The year 1921 marked the official end of World War I. It was the year that both insulin and the pop-up toaster were invented. One dollar bought three gallons of gas and for $1,000, you could purchase a Sears house kit. John Glenn was born that year, and so was Lillian Herzinger Dana. Everyone knows about John Glenn but let me introduce you to Lillian.

Lillian’s ancestors came from Czechoslovakia and their first stop in the U.S. was Nebraska. There they found out that land was cheap in southern Idaho so they moved here and became farmers. The Czechs are stalwart folk who eat tomato gravy, sauerkraut soup, and blood sausage… so we don’t have to!
Lillian married Paul Dana in 1941 and they ran the local John Deere equipment store for years. They then traded that business for a cattle ranch in Bellevue before eventually returning to Buhl. Paul finished out his working years as a field man for Green Giant. He died in 1990. Lillian is still with us and recently celebrated her 105th birthday.

I didn’t even know Lillian before she turned 100, so I always thank her for living long enough for me to get to know her! Lillian talks about growing up east of Buhl and remembers the bus route. She knows who is related to whom, and she’s related somehow to what seems like most of the people who live here. Lillian currently resides in assisted living and knows everyone there too. Nothing gets past her or escapes her attention. She still eats Czech food but also enjoys cookies and candy which gives us something in common.

We also have in common a love for our heritage, and we trade stories from former days which Lillian remembers while I rely on the memory of my father when he was alive. He and Lillian were born within a few years of each other. Lillian has four children, and one or both daughters visit her daily. All of Lillian’s family have a close relationship with her and a great granddaughter is Lillian’s namesake.

There are a lot of people in assisted living who don’t have a family like Lillian’s. You might consider visiting one of them who will likely tell you a lot about our community’s heritage and thus add value to your own heritage. My heritage is so incredibly richer from knowing Lillian.
-Priscilla Martens