Collister today has deep community roots, stemming from decades of early generosity which later matured into a neighborhood that residents have molded into a community facing the challenges of urban sprawl.

Collister Elementary and the neighborhood derives its name from Dr. George Collister, who was declared as a “Pioneer,” in his October 19, 1935 obituary in the Idaho Daily Statesman.

Dr. Collister and his wife, Mary Elizabeth moved to Boise in June of 1881 where he opened a downtown office on Main Street. Dr. Collister was one of the first physicians to bring public health services to the Treasure Valley, he specialized in Pediatrics.

He served as city and county physician and was a physician at the Idaho State Penitentiary and at the Soldier’s Home, according to this obituary.

Dr. Collister was also an avid writer and horticulturalist; he became the owner of one of the valley’s first peach orchards. He also built a 20-bedroom mansion overlooking his developing orchard on some 245 acres owned by him and his sister on what is now State Street. “Of the 245 acres that Dr. Collister owned, about 150 acres were donated for a new school site, leaving ample open space for children to play.” (,36)

After Dr. Collister decided to donate much of his land towards a school, one of the first schools of the Boise Valley was opened in the fall of 1911 Collister Elementary School was created. The school is the heart of what is now called The Collister Neighborhood nestled between Taft and Hill Road, it sits on Catalpa Drive.

The Collister Neighborhood is unique because of its 101 acres of similarly designed and oriented lots; “The acreage was divided into 98 ⅞ acre parcels that allowed one horse, one cow, and 150 chickens on each, believing that lots could be self supporting with room for an additional large garden.”

“To this day, special covenants make it the only neighborhood in Boise that still formally allows agriculture stock on each lot.” (,36)

Dr. Collister originally envisioned a rural lifestyle near Boise, where he could enjoy his orchards and be close to the cultural and economic hub of the Valley.

“Death Claims Dr. Collister, Boise Pioneer.” The Idaho Statesman; 19 October 1935. Print.

Shallat, Todd A., et al. Making livable places: Transportation, preservation and the limits of growth. Boise, 2010. Print.