Marks Ranch Hayden, Idaho

George and Bertie Marks purchased the land in 1940, now Marks Ranch in Hayden, and moved their family from Montana into a small log home insulated with sawdust and newspaper without plumbing or electricity. They established a dairy herd, farmed with work horses, grew a garden and raised chickens, fruit trees and 5 children. Their youngest son, Lynn stayed on the farm and married Cora Lee. Their early years found them stationed in Alaska while Lynn served in the Army. After an honorable discharge, the young couple moved back to Hayden where Lynn continued milking the dairy herd and managed the ranch. Cora was a full-time homemaker and together, they raised 3 children, Ron, Dan and Shirley. As the Marks Ranch family grew, Lynn took on a position at the Hayden Lake Highway Department and later, worked for the Idaho State Highway Department. As Lynn’s work took him off the ranch each day, Cora found herself routinely at the barn, milking cows, feeding and managing the occasional bucket calf. The beautiful pastures and tall stands of native pines and firs were the backdrop to a lifestyle common in those days. As development work for Marks Ranch neighborhood began, the discovery of old farm equipment resting under the remnants of an orchard were bits of treasure. A phone call to local artist Tyree Riggs launched a creative project to incorporate the old, rusty plows and tractor parts into timeless pieces of art for all to enjoy.