Unied States when a group of racers wanted a less expensive avenue for racing. Racing
historians agree that the first midget cars were unveiled in 1914 in Venice, California, where a small race
was held and won by Al Franklin. A year later, a second race was held in Culver City, California. Other
races were held in Los Angeles and San Francisco but midget racing ended in 1915. Midget racing was
revived in 1933 when the Midget-Auto Racing Association (MARA) was formed in California and held a
race on the Loylola High School Stadium track in Los Angeles. At first, racers were conducted on board
racetracks that had been used for bicycle racing. After a speedway was built just for midget car racing,
the sport spread across the county. In 1935 MARA was disbanded. A new organization, “National
Midget Racing Association formed and sancted racetracks throughout California. The sport gradually
spread throughout the country, and to Australia and England .11
Midget Racing in Southwest Idaho
After WWII, midget racing became popular throughout southwest Idaho. In 1948 Vern Waits completed
Speedway Park near Gowen Field in Boise. It became a popular place for midget racing but closed in
1950 for nonpayment of taxes. Other speedways were quickly developed to fill the void. Wilkins
Speedway,constructed in 1951near Caldwell served racers for a few years. Avid midget racers built
racetracks on available empty farmland, including a tract at the Ten Mile Rodeo Ground, in an empty
field adjacent to Fairview Avenue, and other locations. Racing was a popular pastime on Sunday
afternoons and the new Dairy Park ground offered a prime location for racing. The MAA built a quarter-
mile oval and offered Sunday afternoon racing during the summer months.12
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Item 4.
Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
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The Meridian Racing Association (MRA) organized in December 1953 as an affiliate of the MAA and
managed races at the Speedway. The MRA membership was made up of owners and drivers of cars
racing at the Speedway. The organization governed all the racing aspects and also officiated at the
races. In conjunction with MRA a women’s auxiliary was established made up of the wives of the car
owners and drives. This group ran the ticket and concession stands and also sold merchandise to
finance special projects.13
At first specatators sat on hay bales to watch the races.The Dairy Board built bleacheres on the west
side of the racetrack in 1954. The following year the MAA and MRA cooperated on building seating to
accommodate an additional 500 spectators. Midget racing was followed by jalopy racing, and the
Speedway attracted racers from all over Idaho and neighboring states.14
Races quickly moved from daytime to nightime in May 1951 when the MAA made arrangements to
purchase the flood-lighting system formerly used at the Boise Junior College (today Boise State
University) college stadium. The popular speedway hosted motorycycle races on Friday nights and car
racing on Saturday afternoons and evenings. The MAA and the MRA also held benefit races for local
charities. In the 1960s the track was paved, and open-wheel racing began the Meridian Speedway
became a springboard for young racers to the Indianapolis 500.15
Bill Crow, a local racer, became the Speedway’s first promoter in the 1960s and ran the track duirng the
1970s. In 1981 the MRA turned over operations of the Speedway operations to Crow’s son-in-law,
LeeRoy Nelson, another long-time racer local racer, who operated the track until 1988. In 1989, Kenny
Hamilton, father of Indy 500 racer, Davey Hamilton, became operator and promoter until 2009. At that
time Adam Nelson, son of Leeroy Nelson and grandson of Bill Crow, became the new operator and
promoter. Under his leadership the Speedway was sanctioned by both the American Speed Association
and by the National Assocation for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). Several capitol improvements
were made to bring the facilty up to indsutry standards including repaving the racetrack and pit area.16
The Speedway, asignificant landmark in the community, has remained in constant use since 1949 due
to the unique colloboration among local community groups, who have worked to provide a central
location for recreation and entertainment in Meridian.
Field Methodology
Historian Barbara Perry Bauer conducted field work at the site on October 23, 2020. A pedestrian survey
of the entire site was conducted and all the buildings, structures, race track and associated features were
photographed.
Results
The survey documented one historic district which consists of 35 features. These features include ticket
booths, restrooms, concession stands, grandstands and ADA seating, racetrack, tire sheds, Speedway
office, Dairy Show Barn, Merchant Barn, Scoreboard, Central Pit area, staging area, flaggers’ tower,
officials tower, and scales.
The Meridian Speedway/Dairy Show Park Arena is located in Meridian within the commercial center of
the community. When the Speedway was originally developed, Meridian was a rural community with an
agriculture-based economy. Southwest Idaho and Meridian experienced a growth spurt in the 1990s
36
Item 4.
Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
N/A Page | 7
which has extended into the 21st century. Meridian’s population more than doubled between 2000 and
2007 and since has become a center of retail and commercial development in southwest Idaho.
The public entrances for the Speedway are located along Main Street. The vehicular entrance and
public parking areas are on the north side of the Speedway. The public parking area is dirt with no
designated parking spaces. A pedestrian entrance is located on the south side, adjacent to Main
Street. Ticket booths at both entrances allow entrance to speedway. The north end ticket booth is
located along Main Street, across from the Merchant Barn and the Dairy Show Barn. Grandstand
seating is constructed atop the Dairy Show Barn, facing south. The Merchant Barn and the Dairy Show
Barn/North End Stands are two of the original buildings constructed by the Dairy Show Board in the
1950s. Restrooms and a concession stand are grouped near the north end ticket booth on the west side
of the track. A souvenir shack, topped with seating for VIP’s, is located on an angle adjacent to the
track. A second set of spectator seating is located on the west side of the track. An announcer booth is
situated midway on the top row of the grandstand. A paved walkway separates the west grandstands
from the tracks and the flaggers tower is located midway down the sidewalk and adjacent to the
track.
On the east side of the Speedway is the area known as the “central pit” where the speedway office,
pit entrance road, staging lane, and scales are located. The officials tower is located between the
central pit and the track. Restrooms and a concession stand are also located here. The ¼ mile track is
surrounded by concrete barriers which separate the racing area from the spectators. There is a grass
infield and oval dirt track inside the race-track oval. See attached forms for detailed descriptions of
features.
