Bonner County History - April 23, 2026

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

April  23, 1976 – MAGIC UNDER THE BIG TOP 

The charm of an old-fashioned Circus will be on display May 1, when DeWayne Bros. Circus comes to Sandpoint for two performances. Chuck full of thrills for children of all ages, the Circus will be under the auspices of Panhandle Shriners, with proceeds benefiting Shrine projects. DeWayne Bros. Circus features hilarious clowns, disciplined Canine Cuties, Jugglers, Trampoline Aerialists, Oresto, The Great Arturo, animals galore and more great acts. Shows at 2 and 8 p.m. at City Beach Showgrounds.  

•••

HISTORIC MISSION NOW A STATE PARK 

The Coeur d’Alene Mission of the Sacred Heart - familiarly known as Cataldo Mission, or Old Mission – is Idaho’s oldest existing building. Now, after a $300,000 restoration, it has become Idaho’s newest state park, and will be dedicated as a Bicentennial State Park June 12. Located on I90 east of Coeur d'Alene, Old Mission has serenely overlooked the Coeur d’Alene river for over 120 years. Fr. Anthony Ravalli, designer and chief craftsman, aided by Brothers Huet and Huybrecht and the Coeur d’Alene Indians, built the impressive structure in a virgin wilderness using tools no more sophisticated than a broad axe, auger, ropes and pulleys, and a pen knife. Construction began in the fall of 1848, and the mission was used during the 1849-50 winter, although the interior wasn’t completed until 1853. 

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

April  23, 1951 – WIN SCHOLASTIC HONORS! 

Carrying off scholastic honors for the graduating class of the Sandpoint High School this year are Inez Mae Mott, Valedictorian, and Gloria Ann Olson, Salutatorian. Miss Mott is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Gerald Mott, 716 Larch, and Miss Olson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Waldorf Olson, route 1.  

•••

CLEANUP NETS $300 FOR BAND UNIFORMS 

The cleanup campaign conducted as a benefit for the high school band netted the fund $300, said SHS Supt. Haight. The school received 44 calls that provided work for 69 boys and girls, who earned $130 for the fund. Another $170 was turned in by boys and girls who worked at home and contributed $1 each. “Apparently everybody was well pleased. In fact, several boys and girls are still working in spare times on jobs that were secured,” said Haight. Many boys and girls worked on the school building, washing all the windows and cleaning the grounds.

•••

HERE FOR SUMMER 

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Self of Spokane have moved to their summer home at Glengary bay for the summer, promising themselves “a lot of fishing this summer.” 

•••

HOMES EXCHANGE HANDS 

Mr. and Mrs. Art Lloyd are now in residence at their new home at 517 N. Fourth, the former Floyd Sawyer residence. Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Baugh have purchased the Lloyd house on 322 S. Lavina. Baugh is cashier at the Great Northern station.

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