From the archives - Sept. 30, 2021

Chris Taft purchased an interest in Popisil’s Dime Store, from owner Mrs. Flora Foote, in 1947, and took over the management (site of Woody’s Gun & Pawn Shop). It later became known as Taft's Popisils Store.

A fire in January 1954 burned and destroyed Wombacher’s Trading Post and Edmond’s Store next door. Taft’s Popisils Store was badly damaged.

Popisils temporarily occupied a building across the street from the post office on First St. The two burned structures were cleared away, and the space became a parking area. D. & P. Motors later used the space as a used car lot for a while. Today, it remains a parking lot.

After removal of the damaged building in 1952, a new brick building for Taft-Popisils Dime Store was constructed (Woody’s Gun & Pawn Shop).

Taft moved his business across Main Street in 1964. He purchased the building formerly occupied by the JCPenney Store. The business was renamed the “Bonners Department Store” and was managed by Chris Taft & Associates (site of Georgia Mae Plaza).

Taft also purchased the building next door in 1966. It had been used by Zimmerman's City Meat Market (also site of Georgia Mae Plaza). With two buildings, Taft consolidated his variety and department store stock, creating a very lucrative business.

An electrical short in 1989 caused a huge fire, gutting the two buildings that comprised Taft’s Variety Store. The gutted area became the Georgia Mae Plaza with a gazebo.

Many souvenirs were handed out by Taft's over the years. This bottle opener is a very unique advertising piece.

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

Visit the museum Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. We can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support!