PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

July 25, 2013

Bruce Abbey is a fourth-generation wheat grower who runs a seed farm operation on the Lower Whetstone near the Menoken elevator. His farm has been operating for nearly 150 years. A homestead certificate signed by President Ulysses S. Grant hangs on the wall of the family home near the spot where his great grandfather fist set down roots. The late June rains weren’t perfect for Abbey, but he is still satisfied. “This time of year, you get a rain, you never know if it’s the right place, the right time,” said Abbey. “I was just thrilled that we got what we got. It was a real life saver, because it was dry. It helped the spring (wheat). The fall (wheat) probably helped a little bit.”

Twenty-Five Years Ago

July 30, 1998

[Photo Caption] Ralph Rankin quietly celebrated his 94th birthday last Friday. Ralph, who gets around these days with the help of either canes or a rolling walker, lives at his 303 E. 7th home with the help of friends and neighbors. Although getting around is becoming more difficult, Ralph still exhibits a quick wit and his characteristic gentle-manly ways.

Fifty Years Ago

July 26, 1973

A short crew answered the call to the Monday night meeting of the Historical Society board. Jan Zuger presided in the absence of Farmer Patton. All the plaster repair work in the Bruce House has been completed, that required technical know-how. Minor repair of cracks will be made as the rooms are papered or painted as needed. Professional advice will be sought for the interior decorating pertaining to colors, fabrics, etc.

Mr. and Mrs. Fermin Bennett were honored on their thirtieth wedding anniversary on July 5 in the Candlelight room of Bernard’s Restaurant in Dayton. Hosting the affair were their children, Mrs. Barbara Fry, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bennetr of Desert Aire, Wa., Mr. and Mrs. Verlyn Smith and Terry Bennett. One other son and his wife, the Gail Bennetts of Bonners Ferry, Id. were unable to attend. A specially decorated cake and numerous gifts and cards marked the occasion.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

July 30, 1948

Mrs. Alpha Gardner suffered extensive burns last week when a hose of live steam which was accidentally turned on at the Pictsweet cannery sprayed over the calves of both legs.

Before the altar of the Westminster Congregational Church in Spokane, Miss Maxine Jamieson became the bride of Kenneth Hays of Waitsburg.

Mr. and Mrs. Darrel Mock and sons Stanley and Delbert Mock are moving to Waitsburg from Seattle this weekend to make their home here.

One Hundred Years Ago

August 3, 1923

A very pleasant birthday party was enjoyed last Sunday afternoon at the Heinen home (in Huntsville). Those present were Pauline, Lawrence, Wayne and Martha Fullerton; Verla, Arleta, and Euala Piatt; Nona Crowford; Gwendolyn Leid; Gordon and Wayne Bateman; and the hostesses, Misses Mary and Margaret Heinen. Ice cream and cookies were served, and games played. A good time was had by all.

A pretty home wedding occurred in this city Sunday at 1 o’clock when Miss Ethel Jonas became the bride of Mr. Jack Warner at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Jonas.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

August 5, 1898

Barney Collins and Ed Brown became engaged in a heated discussion on Main Street on Monday morning and Mr. Collins in order to make his argument more forcible planted his fist firmly on Mr. Brown’s face in the vicinity of his nose, causing a perceptible enlargement of that organ. Mr. Collins was fined $1.00 and costs which he paid.

J. W. Bruce and family swelled the rapidly increasing list of campers at Thayer’s Mill this week. They will probably remain until it rains.

The lumber for Mayor E. W. McCann’s residence arrived this week and the building will be rapidly pushed to completion.