Cambridge honors Turnbull as 2024 grand marshal
By:
Nancy Grindstaff
Although population rates go up and down through time in small, ag-based towns like Cambridge, Idaho, at the core of those communities are folks with legacies rooted in the locality’s history. That’s only one among many distinctive traits of the 2024 Cambridge Rodeo Grand Marshal, Carol Turnbull.
“The Cambridge Rodeo Board is honored to select Carol Turnbull,” the board wrote in a press release. “She has given so much to our community. Carol is always active and contributing, but doesn’t ever seek any glory or recognition.
“She is famous for her flower blooms that she often shares with anyone in need of flowers, as well as her pies, a highly sought-after commodity at church potlucks and community fundraisers,” the release reads. “Congratulations to Carol on this honor. She is always the life of any conversation and a wealth of Cambridge and Salubria history.”
Not only was Turnbull born in the Salubria Valley in 1929, except for the time she spent at the University of Idaho, graduating in 1950 Summa Cum Laude with a double major in English, she has spent a lifetime in Cambridge, raising a family, ranching, and serving the area in numerous capacities.
As the only child of Charles and Anna Organ, Turnbull’s grandmother, Phileta, recognized her spark and potential early on, teaching her to read, write, and “do figuring” so thoroughly that she began school as a second grader at the Salubria School.
While excelling in school Carol kept up with her own ranch and household chores that included tending to chickens, hogs, milk cows, and more. She regularly went along with her outdoorsman dad, Charles, on weekend fishing trips and hunting for elk, deer, and bear, becoming an accomplished “fish cleaner.” Her dad gave her a rifle as a college graduation gift.
At the University of Idaho she met and was courted by Robert Wayne Turnbull, who had recently returned from military service. They were married in August, 1950, in the Salubria Valley.
Many happy memories were made with their four children, Lynne, Neil, Ray, and Arlan while working on the ranch, snow skiing at Hitt Mountain, water skiing at C. Ben Ross and Brownlee reservoirs, and participating in 4-H, the Masons, and Job’s Daughters. All of the activities developed their thirst for travel throughout the country.
On top of co-managing the ranch, Carol stayed involved in supporting the larger community. She spent years serving on the Cambridge Library board, volunteered as an election worker, and served on both the boards of Farm Credit Services and the Soil Conservation District. She was also involved in Eastern Star and the Baptist Church.
Carol continued managing the ranch after Robert’s passing in 1993, as well as extensive traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada. She remains active with the ranch and in her church. Her flower garden still brings beauty to her church all summer long. Family is and always has been her priority, particularly her 10 grandchildren, followed by 15 great-grandchildren.
At the age of 94, Carol decided she is now old enough and has enough time to enjoy the local senior citizens. But, her proudest possession is the sight of new generations that are growing and blossoming today.
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18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
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