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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
Mar. 21, 1969 — OLD DOCK SMASHED
About 60 feet of the old city dock was wiped out March 9 as ice cakes, pushed forward by a northerly wind, sheared pilings from under the end portion of the dock and dumped it into Lake Pend Oreille. Any stiff breeze from the north before the ice melts or floats away is a distinct threat to the remainder of the dock.
The old city dock has been a Sandpoint land mark since 1903 when Harry Nesbitt, veteran bridge and dock builder, and Oscar Peavey drove pilings for the original construction by Northern Navigation co., which had three tugs working logs on the lake. Two passenger vessels, the Northern and the Western, hauled passengers and mail on the lake. Ore from the mines on the east side of the lake also came to the smelter at Ponderay by this water route.
Sandpoint’s old city dock was in regular use until Albeni falls dam started raising the lake level in the 1950s. Cars could be driven to the end of the dock and it was the center of a post-war marina owned and operated by Fred Kennedy. Once the lake became subject to seasonal levels, the old breakwater was blasted out to keep it from being a boating hazard at times of high water.
The old dock now serves another useful purpose by protecting city beach from northerly winds. In doing so, it helps create the lagoon immediately in front of the North Shore Lodge.
100 Years Ago
Northern Idaho News
Mar. 21, 1919 — A SNAP FOR SOME ONE
1/2 acre of ground and some fruit trees and outbuildings, chicken park and new house, 24 x 28, has four big rooms down stairs, good water, all for $400 cash; in the town of Laclede, Idaho; plenty of work there. Address Box 25, Laclede.
•••
WITHIN 1OO FEET OF MAIN LEAD
A period of renewed activity is beginning
at the Talache mine. It is estimated that an extension of the tunnel only 100 feet farther will cut the main lead. A crew of 200 men will be employed at the mine within the next 60 days.
Major H.H. Armstead is expected to resume active management of the mine this month. He received his discharge from the engineer corps, was recommissioned a major for five years in the reserve corps, and placed on the inactive list, to be called in case of emergency.
•••
RED CROSS: “CLEAN OUT YOUR ATTICS”
The Sandpoint Red Cross chapter has been asked to supply 6000 pounds of used clothing as its part in a country-wide drive to relieve destitute Europe. Have you supplied your share? If you can’t bring or send them, phone 121-J and they will be called for.
Nothing is too old to be accepted if only fit for patches. Do no mending. Thousands of women in Europe will be glad of the opportunity to earn a small wage by mending or making over garments.
For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.