Bonner County History - June 16, 2022
Brought to you by the
Bonner County Historical
Society and Museum
611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864
208-263-2344
50 Years Ago
Sandpoint News-Bulletin
June 16, 1972 – FLOOD THREAT EASES
Inching up steadily the past two weeks, Lake Pend Oreille crested Monday night at elevation 2065.71. Barring an abrupt weather change, it is believed the peak is over and there will be a gradual drop in lake level over the next several days. No loss of life or serious injury has been reported due to the high water.
•••
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
With the lake level at near peak last weekend, a strong southwest wind built up waves that pounded beaches along the north part of the lake, resulting in considerable erosion as waves ate into sand and gravel beach slopes. Waters from Sand Creek entered areas north and east of Sandpoint Marina’s main building and for days, the Marina appeared to be standing in a lake when viewed from US 95. Docks near the city beach boat ramps were lifted and twisted by the rising water, and motorists crossing the long bridge reported sheds, barns, boat docks and large trees floating down the swollen lake and the Pend Oreille River. Residents on Railroad Avenue east of the BN tracks had their access shut off by the water, with the road leading north from the old city dock along the shoreline well under the water.
•••
MRS. GUSTAVESON NAMED METER MAID
Mrs. Renee Gustaveson of Sandpoint joined the city police department last week to serve as the new “meter maid.” Mrs. Gustaveson’s appointment was effective June 8. She succeeds Mrs. William Todd, the former Mary Anders, who resigned the post June 1.
100 Years Ago
Pend d’Oreille Review
June 16, 1922 – OVER 3,000 FOR DAY’S EVENTS
The combination of sales day, Flag day and Ford day brought over 600 Ford cars and more than 3,000 people to the city Wednesday. The merchants, without exception, report the largest gross volume of sales day business since the first tryout of the monthly bargain day last year. Features of the Ford day program were the parade at 11 o’clock and the slow race following it. The race winner required 15½ minutes to negotiate the 75-yard course without a stop. Several cars were disqualified for stopping. During the race, the throng of people on First was so great that at times the cars could hardly be seen for the crowd clustered about.
•••
FLAG DAY OBSERVED
Wednesday’s Flag day program, in the charge of the Elks’ lodge, took place at 7 o’clock p.m., starting with a parade of Elks and Boy Scouts, headed by the City band and ending at the Central school where the Elks put on a beautifully impressive ceremony, featured by community singing, led by Dr. Guy, an address by Judge McNaughton of Coeur d’Alene, an impressive oration splendidly delivered by Lawrence J. Vaillancourt, and a program participated in by the following Elks: P.M. Bower, T.L. Gibson, G.H. Martin, Charles Foss, L.E. Ulrich and J.B. Gardner. Rev. Dr. William Westwood, the lodge chaplain, asked the invocation. The school lawn was covered for the occasion by a crowd of approximately 1000 persons.
For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.