Boundary County Museum kicks off 2018 summer
season
by reflecting on 1918 |
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May 7, 2018 |
This year, 2018, marks the 100th year since the
Armistice that ended World War I. Many today are
not very familiar with World War I and its
events of so long ago, but its magnitude is
reflected in some somber numbers: that conflict
led to the mobilization of over 70 million
military personnel, and to over 16 million
deaths, both military and civilian, around the
world. Many citizens who lived in Boundary
County at that time were involved in World War
I.
This past Saturday, May 5, the Boundary County
Library had its official opening for the
museum's summer season 2018 with a special
program "Remembering 1918 and World War I."
The special commemorative program began at noon
with a World War I era lunch offered to all
those who attended. This was a meal that might
be considered typical of what a soldier of that
era might have had for a lunch in 1918,
featuring Doughboy Stew, Soldier "biscuits," and
World War I cake, made from a recipe of that
era. The museum also had prepared and assembled
special displays focusing on World War I, and
life in Boundary County from that era.
As part of the day's events, local historian and
museum volunteer Howard Kent (whose ancestor was
one of the Boundary County residents who fought
in the war), presented a discussion describing
what Boundary County and Boundary County life
was like back in the year 1918, those 100 years
ago. He recounted the businesses and buildings
one would have found on strolling down Main
Street of Bonners Ferry, which was still a dirt
road back in 1918, and stories of some of the
colorful characters who were part of life in
Boundary County in those days. He discussed also
events happening in other areas throughout the
county. He reminded everyone that Boundary
County itself was a new county at that time,
having been newly formed only three years
earlier in 1915.
Later in the day, time was available for
children's activities, including stories that
were popular during 1918, games, and a cupcake
walk.
With its summer season now open and in full
swing, look for more events coming from our
local Boundary County Museum. Next up is the
June 9 dedication of a series of informative
panels depicting the agricultural history of
Boundary County, funded in part by a grant from
the Idaho Humanities Council. More events are on
the way.
The Museum is now open for summer hours:
Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until
4:00 p.m. throughout the summer months and into
October. There is a minimal charge of $2 per
adult, with a family rate available.
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