Jim Kershner’s This day in history

From our archives 50 years ago

Firefighters were desperately battling an out-of-control brush-and-timber fire near Cheney in 1960.

The fire, near Williams and Badger lakes, had already burned down four houses and was threatening more farms and ranches in the vicinity.

The fire was “spreading faster than men could run.” No cause had been determined, but it apparently started along the railroad tracks. Hot weather contributed to the problem.

From the hydropower beat: Washington Water Power (which later morphed into Avista) was getting ready to dedicate its newest dam: The Noxon Rapids Power Project on the Clark Fork River in Montana, 45 miles east of Sandpoint.

The ceremony was scheduled to include “ceremonial Indian dances and an authentic pack train, along with live animals from the surrounding forests.” A concert by an Air National Guard Band and a fireworks display was also on the program. Montana’s governor was scheduled to make a speech.

This was WWP’s eleventh dam, three years in the building.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1776: The Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Gen. George Washington’s troops in New York. … 1947: The engagement of Britain’s Princess Elizabeth to Lt. Philip Mountbatten was announced.