City of Rupert

02/22/2026

Everyone should recognize this building. As reported in the DeMary Journal of February 22, 1917, the First National Bank, moved into its new quarters on Monday last. The building is one of, if not the finest building in the city. The exterior is of yellow terra cotta which the interior is finished in hard wood throughout. The entire building is heated by steam. Two stairways give access to the upper story. After the Bank closed it became Cousin Roy's Café, Curt and Marge's Café and is now the Drift Inn.

02/20/2026

In 1912, a major jackrabbit drive near Rupert, Idaho, resulted in the killing of approximately sixty-five hundred (6,500) jackrabbits. These hunts were organized, community-wide events held to combat massive infestations that threatened agriculture, with similar drives occurring across southern Idaho from the late 1800s until the 1980s.

02/19/2026

This photo of female guards at Minidoka Power Plant during World War 1 is said to have been taken in 1914. As many male workers left for military service, federal projects like the Minidoka Dam powerhouse filled labor shortages by hiring women into technical, operational, and security roles.
Left to right: Reva Moore, Fern Fullmer, and Luella Wixon.

02/18/2026

Rupert Key Historical Events & Milestones
• 1905: The town's first post office was established in July, and the Rupert Mercantile Company opened, establishing the town center.
• 1906: The Village of Rupert was officially incorporated on April 12, following the development of the Minidoka Dam.
• 1911: Rupert became one of the world's first cities to have its streets lit by electricity, powered by the Minidoka Dam.
• 1912: A massive, recorded jackrabbit hunt took place, with 6,500 rabbits killed to protect crops.
• 1920: The Wilson Theatre opened on August 25, serving as a vaudeville and silent movie house, later restored as a community hub.
• 1939: City Hall was built, moving operations out of the Wilson Theatre.
• 1970: The Minidoka County Historical Society Museum was founded to preserve local history.
• 2000s: Extensive restoration began on the Historic Wilson Theater, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 2010s-Present: Introduction of the annual New Year's Eve Sugar Beet Drop, a 30-foot, 400-pound lighted beet, which has become a major regional celebration.

02/16/2026

A huge shout out to our first responders who diligently train to keep us safe. Thank you.

02/16/2026

In observance of Presidents Day, City offices will be closed Monday, February 16, 2026. We’ll see you Tuesday!

02/16/2026

Washington Junior High School faculty in 1967. After Minico was built the Rupert High School became Washington Junior High School. Which of these teachers do you remember? What class did they teach?

02/15/2026

Presidents Day began as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday, first observed as a federal holiday in 1885. Over time, it evolved into a day honoring the contributions and leadership of U.S. presidents throughout our history.

City offices will be closed Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents Day.
Normal operations resume Tuesday.

02/14/2026

A Valentine to Our City

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating what we love most—our city and its history. From the early settlers who built a community from the ground up to the generations who have called this place home, our city has always been rooted in resilience, connection, and care for one another.

Every street, building, and story reminds us that love for a community isn’t just felt—it’s built over time. Thank you to everyone who has helped shape our past and continues to invest in our future.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at the City of Rupert💘

02/12/2026

A Brief History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome and the story of St. Valentine, a priest believed to have lived in the 3rd century. According to legend, he secretly performed marriages at a time when they were forbidden, acts that ultimately led to his imprisonment and death on February 14.

By the Middle Ages, the day became associated with romance and affection, and by the 1700s, exchanging handwritten notes—early “valentines”—had become a popular tradition. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a time to express appreciation, love, and kindness to others.

02/12/2026