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From the archives of the

Bonner County History Museum

611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864

208-263-2344

50 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

March 30, 1967 — TREES PLANTED

Idaho’s First Lady’s first visit to the White House was a whirlwind trip for Mrs. Don Samuelson when she accompanied her husband to the governors’ conference called by President Johnson March 18-19 in Washington, DC.

The trip brought another first for Mrs. Samuelson. She picked up a shovel and was initiated into the business of formal tree-planting under the auspices, of course, of Mrs. Lyndon Johnson. The tree was a white dogwood planted in Governor’s Grove along the Potomac River right off George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Not that Ruby Samuelson hasn’t planted trees before — lots of them, blue spruce mostly, around the home she and her husband built almost entirely by themselves on North Boyer here in Sandpoint. But this was the first time she’d ever done it to music.

They were entertained twice at the White House. “It was all very elegant,” she said.

The Samuelsons were houseguests of Rep. and Mrs. James McClure.

One of the highlights of the trip for Mrs. Samuelson was flying on Air Force One with thoughts about President Johnson having been sworn in on the same plane.

100 Years Ago

Pend d’Oreille Review

March 30, 1917 — COMMUNITY RESPONDS

No city in Idaho responded as quickly and thoroughly to the country’s call as Sandpoint this week. Company A was called out Monday, an auxiliary to the American Red Cross was organized Monday afternoon, yesterday steps were taken for the organization of a “home guard” and last night a patriotic meeting was held which taxed the capacity of the Rink. Mayor Himes has called up on business houses and citizens to make a display of the national colors for one week beginning tomorrow. Merchants taking up the spirit of the day are making displays of patriotic and historical character in their show windows. Children are having snowball fights. The Spokane dailies are hurriedly scanned for war news. The patriotic spirit is everywhere. The general consensus of opinion was keynoted last night by G.H. Martin, chairman of the patriotic meeting, when he said “The American people have tried to avoid war but if it comes we want Uncle Sam to strike quick and strike hard.”

•••

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

It is not generally known, but the legislature passed an amended law relative to municipal elections which will change the face of things quite materially at the approaching spring election when voters will find they will be called upon to elect a mayor and board of aldermen only and that the aldermen, two from each ward, will be elected by the city at large. City Attorney Martin has received from the attorney general notice of the change.

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