The places that built a town

Cusick’s first school was a log building built in 1903. It was located toward the river from the foundations left by the Diamond Match mill. Six pupils were enrolled: Joe Zigler, Dwight Bond, Arnold Merrick, Gladys Atherton and two others, names unknown.

The first garage in Cusick was built in 1921 and was owned by Pearson and Garoutte. In 1925 it was bought by the Wike Bros. and Frank Purchase. Reed Atherton operated the garage from 1928 and for several years thereafter. In 1941 Axel Lundberg bought Frank Purchase’s share and operated the garage until 1948. In 1948 Noel LaVigne bought Axel Lundberg’s share of the property. After serving the community for over 40 years the building is no more.

Wike’s Store was built in 1906 by Adam and Lou Wike. It was sold to Perry Green, then to Ray Mathis, to Theodore Krauss, and currently is owned by the Goehring Family. It has served the public during this time as a grocery store.

The first saloon in Cusick was located on the bank of the Pend Oreille River about the spot where the new filtering plant is today. (August, 1978) Steamboats came up the River and unloaded freight at the dock in front of the saloon. In 1926 Charlie Davis moved the building to its present site where the Cusick Post Office is housed now.

The first service station in Cusick was built by Mr. Walgren in 1924. It was located across from the school where the Hasting home is today (Aug., 78). Mr. Walgren sold to Cecil Milam in 1932. Cecil Milam sold to Noel LaVigne in 1936 and Noel LaVigne sold to Kenneth Morris, who built the service station along the highway and thus ended the era of this service station.

The first church at Cusick was organized in 1908. It was called the Pilgrim Congregational Church. The original building is a dwelling located at number 113 on Second Ave.

All three sawmills have located in the same place along the Pend Oreille River. The first was the Fidelity Sawmill, which was built in 1911. This was followed by the Phelps Sawmill and finally, the Diamond Match came to Cusick in 1921. The Diamond Match completed its operation around 1960.

The first hotel in Cusick was built in 1912 or 13 by the Fidelity Lumber Company. It was used until it became too small and another one was built to replace it. Charles Reed bought the first hotel, moved it one block north, where it stands today. He and his wife, Anne, lived in it as their home the rest of their lives. This building is the second house south of the American Legion building. Verna and Emil Olson were the next owners. It now belongs to Mike Keogh.

The first barber shop was located in part of Charlie Davis’ saloon. This was located where the present tavern is, which is being operated by John and Janet Snow (1978).

Wike Hall was built by the Wike Family in 1911. It has served as a dance hall, theater, doctor’s office, cafe, drug store, and an office for the forest service.