PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

May 2, 2013

In a special meeting last week, the Port of Columbia commissioners agreed to issue bonds through Banner Bank of up to $300,000 to complete construction of the first building at Blue Mountain Station. The vote was 2-1, with Commissioner Earle Marvin dissenting. The move will allow the Port to proceed with construction of the first phase of the artisan food center planned for the site at Dayton's west end. Five firms have signed letters of commitment to rent the eight spaces in Building 1. They include Gypsy Girl Granola, Big Kahuna Hot Sauce, Grass Roots Goats, Roubideau Artisan Cheese, and Mace Mead Works.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

May 7, 1998

Adam Erikson, 19-year-old son of Sherri Erikson of Waitsburg, and Roland Erikson of Waitsburg, was the TCI-Abajian Motors Student of the Month in April. Erikson, a senior at Waitsburg High School, received a certificate, a savings bond and a copy of the television commercial in which he is featured as part of the local student recognition program. "I felt kind of flattered," Erikson said. "It's been interesting that people have come up to me and said they've seen me on TV." Surprisingly, Erikson has yet to see the commercial in which he's featured. And no wonder. He is presently involved with the Waitsburg baseball program and is part of the Running Start Program at WWCC. Erikson, who will speak as the Class of 1998's salutatorian at commencement exercises June 5, has also kept busy with band, football, National Honor Society and his studies.

Fifty Years Ago

May 3, 1973

[Photo Caption] Francis Wood, well-known rancher from the Waitsburg area, has been chosen as parade marshal for the 60th annual Days of Real Sport which will be held here on May 19 and 20.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

May 7, 1948

Miss Jo Mays, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sid Mays, has been chosen by the Waitsburg high school girls to reign as Queen of the May at the annual May Day festivities Monday at the city park. Jo is a popular high school senior, who has been outstanding in scholarship as well as in many school activities.

Sherman Pettyjohn, the last of the sons of the honored pioneers Jonathan Pettyjohn and Hannah Warner Pettyjohn, passed aways in a Walla Walla hospital Tuesday following several months' illness. He was born November 10, 1865 near Prescott in the log cabin built by his father in 1858, the only government monument mentioned in the field notes of the original survey of Walla Walla county.

One Hundred Years Ago

May 11, 1923

As the result of the preliminary declamation contest the following represent the eighth grade in the county contest at Walla Walla on May 4: Roy Wills, Mona Rice, Max Houtchens, Helen Davis, and Kenneth Bickelhaupt.

Ralph M. Danielson and Blanche Weathers were granted a marriage license the first of the week. Ralph is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Danielson and Miss Weathers is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Weathers.

T. M. Hanger of the firm of Hanger and Thompson gave a banquet in Walla Walla a few nights ago, honoring Miss Mildred DIckeson who has since left for Southern California to wed.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

May 13, 1898

Frank Hays of Spokane has purchased the Waitsburg Express and Delivery from H. Conover. We wish the new proprietor success.

Dick Thorn lost dog through poison Wednesday. Dick had had Boze for eight years, and says he will make it tropical for the sneak who put the poison out.

Mrs. J. D. Laidlaw and Mrs. L. H. Bonsall went to Spokane Monday to hear the great Melba, in "La Traviata."