Bonner County Museum
by Bob Gunter
The Bonner County, Idaho, Museum is a special place that is dedicated to finding and preserving, for future generations, the history and heritage of the people of Bonner County.
Brer Rabbit had his own special spot that he called his "laughing place." It was a place of relaxation, joy and contemplation. It seems to me that everyone needs such a place and I have found my "laughing place" right here in Sandpoint. The well-known Brer Rabbit had his spot in a briar patch but mine is located in a beautiful park and is called The Bonner County Historical Society and Museum.
It is a special place that is dedicated to finding and preserving, for future generations, the history and heritage of the people of Bonner County. You can walk through the building and see exhibits that will take you back in time to the early Indians that were located in the area. Relive the log drives on the river and examine many of the tools they used. Step back to the time when a meal was cooked on a wood stove and the top warmer was usually full of great things to eat.
Examine what a modern doctor's office looked like in the 1920s and catch a glimpse of the social events of yesteryear. You will find a miniature reproduction of the gowns worn by the first ladies of the nation. When the kids ask to be told a story of "olden times" why not take them over to the museum and let them live a story of the times that made Bonner County what it is today. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM.
Tuesday and Thursdays are set aside for anyone doing research about the county. There is a wealth of information available and a crew of volunteers that are qualified to help. Newspapers, books and photos are all to be found at the museum and makes the job of researching points of history much easier. The hours for research are 11 AM until 2 PM.
The volunteers are always working to discover and preserve the history of Bonner County. In fact, they are working on a new exhibit at this time. It will depict the history of the Pend Oreille River communities of Dover, Wrenco, Riverside, Laclede, and Thama. You can be of help in assisting these dedicated people in presenting our heritage to others. They need pictures, letters, diaries, and articles about Thama. If you have anything that would be of help call 263-2344. Michele Verzier, the receptionist, will be glad to direct your call to the appropriate person. Anyone with originals need not worry because the original will be copied and returned to you.
If you are looking for a new "laughing place" for yourself and your family then make it a point to go to The Bonner County Historical Society and Museum located at the corner of Ella and Ontario. It is easy to find because it is the only building in town that has a caboose, a homestead cabin, an air raid siren, and a steamboat anchor in its front yard. A trip will pay off with more knowledge about the area and the people who worked hard to make it what it is today.
To see more great old photos of Sandpoint and the surrounding areas :: Click Here ::
All photographs have been used with permission of the Bonner County Museum.
Old Sandpoint
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Early Sandpoint "Hang Town"
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Street Cars
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USO Club
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2nd Sandpoint Hospital
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First School
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Hope, Idaho
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Sandpoint had no Ferry
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Here and There in Sandpoint 2
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Library in the Early Years
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Logging in Bonner County
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The Sundance Fire
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Pend Oreille Lodge
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Sandpoint 1901-1902
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Smelting Companies
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Technology
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Train Technology
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The War Years 2
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Trestle fr. Sunnyside to TrestleCr.
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