Pioneer Portraits

Ten Years Ago

March 4, 2010

Retired state patrol sergeant Walt Gobel has declared his candidacy for mayor of Waitsburg, saying he is running with a slate of candidates nominated by the new “Truth and Trust” caucus. The caucus, which is roughly 40 members, also named Karl Newell, Kevin House, Orville Branson, Scott Nettles and Marty Dunn as nominees for City Council.

A marina in the dead of winter isn’t the kind of place you’d expect to see a lot of life. But on a late February weekday morning, Lyons Ferry definitely has a pulse. Some boaters are already heading out on the Snake River from their moorage in the sheltered cove under the near 4,000-feet Joso bridge. The restaurant is open and the phone is ringing off the hook.

Bettie’s daughter Sally says Bettie Chase is celebrating her 90th birthday on Thursday, March 11, 2010. Please stop by the Waitsburg Hardware that day for a piece of her birthday cake.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

February 23, 1995

Juvenile court officials have restricted Columbia County’s use of the detention facility in Pendleton because of problems involving Dayton police. Dayton Police Chief Larry Groom said he has corrected the problem that led to the restriction. He criticized a Walla Walla county official for disclosing the problem to Columbia County officials without contacting Groom first.

[Photo caption] Richard Cyzhold, left, and Ken Maxson hold awards honoring them as Wildlife Farmers of the Year in Walla Walla county.

Lara and Scott Hagerman are parents of an eight-pound, 13 ounce son, Alexander Scott, born Feb. 13, 1995 at St. Mary Medical Center. He is the grandson of Orval and Dicie Hagerman.

[Photo caption] Waitsburg’s Greg Reser takes to the air in a drive to the basket in district tournament game Feb. 20 in Pullman. The Cardinals lost to Lacrosse-Washtucna, 79-62. Reser had eight points in the game.

Fifty Years Ago

February 26, 1970

[Photo caption] Queen candidates for Waitsburg’s Days of Real Sport were named this week by the Queen’s Committee.

They are JoEllen Watson, Jeannie Pearson and Judy Harper. JoEllen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Watson Waitsburg. Jeannie is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A. S. Pearson, and Judy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard K. Harper, also of Waitsburg. All three girls are members of the junior class at Wait-Hi.

An early morning fire Sunday called out the firemen to a residence on Preston Ave. occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Bob LaRue. Only a few possessions were saved.

Bobby Johnson, president of the local Future Farmers of America chapter, was named Star Chapter Farmer when the group held their annual dinner Monday night. His father, Bob Johnson, was named an honorary chapter member.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

March 2, 1945

Sorotus Club members attended their annual Founders’ Day meeting at the home of Mrs. Herman Gohlman Tuesday evening for a potluck dinner. The president, Mrs. Kenneth Gohlman, presented the past presidents with lovely spring flower corsages and the past history of the club was reviewed.

Emory McCown presented to the Commercial Club Tuesday night the new fire district plan to help prevent wheat and grain fires. A committee of three is to be appointed to work with the county group to set up a district in this area with equipment to be located in Waitsburg.

Captain Norman B. Estes was killed in action in Germany on the 12th of February, 1945. He was the first Waitsburg youth to be killed in action during World War II.

One Hundred Years Ago

March 5, 1920

J.F. Kershaw has charge of the construction of a neat park house in the auto campground at Preston Park and the building of several outdoor stoves for use of tourists.

E.W. Truitt, proprietor of the ferry at Lyons Ferry, on the Snake River, who was in town last Thursday advises us that he expects to have the new ferry completed and in running order by March 10th.

The Waitsburg Garage, R.H. McKinzie, proprietor, reports the sale of a 1-ton Ford truck to Henry Vollmer.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

March 8, 1895

It is reported that 40 cents is being offered at various points, for this years’ crop of wheat. That’s encouraging, if true.

A number of young ladies gave a “whereisit” at the home of Miss Verta Phipps last Saturday night. The boys had but little difficulty in locating the place.

J.H. James has opened a barber shop in the Bruce building on the west side of Main Street; shaving, 15 cents. All know Mr. James to be a first class tonsorial artist. He solicits a share of the publics’ patronage.

The Dime Society of the Ladies Aid Society of the Christian Church, at the home of Mrs. George Brown on Thursday evening was the most successful in the Society’s history. More than 10 sat down to supper during the evening and an elegant supper it was, too.