Management Recommendations
N/A
Determination of Effects
N/A
Avoidance, Minimization, or Mitigation Options
N/A
Conclusion
Statement of Significance
The Meridian Speedway is significant at the local level under Criterion A, for its historical association with
the agricultural and social history of Meridian and Ada County. A creamery was built in Meridian in
1897, and other dairy-related businesses followed, establishing Meridian as a dairy center for the state.
In 1929 Dairy Days was established as a showcase for livestock and dairy products. In 1948 the Meridian
Dairy & Stock Shows was incorporated to support the annual event. In 1949 the corporation procured
land on Main Street for the permanent site of the event. Dairy Days has been held annually at the same
location since 1949. In 2020, due to the pandemic, Dairy Days was postponed but will be held again in
2021.
37
Item 4.
Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
N/A Page | 8
The Meridian Speedway is also significant at the local level under Criterion A, Entertainment and
Recreation, for its association with stock car racing. The Speedway is one of four paved quarter-mile
tracks in Idaho. It is the only continually running racetrack in the state. For 70 years the Meridian
Speedway has attracted racers and fans from all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada. The activities
at the speedway have supported local businesses, attracting large crowds of fans to events throughout
the racing season, as well as bringing nationally sanctioned racing events to southwestern Idaho.
Integrity Discussion
• Location – place where historic property was constructed or where historic event occurred
• Setting – the physical environment of a historic property
• Design – the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a
property
• Materials – the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of
time and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property
• Workmanship – the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any
given period in history or prehistory
• Feeling – the property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time
• Association – the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic
property
To be eligible to the NRHP a historic property must retain integrity of some but not all of the seven
aspects of integrity. The Speedway has diminished integrity of setting, materials, and workmanship, but
retains integrity of location, design, feeling, and association, and as such retains sufficient overall
integrity to convey its significance under Criterion A. It is recommended eligible to the National Register
of Historic Places.
38
Item 4.
Intensive Survey Meridian Speedway aka Dairy Show
Park Arena
N/A Page | 9
References
Atkeson, Floyd Warnick.
1929. An Economic Study of the Dairy Industry in Idaho. Master of Science Thesis. Kansas
Agricultural College.
The Arrowrock Group.
2001. Patterns of the Past. Ada County Historic Preservation Council, Boise, Idaho.
Davis, Belinda
1990 A Study of Irrigation and the Development of Ada County, Ada County Historic Preservation
Council, Boise, Idaho.
Lovin, Hugh
1991 Water, Arid Land, and Visions of Advancement on the Snake River Plain, Idaho Yesterdays
Motorsport Magazine “The History of Midget Auto-Racing in America”. February 1936. Accessed online
athttps://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-1936/29/the-history-of-midget-
auto-racing-in-america
Stevens, Jennifer
2016. Water in the Valley: A History of the Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District.
https://www.shraboise.com/docs/Water-in-the-Boise-Valley-NMID.pdf
1 The Arrowrock Group, Inc. Patterns of the Past 4-6.Ada County Historic Preservation Council. Boise,
Idaho.
2 City of Meridian Preservation Plan. TAG Historical Research & Consulting, 2014 p. 4.
3 Belinda Davis. A Study of Irrigation and the Development of Ada County. 1990.
4 Jennifer Stevens. Water in the Valley: A History of the Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District. 17-18
5 “Senator Borah to Address Meridian Dairymen’s Meet” The Idaho Statesman, July 27, 1927 p. 10; “1200
Dairymen at Meet” The Idaho Statesman, July 29, 1927 p.2., “$50,000 Meridian Powdered Milk Plant
Completed” The Idaho Statesman, June 16, 1929. p. 27.
6 “Treasure Valley Producers Increase Yield for Ada Dairymen’s Plan by 2.5 Million Pounds over’62. The
Idaho Daily Statesman, June 4, 1964 p. 7.; “Creamery provided small-town stability” Idaho Statesman,
July 14, 2003, p. 1.
7 Articles of Incorporation Meridian Dairy & Stock Show, Inc. Secretary of State office. “Meridian Dairy
Show Closes Annual Event” The Idaho Daily Statesman, May 28, 1949, p. 5.; “4-H, Future Farmers
Members Raise Funds” Idaho Daily Statesman, December 20, 1949, p. 11.
8 Idaho Daily Statesman, April 21, 1950; September 24, 2950 p.29, and May 4, 1951 p. 19
9 By the late 1950s the Dairy showgrounds was commonly called Meridian Speedway.
10 “Meridian grows and changes, but the Speedway remains” Idaho Statesman, July 2, 2008, p. 1
11 “The History of Midget Auto-Racing in America”, Motorsport, September 1936 p438
12 “Boiseans to See Midget Racers” Idaho Daily Statesman, June 20, 1948 p. 9;
13 Personal correspondence with Stan Fuller, Idaho Historical Racing Society, November 16, 2020.
14 Idaho Daily Statesman, May 4, 1951 p. 19.
15 Idaho Statesman July 2, 2008 p.1.
16 Holly Beech,“66-year-old Speedway helped shape Meridian’s legacy. March 13, 2017.
39
Item 4.
Map 1 – Site Location
Meridian Speedway
335 S. Main Street
Meridian, Idaho
40
Item 4.
Map 2 – Meridian Speedway
Site Boundary
Section 18 Township 3 North, Range 1 East
Meridian U.S.G.S. 7.5’ N
41
Item 4.
Map 3 Meridian Speedway
Google map. Accessed December 2020
42
Item 4.
Circle indicates location of Speedway.
Aerial view of Meridian 1951. (Historic Aerials)
Historic views and photos
43
Item 4.
Aerial view of Meridian 1971. (Historic Aerials)
44
Item 4.
Aerial view of Meridian, 1981. (Historic Aerials)
45
Item 4.
