PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

May 27, 2004

On Memorial Day, among those we remember are those who made the supreme sacrifice, lake Waitsburg boys Norman B. Estes, Merle Eaton, Tony Lloyd and Bobby Pettichord. But every April 28 for the past 60 years has been a memorial day for retired Waitsburg-area farmer Dick Ferguson. Ferguson, 81, is the last of t27 survivors from the tragic sinking of a fully loaded LST (landing ship, thank) during practice exercises prior to D-Day. Ferguson spent six hours in the water on that date before being rescued by a U.S. ship. Then a few weeks later he washed ashore on Omaha Beach in the first wave of D-Day, June 6, 1944.

The Waitsburg Lions Club voted 33-9 to pursue construction of its own clubhouse at the Days of Real Sport fairgrounds instead of meeting at Ye Towne Hall in downtown Waitsburg. The concept, estimated to cost about $27,000, will depend upon approval by the Days of Real Sport Board of Directors.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

May 25, 1989

New Postmaster at Prescott is Terry Ferguson who moves to that spot from her job in Waitsburg as part-time flex employee.

Mayor Roy Leid announced his new committee appointments at the May 17 council meeting. Water and Sewer - Bill Zuger and Jim Burres. Police - Jim Burres and Denise Winnett. Health and Nuisance --- Denise Winnett and Walt Warehime. Budget and Streets - Bill Thompson and Bill Zuger. Parks and Cemeteries - Walt Warehime and Bill Thompson.

Fifty Years Ago

May 22, 1964

Outgoing PTA President, Mrs. Joe Abbey, awarded honorary Lifetime Memberships in the PTA to Mrs. Gladys Keve and Mrs. Tryphena Fisher as her next-to-last official act as presiding officer. Mrs. Keve began her teaching career in Prescott where she taught from 1924-26. She taught in Walla Walla County No. 3 from '26-'28, and has taught second grade in Waitsburg since 1943. Mrs. Fisher began teaching in Touchet in 1927. In 1929 she went to Sunnyside where she taught until 1934. She came to Prescott for a two-year stay, and has taught in Waitsburg since 1949. Mrs. Abbey's final official act was the installation of new officers for the coming school year: President, Walter Harris; Vice-President, Tom Baker; Secretary, Laura Jean Hevel; Treasurer, (and benefactor?), Bob Danforth.

A fire which apparently started in the kitchen of the Waitsburg Grade School and destroyed the cafeteria and multi-purpose room was discovered by City Policeman "Bud" Todt at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 20. The entire Waitsburg Volunteer Fire Department turned out and fought the blaze until 6:30 a.m.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

May 26, 1939

Altheo M. Conover, a resident of Waitsburg for more than 60 years, passed away at the family home, Second Street, Wednesday evening, May 24.

New PTA officers are: president, Mrs. Lewis Patton; vice president, Mrs. W. E. Watt; secretary, Mrs. Harold Roberts; treasurer, Mrs. Daisy Wale, June 1 brings the close of the first year of PTA work in this community. Mrs. Leland Kessler is the retiring president.

The Hales sheep camp south of Dayton was invaded by bear Sunday night and two sheep were killed and numerous others were maimed.

One Hundred Years Ago

May 29, 1915

The eleventh annual high school alumni banquet was held Friday evening at Preston Hall. Clarence Eaton was elected president of the association.

Mrs. P. J. Denney and granddaughter, Miss Charlotte Neace, left Friday for Coeur d'Alene. Miss Neace attended school here this year and after a visit with relatives in Coeur d'Alene, will go to her home at Melstone, Montana.

The Sunday School of the First Presbyterian Church spent Tuesday picnicking on the Coppei in the mountains. A number made the trip in a hay rack partially filled with straw, the wagon being drawn by four horses. A jolly time was reported.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

May 31, 1889

Mrs. Joel Woods arrived home from California having been visiting there during the past six weeks. She returns more than ever convinced that Washington Territory is the best country in the world. In her opinion, this country is far ahead of California and she is right, too. She reached home last Friday, and found all well and delighted to have "Mama" at home once more.

A. Saling will have a feed stand on the Waitsburg camp meeting ground for the accommodation of persons having teams. He will furnish hay and grain at reasonable rates.