From the Archives-March 23, 2023

How many stories can one photo tell? What is the best way to date an “undated” photo? Good questions. To date a photo, we look at all the details of the photo: the river, roads, rails, structures, vehicles/boats, people and any other images for information. This photo is a fine example. Let’s follow the time line:

1) 1892 — J.R. Shevalear, “night lightning slinger” (telegraph operator) arrives with the Great Northern and builds a cottage on the hill south of the tracks. The hill became known as Shevalear Hill. (Later Mahoney Hill, now South Hill) In 1927, the Shevalear cottage foundation was removed when the South Hill road was widened.

2) 1892 — A large wooden building was built west of town for the Yankee Kitchen and New York Bakery. In 1894, a second story was added and named Woodsman Hall. It became the Crystal Laundry in 1906 and burned to the ground in 1952.

3) 1900 — The Charles O’Callaghan home on the south bench was constructed. It has a wrought iron fence around the yard and can be seen on today’s Madison Street.

4) 1906 — Corbin Road (Spokane International Railroad) was completed. Also, John Irvin Monks along with his son-in-law, William D. Baxter, and associate, W.P. Mahoney came to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to open the First State Bank.

5) 1908 — The Mahoney home on the south bench was completed Jan. 18.

6) 1908 — The Baxter home on the south bench was completed June 27.

7) 1908 — The Monks home on the south bench was completed Oct. 24.

8) 1909 — The pump house for drinking water was attached to the SIRR Bridge.

9) 1910 — The Steamer Crescent, operating on the Kootenai River, moored at a dock on the south bank near the end of the SIRR Bridge. By 1912, the Crescent’s dock was moved to the north bank.

So, what is the date of this photo?

Your Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column. Visit the Museum Thursday-Saturday 10-3, 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. Or we can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support!