2018 Aerial view of Meridian (Google map)
46
Item 4.
Midget race cars at Meridian Speedway circa 1955. Courtesy Idaho Racing Historical Society
47
Item 4.
Advertisement for Midget Auto Race June 15, 1951 Idaho Daily Statesman
Advertisement October 21, 1951 Idaho Daily Statesman
48
Item 4.
Meridian Raceway July 1959 – Courtesy Idaho Historical Racing Society
Meridian Dairy Days 2019 (Courtesy Meridian Stock and Dairy Board)
49
Item 4.
Site Map
335 S. Main Street Meridian Idaho
Boundary
N
Feature 1
Feature 2
Feature 3
Feature 4
Feature 5
Feature 6 and 7
Feature 8 Feature 9
Feature 10
Feature 11
Feature 12
Feature 13 Feature 14
Feature 15
Feature 16
Feature 17
Feaure 18
Feature 19
Feature 20
Feature 21
Feature 22
Feature 23
Feature 24
Feature 25
Feature 26
Features 27 and 28
Features 29 and 30
Feature 31
Feature 32 Feature 33
Feature 34
Feature 35
50
Item 4.
Feature 1-Ticket Booth
North Side
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations 1971/
2000
Description: This feature is located at
the northwest corner of the site. It is
is an irregular shaped building with a
shallow metal corrugated shed roof
and wood walls faced with stucco on
the south and west elevations. The
north elevation features three fixed
windows used for ticket sales. The
west elevation has no windows or
doors and has a wood wall. On the
south elevation the metal roof
extends over a wood partition that
covers the entry door to the booth.
Top photo – view looking south
Bottom photo – view looking
northwest
51
Item 4.
Feature 2-Restroom
Eligibility
Construction/Alterations 1970
Description: This feature is adjacent
to the ticket booth. It is constructed
of wood and is an irregular shaped
building with a flat roof and solid
walls on the west elevation.
Top photo – view looking west
52
Item 4.
Feature 3 – Concession
Stand
Eligibility
Construction/Alterations 1970
Description: The concession stand was
constructed circa 1970. The building is a
rectangular wooden building with a flat roof.
The façade (east side features three
rectangular windows with roll up windows.
The north side has a drop window. A shed
roof extension right of the drop window is a
spot for condiments.
Top photo – view looking west
53
Item 4.
Feature 4 – Bleachers
West Side/Announce
booth
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 1951
1964
2000?
Description: Bleachers were installed
on the west side of the track in the
1950s through a cooperative effort by
the Dairy Board and the Meridian
Athletic Association. The bleachers
were added onto in the 1960s and in
1964 an announce booth was added
when the speedway was revamped for
use as a football field when Meridian
High School was constructed. Although
the original bleachers have been
replaced, the location of the bleachers
remains the same and they are a
contributing feature to the overall
historic district.
Top photo – view looking southwest
Bottom photo – view looking west
54
Item 4.
Feature 5 – Restroom
/southside
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations Circa
2005
Description: This shed roof, wood
clad building is adjacent to the
grandstand. It has no windows or
doors on the north, and east
elevations. There is an entrance on
the north side. The building was
constructed outside the period of
significance and a non-contributing
feature to the historic district.
55
Item 4.
Feature 6 /– Ticket
Booth/South side and
Feature 7 Sign
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations Circa 2005
Description: This small rectangular
building has wood cladding and a flat
roof. The ticket window is on the south
elevation. A drop-down wood plank
covers the window when not in use. An
outdoor changeable letter sign is
attached to the roof of the Ticket
Booth. The ticket booth and sign are
estimated to have been constructed in
2000. They are outside the period of
significance and do not contribute to
the historic district.
56
Item 4.
Feature 8 – Concession
stand. Beer booth
Eligibility N.C.
Construction/Alterations Circa 2006
Description: This irregular shaped
building is located at the south end of
the district adjacent to a fence. It is a
wood clad on a concrete pad. The
façade (north elevation) features four
drop down windows. The west side of
the building has a flat roof and the east
end has a shallow gable roof. There is a
pedestrian door in the center of the
building. The east and west elevations
have no doors or windows. The south
elevation has a pedestrian door. The
south elevation features a vinyl slider
window on at the west end of the
building. There is a pedestrian door
under the peak of the gable on the east
end. The building is outside the period
of significance and is does not
contribute to the historic district.
57
Item 4.
Feature 9 – ADA seating
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2015
Description: The ADA seating is
compromised of concrete jersey
barriers arranged in a rectangle on a
concrete pad. It has no windows or
doors . It is outside the period of
significance and is non-contributing to
the district.
Photo – view looking west.
58
Item 4.
Feature 10 Race Track
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations 1951
Description: The quarter-mile paved
oval race track was built in 1951 by
the Meridian Athletic Association.
Originally built as a dirt track it was
paved in 1962 by Bill Crow who was
the track’s first promoter. In 1969
the radius of two turns was
shortened and the straightaways
lengthened. However, these changes
are within the period of significance.
Although the track periodically
undergoes maintenance for repair,
the same materials and
workmanship is used for repairs. The
race track dates to 1951 and is
within the period of significance and
contributes to the historical
appearance and overall integrity of
the district.
Photo – view looking south
59
Item 4.
Feature 11 Dirt Track
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2016
Description: The dirt track was
installed in 2016 as a training facility
for young drivers. It is outside the
period of significance and is a non-
contributing feature to the overall
historic district.
Photo – view looking south.
60
Item 4.
Feature 12 Flagger
Tower
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2000
Description: The flagger tower is
constructed of metal. It is attached
to the asphalt walkway. The flagger’s
job is to display track condition’s to
drivers using a combination of
colored flags and hand signals. The
structure is outside the period of
significance and is non-contributing
to the historic district.
Photo – view looking east.
61
Item 4.
