From the Archives - Oct 8, 2026

It is so exciting when photos (we’ve never seen before) come into the Museum. Thank you, to the Robert (Bob) Causton Estate for these three images from 1923-24.

“By 1920, the Buckhorn and Scout Mines were under ownership of the Cynide Gold Mining Company. Equipment, lumber, and supplies were brought up to the mines over the Eileen Bridge and wagon road. A power plant was a primary need, so construction began on a dam over the Moyie River with eighty-five employees in 1923. Land was purchased from John Beck and stocks sold to more than 150 stockholders. By June of that year, the power plant was only half complete. Six transformers were purchased along with ten miles of transmission line to carry electricity to the mines. Construction continued through 1924. The dam was rated as one of the largest in north Idaho. Made of concrete, it measured 150 feet long, 58 feet high, and two feet thick at the top, with a base width of twelve feet. The concrete mix included twenty-pound railroad rails on three foot centers (both vertically and horizontally). The arched dam, with a timber lined spillway at the east abutment which rested on shale rock, was built at a cost of $75,000 and was ready to operate by the end of 1924.

Doomed from the beginning, the project did not survive the spring runoff waters. On May 19, 1925 high water destroyed much of the natural rock formation on the dam’s east abutment. Mine workers witnessed the shale rock flake off like shingles. The dam did not fail. All blame was placed on the shale rock. Efforts to sell more stock to finance repairs weren’t successful, so no repairs were attempted.” ~ Small Towns, Big Dreams

We have seen several photos of the dam. However, the photos of the power plant and the construction buildings are new to the Museum.

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.