Moving History Forward: Paul Clagstone and The Belle of Chicago

In 1871, Paul Clagstone was born into a wealthy Chicago, Ill., family. He became a Harvard Law School educated lawyer, plus holding law degrees from the university of Berlin and Columbia Law school.  

His law practice having made him wealthy, he came to the Northwest to prospect for gold and silver in Washington, Idaho and Canada. In 1900, at age 29 he moved to Granite, Idaho, and started to homestead.

To avoid the winter weather, he would take a train to Burlington, Calif., where he lived the good life — playing polo and going to parties. At one of these parties, he met Cora Kirk, one of the most beautiful young women in Chicago society. She was also a wealthy woman, heiress to the Chicago Kirk Soap fortune.

Paul and Cora married and after the obligate plush and slow honeymoon through Europe, they headed for North Idaho and their “Kootenai Ranch.” They enlarged their land holdings from a 160-acre homestead plot with a small cabin to 10,000 acres. They cleared the land, built a large house, hired a servant and a governess, grew hay for the stock and raised prize-winning pigs. The land had enough quality timber that it merited their own sawmill. The Spokane International Railroad erected a stop at Clagstone Junction.  

Socially, the Clagstones hosted guests that participated in hunting parties, and after the hunters returned from the hunt, there would be sumptuous dining supplied by the full-time Chinese cook. During this time, Paul went into politics, both state and federal. He made a bid for governor and Senate but was unsuccessful in all instances. Cora busied herself by planting a large, beautiful award-winning garden. The ranch was deemed the most beautiful ranch in all North Idaho.

Sadly, the land was lost in 1912 due to a default in a debt payment. The Clagstones moved to California, where Paul became a salesman. He felt that his life in North Idaho was the happiest time in his life. In the ensuing century, the land was bought and sold multiple times.  

The land continues to have great value in timber and water. There are nine different conifer species on the land which produce high-grade lumber.  

Even more remarkable is the water. Hoodoo Valley contains wetlands serving the Spokane Valley — Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, vital to the inhabitants for fresh water. The Great Northern Landscape Conservation Complex has identified Clagstone Meadow as a targeted conservation area.

Presently, 8,847 acres are permanently open year-round to the public for hunting, trapping, biking, (no horses allowed), cross-country skiing and hiking, all free of charge, courtesy of the current owner, the Stimson Lumber Co. 

Reference: Sandpoint Magazine Summer 2017

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I was delighted to read a recent Sunday “Huckleberries” column by D. F. (Dave) Oliveria where he indicated his love (x3) for the restoration work being done to create a new MONI that will “… become a source of town pride for years to come.” Thanks to Dave for the kind words and to the quick response by the Cd’A firefighters 55 years ago to save the house from destruction. We are working hard to get the site of the new Museum ready for the June 27 gala. This year’s theme will be the “1960s." Go to our website to learn about the ways you can be of meaningful help in preserving our great history here in North Idaho. Dave is a MONI member!