Congressman candidate chats with voters

Thu., March 13, 2008

Herb Huseland The Spokesman-Review

Larry Grant, candidate for the District I congressional seat, popped into Bayview for an hour or so last week to meet with various voters. He held court at Ralph’s Internet Coffee House, visiting with folks and answering questions.

Farragut structures still survive

The subject of Farragut Naval Base came up the other day, relative to what happened to the huge structures left by the Navy after World War II. Some were surprising. The original surviving portion of the Captain’s Wheel was a building from the base, as well as the Rib Ranch in Athol. Now closed for redecorating, this place has a long history.

Starting out as the Officer’s Club at the base, it was moved by the company contracted by the Defense Department to demolish the base. The New Hope Co. demolished most buildings, selling the lumber to hundreds of projects around the area. In addition, where possible, entire buildings were moved intact to new locations. Such was the case with the Rib Ranch. Starting out as Mel’s Country Inn, it later became Bettie’s. Betty Bockstruck operated the place for 17 years, retiring a few years ago. The only surviving part of the original Officer’s Club is the fireplace, the old building having burned down years ago.

Other notable buildings were moved into Bayview for use as homes. Many existing houses were built around the original green lumber that was cut and milled from trees growing on the base. At one time, Farragut was larger than the largest city in the state, with more than 40,000 inhabitants.

One of the guys that did all this, and sole survivor of the Good Hope Co., is Harold Lively of Athol. Lively served in the Navy, was trained at Farragut, then when he got out helped tear down the base. He related that the old hospital on Sherman in Coeur d’Alene was originally the base hospital at Farragut.

Party in your pajamas

Don’t forget that Bayview turns green next week. No, not the ground which in many places is still covered with snow. We are talking about the one week that the Irish are honored and blarney is not only tolerated, but encouraged. Cranking up for the first real honky tonkin’ of the season, the Captain’s Wheel is hosting St. Patrick’s Day Saturday, with the annual pajama party. Music will be by the Bells.

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