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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

Oct. 16, 1968 – FIRE ALARM

Sandpoint’s firemen made a run to Pend Oreille Sports Shop, on First Ave. at 5:33 p.m. Oct. 10. They discovered that a burning cigarette had been caught up in an oil dust mop. Nothing was damaged except the mop.

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THREE MAJOR CITY NEEDS

The city of Sandpoint had it brought to its attention Monday that it faces heavy financial demands on three fronts.

A possible withdrawal of insurance on the Bridge street span has been suggested unless the city makes further repairs on the bridge. Councilmen see no money for the needed new bridge and have virtually run out of possible sources of matching money.

Councilmen were already aware of the second financial front, the city water system. Cost of a 24-inch main from the filter house to the city reservoir is estimated to be about $85,000.

Finally, the third money problem was sprung by the State Health Department’s Art Vant Hull, who has listed a schedule for putting in secondary sewage treatment facilities at the Sandpoint plant. The state proposes the city begin planning and engineering in 1969, construction in 1970 and operation by 1971. The 1958 primary treatment plant cost $250,000.

100 Years Ago

Northern Idaho News

Oct. 16, 1918 – 10 CASES REPORTED

Ten cases of influenza have been reported in Sandpoint and vicinity, all of a mild form. They have been isolated, but not been put under quarantine. Three cases are among school teachers and it was decided to close the county schools for two weeks and to prohibit public meetings of every kind during the same period.

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PRIVATE MARTIN DIED A HERO

“I’m dying. Look out for the other fellow.” These were the last words of William D. Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.D. Martin, 409 S. Florence, the first Sandpoint boy to pay the supreme measure of devotion on the fighting field in Europe. This was contained in a touching letter written by the chaplain of the 146th Field Artillery to Martin’s parents. It shows the kind of stuff in Bonner county boys. The first news of Private Martin’s death came in private letters from boys in the same company and was later confirmed by official messages.

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NIGHT LETTERS BY CARRIER

It has been announced that night letters sent by telegraph will be delivered by mail carriers where there is delivery service. This change is due to the taking over of the telegraph by the government. Consolidation of the telegraph offices and the postoffice, by removing them to the same building, is being investigated.

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