The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Ten Years Ago

September 1, 2005

A signal from an aircraft emergency locater transmitter (ELT) was detected and located near Waitsburg on July 20 by members of several Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Squadrons. The ELT, transmitting from a parked aircraft, was a false alarm.

AS firefighting resources continue mop-up operations in the School Fire area, the need for road, trail and area closures were evaluated and eased to accommodate public access late last week. “There is still a lot of firefighting activity taking place within the fire perimeter and we can’t allow unrestricted public access until hazardous conditions are removed,” said Monte Fujishin, Pomeroy District Ranger.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

August 30, 1990

An interesting era of U.S. Air history is being preserved in a flight hangar on Whiskey Creek Road by long-time crop duster, Harley Woodworth. How long is “long-time?” In Woodworth’s case it comes out to an even 40 years as he started in 1951 when Kenneth Bickelhaupt hired him. Woodworth’s life is another case of “time sure goes fast when you’re having fun.” Being a pilot has been in his blood ever since he was in high school at Dayton. Maybe even before, for that matter. It was in his senior year that he took a pre-flight course. Roy Reid was his teacher.

Margaret and Miles Collingswood were chosen as Pioneers of the Year by the members of the Waitsburg Historical Society board at their regular meeting Monday night. They will be honored at the 18th annual Pioneer Fall Festival on Sept. 16.

Fifty Years Ago

August 26, 1965

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Larsen have rented the Brunton cottage and plan to move in next week. He is an E.W.S.C. graduate and will be teaching social studies, literature and spelling in the seventh and eighth grades.

Michael E. Archer, son of Mrs. L. J. Archer, of Waitsburg has been selected as a pilot-flight engineer by Trans World Airlines.

The family of Mrs. Lucy Donnelly gathered Sunday, Aug. 22, in the Dayton City Park for their annual re-union. Nine of her twelve children were able to be present with their families making a total of fifty-five who enjoyed the day.

New addition to the Centennial Museum was a spoon which was found by Mrs. Robert Neer of Kent, Washington. The Neers found it under an old garage on property at Lake Sawyer which was originally owned by Walter P. Preston of Waitsburg. The spoon was found in the summer of 1963. We ran a picture of it, drawn by Wayne Nettles, in The Times last year. It has an Indian motif, with canoe, paddles, and designs with a picture of the old academy in the bowl of the spoon. This makes an interesting addition to our museum, which seems to be gaining momentum each week.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

Sept. 6, 1940

The members of the Christian Church and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Price are having a potluck dinner at the church next Sunday, Sept. 8, following the morning services. Mr. and Mrs. Price are leaving in the near future to make their residence in Walla Walla.

Mrs. Chas. Vollmer entertained Thursday at a dessert bridge honoring Miss Freda Vollmer.

Miss Betty Abbey entertained at a bridal shower Thursday evening honoring Miss Jean Sweazy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sweazy.

One Hundred Years Ago

Sept. 10, 1915

The stork visited the home of Dr. and Mrs. H. A. Mount, Tuesday, Sept. 7th and left the sweetest bundle of humanity that ever came to gladden any heart in the form of a fine big boy.

The Waitsburgers are now all home from their mountain camps. W. G. Shuame moved his family down last Thursday, and the families of W. B. Shaffer, D. P. Bailey and F. O. Cox moved down Saturday which left the camp at Thayer’s Mill on the Touchet deserted.

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Rees and daughter Florence of Portland arrived Wednesday and are spending a few days visiting old Waitsburg friends.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

Sept. 5, 1890

Miss Ina L. Robertson, lady principal of the Waitsburg Academy arrived in the city from Albany, Oregon, last week.

Schuyler Arnold left on Tuesday for Pomeroy where he will seek a position. Success be with you Schuyler.

F. G. Mitchell, a rancher living a few miles east of Palouse City, was arrested Friday last on a charge of setting fire to F. M. Smith’s gristmill, which was lately destroyed. Hi is in jail awaiting trial.

Misses Daisy, May and Mary Evans of Lewiston, Id., arrived in the city last Saturday morning. Misses Daisy and May will attend Waitsburg Academy while Miss Mary will attend the public school.