Full-Plate Saturday

Dale Eich, who does endless research for the Cocolalla History Day. 

Dale Eich told me that school and he didn't mix.  That stunned me while visiting with him during yesterday's History Day at the Cocolalla Community Center aka one-room school house. 

"You were in my honors English class," I said. Dale graduated back in the 1970s.

"Yes," he agreed, adding, though, that he did no homework because school time was school time and all other time was his time. 

Well, one can imagine the irony of listening to that story and seeing him for the first time in decades at a school house---on a Saturday----after school hours. 

I also learned from others at the gathering that he's the head researcher for the group of community members who maintain Cocolalla Community Center and the area's history. 

Several individuals, including my friend and noted local artist Judy Pederson, have kept the history of the Cocolalla-Westmond, Careywood area about 15 miles south of Sandpoint alive and flourishing.  

Their work was on display, and their stories of the good ol' days were flowing yesterday in the well-kept school house just off HWY 95 south of Lake Cocolalla. 

Longtimer Joy Eldred, who attended the school as a child, told about going over a steep embankment with one of the family rigs while driving the Southside School Road as a child. She shared many other tales as visitors filed through the door. 

Dale Eich also told me a story which he thinks is true----about a school teacher named Walter Campbell who taught at the Hanson School up Fish Creek Valley in Bonner County School District no. 53. 

Mr. Campbell, it seems, lived at Selle north of Sandpoint.  So, when it was time to go home to see his family for the weekend, he hiked a rugged terrain behind the school (about six miles) to catch the Spokane International train which went to Selle.  

I really wish that I could have stayed longer at the Cocolalla School event because it offered a sumptuous smorgasboard of local lore, photos and displays. 

The group who puts on History Day deserves big-time kudos for all their work and dedication to preserving their community history.  

After the Cocolalla visit, I moved on to Sunnyside, where the drive along the road was gorgeous.  I found out the jog and grog were not quite where I thought they'd be.  Helps to read ALL the directions. 

So, I enjoyed the view along the lake and the return view along the lake back to the Oden Grange where most everyone was showing up for a celebration of life for my friend Joan. 

Inside the grange hall, I enjoyed seeing lots of familiar faces and a nice spread of potluck dishes.  I also enjoyed visiting with a few people I hadn't seen in a while. 

Then, it was back home to peel apples and later a saddle-up.  Lily didn't want to be caught and Lefty stuck his nose in the halter when Lily ran off across the field.  So, Lefty got the nod yesterday.  

We enjoyed a pleasant trip up and down the road and around the woods.  As I said to Bill, it's nice to have the option of either horse and know that the ride is going to be pretty pleasant either way. 

Later I spent some time visiting with some neighbor friends at a drop-in.  They have a long driveway leading to their log home.  Having never been down that driveway, I enjoyed seeing the setting for the first time. 

It's always fun to see what's hidden behind all those trees, especially after passing by for years and just wondering.  

During the late afternoon, Bill and Kiwi had gone to Grouse Creek.  We hadn't planned to go to the concert at the Panida, but when Bill returned home and Debbie (who's still doing work for POAC) encouraged us, we headed to town.

Great decision.  We enjoyed the lead-up concert with Bridges Home.  Then, Men of Worth Donnie “Large” Macdonald and James Keigher came on stage, providing Bill and me a musical dream trip back to Ireland AND to Donnie's Scotland.  

I realized during last night's concert that it's pretty hard to tell the difference between the music of the two countries.  One thing's for sure.  It was all emotionally inspiring, stirring and beautiful.  

Bill had worn some of his Irish apparel and carried along his Irish flag.  After the concert, James, the Irishman from County Mayo, stood behind the flag with us while Debbie snapped a picture. 

I think back on all the events in all the different places yesterday---south of the bridge, east of Sandpoint, up and down South Center Valley Road, at the end of that long driveway and at the Panida. 

Great day, for sure.  

Happy Sunday and Happy Birthday to my brother Jim. Enjoy the photos and the video. 

Joy Eldred grew up in the Cocolalla area and attended the Cocolalla one-room school. 

Andy Roberts (left) attended Lincoln School, but his wife Glenna hails from the Cocolalla area and helps preserve area history along with her brother Dale. Dale and Glenna's father attended the Cocolalla School. 

Along Sunnyside Road

Friends of Joan Hawkins who attended her life celebration yesterday at Oden Hall.  Some attendees also participated in a Sunnyside Jog and Grog before coming to the Hall.  Far Left:  Bonnie Shields visiting with Pearl Powell.  Patti and Bernie McGovern in front, Bill and Alice Coldsnow, Delores Campbell and Sharon Rucker. 

Tom Spade and Pat Jonassen Selle

Earl Chapin and his daughter Carol. 

Pearl Powell who worked with Joan for years.  The two ran Kootenai Post Office for a while. 

Pat Maxwell, Mitzi Hawkins and Patti McGovern

Caroline, one of Joan's granddaughters

Schweitzer Mountain from Hickey Farms. 

Lefty plodding down South Center Valley Road with Taylor's field below.