HISTORY

Your visit to Island Park and the opportunity to enjoy the legacy of wholesome, family fun is a legacy provided for us from Earl and Thelma Brunt, (Mom and Dad - Grandpa and Nana Brunt)

They loved with a passion, their family, their friends, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and took joy in sharing the beautiful area of Island Park with those they loved.  They and their family would enjoy every minute possible while here in the summer time and then during the winter months would talk, dream and plan for their next summer vacation time.  

The cabins were a place where their family & extended family bonds were made stronger and memories were made that are cherished by all who have had the opportunity to share in their making. Today their children's families still enjoy the beautiful Island Park area with their own families, some in their own cabins and some in the family cabins on a time share plan. 

The two family cabins, which we know today, started out as a little two room cabin with a loft.  It consisted of a gathering room, which had a wood burning stove for heat and cooking, a kerosene lantern, and a table to share meals together in front of a big glass picture window.  Another room was partitioned off from the gathering room which was a bedroom for Earl and Thelma and their baby boy, George.  A loft with a ladder attached to the wall was situated above the bedroom, where their four girls Annette, Carol, Linda, and Georgia would sleep.  

A pump well was located on the side of the cabin to draw water and an out-house was put into place at the rear of the yard.  In those days, there were not many other cabins around and the surrounding woods was a great place to play for hours. The Snake River was just a short walk down the hill and fishing, sun bathing float trips, catching frogs, and exploring the river were favorite activites during the summer months spent at the cabin.

The cabin evolved as the family grew and much to the disappointment of the children eventually electric lights, indoor plumbing and modernizations were made as the need would arise.  Two bedrooms were added to the back of the cabin and a bathroom was put in between those two rooms. When George became a teenager,  a  "Boys Only" back screened in porch was added to accommodate George and the older cousin. Those using the porch had to walk through the restroom and many laughs were had, when George and Brad were locked in accidentally by someone using the bathroom.

As the children married and came back with their children an extra room was added to the front of the cabin to accommodate the growing families.  The familes loved being there all together so children would be sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor, on sofas and just about anywhere a space could be found. Soon the cabin was about to bust at the seams and a back cabin was built to provide more space for all of the family members.

Renovations were made again, by the children after Earl and Thelma passed on.  The cabins and the area of island Park continue to be cherished by Earl and Thelma's children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren.

Earl and Thelma felt that being in the pines was like being in heaven.  If they have the privilege of observing their families today, we know that they must feel a great joy to see them carrying on the tradition of family love, togetherness, and enjoyment of time spent together in Island Park. Thanks Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Nana, for the great gift you have given to us all.