Author Talks About Railroads, Steamboats

Wood

Regional history writer John V. Wood will examine the early days of transportation in North Idaho with two evenings of programs at the library, Thursday and Friday, May 18 and 19, at 7 p.m.
Wood has just released a revised version of his book, “Railroads Through the Coeur d’Alenes,” published by the Museum of North Idaho, the library’s partner for the two presentations.
For the Thursday program the author will focus on the two main lines that served the area: the Union Pacific (originally known as the Washington & Idaho) line from Spokane to the Silver Valley mines, and the Northern Pacific from Missoula, Mont., to Wallace.
The talk will conclude with a brief look at the end of service for both.
The Friday program “Steam-boating the Shadowy St. Joe and St. Maries” begins with a brief look at the beginning of steam navigation on Lake Coeur d’Alene and its waters, and then will focus on the operations on the famous “Shadowy St. Joe River” – the highest navigable stream in the world.
Part of the presentation will look at the town of St. Maries and its role in rise and fall of steamboat operations on Coeur d’Alene waters.
Both presentations will include Q&A time and copies of the new edition will be available for purchase and signing.
Information: Museum of North Idaho, 208-664-3448. The museum, at 115 Northwest Blvd., in front of the Coeur d'Alene's City Park, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11-5, Through Oct. 31.