Idaho Department Store

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2018

1. Idaho Department Store Marker

Inscription. A retail institution in downtown Twin Falls for 81 years, the "ID" building was built in 1905. Originally known as the Allen Mercantile Co., the store was renamed the Idaho Department Store in 1908 and operated under the same name until 1986. The store was constructed with a molded-brick exterior that remains intact, though now covered. The ground floor of the "ID" sold clothing and dry goods while the basement featured a grocery store. The second floor contained the Knights of Pythias Hall, a room that was also used by the Grand Army of the Republic and Knights of Columbus. When Twin Falls County was formed in 1907, the second floor became the temporary courthouse until the present courthouse was constructed in 1911.

Erected by Twin Falls County Historic Preservation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 42° 33.308′ N, 114° 28.14′ W. Marker was in Twin Falls, Idaho, in Twin Falls County. It was on Main Avenue East near Hansen Street East, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 162 Main Avenue East, Twin Falls ID 83301, United States of America.

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been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in Idaho’s Magic Valley.

It was also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Crowley Building (a few steps from this marker); Twin Falls Bakery Co. Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hotel Perrine (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shoshone Falls (approx. 3.1 miles away); Ira Burton Perrine (approx. 3.1 miles away); College of Southern Idaho (approx. 3.1 miles away); Robert Evel Knievel (approx. 3.1 miles away); Shoshone Falls Project (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Twin Falls.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2018

2. Idaho Department Store Marker

New Building Has Replaced the Idaho Department Store Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 11, 2025

3. New Building Has Replaced the Idaho Department Store Building

And the marker is gone.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 910 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on July 11, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia.