Bonner County History - June 4, 2023
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 4, 1973 –BIRTHS
May 23 - Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Spray, Sandpoint, boy, 6 lb. 5¾ oz.; May 24 – Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Roberts, Newport, Wash., girl, 8 lb. 9½ oz.; May 25 – Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kohal, Dover, girl, 7 lb. 14 oz.; May 26 – Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Syth, Avery, girl, 8 lb. 3 oz.; May 26 – Mr. and Mrs. Dale Ahner, Sandpoint, girl, 6 lb. 13 oz.; May 27 – Mr. and Mrs. Peter Weatherford, Sandpoint, girl, 6 lb. 11½ oz.
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DEDICATION OF NEW CARILLON
First Presbyterian Church will dedicate its new carillon during the 11 a.m. service today, with a carillon concert to follow, a dream realized through the efforts of many members of the church family. The public is invited. All memorialized deceased members will be listed on a plaque inside the church. This is Sandpoint’s first carillon.
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TOURIST SEASON MAY BE A RECORD
This may be the busiest summer in the area’s history. Recreation seekers have arrived earlier this year than ever before. “Over 500 stopped by in May – an all-time record,” said Mrs. Barbara Remmers, chamber of commerce secretary. “If gasoline shortages don’t develop extensively in the months ahead it looks like we may have the best summer season yet,” she added. Another major Scout jamboree at Farragut State Park in July also is expected to boost summer travel in North Idaho.
75 Years Ago
Sandpoint News-Bulletin
June 4, 1948 – FLOOD DAMAGE HERE LIGHT
As Bonners Ferry and St. Maries suffered severe flood damage and Vanport, Ore., was wiped off the map by a dike break, Sandpoint residents and those living around Lake Pend Oreille were experiencing the highest water since the flood of 1894. There was some damage, but losses were minor compared to other areas. Pacific Ave. west of Second went under water, then Idaho St. and finally Dearborn. Some residents on the east side of Fourth can now go a-fishin’ from their back porches; eight to ten lakefront homes in town were flooded; the Emmett Hitchner home on First was surrounded by water; the O.J. Bandelin home has a basement full of water; and Dr. C.C. Wendle had an enlarged fish pond for his kids to play in at the other end of the same block.
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NARROWLY ESCAPES DROWNING
Ronald Press, 12-year-old grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Louie Press, who last week won a bicycle from Bi-Rite Drug, nearly drowned Tuesday in a tumble into an open manhole on First. He was riding in front of the McFarland home where a manhole had been opened last week after a power shovel broke the line. Thinking it was just shallow water, he rode forward and tumbled into the deep water. Mrs. Art Boehm saw the mishap from her front window and ran outside to summon mail carrier Ray Messman, who dragged the stunned youth to safety. Mrs. Boehm said were it not for prompt action taken by Messman, the boy doubtless would have drowned.
For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.