Boise’s history is often told through the lens of its settlers and expansion, but one of its most significant stories is that of the River Street neighborhood, a place where ethnic diversity and cultural resilience thrived—particularly through the life of Erma Hayman. A woman who defied societal challenges and worked tirelessly for her family and community, Erma’s story is inseparable from the legacy of the home she inhabited for over six decades. The Erma Hayman House, now preserved as a historic site, serves as a testament to her perseverance and the history of Boise’s marginalized communities.

Erma Andre was born on October 18, 1907, in Nampa, Idaho. Her parents, Charles Edward and Amanda Chouteau Andre, moved west from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, eventually settling in Nampa in 1898. The Andres were one of the few African American families in the area, with Edward working various jobs, including custodial work, while Amanda ran a dairy farm. Erma was the twelfth of their thirteen children.

In the late 1920s, Erma moved to Boise, where she married Navy Madry in 1928. Navy, a World War I veteran, and Erma lived in Seattle for a time before tragedy struck in 1935 when Navy passed away from leukemia, leaving Erma a widow with three children. In 1943, Erma remarried Lawrence Hayman, and in 1948, they purchased a modest stone house at 617 Ash Street in Boise’s River Street neighborhood.

The River Street neighborhood, located just across the Boise River, was one of the most diverse areas in the city throughout the twentieth century. It attracted immigrants from Europe, the Basque Country, and beyond, and by the 1940s, it became home to Boise’s growing African American population. The River Street neighborhood’s history is one of resilience; it was a place where marginalized communities, excluded from other parts of the city, could create their own sense of home and belonging.

When Erma and Lawrence Hayman purchased their house on Ash Street, the neighborhood was already a patchwork of working-class families, small businesses, and immigrants. Their home, built in 1907, was a modest 900-square-foot house made of sandstone—a material common in Boise but rarely seen in the homes of working-class neighborhoods. This unique architectural choice set the house apart from others in the area, adding a touch of permanence and history to the home. The house itself stands as a reflection of the neighborhood’s spirit: a simple, unpretentious place that served as the foundation for many years of family and community life.

Erma’s life was marked by an unwavering work ethic and dedication to her family. Despite facing persistent racial and gender-based discrimination, Erma found various ways to support her family. Before securing stable work at Lerner’s, a women’s clothing store, she took on odd jobs, including sewing and catering, and even worked as a riveter at Gowen Field during World War II. Her role as display manager at Lerner’s lasted for 20 years, after which she dedicated her time to Boise’s senior meals program, including delivering meals through Meals on Wheels.

Beyond her professional life, Erma was deeply involved in her community. She was known for her warm heart and generosity, often helping neighbors in need. She took on a leadership role in the River Street Neighborhood Council, serving as chairperson from 1973 to 1974, where she advocated for improvements like a crosswalk at the busy intersection of 13th and River Streets. Her advocacy for the neighborhood and its residents, combined with her personal care for those around her, cemented her place as a beloved figure in Boise.

The Erma Hayman House, though small and unassuming, represents a vital piece of Boise’s history. After Erma’s passing in 2009 at the age of 102, her grandson Richard Madry sold the house to the Capital City Development Corporation. The City of Boise acquired the property in 2018, ensuring that Erma’s legacy—and the history of the River Street neighborhood—would be preserved for future generations.

The story of Erma Hayman and her home is not just the tale of one woman, but a reflection of the River Street neighborhood—a once vibrant, diverse community that faced countless challenges yet found strength in unity. Boise’s River Street neighborhood has changed dramatically over the years, with much of its history erased due to urban development and demolitions. However, the preservation of the Erma Hayman House helps to link the city’s local history to broader themes of race, class, and place, standing as a testament to the stories of Boise’s African American community, working-class immigrants, and a history marked by both exclusion and resilience. Through Erma’s perseverance, her work in the community, and the preservation of her home, we are reminded of the importance of safeguarding our history, especially the stories of those often overlooked.

Written by Kimberly Cornelison

Photo Credit: Idaho State Historic Preservation Office

Sources:

River Street Digital History Project, http://www.riverstreethistory.com/

Erma Hayman House, Boise City Dept of Arts and History,  https://www.ermahaymanhouse.org/

Boise City Dept of Arts and History Collections, https://collections.boiseartsandhistory.org/