From the Archives - Feb 12, 2026

Ezra Esher Fry was born on December 24, 1875 in Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Toronto in January 1902 with a medical degree. Arriving in Bonners Ferry in 1903, he set up an office in a small building west of the Hotel Casey on Kootenai Street and signed a contract with the Spokane International Railroad as surgeon in the Martin Fry home rented by the railroad for use as a hospital. He earned the town’s respect and was known as “the good old doctor.” He married in 1906.

Dr. Fry moved to a larger office on Main Street in 1910, when he went into partnership with pharmacist Brody and optometrist Howe to have the Enterprise Building constructed, his offices being located on the second floor. Dr. Fry was dedicated to all of his patients attending them day or night no matter what conditions or transportation available. He traveled to rural areas on foot (wading through deep snow), horseback, sleigh and buggy. He rode on steamboats, trains, railroad handcarts, and autos. When members of the Kootenai Tribe needed him, they would come get him in their sturgeon-nose canoes.

Dr. Fry knew the growing county needed a more modern hospital, so in 1919, he purchased the Dawson home. With renovations, including a hydraulic elevator, it became a fine facility.

Dr. Fry’s compassion for the members of the Kootenai Tribe was shown in how he cared for their health and education. He asked the government and the local public for support with housing and food to improve their living conditions.

From the moment he arrived in Bonners Ferry, he was dedicated to the improvement of the county. He served from 1912 through 1933 on the City Council, twelve of those years as Mayor. He was appointed town health officer, passing ordinances for a cleaner healthier town. He served 23 years on the school board; several times as chairman.

Dr. Ezra Esher Fry passed away February 6, 1937. His funeral, with Masonic rites was held in the gymnasium of the high school as it was the largest gathering place. Members of the Kootenai Tribe walked to town to attend, marching by the casket to pay final tribute to their great and good friend, “The Doctor.”

This photo was taken eighty-nine years ago, on February 11, 1937. The day Dr. Fry was laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

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.