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From the archives of the

Bonner County History Museum

611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

208-263-2344

50 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

July 17, 1966 — FIRM AT TOP OF FIELD

From coast to coast as far north as Alaska and south to Florida, the name of Emerald Maintenance carries the name of Sandpoint, Idaho, into military stations.

Emerald Maintenance, now largest in the nation began life in January of 1962 with the formation of the partnership of James Berry and Dan Deshon.

The new partners won their first contract in Feb., 1962, bidding upon housing maintenance on 1,324 homes at Larson Air Force base. This was soon followed by a contract at Victorville, Calif. to perform housing maintenance and a contract for air conditioning at Fort Bliss, Tex.

The last four-and-one-half-years has seen Emerald Maintenance grow from 25 employees to 250 and become the largest such firm maintaining housing on bases. Contracts held at the end of 1965 totaled $3 million. The 1962 gross was just $65,000. Six bases are currently under contract: Patrick AFB (part of the Cape Kennedy Space Center properties), Fla., Holloman AFB, N.M., U.S. Naval Bases in Charleston, S.C. and Milton, Fla. Two Alaaska contracts are at Kodiak island and Donnely Flats.

A full-time bookkeeper is employed to handle the records which are kept at the Deshon home, 215 Pacific.

100 Years Ago

Pend d’Oreille Review

July 17, 1916 — BAND BEING ORGANIZED

Wednesday a dozen bandsmen met in the band room at city hall. They decided to organize soon, and to form a business organization. The general feeling was that there are enough players to form a creditable body, capable of filling ordinary engagements and putting on occasional concerts. The question of a business manager and a conductor was being discussed when the electrical storm came up and broke up the meeting. A further meeting is planned.

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NEWS FROM MORTON

Bert and Lonnie Sage are loading a car of posts at the Colalla spur.

Ora Long is floating logs through the bridges on Colalla creek.

Roy Keiser was a Colalla visitor on Sunday.

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ODEN NEWS

A fine time was had at the picnic at the Ole Peterson ranch July 4. Races, games, music and dancing were indulged in. A large crowd attended from Kootenai and near points. Ice cream and refreshments were served.

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CLARKSFORK NEWS

Mr. and Mrs. Guy Jeffers were invited to supper last Friday at the parsonage where the bride was happily surprised by a kitchen shower. When she was seated comfortably a number of her girl friends marched from the hall, surprising her by exploding two very wonderful birds that let gifts down upon her head in profusion. A nice supper was served and all had a merry time.

For more information, visit the museum online at www.bonnercountyhistory.org.