Feature 13 Concession
Stand/East Side
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations Circa
1980
Description: This irregular shaped
building is located on the northeast
corner of the site. It features a flat
roof with vents on the west end. A
small “dog” house sits atop the west
side covering a vent. The west
elevation has no doors or windows.
Drop down windows are located on
the east and south elevations. A
shed roof extends approximately 20
feet from the roof line on the south
elevation. It is supported by three
metal posts and provides a covered
area for diners at the stand. The
building is outside the period of
significance and is non-contributing
to the historic district.
Top photo- View facing southeast
Bottom photo – View facing north
62
Item 4.
Feature 14 Restroom
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations Circa
2008
Description: This rectangular shaped
building is located east of Feature
13. It is concrete brick construction
with a gable roof. It has paired doors
on the east and west elevation. It
has no windows. On the west
elevation the gable roof extends
over an entryway to the building.
The building is outside the period of
significance and is non-contributing
to the historic district.
Photo- View looking northwest.
63
Item 4.
Feature 15 Tire Sheds
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations Circa
2009
Description: This structure consists
of two metal storage containers
joined in an L-shape. The structure is
outside the period of significance
and is non-contributing to the
historic district.
Photo- View looking northwest.
64
Item 4.
Feature 16 Speedway
Office
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations Circa
2005
Description: The Speedway
office is a rectangular building
located at the northeast corner
of the district. It is a gable-front
building on a concrete
foundation. The façade faces
northwest. The gable-roof
extends over the entry forming
a porch supported by two metal
posts. The façade features a
pedestrian door at the west
corner. Windows are double-
hung vinyl. The building is
outside the period of
significance and is non-
contributing to the historic
district.
Photo- View looking southeast
65
Item 4.
Feature 17 Dairy Show
Barn/North End Stands
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations 1951
1958
1960
Description: The Dairy
Barn/North Stands were
constructed in 1953 by
volunteers with the Dairy
board. In 1958 a fire destroyed
part of the barn which was
quickly rebuilt for the upcoming
Dairy Days event. In the 1960s
a wood grandstand was
constructed atop the metal roof
to provide additional seating for
both Dairy Day and Speedway
events.
The barn is sited east to west
on the site and borders the
66
Item 4.
north side of the race track. It is
approximately 30 ‘ x 350’ long
with a metal side gable roof
with the name “Meridian” in
black paint on the north
elevation. The rafter tips are
exposed. The north façade
features a gable-front entrance
with clock face in the gable
peak. There are double-doors at
the entrance. A series of drop
down windows with metal
hinges line the elevation. A
second entrance is located at
the east end under a gable
front. Much of the elevation on
the south side is obscured by
the grandstand. However, the
west end of the barn is visible
and has a hinged pedestrian
door for access to the west half
of the barn. There is also an
open entry adjacent to the
stairs that lead to the grand-
stand seating. Stairs on both
the east and west lead to the
red, white, and blue painted
wooden bleacher seats.
The Dairy Barn/North Stands is
an essential part of the district.
It is directly related to the
original purpose of the site and
was constructed to support
Dairy Days activities. The site
retains integrity of location,
setting, design, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and
association. The grandstand
atop the barn is within the
historic period and the building
is a contributing feature to the
historic district.
67
Item 4.
Photo- top – view looking
southeast.
Photo – second – view looking
east.
Photo – third - view looking
northwest.
Photo-fourth- the Dairy barn
and the grandstand are visible
in the background in this circa
1975 photo. (Courtesy Idaho
Historical Racing Society)
68
Item 4.
Feature 18 Souvenir
Shack/Candy/Coffee/VIP
seating
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations Circa
1971
2000
Description: The building is
located adjacent to the track
and sited on angle. It is a two-
story building, constructed of
wood. The first story façade
faces north and has a series of
rectangular serving windows
with removable wood panels.
The has a pedestrian door at
the east end and two vinyl
windows west of the door. The
west elevation is a solid wall
with no doors or windows. The
east elevation has a pedestrian
door . Metal stairs lead to a
deck that surrounds the second
story on the south and east
sides. The second story has a
gable-roof and vinyl windows
that line the south and east
elevations. There is a
pedestrian door on the east.
Although a building appears on
a 1971 map at this location, it is
unknown at this time if the
building dates from the historic
period. However, the building
lacks integrity of materials,
workmanship, and design and is
non-contributing to the historic
district.
Top – view looking south
69
Item 4.
Middle – view looking east
Bottom – view looking north
70
Item 4.
Feature 19 Merchant
Barn
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations Circa
1955
Description:
The Merchant Barn was
constructed by the Dairy Board
circa 1955 as a place to provide
seating for food events for the
salmon feed, chili cook off and
pancake feed. The one-story
building is north of Feature 17
and is sited east to west. It has
wooden walls , a metal roof,
and exposed rafter tips. The
west elevation (facade has a
roll- up metal door. The south
elevation has rectangular
openings for drink service. A
gable-metal roof addition is
attached to the east side. It is
supported by wood posts, has a
concrete floor and no walls.
Like the Dairy Barn/North
Stands, the Merchant Barn is
directly related to the original
purpose of the site and was
constructed to support Dairy
Days activities. The site retains
integrity of location, setting,
feeling, and association.
Although a roll up door
replaced the original door, it is
not a significant change to the
workmanship and design of the
building and it is a contributing
feature to the historic district.
71
Item 4.
Top – view looking east
Second – view looking
northeast
Third – view looking north
Bottom – view looking
northeast at metal roof
addition
72
Item 4.
Feature 20 Lighting
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 1980
Description: Prior to the
installation of concrete barriers
for safety, the course was lined
with wood fencing.
Although lights have been
historically important to the
success of the speedway, the
current lighting system is
outside the period of
significance and non-
contributing to the overall
historic district.
73
Item 4.
