From the Archives - March 5, 2026

This advertising mirror for The Shamrock was recently donated to the Museum from the Clyde and Twyla Stone Estate.

Howard’s research shows - The Shamrock was opened in 1916 by Jos. Banning and his partner, Lanschinger. Lanschinger left town, and Banning sold the saloon to J.W. Jefferies in 1920. Jefferies had several partners during his years as owner – Swenson, 1920; Cundell, 1921; Heathershaw, 1922-1926; Bangs, 1926-1928; and Chas. Kelson, 1928-1935.

J.W. Jefferies took full ownership in 1935 and died in 1942. Chet Wilson and Earl and Roy Lane ran the business from 1942-1950 for owner Johnny Jefferies, son of J.W. In 1950, Johnny took over The Shamrock closing it in 1977.

Paul Norman’s obit says, “On May 6, 1942, he married Grace E. Jantz in Sandpoint. He worked at M&M Grocery Store in Bonners Ferry and was retired from the grocery business. He and his wife moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1986. He was a member of the Sheriff’s Posse in Bonners Ferry; he loved riding horses.” Paul Norman died in Cd’A on December 10, 2000.

So the question is: “When did Paul Norman operate or own the bar?”

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.