An Archeological Survey of the John Herrmann "Farm-In-A-Day" Property, Jerome County, Idaho

• Main Authors: Burton, Jeffery F., Farrell, Mary M.
• Format: Dataset
• Language: unknown
• Published: the Digital Archaeological Record
• Subjects: Historic; Systematic Survey; John Herrmann Farm; Resource Extraction/Production/Transportation Structure or Features; Non-Domestic Structures; Archaeological Feature; Corral; Archeological Survey
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.6067:XCV84M92M4_meta$v=1352142436200

In July 2006 the National Park Service conducted an archeological survey of the 128-acre John Herrmann Farm, located in Jerome County, Idaho. The farm is adjacent to Minidoka Internment National Monument and was recently purchased by The Conservation Fund for eventual transfer to the National Park Service. Ninety-six features (including five buildings) and 12 isolated artifacts were recorded during the survey. No features or artifacts predating the relocation center were found. Most of the recorded features and isolated artifacts are from the John Herrmann Farm, including the residence, a milking barn and corral, farm equipment, and the irrigation system. Significant relocation center features within the Herrmann Farm include the fire station, the root cellar, and remains of the sewage treatment plant and other infrastructure. Because of the field-clearing during the farm era, there are no foundations remaining in the residential blocks, and few artifacts on the ground surface. However, the John Herrmann Farm itself is important, too, both in itself and for its relationship with the relocation center. The farm illustrates how relocation center land was disposed, often to war veterans, and how many relocation center buildings were recycled as part of the next stage of settlement. As one of a few “Farm-In-A-Day” promotions in the country, the farm provides a living example of Idaho homesteading history. Recommendations include actions to preserve significant buildings, features, and information, and to enhance the interpretive potential of the property. Additional relocation center artifacts and features may be obscured by the farming activities and natural siltation and sedimentation, so archaeological monitoring is recommended for grounddisturbing activities in areas with potential for subsurface deposits.