From the Archives - March 17, 2022

Many a miner in Boundary County used a hand forged iron candle holder known as a "Sticking Tommy." One antique collector described it as a "beautifully crafted example of lighting for hard rock mining." A miner would stick the candle holder in the dirt, a crevice in the rock, or into timber. He could also "hook" it on a piece of timber. The "Sticking Tommy" let off very minimal light and, if perchance a gust of air passed by, the miner would be in total darkness.

The 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., and you can visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support.