Feature 21 Concrete
barriers
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 1976
Circa
2000
Description: Prior to the
installation of concrete barriers
as a safety device for drivers
and spectators, wood fence was
used. Concrete “Jersey Barriers”
replaced the fence in the late
1970s. Barriers are a necessary
safety device for the Speedway.
The concrete barriers were
constructed outside the period
of significance and do not
contribute to the overall
historic district.
Top- photo-view looking
southwest.
Bottom- View of wood fencing
circa 1973. (Courtesy Idaho
Historical Racing Society)
74
Item 4.
Feature 22 Scoreboard
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2000
Description: A scoreboard has
been located at the Speedway
since the 1960s. The current
electronic scoreboard was
placed circa 2000. The concrete
barriers were constructed
outside the period of
significance and do not
contribute to the overall
historic district.
Top- photo-view looking south.
Bottom- View showing earlier
scoreboard. (Courtesy Idaho
Historical Racing Society)
75
Item 4.
Feature 23 North
Parking Lot
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations Circa
1960
Description: It appears that the
North Parking Lot has been
used since at least 1960.The
Parking Lot is an open
landscape and consists of an
unpaved surface. Originally
spectators parked around the
race track but by 1960 this area
was used for parking. The
parking lot retains its historic
integrity and contributes to the
district.
Top- photo-view looking south.
76
Item 4.
Feature 24 Chicane
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2020
Description: The chicane is
semicircle paved area on the
west side of the race track as a
slow down method for racers. It
is a recent addition to the
Speedway and does not
contribute to the historic
integrity of the overall district.
to the district.
Top- photo-view looking
southeast.
77
Item 4.
Feature 25 Officials
Tower
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2009
Description: The officials tower
is located on the east side of
the track. It was originally used
as the officials tower at
Chaparral a track near Emmett
built in 1973 -1974. The tower
was moved to Speedway in
2009 by Adam Nelson, the
current speedway manager.
It is outside the period of
significance and does not
contribute to the historic
integrity of the overall district.
to the district.
Top- photo-view looking
southeast.
Bottom- photo- view looking
west.
78
Item 4.
Feature 26 Scales
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2000
Description: Scales are an
important part of stock car
racing. Every racing series has a
minimum weight restriction and
the scales are an important part
of racing.
The Speedway scales were
installed circa 2000 and are
outside the period of
significance and does not
contribute to the historic
integrity of the overall district.
to the district.
Top- photo-view looking
southeast.
Bottom- photo- view looking
east.
79
Item 4.
Feature 27 Storage and
28 office(confirm)
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2009
Description: These two
utilitarian buildings serve as
storage and a possible office.
They are modern construction
and are outside the period of
significance and does not
contribute to the historic
integrity of the overall district.
to the district.
Top- photo-view looking
northeast.
80
Item 4.
Feature 29 Pit Area
office and Feature 30 Pit
area outhouse
Eligibility NC
Construction/Alterations 2009
Description: These two
utilitarian buildings serve as a
pit area office and outhouse.
They are modern construction
and are outside the period of
significance and do not
contribute to the historic
integrity of the overall district.
to the district.
Top- photo-view looking east
81
Item 4.
Feature 31 Pit Entrance
Road and Feature 32
Central Pit area
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations 1960
2009
Description: The pit area
entrance road leads to the
central pit area on the east side
of the track where drivers park,
stage, and weigh their cars. The
road way was in place and is
essential to the operations of
the racetrack. The area was
initially dirt and later paved.
Although the materials have
changed the location, design,
and association remain intact
and these features contribute
to the overall historic district
Top- photo-view looking south
Bottom – photo- view looking
west
82
Item 4.
Feature 33 Staging Area
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations 1960
2009
Description: The staging area is
where drivers line up their cars
for a race. Like the rest of the
pit area, it was initially dirt and
later paved. Although the
materials have changed the
location, design, and
association remain intact and
these features contribute to the
overall historic district
Top- photo-view looking south
Bottom – photo- view looking
west
83
Item 4.
Feature 34 Infield
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations 1960
2009
Description: The infield is a
large grassy area within the
race-track. It is associated with
the first recreational events
hosted by the Meridian Athletic
Association and has been used
continually for sports activities
including a high school football
field and soccer field. It was
constructed during the period
of significance and is a
contributing feature to the
overall historic district.
Top- photo-view looking south
84
Item 4.
Feature 35 Return Road
Eligibility C
Construction/Alterations 1975
Description: The return road
leads cars back to the central
pit area. Originally dirt, it was
paved when the race track was
paved. The roadway serves its
original historic function and
purpose and is a contributing
feature of the overall historic
district.
