The Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead in Hidden Springs is a hidden gem worth exploring.
During southwest Idaho’s settlement in 1864, P.L. Schick made the first homestead claim in the Dry Creek Valley, living there until 1920. After his death, his family sold the ranch and farmstead. In 1927, the new owner hired the Basque Ostolasa family as residential caretakers and workers of the ranch. Three generations of Ostolasas occupied the ranch until 2005, operating it for the subsequent owners.
Hidden Springs construction began in 1997. Jay Karamales, Director of the Dry Creek Historical Society (DCHS), shared, “The original development plan called for the Ostolasa family, who still resided in the old Schick Farmhouse, to be moved to a new house in HS where they could live for free for 10 years; the Farmhouse and all other buildings on the site were to be torn down and replaced by new homes.”
People aware of the Farmstead’s importance to Idaho’s history worked together to form the nonprofit Dry Creek Historical Society (2005) to save the house and outbuildings from a bulldozer that was already on the property and prepared for demolition.
DCHS saved and now preserves, restores, and maintains the buildings, using them to educate Idahoans about Idaho's agricultural roots. DCHS is volunteer-dependent and operates the Farmstead as a period museum, garden, education center, event site, and a gift shop that raises funds for operations.
Events at the Farmstead
- Old Time Farm Day Festival (each fall)
- Spring Tea Party
- Seed Workshops
- Winter Visit by Santa
- Front Porch Concert Series (summer)
- Seasonal Events
- History Hikes Program
Most events are open to all.
Education Programs
Third-grade field trips to the Farmstead invite students to become "historians for a day," exploring a number of topics inside the Farmhouse and around the property to learn about 19th-century rural life.
They are guided by volunteer docents in period clothing, making the experience immersive and engaging. DCHS has also developed a box of materials that can be mailed to teachers for an in-classroom version of the program. Additionally, "Mrs. Schick" (DCHS Director Cheryl Cook) visits schools in period clothing to bring history to life.
Cheryl, a retired teacher and the developer of the educational program, has the perfect talent for this role.
Dry Creek History & Preservation
As a historical society, DCHS is continuously researching the history of the Dry Creek Valley, surrounding foothills, and homesteader families. Many historic homesteads, schools, sawmills, and stagecoach stops have been discovered, revealing that the Dry Creek Valley was once a major transportation corridor and breadbasket for early Boise settlers.
Over time, the valley fell into obscurity in the early 1900s when travel routes shifted and large mining towns dwindled after gold ran out.
"Barn Whisperer" Frank Eld helped restore the barn associated with the Farmstead. His efforts earned a feature on Outdoor Idaho’s episode on historic Idaho barns and an Orchid Award from Preservation Idaho—the Farmstead’s second Orchid Award.
During restoration, additional exciting artifacts were found, and DCHS acquired a windmill similar to one that operated in Dry Creek over 100 years ago.
Historic Farmstead Gardens
Pioneer women depended on home remedies from their gardens to cure everyday illnesses. The Farmstead’s gardens are preserved as part of the historical artifacts, featuring over 20 species, including:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Mint
- Thyme
- Summer and Winter Savories
- Hyssop
- Yarrow
- Catnip
- Bee Balm
- And more
Visit the Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead
Take a drive to Hidden Springs, follow the signs, and stroll the Farmstead! www.drycreekhistory.org
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"The Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead is a hidden gem preserving Idaho’s rich agricultural roots."
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"DCHS saved the Farmstead from demolition, transforming it into a living history museum."