Welcome to the Erma Hayman House, a pivotal landmark in Boise, Idaho, that encapsulates the rich tapestry of the River Street Neighborhood’s history. Established in the early 1900s, the house was built by Chester Thompson, a skilled stonecutter, in 1907, the same year Erma Andre Hayman was born. Over time, this modest sandstone cottage became a cornerstone of the community, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of its diverse inhabitants.
The River Street Neighborhood, where the Erma Hayman House stands, was historically a melting pot of cultures. In the early 20th century, it was home to immigrants from various countries, including Greece, Japan, and Russia. By the 1940s, due to housing discrimination, it housed the majority of Boise’s Black residents. Erma Hayman, a significant figure in this community, moved here with her husband Lawrence in 1948, after facing racial barriers in purchasing property elsewhere.
Erma Hayman’s life was interwoven with the neighborhood’s narrative. She was not only a resident but a fervent advocate for her community, chairing the River Street Neighborhood Council in the 1970s. Her home, now a cultural center, serves as a portal to the past, preserving stories through public programs and exhibitions that highlight the neighborhood’s multicultural roots.
The house’s architecture tells its own story. While many structures in the area were simple, wood-framed homes, the Erma Hayman House’s sandstone construction sets it apart, offering insights into early 20th-century Boise. Remarkably, the house has undergone minimal alterations, preserving its historical integrity.
Today, the Erma Hayman House is more than a historic site; it’s a venue for inclusive cultural programming, bringing to life the narratives of those often overlooked in history. It stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of a community that thrived amidst adversity, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and engage with the stories of Boise’s River Street Neighborhood.