Top- photo-view looking south
85
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
10-20-
2020
Digital
200185
335 S. Main Street, Meridian
Idaho/Temporary Site Number
MS001
Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North End
Grandstand
SW
-186 Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North End
Grandstand
SW
-187 Feature 15 Tire Shed S
-188 Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North End
Grandstand
S
-189 Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North End
Grandstand
SW
-190 Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North End
Grandstand
S
-191 Speedway office Feature 16 and Tire
shed Feature 15
E
-192 Feature 15 Tire Shed, east end Feature
17, and Feature 14 Restroom
SE
-193 Feature 19 Merchant Barn east end SW
-194 Feature 19 Merchant Barn east end S
-195 Feature 19 Merchant Barn east end S
-196 Overview of north side parking lot E
-197 Overview from parking lot to Feature
19 Merchant Barn and Feature 17/Dairy
Show Barn/North End Grandstand
S
-198 Feature 19 Merchant Barn west end SE
-199 Feature 19 Merchant Barn west end E
-200 Feature 19 Merchant Barn west end E
-201 Food corral SE
-202 Food Corral with Feature 1Ticket
Booth in background
S
-203 Feature 19 Merchant Barn west end S
-204 Overview of site from Main Street E
-205 Overview showing Feature 17 Dairy
Show Barn/North End Grandstand and
Feature 3 Concession Stand
E
-206 Feature 3 Concession Stand SE
-207 West side fence SE
-208 Feature 4 West side stands SW
-209 View looking east to speedway from
sidewalk
E
-210 View from sidewalk looking east to
underside of Feature 4 West side stands
NE
86
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
and Feature 3 Concession Stand
-211 View looking north on sidewalk
adjacent to Main Street
N
-212 West side of Feature 1 NE
-213 View of food court E
-214 View of Feature 17 Dairy Show
Barn/North End Stands and north
elevation of ticket booth
E
-215 North elevation Feature 1 Ticket Booth S
-216 West elevation Feature 17 Dairy Show
Barn/North End stands
E
-217 West and south elevation Feature 19
Merchant Barn and Features 26 and 27
storage buildings
SE
-218 View of entrance to speedway, west
side Feature 18
S
-219 Same S
-220 Concession Stand Feature 3 and West
Side Stands Feature 4
SW
-221 View of race oval from northwest
entrance
S
-222 West and south elevation Feature 17
Dairy Show Barn/North End Stands
NE
-223 Feature 2 Restroom/North side south
and east elevations
NW
-224 Feature 2 Restroom /North side W
-225 Feature 3 Stand North side SW
-226 Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North End
Stands west and south elevations
NE
-227 Feature 18 – Souvenir
shack/candy/coffee
W
-228 Same northwest elevation SE
-229 Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn west end NE
-230 View of walkway between Feature 17
Dairy Show Barn/North End Stands
and Feature 18 Souvenir
shack/candy/coffee/VIP seats
E
-231 Feature 29 Trackside storage building E
-232 Feature 18 stairs to second story VIP
seating
W
-233 Feature 18 second story VIP seating SW
-234 View from Feature 18 to racing oval SE
87
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
-235 View from Feature 18 looking to
Feature 4 West Side Stands/ and
Announce booth
SW
-236 View from Feature 18 to Feature 3
Concession – North Side
W
-237 View from Feature 18 to Feature 4
West Side Stands/ and Announce booth
SW
-238 Same SW
-239 View of Feature 10 track from Feature
18
S
-240 View of Feature 10 track from Feature
18
SE
-241 View of Feature 10 track from Feature
18
E
-242 View toward track and North side
Stands
E
-243 View from Feature 18 to Feature 17
Dairy Show Barn/North End Stands
NE
-244 View from Feature 18 S
-245 View from Feature 18 to Feature 17
Dairy Show Barn/North End Stands
NE
-246 View from Feature 18 to Feature 17 N
-247 Same NE
-248 Same NE
-249 View from Feature 18 to Feature 17
and Feature 10
NW
-250 View of interior of Feature 17 Dairy
Show Barn/North End stands
NE
-251 View of interior of Feature 17 Dairy
Show Barn/North End stands west side
NW
-252 Feature 19 Merchant Barn east side NE
-253 Feature 19 Merchant Barn west side N
-254 Feature 19 Merchant Barn south side NW
-255 Feature 19 Merchant Barn east side NE
-256 Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North
Stands north elevation
SE
-257 Clock on north elevation Feature 17 S
-258 View of drive/walk ay between Feature
19 and Feature 17
E
-259 View of Feature 19 Merchant Barn NW
-260 View of Feature 19 east elevation W
-261 Same
88
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
-262 View from Feature 19 to Feature 17 SW
-263 Closeup view Feature 17 north
elevation wall
S
-264 Same notice hinges allow sides to be
dropped for ventilation
S
-265 Closeup view of Feature 17 clock and
entrance door north elevation
SW
-266 Feature 19 Merchant Barn NW
-267 View of west end Feature 17 Dairy
Show Barn/North Stands
SW
-268 View looking west roadway between
Feature 17 and Feature 19
W
-269 View of North Stands E
-270 View from Feature 17 Dairy Show
Barn/North Stands
SW
-272 Same SW
-273 View of Feature 10 race track S
-274 View of Feature 10 Race track S
-275 Same S
-276 View of Feature 4 West Side Stands
from Feature 17 Dairy Show
Barn/North Stands
SW
-277 View of Feature 17 North Stands E
-278 Close-up of bleacher seating
-279 View of Feature 17 North Stands W
-280 View of Feature 17 North Stands and
steps to sidewalk
SE
-281 View from Feature 17 North Stands to
Officials/flagger tower
SE
-282 Feature 13 Concession Stand east side SE
-283 View from North Stands Feature 13
Concessions stand east side and
Feature14 Restroom East Side visible
in photo
E
-284 View of metal roof on Feature17 Dairy
Show Barn/North End Stands
NE
-285 Close-up of stands Feature 17 W
-286 View from Feature 17 to Feature 25
Officials Tower and Race Track
Feature 10
S
-287 Same S
