From the Archives - Nov. 26, 2020

Charles William Megquier purchased Howe’s City Transfer in 1913. He knew autos were the way of the future, so he sold the horses and began purchasing autos. Megquier became the Ford auto dealer in the city. He partnered with J.L. Nave who in 1912 had built a 35-foot by 70’-foot tile block building on Bonner Street. They began carrying auto parts and doing auto repairs, calling the business the Crescent Garage.

In 1916, Nave sold his half of the business to Megquier, who purchased a 50-foot lot on the north end of Main Street, with plans to erect a two-story brick building. By the fall of the year, excavation began for the foundations, but the building was postponed due to weather.

Spring of 1917 brought on the excitement of constructing the 50-foot by 70-foot brick building. The main floor housed the auto dealership, having the first gas pump and free air for tires. The second floor became the living quarters — seven rooms with indoor plumbing and a fine large porch in the rear with a view of the Kootenai River. Megquier’s wife, Annie was excited to move her five children into the new home in July 1917.

Megquier acquired two more lots south of the garage on Main Street in 1920. Construction began on a 50-foot by 115-foot brick addition to the garage with a partial basement housing the furnace, and service doors to allow the moving of autos through the building. Megquier had twenty-one 1920 Fords delivered to the showroom. The Crescent Garage opened the new building addition on November 30, 1920.

On July 22, 2017, the Boundary County Historical Society held the 100th birthday of the 1917 Megquier-Houck Building. It was a big celebration at the museum, with a historical program and birthday cake.

This year, 2020, is the 100th birthday of the 1920 Megquier-Houck Building. Due to the closure of the museum during this time of COVID-19, we apologize that we are unable to eat cake and drink coffee together! So, at noon on November 30, sing “Happy Birthday” and eat cake!

To read a more detailed history of the buildings, go to the museum website and check out the virtual “flip book.”

Although the museum remains closed, you can still purchase the 2021 Historical Calendar for $5. Call the museum to arrange a pickup time, or send your request though an email or the Facebook page. If you wish to have one mailed to you, send $5 for the calendar and $5 for shipping to P.O. Box 808, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805. Calendars are also being sold at Boundary Tractor. Thank you for your continued support!

Your Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, sponsors this column.

Visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories. Or we can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720.