Bonner County History - Nov. 19, 2023

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. 19, 1973 – CONCRETE POURED

Concrete was poured last week for the new Idaho First National Bank office, on the former Old Farmin school property. The modern structure will be in the northeast quarter of the property near the intersection of 2nd and Main [in 2023, U.S. Bank].  

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HOSPITAL PROPOSAL FAVORED

100 persons attending Thursday’s public meeting appeared to strongly favor the Bonner General Hospital proposal to build a 60-bed extended care convalescent center on the site of the old hospital building [north side of Alder Street between Second and Third]. The lone protest came from Victor Johnson, owner of Sandpoint Manor [in 2023, Valley Vista Care Center], and his son Craig, who challenged the need for additional convalescent bed facilities in the area, yet admitted they are considering building an additional 40-bed facility at the nursing home location on Division.  

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600 GAL. OF WATER TO TOAST BREAD

With the region experiencing the lowest water level in 94 years, the vast quantities of water used to produce power take on new significance for all electricity users. It is estimated that 126,000 gallons of water are used to cook a turkey for four hours, while making waffles requires 6,330 gallons. Drying a load of clothes uses 48,000 gallons and toasting bread consumes 600 gallons. 

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Nov. 19, 1948 – BOYS GO TO FARRAGUT

Fifteen members of Boy Scout troop 111 were taken to Farragut Wednesday by Otto Greenhood in order to pass their swimming requirements for merit badges. Paul Delamarter is the scoutmaster. 

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CITY’S GROWTH OBSERVED BY PIONEERS

Among Sandpoint’s pioneers are Mr. and Mrs. J.M. LaFond, who observed their golden wedding anniversary Nov. 2. Married in Brainerd, Minn., they came here 46 years ago. “When we came, the town was all on the east side of Sand creek” Mrs. LaFond reminisced. “A foot bridge of logs and planks spanned the creek. When you crossed over to the west bank you were in forests. There were only trails. When we purchased our business site, we had our choice of any site on First avenue. Our friends thought we were foolish to buy ‘so far out.’ When 22 saloons blossomed on First the next year, we were very glad we stayed with our choice on [215] Cedar street.” In those early years the town was rough and not lacking for excitement. The streets were narrow and either dusty or axle deep in mud, according to the season. In the early 1900s, there were a few board sidewalks down town, but trails sufficed, often through woods, to the homes. The LaFonds opened shops side by side in their new building in May, 1903, hers the millinery shop and his the barber shop, with their living quarters in the rear. From their shop windows they have watched Sandpoint grow. 

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