From the Archives - Aug 6, 2026

We have been inventorying the paper items in the Museum. Do you know how MANY there are?? Whew!

This was found the other day: a piece of stationary from “The Jolly Jack Rabbit Gift Shop.” Much discussion happened about the room; and no one could even recall this store at all.

“Jumping down the Rabbit Hole,” research began to find out the history of this stationary. The August 10, 1978 BF Herald had an advertisement saying The Jolly Jack Rabbit would be opening soon; followed by the September 28 newspaper with the same ad. The Jolly Jack Rabbit finally opened in October in the business space between Bonners Books and Truesdell’s Insurance office in the Boardwalk Square building. (Hotel Casey Building) Owner and manager, Barbara Pohl said the gift shop would sell unique items a person couldn’t get in town.

The Jolly Jack Rabbit was open for a short 10 months (October 1978- July 1979). Barbara advertised in the newspaper and created this stationary. The store was robbed in June of 1979 (Police Chief Don Hamilton was the investigator); and by July, Barb was advertising everything in the store at a 20% off sale.

The space in the building remained empty for the rest of the summer and fall; but became alive with activity when Santa arrived in town on December 20, 1979. Santa needed a place to use as a studio for greeting children and Christmas photos. He arranged for Jim Collyer to take portraits of the children. Merry Christmas and Jolly Jack Rabbit to you!

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column. 

Visit the museum, Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., or visit the website at boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 208-267-7720.