Let's all do the stroll

COEUR d'ALENE - Good thing that bus broke down.

It gave Robert Singletary the opening he needed to introduce historical walking tours in Coeur d'Alene.

Now, that might not sound like much fun, until you chat with Singletary, the area's foremost historian and your host for these one-hour strolls.

"They get their exercise, beautiful scenery and a history lesson," he said.

Singletary is working with the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce and the Museum of North Idaho on the tours that will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through mid-September.

He'll outline the area's culture and development during the one-mile walks that will start at the chamber. It will include stops in the Fort Grounds area, two museums, parks and downtown Coeur d'Alene. He'll chat about the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, the timber industry, railroads and Lake Coeur d'Alene.

"Basically try to tie everything together," Singletary said.

The Fort Sherman, known as the "Little Red Chapel," will be a keynote visit. It was constructed in 1880 at an estimated cost of $1,709.30.

It was used for the post library, reading room, school and lecture hall for military science classes and religious services.

From 1880 to 1896 the chapel was used continuously by the soldiers and their families serving as a place for religious services, funerals and weddings.

General William T. Sherman, for whom the post was named, worshipped within its walls, while on an inspection tour in 1883.

"People may be sitting in the same seat that General Sherman sat in," Singletary said.

The walking tour came about by accident.

It was during a recent Leadership Coeur d'Alene session that Singletary was guiding the history tour by bus.

It came to an unexpected stop due to mechanical failure, but rather than quit, the group pushed on, appropriately enough, the old-fashioned way.

"We hoofed it," Singletary said.

When they were done, the group's opinion was unanimous: Don't ever use the bus again.

The tours are $10 and are also offered by appointment to private groups.

Singletary hopes to see crowds young and old turn out.

"Maybe there are people out there who would love to do a more in-depth history of the area," he said.

Tickets are available at the Museum of North Idaho, the chamber office or Wiggett's Antique Marketplace, 115 S. Fourth St., or by calling Singletary at 664-4990.