From the Archives – Sept. 5, 2024

According to this September 7, 1907, advertisement in the BF Herald, "Billy Bennett's Big New Shows" traveling tent visited Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The "night" performances were held on September 12-14, 1907, with a "free parade daily." The show consisted of vaudeville and drama performances. The leading role in the dramas was held by Billy's sixteen-year-old daughter, Belle.

In 1916, Belle Bennett became a vaudeville, stage, and film actress. She is considered one of the outstanding leading ladies of the silent movie era. She appeared in over forty short films and in forty feature-length films. The last five of her eighty-six movies were "talkies," where she usually was still given top billing. Belle is the mother of William H. Macy. Sadly, her career was cut short by her death from cancer at age 41. Belle Bennett has a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame". 

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

Visit the museum, Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., or visit the website at 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 phone at 208-267-7720.