Fruitland High School

Orchid: Heritage Stewardship

Fruitland, Idaho

When the Fruitland School District proposed to demolish the recently abandoned, historic high school, two alumni came to the building’s rescue. Designed by Tourtellotte and Hummel in 1928, the school was enlarged with WPA funds in 1939. The building served as the Fruitland Senior High School from 1928 until 1986. From 1986 until 1995, the building was used as the Fruitland Middle School, but when a new middle school was built, the district proposed to demolish the historic structure.

After over a year of negotiations, Alma Mater Inc. purchased the building in 1997 and began a concerted effort to return it to use. Accomplishing most work with volunteer effort, a dining and kitchen area was added to the building for community events, the auditorium and stage were refurbished, a community library took up residence, and the gym returned to use. On the exterior, the lawn was sodded, and a sprinkler system installed. Those two volunteers who led the efforts to preserve this piece of local history have united the community behind them. Don and Konnie Baines well deserve this Orchid Award for Heritage Stewardship.