Arranging for a Tour

The descendants of Nels and Emma still run working cattle ranches and farms in the valley. With some advanced notice, you can arrange to tour the 1887 home and adjacent property. The suggested donation for a tour is $5 per person. You can arrange to take a tour by contacting Becky. 

The next scheduled tour of the Nels and Emma house is September 12 from 1-4 PM. Call or email Becky for directions. 

Getting there

The historic home is about six miles from Firth. You will receive an address and directions when you arrange for a tour. Please call 208-680-1549 and ask for Becky.

What you'll See

The fourth home built by Nels and Emma Just went up in 1887. It was constructed of brick using local clay and made into bricks on site. 
The home, which was listed on the National Register of  Historic Places in 2020, still houses much of the furniture the Just family used and that was used by author Agnes Just Reid and her family. The house served as the post office for the farming community of Presto, Idaho (not Preston) from 1889 to 1907. Postal artifacts are on display along with items that tell the story of pioneer life in Idaho Territory.

Learning More

Agnes Just Reid was a long-time newspaper columnist, poet,  and noted regional author. Her book Letters of Long Ago, first published in 1923 tells the story of her parents beginning in 1870. The book The Lost Letters, also by Agnes Just Reid, is the story of her mother, Emma Just. from 1860 to 1870.
​Paperback copies of both books will be available for sale, with all proceeds going to help with restoration and maintenance of the Nels and Emma Just house and the preservation of the Just/Reid family history.