Bonner County History - April 6, 2025

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

April 6, 1975 – RECORD SNOW DEPTH

Snow pack at the top of Schweitzer on Mar. 27 was 172 inches, an all-time record that easily surpasses last year’s record of 148 inches. Water content was 70.6 inches, compared to 66 inches last year. The average snow depth this time of year is 124 inches; average water content is 49.6 inches. 

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TEN VIE FOR JUNIOR MISS

The 2nd annual Sandpoint Junior Miss Pageant will be held April 9 in the Panida Theatre, sponsored by the Sandpoint Jaycees. Robin DuCrest will direct the pageant, assisted by Mrs. Dee Sommerfeld, Miss Barbara Greenleaf and club president George VanRossum. Robert Fischer is pageant chairman; Eddie Eitzman and Dave Self, vice chairmen; John Olson and Shawn Woods, staging; Dave Duncan, awards; Chris Pietsch, photography; Craig Johnson, financing; and Jim Stearns, judges. Emcee Renee Gustaveson will introduce the contestants: Chris Chisholm, Alissa Creeger, Kirsten Thompson, Carol McAvoy, Maggie Critchlow, Kris Likens, Jan Marley, Naomi Marquez, Bonnie Wilson and Tammy Tucker. 

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SCHWEITZER 4-H ELECTS OFFICERS

The Schweitzer Valley Dwellers met at Sandpoint Senior High Mar. 6 with election of new officers: Ann  Ross, president; Dick Ross, v-p; Chris Pietsch, secretary; Laurie Tibbs,  treasurer; Laurel Berger, program chairman; Danny Rud, sergeant at arms; Jana McCormick, historian; Leah Melton, reporter. 

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

April 6, 1950 – DAMAGE CLOSES BRIDGE

The Cedar street bridge has been ordered closed to traffic as a safety measure until it can be repaired by the Sandpoint highway district. Two pilings were torn out by the weight of settling snow which was dumped from the bridge during the winter street clearing operations. This has caused a sag in the bridge deck with two bents hanging by the stringers. There is also a sag at the east end of the bridge but those pilings have not given way. The bridge is closed to all traffic to prevent possible accidents. 

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NEWS FROM DOVER by Mrs. A.S. Cotton

Mrs. Henry, Mrs. Peterson and Mrs. Karst were hostesses at a birthday party for Jackie Karst’s first birthday, Carla Peterson’s fifth, Sharon Peterson’s ninth and Bobby Henry’s eighth birthdays Saturday. Cake and jello were served to sixteen guests. 

Pvt. Robert Becker is spending a 10-day furlough with his parents before leaving for overseas duty. 

Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Blood and sons of Wrencoe had Sunday dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Milson Kellner. 

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CONIFER COURT BUILDS NEW COTTAGES

Two tourist cottages are completed and a third is under construction at Conifer court on highway 10-A at Ponderay, with three more to be built. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Boles are the owners. The cottages are finished on the interior in knotty cedar. Suitable for four persons, the cottages are completely modern. 

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