Pioneer Portraits

Ten Years Ago

February 18, 2010

A ski hill on Valentine’s Day is an unnatural setting for sorrow, particularly when it comes from a gathering of college students far too young to be mourning the loss of a close friend. But the intimate memorial service on Ski Bluewood’s Huckleberry run was a fitting tribute to the 19-year-old member of the Whitman College Ski Club who died Saturday in the mountain’s second fatal accident. He was the first to die from his injuries on Bluewood before rescuers had a chance to transport him to a medical facility.

[Photo caption] First grader Ashton Phinney reads with his puppy in Sandy Startin’s class at Dayton Elementary. Phinney and his 26 classmates are eager to improve their reading and social skills thanks to “Reading with Lucky,” a program sponsored here by Dayton’s Blaine and Julie Bickelhaupt.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

February 9, 1995

[Photo caption] Columbia County District Court Judge Chuck Thronson holds the reigns of his team of horses, Jake and Daisy, hauling skiers to lodge at Ski Bluewood. He finds the time he spends with his team and sleigh is a relaxing break from the mental rigors of the bench in Dayton.

Fifteen DeNova Club members enjoyed a luncheon at the Farmer’s Cafe Thursday, Feb. 2. Polly Richardson surprised members with a festive Valentine cake and Hazel Brown furnished Valentine napkins. A box of Valentine chocolates was won by Margaret Rutledge as a door prize.

Rob Birdsell, who teaches vocational business and computer courses is coaching the boys varsity basketball team. He is a 1985 graduate of Lewiston High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Washington University in 1994. He and his wife have a one-year-old daughter.

Erosion is being diminished in Washington state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Fifty Years Ago

February 12, 1970

The Commercial Club and the Waitsburg Lions Club members were introduced to the preliminary plans of the Waitsburg Development Corporation at separate meetings last Tuesday evening. J. V. Glover made the presentation to the Commercial Club, while Turk Ely talked to the Lions.

The meeting of the Sex Education Committee, originally set for Wednesday, February 12, has been postponed until Thursday afternoon, February 19 at 2 p.m.

[Photo caption] Connell’s Byron Morgan is treated to a bit of the “ball in the mush” with a check by the Cardinals’ Martin Huffman. Since there was hand contact, a foul was called on the play. Gary Pierson, right, reaches in to assist with the defensive maneuver, while Jeff Peterson looks on at the left.

DeNova Club met at the home of Mrs. Michael Saxon with co-hostess Mrs. Vernon Smith. Mrs. Saxon, in charge of the program, introduced Mr. Maib who discussed the Special Levy.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

February 16, 1945

The storage situation for the 1945 crop is becoming critical. The Touchet Valley Grain Growers, Inc. reports that at present, 75 percent of the 1944 crop is still in storage and it will take 80 cars to ship this before July 1.

Completely surprised Friday night was Pierre Ganguet of the Coppei when friends suddenly arrived at his home to honor him on the occasion of his birthday.

Miss Alberta Snyder was hostess for a birthday party honoring her brother, Elmer, Friday evening. Maurice Huwe, Kay Huwe, Jim Mays, Duane Huwe, and Marion Allman were the young people present.

Let’s keep in mind the French proverb: “That day is lost which one has not laughed.”

One Hundred Years Ago

February 20, 1920

A Buick bumper was lost about half way along the Neace grade on Saturday February 14. If the finder will please notify King Witt, he says he will buy him a wedding present.

One of Waitsburg’s landmarks is being removed this week. Workmen are engaged in tearing down what is known to the oldtimers as the old Robinett residence which stands in the Neace lot near the corner of Main and East Third Streets.

Born at the farm home on the Coppei Wednesday morning, February 18 to Mr. and Mrs. Marion Walker, a daughter.

I have sold my Durham bull to the Walla Walla Dairy, W. W. Kruchek.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

February 22, 1895

C. W. Wheeler and wife entertained the public school teachers and graduating class at an oyster supper on Tuesday night, merely to show the appreciation of the good work done by teachers and pupils.

This open weather has had a tendency to start many plays to going, and as a consequence our blacksmiths are enjoying quite a boom in business.

This Washington’s birthday, is a busy day in the Burg. The schools are having a holiday and the children are rending the air with merry shouts of joy. The militia boys are parading, and the band is making music sweet. Tonight a grand ball will be given at the Armory by the members of Co. D. than which there is not a better Co. in the state. Boom.