Preserving Legacy
A person is only gone when their name is spoken for the last time.
Important stories have shaped the Howell family in Idaho.
The H5 incorporates memorabilia of family and state history to keep their stories alive.
James Castle
The Home and Birthplace of an Idaho Artist (1899-1977)
James Castle created thousands of artworks during his lifetime. As a deaf man and a self-taught artist, he was afforded the rare opportunity to focus on a daily artmaking practice while he lived with his family.
Castle’s art was known only to his family and friends until 1951 when his nephew shared some of his uncle’s drawings with faculty at his college in Oregon. The interest was immediate. Soon Castle’s art was displayed in galleries in Portland and in Idaho. Sales of Castle’s works allowed his family to buy James the Cozy Cottage trailer in 1963. That same year his art was exhibited at the Boise Art Museum, the highest honor Castle received for his work during his lifetime.
Public interest in his art has grown exponentially in the last twenty-five years, including with recent major exhibitions in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Madrid. As people around the world experience Castle’s art, they engage with his exceptional vision of life in this place. The James Castle House in Boise stands today as a testament to the artist’s unique talent and artistic legacy.
Quincy Douglas Howell
Creator of the Official Gem Cut of Idaho (1908-1992)
Quincy D Howell, inventor of the Idaho Cut, was born in poverty in 1908, lived through WWI, the Depression, and served in WWII in the Army Air Corps. Quincy learned to facet gems before retiring from the US Air Force as a Lt. Colonel. It was an art form particularly suited to his meticulous and experimental nature. Quincy faceted for over 30 years and cut over 6,500 stones. He won the National Championship in 1970, was in National Geographic Magazine in 1974, and was considered one of the top five experts in the faceting world. Quincy invented and named many unique “cuts”, which is an arrangement of the precise and intended facets that reflect light through the stone in infinite combinations.
It is the fleeting pursuit of the artist to arrange the facets in the most beautiful way possible. After completing the invention of his Masterwork, Quincy Howell named it the Idaho Cut, a fitting tribute to the Gem State, its people, and a remarkable gift of excellence that is uniquely Idaho.
In 2021, three of Quincy Howell's grandchildren and one of his sons started the legislative process to adopt the Idaho Cut as the official cut for faceted gemstones for the State of Idaho, believing this would strengthen the heritage of this great state and provide a pattern of beauty for all Idahoans to enjoy. Because Idaho is considered the Gem State, it is only fitting that the Star Garnet (adopted in 1967 as the Idaho State Gem) finally has a little company.
“He calls himself an amateur, but he most certainly is a professional and one who is known all over the world.”
Idaho Statesman “Portrait of a Distinguished Citizen,”
January 14, 1979
Quincy’s legacy is captured on the walls of Q’s Diner.
Burt Matson
Grandfather of H5 Ranch owner, Sue Howell
The Groom’s space, Gambles, is dedicated to the life and legacy of Burt Matson, the grandfather of Sue Howell. Burt was an inspirational entrepreneur in the 1950s. For years, he owned and operated the Gambles store, serving the community of Spearfish, South Dakota. The room is decorated with Gambles memorabilia in honor of his family legacy.
William E. Borah
A series of fortunate events allowed the H5 library to obtain and preserve the furnishings of a national icon.
Senator William Borah was affectionately known as the "Lion of Idaho" during his 33 years in the United States Senate. Elected Republican in 1907, Borah established himself as a prominent progressive with a fiercely independent spirit. This superb orator, who had a knack for courting publicity, was once named by Time magazine as the "most famed senator of the century." Despite his leading role in creating two constitutional amendments—establishing the graduated income tax and the direct election of senators—Borah is best remembered for his unwavering opposition to the so-called Susan B. Anthony Amendment granting women the right to vote. As a 10-year chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Borah also shaped American foreign policy in the period between the world wars. An isolationist, Borah helped organize opposition to the Treaty of Versailles, which the Senate resoundingly rejected in 1919. In January 1940, Borah suffered a brain hemorrhage and died. His funeral service was held in the U.S. Senate Chamber.
Affectionately known as the "Lion of Idaho" during his 33 years in the United States Senate
Sue Howell
Boise’s “Ribbon of Jewels” parks are given to the city in honor of some of Boise’s most remarkable women and their commitment to their community.
Sue Howell (still living) is an Idahoan who raised five sons in Boise and is known by all for her kind spirit and gentle nature. She has been active in the church and community her entire life. Sue also spent 30 years teaching junior high science and volunteering in grade schools in Idaho. Her commitment to a high level of education is unwavering, and she is well-known to past students, friends, and associates for her empathy and patience.
With her husband Aaron, she helped found Northwest Lineman College and was the primary architect of its educational philosophies, which have improved training and education in the power industry nationwide.