Old Timer's Column

From the Bonners

Ferry Herald,

Jan. 17, 1913

This week the Bonner County division bill, which was prepared by Charles O’Callaghan, T. J. Jones and W. P. Mahoney, was forwarded to Rep. E. E. Elliott in Boise, who will introduce it before the legislature.

Yesterday A. J. Kent received word from Rep. Elliott to the effect that the bill for the proposed new county had arrived, and that it would be presented in the near future as the interest of the legislature is now centered on a senatorial fight. Rep. Elliott seemed to think that it would be an easy matter for one of the new counties to secure a new name.

The bill describes the boundaries of the proposed “Valley” county and old Bonner County. The bill also provides that county officers shall be appointed by the governor of the state as soon as the bill is passed and becomes effective. The county seat of the proposed new county is designated as Bonners Ferry.

During the past week, many prominent Sandpoint citizens have been interviewed as to their opinion regarding the division of the county. It is practically assured, judging from these interviews, that there will be no active opposition to the Valley county bill. In fact, a number of Sandpoint people have seen it and others have voiced the opinion that if ever the county is divided, now is the time to work for it.

Last week word was received in this city to the effect that the Sandpoint Commercial Club has, by those in position to know, there were only 32 people present at the meeting when the resolution was adopted, and that it passed, although only 17 members voted.

Leonia News

A plan is being formulated here to build a hall for general entertainment as our population has reached the point which such a step is an absolute necessity.

Leonia is getting to be quite an industrial center with five logging camps in close proximity to it and a sawmill and two shingle mills under construction.

A plan being formulated to build a hall for general entertainment, as our population has reached the point when such a step in social progress is such an absolute necessity.

Most of the new settlers have succeeded in finishing their homes before the snow overtook them. While several of them, who came after the last survey and therefore had ample time to comply with the law, are preparing to finish their homes in the spring.

Houghton and Alexander’s is situated on the riverbank close to the McCormick schoolhouse. The camp is running smoothly and good results are being accomplished under the efficient management of these enterprising young men.

The cold snap of last week has seriously interfered with river traffic. The big ferry boat has ceased to run, and it was only after strenuous efforts of the ferrymen and others that the small ferry was again put into commission.

There was an inconvenience caused by this state of affairs to four different logging camps operating on this side of the river as well as a large number of settlers near Leonia. The irreconcilable feature of the case is that the whole trouble could have been avoided if the ferry boat had been placed where the old timers, who understood the river, suggested.

A short distance below the present crossing, the boat could run the whole year without the least trouble. A state survey revealed that a part of Leonia was in Montana and this created “Leonia.”

Briefs

P. L. Turgeon has started a dancing class at Kent’s Hall and gave his pupils their first lesson Tuesday evening.

O. F. Howe. Complete line of jewelry and Optical Goods. Work Guaranteed.

J. R. Meeker. General Blacksmith and Repair Man. Woodwork of all kinds. Next to Golden Rule Livery Barn. Bonners Ferry, Idaho.