Blaze threatens area
100 Years Ago — 1919
Fire threatens Peninsula
A fire originated about 11 miles north of the city in a strip of woods between the Priest Lake road and the river. Victor Pierson’s camp is situated in the near vicinity, and it is also feared that some of the nearby homes may be reached before the fire is controlled, including those of Bill Meegan, Carl Huff, John Chambers and Bill Bleedhorn. Frank Doolittle’s camp is also near the scene of the fire.
90 Years Ago — 1929
Among the huckleberries
Wm. Whetsler and Leo Golden and families have moved into the building built for the Nell Shipman Moving Picture Company at Lion’s Head Bay for the summer. Leave it to Bill to settle among the huckleberries.
80 Years Ago — 1939
New road opens
The new road on the West Branch has now been opened to traffic. This project, which started at Torelle Falls and came out above Moore Creek has now been completed and was opened to July 4 traffic. The road cuts off about two miles over the old highway and cuts off the Four Corners.
70 Years Ago — 1949
Child escapes drowning
A near tragedy occurred Monday afternoon when little Susan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Huff, fell into the river at McAbee Falls. Although the water was shallow at that point, the small girl went in head first and gulped a huge mouthful of water. Fortunately, her father was nearby and was able to pull her out immediately.
60 Years Ago — 1959
Under new management
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Pearson of Spokane have taken over management of Phil’s Cocktail Lounge on Main Street. After renovation and redecoration, it will open again for business. The Piersons owned and operated the club several years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Gus Ribail have been in possession for the past two years. Alford “Popeye” Rose will be employed, Mr. Pierson said.
50 Years Ago — 1969
Leaf movies on TV
Movies of the Priest River Loggers Celebration two years ago, taken by Frank Leef, Times photographer, are tentatively scheduled to be shown on the 6:30 news on KHQ-TV Monday, July 14.
40 Years Ago — 1979
Senior Center opens
The Happy Agers will be having their noon potluck lunch at the new Senior Citizens Center on Fourth and Jefferson Friday, July 13. There also will be an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. All senior citizens are invited to attend and have a look at their new home.
30 Years Ago — 1989
Street has new look
Priest River has one nice street. The $40,000 re-pavement project on Harriet Street in front of Priest River Elementary School was completed Monday as workers of Coeur d’ Alene Asphalt finished off the long stretch with a layer of asphalt.
20 Years Ago — 1999
Staff to receive training
The Priest River Public Library will be closed on July 15 for staff to receive training on the new circulation software purchased with funding from the Library Services and Technology Act. New computers will be available for Library patrons on Monday, July 20.
10 Years Ago — 2009
Tea Party voices concerns
Just as American as apple pie and baseball, exercising freedom of speech as a high priority on the Fourth of July as a large crowd gathered at the Priest River City Park. A second Taxed Enough Already party rally was held for people to listen to information and voice their opinions on Independence Day. The first TEA party was held downtown on April 15.