Bonner County History - May 8, 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
May 8, 1975 – LONGTIME NURSE RETIRES
Pheobe Senft, assistant hospital administrator, is taking off her nurse’s cap after 32 years, 29 of them in Sandpoint at the “Old-Old Hospital, the Old Hospital, and the New Hospital.” Mrs. Senft was honored at a buffet luncheon attended by over 200 friends. In 1946, she became supervisor of nursing at the Community Hospital, the “Old Old” Hospital, a three-story wooden building, where, as one old-timer said, “obstetrical patients were passed through a window after delivery to get them into the maternity room, and in the winter, the top floor was closed because snow drifted down onto the beds.” In 1951, after purchasing Navy surplus buildings at Farragut (and floating them to Sandpoint) the patients were moved to the “Old Hospital,” Bonner General Hospital. Perhaps Mrs. Senft’s greatest task was helping to plan for, and move into, the new modern BGH in 1973. When asked how she will spend her free time, she said, “I retired just in time for K & K Week. First, I’m going fishing, then I’ll think about it.” Happy trolling, Phoebe!
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BARBARA REMSEN IS DAIRY PRINCESS
Barbara Remsen, 17, a SHS senior, was crowned 1975 Dairy Princess Saturday at the third annual Dairy Princess Contest held in the WWP auditorium. Miss Remsen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Remsen of Kootenai. She was crowned by 1974 Dairy Princess Laura Glazier of Laclede.
75 Years Ago
Sandpoint News-Bulletin
May 8, 1950 – TO SELL OLD HOSPITAL!
Anticipating that the new hospital will be ready for occupancy late this year, the hospital board is considering calling for offers to sell the old hospital building. They hope to sell the building soon, but will not give possession until about Nov. 1. They have announced that under no circumstances will they attempt to operate a hospital in the old building through another winter. Meantime, plans are progressing for remodeling the dispensary building brought here from Farragut, and construction on the first unit should get underway in the near future.
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SALAD TABLE IS FOOD SHOP FEATURE
A refrigerated salad table, custom made by James Berry of the Sandpoint Sheet Metal works, is now in service at Joe’s Food Shop [105 Main, across from the old City Hall; in 2025, site of Bleeding Hearts Tattoo Emporium]. When Joe Rogers opened his Food Shop in August,1946, only fountain service was offered. Customers suggested various lunch items and now there is often only standing room during the noon rush hour. Mrs. Rogers has also had a hand in the lunch counter’s popularity. Her feather-light homemade cakes are a drawing card, often tempting dieting guests beyond discretion. The Food Shop is a diversified center, carrying magazines, fine candies and nuts, and a complete line of groceries. Open evenings until after 9 o’clock and all day Sunday and holidays, it is a convenient shopping stop for tourists and for home town folks.
For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.