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This digital collection is comprised of select materials from the Cordelia and William Onweiler papers documenting the couple’s political and public service in Boise during the 1950s-1970s as well as Cordelia’s family history. Materials are largely digital reproductions of photographic prints and newspaper clippings. The collection also includes a 1970 Boise River Greenbelt promotional video titled “Boise River Today” showing aerial footage of the Boise River.

William "Bill" Onweiler was born in Boise, Idaho, in 1923, and grew up in the small town-site of Ustick, Idaho. In the late 1960s, Bill served four years on Boise City Council where he championed preserving open space within city limits. Bill played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Boise Greenbelt in the 1960s, earning him the nickname “Greenbelt Billy.” Bill worked tirelessly on the Greenbelt project, going so far as to produce a promotional film in the autumn of 1970. Bill also served in the Idaho House of Representatives where he advocated for land-use measures and taxing legislation for municipalities.

Cordelia “Corki” Shellworth was born in 1931 and grew up in Boise. Committed to literacy, historic preservation, and the Boise Greenbelt, Corki served on various administrative boards in Boise and was elected to Boise City Council in 1976 during the era of urban renewal. She did not, however, serve her entire term, as she and her husband relocated to McCall, Idaho in 1978.

Image Credit: Cordelia and William Onweiler papers, MS031-B01-F05-009, Boise City Archives

Interested in researching Cordelia and William Onweiler papers?  Click on "Find out More" below to review the finding aid or reach out to artsandhistory@cityofboise.org.