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From the archives of the
Bonner County History Museum
611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864
208-263-2344
50 Years Ago
Sandpoint News-Bulletin
Jan. 30, 1970 – ITEX AWARDED CONTRACT
Itex, Inc., Sandpoint metal fabricating firm that employs five, began work on two prototypes of a new design snowmobile. Robert Hayes, manager, and C.B. Cocklin, tool and diemaker, were in Salt Lake City last week to negotiate a contract with Dyna Dev Corp. The snowmobiles are 66 inches long overall and by detaching the front skis, will stow in the trunk of the average family car.
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CRIPPLING STORM CAUSES DAMAGE
Eight to 12 inches of soggy, wind-driven snow dealt a crippling blow to Bonner and Boundary counties early Tuesday. The sudden dusk-to-dawn storm caused extensive damage to power and telephone lines, homes, trees and vehicles. Power failures were widespread.
Although the storm brought problems for many, it helped some. Sam Wormington, manager of Schweitzer Basin, reported two feet of new snow there. “Skiing is tremendous,” he said.
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MONTGOMERY WARD REOPENS ON FIRST
Darold Sauer Jr. has bought the Montgomery Ward catalog store from Harvey Rutherford and will reopen the business at 323 N. First Ave. Sauer has employed Dieter deHaan as manager of the firm, which is located in remodeled quarters next to the Ben Franklin Store. Mrs. deHaan will assist her husband with the store’s operation.
100 Years Ago
Pend d’Oreille Review
Jan. 30, 1920 – SANDPOINT TO HAVE BAND
W.W. MacDonald’s return has resulted in initial steps being taken to organize a city band and rehearsals are being held with that object in view. Dr. O.F. Page, O.J. Bandelin and Mr. MacDonald will appear before the city council Monday in an effort to secure a room in city hall for practices.
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ON STREET WITH MOONSHINE
Sheriff Spoor last evening arrested Charles Hinkle as he was crossing First avenue with a suspicious looking suitcase. A search revealed five one-quart Mason fruitjars and one two-quart can, all containing moonshine whiskey. “I saw a man set down the suitcase and I just picked it up,” was Hinkle’s explanation. He was locked up.
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BONNER GIANT TO GRACE MANITO PARK
A Bonner county giant white pine will soon grace Spokane’s Manito park as a flagstaff.
Two years ago, when a flagstaff at Manito park blew down, T.J. Humbird promised one to take its place. Last spring he asked Ole Pearson to find a white pine in the Pack river basin. After scanning 2000 acres, Pearson hit on the giant, which was brought to Sandpoint and put through treatment at the pickling (creosote) plant west of town.
The pole, 121 ft. long and 24 inches at the butt, weighs 3 tons. Said to be the longest white pine ever felled this side of the Cascades, it easily surtops any ever cut in this district.
For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.