Pioneer Portraits

Ten Years Ago

March 19, 2009

A surprise phone call from Waitsburg to San Francisco was how 2008 Commercial Club Community Service Award winners Wayne and Ruth Peterson of Waitsburg were informed and congratulated for receiving the honor. Master of Ceremonies Tom Baker introduced the Community Service Award presentation with an odd reference to a “being similar to a marriage—except we’re only lacking a bride and groom.” With that Baker went on to announce the Peterson’s honor.

After finishing second in the Alpine Slalom and third in both the Alpine Downhill and Alpine Giant Slalom at he Special Olympics Ski Championships in Wenatchee, 12 year old Rachel Gradwohl of Waitsburg was so proud of her medals she wouldn’t part with them-even when it came time for bed. Skiing through Special Olympics is one of many fine programs offered in Waitsburg, largely through the efforts of local volunteers Brad and Carrie Graham.

Twenty Five Years Ago

March 10, 1994

They are what make it all work. They are the service clubs and organizations of Waitsburg from the Commercial Club to the Odako Club, from the Eastern Star to the American Legion and Grange, and today we salute them. Without these clubs and their members, things wouldn’t be the same in Waitsburg. We wouldn’t hav the Salmon Barbecue, a Fall Festival, let alone the Bruce House or the Days of Real Sport. These service clubs, from the Lions to the Masons, enrich the lives of the people of Waitsburg, making this a community that is attractive to people who want a better way of life. Without them, it just wouldn’t be the same. We thank you.

Commercial Club roots run deep in Waitsburg. A special meeting of the Improvement Club was called in March 1911 at which time the name of the club was changed to Waitsburg Commercial Club. It was promptly incorporated under a new name. The first president of the club was W.B. Shaffer and membership was made up of local businessmen, clergy, farmers and promoters of the area.

Waitsburg Chapter No. 9 Order of Eastern Star, was organized in November 1889, making it one of the oldest chapters in the state of Washington. It is the sister organization of Waitsburg Lodge No. 16, F, & A. M.

Fifty Years Ago

March 13, 1969

Photo Caption: Winners of the free-throw contest on Monday, March 10 in Dayton were these two sharp-shooters from Prescott, Edward Gerkey and Sally Romine. The Prescott young people won over top free-throw experts from 6 schools.

The nominating committee of the Waitsburg Lions Club presented a slate of officers for consideration at the regular meeting last Tuesday evening. The following names were placed for nomination:.President, Dave McConnell:, 1st Vice President, John Gagnon:, 2nd vice President, Joe Abbey, 3rd vice President, Bob Patton, and Tom Baker. Secretary, Lee Manz, Jr: Treasurer, Stan Pierson: Tail twister, Jim Dunn, Glynn Davis, Wally Winnett: Lion tamer, Did Conner and Dan Knell: Holdover directors, Bill Zuger, Jack McCaw:, New Directors, Jack Otterson, DelbertMock, Ben Bloor and Jim Stoneciper.

Seventy Five Years Ago

March 17, 1944

Three Wait-Hi boys left Thursday of this week with Coach Colburn to attend the boxing tournament at Pomeroy. Taking part will be Lloyd Beckley, 112 pounds, Bernard Donnelly, 119 pounds, and Dave Jensen 126 pounds.

Miss Bonnie Huwe of Huntsville became the bride of Lt. Jack Nichols of Walla Walla in Dayton on March 16.

Mrs. C. N. Eaton and Mrs. W. C. Atkins entertained at a bridge luncheon at the Atkins home last Friday in honor of a group of Dayton women who entertained at the Progressive Club here recently.

One Hundred Years Ago

March 21, 1919

D. C. Eaton is making improvements upon his residence on Coppei Avenue. Contractor Buroker is reflooring the second floor of his handsome dwelling with quarter sawed oak.

Miss Josephine Kozisek and Mr. Otto Bachmann were married Wednesday afternoon at the country home of the bride’s aunt, Mrs. Kate Buehrer, in Wilson Hollow.

The Jasper Mountain folk did their chores under difficulty in the six feet of snow that fell there. Mr. Clem Keve got stuck in the snowbank and Mrs. Keve had to go to his rescue and dig him out.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

March 23, 1894

Frank McCown said the freshet almost ruined his orchard.

By city ordinance provided it is unlawful to allow chickens to run at large in this city from April to September 1. Remember this.

Dayton is to have a telephone exchange. A list of 43 patrons has been secured and the exchange will be put in at once. Waitsburg should have an exchange also.

Miss Ruth Arnold will begin a three month term of school in the Keiser district next Monday. Miss Ruth is one of the very best teachers in the county or even in the state

The young lady dancers of this city will give the closing dance of the season at Armory Hall on Saturday evening of this week. Good music has been procured and a pleasant party is promised.