Circa 1924 Auto camp flashback! Pull up and get a camp spot! I know this is grandad, D.K. Rankin (sitting closest to the door) and grandma Eva’s cousin Felix from California. We’re not entirely sure this is the exact position of the small cabin office as it is situated today. But early travelers did enjoy a drink of cool, well-water and got to know this farmer/homesteader/pioneer from Virgina.
Circa 1967 Here we have the first sign mom and dad put up. This is a great shot as it captures the original electric Rankin Court sign just off to back and right. Red tulips are blooming just behind the sign so this picture must have been taken in the spring. Plans are in the works to begin remodeling the stucco cabins, no. 1 and no. 2 (also seen in the backround) soon!
Circa 1971 Notice the New Units in Back is added to the next sign upgrade. I remember a new well being drilled, and a modular unit of 6 motel rooms was brought in and set on a foundation next to the house on the back of the property. Because people could only see the cabins from the road, the New Units in Back helped bring in more business.
2009- Here we are today! We selected the new logo to carry on the auto court heritage, painted the pole and are ready for guests again this year!
Hope you’ve enjoyed a quick tour through 90 years of The Rankin! We’ll share more pictures and stories as we move through the 2014 season with you. Let us know when you need a place to stay on your way to Yellowstone Park! We are still here and have clean, comfortable, affordable rooms or cozy cabins with wing-back chairs and books. Call Robert (208) 652-3570, or his cell (208) 851-8646 (he may be out working on the grounds and watering my flowers!).
TRAVEL SAFELY!
Jenny & Robert
