PI proudly recognizes the Melba Valley Historical Society for its work in preserving and maintaining the Melba Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) Lodge Hall/Gardner Hotel, now serving as the Melba Valley Museum.
Located in Melba, a small farming community in Canyon County, the Oddfellows Hall is a cornerstone of the town’s heritage. Originally built in 1919 as the Gardner Hotel, the building was acquired by the I.O.O.F. in 1927 and extensively remodeled to serve as a community lodge. In 2013, the Melba Rebekah Lodge No. 105 generously donated the building to the Melba Valley Historical Society to establish a local history museum.
Since taking ownership, the Melba Valley Historical Society has completed numerous restoration and preservation projects to maintain the historic integrity and functionality of the building. Their dedication culminated in the building’s listing in the National Register of Historic Places in January 2024, marking it as Canyon County’s newest National Register listing. The museum houses a diverse collection of local memorabilia, including yearbooks, military uniforms, household items, and records from the I.O.O.F. Lodge #150 and Rebekah Lodge #105. The Melba Valley Historical Society’s long-term commitment to preserving the historical fabric of Melba enriches the community and preserves its unique history for future generations.
For more information about the Melba Historical Society: http://www.melbahistoricalsociety.com