Tradition started at old Farmin School

To the young woman who asked about the chili-and-cinnamon roll tradition in Sandpoint schools, I have an answer.

Ethel Kalb started the tradition at old Farmin School. She told me she was cooking there and had  asked Charlie Stidwell if she could make cinnamon rolls for the school lunch. He said, “What on earth would you serve with them?” She told him, “Chili.” That was the beginning of a great tradition. Thursday was the day.

She told me that story around 1982 while she showed me how she used to make them. The Kalb family is still here, they probably have more details on this wondrous history of North Idaho cuisine. Thanks, Ethel.

SHANNON ABROMEIT

Sandpoint