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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

Jan. 15, 1969 — SIX CAR PILEUP

When a small compact auto spun out of control early Sunday morning while northbound on the approach to the bridge south of the city limits and stalled sideways in the southbound traffic lane, six cars wound up in a chain collision.

Thirteen persons were passengers and some were injured, although not seriously. Estimated damage to the six vehicles was $1200.

•••

WINTER HASN’T LOOSENED HOLD

Bonner County has experienced little letup in winter’s savage attack. Just as people started to get dug out over the weekend, the white stuff started coming down again Sunday evening. Wind pushed drifts around once again, blocking roads in many parts of the county. About eight more inches fell at Sandpoint overnight.

Bonner County schools again had to cancel classes countywide. Schools have had classes just three and a half days since Christmas.

Sandpoint back yards now find few fence post tips sticking out of the snow. Every driveway has mounds of snow nearly too tall to toss another shovelful over the top. Many car owners have left their vehicles beneath snow mounds.

Nearly every street was plowed before the current storm. To keep streets open, cars must be moved, so snow can be pushed against curbs.

As of Monday, the winter’s snowfall was 63.3 inches, with 36 inches now on the ground.

100 Years Ago

Pend d’Oreille Review

Jan. 15, 1919 — CITY BREVITIES

Hans Boeck, who it was feared last week would not recover from pneumonia as a result of a flu attack, is now considered out of danger.

Snow fell today for the first time since before Christmas. Loggers have been waiting for an increased snowfall to make hauling possible.

John Selle states that if the present weather continues the Sandpoint Ice & fuel company will start its ice harvest from the lake. About eight inches of ice has formed on the lake shores.

•••

JACK FROST AT WORK

Monday morning, trees, bushes and shrubs hung heavy with as fine a display of silver frost as ever comes to this country. The delicate traceries remained all Monday and Tuesday, a sight so pretty that many photographs were taken to preserve the scenes of Jack Frost’s handiwork.

•••

REPORTS OF WOUNDED BOYS

William Pomranki, among the first to go to war from here, was seriously wounded in battle Oct. 3, and is in an Ohio hospital.

Bert Serfuss, a former Sandpoint boy with the 91st, lost his right leg as a result of a wound.

Bert McCoy, with the 91st, was badly gassed during one of the war’s last engagements.

Walfred Lindstrom of Dover, also with the 91st, was some time ago reported badly wounded.

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