PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

May 24, 2012

Welcome to all. Dayton's new Pastor Marj Johnson at Dayton's First Congregational Church says that is the no. 1 message she wants to convey. Johnson, who grew up in the small town of Raymond on the coast, is 52 and has already lived more than most people her age. Johnson, who grew up in a Christ-loving household, fought the ever-present desire in her to become a pastor for most of her life. Her journeys down other roads working at a funeral home and later with the homeless and in human services have made her who she is, just as much as her journey of being an out-lesbian serving Christ has influenced her. "It was one of those things that never really went away," Johnson said of her desire to be a pastor. "At some point, something snapped."

Twenty-Five Years Ago

May 29, 1997

The Waitsburg High School Class of 1997 will hold commencement exercises 8 p.m., Friday, June 6 at the High School Auditorium. Twenty-eight are expected to receive diplomas. Valedictorian of the class is Holly Ruzicka, with Renee Scott speaking as Salutatorian during the ceremony, Honor speaker will be Lisa Reichert.

Work on the Waitsburg City Pool is moving toward completion in time to open on Monday, June 23. The project, which has been funded largely through community fundraising efforts, recently received a boost in a $41,805 grant from the Waitsburg Lions Club, which received the funding form the Lions Club International Foundation. In addition, pool liner installers were expected to begin wrapping up work within the coming week, said Councilman Mark Lambert.

Fifty Years Ago

May 25, 1972

[Photo Caption] Winner of the Days of Real Sport float competition held during the parade here last Saturday was this entry by the Campfire Girls titled "62 Years of Fun and Service." The girls on the float threw kisses (candy type) to the young people lining Waitsburg's Main Street.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

May 30, 1947

Alumni of the old Waitsburg Academy are planning a reunion in Waitsburg on Saturday, June 21, when over 150 former students of the now extinct academy will meet to recall past experiences and renew old friendships.

George Long was displaying an 18½ pound salmon in Kash's Hardware Monday which he landed the previous day from the Tucannon.

Mrs. Henry Roberts and Mrs. Jake Smith were hostesses for the Sorotus and A.T.E. Club at a bridge luncheon on Tuesday at the home of Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Chester Stonecipher, Mrs. James Hodgen and Mrs. Joe McCown were high at bridge.

One Hundred Years Ago

May 26, 1922

Theo. Grote and Harry Rainwater took their herds of cattle to the South Touchet jungles Friday, assisted by John Tate, who will be herder this year.

Lawrence Michelsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Michelsen who is a member of the senior class, entertained his classmates and Miss Angeline Ward, senior class advisor, Wednesday evening at his home on West Fifth Street. After a delightful evening spent with music and games, dainty refreshments were served by Mrs. Michelsen.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Fletcher arrived Saturday from Cunningham, Wash. To visit with Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Stonecipher.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

May 28, 1897

M. Zuger, a prominent farmer living near Bolles Junction is building a substantial brick cistern on his ranch. The cistern is to be 16 feet deep and 16 feet in diameter. Jack Smith has the contract for doing the brick work. A cistern on a ranch in this country is rather an unusual occurrence.

A surprise party was given Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Crabtree yesterday at the Willis Ingalls ranch. Several wagon loads of people passed thru town early in the morning bound for a good time.

The people of Whiskey Creek gave a basket dinner at the Winnett grove on Sunday. It was well attended and an excellent dinner was served.