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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

Feb. 12, 1969 – JANUARY WAS RECORD

A new January snow record was made this year with 68.8 inches of snow, surpassing 68.6 inches for January in 1954 and 67 inches in 1913.

As of Feb. 1, the season’s snowfall is 105.3 inches, almost a cinch to beat out the 1949-50 winter which had 111.5 total inches. Sandpoint’s all-time snow record was the 1915-16 winter, when 192.5 inches fell.

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COOTS BECOME EAGLE FOOD

After a recent blizzard, motorists reported dead crows lining the long bridge. As the weather cleared, it was obvious they were not crows, but rather coots. Coots are down to the last bit of open water in the area by the bridge, but aren’t likely to head for the next open piece of water, as their short wings make long flight difficult. In the blizzard some coots took false refuge on the bridge, but couldn’t be seen through the snow, so were slaughtered. Others had their feet frozen to the ice. Eagles, crows and ravens have been feasting on the trapped and injured birds.

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SPIELMAN RECOGNIZED BY AIR FORCE

Sergeant Loren Spielman, whose wife, Judy, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Miller, Rt. 1, Sandpoint, was recognized for helping his unit earn the U.S. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Sgt. Spielman, a vehicle dispatcher in the 92nd Strategic Air Wing at Fairchild AFB, Wash., will wear the ribbon as a permanent decoration.

100 Years Ago

Northern Idaho News

Feb. 12, 1919 – DANCE AT LACLEDE

Saturday’s masquerade dance at Laclede was a gratifying success. The dance was given by the Laclede camp of Modern Woodmen, and the music was rendered by Trout’s orchestra of this city. A good crowd attended, including a number of Sandpoint people, and all who were present tell of an enjoyable time.

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WINS FRENCH WAR CROSS

Captain John Humbird has been awarded the much-coveted croix de guerre (French war cross) by the French army for extraordinary bravery at Marcheville in Sept. 1918. General Pershing received a similar cross at the same ceremony.

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OLD RESIDENT DIES

Richard Palmer died Sunday at the home of his son, Charles, 502 Church. Born in England, Palmer was 77 years of age and a resident of this area for 21 years. He leaves a wife and seven sons and daughters: Charles, John, Al and Tom Palmer, Mrs. Charles Wicks and Mrs. R.M. Gooby, all of this community; and Mrs. Emma Schaffer of Startup, Wash. Mrs. Keller, whose death occurred a short time ago, was the eighth child. Her death made the first break in Mr. and Mrs. Palmer’s family of 47 children, grandchildren and great-grandchilden.

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