Bonner County History - March 5, 2024

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

Mar. 5, 1974 – ANNOUNCE ENGAGEMENT

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sodorff, Sandpoint, announce the engagement of their daughter, Marcia Lynn, to H. Thomas Vanderford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. Vanderford, Boise. Miss Sodorff will graduate from the University of Idaho this spring with a degree in interior design. Her fiance is a law student at the U of I. The couple plan a June 22 wedding at First Presbyterian Church in Sandpoint. 

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ROSS PAYNE OPENS NEW WASH-O-MAT

Ross Payne’s Nu-Way Wash-O-Mat at Fifth and Alder opened last Friday in the former home of Sandpoint Tire Town. Payne said it has 24 regular Maytag washers, eight double-load machines, two triple-load washers, 20 automatic dryers and two dry cleaners. Bessie Stockdale is the manager. Also employed are Bonnie Spade and Jackie Crandell.

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SCHWEITZER SNOW SCULPTURING

In the first annual Schweitzer-Sandpoint Winter Carnival Snow Sculpturing contest, four Sandpoint youngtimers and two over-19 residents claimed prizes. In the 10 and under bracket, Dawn and Erin Irgens, ages 10 and 9, won $10 for their snowy likeness of a turtle. Kathy McCanlies and Liz Davis, both 12, grabbed a $10 prize in the 11 and over division for a snow frog that won the hearts of the judges. In the biggy of the day, Frank Delamarter and Dick Baroni’s likeness of an ancient Tahitian mask earned them dinner and drinks at the Keg Restaurant. Dave Sutliff, Schweitzer official, said there were 22 contestants overall. 

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Mar. 5, 1949 – FRESHMEN ENTERTAIN

The freshmen assembly held at the high school was enthusiastically received by the student body. A play, “Wildcat Willie,” headlined the program. The cast of Sally Holz, Lester Bergeron, Carol Rojan, Bud Van Stone, and Polly Spangle, was headed by Bob Maxwell as Willie. Other attractions were A freshman band, a reading, and a pantomime.

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CAPTIVATING BEAR ADORNS KANIKSU

The “Fishin’ B’ar” arrived yesterday, drawing much attention. There had been a good deal of conjecture about it for weeks due to teaser advertising in the newspaper. The “Fishin’ B’ar,” a saucy little bear standing on a stump and catching fish, is the theme of the advertising campaign of the new Kaniksu Motel and Cafe (formerly Hurschell’s) at 317 Cedar. The flasher neon sign on the front of the building is one of the most spectacular in the region. 

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BONNIE MERWIN CELEBRATES

Bonnie Merwin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Merwin, entertained friends Friday after school for her seventh birthday. It was a wonderful party with games, lovely gifts and refreshments. Guests were Karen Holst, Karen Cox, Esther Helen Pennington, Sharon Jones, Patty Taylor, Frances Rogers, BoPeep Barlow, Nancy Walker, and Ronale Selle.

For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.