This Week in Bonners Ferry History
100 Years Ago
The Chautauqua was a big success in Boundary County. Enough season tickets were sold to cover the $1,000 guarantee and there is every indication to think that single ticket admissions will cover all the local expenses. The Chautauqua has captured the community bag and baggage. Already 72 people have signed up for next year — assuring it already.
Captain J.M. deBeaufort who was scheduled to speak has been uncovered as a fake — in other words, Capt. deBeaufort, Belgian Officer and Count, Secret Service Agent, etc. etc., was a Simon-pure American carrying out successfully the famous Barnum’s dictum that the American public dearly love to be humbugged.
An ore shoot of copper ranging in width from 18 to 22 inches was uncovered at the Bethlehem Gold Mines Co. near Copeland on Wednesday. The ore is a high grade gray copper and was struck at a depth of about 50 feet. Workmen at the mine claim that the newly discovered vein will assay very rich in both copper and gold values.
Elder Newby of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints conducted a very successful revival at Porthill on July 17. Twelve people were baptized and received into full fellowship. Those people are: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bliss, Mrs. Emma Dudley, Alta Bliss, William Fisher, Mrs. George Pries, Lilford Smith, Dorothy Smith, Jos. Smith, Marjorie Smith, Alfred Smith and Jane Huscroft.
Charlotte Riefsteck and A.C. Hall married Wed. at noon. Mr. Hall is to be congratulated upon his choice of bride. Mrs. Hall is one of the most lovable young ladies of B.F., highly accomplished in the art of house-keeping and will make an ideal wife and companion. Mr. Hall is one of Porthill’s most respected citizens, being at present in the employ of the government as chief forester.
50 Years Ago
A number of prizes will be awarded to lucky ticket holders this weekend when the big “Crazy Days” program arranged by the Merchants Committee of the local Chamber of Commerce will be held Friday and Saturday. The program will feature awarding of a 63-piece Melmac dinnerware set, a tape recorder, and 9-by-12-foot rug.
Winners in the various Kootenai River Days events were the following: single bucking crosscut sawing, Bob Bosworth; axe throw, Phil Schnuerle; chain saw bucking, Bosworth; and Old Time Fiddlers contest, Alan MacDonald. Motor bike rally winners were Rod Robinson and Tom Florea in the crepe paper race.
Local artists, instructors, and others participated in the Field Art workshop held at Deep Creek last week by the University of Idaho. They included Bette Myers, Millie Drake, Darice Anderson, Eula Sims, Goldie Brewer, Prof. Alfred Dunn and Jean Mace.
15 Years Ago
Voters will decide on Aug 4 whether to form a South Boundary Fire District; a taxing district to support fire fighting in Naples. Representatives say they might save enough money on homeowners insurance to make up the fee.
Dan Meeker is retiring after 27 years as an administrator for Boundary County School District No. 101. A party will be at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Aug. 3.
BFPD has the second highest arrest rate in Idaho. According to the Idaho Uniform Crime Report, BFPD had a 78.7 case clearance total for 339 reportable arrests. Chief of Police Dave Kramer compared Idaho to the national statistics and stated it is a very safe place to live.
The Chamber of Commerce has been working on a new map of Boundary Co. It will have the city of B.F. on one side and the county on the other and will include more county roads than previous maps. It will be free and available soon at the Visitor’s Center.