-288 Feature 14 Restroom west elevation E
89
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
-289 View of east elevation Feature 17 Dairy
Show Barn/North End Stands
NW
-290 View of Feature 15 Tire Sheds N
-291 View of Feature 16 Speedway Office E
-292 View of Feature 29 Pit Area Office and
Feature 30 Pit Area Portable Restroom
E
-293 View of Feature 17 Dairy Show
Barn/North End Stands
W
-294 Feature 31 Pit Entrance Road S
-295 Feature 14 Restroom East Side SW
-296 Feature 32 Staging Lanes S
-297 View of Meridian Speedway flagger
car
N
-298 View of Feature 29 Pit Area Office and
Feature 16 Speedway Office
N
-299 Feature 14 Restroom East Side South
and East elevations
NW
-300 View of Feature 15 Tire Sheds and
Feature 31 Pit Entrance Road
N
-301 View of Feature 33 Central Pit Area
and Feature 25 Officials/flagger tower
SW
-302 Same
-303 View of Feature 13 Concession stand
east side
NW
-304 Feature 32 Central Pit Area W
-305 Feature 32 Central Pit Area close-up
-306 Feature 32 Closeup SE
-307 View of Feature 32 Central Pit area,
Feature 13 Concession Stand East side,
and Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North
End Stands
NW
-308 View of Feature 13 Concession Stand
East Side, south elevation
N
-309 View of Feature 13 Concession Stand
East Side, Feature 17 Dairy Show
Barn/North Stands and Feature 33
Central Pit Area
NW
-310 Feature 33 Staging Lanes W
-311 Feature 25 officials Tower W
-312 Feature 33 Staging Lanes W
-313 Feature 21 Concrete Barriers and
Feature33 Staging Lanes
W
90
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
-314 View of Feature 21 Concrete Barriers
and Feature 18 Souvenir
Shack/Candy/Coffee/VIP seating
N
-315 View of Feature 10 Race Track,
Feature 4 West side/stands, and Feature
21 Concrete Barriers
W
-316 View of Feature 10 Race Track and
Feature 21 Concrete Barriers
S
-317 Same
-318 View of Feature 10 Race Track,
Feature 20 Lighting, and Feature 21
Concrete Barriers and Feature 22 Race
Track Scoreboard
S
-319 Feature 25 Officials Tower North and
West Elevations
SE
-320 View of Feature 32 Staging Road and
Feature 13 Concession Stand east side
N
-321 View of Feature 10 Race Track,
Feature 17 North Side Stands, Feature
20 Lighting, and Feature 21 Barriers
NW
-322 Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North
Side Stands
N
-323 View of Feature 10 Race Track,
Feature 20 Lighting and Feature 21
Concrete Barriers
SE
-324 View of Feature 10 Race Track and
Feature 34 Infield
S
-325 View of Feature 35 Infield, Feature 11
Dirt Track, and Feature 4
Bleachers/West Stand
W
-326 Same
-327 Overview of Feature 34 Infield, Feature
11 Dirt Track, Feature 17 Dairy Show
Barn/North End Stands and Feature 18
Souvenir Shack/Candy/Coffee/VIP
N
-328 View of Feature 10 Race Track,
Feature 20 Lighting, Feature 21
Concrete Barriers and Feature 25
Officials Tower
NE
-329 View of Feature 10 Race Track an
Feature 35 Return Road
SE
-330 View of Feature 35 Return Road and
Feature 21 Concrete Barriers
S
91
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
-331 View of Feature 10 Race Track SW
-332 View of Feature 10 Race Track,
Feature 21 Concrete Barriers, and
Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North End
Stands
N
-333 Feature 21 Concrete Barriers SE
-334 View of Feature 21 Concrete Barriers N
-335 Same
-336 Feature 35 Return Road to Feature 23
Central Pit area
E
-337 Feature 32 Central Pit area NE
-338 View of Feature 35 Return Road W
-339 View of Feature 35 Return Road and
Feature 4 West Side Stands/Announce
Booth
NW
-340 View of Feature 32 Central Pit area N
-341 Tires S
-342 View from Feature 36 Return Road to
Feature 10 Race Track, Feature 17
Dairy Show Barn/North End Stands,
and Feature 35 Infield
N
-343 Feature 10 Race Track and Feature 21
Concrete Barriers
W
-344 Feature 4 West Side Stands/Announce
Booth, Feature 10 Race Track, Feature
35 Infield
W
-345 Same
-346 View from Feature 10 to Feature 17
Dairy Show Barn/North End Stands
and Feature 35 Infield
N
-347 View from Feature 10 Race Track to
Feature 4 West Side Stands/ Announce
Booth
W
-348 View from Feature 10 to Feature 17 N
-349 View from Feature 10 Race Track to
Feature 36 Return Road
NE
-350 View from Feature 10 Race Track to
Feature 5 Restroom south side and
Feature 6 Ticket Booth south side
W
-351 View from Feature 10 Race Track to
Feature 17 Dairy Show Barn/North End
Stands. Feature 24 Chicane also visible
N
92
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
-352 Overview NE
-353 View of Feature 10 Race Track,
Feature 20 Lighting, and Feature 21
Concrete Barriers
E
-354 View of Feature 5 Restroom south Side
and Feature 6 Ticket Booth south side
W
-355 View from Feature 10 Race Track E
-356 View of concession area south side W
-357 Same W
-358 Same W
-359 Same W
-360 View of concession area NW
-361 Feature 6 Ticket Booth south side NW
-362 View of entrance south side W
-363 View of Feature 8 Concession Stand W
-364 Feature 6 Ticket Booth south side NE
-365 Feature 6 Ticket Booth and Feature 7
Sign
N
-366 Same N
-367 View of Feature 6 Ticket Booth NE
-368 View from west entrance to Feature 8
Concession Stand
E
-369 Same E
-370 Feature 8 Concession Stand S
-371 Feature 8 Concession Stand SE
-372 Feature 4 West Side Stands/Announce
Booth
N
-373 Seating area South Side Concession W
-374 Feature 9 ADA Seating W
-375 Feature 6 Ticket Booth W
-376 Feature 4 West Side Stands/Announce
Booth
NW
-377 Feature 6 Ticket Booth SW
-378 Same SW
-379 Underside Feature 4 N
-380 Overview from sidewalk south side E
-381 Feature 4 West Side Stands/ Announce
Booth
N
-382 Same N
-383 Feature 4 West Side Stands/Announce
Booth and Feature 21 concrete barriers
N
-384 Feature 4 West Side Stands/Announce NW
93
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
Booth
-385 Feature 4 West Side Stands and Feature
12 Flagger’s Tower
N
-387 Feature 4 close up of Announce Booth W
