Jam breaks boom, logs take out pilings
(Photo courtesy PRIEST RIVER MUSEUM) River pigs work their magic during a log drive in 1944.
20 Years Ago — 2001
Bank takes new name
The Priest River Branch of First Security Bank took the Wells Fargo name as the result of the two banks’ recent merger. Some staff remains, however. Peggy Smith is still holding the reins as bank manager.
30 Years Ago — 1991
Spartan girls shine
The “Big East” golf match at Wandermere in Spokane turned into a big show for the Priest River Spartan girls’ golf team. Behind the outstanding play of the trio of Trine Jorgensen, Annie Martin, and Tracy Marlett, the Spartan girls took first place in the 25-team tournament.
40 Years ago — 1981
Weimer takes over
The lumber industry in the Priest River area got a shot in the arm recently when the JD Lumber mill on Bodie Canyon Road reopened after being idle several months. Manager Jeff Weimer has taken over operation of the mill formerly known as River Lumber. Weimer spent the last six months renovating the firm. Weimer, who hails from Montana, has worked in mills in that state as well as in Washington. The mill will primarily handle cedar. Last week the first load of lumber was shipped. The plant employs about 25 workers.
50 Years Ago — 1971
Amtrak replaces passenger service
Priest River and thousands of other communities are about to lose the faithful “iron horse.” Railpax (to be known as Amtrak) replaces existing passenger service Saturday with one eastbound and one westbound train daily, which will miss Priest River.
60 Years Ago — 1961
Naccarato elected mayor
A new slate of candidates was elected to office in the municipal election Tuesday, April 25. They are Roland “Buddy” Naccarato for mayor; Arley Stewart, councilman, east precinct; and Ray Eichwald, councilman, west precinct.
70 Years Ago — 1951
Gain is fourth in state
According to U. S. Department of Commerce figures, Priest River was fourth in the state in percentage of gain — 50.3 percent — in the past ten years behind Moscow, Alameda City, and Mountain Home. The local population is 1,537.
80 Years Ago — 1941
Dancers qualify for free ferry ride
Don’t forget the big barn dance, pie social and fish pond given by Thama Community Club Saturday at Nilles’ new barn. Everyone invited. Free ferry crossing up to nine o’clock, and free crossing back if all cars leave at one time.
90 Years Ago — 1931
Orchestra heard over radio
The Jack Pine Savages, an old-time orchestra consisting of E. M. Brown, T. A. Mackey, Glen Culler and Geo. Binkley, were heard over radio station KGKX Sunday. Their musical numbers came through nicely and were heard by many radio fans.
100 Years Ago — 1921
Jam breaks boom, logs escape
A jam at the mouth of Priest River broke and broke the boom, taking out several pilings. The boom was cut at Newport to let the logs through, and they were stopped at Dalkena. A bunch of logs from the east side and the West Branch flood caused the jam to break. About 3 million feet of logs and some poles were in the jam, most of them belonging to Humbird and Dalkena.