Elmer Keith--Salmon Idaho

[crstrode]

Mr. Keith would visit with my Grandfather just about every time he was in the Coeur d'Alene area. He did indeed like watermelon. As a teenager and into my 20s, I had no idea that he was a big deal, and neither did Grandma. She would not abide even a single cigar puff in her living room. However, in the garage, or across the street in the garden, cigars and nips of whiskey from Alka-Seltzer bottle "flasks" was de-rigeur.

 

[SRT]

Thanks, everyone, for the OUTSTANDING photos and commentary. The collective depth and breadth of information on this forum continually amazes me.

Hell, I wasn't there, but I sure wish I had been!

 

[Eddie Southgate]

It varied with the man. Bill Jordan told me that he preferred tequila "because it won't rile up your system like whiskey does."


Jon Sundra knows wine very well, the only other gun writer I've met who shared that interest with me. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if he's still writing. I haven't seen his byline in some time.

Jon put out a new book in 2018 .It is titled " Hell, I'm still here". Put out by Safari Press .

 

[Mickey D]

Elmer had a house in town, then moved out on to the ranch which is north of Salmon in Gibbonsville........the road if off of HWY 93 and is KEITH RD or KEITH LN......I have a photo of the street sign someplace. I have mentioned on this thread before that my hunting buddy spent some of his youth in Salmon and his father hunted with old Elmer......see photos above. Some cool history in the Salmon area for sure and good fishing on the river so take a rod and book a trip!!

Attached is the pictures I took of the entrance to Keith Ranch when I moved to the Salmon area in 2015. There are many stories that the older folks tell of Elmer being a boisterous free loader.
Expected anyone that drank or had a meal with him to pay for his indulgence.
Another prominent gun writer and enthusiast lives here in Salmon is Ken Hackathorn.

I don't know why the images went sideways.

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

I spoke with Elmer over the phone a couple times. He made it sound like we were long lost friends. I miss him

 

[italiansport]

Here's one without the hat.

I wonder what became of those tusks? Wonderful memories and thanks to all who contributed to this thread! For some reason; this thread brought back memories of Ole's big Game bar in Paxton, NB!!
Jim

 

[UFGator]

The Real America

The real America.....

Here is a photo taken of my friend Dwight atop of one of Elmer's horses.
This photo was taken in Elmer's backyard at their Salmon home in the mid 40's.

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

I wonder what became of those tusks? Wonderful memories and thanks to all who contributed to this thread! For some reason; this thread brought back memories of Ole's big Game bar in Paxton, NB!!
Jim

I think his grandson has them

 

[THREEDFLYER]

I spoke with Betty Keith (Elmer's son Ted's wife) several months ago by phone......Betty told me that Ted had moved out and there was a "domestic" situation involved that I will not get into in this thread.

Not long after I learned of Ted's passing.....I am sure Ted had some medical issues and I would almost bet memory issues from the conversations that I had had with him over the past couple of years.

Betty said that Gregor Keith, the grandson you are referring to had some resentment after the big sale of Elmer's things.....but you may be correct that he may have the tusks.....if he has not already sold them.