Franklin in Franklin County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

FCMI Store 1858

FCMI Store Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Vincent Cascio, July 7, 2011

1. FCMI Store Marker

Inscription. This building is an example of the stone craftsmanship of the Mormon pioneers of southeastern Idaho. Built in 1868 of local stone cut with a rough , or rusticated, finish, the building demonstrates the gradual change in the late 19th century from Greek Revival to Italianate architecture for commercial and institutional buildings of southeastern Idaho. Italianate influence is shown in the shape of the building’s false front, while the Greek Revival style can be seen in the building’s simple form, low roof, and transom light above the door.

The building was first the home of the Franklin Cooperative Store, established in 1868. The next year, the Franklin Cooperative Mercantile Institution (FMCI) was established. The Mormon cooperative movement was an attempt to maintain good prices and markets for local products as well as insure that profits would be shared more equally among the residents of the communities.

Local stores , like the FMCI, received supplies from regional centers that purchased goods from the Zion’s Cooperative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI), located in Salt Lake City. In Franklin, the local store leadership included Lorenzo Hill Hatch, president, John Doney, Sr., vice president; William Woodward, William T. Wright and Charles Fox, directors.

In 1923 the Idaho Pioneer Association purchased FCMI building to use as a relic hall, or museum, to display artifacts related to the settlement of Franklin. It was used until 1937 when the new Relic Hall was built next door.

In the 1880s, the FCMI store was discontinued. Franklin resident Elliott Butterworth, a long time resident, operated Butterworth Hardware in the building until Butterworth organized the Pioneer Association to promote and preserve local history. In this photograph, Elliott Butterworth is standing on the right and his son Leo is on the left.

Erected by Idaho

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State Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 42° 1.033′ N, 111° 48.033′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Idaho, in Franklin County. It can be reached from Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franklin ID 83237, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Idaho’s Bear River Country. It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: ZCMI Co-op Building (a few steps from this marker); Franklin Historic District (a few steps from this marker); Franklin Relic Hall - 1937 (a few steps from this marker); Hatch House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lorenzo Hill Hatch & John Doney Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Franklin's Pioneer School House 1860 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Birthplace of Samuel P. Cowley

Photographed by Vincent Cascio, July 7, 2011

2. FCMI Store

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Fort of Franklin (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2011, by Vincent Cascio of Logan, Utah. This page has been viewed 977 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2011, by Vincent Cascio of Logan, Utah. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.