PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

January 30, 2014

A newcomer stepping into Waitsburg Hardware and Mercantile for the first time is apt to be a bit taken aback. They'll find themselves in an old-fashioned general store, filled to the brim with all manner of goods, replete with a group of locals gabbing amiably around a table filled with coffee and treats. They'll probably be greeted at the door by a dog or two and will surely notice the large cay lying in his bed on the counter. It's quite possible a few of the coffee drinkers will be cuddling one of the kittens form the many kennels at the back of the store. It may be a little "different," but the store – home to Black Dog Rescue – is a community gem and source of pride to the locals. John and Marilyn Stellwagon purchased the store in 2004 – immediately connecting with locals and transforming it into a favorite gathering spot. About six months later they began the pet rescue.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

February 4, 1999

A young Arizona girl's fascination with Japanese culture was first stimulated by exposure to Japanese Americans interned in an Arizona camp during World War II. Years later, that same person, now a teacher in Prescott, reveled in the culture again as a visiting teacher. Sandra Carpenter, Ph. D., of Waitsburg, was one of 600 American teachers visiting Japan as guests of the Japanese government in 1998, from which Dr. Carpenter recently returned. Carpenter, 58, was one of the American teachers to visit the Japanese islands to tour cultural, educational and other sights as part of a reciprocal program. The Japanese are hosting the teachers in gratitude for the Fulbright Memorial Fund's scholarships which made it possible for many Japanese students to attend U.S. colleges and universities.

Fifty Years Ago

January 31, 1974

[Photo Caption] National Bank of Commerce Sign framed under the new roof beams on the new structure which is going up in Waitsburg. Crews have been on the job in spite of inclement weather, and it appears that the construction completion date of April will be met. New vault may be seen at the right of the picture, partly in shadow.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

February 4, 1949

Lynn Pearson, Jim Archer and Parke Enders returned to W.S.C. Monday after spending the mid-semester vacations at their homes.

Cub Scouts met Jan. 31 at the K. P. Hall. Gold and silver awards were won by Bobby Balm, Lloyd Stovall, Charles Danielson, Glen Callahan, James Berry and Bruce Brunton.

Mr. and Mrs. Gil Burgund announce the reopening of the Quality Bakery and will again provide quality cookies, pies, bread, rolls, etc.

One Hundred Years Ago

February 8, 1924

Eugene Ray together with his brother, Arthur M. Ray, have purchased the Pressery from Mrs. I. I. Keeling and expect to take possession Feb. 15th.

A bunch of members of the Waitsburg Commercial Club are arranging for a billiard tournament shortly. If you want to participate in the fun, see Marvin Lloyd, Clyde Macomber, or D. P. Hayes.

The Preston Shaffer Milling Co., of this city, has a very creditable exhibit of their flour and cereals at the showing of the industries of the Southern Inland Empire being held in Walla Walla this week.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

February 10, 1899

W. H. Stonecipher went to market the other day in his hack, having an assorted load of chickens, eggs, cut and dressed hog.

J. W. Morgan, manager of the electric light plant, had ten men employed Wednesday in cutting ice out of the plant race. As a result of this labor we had lights from nine o'clock Wednesday evening, all night.

Emanual Mikkelsen returned from Nez Perce, Idaho where he has had charge of B. M. Kent's cattle, on last Thursday, after an absence of several months. Emanual informed us that Mr. Kent had disposed of his cattle at a good price.