Gifford (Lewiston, Orofino, Lapwai: how much, houses, school)

[Dave99]

Anyone ever heard of it? Have you ever visited this town?

[pimit2]

I have friends at Lapwai about 10 miles east of Lewiston and, being a fly fisherman, I have nosed around the Gifford, Summit, Melrose area. Gifford is 15 miles east of Lapwai, and it is part of the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. I don't remember a "town", just a few small homes here and there. Gravel roads. Small creeks. Rolling hills. Scattered trees. No fish!


pimit2 (Bob)

[Dave99]

Thanks Bob.

So, you've been there recently. I wondered how much if any, it has changed. I was born in Orofino and have many relatives in the Lewiston area. I spent almost every summer in Gifford growing up. It was a paradise in the summer for kids. I don't remember much about the area beyond that except the massive grain towers.

I've never heard of Lapwai but the name Melrose sounds familiar.

[pimit2]

Hey Dave99,

It's been 4-5 years since I was there. I do remember the grain elevators, now that you mentioned them.

When you head out of Lewiston on 12/95 you are travelling along the Clearwater River. At the town of Spalding, highways 12 and 95 separate. Highway 12 goes east toward Orofino (one of my favorite areas in Idaho), and 95 heads south. Just a couple of miles south on 95, you'll pass through the small town of Lapwai (also with big grain elevators).

It sounds like you had some good times in Gifford!

Regards,

pimit2 (Bob)

[Dave99]

Just a polite bump for those who may have a connection to Gifford, Orofino, Lewiston.

[Ruth Burgess]

I was just doing a little research and was interested in finding out more about Gifford because my Dad went to school in Gifford between 1915 and 1920 and I was curious what the town was like and needed to know a little histiry of Gifford. I have never been to Gifford myself

[pimit2]

Hi Ruth Burgess,

As I indicated, I spent less than an hour in Gifford and the area about 5 years ago. I was looking for places to fish.

Gifford is very small. I'm not sure of the population....it was not included in the last Census figures, indicating an insignificant population. My recollection is possibly a dozen houses and outlying farms. I don't recall a school building or even a store of any kind.

To get a "picture" of Gifford, search the words "Google Maps", then search the Google Maps for "Gifford Idaho". Once the map of Gifford is brought up, click on the "Satellite" link (upper right hand of the page) and it will give you a close-up photographic view of the town.

I, too, did some work to find out more about Gifford, without success.

I hope that helps some. Good luck with your search.


pimit2 (Bob)