Idaho Gov. Butch Otter, left, shares a laugh with Ron Beal, chairman, president and CEO of Orgill, Inc. on Thursday morning at the distribution company’s new 500,000-square-foot facility in Post Falls. The company will initially bring about 140 jobs to the area. (Jake Parrish/Coeur d'Alene Press photo)

The first catalogue of Lownes, Orgill and Co. in 1856 reveals intriguing products that haven't been sold for decades — a dog-powered churn, for example.

"Having been thoroughly and successfully tested, we do not hesitate in recommending them to the dairymen as being the most simple, durable and portable machine for the purpose," the catalogue states.

"It is equally adapted for sheep, and many prefer them to dogs."

While many of the products the 169-year-old, privately owned company that started in 1847 have long since been replaced by electric or digital gadgets, Orgill, Inc. continues to power on.

The world's largest independent distributor of hardware products officially became plugged in to Post Falls on Thursday as local, county and state officials were among about 80 people who welcomed the Memphis-based company to the 500,000-square-foot facility formerly occupied by Kimball Office/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.