The Robert and Augusta Brose Ranch was first established in 1886. The main house, architecturally significant for its use of ornamental concrete blocks, was built in 1906-07.
Two other original dwellings are also on the property, an 1886 dugout used when the land was first “squatted” upon and a log cabin (covered in siding now) used from 1886-1907 by the family. Robert Brose fulfilled his dream of a proper house for his family when he built the concrete block, 13-room house. A barn from 1914 also sits on the property, along with a few other outbuildings. There is the most wonderful, inviting porch around two sides of the house. Many, many parties, weddings, celebrations and household chores were completed on this porch over the years. At the north end of the porch’s west-facing side is a screened in portion which was used as a sleeping room in the summer. Also pictured here is a view of a part of the kitchen, entry to the pantry and entry to the bathroom. All the wood moldings, doors and transoms are still in place. (Shauna Robinson)
“The farm buildings at the Brose Ranch continue to be used for agricultural purposes. The ranch meets the criteria for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places established in the Multiple Property Document entitled “Historic Agricultural Resources of Twin Falls County, Idaho: 1860 to 1970.” The ranch represents agricultural development patterns in Twin Falls County. Ranch buildings represent the continuation of over 100 years of agricultural practices and make it an example of the evolution from an early homestead into a large-scale ranching operation.
The buildings at the ranch reflect the progression of the ranch from an early homestead to an established ranch and farm operation. Many of the buildings, structures, and landscape features contribute to the overall integrity of the property. The wood, stone, and concrete used in construction relate the practices of using available building materials and importing building materials. The modification of existing buildings to other uses demonstrates the design and workmanship common to ranches of the time. The modification of a dugout to homestead (tenant house) reflects the evolution of buildings as the ranch expanded. Additionally, the construction of the concrete house reflects the transition of an early homestead to an established ranch known for its high-quality grain, orchards, and livestock. Buildings and structures on the site exhibit a variety of construction methods and materials from outbuildings constructed of local stone or rough-cut boards, to the large house constructed of pressed concrete block. Construction proceeded in at least two phases. The tenant house is the oldest building, built in 1886 of logs cut from forests to the south in the Cassia Mountain Range known locally as the “South Hills.” Metal siding currently covers the hewn log cabin. Most of the remaining buildings were built between 1905 and 1920. Construction on the main house began in 1905 and was completed in 1907. The barn was constructed about 1914.
The Brose Ranch is part of a rural landscape of ranches and farms with roots dating back to late nineteenth-century homesteading in south-central Idaho. Ranch houses and farm buildings are spread out between large tracts of fields and land with the creek and irrigation channels distributing water to the agricultural area known as Rock Creek. Brose Ranch, like many of the ranches, is still referred to by the family name of the original homesteaders. The main buildings and numerous outbuildings represent different periods of time during the ranch’s history and retain many aspects of integrity. Beginning with Robert and Frank Brose’s first dugout home on the homestead in the late 1880s, the site developed as the needs of the ranch and the rancher grew and reflects the Brose family’s hard work, determination, skills, pride, and success. ” (from the National Register of Historic Places nomination form, submitted by Barbara Perry Bauer, Elizabeth Jacox, and Emily Perkins).
See the full nomination form at https://history.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/Brose_Robert_and_Augusta_Ranch_100007168.pdf
See https://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_373c8770-fe07-11ec-862a-739e9d2de435.html for more information on the nomination.