PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

December 13, 2003

The influenza virus has been making the news in the country lately and Waitsburg has not escaped its effects. Last Thursday, December 11, there were 43 absent from Waits- burg High School, 33% of the school's 131 students. Around a dozen were absent from both Waitsburg Elementary and Preston hall Middle School last week.

Waitsburg's Adelle Smith and her daughter Angela were champions in the Honors and Senior divisions, respectively, following the 2003 barrel racing season. Valley Girl's Barrel Racing Association held its Annual Awards Banquet on Sat- urday, November 22 at the Elks Lodge in Walla Walla.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

December 15, 1988

Pat McConnell was elected Worshipful Master of Waitsburg Lodge No. 16, F. & A. M., during elections held at Past Master's night. David McConnell cooked up a delicious oyster stew for the brothers to enjoy prior to the formal meet- ing. He was assisted in serving by the Rainbow Girls of the Waitsburg Assembly.

Prescott Town Council heard resignations from Justin Mayberry clerk-treasurer and Don Hollenbaugh councilman. Mayberry has been clerk since July of 1964, Hollenbaugh on the council since October of 1984. Mayberry took over from Lewis Thompson who had the job for 15 years. Mayberry said the job was originally temporary, but has lasted 24 and a half years. He told the council that he would be available to help the new clerk get started.

A Christmas Cantata, "Joy to the World," will be pre- sented by the Presbyterian Church Choir on Wednesday, December 21, 1988 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Everyone in the community is cordially invited to this special musical presentation to mark the season. Dr. Randolph Pearson is the organist, and Anita Baker the Choir Director for the event. David McConnell will be the narrator.

Fifty Years Ago

December 13, 1963

"Sing Oh Ye Heavens," a Christmas Cantata by Helen Jun Marth, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church by a combined choir or singers from the Prescott Presbyterian Church and the Methodist, Christian and Presbyterian churches of Waitsburg. Soloists for the Cantata are Mrs. Bill Brentlinger, Dr. and Mrs. S. R. Hevel, Lee Mantz, Jr., and Paul McCaw. The following ministers will participate: Rev. Burton Stewart, Church of the Naza- rene; Rev. J. Raymond Fite, First Christian Church; Rev. Bill Brentlinger, First Methodist Church.

The J-Hy's is a newly formed organization of the Waits- burg Presbyterian Church. The membership is made up of seventh and eighth graders; and their advisors are: Dan Bick- elhaupt, President; J. K. Keve, Vice President; Mary Leid, Secretary; David Hevel, Treasurer; Ray Mohney, Program; Randy Pearson, Social; and Jim Leid, Recreation. Plans for the group include a swimming party at the YMCA.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

December 23, 1938

Miss Marjorie Mays, formerly of this city, whose mar- riage to Victor Zerbst will take place New Year' Day was honored at a bridal shower Thursday evening at the home of Miss Bertha Nifong. The hostess was assisted by Miss Maudie Mays.

The new storage tanks have recently been set up at At- talia for the storage of gasoline for Kirk Thompson, operatior of the tug, Mary Gail, and the oil barge line. The new equip- ment more than doubles the present capacity of more than a million gallons.

Thanks goes to the State Highway Department for its excellent work in trimming the trees along the highway between this city and Dayton. They have needed it for some time.

Charles Sutton and Maurice Ganguet, who are attending the University of Idaho at Moscow, are home for the holiday vacation.

The footballs quad was honored at a dancing party on Thursday evening by the Knights of the Pythias at their hall. The high school students and teachers were guests.

One Hundred Years Ago

December 19, 1913

The wheat market is more active the past few days than it has been for some weeks, several lots being sold this week at 75¢ for Club.

Mrs. Mary G. Storms celebrated her ninetieth birthday anniversary one day last week by receiving a number of callers. Mrs. Storms has been in quite poor health but is somewhat improved at present. She is said to be Waitsburg's oldest citizen.

The Aloha Club held one of their delightful affairs at the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. P. Bailey on Preston Avenue on Friday evening. A dinner was served at 7 o'clock at which the husbands of the ladies were guests, 25 in all. After din- ner, progressive shist was the principal form of amusement.

R. H. Ormsbee gave another of his stag dinners at his home Tuesday evening, Dr. Hill, W. B. Shaffer, R. G. Eichelberger, W. G. Shuham and L. H. Hubbard being guests.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

Decemember 14, 1888

Married at the M. E. parsonage Thursday evening, Dec. 13, 1888, John Fudge of Huntsville and Myra Hobbinger of Topeka, Kansas. Rev. W. T. Robbinson officiating.

The pupils of the public school are rehearsing "en Nights in a Bar Room" which they hope to put on the stage shortly.

C. M. Washburn and wife were in the city this week. C. M. is canvassing for the Chatauqua Drawing Chart which is a very useful article.

Main street makes a much better appearance now that the job between Second and Third streets has been removed. When the regulartion sidewalk is completed to Third Street we'll all feel good.

J. D. Laidlaw returned from Dakota last Sunday after- noon accompanied by his brother, William, who is just from New York.