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From the archives of the

Bonner County History Museum

611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864

208-263-2344

50 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Oct. 5, 1967 — SPECTACULAR FIRE

A Saturday night fire destroyed the rear of Vic and Rod’s Tire Service, 521 Main, and heavily damaged the forward portion. Smoke and water and some roof damage was reported in the rest of the building, which houses Washington Machinery Motor Supply Division, 521 Cedar.

The blaze took off to a spectacular start shortly after 8 p.m. As the fire department responded, a stream of flames, sparks and smoke was shooting several hundred feet in the air. At the start, it threatened adjoining warehouse property to the south, Merchants Tracking Co., and as it moved into the tire storage area, it threatened residential property to the west.

Fire Chief Art Chubb said he probably will never be able to pin down the fire’s cause, but it found fuel in the rubber dust and cuttings common to a tire shop. He said the heat built up until the roof apparently melted and the fire billowed skyward.

Vic Olson, one of the owners of Vic and Rod’s, said he doesn’t know when he and partner, Rod Thurlow, will be back in operation.

•••

SANDY MERWIN IS VALENTINE GIRL

Beta Sigma Phi, Idaho Nu Chapter, met Tuesday at the home of Nancy Anderson with Jan Rud, cohostess. Sandy Merwin was selected as the chapter’s “Valentine Girl.” She will represent the chapter in national competition for the title.

100 Years Ago

Pend d’Oreille Review

Oct. 5, 1917 — PACK RIVER NEWS

Haying on wild meadows is about completed in this vicinity. The crop has been exceptionally good.

Don’t forget the social at the Sunnyside school house Saturday night. Besides the program and other stunts, supper partners will be drawn and the gentlemen will pay at the rate of one penny for each five pounds his partner weighs. Coffee and cake will be served.

•••

BONNER FORESTERS IN FRANCE

Word comes from across the Atlantic that the Bonner county contingent in the 10th Forestry regiment of Uncle Sam’s troops are quartered in a woods “somewhere in Southern France,” near the boundary of France and Spain where they are getting out timbers for the allies’ fronts. Bonner county boys with the regiment include Will Piatt, Kenneth Murray, John Murray, Frank Bond and Will Reed.

•••

CITY TO KEEP TAB ON JUNK DEALERS

At its meeting Monday night, the city council decided to keep a more careful watch on junk and second-hand dealers, as regards to their receiving stolen goods. Dealers will be required to keep a record of all goods purchased and who they are purchased from. The record is to be open for police inspection at all times and subject to being brought into court when needed.

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