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 Phil Johnston is the winner! Melvin J. Snook is the answer for Week 223 of Orofino History Trivia a special feature to celebrate the history and heritage of Clearwater Country. Join in the discovery! Monday: Logging Tuesday: Politics Melvin Snook was born at Wilson Creek, WA May 24, 1902 and spent his early years in Washington and northern Idaho as his father moved with logging operations. 
Mel worked for Panhandle Lumber Company and later as a boilermaker's helper for the Milwaukee Railroad. Then he joined his father and brother to form E.C. Snook and Sons Logging, settling in St. Maries in 1937 and finally in Orofino in 1945 where he had been logging since 1941. While in Spirit Lake, he was on the school board and after moving to Orofino, Mel became active in local politics. He served on the city council and later two terms as State Senator from Clearwater County. In 1955 he was appointed Orofino Postmaster. He retired from that position in 1972. He was a member of a variety of organizations including Kiwanis, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, IOOF, Lions Club and Toastmasters. He was a founding member of Orofino Celebrations and instrumental in starting the logging competition Orofino Lumberjack Days. Mel had a wealth of experiences he could share about the lessons he learned growing up and the activities he was involved with. He passed away in January 2006 at the age of 103. Sponsored by:
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