Workman's Auto Building
During Rupert's inception, a carpenter shop operated on a lot just to
the east of here, where the present diagonal street is located. A 1906
photograph shows the frame businesses of "Cook Brothers Livery, Feed &
Sale Stable - Real Estate" here. Another early hoto shows a white frame
business with "Overland Beer on Draught" on a large sign. James Briggs
gained title to this property on August 31, 1907. In 1921, a frame office and
shop were located on both of the lots. In the late 1920s, Workman Livery
was located here, prior to a creamery. Later, a full service gas station,
operated by Andy McRobert's, occupied the east lot until the streets were
realigned and converted into the present two car lots.
Harry F. Workman had this brick building constructed, in 1946, by
Morrison & Knudsen Company of Boise, headed by Harry W. Morrison.
Morrison rose to world wide prominence after being the first railroad depot
assistant agent in Rupert, in 1905. The irregular-shaped building, including
garage and gas service, was built without a northeast corner, highlighting the
showroom. Gas pumps were pleaced outside in the corner cut. For decades
the original Workman family has proudly kept Workman Auto a viable part of
historic Rupert.
The diamond pattern medallions
over the windows, and vertical rectangular
brick medallion over the door, represent the
period. The building has concrete cap
stones protecting the parapet wall. It has
changed little from its original historic
appearance.
