Bonner County History - Nov. 14, 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

Nov. 14, 1974 – B-N PROMISES ACTION

Angry letters from residents to Burlington Northern have resulted in a promise of “a much improved operation” in the area known as Gooby’s crossing. B-N explained that crossing signals at Gooby’s are of a “fail-safe” design, meaning warning lights flash and gates close when train cars are within 120 feet of the crossing, whether the train is moving or not. The many tie-ups at the crossing are caused by “cars, being left in the circuitry by switch crews, causing the signals and gate to operate.” To remedy this, B-N will install a motion detector circuit, causing signals to cease operating when cars come to a stop on the main track even when they are in the circuit.  B-N also “verbally reprimanded responsible individuals and began an extensive educational campaign to minimize inconvenience to the public.”

•••

LIGHT BULB SALE BENEFITS SHS ATHLETICS

Members of the Bulldog Bench, Bulldog football and basketball players and the girls’ basketball and volleyball teams will conduct an all-out drive next Wednesday to sell electric light bulbs to Sandpoint residents. The bulbs will be sold in packs of six, each containing two 60-watt, two 75-watt and two 100-watt bulbs at the regular price of $2. Money raised from the drive will be used to help defray expenses at the field house at War Memorial Field and for other athletic events at the high school.

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Nov. 14, 1949 – BAND UNIFORM DRIVE

The SHS band, directed by Adair Hilligoss, will begin a drive to secure an estimated $4000 for 80 new band uniforms. As soon as the amount needed is reached, orders will be placed so the uniforms can arrive early in the winter. Several money-raising events are planned, beginning with a music concert at the high school auditorium Nov. 18, which will include cowboy ballads, modern swing variety numbers and old familiar melodies. The concert band now has 65 members and is steadily growing. 

•••

HOBO PARTY ENJOYED AT WILLER HOME

Appropriately-costumed guests gathered at the Robert Willer home Saturday when Mr. and Mrs. Duane Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Willer co-hosted a hobo party. Arriving at the Willers, guests entered through a dimly lit pathway in the brush, then came out into a “jungle.” The usually comfortable living room was disguised with branches and shrubs. All furniture was removed, tattered garments hung from the greenery, and scattered papers, tin cans and general litter added to the “jungle” feel. Only a fire in the fireplace illumined the scene. Dividing in groups, the party scoured the city on a scavenger hunt, returning to eat hobo stew and a sack lunch by firelight. Prizes for the best costumes went to Mr. and Mrs. L.G. Moon, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Levering. Others present were Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Hagadone, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Piatt, Mr. and Mrs. Thor Verdal, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Coleman, Jr., and the host couples.

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