Chesterfield's Town Site opening a buoyant success

Saturday, May 25

I could hear the music wafting through the open doors as soon as I set foot on the walkway to the Amusement Hall. Familiar sounds of country twang, couples, families, and kids moseying into the large double doors surrounded me. Plenty of laughter, ‘how ya doin’, and ‘come on in,’ blended cheek by jowl. I immediately wanted to start stomping my feet to the beat. The Hatch Family Band has proudly entertained Chesterfield for over 50 years. Starting with Grandpa Mike Hatch on accordion, successive children have taken up and continued the musical family history for 50 years. Saturday’s music was organized by Rustin, a great grandson of Mike Hatch.

Their repertoire embodied country music favorites ranging from the familiar to the new. Locals and out-of-towners of all ages joined the dancing, swinging partners around the floor, and getting in step for the customary and fun line dances. Unable to resist the contagious fun, even this reporter was cajoled to join a line dance.

If you missed this fantastic band, they will be performing a Street Dance at the Bancroft Pioneer Day festivities on July 24, 2024. Cami Hatch shared their loyalty to the Chesterfield opening events, “Our ancestors settled this place. We all grew up here and we do this as service to our families and memories.”

Their dedication and support of this small-town opening launch is refreshing. I expect we’ll be seeing the Hatch Family Band till the cows come home.

Without a doubt, it is the attendees who bring this celebration to life with their lively dancing, easy conversation, and dedication to the history of our town. Steve Tesch, a current board member of the Chesterfield Town Site, has been travelling to the town for over 25 years to help with the historical restoration. His work has recently expanded to include Board responsibilities and writing the Town Site’s newsletter. Although he doesn’t live in Chesterfield, his dedication and work connect him to the heritage of his Great-great-grandpa Nathan Barlow, an original settler of the town.

A local couple, Kellen and Giny Lahaye, attend the celebrations every year. Giny shared her inspiration, “We always come. The kids look forward to it because all their friends are here too. Kellen and I were married in the Hall in 2013, so it means a lot to us.”

Monday, May 27, 2024

With food, sweets, and auction items galore, the crowds poured in from all over Idaho and neighboring States. Cooking burgers, Ralph and Diana Parker from Utah, and Lane Foxley from Wyoming, regarded with laughter, “Yup, we were volunteered.” People lined up out to the road to partake in this fun BBQ cookout.

DeVaugh and Patricia Shipley hail from Blackfoot to make their way to Chesterfield every summer to volunteer conducting the cabin tours and grounds maintenance. He has been on the Chesterfield Board for 10 years and is currently the Treasurer. DeVaugh grew up in Chesterfield and declared, “We moved away from here-but my heart is still here.” Justin Hatch another local who moved away, returns often to visit family and the Chesterfield cemetery where his grandparents are buried. He shared his love for Chesterfield, “I come to this event every year. It’s my heritage-my family. It’s so fun and my kids love to come here to visit the cabins and ride the wagons.”

Jamie and Trevor Anderson traveled from Utah with their five children for a first-hand experience of where their Great-great-grandma, Mary Call Litton, lived. During their drive they read about their family and Chesterfield heritage to prepare for this fun trip. “My siblings and parents came last year and have been pushing us to come. We’re so glad we did!”

Whether you are a descendant of a Chesterfield native, or a first-time visitor, this quaint, secluded town will draw your heart in and tempt you back every year.

All proceeds from this opening event directly fund the maintenance and administration of the town site. Tours, upkeep, and operation are provided by volunteers. To volunteer or donate, check the website for details, https://www.historicchesterfield.org/contact.html.

Chesterfield Town Site is officially open for the summer until Labor Day weekend. The mercantile is open for sweets and treats where you can step back in time for a taste of history. Tours of the cabins are free. Open Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., closed Sunday.