Introduction

"Memories of Early Aberdeen," by Edward L. Davis, was written in the spring of 1950, and published, a chapter each week, in The Aberdeen Times, Aberdeen, Idaho, from April 27 to June 29 of that year.

Mr. Robert Hammes, editor and publisher of The Aberdeen Times at the time, had suggested to Mr. Davis that he write the story of early Aberdeen, partly because he was a pioneer there, and partly to keep him "busy" since he had recently retired as manager of a grain elevator after nearly 40 years. Bob Hammes further suggested that the author include why he chose to come to the little unknown Aberdeen from "big city" Chicago, and how he had heard of the little town in the first place. Mr. Davis starts his story by answering these questions.

Mr. Davis really enjoyed "remembering" and researched diligently to assure the events and dates were as accurate as possible. However, in his words, "In speaking of the early days here, I will give dates as far as possible, but these dates are not absolute as no diary was kept, nor dates written down, so some of them are picked by association with happenings of other events. And many of the people who would know for certain have passed on."

He was fortunate to have Mrs. Nora J. Lowe and Mrs. Mabel H. Arms-both very early Aberdeenites, assist him in his research, typing and proof-reading. They also gave him encouragement to complete this history.