From the Archives - Oct. 13, 2022

There was a fine discussion at the museum about the "Bee Hives" collecting west of town. We have decided we need to do more research on the production of honey in Boundary County, and the moving of the bees to more southern places for the winter.

The first known mention of a “bee hive" in the Kootenai Herald was in 1900. Well, actually this was not really about bee hives, as it was an advertisement for the K.V. Produce which was known as the "Bee Hive Store" because it was such a busy place! (You're supposed to laugh here!)

Frederick R. Jordan homesteaded a piece of land in Curley Creek around 1900. He and his wife decided to move closer to town. On Aug. 3, 1907, he purchased 40 acres from Mr. Bruce (Bruce's Acres) on the bench south of Bonners Ferry for $1,300. The following week he bought three acres in McNear Acres on the Northside.

By 1909, Fred Jordan had several colonies of bees buzzing around the Northside. The first advertisement we could find for bees was in the Nov. 20, 1909, Bonners Ferry Herald: "For Sale, Honey Bees $5.00 per colony, plenty of stores for winter. This is a splendid honey country. I have taken over 100 pounds to the hive this season. Speak quick if you want them. F.R. Jordon"

We will have to do further research to discover if this in fact was the first colony of honey bees in the county.

Sharing a photo from 1996. Labeled: "A field of blooming White Dutch Clover on the old Campbell place in Drainage District #11, farmed by Howe Farms. Bee hives for pollination."

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., 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 via email at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or by telephone at 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support.