PIONEER PORTRAITS

Fifteen Years Ago

December 23, 2010

Local film director Karen Stanton and Waitsburg's Weller Public Library would like to thank supporters for attending the screening of Stanton's film, "A Not So Still Life: The Ginny Ruffner Story," in August. The film remains unreleased and is only screening at festivals and private venues. However, a special pre-release edition DVD of the film is available exclusively to those who attended the screening here in Waitsburg. The screening raised over $600 toward new computers for the library. ShadowCatcher Entertainment offered at that time to also contribute a portion of DVD purchases to the Waitsburg library's computer fund

Twenty-Five Years Ago

December 28, 2000

Scott and Michaelle Huxoll of West Third Street were declared sweepstakes winners for their Christmas lighting display. Other winners were John and Penny Hazelbaker, Preston Avenue, first runner-up; Ed and Lynna Larsen, W. Eighth, second runner-up; Jeff and Dawn Nichols, E. Tenth, third runner-up. Honorable mention: Andy and Denise Winnett, Main Street, first; Bob and Jean Miller, W. Second, second; Lyle and Lillian Judd, Bruce Street, third. Business houses: Waitsburg Video, first; AmericanWest Bank, second; Todd Larson, third.

Fifty Years Ago

December 25, 1975

Approximately 207 acres in Columbia County, in Touchet River Valley, located 4 miles west of Dayton and 4 ½ miles east of Waitsburg. The farm has water rights, a two-bedroom house, a shed, and a barn. Zoned agricultural. Visual inspection recommended. The farm will be sold by sealed bids. A $10,000 deposit must accompany any bid. For further details, contact Mr. Hoskins .

Seventy-Five Years Ago

December 22, 1950

[Photo Caption] Half Century Recalls Territorial Days. C. W. Wheeler, editor of the Waitsburg Times during territorial days, was well known for his wit and his frank editorials. He was born in Cass County, Missouri, in 1852, one of the 12 children of John and Melissa Wheeler. He crossed the plains from Missouri with his young wife in 1876 and located in Waitsburg, Washington Territory, where he taught school and served as principal for three years. He served as county superintendent for two terms and was Territorial Supt. of Schools for five years. When the Waitsburg Times was established by businessmen of the town, they had difficulty in finding a man to take the business. Succeeding two other editors, Mr. Wheeler was persuaded to take over the business and later bought it from the businessmen. He published the paper for 21 years, from 1879 to 1900, without ever missing an issue. In 1900, he leased the paper to his two sons and following his retirement, served as Lecturer for the Woodmen of the World for seven years and gained an enviable reputation as a public speaker by reason of his eloquence. He died in Seattle on May 19, 1917, at the age of 65.

One Hundred Years Ago

January 9, 1925

Frank Hawks this week purchased a half-interest in the Harris Barber Shop from J. L. Harris, and came into the shop Monday morning.

Miss Opal Mock and Mr. Ronald Cherryholmes were married New Year's Day at the home of Miss Mock's parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Mock.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

January 12, 1900

Early Monday morning of this week, January 8, a fire totally destroyed Hansen and Hillsteds saloon, O. J. Beeler's barber shop, in the same building, J. M. Cockerline's drug store, John Smith's implement house and partially consumed the harness shop of H. G. Shuham, all wooden buildings. The loss will estimate easily $10,000 with but $3,880 insurance. This is the biggest blaze this city has had in eleven years.