Bonner County History - Oct. 30, 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. 30, 1975 – LEGION SLATES ART AUCTION

The Legion of Fine Art’s third annual Art Auction will be held at the Elks Saturday with the addition of selected crafts, said Chairwoman Helen Whittaker. Prospective buyers will find such works as a hand-carved clock and handmade toys by Scott Rhodes; handcrafted chair of hardwood and rawhide by Don Pearson; macrame wall hangings by Jane Rea, in addition to many fine paintings that have typified past events. Joyce Papke, Loretta Henderson, Marina Sutton and Pauline Hallett are among the many artists whose works will be offered. 

•••

SHEERAN, MACDONALD WED IN SPOKANE

Mary Frances Sheeran of Cheney, and Gary Alvin MacDonald of Bayview, were married Oct. 11 at Sacred Heart Church in Spokane. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sheeran, Cheney; the groom is the son of Gaya MacDonald, Spokane, and James MacDonald, Bayview. After a wedding trip to Hawaii, the couple is residing in Bayview. 

•••

PHIL’S PHOTO SHOP SERVES NORTH IDAHO

Phil Butcher, an eight-year Sandpoint resident who majored in photo-journalism in college and spent 20 years as a professional photographer, has opened Phil’s Photo Shop at 105 Main. Butcher, who is married with three boys, offers a complete supply of cameras, lenses and photo supplies and offers minor camera repair.

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Oct. 30, 1950 – MRS. VERDAL HONORED

The home of Mrs. Wayne Hagadone was the site of a surprise pink and blue shower honoring Mrs. Thor Verdal. Mrs. William Coons and Mrs. Kenneth Piatt were co-hostesses. Guests were Mrs. Allen Coleman, Mrs. Duane Davis, Mrs. L.G. Moon Jr., Mrs. Gene Littlefield, Mrs. Ralph Sletager, Mrs. June Gooby, Mrs. Jack Jones, Mrs. Harold Maund, Mrs. Tom Jones, Mrs. Paul Knaggs, Mrs. Douglas Moran, Mrs. Edgar Pye, Mrs. John McFarland, Mrs. Vernon Verhei, Mrs. Alice Nelson and Miss Olivia Verdal.  

•••

CULVER ESTATE IS HOSPITAL DONOR

The Bonner General hospital building fund has received a $9,000 gift, the largest single contribution thus far, from the estate of the late Howard Culver, former prominent local businessman. Visitors touring the hospital express amazement at how the old Farragut dispensary is being transformed into a modern hospital. They are also amazed to learn that Bonner county is expending only about $108,000, 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of new hospitals of the same size.

Construction of the rock wall forming the west end entrance of the new Bonner General hospital is well along. The work is being done by Max Stutzke, well-known rock worker. The walk-in box purchased from the building formerly occupied by Safeway has now been installed, the installation work donated by Pat Sulzle of Pat’s Electric. The basement and electrical work are finished and plastering is 80% complete. A crew is painting the interior of the east wing.

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