Bonner County History - Oct. 28, 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. 28, 1975 – LOCKWOOD HONORED

Mr. and Mrs. Cleo Lockwood were honored at a supper at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Palmer. Mr. Lockwood recently retired after many years of driving school children into Sandpoint from north of town. He was honored by friends with a money tree, a cake and a poem read and given him by Lois Palmer: “We’ll miss you Mr. Lockwood, we hate to see you go. You’ve hauled our kids for many years thru rain and mud and snow. You waited at the bus stop when the kids were running late, so you see it is no wonder they all think you’re great. You spent your own dough on them for treats throughout the year. We know you care about them, you’ve made that very clear. You held the rowdy ones in tow and helped protect the meek. You put up with the noisy bunch, week after endless week. And now as you retire to much less hectic days, the kids will long remember you for all your helpful ways. You’re not just an ex-bus driver; a friend you’ll always be. We hope you’ll stop and visit whenever you are free. This poem’s nearly ended; tho it may not pass the test, it’s meant to tell you, Cleo, that you’re the very best.”

•••

BETA SIGMA PHI PLEDGES

Beta Sigma Phi gathered for the annual Model Meeting and Birthday Party. New pledges for Idaho Nu Chapter were Norma Nierman, Jessie Miller, Dee Sommerfeld, Edie McCormick and Nita Garvey. 

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Oct. 28, 1950 – N.P. “BEANERY” BEING RAZED

Some old time railroad men will give a sigh at the passing of the Northern Pacific hotel, known to all trainmen and locals as the “Beanery.” The two-story landmark between Kootenai and Ponderay is being razed for salvage. The Beanery was opened in May, 1922, by the N.P. as a convenience for its crews. There were 20 sleeping rooms upstairs plus living quarters and the main room and large lunch counter downstairs. As many as 100 men were fed daily in busy seasons. Perhaps the most exciting thing that happened to the building was about 12 or 15 years ago when part of it was wrecked by the ground beneath it caving in, not an uncommon happening in the vicinity. When this accident occurred the building was cut in half but continued to serve its purpose until 1947 when its operation was discontinued. 

•••

FURNITURE EXCHANGE OPEN HOUSE

The Furniture Exchange is proud of their store improvements and invite the public to a grand opening all day Saturday. The building’s second floor, housing the Ambassador apartments, has also been improved. The new store front’s glass brick trim, neat aluminum windows, and cream-color paint, improves the looks of the whole street. Chas. Pennington and Walter Holz moved to the present location in 1931. John Woelfel, a senior employee of the firm, has been with them since shortly after they set up business. Other staff members are Ted Kerl, Kenneth Whalen, LeRoy Dunstan, Emile Messman, Henry Pennington and Miss Margaret Thomason.

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