Chinden – Where did the name come from?

Chinden Boulevard is one of Garden City’s most traveled roads—but few know the story behind its name. In 1952, Garden City held a street naming contest to prevent mail delivery mix-ups with Boise’s Main Street. Among 1,500 entries, Neta Danzer of Boise submitted the winning name: Chinden, a creative blend of “CHINese” and “GarDEN.” The name honored the Chinese gardens that once thrived in the area before the city was built.

For her clever contribution, Neta received $25 from the city council and a $100 bond from Circle M Café. Her idea didn’t just solve a postal problem—it gave the community a name rooted in local heritage.

Today, Chinden Boulevard remains a lasting tribute to Garden City’s diverse history and the people who helped shape it.