Cd'A Library Foundation dedicating plaque to Emerson family

The Emerson family roots run deep in Coeur d’Alene, and they have touched the lives of many.

A new plaque at Coeur d’Alene Public Library honors the Emersons’ many contributions to the community.

The Coeur d’Alene Library Foundation will host a ceremony at 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 24 in the library’s Community Room. The Library Foundation will recognize local resident Sandy Emerson and unveil the plaque dedicated to his family, which is newly installed on the Community Room’s Heritage Wall. Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony.

Sandy Emerson is the oldest son of Alma and Tom Emerson.

Alma served as chair of the Library Foundation for a number of years.

Tom Emerson, after his military flying days, pioneered a flight school and flying business on the waterfront by Tubbs Hill. Later, he managed the Coeur d’Alene Airport at Weeks Field, where the fairgrounds are now, and then at its current Hayden location. He wrote three books about those early days.

Later, as his family grew, Tom Emerson went to work in banking and finance, becoming president and later chairman of the board of the home-grown First Federal Savings and Loan Association. Tom emphasized community service for himself and his staff. He was active in Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce, served on the Coeur d’Alene City Council, and was on the North Idaho College Board of Trustees.

During the Diamond Cup Unlimited Hydroplane days, as a “Commodore,” Tom used his flying and military background to bring both the USAF Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels to perform over the races.

Tom and Alma Emerson were designated Coeur d’Alene “Distinguished Citizens of the Year” in 1980 by Mayor Don Johnston at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet.

Sandy Emerson has served on several state, city and county committees and organizations, including chairing the Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation for two years and serving on the County Waterways Advisory Board for five years, with two as chair. Sandy was hired as executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Chamber from 1980 to 1986. He was president of the state Chamber of Commerce Executives Association when significant statewide legislation was passed enabling cities and counties to issue revenue bonds and to form urban renewal districts.

Sandy and his father were designated honorary alumni of North Idaho College. Sandy’s wife, Jeanne (Tanner) Emerson, taught for 30-plus years in the NIC English Department and was named Student Advisor of the Year a number of times. Jeanne founded the NIC Student Writing Center and co-founded the Art in the Schools program. She helped found the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Society and served as president of the American Association of University Women in Coeur d'Alene.

Coeur d’Alene Public Library is at 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene.