Hannifan's Cigar Shop is a true rarity; a business over a century old, with the only major changes being the ownership. Not only does Hannifin's provide Boise with a great selection of various tobacco products, but also the mystique and aura of small shops etched deeply into a community.

The original business that would become Hannifin's was first located next to the iconic Boise Hotel on 8th Street in 1904. The original owner was Edmund Salmon, who worked alongside a man named John Hannifin. Both men played an important role in the establishment of the business.

In 1908, the business moved to the present location at 1024 W. Main St. in downtown Boise. In 1921, John Hannifin purchased the business from Edmund Salmon. John and his brother, Lawrence, ran the store through the 60's. Their dedication to their product and customer is most frequently referenced as their success and longevity, especially in maintaining the atmosphere of a small family-run shop.

Around the 1960's, Hannifin's became a location that was seemingly unwelcome to female patrons. At this time, John and Lawrence began stocking pornographic magazines and eventually other material. Through the decades, the adult themed products almost rivaled the 140 types of cigars, as an entire back room was dedicated to this new faction of the cigar shop. The presence of these products, along with a male-dominated practice such as pipe and tobacco smoking lead to an uneasy female customer.

Today the business holds a more traditional standard for their cigar shop. Walking into Hannifin's is like stepping back into early 20th century Boise. The worn out original floors leading back to the pot-bellied stove that originally sat in the old courthouse create an unmatched aura. It is rare to be able to walk on the same floors as a Boise icon such as Senator William Borah, as well as the infamous Raymond Snowden who was spotted at Hannifin's shortly after he murdered Cora Dean. Police investigations following Raymond's arrest lead officers to discover the murder weapon in a gutter at the front of the building. According to legend, Raymond still roams Hannifin's til this day, despite being executed at the Old Idaho Penitentiary on October 17, 1957.

The current owners, Robert and Angela Guerrero, keep the family-operated environment that has been so integral to Hannifin's longevity and success. After purchasing the store from Robert's brother in 1996, Hannifin's has retracted to specializing in the tobacco products and other grocery amenities that are at the core of Hannifin's Cigar Shop.

Resources:

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/give-the-man-a-cigar/Content?oid=935530