49. PIONEER TENT BUILDING, Boise, ID

The Pioneer Tent Building sits on the corner of 6th and Main.

Built in 1910 for Pioneer Tent and Awning Company. They started in humble beginnings in a frame building located at 516 Main Street. The Company’s founders had seen a need in the Boise area for canvas duck goods and had decided to make them locally. By 1903 the company was advertising in the city directory that they were manufacturers and dealers in “Tents, Awnings, Wagon covers, Machine, Hay and Grain Pauling, Miners’ and Herders’ Supplies, and Cotton Duck goods of every description.” By 1905 the company had relocated in slightly more commodious quarters when they moved into a building at 524 W. Main, formerly occupied by a grocery store.  (Information courtesy of the Idaho State Historical Society)

Photo Courtesy of Old Boise Historic District

The rapid expansion soon caused the company to outgrow its quarters, so a new brick building was constructed on the corner of Sixth and Main in 1910. This building was two stories in height, with display and sales rooms on the first floor and manufacturing shops on the second floor. The business operated in the same location but became known as the Pioneer Company. Its name was appropriate as it was the first business of its kind in the state, and it outlasted its competitors. (Information courtesy of Idaho Historical Society)




Photo Courtesy of Old Historic Boise

Today the building houses Chronic Tacos , Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, Moxie Java, Idaho Indie Works and many more businesses. The building also has a old phone booth, post office and a few other historic items.  For a complete listing of the building occupants go to www.oldboise.com . This website also has information and photos of the past and present.