PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

March 6, 2003

The Blue Mountain Heritage Society is tackling a longstanding mystery which has surrounded a Cliffside are on the Snake River. It is one of the new organization's first projects. We speak of the site just north of Eureka, which some have surmised was once the location of a village of prehistoric people, possibly of the Palouse Indian tribe which once roamed the Snake environs between Clarkston and Pasco. If investigations being started by the new historic organization bear fruit, we might well be a site of importance for the region's history. And, certainly this investigation by the society will come in the province of their being, to tell the story of life of the people in this area, the prime focal point, of course, being the people who lived here, the Palouses. The site in question is in that range of land customarily claimed by the Palouses in centuries past. The society, representing the communities of Dayton, Starbuck, Waitsburg and Prescott, opened its museum last November at 103 E. Main St., in what formerly were the offices of attorney Keith Yates. Showcased there is the highly regarded artifact collection of Wayne and Bobbie Casseday of Dayton. Officers include: Elizabeth Thron, president; Rose Marie Engelbrite, vice president, Nadine Munns Gerkey, secretary-treasurer and Casseday, executive board adviser.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

March 3, 1988

Kenneth G. Smith was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Waitsburg Commercial Club. The award, which is given at the annual banquet each year, was presented to his son, Glen Smith, and his daughter, Darleen Dozier, since Ken was on a business trip to California. Emcee "Tiny" Jorgensen gave some details regarding the award in making the presentation. Kenneth Smith started farming in the Waitsburg area in the early 1950s. He loves to hunt and fish, and his friend, Vaughn Hubbard, said you could "keep him in camp as long as there was a telephone nearby." Ken has had an abiding interest in quarterhorses, and has served as a member on the National Quarterhorse Association Board. He has done a lot of trav- eling to horse shows with his won animals, and during the times when his daughter, Darleen was competing in quarter- horse events in several different states. Jorgensen pointed out that one of the reasons for the award was Ken's total dedica- tion to the Days of Real Sport. He has bee on the board for many years, has served several terms as Vice-President, and has been instrumental in the upgrading of the grounds and fa- cilities at the track. Ken has been generous with the use of his own equipment in improving and maintaining the track. In addition, Smith has helped many people in need in the com- munity, although this has always been done in a low-key way so that many people do not know this side of his generous nature. Jorgensen said that the Commercial Club "salutes you for all you have done to assist the community of Waitsburg."

Fifty Years Ago

March 8, 1963

Spring must be here as people are turning out in full force after the long winter months; looking at the old Vantage bride, asking questions as to how long it will be before the bridge is erected and how soon our old Lyons Ferry will be no more. Some expressed enthusiasm over the new bridge while others regret that the old historic ferry will no longer ply its course between Columbia and Franklin counties on the Snake River on the old Mullen Trail, part of which can still be seen.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

March 11, 1938

The Eastern Star Monday night elected Mrs. Annie Glover, worthy matron, and a A. T. Sutton, worthy patron.

Frank Danielson was elected school director in the election Saturday afternoon for a director to succeed Glen Smith - in joint district 25-100.

Miss Pauline Keiser, who has been in Portland for some time working in Meier & Frank Store, is home on a visit. She expects to return to Portland about April 1. She reports her sister, Vivian, who has been ill, is much improved and able to return to her work.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cushin are moving on to the Walter Weller ranch north of this city, the carpenters having completed the building of the new dwelling there.

One Hundred Years Ago

March 7, 1913

The annual school election here Saturday afternoon resulted in the re-election of Mr. N. B. Atkinson as director of Joint District No. 25 of Walla Walla County and District 100 of Columbia County.

Roland Allen of the Allen Cash Grocery left for Se- attle Thursday on a business trip. Robert Ellis is in the store temporarily, at least.

Misses Sue and Nettie Price and friend, Miss Satira Biggs of Mount Vernon, Wash. Were guests of friends in Waitsburg Saturday. Miss Biggs in an attorney-at-law and visited the Misses Price on her way to Oregon in which state she will practice her profession in partnership with her brother.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

March 9, 1888

The Times today enters its 11th year. It is in a more prosper- ous condition than it ever was before.

The spring fights at Pendleton have commenced. We had two on Tuesday night, says the Tribune. One was caused by too much gin for one, the other because there was not enough girl for two.

F. L. Powell has 12 acres of land in the west part of the city which he is fixing up for a permanent park. The land lies on the south bank of the Touchet, contains splendid groves, and will make a pleasant resort. The boys have al- ready prepared a magnificent baseball ground, and intend to make a driving track which will be about one-third of a mile in length.

Mr. A. Hickman and wife and daughter arrived in the Burg last Friday night from Murray, Idaho after an absence of exactly one year, and were heartily welcomed back by numerous friends. They may decide to locate here.

J. Y. Walker has rented the Weller blacksmith shop and will take charge of the same at once.