From the archives of the

Bonner County History Museum

611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864

208-263-2344

50 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Dec. 31, 1969 – PROUDLY WE SALUTE

In the Army less than a year and in combat in Vietnam for only a few months, Michael Minnich, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Minnich, Route 1, Samuels, Idaho, has twice been cited for meritorious achievement and bravery and has been promoted to Specialist 4.

Army Private First Class Larry J. Abbott, 20, son of Mrs. Arlaine Abbott, Route 2, Sandpoint, was assigned as a pole lineman with the 1st Signal Brigade in Vietnam.

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KAREN ANN NELSON PLANS WEDDING

The engagement of Miss Karen Ann Nelson to John T. O’Donnell has been announced.

She is the daughter of Mrs. Kenneth A. Nelson (Nancy) and the late Mr. Nelson of Sandpoint. O’Donnell is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom E. O’Donnell and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Eckert, all of Sandpoint. Both graduated from Sandpoint High. A June wedding is planned.

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VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNERS

Recognition for the local “Voice of Democracy” contest winners was part of the program of the Christmas party held by VFW post and auxiliary. The winners are Anna Vee Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Peterson, Hope, first place; Beverly Fields, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Fred Fields, Hope, 2nd; and Sharon Bolstad, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bolstad, Sandpoint, 3rd.

100 Years Ago

Pend d’Oreille Review

Dec. 31, 1919 – BUY MERCANTILE BLOCK

The most important real estate transfer made in Sandpoint for some time was the sale of the Northern Mercantile block (First and Main) to the Jennestad, Larson & Co., Ltd. for $20,000.

The building was erected 14 years ago by the Northern Mercantile company which occupied it as a general store for several years and was succeeded by the Sandpoint Mercantile. Messrs. Kerr & Nead took possession in March 1917.

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U.S. GOVERNMENT WILL HELP WIN BATTLE

At a meeting with the county commissioners Monday a Bonner farm bureau committee sought and obtained the continued co-operation of the commissioners to win the battle against ground squirrels. The government has promised to put men and strychnine on its lands in this section to fight the rodents, only if the county does its part.

The county’s promise to order 30 ounces of strychnine and 40 of saccharine for immediate use in destroying the pests, and to continue ordering as often as needed, means that the government will do its share in the extermination.

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CITY BREVITIES

The Benedicts club will give a dinner dance and New Years watch party at the K.P. hall.

A daughter (Opal Mae) was born Sunday to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Chaney of Bronx.

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