-389 Feature 12 Flagger’s Tower E
-388 View from Feature 4 NE
-389 View from Feature 4 SE
-390 View from Feature 4 to Feature 24
Chicane
E
-391 View from Feature 4 N
-392 Same N
-393 View from Feature 4 NE
-394 Feature 4 S
-395 View from Feature 4 N
-396 Same N
-397 View from Feature 4 SE
-398 Same
-399 View from Feature 4 NE
-400 Feature 4 S
-401 Feature 3 – Concession North side view
of east and south elevation
N
-402 Feature 18 Souvenir
Shack/Candy/Coffee/VIP seat
NE
-403 Overview of west side of grounds N
-404 Overview from sidewalk to racetrack S
-405 Overview from west side of racetrack E
-406 View of Feature 24 Chicane from
racetrack
SE
-407 View of Feature 18 from racetrack N
-408 Overview from track NE
-409 View of Feature 25 Official Tower SE
-410 View of Feature 10 Race Track and
Feature 24 Chicane
S
-411 View of Feature 10 Race Track SW
-412 View of Feature 18 Souvenir Shack/
Candy/ Coffee MVP seating
N
-413 View of Feature 20 Lighting W
-414 View of Feature 35 Infield SW
-415 View of Feature 35 Infield S
-416 View of Feature 35 Infield and Feature
11 Dirt Track
SE
-417 View of Feature 10 Race Track and SE
94
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
Feature 25 Official Tower
-418 View of Feature 35 Infield and Feature
11 dirt Track
S
-419 View of Feature 35 Infield and Feature
11 Dirt Track
S
-420 Same S
-421 View of Feature 10 Race Track and
Feature 25 Official Tower, Feature 21
Concrete Barriers
SE
-422 Same SE
-423 View of Feature 4 West Side Stands
and Announce booths
S
-424 View of Feature 11 Dirt Track, Feature
35 Infield, and Feature 4 West Side
Stands
W
-425 View of Feature 10 Race Track,
Feature 17, Dairy Show Barn/North
End Stands, and Feature 20 lighting and
Feature 21 concrete barriers
NW
-426 View from Feature 10 Race Track NE
-427 View from Feature 10 Race Track E
-428 Feature 25 E
-429 Feature 25, Feature 21 N
-430 View from Feature 10 to Feature 13
Concessions East Side
NE
-431 View of Feature 34 Staging Lane NE
-432 View of Feature 34 Staging Lane E
-433 Same W
-434 View of Feature 25 Officials Tower W
-435 View of Feature 25 N
-436 View of Code of Responsibility on
Feature 25
W
-437 Feature 25 Officials Tower south
elevation
N
-438 Feature 33 Central Pit S
-439 Feature 33 Central Pit N
-440 Feature33 Central Pit W
-441 Feature 33 Central Pit W
-442 Feature 33 Central Pit NW
-443 Feature 33 Central Pit and parking area S
-444 Feature 33 Central Pit N
-445 Feature 33 Central Pit NW
95
Item 4.
PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Project: Meridian Speedway
Photographer: B.P. Bauer
Date Photo Address/Field or Site No Description Looking To
-446 Feature 33 Central Pit W
-447 Feature 33 Central Pit SW
-448 Feature 33 Central Pit S
-449 Feature 33 Central Pit parking area NW
-450 Feature 33 Central pit N
-451 Feature 33 Central pit W
-452 Feature 33 Central pit S
-453 Overview of trailers and cars parked in
central pit
NE
-454 Dirt by Feature 25
-455 Same
-456 Feature 10 Race Track SE
-457 Same SE
-458 Feature 10 Race Track W
-459 Overview of area around tower S
-460 Same NW
-462 Hall of Fame on Feature 13 N
-463 Same
-464 Feature 26 Scales closeup
-465 Feature 26 Scales NE
-466 View of Building 17 W
-467 View of Feature 16 Speedway office
north elevation
SE
-468 Overview from Feature 16 Speedway
Office
SW
-469 Overview from Feature 16 Speedway
Office
SW
-470 Same SW
-471 Overview from north side of speedway
access road to Feature 23 North Parking
lot
S
-472 Same S
-473 Same S
-474 Same SE
96
Item 4.
MEMO TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
Re: Next Steps for HPC Facebook Group
Guidance/Boundaries set by the City:
• Non employees may not hold admin rights to City affiliated pages/accounts
• Secondary accounts are against Facebook policy
• Any page/group associated with the City is a public forum and is protected by the first
amendment, so any posts or comments cannot be removed
• The City has a Terms of Use template that members must agree to when requesting to join
the group
Plan of Action Requested by Shandy Lam:
1. Subcommittee will develop content calendar on a monthly/quarterly basis
2. Belnap will post regularly, as scheduled
3. Commissioners are welcome to post their own posts, comments, or engage with group
participants with their personal profiles
97
Item 7.
SOCIAL MEDIA SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
Parks and Recreation Conference Room, 33 East Broadway Avenue Ste 206 Meridian,
Idaho
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 3:30 PM
MINUTES
Meeting called to order at 3:41pm
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_x___ Blaine Johnston, President
_x___ Jacy Nary
____ Josh Evarts
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. Approve Minutes from December 21, 2020 Meeting
J. Nary made motion to approve minutes, seconded by B. Johnston
All ayes
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEMS]
2. Review City of Meridian Social Media Policy
A. Belnap informed the Subcommittee that she received word that no
commissioners will be allowed to have admin access on the Facebook group and
that the City is adhering to Facebook’s policy against secondary profiles. The
Subcommittee reevaluated their plans in relation to this news and discussed other
avenues to take, such as sharing the City of Meridian admin responsibilities and
going back to the original group.
Ultimately, the Subcommittee did not want to take action with one Subcommittee
member missing. The Subcommittee will return to the topic during the January
Commission meeting.
3. Create Content Calendar with Hashtags and Photos
REPORTS [ACTION ITEM]
4. Update: Personalized Commissioner Emails
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS / DISCUSSION
98
Item 7.
NEXT MEETING: TBD
ADJOURNMENT
J. Nary made motion to adjourn, seconded by B. Johnston
All ayes
Meeting adjourned at 4:26pm
99
Item 7.