Goal is reached to get a headstone for Mortimer

The Snake River Heritage Center has reached their goal for Frank Mortimer’s headstone. The original goal was $2,124. A total of $2,455 was raised in the span of three weeks from several donation platforms.
 In 1916, Frank Mortimer and his wife opened the Oregon Trail Park, known by locals as “Mortimer’s Island,” on an island on the Weiser River. Called “the pride and delight of the city” by the Weiser Signal American in 1929, the park was a popular visitor and recreation site. Mortimer’s Island remained successful until its closure in 1933. Mortimer passed away in 1957, was cremated and buried next to his wife, without a headstone.
 After learning Mortimer lacked a headstone from a colleague working at Hillcrest Cemetery, Snake River Heritage Center board member Lisa McKnight joined the board and began the project toward obtaining a headstone. Mortimer initially did not receive one likely due to lack of funds and lack of close family relations in the Weiser area. His body was cremated, and his remains were buried next to his wife’s with a plaque signifying its placement.
 Settling in Weiser after his traveling entertainment group made a stop, Mortimer soon bought the Weiser Newsstand, a business which he operated until selling in 1940. The large piece of glass shelving furniture featured behind the newsstand counter when owned by Mortimer can now be seen on display at the Snake River Heritage Center, along with several other historical pieces associated with him.
 “The younger generation doesn’t know this,” said McKnight. “We want them to know our history and learn from our history and honor our history.”
 Lisa said she is hoping the extra funds raised will be used to host a celebration of life for Mortimer when his headstone is placed in the spring. She said she hopes the celebration would include flowers, a gathering, a minister or public figure to speak. Any funds that may be left after the celebration would be used to help the Snake River Heritage Center, an organization that runs completely on donations, grants, and volunteers.
 The Heritage Center’s major fundraising opportunity comes along during fiddlers’ season. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest and Festival was canceled, therefore canceling the fundraising opportunity for the museum.
 “There’s so many people that live here that have never been [to the Heritage Center,” said Lisa. “It’s three stories of separate rooms filled will displays.”
 Lisa said she encourages people to join the museum for tours Monday through Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visitors may call Heritage Center board member Dottie at (208) 549-1673, or text Lisa at (208) 230-5229. There is no heating nor air conditioning, so visitors are asked to bundle up as the colder months approach.
 The Snake River Heritage Center board would like to thank the many donors that contributed to Frank Mortimer’s headstone and the cleaning of his wife’s grave. Donors include Randy Hartnett, Dean and Debra Martens, Ben and Alma Imada, Brian and Anunciacion Winchester, Rick and Sandy Michael, Lawrence and Leila Cornell, Don and Shelley Anderson, Art and Laura Collins, Benny and Petra McDaniel, Mike and Wendy Muir, Ric and Marie Young, Mike and Diana Henigan, Ward and Joyce Sutton, Pat and Karen Milligan, Gunner and Michelle Harris, Renee Roper, David and Jolene Scheloske, Mike and Lisa McKnight, Bob and Barbara Barber, Galeen Johnson White, Ken Webb, RaeAnne Odoms, Margaret Felton Chipman, Mary Hamberg Chavez, Ruby Light, Allen Tarter, Jamie Hill, and Scott and Teresa Mansor. There were several other anonymous donors, according to the museum board. If any names were left out, the board said they are grateful for all donations.
 “He did so much for this small town,” said Lisa. “It’s really gratifying to see him recognized. It’s been sad for many years that all he’s had is a metal marker…we could get a headstone he deserved.”