Thinkin' about labels makes one question 'progress'

I was walking through a grocery store and happened to notice some of the labels on various merchandise. Words like, improved, better, stronger, and fresher were splashed on many of the items.

I wondered what words could be put on some of our towns. How about Sandpoint — what word would we use to best describe our town yesterday, today and tomorrow? If we use change, thoughtful or otherwise, as our gauge, we might use the word “progress.” If the purpose of a city is to provide for its citizens, then we might want to look at how things have changed in the village by the creek. We can do it in three stages, before choosing the best descriptive label.   

Stage one: This will take a little time on your part. Take a walk downtown and make a list of everything you see that will enable you to meet your basic needs — food, clothing, and services. How many did you find that fit this criteria?

Stage two: Take your list and compare it to some of the businesses one would find in 1988. In the same downtown area there was Safeway, Penney’s, Taft’s, Larson’s, Merwin’s, City Hall, a drug store, a cobbler, and I am sure you can add the names of others. I have been told that at one time, there were five ways of getting from Sandpoint to Spokane. Three trains, a bus, and your own car — if you had a car.    

Stage three: Combine the first two lists and compare it to the year 1915. Way back there in the primitive, dark ages before tourism. If we turn back the clock, and walk around town, what would we see?

If the Northern Idaho News on April 13, 1915, can be believed, then this is what we would find: Lakeside Realty, Panhandle Bottling, Star Market, Grand Union Tea Co., LaFond Millinery, Pacific Transfer Co., Pend d’Oreille Hotel, Gold Medal Grocery, Jim’s Place [James Folden’s lunch counter], Johnson & Kimmel Electrical, George H. Hipke Real Estate, Anderson’s Post Office News Stand, Ellison & Eitelbuss Blacksmithing, Trout Sign Co., Rink Opera House, Spear Furniture,  W. F. Shutz Barber Shop, F. H. Bunde Clothing, the Grill Restaurant, and Kerr & Nead Wholesalers;

The Auto Shop, Jacobson & Rickard Cigar Factory, Lakeside Laundry, H. E. Krebs Pool Hall, T. Victor Case Tailoring, Francis D. Fowler Co., Exchange Hotel, The Gem Café, W. C. Raum Pool Hall, City Market, Abbott Block Bowling Alley, Dad’s Barber Shop [G. F. Hartman], L. Zachara Cabinet Shop, George M. Walker & Co. Gents Furnishings, The Sandpoint Drug Co., Sandpoint Mercantile Co., Pend d’Oreille Creamery Co., Sandpoint Ice & Fuel Co., City Livery Stable, Northern Navigation Co., King Brothers’ Iron Works, and the First National Bank

It sounds as if Sandpoint was once a self-contained city. In a few moments, a person could do all necessary shopping, and do it all by walking. The streets of downtown were a great place to meet friends and do a little chatting — every one knew everyone.

We still need a label for our town. After comparing our lists can we still use the word “progress?” Before answering, you must ask yourself this one, is it possible to progress backwards? I am heading for my favorite rocker and do some thinking on that one.