Bonner County History - July 16, 2026

BONNER 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

July 16, 1976 – WIZARD OF OZ TONIGHT 

The first performance of the Wizard of Oz is on stage at the Old Fairgrounds Theater tonight. Put on by Sandpoint’s Actors and Playwrights Theater, it is by far the largest undertaken here, involving over 100 people. Of the actual performers, 35 are youngsters. “Our wicked witch is terrifying,” said assistant director Beth Lock, referring to Jeannie Davis. “She has a great cackle and a great voice.” Glinda, the good witch is played by Judith Kibler, a mother of four, two of whom are in the cast, the other two on the technical staff. Other locals with parts in the musical include David Owens, the Cowardly Lion; Charlie Brown, Tin Woodsman; Tom Parkins, Scarecrow; and Kathy McCanlies as Dorothy. Those actors, who will perform the opening weekend, will alternate during the following 20 performances with six others who have been double-cast in the main roles. Playing the tin Woodsman in future performances will be Wendle Wegeng; Scarecrow by Eric Parker; Cowardly Lion by Otis Naff; Wicked Witch, by both Clare Lewis and Nancy Edwards, and Dorothy by Dawn Irgens. Munchkins are played by Mike Edwards, Mary Ann McGovern, Ronda Martin, Taunia Margin, Genny Hyrniak, Matt Edwards, Daleen Martin, Lisa Thurmond, Angie Pederson, and Joanna Pearlstein.

•••

FREE PARKING DURING BARBEQUE 

The Sandpoint City Council last night voted to open the City Parking Lot for the Sandpoint Lions Club’s Beach BBQ free of charge on July 25. 

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

July 16, 1951 – PROPERTY CHANGES HANDS 

Property is changing hands as newcomers move to Sandpoint. In June, Mrs. Adena DeWitz of Cocolalla bought the home at 529 Alder from Mrs. I.F. Kranz; Mr. and Mrs. Marlyn Sacht bought a 40-acre farm east of Hwy 95N from Adren Burns; the Sachts rented their home at 910 Maple to Leo Jarvis; Mrs. Ena Herrin, from Colorado, bought the Harold Sadler home on Jefferson and Alder; and Elmer Niccola bought 15-acres on Hwy 10-A east of Ponderay from Mrs. Grace Charland. Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Claflin and children will move this month from Wallace to their new home at 1223 Oak, formerly owned by Ralph Fleming. Mrs. Alfred Palmer of Sunnyside bought the Arthur Oberg home on Oak, while the Obergs moved to Lakeside Place, buying Warren Gayer’s year-around lakeshore home. The Robert Lattimore home at [428] S. 4th was sold to Harry Wageman, who is with OK Rubber Welders.  

•••

NEW SUPPLY OF BUMPER CARDS READY 

More “Kamloops and Kokanee” vehicle bumper cards are available at the Sandpoint Chamber office for local service stations to apply to tourists’ autos. 

•••

EIDAM COMPLETES COURSE 

Pvt. Arnold J. Eidam, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Eidam, Sandpoint, has completed his basic airman indoctrination course at Lackland AFB, Texas. 

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