From The Archives - April 27, 2023

Fifty years ago, on May 3, 1973, Governor Cecil D. Andrus declared Bonners Ferry “Capital For A Day.”

Andrus arrived on the morning of May 3 and was driven from the airport on the North Bench to Bonners Ferry High School (now the middle school) on the South Bench. He was entertained with a concert by the high school band, and the pledge of allegiance led by the local Boy Scout troop, before speaking to the student body and faculty on how important it was to him that all communities in Idaho stay connected. He was greeted with applause when he told the students they lived in a beautiful place known as the “Capital For A Day.” After shaking many young hands, Andrus crossed the highway to Valley View School to visit the seventh- and eighth-grade classes. The governor skipped his “lunch hour” to walk the streets in downtown Bonners Ferry. He visited with businessmen and women and local citizens on the sidewalks.

Two field trips were on the schedule for Governor Andrus. He first visited the Louisiana-Pacific sawmill in Moyie Springs. He toured the facility to see the new stud mill operation. Second, he was taken to the North Bench to explore the hops facility and drove through the hop fields. After the tours, a no-host dinner was held at the Lantern Café on the South Hill, with various individuals giving informative speeches. The photo is of Governor Andrus with Ben Studer and Ernie Gieszelmann.

Let's all celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bonners Ferry's “Capital For A Day.”

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

Visit the museum Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and or visit the museum online at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum also can be reached by email at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or by telephone at 208-267-7720.