From the Archives - Aug 6, 2026

This Week in History ~ 50 Years Ago ~ “Scotty's Cafe, US95, on the North Hill, re-opened Friday.”

In 1967, Bessie Washburn MacDonald married Warren Scott. They opened Scotty’s Café on the Northside. It was located on the strip of land east of the highway which is now the landing for the new bridge and part of the double lanes of the North Hill. Bessie said they had eight wonderful years in that location; with so many good customers. The state bought the property for road expansion; so in 1976 Bessie and Warren moved the business up on the North Bench. Scotty’s Drive-In opened on the east side of the highway at the top of the North Hill. They operated the drive-in for a number of years, until their retirement.

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.