Bonner County History - Oct. 16, 2025

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

and Sandpoint Bee

Oct. 16, 1975 – WASSON BUYS AGENCY

The Easyway Travel Agency was recently purchased by Ella Louise (Susan) Wasson, a four-year area resident. Carole Martin has returned as manager after a year’s absence. Miss Wasson, an experienced traveler who has visited Europe and Africa, is aware of the kind of help the traveler needs, and is confident she can provide the quality service needed to ensure a comfortable trip. 

•••

FOURNIER, LAWSON WEDDING IN AUGUST

Billie Rae Fournier and Stuart Lawson exchanged vows August 16 at the Sandpoint United Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Park W. Fournier, Sandpoint, are the parents of the bride, and Mr. Lawson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. E. Lawson, of Hope.

•••

MONSTER SPUDS OF ROY ALEXANDER

“I just wanted to show that you can raise these in Bonner County,” he said hefting a box holding a half dozen potatoes, each weighing over two pounds. The monster spuds were raised by Roy Alexander in his well-cared-for garden at the corner of Jefferson and Main in Sandpoint. The former welder, 67, who raises other outstanding vegetable crops in the plot, last week revealed some secrets to his gardening success. “I feed the soil,” he said. “It’s all organic. I fertilize with plenty of barnyard manure and some hardwood ashes. And I put in leaves. Leaf mold is about the best kind of fertilizer you can get.”

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Oct. 16, 1950 – NEWS FROM COLBURN

Mrs. Louise Zastrow and Mrs. Winifred Kluckhohn, Colburn school teachers, attended an institute at Coeur d’Alene, giving the pupils a two-day holiday. 

  Family and friends surprised Anderson Stradley on his 76th birthday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Stradley. A big birthday cake was presented by his granddaughter, Mrs. Werner Paulet. 

Gene Green, Glen Stradley and his father, Anderson Stradley, Gene Owens and Clarence Riffle, left Friday for an elk hunting expedition.  

•••

FRIENDS FETE MISS GUNBY

A shower at the home of Mrs. H.J. Ridley honored Miss Mary Lou Gunby, whose marriage to William Andersen is set for Oct. 21 at the Baptist church. Guests at the shower, given by Mrs. Irma Ridley and Miss Mae Tillberg, were Mrs. Evelyn Scott, Mrs. Donna Bader, Mrs. H.J. Ridley, Mrs. Hortense Gunby, Mrs. Paul Tillberg, Miss Dorothy Graves, Miss Ronnie Oman, Miss Margaret Ratcliff, Miss Dorothy Campbell and Miss Ruth Tribe. 

•••

FRIENDS GIVE HOUSEWARMING

Mrs. Edna McArthur was pleasantly surprised Monday when friends gave her a housewarming at her home at 716 N. Fourth. The afternoon was spent playing cards, followed by a luncheon. Guests were Mrs. Jennie Cross, Mrs. Hattie Ridley, Mrs. Mary Murphy, Mrs. Mary Morris, Mrs. Mary Brooks, Mrs. Alice Mogenson and Mrs. Tillie Fleming. 

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