History:
Heyburn, Its Origin and Some Early History as Written by J. A. Handy. 1959
The writer of this article has been asked to write a story about Heyburn, from the first time I observed the spot where Heyburn now stands, the story will be written from observation; as I have kept no diary.
The first time I saw the spot where Heyburn now stands, was in 1901, I was employed by a sheep company, and was looking for a good range for the sheep, and wasn't looking for a home, or a place to make one. If I had I sure would have passed up the place where Heyburn now stands.
J. E. Earley and Frank Adams thought Heyburn was in need of a newspaper, called the Southern Idaho Review,first publication that the writer had the pleasure of reading was published June 1905.
The first immigrant car arrived on the Minidoka Project was G. B.Fleisher and Croy of Heyburn in 1905 from Portsmouth, Nebraska. Dr. Killen arrived on the scene and put in an office in his home. It still stands across the street from City office. H.B. Redford who became the first County Attorney of Minidoka County. Henry Schodde built the first public hall and also built the first flour mill on the Minidoka Project. Fanny Williams built the first hotel. Bradley and Fred Parker put in the first two lumberyards. Charles Newlon the first hardware store, C. C. Nelson owned the harness shop. Hill had the first blacksmith shop. Conley had the first barber shop. Ed Bebb the next one. VanHise had the first dray and Robert Brinton was next. Gilbert Brinton had the first drug store. First shoe cobbler was Boyer, and first banker was Frank Snyder.
First public bridge across Snake River in Magic Valley was built by Verburg Brothers at Heyburn in 1907 & 1908. First section boss was Miller. The first place to buy a drink stronger than coffee, was owned by Henry Phelan, where you could buy all the drinks in the book. Harris Restaurant become a popular place at mealtime, it was run by Mrs. Hyatt.