Welcome to Deary

 Settled in the 1880’s largely by Scandinavians, this area was originally called Anderson.  In 1907, Potlatch Lumber Company General Manager William Deary had the town platted and a post office was established on September 12.  Although Deary was named after the Canadian timberman, William Deary never did live in the town.  Officially incorporated in 1912, Deary became an important stop along the Washington, Idaho and Montana Railway line.

Deary, Idaho with Potato Hill in the background, ca. 1910.  Courtesy of the Latah County Historical Society, 04-01-002.

By 1914 the community had two churches, a bank, hotel, weekly newspaper and four sawmills.  Additionally, it boasted a new two-story school and a dozen other businesses.  A devastating fire in 1923 burned every building on the west side of Main Street except the bank.

Main Street in Deary, Idaho with Potato Hill in the background, ca. 1910.  Courtesy of the Latah County Historical Society, 04-02-003.

Main Street in Deary, Idaho, ca. 1919.  Courtesy of the Latah County Historical Society, 04-02-008.

Through much of its history, Deary has been dependent on timber and farming as the mainstays of its economy.  The prominent hill north of town is a well-known geological landmark dubbed Potato Hill – or Spud Hill. With an elevation of 4,017 feet above sea level, Spud Hill is a volcanic vent of undetermined age.  Townspeople and students have been known to have races up its steep sides as part of an annual ritual.

Main Street in Deary, Idaho after the 1923 fire.  Courtesy of the Latah County Historical Society, 04-02-004.

References:

Conoly, Cort, Idaho for the Curious: A Guide (Backeddy Books, 1982).

Otness, Lillian W. A Great Good Country: A guide to Historic Moscow and Latah County, Idaho. (Moscow: Latah County Historic Society, 1983), 13-14, 81-82.