From the Archives - Sept 10, 2026
Bonners Ferry Herald | UPDATED 1 month, 1 week AGO
Porthill school with inset of the school bell. The bell can be seen at the Boundary County Museum.
Courtesy Photo
Well, Boundary County, this is the first week of school for the young people here. We hope you all have a very happy school year.
The Port Hill School began in 1898. Several other schools operated in that area at the time. There was the Erlenwein, Camp 10, Smith, Rath, and VanEtten. In August of 1919, Districts #16-VanEtten, #19-Porthill, #8-Smith, and #9-Rath considered consolidating. With much thought put into the issue, this eventually happened. The Porthill School became District #23. It was called the Roosevelt School in 1926; however it took back the name Porthill over time. In 1950, when the rural schools were consolidating, the Porthill School closed and the school children attended Mt. Hall School.
Photo: Porthill School with inset of the school bell. You can see the bell in your 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.