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

Jan. 3, 1969 — KOKANEE CATCH DOWN

Jerry Mallet, regional Idaho Fish and Game fishery biologist told a recent meeting that no reason is known for the kokanee catch in Lake Pend Oreille being the lowest since 1963. Curiously, according to an earlier held theory, 1968 should have been among banner years for catches of the popular bluebacks.

•••

NO SCHOOL UNTIL MONDAY

Two more days of vacation were given Bonner County School District No. 82 students this week due to the severe weather.

Superintendent Jack Jones made the decision Monday to keep the schools closed until next Monday. Snow and cold weather had made it difficult to keep the buildings warm in many cases and Jones said he was not at all certain all the school buses could be started.

•••

TOWN TEAM DUMPS NEWPORT

Using a two-platoon system, Sandpoint’s town team basketball aggregation wore down an undermanned visiting squad from Newport and came from behind for a 95-83 victory, reversing an earlier loss.

Tim Aldrich, a Forest Service employee, with 24 points, headed five Sandpointers who hit in double figures. Vance Ekwortzell scored 16, Mike Parkins had 14, Smokey Chubb totaled 11, and Herb Burnett picked up 10. The Sandpoint squad has road trips to Bonners Ferry, Clark Fork and Coeur d’Alene scheduled this week.

100 Years Ago

Pend d’Oreille Review

Jan. 3, 1919 — R & A IN NEW LOCATION

The “shopping center” has been moved by Replogle & Aaron from “right on Cedar street” to “right on First avenue.” The popular firm is now moved to its new location, 317 N. First avenue, in the building recently vacated by the Van Gundy-Emerson store.

•••

COLD WEATHER FOR NEW YEAR’S

The new year was ushered in with a cold snap. The winter’s coldest weather was experienced the last day of 1918, when the experiment farm thermometer showed nine below. New Year’s got as low as three below. The cold wave began to recede yesterday.

New Year’s day was quietly observed in Sandpoint. The stores were generally closed and the streets deserted. There were no public demonstrations in honor of the day.

•••

CITY BREVITIES

Boat traffic at the Sandpoint end of the lake was effectually closed by Tuesday night’s freeze. The Navigation company’s boat arrived at the city dock from across the lake Tuesday afternoon, but as it was apparent that a freeze-up was at hand, the boat immediately left for Hope, which point will be the lower lake terminal until spring.

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