Harwood’s and the Mullan Mural: Preserving the Everyday History of Mullan, Idaho

Some of the most interesting pieces of North Idaho history aren't found behind museum glass. They're still standing along the streets of the communities where their stories began.

In Mullan, Idaho, the historic Harwood's Drug Store building is one of those places. Located along Earle Street, the former neighborhood drugstore offers a glimpse into everyday life in this historic Silver Valley community, while the nearby Mullan mural adds another visual connection to the people, industries, and stories that have shaped the town.

Together, they demonstrate how Mullan's history continues to remain visible throughout the community.

Harwood's: An Everyday Piece of Mullan History

Mining understandably plays a major role in Mullan's history, but the story of a mining community isn't complete without the businesses that served the people who lived there.

Harwood's Drug Store was once one of those businesses.

Local drugstores historically served an important role in small towns. They were places to pick up everyday necessities, conduct business, and often stop to visit with neighbors along the way.

Places like Harwood's were part of the rhythm of daily life in Mullan—a community built not only around mines and industry, but around families, workers, merchants, schools, churches, and local businesses.

An Old Storefront Finds a New Purpose

Today, the former Harwood's Drug Store building has taken on an entirely different role.

The historic property has been converted into a spacious vacation rental, giving the building a new purpose while preserving reminders of its earlier life.

Vintage drugstore memorabilia can still be found throughout the property, connecting its present-day use with the business that once occupied the space.

One particularly interesting detail can reportedly still be seen—and felt—in the floor itself. An area near where the cash register once stood is said to have developed a slight bow from the years clerks spent working in the same spot.

It's a small detail, but that's exactly what makes it fascinating.

Instead of simply reading about the people who worked inside Harwood's, details like this provide a physical connection to their everyday routines.

The Mullan Mural Tells the Community's Story

Historic buildings aren't the only way Mullan keeps its past visible.

The Mullan mural adds another layer to the community's character, using public art to reflect the history and identity of this Silver Valley town.

Murals can turn an ordinary wall into a place for storytelling. In historic communities, they can also help connect today's residents and visitors with the industries, people, landmarks, and traditions that came before them.

Against the backdrop of Mullan's historic streets and surrounding mountains, the mural becomes another piece of the experience of exploring the town.

It encourages visitors to look a little closer—and perhaps learn more about the community behind the images.

History Beyond the Mines

Mullan's identity is deeply connected to the mining industry and the historic Mullan Road. Those stories are essential to understanding the community, but they're only part of its history.

Buildings like Harwood's help tell the story of what happened between shifts at the mines.

They're reminders of the stores where residents shopped, the businesses where people worked, the sidewalks where neighbors crossed paths, and the places that became part of people's everyday routines.

These ordinary pieces of community life can be just as valuable in understanding what a town was really like.

When paired with public landmarks such as the Mullan mural, they help create a broader picture of the generations who have called this mountain community home.

Preserving the Past While Finding a New Purpose

Historic buildings in small communities often face an important question: what happens when their original purpose is no longer needed?

Harwood's offers an interesting example of how an older building can continue to be used while still honoring pieces of its past.

Instead of disappearing as Mullan changed, the former drugstore found a new role. Its architecture, memorabilia, and small details provide reminders of what came before while allowing the building to continue being part of the community today.

That blend of old and new is something you'll find throughout many North Idaho towns.

Explore the History of Mullan and the Silver Valley

From former neighborhood businesses and historic schools to mining landmarks, murals, churches, parks, and pieces of the Mullan Road, this small Silver Valley town has stories around nearly every corner.

Sometimes, discovering them is simply a matter of slowing down and looking a little closer.

For those considering a move to North Idaho, exploring places like Mullan can also provide a better understanding of the individual character found throughout the region. Each town has its own history, amenities, traditions, and sense of place.

If you've been thinking about life in North Idaho, True North Property Experts would love to help you explore it. From Mullan and the historic communities of the Silver Valley to Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, and beyond, our team can help you discover the homes and communities that fit what you're looking for.

Ready to discover more of North Idaho? Connect with the True North team and explore the historic towns, local landmarks, and communities that give this region so much character.