Words from a Pioneer Doctor

I came to Idaho rather late in the horse and buggy days and, while my experience was limited to a few years, they were full years and covered a lot of territory.

I used my single driver (Mingo) within a radius of three or four miles, a livery team within a distance of forty miles, and Wells-Fargo and privately owned stage lines for greater distances.

I had my own heavy mountain buggy which I kept packed with sterile supplies and equipment, including fishing tackle, shotgun and rifle. I would add my surgical bag, obstetrical bag and medicine case and be prepared for any emergency.

The telephone lines followed the main roads, permitting me to check them as I drove along, and also make simple repairs. The switchboard girl kept a record of my calls and we would exchange information upon my return. In appreciation of this service, the manager presented me with a small chest containing a repair kit, climbers and test set, which enabled me to get Central from any telephone pole in the interior.

Upon receiving a long call, I would state the exact time of my arrival at the nearest stage station and they, in turn, would arrange my schedule. I used a relief driver from the livery stable on these long, rugged trips.

At the station we were met by hostlers wit a fresh team hitched to neck-yoke and the change would be made in a matter of seconds. The stations were spaced to permit running a team from station to station. Should we desire food or drinking liquor, the order would be phoned ahead and picked up at the next station.

The stable Dr. Kellogg patronized., note the two freighters pulling out for the interior.

Reprinted from Northwest Medicine,
Seattle Vol. 50, No. 10, Page 763,
October, 1951.