125 Years of Preston, Idaho: A Downtown Walking Tour
Step back in time and discover the rich history of Preston’s vibrant downtown! In celebration of our city’s 125th anniversary, this unique walking tour invites you to explore the very streets where Preston’s story unfolded.
We invite participants to visit the brick-and-mortar businesses along State Street, showcasing where historic landmarks once stood, while you learn more about the businesses we have today. Join us for a memorable journey through 125 years of Preston’s commerce!
This self-guided tour features:
- A curated list of historical businesses within downtown buildings, tracing the evolution from past to present.
- An interactive Google Map filled with photos, stories, and details about the people and commerce that built Preston.
We encourage your participation, asking you to record, snap photos, post, and share your experience and stories by using #PrestonID125Years and tagging @PrestonAreaChamber on Facebook or Instagram.You can also email us at [email protected].
This is a collaborative effort between the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Preston, and local community members. Historical business information was gathered from several local publications, “Hometown Sketchbook,” “The Trail Blazer—third edition,” “Hometown Album,” and “Preston,” as well as the memories of local historians and residents. Some businesses and specific dates may be missing.
Help Us Complete Preston’s Story!
While we’ve spent months collecting our city’s history, some details are still missing. We invite you to be a part of preserving Preston’s legacy by helping us fill in the gaps. If you have additional stories, photos, dates, or memories related to these businesses or downtown Preston, please leave notes on the tour posters or email us. We’ll add your contributions to our interactive map, ensuring these records are preserved for future generations.
Let’s Celebrate!
Join us for a city-wide celebration on Friday, July 25, starting at 6:30 pm, at the Pavilion next to the Robinson Building (182 W 2nd N St, Preston, ID 83263). City Officials and Staff will be serving cake and ice cream in conjunction with the Rotary’s Annual Pioneer Days Firework Display. So stick around for food vendors, live music, and fun, leading up to fireworks display at dark.
Discover More!
Find more about Preston over the past 125 years with these historical references:
“Hometown Sketchbook: Preston’s Main Street Transition” by Newell Hart
“The Trail Blazer Early History of Franklin County, Idaho—third edition” compiled by Alexis Beckstead
“Hometown Album” compiled by Newell Hart
“Developing Town” Series from the Preston Citizen, by Claudia Erickson