Did you know that Tom Davis reportedly made a profit of more than $10,000 on his 1872 apple crop?  Or that Julia Davis Park receives 1 million visitors each year? And just who were Tom and Julia Davis, and what part did they play in creating Boise?

If you love local history and enjoy meeting others in a relaxed park setting, take a Julia Davis Park Docent Tour at 5:30 p.m. on First Thursdays.  Meet at the Sacajawea monument in the Idaho State Historical Museum Plaza, 610 N Julia Davis Drive, then enjoy an hour exploring Boise’s flagship park in a whole, new way!

Visitors can choose one of three ways to tour the park: a Self-Guided Walking Tour (using the free, downloadable "Quest for the Golden Apple" smartphone application); a Bike Tour of the original apple orchards (BYO bicycle), and the History Walking Tour, guided by a knowledgeable docent.

On First Thursday, discover why Julia Davis Park is the cultural and historic heart of Boise and how you can learn more about its treasure.

Mark your calendars for the following First Thursday Julia Davis Park Docent Tours:  July 5^th, August 2, September 6, October 4^th.

Contact:

For additional information about the Julia Davis Park Docent program or if you would like to be trained as a docent, contact Kathleen Barrett at 208-338 -9108 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The new stone and wood Agriculture pavilion and restroom are located between the Gene Harris Bandshell and Zoo Boise.

The new amenities were designed by Landmark Design, which was selected as part of major competition held in 2006 in conjunction with the centennial of the park.

The Agriculture Pavilion and Plaza will showcase the story of the development of Idaho and the Northwest and our roots in industry and agriculture, said Diane Myklegard, a great-granddaughter of Tom and Julia Davis.  The project is important because of the visibility it will have with the park's young visitors, she says.

Studies show that children today are less aware than ever about the basics of food production, energy generation, sustainable planning and development, and the relevance of these industries to the community's life, health and economic security, she says.

Built into the Pavilion will be a map of Idaho identifying agricultural commodities. Engraved in the sandstone plaza will be the names and brands or logos of major donors representing the broad spectrum of Idaho ranchers, woolgrowers, dairies, farmers, fruit growers and wine productions.

Above, right: Diane Davis Myklegard with her father, Tom Davis, and Mayor Bieter, at the ribbon cutting for the Agriculture Plaza and Pavilion.

BriCon, a Meridian-based firm, has been awarded the contract to build a new pavilion and restroom in Julia Davis Park.

The project kicked off in mid June with the demolition of an existing restroom and shelter in the west end of the park between the Gene Harris Bandshell and Zoo Boise.

The new 300-square-foot year-round restroom and adjoining pavilion were designed by Landmark Design, which was selected as part of major competition held in 2006 in conjunction with the centennial of the park.  The new structure will be part of a tribute to agriculture and natural resource industries in Idaho and include artwork, pavers and signs with educational information.

Groundbreaking for the project is expected in April and is scheduled for completion in early September 2011.

The project is funded by private donations. Toby Norton is the project manager. He can be reached at 608-7635 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

A larger-than-life size bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln was unveiled June 19, 2010 at a ceremony attended by Mayor David H. Bieter, artist Irene Deely, organizer David Leroy, donors and civic leaders. Located in a grassy area east of the Idaho Black History Museum, the statue is an enlarged replica of the most famous image of Lincoln seated on a bench created by Idaho born sculptor Gutzon Berglum. According to Davis family legend, early Boise pioneer Tom Davis was acquainted with Abraham Lincoln in Illinois in the 1840s before he migrated west. In 1907, land Tom donated to the City of Boise became Julia Davis Park. For more information, read the article in the Idaho Statesman.