The Generations in the Mountains series is an ongoing program presented by the Garden Valley Historical Society in partnership with the Garden Valley District Library that brings the community together to explore and celebrate our shared past. Each gathering highlights a unique aspect of life in the valley—from the people who built it, to the places that shaped it, and the stories that continue to connect us across generations.

 Through engaging presentations, personal recollections, and historical materials, the series creates a space where residents and visitors alike can deepen their understanding of Garden Valley’s heritage. More than just lectures, these events foster conversation, connection, and appreciation for the enduring spirit of our community.

Do you, a family member, or a friend have valuable historical information to share? Consider contacting us at info@gardenvalleyhistory.org

Past Presentations

Alley Family History (May 1st 2025)

Presented by the Alley Family (Steve Alley, Jan Youren, Linda Miller, Monte Alley, Judy Brinken, Samie Allie, and Jeff Severance )

On Thursday evening, May 1, the Garden Valley Historical Society hosted its first-ever public event, proudly kicking off the Generations in the Mountains series by honoring the Alley family—one of Garden Valley’s most deeply rooted and widely respected families.

Held at the Garden Valley District Library, the event exceeded expectations, drawing over 45 attendees. Extra chairs were brought in to seat the crowd, and future events will include a microphone and speaker system to help everyone hear and enjoy the presentations.

The Alley's story in Garden Valley began in 1938, when Sterling Alley settled in the valley. Since then, their family has become woven into the fabric of the community, especially through their contributions to rodeo and ranching life. At the event, four of Sterling and Madelyn Alley’s children—Steve Alley, Jan Youren, Linda Miller, and Monte Alley - along with grandchildren Judy Brinken and Samie Alley, and a great-grandchild Jeff Severence, represented the family. Together, they shared stories, photos, and memories that spanned nearly a century of local life.

Many in attendance were surprised to learn just how far back the family’s history reaches and how much of Garden Valley’s story is tied to theirs. The Alleys' legacy includes the original rodeo arena in Garden Valley, built by Sterling Alley in the 1950s. It was later moved to its current location off Anderson Creek Road in the 1970s. Nearly every weekend during the season, Sterling would take his children to rodeos across the state, requiring them to participate in every event. Prize money was often used immediately for fuel and entry fees for the next competition.

The family’s rodeo success is legendary. Judy Brinken was an all-around rodeo champion. Linda Miller earned the title of all-around winner for the entire state of Idaho in high school. And Jan Youren went on to national fame, earning her place in both the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and the Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame. Jan shared a story of appearing on Conan O’Brien, where she was asked how many bones she had broken. She humorously replied it would be easier to count the ones she hadn’t—a rib and her legs.

There was no shortage of laughter, from tales of Sterling trying (unsuccessfully) to rope a moose on his land, to Steve and Judy being called on by neighbors to help corral a runaway cow. Steve also recalled a winter with up to six feet of snow—something he relished as a snowmobiler with no fences to worry about. “It was a great life, what can I say,” he said with a smile.

The Historical Society extends a heartfelt thank you to Steve Alley, Jan Youren, Linda Miller, Monte Alley, Judy Brinken, Samie Allie, and Jeff Severance for generously sharing their time, stories, and family history. We also thank the Garden Valley Library for their space, and the countless communities members assisting with the collection, preservation, and distribution of community history. We look forward to future Generations in the Mountains events as we continue preserving the rich heritage of Garden Valley.

Postal History (August 28th 2025)

Presented by Judy Meserth (Garden Valleys Longest Serving Postmaster 1981-2009) & Titan Walker

The Garden Valley Historical Society hosted its second Generations in the Mountains presentation on August 28th at the Garden Valley District Library, drawing another group of residents eager to learn and share stories from the community’s past. Following the success of the May 1st kickoff, this event centered on the history of the post office and the routes that connected Garden Valley and Crouch to the outside world. We were privileged to be joined by Judy Meserth, who served as Garden Valley’s postmaster from 1981 to 2009 and shared much of the history she and the community had collected over the years.

Judy guided attendees through a series of maps, photographs, and anecdotes, beginning with an 1865 tracing of the valley that showed rivers and trails but no major roads, and no path from Banks. This set the stage for discussion of Julia Mills, the valley’s first postmaster in 1875, and how the naming of Garden Valley itself grew out of that moment.

Much of the evening highlighted how the post office served as the hub of community life. Stories ranged from the Castle family homestead—where flour sacks stood in for mailbags and where young James Castle, later recognized as an important Idaho artist, scavenged scraps for his drawings—to the 1915 construction of the Banks–Loman Road, when neighbors came together to cut through the canyon.

Laughter and surprise punctuated the evening as tales were told of carriers who braved avalanches, blew boulders off the road, or hauled mail on foot when horses couldn’t get through the snow. Attendees also reflected on the rivalry that, for a time, split the valley into two post offices—Garden Valley and Crouch—and how that identity has endured.

The event ended with an invitation for community members to suggest future topics, ensuring the valley’s history continues to be remembered and retold together. If you or someone you know has valuable information about the community's history that you would like to share, please consider contacting the historical society by emailing us at GVHistoricalSociety25@gmail.com