The work for local historian Robert Singletary's new book began long ago, even before he started his Kootenai County Chronicles series for The Press in the 1990s.

"What I discovered, going back to the terrific job that was done by newspapers, The Press, looking back at all the stories, there was a lot of stuff about history," Singletary said. "Going back to the 1950s, there was a whole group of people who kept people abreast of what was going on."

When the first shipment of "Coeur d'Alene Beautiful and Progressive: An Illustrated History of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 1878-1990" came in earlier this week, Singletary acknowledged those who documented the past so well. He would be the one to know — he’s read every issue of The Press starting, dating to its origins in 1892.

"So many people over the years contributed to the history," he said. "I didn't do it all. I stand on the shoulders of a lot of good editors and good reporters who kept the town abreast of their history."

"Coeur d'Alene Beautiful and Progressive" is the first complete history of Coeur d'Alene. Compiled in 250 pages and illustrated with more than 300 photos, the hardbound book relays the historical development of the Lake City from its beginnings on the outskirts of Fort Coeur d'Alene in 1878 to the modern and progressive city that it had blossomed into by 1990.

Although he credits those who recorded news and events through the years, it was Singletary who meticulously researched every aspect of Coeur d'Alene history to share the stories of its economic, political, social and cultural institutions. Included are the development of the city's churches, schools and colleges, medical facilities, timber and other industries, buildings and stores, transportation, the library, bands, orchestras and choirs, art galleries, clubs, entertainment, social activities and celebrations. 

"It was an eye-opener to see all the kinds of things that were going on in this community," Singletary said. "The growth of the town, all of that was fascinating."

Book signings are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday during Free Day at the Museum of North Idaho, 115 Northwest Boulevard; at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. (presentation included); and at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Well-Read Moose, 2048 N. Main St., Coeur d'Alene.

The book is available for $39.95 at the museum through Oct. 31. It can also be found at the Well-Read Moose, the Angel Gallery, Auntie's in Spokane, the Paperhouse in St. Maries or online at www.museumni.org.