Remember When?

1954 PUBLICATION OF WESTERN SANDERS COUNTY

This publication was recently donated to the Old Jail Museum

COMMUNICATION

The Western Union has a number of local offices that provide worldwide telegraph service. The Mountain States Telephone Co., a part of the Bell System, furnishes a recently and completely modernized and expanded local and long distance service with seven digit dialing. F.M. Radio is used by a number of businesses and governmental agencies.

In addition to A.M. radio, good TV reception is readily enjoyed in much of the region from direct outlets with live programs from three nation-wide networks: NBC, CBS, and ABC.

LABOR

The local labor supply is highly skilled and efficient as well as adaptable. Presently, there is in the area an influx of about fifteen hundred in the working force engaged in the construction of the new hydro-electric plant of the Washington Water Power Company at Noxon Rapids. This project will continue to attract skilled labor, technicians and supervisors for several years. Many of these comprise families that are seeking permanent connection that will enable them to locate here. They might well constitute a reservoir of trained personnel for new businesses and industries that will locate here.

RECREATION

For those who enjoy out-of-door recreation in natural surroundings here is a veritable paradise. Forested mountains, but just a few minutes’ drive and even walking distance from every spot in the area, border the narrow valley.

Here is cool, fresh air even in the hottest weather; beautiful, clear, mountain springs and rushing streams with their ripples and falls and, of course, fish. Roads and trails give ready access to them for the entire family.

It is customary to see many kinds of wild life even along the main highways. Deer and elk are common-place, bear not much less so. Occasionally even moose and mountain goats are seen. Hunters come here from hundreds of miles away in their quest for big game. Upland bird hunting is enjoyed by many.

Shotgun enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of getting wild geese and ducks as these fowl make their flights south.

Already boating is available for those who like water sports. Man made lakes are increasing this opportunity. Noxon is now on Cabinet Lake which is eighteen miles long. Completing of the Noxon Rapids power project will create a lake thirty-four miles long extending downstream from what are the out-skirts of Thompson Falls.

Pend ’Oreille Lake, home of the famous Kamloops, is near by.

Glacier National Park is less than a half-day’s drive away.

Yellowstone National Park is but a day’s drive away.

The Pacific Ocean is reached in less than two days driving.

TOWN OF NOXON

INTRODUCTION

True potential for development of the Noxon area community cannot be readily set down on paper. The prospects are brighter when a visual survey can be made accompanied by the enclosed statistics.

SCHOOLS

Realization of expanded school facilities can and will be made when taxable valuations are sufficiently increased through completion of Noxon Rapids Dam. New school building costs will be lessened for the small business now and small private property owner.

WATER AND SEWAGE SYSTEM

Capital to accomplish expansion, modernization, and utilization of a good water and sewage system in the present or future community site is dependent upon populational and industrial demand. The demand will provide the means. The resource and methods are existent.

HOUSING

There are several persons who are interested in sub-division development when permanent demands made in the housing field. At present approximately 100 prefabricated homes of 2 and 3 bedrooms are available for purchase from $1,800 to $2,250.

BUSINESS

Despite what may be considered prohibitive snowfall during winter there can be additional business enterprises established. Much of our timber resources are wasted because of lack of development to fully utilize the entire tree.

Tourist business has never ben exploited at all. The hunting and fishing and skiing potential is tremendous and there is no lodge or dude ranch in the entire area. With the development of a reservoir, boating and swimming can become excellent participant pastimes for motel lodgers and tourists along the lake shore.

A semi-skilled labor supply is readily available. People that are residents of the area tend to stay if some sort of subsistence is possible. The moderate climate and natural scenic attractions exert a strong influence toward permanent residence in the area.