Bonner County History - Jan. 4, 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

Jan. 4, 1976 — PROJECTS COMPLETED IN ‘75

A year later, many projects advised by the 1974 Congress for Community Progress survey have been accomplished, others are in the planning stage, and some remain unchanged. Planting of trees and shrubs in the downtown area and the addition of park benches was accomplished last summer under programs led by the Chamber of Commerce and the city. Also encouraged was a remodeling and facelifting downtown; many local businesses, whether acting on that initiative or not, did just that. The creation of a downtown shopping mall continues to be discussed. In education, state supported kindergarten programs begin here the first part of 1976. Development of a cultural arts historical park for the Bicentennial, repair of the city fishing pier, and construction of bicycle and hiking trails are in the planning stages. The Historical Museum project now being spearheaded by the Bonner County Historical Society is expected to be constructed by July 4, 1976. The concept of joining city and county law enforcement has been explored but there has been no indication that the city council likes the idea. Zoning was considered important or very important, but continuing attempts to adopt a comprehensive plan for Sandpoint’s growth were met by vocal opposition. Another favored project yet to be proposed is an indoor recreational area with such facilities as tennis courts, skating rink and swimming pool. The projects may surface in 1976, given the speed at which others were completed. 

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

Jan. 4, 1951 — BIRTHS 

To Mr. and Mrs. Don Gollen, Sagle, Dec. 29, a son. To Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Standish, Jan. 3, city, a daughter. 

• • •

RETURN TO Cd’A ACADEMY

Returning Tuesday to their studies at the I.H.M. academy at Coeur d’Alene were the Misses Peggy Bower, who spent her holiday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Pedersen, at Kootenai, and Delores Bixel, who had been home for Christmas with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Bixel, at Clark Fork. 

• • •

AT HOPE FOR CHRISTMAS

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Nikkola spent Christmas at Hope with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Colwell. Her brother, Brian, who attends the University of Wyoming, was home from Laramie for the holiday.

• • •

MARRIED 40 YEARS

Two early-day Sandpoint residents, Mr. and Mrs. Len Ulrich, last Thursday quietly celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Mr. Ulrich, who came to Sandpoint in 1902, was for many years connected with the late Chas. R. Foss in the Sandpoint Drug store. Mrs. Ulrich came to Sandpoint in 1900 with her father, John Murray, who built a then-modern hotel when Sandpoint’s business district was along the Northern Pacific railroad tracks on the east side of Sand creek.

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