Beardmore fitting out logging camp on Westbranch
100 Years Ago — 1921
Camp One fitted out
Charles W. Beardmore is fitting out a logging camp on his ranch on ranch on Westbranch, with Doug McDougall as cook and Jess Colwell in charge of the logging operations. Mr. and Mrs. Beardmore, Mr. and Mrs. Lane Jewell, their daughter Gertrude, and some friends drove up to camp a few days ago in Mr. Beardmore’s new car.
90 Years ago — 1931
Birthday celebrated with guests
Tuesday was the 9th birthday anniversary of the Eastern Star lodge and it was celebrated with a special program. About 30 or more guests from the Newport chapter were entertained.
80 Years ago — 1941
Site purchased for ranger station
The Priest River Chamber of Commerce formulated a plan to put across the purchase of a tract of land desired by the Forest Service upon which to build a ranger station in Priest River. The tract lies to the north of town, comprising 23 acres on the east side of the West Branch highway and 17 acres on the west side.
70 Years Ago — 1951
River cabin sold
Kaniksu Forest Products, Inc., purchased the Bob Dow cabin and 40 acres on Priest River, just south of Dickensheet Bridge, for $5, 400. Purchase was made from the Bob Dow estate.
60 Years Ago — 1961
G.N. demolishes pickup
An International one-half ton pickup belonging to McAtee & Heathe, contractors of Spokane, was completely demolished Thursday evening when it was struck by the eastbound Great Northern freight train at the crossing just east of the depot. There was no one in the pickup, which had been left on the main line tracks by person or persons unknown. Damage to the freight diesel was about $200.
50 Years Ago — 1971
Elves already busy
The Lions club workshop at Sandpoint is now in operation repairing toys for Christmas boxes, Priest River City Clerk Ruth Treat announced. Dolls are refurbished in Priest River.
40 Years Ago — 1981
High winds disrupt service
Winds estimated at 55 m.p.h. left power outages Saturday, keeping power company employees busy all day restoring service. Most outages were caused by trees falling across lines, but Priest River, Newport and Spirit Lake were all affected when the 115 KI Washinton Water Power line, which interties Bonneville Power at Newport, went out. The outage interrupted the viewing of the space shuttle Columbia landing.
30 Years Ago — 1991
Lake gets first fireboat
After years of fund-raising, the Priest Lake Volunteer Fire Department is the proud owner of a flatbottom fireboat. The ongoing fireboat fund, raised by the Priest Lake Yacht Club’s annual Commodore’s Ball, was matched by funds from the fire district. Donations will still be accepted to help with the cost of outfitting the vessel with the necessary equipment that will enable the boat to reach fires along the shore, the islands and boat fires. It will also be used in rescue and recovery in lake accidents.
20 Years Ago — 2001
New site for library
Members of the West Bonner Library Board decided to buy the Priest River Medical Clinic building to house the new library.