From the Archives - March 26, 2026

In 1946, Marvin (Monk) Shelman purchased a half interest in Jean’s Texaco (site of Hair Connection & Mugsy’s) in downtown Bonners Ferry, Idaho. By 1951, Monk took over full ownership of the business.

Not to be out done by the growth of businesses on the South Hill, Monk had a new Texaco station constructed on El Paso Street. He opened on July 24, 1958, calling it Shelman’s Texaco. Monk operated Shelman’s Texaco at that South Hill location until October 16, 1958, but continued the downtown business. In 1964, Monk’s Texaco downtown became Harv’s Texaco.

The Texaco on the South Hill was purchased by Larry Peterson in October 1958. He named his business Larry’s Texaco Service. One of his business promotions was handing out thermometers. On August 15,1963, Larry sold his Texaco station to H.B. “Bud” Dean. It became Bud’s Texaco. Bud sold the station in 1968; then it was called Don’s Texaco. Denny Cooper moved into the Texaco building in 1969 (Denny's Texaco).

This thermometer from Larry’s Texaco Service was recently donated to your Museum. It is shown next to the newspaper photo of the “new” Texaco station on El Paso Street on the South Hill (BF Herald - July 1958). Note: Larry's Texaco Service operated for a period of five years.

Have you seen the 4th Grade Map Exhibit displayed on the wall in Portrait Hall?

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.