No Place Like Home
Do you know who lived here? It looks like many of the homes throughout the county so I will give you a hint. Two bachelor brothers lived here. If you have an answer, please email doyouremember@meadowcrk.com. If you would like to stay anonymous, just let us know.
Ed Bohlman and Don Jordan did not receive any help from the fourth grader’s, yet they were still able to recognize the portrait of Edward L Bonner, by Cass Schauble, that was featured last week.
Edward L Bonner was born August 18, 1834 in Orwell, NY. He traveled west with his father to Walla Walla, WA. With the gold rush in Canada, not having gold fever himself, he saw an opportunity to open the mercantile he always dreamed of. Traveling with his cousin, Richard A Eddy, and friend John W Walton, he followed the Wild Horse Trail north. Together, the three men purchased the rights to cross the river and land on both sides, from Kootenai Chief Abraham. They would build a flatboat for a ferry and in 1864, at the second session of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Idaho, they were given exclusive ferry rights for a period of five years; making this business the first business of the newly formed Kootenai County. Space here is limited, so if you would like to learn the full story, ask a 4th grader.
Your Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column. During the summer, the Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. To help maintain the buildings, a small entrance fee is charged at the door. It is $2 per person or $5 per family.
There is no charge for those under 14 years old or for the Boundary County Historical Society members. Visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org for a list of the latest events; follow us on our Facebook page; or give us a call at 208-267-7720.
Dedication of the “Stories of the Rails” in the Boundary County Museum Courtyard will take place on Saturday, May 7. The ceremony will start at 10 a.m., lunch served at Noon, followed by more activities until closing. Hope to see everyone there!