Remember When?

REVIEWING THE YEAR 1933

KING DAVID

“King David the Lord” of the “Hill of the Lord” demented old negro living on the Blue Slide after seven years silence spoke again. For seven years previously because of a spiritual revelation he had refused to utter a sound, and communicated by sign and writing to other people. Bill McNorton was his correct name, he had come west in his youth and was one of the early day pioneers in Sanders County. He accumulated considerable wealth in the liberal, tolerant west, and associated on an equal basis with his neighbors. He had ranches, houses, property and mines. At one time he was one of the richest private citizens in the country. But in the end, human folly, women and litigation got him, and he lost it all and in his declining years poverty and religion caused him to become quite demented. For many years he was the only negro in the county.

“King David” who wore a crown of thorns on his hat, raised fruit and berries of every description on his place. He raised grapes in tremendous abundance that vied with California. Frost never hit the “Hill of the Lord” until a month to six weeks after the rest of the county. People came from all around and got his fruit fo

He was quite handsome with sharp cut features, but with dark skin and curly hair. At times when a streak of sanity asserted itself he showed indications of high intelligence and education. He also claimed that his father was a Virginia judge, and had helped to educate him and given him money to come west. Upon further research I have determined that this is true.

“King David” often prophesied the Rising Sun of Japan would some day seek to engulf the world (his prophecies were always something on the order of biblical parables that you could construe several ways). In this struggle between the Rising Sun and the White Lion, representing America, he predicted that Japan would invade islands of North America within ten years, and that he would not live to see the day, but that the writer would. The war would be long and perilous, with the white race fighting for its survival. Those were in the days when everyone thought the Japs were peaceful and charming little creatures. Bill McNorton died in the state insane hospital a few years ago.

30 YEARS AGO • JUNE 3, 1993

RATTLESNAKES INVADE THOMPSON FALLS AGAIN

Thompson Falls may once again have become the home of rattlesnakes.

Chief of Police Don Manfred said he has received reports of rattlesnakes in the 200 block of Columbia. The snakes were spotted in an area of rocks and brush approximately 10 feet wide and 120 feet long. Reports include one large rattlesnake, 4-5 feet in length and 2-3 inches in diameter and several smaller snakes. Manfred said it was probably the same family spotted near the same area last year.

Because of the condition of the terrain, it is difficult to determine where the snakes’ burrow is, Manfred said. The property owners have agreed to clear the rocks and brush, which should help relieve the problem, he said.

“I would recommend that people who do not live in the area stay away from there to cut down on the possibility of someone getting bit,” Manfred said. Rattlesnakes are poisonous.

Rattlesnakes are light and dark brown in color and are characterized by a diamond-like pattern and rattles at the end of the tail.

JULY ARRIVAL DATE SET FOR NEW PRINCIPAL

Thompson Falls High School’s new principal and his family are scheduled to arrive in town at the beginning of July.

Don Jensen, wife Joanne and children Brianne, 5, and Beau, 3, are looking forward to returning to Montana, Don said.

Don, a Montana native, graduated from Sidney High School in 1976 and Montana State University. After teaching two years, he returned to school, earning a master’s in exercise physiology from MSU.

Previously he taught in Arizona.

When he arrives this summer, Don plans to meet with the superintendent of schools and other school officials to review a survey of students and faculty now being taken.

He and his family are looking forward to returning to Montana and a small town, said. The school is very attractive, and he likes the look of it, he said.

Don, who will be 38 in June, holds interests in hunting, fishing, weight training and is an amateur artist, he said.